Top 10 Movies of 2011
This is my list of the best movies I saw in 2011. I am not a movie critic (Oscar’s list has waaaay more clout). I am just an average guy who likes to critique and enjoy movies each and every year, and then complain like every other Christopher Nolan lover how he is not even nominated in a year that he hasn’t released a movie. Anyways, let’s forget all the bullshit and show you my list:
10. Fast Five
Yes, I said it. Laugh now. Stop looking at this list. I may do that if I was you, but seriously this movie just simply kicks ass. It is not a typical “Fast and Furious” movie. It is a heist movie. The best way to describe the movie is this…it doesn’t have the glitz and glam of Ocean’s Eleven, but is close to or equivalent to the Italian Job. The last chase scene is worth the price of admission alone.
9. Drive
I just saw this movie the other day and yes, it literally took my breath away. The first 10 minutes will have you at the edge of your seat. After that, it’s like you are going along for the ride with Ryan Gosling. Yeah, he doesn’t talk much in the film, but when he stares at you, that man can fucking look into your soul. Personally, I would have nominated Gosling for Best Actor based on the fact that I never knew what he was going to do. You know what I mean…the one closed, one eye open look…I can’t watch…did he do it? Wow, that just happened, scenario. I loved it!
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
I am not going to lie…I am not a huge Harry Potter fan. I enjoyed all the films, but I was not one who was going to cry for the conclusion. Even with that little obnoxious entry, this movie was excellent. After watching all the films, I do believe it was a perfect closure to a good series that many loved. To me, this was the best of the series. Is anyone else surprised it wasn’t nominated for more than just technical awards? Best picture maybe?
7. 50/50
Joseph Gordon-Levitt…Yes, he is one of my man crushes. He nails it in 50/50. A comedy drama where he deals with cancer in his mid 20’s…um, yeah that doesn’t sound like it will work, but it does. Seth Rogen as the side kick does a great job as well. In my opinion, it is a very low key film that many will overlook but is solid on many different emotional levels. Watch it, you won’t be disappointed.
6. Hugo
Martin Scorsese. Take a bow. You sir can direct a non-gangster flick, which many think you could never do. This is one stunning movie. The visuals, the style, and a respectful representation to the history of film, is excellent. A must see.
5. Warrior
Many compare this film to, “The Fighter”, but it’s not. This film deals with awful family situations through the abuse of a father (played by Nick Nolte) on his children. Two brothers (Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy) are now grown up living their separate lives, now once again are fighting for it. Now, I want to talk about the performances because they make this film. Nick Nolte (deservedly nominated for best supporting actor), brings intensity and passion to a role that seems like a walking dead person with only the hope of God on his side. Joel Edgerton who is the man with the family who plays it straight is great, but Tom Hardy…you are the fucking man. After watching this you know this guy will be an excellent Bane (Yes, I am obsessed with Batman).
4. Midnight in Paris
Yes, I saw this with my girlfriend and I really did enjoy it. The feel of the film was excellent. Every scene in Paris actually made me wish I was there. With director Woody Allen at the helm I am always a little nervous because I feel he is a hit and miss guy for me. Much like Match Point, this movie surprised me at every turn with wit and joy. The only negative, which is not even a negative, was that I could not follow every reference in the film (I knew about 75% of them). If you have seen the movie before you may know what I am talking about. Either way, this is a great date film or a great movie for book lovers.
3. Source Code
Duncan Jones I love you. Duncan Jones is a new director who has made two hits in my opinion “Moon” and now “Source Code”. A film many people will overlook as a top 10 movie of the year because it came out last March. This is a must see thriller. I don’t want to say anymore because I feel I will give something away. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Brad Bird is the man. As you can see, I love directors. Brad Bird is doing his first live action film and he took my breath away. Note: If you did not see this in IMAX, 1) you didn’t see the Dark Knight Rises which means you missed a fucking epic prologue, 2) you missed Tom Cruise hanging off the tallest building in the world and you feel like you are going to fall off yourself. It is probably the best of the series (I can’t forget about my boy, J.J. Abrams in Mission Impossible III).
1. X-Men: First Class
It took every ounce out of me to say this…yes, it is better than X2: X-Men United. I can’t believe I just said it. Matthew Vaughn brings a great style that he had in Kick-Ass and made it into a James Bond like film (you’ll know what I mean when you see it). We find out the back story to Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr “Magneto” (Michael Fassbender) and how the two come from totally different lifestyles and how they transcend into the iconic characters they are today. All I can say is…how can you not fall in love with these characters? I don’t want to spoil anything, but you will cheer, laugh, and follow every moment knowing how both these characters lives will be changed forever. This is how an origin story should be told. Side Note: I hope one day Matthew Vaughn and/or Christopher Nolan will direct a James Bond movie because it would be amazing. I am sorry I can’t talk about films and not at least mention Christopher Nolan once in a post.
Filed under: butr movie talk, cover, Featured, Movies
Hello There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is an extremely smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely return.
Thank you very much man!
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the superb work!