Thursday, December 29, 2011

2011 Countdown: Top 10 Movies


I saw as many movies as I could see, but these were the 10 that stuck out the most for me! Here is my own take on the Top 10 movies of 2011!
DISCLAIMER: There are still plenty of movies (especially within the last month) that I have not had time to see yet (i.e. Hugo, War Horse, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, etc.). So don’t be hatin’ again if you don’t see any of those on my list!

10.) 50/50 (A)
First up on my list is a film that did almost the impossible: making cancer work in a comedic atmosphere. From an outstanding performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to the great support from Seth Rogen, this film had a great balance of heart, humor, and drama.
Oscar Nominations? (Best Actor: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Best Supporting Actor: Seth Rogen, Best Original Screenplay)

9.) Horrible Bosses (A)
It truly felt like the bosses took over this film (never mind great performances from Charlie Day, Jason Bateman, and Jason Sudeikis). Jennifer Anniston, Colin Farrell, and Kevin Spacey and their off-the-wall, hilarious performances made the film what it was truly! Hilarious, and so enjoyable to watch, it was one of my favorites of the summer!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Supporting Actor: Colin Farrell)

8.) Drive (A)
From the style, to the music, to the amazing silent performances, this film was breathtaking to watch from beginning to end! Ryan Gosling’s subtle sexiness was overwhelming at times, especially since he barely said a word! The action and the style in which everything was filmed and edited was impeccable!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Actor: Ryan Gosling, Best Supporting Actor: Albert Brooks, Best Director, and Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

7.) The Help (A)
While I’m usually not a fan of books being turned into films (especially when I’ve read the book) I was pleasantly surprised with this film! And how could I not be, especially with knockout performances from Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Alison Janney, and Bryce Dallas-Howard?!!! From the light humor, to the chemistry and drama between them all, this film was top-notch!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Actress: Viola Davis, Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer & Jessica Chastain, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song: “The Living Proof”)

6.) The Descendants (A+)
A recent entry towards the end of the year, this film made George Clooney sparkle yet again! No surprise here when you have one of the greatest actors of this generation, bringing an unexpected humor and tons of heart to spare. You want to feel bad throughout the film, but you can’t help but love every second of it, pulling for everyone’s struggle that they all come out on top (yes, even those in the film that you should hate).  
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor: George Clooney, Best Supporting Actress: Shailene Woodley, Best Adapted Screenplay)

5.) Crazy, Stupid, Love (A+)
Finally! A romantic comedy for adults! This film had such a great ensemble cast, but the standout was Ryan Gosling (in his amazing year on film!) It was laugh-out-loud funny, it had a little soap-opera drama, but above all else, it was romantic at its best!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Actor: Ryan Gosling, Best Original Screenplay)

4.) Shame (A+)
Another recent entry, and my love for this film is almost like the love I have for Drive (fancy that, they both are one-word titles!) Michael Fassbender had a quiet storm brewing throughout the film. It wasn’t just about the sex and nudity (although there was a lot of it, and it was all graphic). It was about the emotion, it was about the decisions made after and before. There was so much dedication and commitment to what the characters felt! Outstanding job to the style and directing, but above all else, a standing ovation for the amazing Michael Fassbender and the stunning Carey Mulligan.
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor: Michael Fassbender, Best Supporting Actress: Carey Mulligan)

3.) Super 8 (A+)
A mix between The Goonies and E.T., this film brought back the best of Steven Spielberg (and without a doubt the best of the 80’s, or should I say the 70’s). It was a true homage to Spielberg and his directing style, but he simply produced it! J.J. Abrams did a wonderful job directing a talented group of kids as the driving force of the film. The action is where it’s at for most people, but for me it was the friendship between the kids themselves that made the film what it is!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

2.) Bridesmaids (A+)
Hilarious from start to finish, a powerhouse for women everywhere, and man oh man, did I mention how f***ing hilarious it was!??? The story could be turned into something predictable, but it wasn’t in the least bit. The performances could have been over the top, but they were just the right amount of insane. The humor could be taken as a copycat, but it was original all on its own. GENIUS is all I have to say about that!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress: Melissa McCarthy)

1.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Pt. 2 (A+)
The end of another part of my childhood…Last summer it was Toy Story 3, but this year it was all about the end of Harry Potter. Sure, the book series ended long before, but it wasn’t until this movie came out in July that it felt like there was finally some closure. It was very bittersweet to watch, but definitely well worth the wait! It was heart-racing from beginning to end. We all knew how it would end, but there was still so much anticipation for what was to come!
Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor: Alan Rickman, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing)

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