Top 25 Films of 2011
Well, 2012 is here. That can only mean one thing; it's time for my top films of 2011! It's been somewhat of a rough year, so I will only list off 25 films. Keep in my mind that I obviously haven't seen all the films released in 2011, but I've seen quite a few. This list will certainly change over the next few months, and I will most likely drop another top 25 as we approach the summer of 2012.
25. The Tree of Life -- Certainly disappointing, but this film is often breathtaking. Even if it is in fact confusing and quite pointless, it's still worth-while for most. I actually enjoyed the film more when the actors weren't on screen, which is rare.
24. Captain America: The First Avenger -- This was one of the more surprising films of 2011. I wasn't quite sure Chris Evans (Sunshine, Fantastic Four) would make a good Captain America, but he was very adequate. It's a little long, but it's another Marvel Comics hit.
23. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows -- In many ways better than the original. It's definitely funnier, and the special effects are probably better. Comparing it to the original is pointless for me though; I liked it, and that's all that matters.
22. Ceremony -- One of the best Indie films of 2011. It feels a lot like a Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited) film, which turned some people off but I found it witty and fun. Michael Angarano (Lords of Dogtown, Gentleman Broncos) and Reece Thompson (Rocket Science, The Assassination of a High School President) are both very effective.
21. Everything Must Go -- There always seems to be a Will Ferrell (The Other Guys, Stranger than Fiction) film in every list, every single year. This isn't your typical Ferrell film because it definitely isn't a comedy, but it's worth your while. Very rewarding and well-acted.
20. Crazy, Stupid, Love. -- This is a pitch-perfect comedy/drama. Steve Carell (Date Night, Dan in Real Life) honestly needs to be in more films. With his "Office" days behind him, perhaps that could happen. Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Julianne Moore round out the terrific cast.
19. Limitless -- A Bradley Cooper (The Hangover, Wedding Crashers) driven film definitely worth your while. This film is smart and inventive. It's very entertaining and quite the thrill ride. Check it out!
18. Our Idiot Brother -- A often hilarious stoner comedy, starring a wonderfully cast Paul Rudd (Role Models, The 40 Year Old Virgin). This is a very light-hearted film filled with laughs and quirky moments. Probably not for everyone, but it was just the right kind of humor for me.
17. Beginners -- A beautiful, charming, little Indie pic starring Ewan McGregor (The Ghost Writer, Stay). These are the types of films I've really come to enjoy. Somewhat light-hearted, but very deep at the same time. It has the ability to tug at ones heart.
16. The Trip -- Easily one of the funniest films of 2011. This is a hilarious little flick that stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as themselves. Listening to these two goofs doing Michael Caine and Sean Connery impersonations had me in tears. Highly recommended!
15. Stake Land -- One of the best, if not the best, vampire film of all-time. The Road meets 28 Days Later in this wonderfully grotesque, apocalyptic horror film. One of the better horror films of the last five years.
14. Horrible Bosses -- One of the better comedies of the year. This film is made to do one thing (make people laugh), and it certainly delivers! There's great chemistry between the three lead actors, and a outstanding breakout performance from Jason Sudeikis (Hall Pass, Going the Distance).
13. X-Men: First Class -- While there's nothing amazing about this prequel, it's extremely well made and a whole lot of fun. Michael Fassbender (Shame, Inglourious Basterds) will become a household name in a matter of months.
12. Fast Five -- Definitely one of the more pleasant surprises of 2011. Fast & Furious was so awful that no one could possibly have any expectations going in. The whole film is implausible, but it's also a ton of fun and often quite comical (on purpose this time).
11. Submarine -- A smart, funny, quirky, charming and wonderfully directed British coming-of-age film. I loved this film, and think it's worth your while.
10. Cedar Rapids -- Ed Helms ("The Office") and John C. Reilly (Step Brothers, Cyrus) really shine in this dark comedy set in the provocative state of Iowa. There are comedic lulls at times, but there are many, many laughs to be shared. Reilly is absolutely hilarious.
9. Thor -- An entertaining, fun, comedic take on the mighty Thor. Chris Hemsworth turns in a big-time performance; he's certainly an actor to watch out for in the near future. One of the better Superhero flicks in the past few years.
8. Win Win -- Paul Giamatti (Lady in the Water, Barney's Version) is simply terrific in the lead role, which should come as no surprise. Bobby Cannavale provides some key hilarious moments. This isn't just your average high school wrestling flick.
7. 50/50 -- Quite similar to Funny People; yes. But, Seth Rogen (Observe and Report, Knocked Up) is much funnier and this cancer pic feels a lot realer. Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air, Rocket Science) is one of my favorite actresses and she's simply delightful, as usual.
6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes -- I did not see this gem coming. Easily the best Planet of the Apes film ever made, and one of the best films of 2011. The trailers looked cheesy, but this film was certainly not.
5. Source Code -- Jake Gyllenhaal (Jarhead, Donnie Darko) can do no wrong right now. He's such a fierce, likable actor. His eyes truly tell the story. This is a complex and somewhat confusing story worth every minute of your time.
4. Warrior -- Tom Hardy (Bronson, Inception) turns in one hell of a performance as a beefy, weathered, MMA fighter who is out for blood. A terrific rebound performance by Nick Nolte and a terrific, hair-rising ending lift this film into elite status.
3. Bridesmaids -- Easily the funniest film of 2011. Such a smart, hilarious script and a couple tremendous performances by some unknown ladies (Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy). Finally, a funny film starring woman! Guys and gals alike will certainly fall in love with this film.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo -- I for one loved this remake/adaptation. David Fincher (The Social Network, Fight Club) is such a skilled director. He has a keen eye, and always gets the most from his actors. Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Layer Cake) and Rooney Mara (The Social Network) both deliver Oscar-worthy performances here. If you enjoyed the books, than you should enjoy this fantastic film.
1. Drive -- Easily the best film of 2011. Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March, Blue Valentine) has slowly become one of the ten best actors in Hollywood. He's so graceful on screen. It's always great to see Gosling team up with a wonderful director like Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Valhalla Rising).
Honorable mentions: Barney's Version, Insidious, The Robber, Pearl Jam Twenty, Super 8
25. The Tree of Life -- Certainly disappointing, but this film is often breathtaking. Even if it is in fact confusing and quite pointless, it's still worth-while for most. I actually enjoyed the film more when the actors weren't on screen, which is rare.
24. Captain America: The First Avenger -- This was one of the more surprising films of 2011. I wasn't quite sure Chris Evans (Sunshine, Fantastic Four) would make a good Captain America, but he was very adequate. It's a little long, but it's another Marvel Comics hit.
23. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows -- In many ways better than the original. It's definitely funnier, and the special effects are probably better. Comparing it to the original is pointless for me though; I liked it, and that's all that matters.
22. Ceremony -- One of the best Indie films of 2011. It feels a lot like a Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited) film, which turned some people off but I found it witty and fun. Michael Angarano (Lords of Dogtown, Gentleman Broncos) and Reece Thompson (Rocket Science, The Assassination of a High School President) are both very effective.
21. Everything Must Go -- There always seems to be a Will Ferrell (The Other Guys, Stranger than Fiction) film in every list, every single year. This isn't your typical Ferrell film because it definitely isn't a comedy, but it's worth your while. Very rewarding and well-acted.
20. Crazy, Stupid, Love. -- This is a pitch-perfect comedy/drama. Steve Carell (Date Night, Dan in Real Life) honestly needs to be in more films. With his "Office" days behind him, perhaps that could happen. Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Julianne Moore round out the terrific cast.
19. Limitless -- A Bradley Cooper (The Hangover, Wedding Crashers) driven film definitely worth your while. This film is smart and inventive. It's very entertaining and quite the thrill ride. Check it out!
18. Our Idiot Brother -- A often hilarious stoner comedy, starring a wonderfully cast Paul Rudd (Role Models, The 40 Year Old Virgin). This is a very light-hearted film filled with laughs and quirky moments. Probably not for everyone, but it was just the right kind of humor for me.
17. Beginners -- A beautiful, charming, little Indie pic starring Ewan McGregor (The Ghost Writer, Stay). These are the types of films I've really come to enjoy. Somewhat light-hearted, but very deep at the same time. It has the ability to tug at ones heart.
16. The Trip -- Easily one of the funniest films of 2011. This is a hilarious little flick that stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as themselves. Listening to these two goofs doing Michael Caine and Sean Connery impersonations had me in tears. Highly recommended!
15. Stake Land -- One of the best, if not the best, vampire film of all-time. The Road meets 28 Days Later in this wonderfully grotesque, apocalyptic horror film. One of the better horror films of the last five years.
14. Horrible Bosses -- One of the better comedies of the year. This film is made to do one thing (make people laugh), and it certainly delivers! There's great chemistry between the three lead actors, and a outstanding breakout performance from Jason Sudeikis (Hall Pass, Going the Distance).
13. X-Men: First Class -- While there's nothing amazing about this prequel, it's extremely well made and a whole lot of fun. Michael Fassbender (Shame, Inglourious Basterds) will become a household name in a matter of months.
12. Fast Five -- Definitely one of the more pleasant surprises of 2011. Fast & Furious was so awful that no one could possibly have any expectations going in. The whole film is implausible, but it's also a ton of fun and often quite comical (on purpose this time).
11. Submarine -- A smart, funny, quirky, charming and wonderfully directed British coming-of-age film. I loved this film, and think it's worth your while.
10. Cedar Rapids -- Ed Helms ("The Office") and John C. Reilly (Step Brothers, Cyrus) really shine in this dark comedy set in the provocative state of Iowa. There are comedic lulls at times, but there are many, many laughs to be shared. Reilly is absolutely hilarious.
9. Thor -- An entertaining, fun, comedic take on the mighty Thor. Chris Hemsworth turns in a big-time performance; he's certainly an actor to watch out for in the near future. One of the better Superhero flicks in the past few years.
8. Win Win -- Paul Giamatti (Lady in the Water, Barney's Version) is simply terrific in the lead role, which should come as no surprise. Bobby Cannavale provides some key hilarious moments. This isn't just your average high school wrestling flick.
7. 50/50 -- Quite similar to Funny People; yes. But, Seth Rogen (Observe and Report, Knocked Up) is much funnier and this cancer pic feels a lot realer. Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air, Rocket Science) is one of my favorite actresses and she's simply delightful, as usual.
6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes -- I did not see this gem coming. Easily the best Planet of the Apes film ever made, and one of the best films of 2011. The trailers looked cheesy, but this film was certainly not.
5. Source Code -- Jake Gyllenhaal (Jarhead, Donnie Darko) can do no wrong right now. He's such a fierce, likable actor. His eyes truly tell the story. This is a complex and somewhat confusing story worth every minute of your time.
4. Warrior -- Tom Hardy (Bronson, Inception) turns in one hell of a performance as a beefy, weathered, MMA fighter who is out for blood. A terrific rebound performance by Nick Nolte and a terrific, hair-rising ending lift this film into elite status.
3. Bridesmaids -- Easily the funniest film of 2011. Such a smart, hilarious script and a couple tremendous performances by some unknown ladies (Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy). Finally, a funny film starring woman! Guys and gals alike will certainly fall in love with this film.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo -- I for one loved this remake/adaptation. David Fincher (The Social Network, Fight Club) is such a skilled director. He has a keen eye, and always gets the most from his actors. Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Layer Cake) and Rooney Mara (The Social Network) both deliver Oscar-worthy performances here. If you enjoyed the books, than you should enjoy this fantastic film.
1. Drive -- Easily the best film of 2011. Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March, Blue Valentine) has slowly become one of the ten best actors in Hollywood. He's so graceful on screen. It's always great to see Gosling team up with a wonderful director like Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Valhalla Rising).
Honorable mentions: Barney's Version, Insidious, The Robber, Pearl Jam Twenty, Super 8
Comments
Post a Comment