Best Films of 2011

I saw a lot of great films last year and thought it would be a fun writing exercise to make a list of my favorites.  Of course there’s a long list of movies I still want to see, but this is my roundup to date. Most of these are available to rent now, so if you’re in the mood for some popcorn and a good flick, here are my recommendations:

(The title of each film links to its trailer).

Top 2 – Best of the Best

Buck – This film took the cake for me this year. Buck is a beautifully shot documentary about Buck Brannaman, the real-life Horse Whisperer. The film follows Buck on the road, where he spends forty weeks of the year doing horse training clinics around the country. The vistas are stunning, the horse work is fascinating and the lessons about humanity resonate long after the film is over. Buck Brannaman is a good man who uses his work to teach about kindness, sensitivity and not letting your past or your mistakes define you in the future.

 

The Adjustment Bureau –I realize Buck is a documentary, so my favorite regular ol’ movie of the year is hands down The Adjustment Bureau. I went into the film knowing absolutely nothing about it (which is rare for me) and I think that’s the best way to approach it, so I won’t say much more than to make sure you see this one! It stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, whose chemistry is electric. Brilliant movie.

 

 

And the rest, in no particular order:

Limitless – “Would you take the pill?” I think that’s the question everyone asks when discussing this film. I saw this one twice and loved it.  Bradley Cooper stars as a down on life writer who stumbles upon a secret pill that gives him super human abilities. His life changes overnight but not, of course, without some major consequences. Artistically, I love the way this movie was shot, and the entire concept is simply intriguing. In a culture obsessed with makeovers, this provides the ultimate overnight makeover. Robert DeNiro also stars.

The Help – Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett about an aspiring writer living in Mississippi in the 1960’s who writes a book from the perspective of the black maids working for white families. The book is always better than the movie in my opinion, and this is no exception, but it was a commendable adaptation that had me laughing and crying throughout. I also identified with Skeeter, the writer, as she paves her way in the literary world. Actress Jessica Chastain stole the show as bubbly Celia Foote. (I also just saw her in The Debt and predict she will get an Oscar nomination for her performance in that, if not one of her other films this year. She’s the next big thing, mark my words.)

Moneyball – A quiet film starring Brad Pitt about real life baseball GM Billy Beane’s attempts to create a winning team out of the Oakland A’s for the 2002 season using an unconventional statistical strategy. The process of this strategy is fascinating in itself, but like most sports movies, the underlying themes about life and the choices we make are at the heart of this film.

Midnight in Paris – A long time Woody Allen fan, I couldn’t pass this one up, particularly when the main character is a writer. Owen Wilson plays Gil, an American screenwriter visiting Paris with his fiancée and her parents. Gil struggles with writer’s block and the status of his relationship and begins to find answers each night at midnight when he is whisked away into a fantastical world with some of history’s greatest writers and artists. Woody is known for his rambling dialogue and in this case, I won’t lie, much of the historical references went over my head, but I still enjoyed the imaginative ride.

Bridesmaids – This was the funniest movie of the year in my opinion. Comedic genius Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live plays Annie Walker, a failed pastry chef who can’t seem to cut a break in life. Things only get worse for Annie when she is outshined in her best friend’s wedding party by another bridesmaid. The competition between the two results in some hysterical and raunchy scenes that had me laughing out loud throughout the movie. The supporting cast is strong and supplies even more laughs. It was nice to see an all-female cast hit a homerun.

The Change Up – For raunchy male comedy of the year, this one gets my vote. A devoted, hard working  husband and father of three (Jason Bateman) magically changes places with his best friend (Ryan Reynolds) who is a lazy, weed smoking, out of work actor with no ambition. Hilarity ensues. Lots of F-Bombs. Lots of gratuitous nudity. But I could not stop laughing.

Super 8 –I was pleasantly surprised by what a fun ride this movie was. It took me right back to E.T, the Goonies and the Sandlot; one of those summer movies where kids rule and the adults fall into the background. It tells the story of a group of kids in the late 70’s who witness a train crash in their small town, followed by a series of mysterious, supernatural events. It’s a fun escape with lots of impressive special effects.

Real Steel – Another blockbuster with lots of special effects, but just so much fun!  I never thought I’d enjoy a movie about robot boxing, (and had it been only robots and no humans, I probably wouldn’t have) but there was a surprisingly heartfelt undertone in this film.  There were real characters and a compelling storyline between a father (Hugh Jackman) and a son mending their relationship. And the robot fights were impressively choreographed. Atom, the main robot character grows on you to the point that you think he might actually have a brain and a heart in his huge armor of steel.

Lincoln Lawyer – A gritty legal drama that had me guessing throughout the entire film. Matthew McConaughey leads a stellar cast in the role of a defense attorney who usually represents the scum in the neighborhood. He’s taken for a ride when he represents a wealthy client who is looking to beat the system. Lots of twists and turns and I love any movie William H. Macy is in, even if it’s a small role.

Crazy, Stupid, Love – Everyone likes a fun romantic comedy every now and then and this was my favorite in 2011. Steve Carell plays Cal, a man who is blindsided by his wife’s request for a divorce and consequently seeks the help of Jacob (Ryan Gosling) to educate him in the subject of dating and all things cool.  The film follows Cal and his family as they navigate through the ups and downs of love – be it new, old, unrequited, lustful etc. Besides the great cast, it’s funny and thoughtful and leaves you with a good feeling, plain and simple.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes – This is a film that somehow never even made it onto my radar. If it weren’t for Brian’s request to watch it three days in a row (he saw it over Christmas and wanted me to see it) I probably would have missed it entirely. There’s apes, adventure, science, emotion, mayhem which all worked to keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Fun movie, and apparently not a single real ape was used in the making. Digital is amazing!

***BONUS FILM

Babies – I’m cheating a bit with this film because it’s from 2010, but I saw it in 2011 and it is SO AMAZING that I can’t leave it out. Babies is a documentary that follows four babies in four different locations around the world during their first year of life. There is no narration but it will captivate you beyond belief!!

HONORABLE MENTION:

Warhorse – Great story, though a little too slow in parts and long for my liking. It’s an epic film though and has an inspiring message. And I’m a sucker for horse movies.

Young Adult – I liked this one mostly for Charlize Theron’s performance as a total bitch, but I’m still not quite sure how I feel about the movie overall. It’s uncomfortable and funny in a sardonic, dark way. And on some levels I related to the main character. Maybe I shouldn’t admit that:)

 

Films on my ‘to see’ list:  (Some of the smaller budget films never make it to theaters in Hawaii so I have to wait until they’re out on DVD).

Drive, The Descendants, The Ides of March, J. Edgar, 50/50, Beginners, The Artist, Hugo, Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Tree of Life, Take Shelter, My Week with Marilyn