Top 10 Movies 2011

Introduction

I enjoyed going to the movies this year.  It was a better year than normal.  As I get older (I turned 40 this year), I find myself wanting to see meaningful stories told in original ways.  This year did not disappoint.  The key to a good movie is a good story, and there were many good stories that were told this year.  I hope you find a few films on this list that you enjoy.  

A Few Awards

The Originality Award

The Muppet Movie  PG

I was skeptical that this could be a good movie.  My skepticism was quieted with the light tone of the movie and the feel good songs “It’s Good to Be Me” and “Me Party.”  However, I was completely won over with the genius of the song “Man or Muppet” which may have  been the funniest moment I had at the movies all year.  

The Understated Award

The Big Year  PG  

A delightful movie

This movie was low key and surprisingly character driven.  It tells the story of three men who engage in the sport of birding and try to claim the title of The Big Year.  All three actors tone down their comedic  energies as to not spoof the topic.  A great movie for a quiet evening.

The Harry Potter Award

Harry Potter The Deathly Hollows Part II  PG-13

Seven books and eight movies later, our adventure with Harry Potter finally came to an end.  It was done so in a satisfying way.  I loved the 3rd movie and for me, David Yates, the director of movies 5-8, brought a seriousness to the final films that kept me engaged until the very end.

This Kool Aid is bad for your health

The Don't Drink The Kool-Aid Award

Tree of Life  PG-13  

Here is what the critics would say about this movie: “Legendary film maker Terrance Malick’s visionary movie about life, man, and his place in the universe.  Brilliant! Magnificent!  A stunning visual achievement.”  Here is what I say about it: “These are two and half hours of your life you will never get back.”

The Unexpected Fun Award

Puss in Boots  PG

I went to this movie with my 7 year old daughter and low expectations.  It turned out to be the most fun I had at the movies all year. 

The Overrated Award

Oooverrated!  Ooooverrated! 

Hugo PG
This is a fine movie, but 11 academy award nominations?  A children's movie that is not really for children (do they really care about film preservation) – I really can’t recommend it.  I realize I am in a small minority, but I think Martin Scorsese is overrated and I will be fine if I never watch another of his movies again. 

The Feel Good Award

A Dolphin Tale  PG

I cried more during this movie – a lot.  It wasn't over the top sentimental, just a great story of overcoming adversity for animals and humans alike.  It helped that my daughter kept pulling for the dolphin by innocently saying, “Oh, I hope that the dolphin’s new tail works this time.”

2011 Top 10

#10 Tin Tin  

Why more people didn’t see this film is beyond me.  Steven Spielberg lets his imagination go free with the motion capture technology and produces some of the most amazing adventure sequences I have ever seen.  The score by John Williams fits perfectly, and at its center is a compelling and worthwhile story.  See it in theatres - it is worth it! 

#9 J Edgar  R

This is the fascinating story of a man who served as the head of the FBI for 48 years through 6 different Presidents. The movie is rich in its exploration of J. Edgar’s rise to power, in addition to addressing the questions of his personal relationship with Clyde Tolson.  I highly recommend it. How amazing is Clint Eastwood?  Now in his 80s, he is one of the best directors in Hollywood.  

#8 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy  R

While I enjoyed Mission Impossible 4, this was the better spy movie for me. Low key and multi-layered, Gary Oldman is powerfully understated, as a retired British intelligence agent trying to find a mole.  Instead of non-stop action, this movie brought suspense through gripping situational storytelling.  Newcomer Benedict Cumberbatch was the best thing about the movie - playing a loyal right hand man and instilling every scene with subtle intensity.  

#7 Midnight in Paris  PG-13

While it wasn’t quite at the level of Match Point, or Vicky Christina Barcelona (Allen's other installments in his European tour), I enjoyed this movie.  It had an inventive way of telling a story, and the themes of nostalgia and looking for happiness in places other that we are had a universal feel.  

#6 Super 8  PG-13
I enjoyed this movie because of the nostalgia factor (set in the 80s and paying tribute to so many of the great early Spielberg films). However, the real appeal of the movie is the coming of age story for the young characters. Elle Fanning was amazing, and the movie worked on every level. This was easily my favorite summer movie. 

#5 Moneyball  PG-13

As someone with an obsession with fantasy baseball, I enjoyed watching Brad Pitt make my nerdiness seem slightly more cool.  Even if you don’t like baseball, you can enjoy this movie. 

#4  A Better Life  PG-13

Last semester, my teaching focused on the impact of social class on family relationships and development.  This movie addresses this issue better than any class I could teach.  This touching and heart breaking film shows the insecurities, struggles, and sacrifices made by a hard working immigrant father to provide a better life for his son.

#3 The Descendants  R  

George Clooney delivers his best performance to date.  He plays an everyday man forced to reevaluate his life in the midst of a family crisis. Shailene Woodley was amazing as his adolescent daughter.  This movie is  quietly powerful in the way it captures the subtleties of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

#2 Win Win  R

For nine months, I planned on ranking this movie #1.  I loved it that much.  Thomas McCarthy is the best director around who can capture a consistent tone and never overplay it.  Along with The Station Agent, this movie is one of my all time favorites when it comes to the examining the complexities of ordinary lives.  

#1 The Artist  PG-13

To me, this movie is an Instant Classic!  Ironically, it is hard to put into words why this movie is so special, but it begins with Jean Duijardin and Berenice Bejo's use of emotions, expressions, and body language to communicate a compelling story without uttering a word of dialogue.  This movie is rich, powerful, and transcendent in every way.  This is a must see and a true testament to originality and the magic of the movies!