This year’s list comes several days late, and is sort of faulty, because there are a number of films I haven’t yet caught the chance to see, like “Hannah”, “Immortals”, “Cowboys & Aliens”, “Killer Elite” or “Ides of March”… to name a few. I’m sure some of these flicks would’ve made it on here. Well, from those I did see, here are those which amused me the most in the past 12 months.
There’s quite a contrast between the titles. Real quality cinema vs. completely mindless fun. Well, I have eclectic tastes, and I like them all!
BEST FILMS
My absolute personal best. A low-budget, indie masterpiece, and the truest film on relationships and social dynamics I’ve ever seen. Those familiar with a thing called Game would surely testify as to the accuracy of everything portrayed in this film: the contrast of Alpha and Beta male behavior, the differences each evokes in the member of the opposite sex, the pitfalls and mistakes and the (potential) consequences… it’s all here, true as it can be. Plus, there’s the added “Mad Max” element so it wouldn’t be all talk! Needless to say, a must see!
#2 WARRIOR
Just saw this the other day, and haven’t written a full review yet, but it’s a fucking awesome sports drama, with the sport in this case being MMA. A great script, great direction and superb acting. Not only does it feature some great fighting, it’s also a rather emotional film. Goddamn, I’d be lying if I told you my eye didn’t tear a little (just a little!) every now and then. If you haven’t see this yet, what are you waiting for!?
A curious case in filmmaking where an average idea in terms of storyline, and I’d even dare say screenplay, was turned into a great product because of impeccable direction from Nicolas Winding Refn, and amazing performances.
FAST FIVE
The best installment of the franchise, and the best action film of 2011. Paul Walker and Vin Diesel are re-united, along with the rest of the cast from the previous films. And let’s not forget the addition of Dwayne Johnson as the baddest, meanest special agent there is. The action is breathtaking. And very, very explosive. The film’s got 0% brains, and 100% entertainment.
“Rango” is probably my favorite animated film of all time. It’s adult-oriented, for starters, the animation is superb, and the voice-actors are stellar. Plus, it’s got Clint Eastwood in it.
The rest of the best:
THE MECHANIC – It’s Jason Statham. It’s all I have to say.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE LAST AVENGER – The best of all the super-hero films this year. Oh, and if you want to know, “Thor” was the worst. Yup. “Thor”, unlike Captain here, was a piece of garbage. Complete shit. I hate “Thor”.
SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS – it’s not as good as the first installment. But it’s still a Guy Ritchie flick, with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. So yeah, very fun.
TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL – the best horror comedy this year, reminiscent of “Evil Dead” and the way parodies should be.
SEASON OF THE WITCH – Nicolas Cage is a witch hunter! With Ron Perlman!
DRIVE ANGRY – Nicolas Cage drives angry! With William Fichtner!
ETIDA – a Croatian film, and a small wonder in itself. Done by amateurs, on a shoe-string budget of about $2500. And it’s better than anything our “real” cinematography has put out in years… actually, make that decades.
BEST PERFORMANCES
NICK NOLTE as PADDY “POP” CONLON (Warrior)
RYAN GOSLING as DRIVER (Drive)
RYAN HURST as HARRY “OPIE” WINSTON (Sons of Anarchy)
THANKS
KURT SUTTER – for “Sons of Anarchy”, season 4.
LIONSGATE – love them. This year they gave us “Warrior”, and also “Machine Gun Preacher” (not released in most countries, though), “Lincoln Lawyer” (haven’t seen it yet, but read positive stuff about it), “The Devil’s Double” and “Conan the Barbarian” (these two not being really good, I’m afraid). Next year is much more promising: “The Cabin in the Woods”, “Dredd”, “Safe” and… “THE EXPENDABLES 2″!
OUR READERS – you rock! Not as much as we do, but you’re close.
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I have to admit my eyes also teared up in the final scene of Warrior. I remember saying Dead Man’s Shoes almost cracked me, well Warrior was even closer, damn that was an emotional scene.
Excellent list! Love the props you gave to Lionsgate, Statham and Nic Cage.
People say no one is truly independent these days in the film business, i.e. everyone’s a corporate bastard, and so on. But despite it all, I still find myself – year after year – enjoying Lionsgate’s flicks the most, and looking forward to titles I later learn are put out by Lionsgate.