It's the most wonderful time of the year! What? Christmas? No, no, no. It's the best time of the year because all of us movie critics get to put together our Top 10 lists for the best movies of the year. Also, check out my Top 5 worst movies of 2011.
Ok, a couple of quick things you need to know. First, this list can only be made from the films I actually saw. This year that number was a little low since I only watched around 70-80 films. Next, my Top 10 lists tend to go a little more toward the 'mainstream' as far as tastes go. I do like or love a lot of the films that get critic awards or have a shot at the Oscars, I even vote on them as part of the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association (or WAFCA). But, this is my Top 10 list and these are my favorite films from 2011.
Lastly, these are not in a weighted order which is why there are no numbers; so, no #1 best movie of the year. Just to put them in some order I list them by release date, so the ones near the top are the ones from the beginning of the year.
Also, I only gave out five perfect 10 ratings this year and, obviously, they all made this list. I just didn't want you to think I hand them out like bad attitudes at a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Baltimore Movie Examiner Tom Clocker's Top 10 movies of 2011:
(movie title links go to my full review)
The Adjustment Bureau - 10 out of 10 (March 4): Well, there are a lot of people comparing this film to ‘Inception.’ And, that does make sense. There are elements that certainly seem to parallel Christopher Nolan’s thriller from last year. But, perhaps a good way to use that comparison would be to call this ‘Inception Lite with romance.’ The plot is not nearly as complicated in ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ and the added element of a love story gives the film some depth and longevity. The story is very interesting (based on a Philip K. Dick short story ‘Adjustment Team’), the acting is terrific and the movie is wildly entertaining (has ‘wildly entertaining’ become a cliché and overused phrase yet?).
The Lincoln Lawyer - 9 out of 10 (March 18): ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ may not break much new ground in the courtroom thriller genre, but the story, based on a Michael Connelly novel starring Matthew McConaughey, is incredibly engaging and wildly entertaining. What it may lack in originality it more than makes up for with performances, pacing and a multi-layered story that you will try your hardest to figure out before the big reveal but may find that task more difficult than you think. Even if you are usually not a fan of the genre you may want to give this one a try. It is better than most of its peers.
Source Code - 10 out of 10 (April 1): What does it take to score a perfect 10 out of 10 from the Baltimore Movie Examiner? Well, sometimes it’s simply the fact that I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about a film. Such is the case with ‘Source Code,’ the new sci-fi/mystery/action/drama movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Sure, you can argue that it pulls several elements from other sci-fi movies and mashes them into a new plot, but hey, at least it’s pulled from several sources and made into a new plot. How many films are almost complete rip-offs these days (*cough* ‘Red Riding Hood’ *cough*). ‘Source Code’ is a fresh sci-fi film shot from a very cool perspective and the story unfolds for the audience as it does for the main character. And it is fan-freakin’-tastic.
Sympathy for Delicious - 10 out of 10 (April 29, limited): ‘Sympathy for Delicious’ is one of those gritty, real, emotional dramas that can really touch an audience and make you take a good hard look at yourself. It may be centered on a topic that some people don’t believe in, in this case people with the ability to heal, but the message is blatantly clear and incredibly poignant. Everything about the film is spot on from the writing, directing and acting to the ending. ‘Sympathy’ is a powerful, beautifully grotesque film.
X-men: First Class - 10 out of 10 (June 3): ‘X-men: First Class’ has an excellent shot at claiming the title of Best Summer Movie of 2011, or at the very least, Best Comic Book Movie of the year. This film is a prequel of sorts taking the franchise back about 40 years, showing us some X-men when they were much younger and introducing us to a group of new mutants. As far as summer comic book movies go, ‘First Class’ brings a story more interesting than most that will even cater to those with little or no knowledge of the comics. The cast and selection of new mutants are excellent choices and the mix of action and story is near perfect.
Cowboys & Aliens - 9.25 out of 10 (July 29): ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ is a fun film. It may not be the most unique and imaginative mash-up ever written, but the story works. The cast is great, the cinematography is absolutely beautiful, the pacing is spot on and the battle at the end is satisfying. What more do you want or expect from a Jon Favreau, Steven Spielberg film called ‘Cowboys & Aliens?’ The traditional western feel with the added element of the sci-fi aliens really makes this movie a unique western rather than an evenly balanced mash-up, and that was the correct way to go with this one so we didn’t wind up with another ‘Wild Wild West.’
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 8.53 out of 10 (August 5): It is very easy for a film like ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ to be completely ordinary and bland. After all, we know exactly what is going to happen…at least those familiar with the series will know. The trailer even reveals how the apes get to be so smart. So, there are literally no plot surprises whatsoever. Going in with those expectations makes it even easier to walk away disappointed. However, ‘Apes’ still manages to be very entertaining with some great computer graphics, a very good plot and some great tie-ins to the original film that would follow this story.
50/50 - 9.1 out of 10 (September 30): Joseph Gordon-Levitt just took himself from great actor status to A-list star in my book with his performance in ‘50/50.’ He portrays a 27-year old who is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Based on Seth Rogen’s real life friend, ‘50/50’ has more heart and emotion than a theater screen can handle. The movie never lets up, not even for a second, but since the characters are so real it never gets heavy handed either. If it wasn’t for Rogen being in the film this one would be an easy 10 out of 10.
The Descendants - 9.5 out of 10 (December 9): 'The Descendants' is one of the year's best films because it tackles a couple of very tough topics and does so with a type of grace and poise. Add to that a Best Actor worthy performance from George Clooney, a Best Supporting Actress worthy performance from Shailene Woodley and a Best Adapted Screenplay worthy script and you have yourself the formula for a truly fantastic film. As a critic I sometimes find myself more on the side of the general public than my critic peers when you start talking about awards, but this film is going to create a bit of Oscar buzz and I am totally on board with that.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (review poem) - 10 out of 10 (December 16): I usually end up disappointed when I start looking forward to a film months before it releases. It is nearly impossible to live up to high hopes (get it?…'impossible'). Ever since the trailer released several months back I have been waiting for this one. 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' is one of the few films to actually deliver and meet my lofty hopes. The story is great, the acting is great, the gadgets and action are great, the beginning is great, the ending is great. The film is just, what's the word…great!
Wow. Some shockers in that list! But, that's what you get when you start putting together favorite films of the year.
