2011,
and eleven films have come up trumps. I wanted to say there were a great deal more
that I could have added to this list, but, there weren’t. So enjoy what little 2011 had to offer (though what it did have to offer was rather remarkable to say the least).
Michael Bay, this
is how action films are done. Tom Cruise returns for his fourth Mission, as his
team are framed and disavowed. Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner are on top form,
but it’s the action sequences that will inspire here; in particular, a rather
WTF moment in Dubai that sees Cruise scaling - and subsequently sprinting down
the side of - the tallest building in the world. A tight plot, decent acting
and convincing nature make Ghost Protocol a worthy nominee for this list. Oh,
and it looks amazing in IMAX. A franchise reboot that proves Brad Bird’s genius
with both live action and animated films.
10. Melancholia
Melancholia is so-called after a planet that’s discovered right next door to Earth. For much of the film this sci-fi apocalypse theme takes a backseat to two sisters, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and the challenge it poses to their already strained relationship. Justine is depressed despite her imminent wedding, though when Melancholia threatens to collide with Earth, she remains eerily calm. A beautifully shot film that will take time to appreciate, but leaves a lasting impact.
9. Take Shelter
The Potter finale was in equal amounts over- and
under-whelming, but dammit, it’s the Potter finale. If this list were judged by
quantity of viewings rather than quality, Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 would surely
top it, having been seen four times in cinemas by myself. With good reason - as a fan of the
series from childhood, it’s a climax like no other. Nevertheless, as a film
critic, it’s a climax that’s not perfect, but does the job. A couple of dodgy
shots and some questionable screenplay choices stop it from coming in higher,
but it’s still a great watch. And, as I said in my full review, we’re finally
given a Potter film with almost no terrible acting. Well, it only took ten
years…
7. Super 8
Sure, Super 8 has its flaws. It gets a little caught up in homages towards the end, and has a monster design that’s about as inspired as the modern pop industry. But it’s still oozing with charm, nostalgia and atmosphere, and harkens back to a time when cinema was pure. Magnificently structured and acted, by child and adult alike, this tale of a small-town (but out-of-this-world) disaster spectacle is the year’s best science-fiction.
The year’s best crime film, with a full review coming soon.
Possibly. Lengthy but worth it, David Fincher’s latest bests his previous, The Social Network, in strides; a gripping screenplay, suave direction, and
masterful acting by Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara as the two leads ensure The
Girl’s place on this list. Luckily, despite poor box office takings, the
sequels are still happening. Just like 2010’s Let Me In, it’s a remake of a
recent Scandinavian film, but one that’s completely worth it. And it’s much
better than that other crime thriller last year…
The January/February period of 2011 was tremendous for film
- topped off with Darren Aronofsky’s breathtaking Black Swan; a visual treat, replete with a twisting and
increasingly complex narrative. Natalie Portman comes into her own, fully
deserving of her Oscar for Best Actress as the unhinged Nina Sayers, while Mila
Kunis is equally astounding as supporting character Lily (who spends the
majority of the runtime subtly undermining Nina).
Like Black Swan, this Danny Boyle masterpiece is technically
a 2010 film, but its UK release was the Oscar period of 2011, so it still makes
this list. James Franco gives a career-defining performance as Aaron Ralston, the
man who spent, yes, a hundred and twenty seven hours trapped under a rock in
the middle of a canyon. The inevitable amputation scene isn’t nearly as grisly
as has been made out - in comparison to many modern day films it’s relatively
tasteful - and A. R. Rahman’s soundtrack is fittingly inspiring.
James Franco again proving his worth, this time against
something a bit closer to human - Rupert Wyatt’s prequel-cum-reboot of the Apes
saga is the only film of 2011 to make my jaw drop in surprise. And I’m not
entirely sure why, looking back. But dammit if it isn’t entertaining, if it isn’t
heartfelt, and if it isn’t superbly acted. I’m not usually one for films with
non-human characters - I have little intention of seeing this year’s War Horse
in cinemas - yet silly title notwithstanding, Rise is well worthy of the following
accolade; for not only 2011, but possibly all of cinematic history… yes, it's my best Ape-Action-Drama. What are you talking about? Of course it's a genre!
Lynne Ramsay’s adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s 2003 novel of
the same name - which, by the way, is also excellent - might indeed talk about
troubled teenager Kevin Khatchadourian in its title, but the real focus here is
on begrudging mother Eva. Tilda Swinton gives a stirring performance in a
captivating film that explores the ‘nature vs. nurture’ argument to great depth
and effect; one that poses more questions than it answers, and one that somehow
manages to make us - momentarily - sympathise with Kevin. No small feat,
considering his actions…
Masterful. I don’t think there’s anything else I can say about it that I didn’t already say in my review, so here’s another link to it, plus a short excerpt:
"A unique, beautiful vision,
executed with a suitably twisted grace, Drive is methodical, yet for the most part unpredictable - a
stirring achievement from director Refn. Definitely one of the greats of the
21st Century - improbable sequel pending, you won’t see another film like it."
-------
So that's 2011 out of the way. 2012 threatens to blow it out of the water with a single film - Batman, of course - but that's not to say there isn't plenty more to look forward to. Look out for a '12 for 2012' feature very soon...
Great list, which I almost completely agree with. Haven't seen Take Shelter and the new Dragon Tattoo movie yet and probably won't watch Harry Potter, but the rest are all excellent choices.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see someone else appreciated Take Shelter as much as I did. Brilliant film.
ReplyDelete