The Top Ten Films of 2011

It's been quite a year for quality films, and it has taken quite a while to decide on a order in which to put these, so first allow me to list the 'honorable mentions' of 2011, films that I thoroughly enjoyed, but aren't quite Top 10 material. In no order at all...

The Fighter, Super, X-Men: First Class, Drive Angry, True Grit, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Ides Of March and Moneyball.

And now (drum roll please), here's my top 10 of 2011...



10. Midnight In Paris (Director: Woody Allen. Writer: Woody Allen)
A surprising treat from Woody Allen this. Went in having barely any clue what it was about and was charmed by it from the outset. Also, one of those films that I found myself liking more after I watched it and really started thinking about it. As I said in October, don't read what it's about, just watch and enjoy.



9. Black Swan (Director: Darren Aronofsky. Writers: Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John McLaughlin)
Aronofsky delivers a stunning companion film to The Wrestler, somehow managing to equal that film on quality. Dark, twisted and almost channeling Argento in places, the film is bolstered by an unbelievable (and deservedly Oscar winning) performance from Natalie Portman.



8. Warrior (Director: Gavin O' Connor. Writers: Gavin O' Connor, Anthony Tambakis, Cliff Dorfman)
Yeah, it was a bit cheesy in places but Warrior was a superb 'Rocky style' look at the world of MMA, but more importantly the relationship between 2 brothers, and their relationship with their father. The fights will thrill you, and the performances will bring a tear to the eye, with a special mention for Tom Hardy's role as the emotionally detached Tommy.



7. The Tree Of Life (Director Terrence Malick. Writer: Terrence Malick)
Truly one of those films that will leave you exhausted by the end, but this offer so much. At the most basic level, it's the story of a sons strained relationship with his father (an astounding Brad Pitt) mostly told via flashback, but things get non-linear with images of what comes after life, and a jaw dropping 20 minute sequence of how the world was created. Bold stuff, but not the easiest watch.



6. The Guard (Director: John Michael McDonagh. Writer: John Michael McDonagh)
Easily the funniest film of the year, The Guard has another fantastic turn from Brendan Gleeson as an in your face Irish policeman, the perfect foil for Don Cheadle's FBI agent. And a brilliant turn from Mark Strong also. Just a film that you can tell everyone had a blast making.



5. The Kings Speech (Director: Tom Hooper. Writer: David Seidler)
Just sneaking into the year end list (it was released on January 7th!) is something that normally isn't the usual kind of thing I watch, but it was bolstered by wonderful performances from Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and even the usually annoying Helena Bonham-Carter, and a fascinating real life story. I think everyone in the world has seen it by this point, but still highly recommended.



4. Super 8 (Director: J.J. Abrams.  Writer: J.J. Abrams)
I was hoping that this film would just nail the look and feel of the Spielberg classics of the 1980's and this did it with style. Spielberg probably had a hand in it as he was producing, but that takes nothing away from J.J. Abrams, and his best film to date. And special mention to the child actors in it, in no way annoying and they swore. It doesn't sound much, but these things really make these kind of films for me. Magical stuff.



3. Melancholia (Director: Lars Von Trier. Writer: Lars Von Trier)
Lars Von Trier shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a microphone or tape recorder anymore, granted, but based on films like this, he should just let the stunning imagery and story do the work. Another draining film, Melancholia left me with the same feeling as Antichrist did upon leaving the cinema, like I'd just been winded. And you can't not mention a career performance from Kirsten Dunst, it would be a travesty if she didn't get an Oscar nomination (she won't, of course.) Kiefer Sutherland and Udo Kier deserve a nod for keeping the first half of the film relatively light too. A fantastic film in all areas.



2. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (Director: Rupert Wyatt. Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver)
It says so much for 2011, that a film as amazing as ROTPOTA is 'only' number 2. As much as I was looking forward to this, being an '...of the Apes' fan, I never thought it would be as good as it was. Respectful of the original, and with an outstanding performance from Andy Serkis. And let's not forget it contained THE cinematic moment of 2011, one that made every audience member I saw it with gasp. Bring on the sequel.



1. Drive (Director: Nicolas Winding Refn. Writer: Hossein Amini)
I did call it a "very strong contender for film of the year" back in September, and I wasn't wrong. Drive had it all, style, class, violence, an amazing soundtrack, just everything. A throwback to films like To Live And Die In L.A. and Manhunter for me in terms of style. And further proof, if anymore were needed, that Ryan Gosling will probably be taking over the world in 2012. Not seen it? Don't even finish reading this sentence. Go now.