My Twitter Feed
Contraband
It’s a little generic and predictable but a strong cast with a decent twist at the end makes this a worthwhile action film. If you are looking for a really good crime film … check out The Town. Contraband is a decent film worthy of a rent.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
There a lots of things to like about this film. Its a crime thriller revolving around a journalist and a strange hacker who get into trouble with a creepy family. One of the family members is a serial killer. From my particular perspective I really had no idea what I was getting into. I had never read the books nor seen the swedish version of the film. With that said I was really blown away by how good this film is. It very graphic so be warned but right from the opening cutscene to the end credits you get an interesting story with great characters played by a great cast. Rooney Mara really goes all out and is superb. Great flick!!!
Warrior
A story about a family ripped apart by a drunken, abusive father. Two brothers both wrestlers had completely different lives but manage to meet up in a MMA tournament for 5 million dollars. It has some pretty spectacular performances all around. The story is pretty predictable but the fights are exciting even for the non MMA fan like myself. Good stuff!
Jianyu (Reign of Assassins)
Sure its far from perfect but it has some great fight scenes with a decent story. Michelle Yeoh of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Fame is great. There is even a little humor. Definitely worth a watch for kungfu fans.
Wu Xia (Dragon)
An amazing, epic film. Martial arts meets CSI in this Donnie Yen(Ip Man) powered flick. One of the best stories for a foreign film I have ever watched. A true masterpiece !!!
Here is a list of films I am really looking forward to for the year 2012. If a trailer is a available I will post it. Looks like its going to be a good year for movies!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Hobbit: An Unexpected JourneyAdventure | Fantasy Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, journeys to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure taken from them by the dragon Smaug.
Director:Stars: |
|
|
Over the years I have posted what I think the best movies of the year were. Of course this is just my opinion but I truly believe this list of films is made up of some of the best films you can find from the year 2011. This year was really a sub-par year for movies but I did manage to pick out 20 of my favorites. Only 3 movies this year received my 5 out of 5 rating and those are the the top 3 films in this list. Can’t wait to see some great movies next year! Everyone have a Happy New Year !!!
#20. No Strings Attached
Man I love me some Natalie Portman. I don’t know what it is about her but everything she is in I instantly set to a higher standard. This is an awkward, somewhat predictable, raunchy(ratedR) romcom but I didn’t hate it. In fact I liked it a lot. Good chemistry between Portman and Kutcher. A unique story with several laugh out loud moments. It not perfect but its definitely worth a watch.
#19. The Conspirator
A very interesting period piece court drama based around the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It opened my eyes to many thing I had never heard about. Great cast with some great drama.
#18. Paranormal Activity 3
Horror movies are not really my thing but the Paranormal Activity franchise is really well done. They are really good at building extreme tension and then scaring you out of seat. The first movie was good and the second even better so I was unsure of how the formula was going to continue on but there is lots new here. You learn even more about the origin of the demons and the frights seem even more intense. I like the second film a little better than this one but overall this is a great scary movie.
#17. Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Crazy, Stupid, Love definitely lives up to its title. It is a very intelligent, real feeling romantic comedy/drama with one heck of a twist ending. I almost regret telling you it has a twist at the end because I didn’t know it was going to have one and I think thats why I enjoyed not seeing it come even more. Steve Carell is brilliant as usuall and Emma Stone also really shines. A great flick.
#16. Arthur
I know its a remake but I have never seen the original. I loved this film. Its was funny throughout. Russell Brand still makes me laugh. Great story with some heart felt moments. Definitely worth a watch.
#15. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The super CGI reboot of the franchise delivers great action and surprisingly some emotion. The new direction gives the film a much more realistic feel than previous attempts. Some really good acting here by James Franco as well. Good Stuff!!!
#14. Real Steel
A surprisingly good boxing robot father son flick. Sure its a weird mix but everything is done well. The cg boxing battles are great and the father son drama is actually very well done. Hugh Jackman is great but the little boy in the film steals the show. There are couple weird moments that dont make much sense but overall this is pretty close to being a great film.
#13. Horrible Bosses
Out of nowhere comes one the best comedies of the past few years. Its average story is blown away by great performance from the cast. Everyone is great in this film but I especially liked Charlie Day in what I think is a breakthrough performance. I laughed the entire film and at points was laughing so hard I was crying. It very raunchy … even raunchier than what the red band trailer makes you think but I still think it is the best comedy of the year so far.
#12. I Am Number Four
Even though I was looking forward to this movie I was super surprised at how good it was. Especially at how good the effects were and the little bits of comedy sprinkled throughout. While this is a really good film it not perfect. Like I said the beginning is slow moving and it is sprinkled with few corny one-liners. Also Number Six totally steals the show at the end with some amazing fight scenes. Overall though we have one great movie here.
#11. In Time
While its certainly not perfect, In Time is a great science fiction film with a very unique story. Justin Timberlake does surprisingly well as an action star and Amanda Seyfried really shines. The idea of using time as currency sounds crazy at first but as the movie unwinds it really becomes a scary possible future reality. Definitely one of the better films of the year.
#10. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stanger Tides
Wow … critics and users alike were way to harsh on this film. In my opinion this is the best Pirates of all the films. It is by far the funniest. I laughed the entire movie. Sure its missing Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly but you really don’t miss them much. The new characters especially Penelope Cruz are great and the mermaids are so freakin cool/hot/creepy! This is one of my favorite films of the year!
#9. Fast Five
Wow! Wow! Wow! What a surprise this was … Fast Five is one amazing movie. It easily eclipses all of the previous films to become the best in the series. It has the best story, the best cast, its fun and serious, and so freaking action packed. There is soo much here to love. Crazy car chases: Check, The Scorpion King VS Riddick: Check. Hilarious comedic timing: Check, An Amazing Heist Film: Check. I could go on and on. And the teaser at the end after the credits is so freakin mind blowing … it makes you want the next film immediately. My only negative comment is one small glaring plot hole in the middle of the movie. Still … this was the perfect start to the summer movie season!
#8. Kung Fu Panda 2
In my opinion Dreamworks has two great franchises now: How to Train Your Dragon & Kung Fu Panda. KFP 2 is just as good as the first film if not better. There is a great voice cast here with a great story. Its very funny and they even added a little more heart to the film to bring in some tears. Great stuff here!
#7. X-Men: First Class
No its not perfect but this is by far the best X-Men movie and may be as good as it gets. Great story with an exceptional cast. Lots of origins and questions answered. For instance, How Xavier becomes Prof. X and ends up in a wheelchair, how Mystique comes to join Magneto, and lots more. The greatest Wolverine cameo ever. There is tons of great stuff here!!!
#6. Super 8
If Spielberg and Abrams had a baby … this film would be it. It has their creative and signature touches all of over it. I love the unique late 70′s feel and the great cast. Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning are simply spectacular. The movie has such an authentic real atmosphere that it makes everything that happens seem less crazy and more realistic. The zombie movie the kids are creating throughout the film is amazing. Overall a truly great flick!
#5. 50/50
Every scene is both funny and moving. The weird mix of Gordon-Levitt and Rogen is somehow perfect. Great comedy … great drama … great movie !!!
#4. The Ides of March
Wow what a surprise this was. This is an exciting political thriller that shows how quickly politics can make a person change. Its scary to think that this is probably closer to how things are really done than they should be. Great acting by a stellar cast!
#3. The Lincoln Lawyer
My first 5 out 5 film of the year! Matthew McConaughey plays the sleazy lawyer character perfectly. He truly is a horrible person yet he somehow makes your care about his character at the same time. The story is very well-constructed with lots of twists and turns. Lots of comedy sprinkled throughout as well. This is a top notch legal thriller worthy of repeat viewings!
#2. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Summer Movie Perfection. Michael Bay’s best film and the best Transformers by far. The 3D is missing for about an hour of the film but when its there its sooo good; Like, Avatar good. Its top notch action with the best story of the three films. Bay just knows how to please his fans and he goes all out in this one. I missed Megan Fox … she is much hotter than her replacement, Rosie Huntington. Bottom line this movie was awesome! Must see for all action junkies and Bay fanatics like myself.
And now … My Favorite movie of 2011 is …
#1. Source Code
Science fiction thriller version of Groundhog Day? That is the best way to describe this film. Its very entertaining, full of twists and turns, and very well acted. One of Jake Gyllenhaal’s best performances. I heard John Stewart said it was like Donnie Darko but you can actually understand the plot. Very good stuff here. Repeat viewings are just as great!
Battle: Los Angelos
Unknown
Just Go With It
Rango
Your Highness
Hanna
Thor
Best Actor
Matthew Mcconaughey – The Lincoln Lawyer
Best Actress
Natalie Portman – No Strings Attached/Your Highness/Thor
Best Supporting Actor/Actress
Charlie Day – Horrible Bosses
Best 3D Movie
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Best Animated Movie
Kung Fu Panda 2
Best Pure Action Movie
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Best Drama
The Lincoln Lawyer
Best Science Fiction
Source Code
Best Comedy
Horrible Bosses
Best Chick Flick
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Biggest Surprise
Arthur
Biggest Disappointment
SuckerPunch
Most Overrated
Captain America
Most Underrated
I Am Number Four
10. Hall Pass
A below average hard R raunchy comedy about a couple of wives that give there husbands free passes for week to do whatever they want. It has its moments and has a great cast but the overall story is weak and a couple of pointless super graphic scenes kind of bring it into slapstick territory. The end is predictable as well.
9. Cowboys & Aliens
While the idea of mixing a western genre with a scifi genre sounds absurd the trailers, cast, and director/producer gave me hope for a great epic film. Instead what we got was a below average western fused with a even worst scifi concept. The cliches and randomness start almost instantly and only get worst as the film goes on: why does this hightech super alien race waste its time with gathering humans just to experiment on them when they are clearly superior in every way, why in the world do they want gold ?!?!?, why lay the super alien killer 9000 gun right next to an unrestrained human for easy escape and their ultimate demise, if the Olivia Wilde characters race can re-spawn after being killed … how were they killed again?? Its stuff like this that gets old quick. The effects are good and Harrison Ford gives it his all but overall this is a dud of a film.
8. What’s Your Number
I don’t understand why chick flicks have to be so predictable. They all end the same and this one is no different. 10 min. in you can see what is going to happen. Now if the funny filler in between is spectacular you can forgive a pointless predictable plot but unfortunately this movie falls way short. Sure I chuckled here and there but overall this is a skipper.
7. Priest
This is a really cheesy, confusing, predictable, vampire/western film. The story is an interesting idea but the scrip is severely lacking. Its watchable maybe for it’s slick effects and fight scenes but only if you are really bored.
6. Cars 2
Definitely Pixar’s worst film to date. Take the small amounts of good things from the first film … get rid of those and add a ridiculous spy story with a heavy green fuel environmental message. Even the best character “Mater” gets old. Its too long, the story stinks, the 3D is pointless and not even noticed. I’m sorry to say … Pixar has finally produced it’s first DUD of a movie. The Toy Story short and trailer for the next fantasy Pixar film “Brave” were the highlights. Skip it.
5. Season of the Witch
I wasn’t expecting anything great from this film. The beginning of the film is actually decent and tricks you into thinking the entire movie might be watchable but unfortunately it derails about half way through. Corny dialog and ridiculous plot ruin the ending. Decent special effects. Nic Cage will do about anything for a paycheck apparently. Skip it.
4. Conan the Barbarian
At first I thought this was going to be complete garbage but might be worth it for the fight scenes because in the opening scene you get to see a pre-teen Conan slaughter an entire tribe of warriors by himself. Its pretty badass but none of the other fight scenes live up to the first one. Combine that with really poor acting and a boring, pointless, corny story an you have one of the worst films of they year. Skip it.
3. Drive
How anyone could like this movie is beyond me. Maybe its too smart for me but I found it boring, awkward, and pointlessly gory. The flashback Tarintino style directing was not well done and even the action scenes were poorly crafted. Skip it!
2. Red Riding Hood
Literally one of the worst things I have ever watched. The ridiculous story with the super obvious teen twilight infused love and drama was too much for me to handle. Even the action scenes were so bad it look as if the were just flashing hand puppets at the screen. Stay far way!
And the Worst Movie of 2011 is …
1. Drive Angry
Such a ridiculous waste of time. Corny to the max, horrible effects, retarded story. I love me some Nicolas Cage but man is he in some horrible movies. How can someone be amazing in movies like Matchstick Men, Kick-Ass, The Sorcerers Apprentice but then be this horrible in this film. He definitely needs to pick some better material. One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Stay far away!
Moneyball
With rave reviews I was expecting more but this an average movie to me. Maybe because I am not that into baseball an it has kind of the normal sports movie plot. Pitt and Hill give good enough performance to make this worth a watch.
Our Idiot Brother
An awkward little film that features a pretty predictable plot line … the idiot is not truly the brother character played by Paul Rudd but everyone around him. The great cast gives some great performances that makes this a decent film.
Contagion
The weird directing could be overlooked with a better story and some better acting. But overall this is a below average flick even though it’s the most realistic take on what would happen if a life killing decease did spread across the world.
Colombiana
While it starts out strong it never really goes anywhere. A lame plot with even lamer acting covers up the average action scenes. Zoe Saldana is great but this is barely worth a one time watch.
10. Chuck (NBC)
Chuck this season is sad for several reason. Not only is it in its last season but this has probably been one of the worst seasons. It still earns a spot in my top 10 but it is going to be sad to see it go.
9. Community (NBC)
NBC better not even think about cancelling this show. One of the best comedies on TV. The cast is gold and the continual theming is something special that doesn’t happen on any other show on TV.
8. Parenthood (NBC)
This show continues to be one of the best dramas on Television. If you aren’t watching it I highly recommend it. Such a great large cast with great stories to tell. Dax Shepard really steals the shows … probably the best actor on the show.
7. New Girl (FOX)
A new comedy from fox with one of the best leading ladies on TV. Zooey Deschanel is hilariously awkward and it is great tv. I hope this show lasts awhile.
6. Modern Family (ABC)
Still one of the funniest comedies on TV. The cast is so funny and its one of the few shows I laugh almost the entire episode.
5. Survivor: Redemption Island (CBS)
The gold standard of reality tv. I will probably never get sick of this show. The introduction of Redemption Island and 2 returning cast members was a great twist. After two seasons of the new format I am super excited that next season goes back to a more classic survivor with no redemption island or returning cast members. It was fun for two seasons but I am ready for a return to classic survivor!!!
4. The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Still the best comedy on TV. The cast is pure genius. I’m pretty sure everyone watches it. If you dont you are seriously missing out.
3. The Walking Dead (A&E)
My favorite show of 2010 was great again this year but not quite as amazing as the first season. Still I absolutely love this show and can’t wait to watch the many, many following seasons.
2. Person of Interest (CBS)
Not only is this one of the best new shows to hit tv in about a decade it is one of my favorite all time tv shows. If you haven’t checked it out yet I highly recommend it. Think Enemy of the State meets James Bond. I love the cast especially Jim Caviezel who is the perfect mix of badass and emotion.
And My Favorite Show of 2011 is …
1. Game of Thrones (HBO)
I never read the books but this is an amazing fantasy world brought to tv with high production values, a great cast, and some engaging story lines. This a mature show that definitely isn’t Harry Potter or even Lord of the Rings. I love everything about it and am looking forward to the next season more than any other show. Simply Amazing !!!
Real World/Road Rules Challenge (MTV), The Office (NBC), America’s Got Talent (NBC), 2 Broke Girls (CBS), Love in the Wild (NBC), TerraNova (FOX), Californication (SHO), Weeds (SHO), The Borgias (SHO), The Cleveland Show (FOX), The Voice (NBC), The X Factor (FOX)
Best New Show: Game of Thrones (HBO)
Best Comedy: The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Best Drama: Parenthood (NBC)
Best Animated Show: Family Guy (FOX)
Best Reality Show: Survivor (CBS)
Biggest Suprise: Person of Interest (CBS)
Biggest Disappointment: Up All Night (NBC)
Most Looking forward to in 2012: Survivor: One World (CBS), The Walking Dead (AMC), Game of Thrones (HBO), Avatar: The Legend of Korra (NICK), Love in the Wild (NBC)
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
It’s a super average film but Jim Carrey is one of the funniest guys alive and keeps the film from being complete disaster. The rest o the cast is beyond crap and the story is pretty predictable. But because of Carrey its worth a rent. Why does he not have more movies?
The Ides of March
Wow what a surprise this was. This is an exciting political thriller that shows how quickly politics can make a person change. Its scary to think that this is probably closer to how things are really done than they should be. Great acting by a stellar cast! One of the best movies of the year!
