Most “Best of 2011” lists stick to things that actually came
out in 2011, but since I’m often a little behind the curve this list is built
from films I viewed for the 1st time in 2011 (regardless of when
they were released). Enjoy.
10. Bridesmaids –
I was rather reluctant to see this one. After hearing nothing but glowing
praise for months, I ended up seeing it with my school friends. It was funnier
than I expected, but also managed to have a relatable theme and actual
character development. Kristen Wig was the star, but Melissa McCarthy by far
had the best (and most disturbing) performance. “Bridesmaids” was the most unexpected gem of the year.
9. Inside Job –
This documentary about the financial crisis surrounding the housing bubble won
the Oscar last year, but I only saw it last month. The documentarians did an
amazing job of taking a complex situation and explaining it with simple
graphics. I am still baffled that so many people were willing to talk to them.
It will make you angry, but in a good way.
8. Contagion – As
a public health professional, I am morally obligated to love this film. Steven
Soderbergh did a great job of incorporating actual science into what is
essentially an action movie. He effectively blended the clinical aspects with
the human stories, although sometimes the film seemed slightly lost in the
number of personal narratives. I do not know how Soderbergh gets such amazing
casts for even small roles (see: Ocean’s 11), but once again he cast the film
perfectly. Disclaimer: The fact that I saw the actual filming on location in
Atlanta almost definitely influenced my love for this film.
7. Harry Potter 7.2
– It was the end of an era. I liked HP 7.1 more, but overall this was a solid,
entertaining conclusion to a global phenomenon. Can we talk about how much
better those kids’ acting got? Thank god for that.
6. Never Let Me Go
– I do not really go for sci-fi films. But when it is really a tragic chick
flick masquerading as sci-fi, I can get behind it. With ethereal cinematography
and beautiful clothes, it was lovely just to look at. Also, with Carey Mulligan and
Andrew Garfield you can’t go wrong.
5. True Grit – I
always love the Coen brothers, but I was surprised I enjoyed a western so much.
Let’s be honest, having the hero be a young girl probably helped. Hallie Steinfeld held her own against Jeff
Bridges and Matt Damon quite well. This film was also funnier than I had suspected. Finally, the song in the closing credits:
absolutely perfect.
4. Win Win – A
film about a middle-aged loser part-time wrestling coach might not sound
intriguing, but “Win Win” perfectly walks the line between emotional drama and
comedy. With complex characters and realistic portrayals of family
relationships, this film is reminiscent of “Little Miss Sunshine” & I loved it. Definitely a winner (see what I did there?).
3. Temple Grandin
– This is an HBO film that I discovered when Claire Danes won the Emmy, the Golden
Globe, & the SAG award for Best Actres (since it was a TV movie she was not
eligible for an Oscar, but she was way better than boring Natalie Portman). The
film is about Dr. Temple Grandin, a brilliant autistic girl in the 1960s who
figures out how to work in the world around her and becomes a famous animal
behaviorist. Temple is amazing and Claire Danes is amazing playing her. My
favorite part is when the guard won’t let Temple onto the feedlot so she
dresses up as a boy, makes herself a fake press pass, and drives right in. Like
I said, brilliant.
2. Psycho – Yes,
this Alfred Hitchcock classic was released in 1960, but I only saw it last
week. I hate horror movies. Hate. And I loved Psycho. If I liked horror movies,
it would be my number one. Both of my parents saw it as children and talked
about how utterly terrified they were for days. It is a film that definitely
says with you for a while. Watch it. You will love it. (Note: it is unrated,
but would probably be PG by today’s standards).
1. Meek’s Cutoff
– “Meek’s Cutoff” is this year’s “Winter Bone” – a vague, mildly depressing
movie that I try to convince everyone I know to watch. The good news is “Meek’s
Cutoff” is rated PG so it is more Mormon-friendly. And it’s about pioneers! Told from the women’s vantage point, it is the
meandering tale of a small group lost in eastern Oregon and their internal
debates over whom to trust: their unreliable guide or an Indian they captured. If you can handle slow, ambiguous movies I highly recommend it.
Honorable Mention: The
Help
Probably would have made the list if I had bothered to see
it in 2011: Midnight in Paris, Certified Copy, The Descendants, 50/50
