2011 Movies: Top 10 Picks
1. “Drive”
“Drive” is a testament of ‘less is more,’ as its minimalist approach gives the film an unmistakable radiance. Ryan Gosling gives a tour de force, nuanced performance as the title character mysteriously billed only as “Driver.”
2. “Midnight in Paris”
When “Midnight in Paris” rolled through its jazzy opening montage of Parisian streets and cityscapes, I was immediately intrigued and filled with hope. Director Woody Allen once again satisfies by making a phenomenal film.
3. “The Tree of Life”
“The Tree of Life” is undoubtedly the most beautiful film I have ever seen. And while its narrative isn’t very accessible, and is very disjointed, being patient with the film and allowing it to unfold before your eyes is a worthwhile treat.
4. “The Ides of March”
George Clooney once again returns to the director’s chair with “The Ides of March.” It is a honed political thriller, and Ryan Gosling, as well as the entire cast, play out dirty politics in the cleanest manner.
5. “The Descendants”
If one Clooney film wasn’t enough, “The Descendants” was a sure fix. Clooney has consistently made a film of the utmost quality for the past four years, and the “The Descendants” is no exception. -Clooney is the best working actor.
6. “Moneyball”
More so a film about self-redemption than sports, “Moneyball” unabashedlybrings beauty to baseball and filmmaking. As Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane asks, “How could you not be romantic about baseball?” And after “Moneyball” comes to a close, it is difficult not to.
7. “Beginners”
“Beginners” is a lovely film about a father revealing to his son he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is also gay. Intimately acted by Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer and Mélanie Laurent, “Beginners” is superb filmmaking.
8. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Director David Fincher crafts a relentlessly haunting film. Sordid andgrisly, “Tattoo” is the perfect example of how a best-selling novel canprevail in the art of film.
9. “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol”
“Mission: Impossible” is a top-tier action film, and delivers everything it promises. There’s nothing artificial here. “Mission: Impossible” knows exactly what it is as a film, and doesn’t attempt to be anything other than an excellent ride. Tom Cruise is now as equally great of an action star as he ever was.
10. “Sucker Punch”
Zack Synder’s highly stylistic “Sucker Punch” was nothing but beautiful women wielding badass weapons, and it works. Synder has proven he is a name in the comic genre with both the ultra-violent “300” and “Watchmen,” and is now directing “Man of Steel” (2013).
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