My Top Ten of 2011

Making a top ten list is hard for me, as I usually switch my rankings every day. I think I have finally come to a final list, so let's begin.

10. The Help- This was a surprise hit that was speared by fine performances throughout. Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain were the standouts, and are likely to get Oscar nominations for their work. This was based on the novel by Karen Sockett, and was expected to do well, but not as well as it did. It was a true triumph for moviegoers in a sequel/superhero dominated summer. A great drama that resonates long after you watch it. B+

Oscar Chances: Actress (Davis), Supporting Actress (Spencer, Chastain), Picture, Score

9. War Horse- I technically saw this in 2012, but it was released in 2011, so it belongs here. This is Spielberg's take on the famous stage play and novel about a horse who is sold to the Army during World War I, much to the despair of his owner, teenage Arthur. There are many strong moments in the film, as the battle sequences are reminiscent of Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski is excellent, and should garner him an Oscar nomination along with Speilberg for direction. Also in Oscar contention is John Williams for his poignant score. This is a crowd pleasing treat, but it has minor flaws that hold in from 'A' grade territory. B+

Oscar Chances: Picture, Director, Cinematography, Score, Art Direction, Editing, Screenplay, Sound

8. Beginners- Fueld by fine performances from Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, this film is a feel-good movie that you likely didn't see last year. I reviewed this a couple posts ago, so I won't repeat myself too much. See this if you can. A-

Oscar Chances: Supporting Actor (Plummer)

7. Warrior- This was an end of summer film that was largely looked over by audiences, which is disappointing. It had great performances from Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte. The story was about two brothers who unknowingly get into a mixed martial arts competition for different reasons, but end up fighting each other at the end. It is a family resolution film, and will likely tug at your heart strings by the end of it. PLEASE see this if you haven't, as it is truly a hidden gem. A-

Oscar Chances: Supporting Actor (Nolte-slim, but possible)

6. Drive- Drive could be classified as a true art house film. It is about a Driver (who is never named) that aids in getaway during robberies, but is also a stunt car driver by day. We follow him through his new found relationship with a neighbor, as well as his troubles with local mobsters. One well received character was played by Albert Brooks, who is getting serious Oscar talk for his work. I thought it was a strong performance, but not quite Oscar worthy. Gosling is the true star here, as well as Nicolas Winding Refns direction. A-

Oscar Chances: Supporting Actor (Albert Brooks), Screenplay, Director

5. The Descendants- Lauded as the front runner for best picture when it was released, The Descendants is a dramatic, yet comedic journey following Matt King and his family troubles. My review is a few posts back, so read that for full details. It is a strong film overall, and will likely garner many nominations come Jan. 24. A-

Oscar Chances: Actor (Clooney), Supporting Actress (Woodley) Director, Picture, Screenplay

4. Win Win: This film tells the story of how an attorney/high school wrestling coach, Mike,
comes to take care of his client's teenage grandson in a unique sequence of events. The teenager, Kyle, is a great wrestler, so he joins Mike's team and does well. The film escalates when Kyle's mother comes back to take Kyle home, as well as take care of Mike's client. The performances from Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, and Alex Shaffer really make this film great. A-

Oscar Chances: Screenplay

3. Midnight In Paris: Woody Allen's film about 1920s nostalgia is one of his best in quite some time. The film follows Gil (Owen Wilson) and Ines (Rachel McAdams) on their trip in Paris. Every night at midnight, Gil is transported back to 1920s Paris, which is his favorite time period. Here he runs into such cultural icons as Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Salvador Dali, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The performances from each of these supporting characters are great, as well as the lead performance from Wilson. This is a go with the flow type of film where you just sit back and have fun watching it. A

Oscar Chances: Picture, Director, Screenplay

2. Hugo: This is Martin Scorcese's first family friendly film. It tells the story of a young orphan, Hugo, in 1930s Paris. He is trying to fix an automaton robot his father was trying to rebuild before he died. Hugo soon finds himself in trouble with a local trick shop owner, who takes Hugo's sketchbook for some reason that he won't reveal. The performances from Chloe Grace-Moretz and Ben Kingsley are a highlight, as well as the direction and score. This could win more than expected awards come Oscar night. A

Oscar Chances: Picture, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Art Direction, Score, Sound, Visual Effects

1. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: My review was posted a few days ago, where I mentioned this was my favorite of the year. Rooney Mara and Craig are excellent, as is the screenplay, cinematography, and score. A

Oscar Chances: Cinematography, Score, Editing, Actress (slim, but possible).

I did not get a chance to see The Artist, which is currently the front runner for best picture. I will see it in a couple weeks when it's released here, and I'll post my review. It could likely end up at the top of my list for 2011, but for now this is my list. I hope you enjoyed reading my take on 2011. Happy new year! Stay tuned for Oscar analysis in the next couple weeks, as well as new reviews.