Thursday 29 December 2011

2011 In Review: Mel's Best Films

Now that we got the stinkers out of the way, here are my Best Films of this past year that I paid to see and gladly. Heck I'd have paid for a second and third viewing and I am one broke-ass bitch most of the time. Here they are in no particular order...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
No surprise here. It's the end of the road for the Hogwart's crew whom I've loved over the course 10 years. This was a big, bold finale that just swept me along for the ride. I loved every second.














Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows
This one could not be better in any way. What a wild, wicked rush into madness and adventure. It has everything from a complex plot and clever dialogue to a deliciously evil villain. I'm ready for the third one. RDJ and Jude Law are just stupendously electric together.














50/50
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has always been a favorite of mine since I first saw that adorable face and smart mouth on 3rd Rock From the Sun. It has been my pleasure to watch him grow as an actor and in this film, he gives the most amazing performance of his career as a young man stricken with a rare cancer. As someone who has cared for cancer patients in my own family, this one nailed the myriad emotions experienced and yet, retained a remarkable comedic element. And look at that Seth Rogen hits both of my lists. He was terrific in this as well.









X-Men: First Class
A high octane film that managed to be character driven as well, I cannot say enough good things about it. Of particular note is Michael Fassbender. He delivers a stellar performance as Erik Lehnsherr aka Magneto, capturing the subtle layers of emotions and motivations that turn Erik into one of the ultimate villains in comics.













Super 8
Bust out those 8 tracks gathering dust up there in the attic and be prepared for the most nostalgic, feel-good, action-packed film of the year. Hats off to J.J. Abrams, who totally channeled the spirit of Spielberg, and took us on a journey back to childhood that still has me smiling.














Bad Teacher
Oh my God this was effing hilarious! I love me the dirty humor and this one brought it in spades. Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake and Lucy Punch are a naughty quartet of comedic genius. I saw it again on DVD and still choked with laughter. And that has happened with only a very short list of comedy films.














The Muppets
Another trip down memory lane for me. This film faithfully captures the spirit of the old Muppets show. It was great to see all the old characters from Kermit, Piggy and Gonzo to Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band. This film has so many levels it is easily enjoyable for adults and kids. Though I will say at my showing, there were more adults than kids. LOL














Well, there you have it, my personal Bests for 2011. Agree? Think I'm out of my mind? There are many films out there that I did not get to see, that many have included on their best lists, so feel free to leave them as suggestions. I'm always up for a great movie.

23 comments:

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

Melissa, Thanks for the good review of Sherlock Holmes. I really like RDJ and have only read bad reviews. Now I look forward to seeing the movie.

I did see the movie New Year's Eve two times. Thought it might lose its edge but I liked it even more the second time! Just an all-around feel good movie.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Now that is an awesome list! Sorry, never saw 50/50 or Bad Teacher, but your other picks are spot-on.
And there were a lot of adults at my showing of The Muppets as well.
I'm posting my list in a week or two, so I'll just let you be surprised.

Unknown said...

@Gail Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to check it out. And don't listen those reviews of SH2. It is a fan-freaking-tastic film that you will love. It's even better than the first, I think.

Unknown said...

@Alex Glad you liked my list! Seems we saw a lot of the same films this year. :) Check out Bad Teacher if you get a chance. Don't know if you like the R-Rated comedies, though. 50/50 is exceptional and more uplifting than anything in spite of the subject matter.

The Muppets just rocked!

FilmMattic said...

You've highlighted a sparkling number of quality films. You already know how I feel about Super 8 and X-Men: First Class; loved 'em both greatly. Haven't seen Sherlock, Bad Teacher, or The Muppets. 50/50 made my Top 10 of 2011 list and HPATDHP2 (way too long a title) bid Rowling's remarkable tale of wondrous wizards a gracious farewell. Great post!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Even though I laughed my ass out while watching the super-funny Bad Teacher, I don't think it will made my top 10. HP was fantastic and First Class was outstanding.

50/50 was really good, but not one of my 2011 favorites.

I really need to see The Muppets, and I hope I'll have that chance to do it at the beginning of next year.

Great list, hon!

Unknown said...

@Matt Thank you, my friend. I always love your comments as they are witty and unique. I know I missed a lot of good films this year so I am looking forward to your list as our tastes usually run along a similar vein.

Unknown said...

@Nebular Thank you, hon! I'm glad you liked my list. I missed out on many great films, but I got a lot of awesome suggestions from your quick reviews. Too many to name here so I stuck with the ones I saw in the theater.

I hope you get to see The Muppets soon. It's such a great movie, very heartwarming, yet witty and lots of good fun.

M. Hufstader said...

For some reason, I'm highly amused that Seth Rogen is on both your lists. He's a hit-or-miss kind of guy for sure. I STILL have to see 50/50. One of these days. But Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, X-Men, Super 8...all brilliant movies. The others I haven't seen, but if you say they're awesome, I may have to check them out.

Unknown said...

@M I would have included Hanna, except that I decided to limit my list to those that I got to see in the theater, otherwise I'd have been here all night LOL.

Rogen is very much hit or miss and this time he turned in a stellar performance unlike that other dreadful screen experience. I think you'll like my other choices and I hope you get to see them.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

cannot get enough of that unknown potter kid and his mates.. great read...

something for you:

http://izombielover.blogspot.com/2011/12/dare-you-double-dog-dare-you.html

jeremy

Unknown said...

@iZombie Thank you so much for this award. Too cool! I couldn't get enough of HP either. Love those books.

Craig Edwards said...

Excellent list, MB! And in a more theatrical than usual year for me - I've got better than 50% under my belt this time! Mostly agreement - well, halfway, anyway! ;) Cheers!

Unknown said...

@Craig Thank you, my friend! Halfway is good. I really think I missed some good films this year. Well, that's what Red Box and Netflix are for. Some serious catching up to do.

msmariah said...

I just saw the new Sherlock Holmes film yesterday. What a fun movie. I liked it better than the first one, which was unusual.

It was delightful to see Holmes go up against his arch nemesis, Moriarty.

Unknown said...

@msmariah Yes! I loved this more than the first as well and I liked that one a lot. Homes v Moriarty was just a blast and I can't wait for more.

Dempsey Sanders said...

great post Mel, x-men and Harry Potter I enjoyed a lot this year also. Great picks there x

Unknown said...

@Dempsey Thanks! SH and HP were tops, but I seriously just adored all of these movies.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I agree with all except BAD TEACHER which now you've made me want to see. Thanks for the nudge, Roland

Unknown said...

@Roland Oh man, if you love the dirty humor, you will definitely enjoy Bad Teacher. I don't laugh like that in many comedies and this one got me twice so far. I actually bought this one.

Novroz said...

Great list Melissa. Glad to see super 8 in your list. I haven't seen most of the movies in your list. I am most curious with 50/50

Unknown said...

@Novroz Thanks! 50/50 is great, but it is a bit difficult to watch at certain parts. Still, a tough but great movie. Joseph Gorcon-Levitt is terrific.

Kaijinu said...

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows is one of the best?
Why yes it is, Dear Watson~