From political drama thrillers to biographies to action films, 2011 offered memorable and fascinating entries in numerous movie genres. In Shockya’s new mini-series, your favorite writers will countdown their Top 10 favorite films of the past year. With award season quickly approaching and the nominees for several ceremonies already announced, including the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards and the 18th Annual SAG Awards, listed below are some of the best movies of 2011. Whether the films feature believable acting, realistic storytelling, perfectly guided direction or a combination of all three, the following ten movies will definitely stand out as the best of the best in the years to come.
Directed by: George Clooney
Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, October 7; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Director George Clooney skillfully showcased the secret deals and manipulations that occur behind the scenes of major American political campaigns. While the actor’s supporting character holds no regrets over the unethical decisions he makes to achieve his presidential dream, lead actor Ryan Gosling was perfectly able to show that some politicians are affected by the cynical aspect of the business. ‘The Ides of March’ aimed to show Clooney character’s Mike’s tireless effect to win over his target voters, but ultimately proved that some politicians realize that unethical campaigning isn’t the best way to run the country.
2. ‘The Help’
Director: Tate Taylor
Actors: Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney and Jessica Chastain
Theatrical Release Date: Wednesday, August 10; Blu-ray/DVD Release date: Tuesday, December 6
While many film adaptations of books aren’t as emotionally touching, and don’t feature as many in-depth characters and themes, as their source material, writer-director Tate Taylor definitely stayed true to Kathryn Stockett’s novel of the same. Combining the important theme that people’s equality is more important than other people’s opinions with memorable characters, ‘The Help’ will certainly support Taylor and actress Emma Stone’s thriving careers. Stone proved her versatility in the film’s dramatic scenes, showing she was truly sympathetic to the maids’ struggle for equality.
Director: Robert Redford
Actors: James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel and Justin Long
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, April 15; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: Tuesday, August 16
‘The Conspirator’ is a great tribute to President Lincoln and his fight to preserve the U.S. and re-unify the states. Director Robert Redford took a bold chance in making a court room legal drama about the president’s assassination, instead of focusing on the suspense leading up to it and the search for Booth. But it’s powerful message that opposing sides should overcome their struggles, along with James McAvoy’s powerful portrayal of lawyer Frederick, ultimately proved that historical dramas can be engaging and entertaining.
4. ‘Fast Five’
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Dwayne Johnson
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, April 29; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: Tuesday, October 4
‘Fast Five’ is the best sequel in the Fast and the Furious’ series because it doesn’t concentrate solely on the car racing. While there are some high action sequences featured in the movie as Brian, Dom and Mia try to pull off the heist, screenwriter Chris Morgan rightfully also focused on the relationships between the main characters. The characters truly mature in the sense as they no longer care about the thrill of the racing and out-smarting law enforcement. Brian wants to safely care for Mia and put an end to their running. Incorporating more emotional exchanges between the returning characters, along with the series’ infamous car racing stunts, Lin proved that not all sequels are inferior to the original movie.
5. Young Adult
Director: Jason Reitman
Starring: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser
Theatrical Release Date: Limited: Friday, December 9; Expands Wide: Friday, December 16; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: To Be Announced (TBA)
‘Young Adult’s surprising protagonist, the superficial Mavis Gray, played by Charlize Theron, perfectly captures the essence of the popular crowd who peaked in high school and now don’t have a single redeeming characteristic. While Mavis engages in some outrageous acts that many people wouldn’t even consider doing, particularly trying to win back their married high school sweetheart, her vulnerability allows viewers to empathize with her pain. While her own parents fail to do anything to help her emotionally mature, Mavis’ surprising but natural relationship with her former classmate Matt Freehauf, portrayed by Patton Oswalt, makes her realize there’s more to life than being the former It girl in school.
6. ‘Footloose’
Directed by: Craig Brewer (‘Hustle & Flow,’ ‘Black Snake Moan’)
Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, October 14; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: TBA
Director and co-screenwriter Craig Brewer proved that by casting actors who understood their characters’ emotions and motivation, and who had an extensive dancing background, remakes can be just as motivational as their original counterparts. Lead actors Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough had high expectations to meet when they took on Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer’s roles, but the two young actors ultimately excelled. Not only will they be remembered for their dancing in the new ‘Footloose,’ they will also be recognized for standing up for what they believe in.
7. Warrior
Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
Starring: Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte and Frank Grillo
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, September 9; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: Tuesday, December 20
‘Warrior’ is a surprising action sports drama in the fact that it doesn’t solely focus on brothers Brendan and Tommy’s preparation to fight in Sparta,the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. Director and co-writer Gavin O’Connor humanized the fighters in his film by giving them in-depth, believable obstacles in their past and present that they’re still struggling to overcome. While ‘Warrior’ isn’t based on a true story like ‘The Fighter,’ O’Connor’s film does include as much of a developed back-story and intriguing characters as last year’s Academy Award-winning movie.
8. We Bought a Zoo
Director: Cameron Crowe
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Colin Ford and Elle Fanning
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, December 23; Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: TBA
Matt Damon gives a memorizing performance as Benjamin Mee, a real-life father whose memoir chronicles him spending his life savings to restore and reopen the Dartmoor Zoological Park. The Academy Award winner convincingly portrays a widower struggling to raise his young daughter and teenage son, and would do anything to protect them. Damon and Colin Ford, who plays Benjamin’s son Dylan, believably play a parent and child determined to get along, but can’t seem to find common ground on anything.
9. My Week with Marilyn
Director: Simon Curtis
Starring: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne and Kenneth Branagh
Theatrical Release Date: Wednesday, November 23; Blu-Ray DVD Release Date: TBA
Michelle Williams was the perfect choice to portray the true, insecure nature of Marilyn Monroe as she continuously struggled to find the reassurance that people loved her for her personality, and not her celebrity status. Already being a fan of the actress allowed Williams to show that there was more to Monroe’s personality than the public realized. ‘My Week with Marilyn’ genuinely humanized the sex symbol, and proved that she more easily related to her fans than her Hollywood colleagues.
10. Super 8
Director: JJ Abrams
Starring: Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler and Ron Eldard
Theatrical Release Date: Friday, June 10; DVD Release Date: Tuesday, November 22
Courtney and Fanning also have a great chemistry together as two young teens who are being told by their fathers they shouldn’t be friends. They defy the odds to be together when their town is attacked by an extraterrestrial. ‘Super 8′ is also another outstanding directorial effort from screenwriter-director JJ Abrams, who expertly understands how to combine an emotional story with stimulating special effects. He proves once again that not all disaster movies have to feature extensive special effects and a tragically under-developed plot line to be exciting.
Honorable Mentions: ‘The Lincoln Lawyer,’ ‘Carnage,’ ‘Margin Call,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Unknown’
Be sure to stay tuned to Shockya for more of the best films of 2011 by your favorite writers. Hopefully the intriguing movies listed above will be honored during the upcoming awards season. Let us know if you agree or disagree with our picks, and what you think are the best films of the year.
