And so, we carry on the theme of the movies of 2011 that I have seen. Here are the films #25-#6, with the top and bottom five to be displayed in the next blog.
25. Bridesmaids (Paul Feig)
Another I've already reviewed, and it's a very good comedy. Uneven to begin with but picks up traction by the third act, despite not knowing to do with some of its characters and a karma Houdini rival. I really hope Kristen Wiig gets a higher profile from this, she has huge potential. And if partnered up with Tina Fey, they could prove a nigh-unbeatable team. 3.5/5
24. Friends With Benefits (Will Gluck)
Seems like the whole 'friends with benefits' thing is kicking off in movies these days, so the movie with that very title gets a chance to shine. And shine it does. Justin Timberlake (more than making up for what he did in Bad Teacher) and Mila Kunis have excellent chemistry and comedic timing, with the jokes being more hit than miss and flying fast. Just don't expect the wheel to be reinvented and you'll be fine. 3.5/5
23. The Thing (Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.)
A prequel with a story that actually needed to be told and even then it still had surprises. Resembling but not quite replicating the feel of the John Carpenter masterpiece, it carves its own place into the mythology. Helping the atmosphere are great performances, a recurring subplot reflecting the opinions of the nations at the time and no damn forced romance. Granted, we see more of the titular creature than we ought to, thus eliminating some of the mystery but still. I'd love another trip into this world. 3.5/5
22. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (Rupert Wyatt)
Say what you will about reboots, sometimes they ARE necessary. And this one is a treat. Unlike Green Lantern and the Michael Bay Transformers series, the focus is even on the humans and the simians, with characters developing naturally. James Franco shines, Andy Serkis maintains his crown as the motion-capture king, the action is fierce and the end is actually kind of unexpected. Oh, and one more thing: if you mess with John Lithgow and a chimp attacks you, totally your fault. And on a related note, I demand John Lithgow be in more films/television shows. Between this and his time on Dexter, he proves he's still a powerful player in the game. 3.5/5
21.Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (Michael Bay)
Despite what grievances I have with the series (and there are a few, in a blog post I'll do in the new year), this was still a slick action film. The humor is toned down, the details closer to the G1 continuity, the Decepticons menacing again, the addition of Leonard Nimoy and we replaced Megan Fox with someone slightly less irritating. Could have done without Patrick Dempsey, though (or as I call him, Slimy Von Douchington. I don't care who you think you are, either, you do NOT order Soundwave around like he works for you. He should backhand you, bitch. Soundwave superior, you are inferior!) and I don't know how they're going to go with a fourth based on how it ended. Still, I'm keen to see where they go (fingers crossed for Unicron. Also, Dinobots. Me David demand to see Grimlock!) 4/5
20. Rango (Gore Verbinski)
Johnny Depp and Gore Verbinski reunite for this delightfully delivered animated animal family film. The ultimate chameleon (Johnny, that is) disappears into another colourful character, and Isla Fisher is virtually unrecognizable as the female lead. Playing up the Western genre while being affectionate towards it is the key element here. Good times indeed. 4/5
19. 127 Hours (Danny Boyle)
Wow, James Franco gets around a lot doesn't he? Three entries in this list alone (not the only multiple entry, though), there's no stopping him. And who would, when he's doing stuff like this? Much like a one-man play, the burden lies on him to carry the weight of the film. Luckily, he makes the experience memorable with his ability to run the gauntlet of emotions. Easily makes up for Slumdog Millionaire. 4/5
18. True Grit (Joel and Ethan Coen)
I've only seen about half their filmography so far but I hold the belief that the Coens are incapable of making a crap movie. Average ones, maybe (like A Serious Man) but that would be as low as they can go and that's not bad. And their adaptation of True Grit is one of the better ones. Darker than the first adaptation, it boasts magnificent acting from the ace Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, a great musical score and a lovely atmosphere you can get lost in. I still prefer the first adaptation, but this is no slouch either. 4/5
17. Unstoppable (Tony Scott)
Boy, Tony Scott loves his trains doesn't he? And more power to him, it's actually a solid drama/disaster film. Chris Pine and Denzel Washington play off each other really well, the little details are not neglected and the threat of an oncoming, unmanned train crashing is always taken seriously. Rosario Dawson is just the icing on the cake. 4/5
16. The Fighter (David O. Russell)
Much like an upcoming entry, an unusual but not unwelcome biopic. Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg make a great pair and their acting is of the highest standard. Also of note is Amy Adams, doing an impressive Boston accent. The dialogue is sharp and this is easily in the same ranks of other great boxing movies like the early Rocky films and Raging Bull. 4/5
15. Batman: Year One (Lauren Montgomery/Sam Liu)
Not the best Batman animated feature from DC's Animated Original line (that honor goes to Under The Red Hood) but still one of the finest direct adaptations of a comic I've ever seen. While Benjamin McKenzie never really gets a handle on being Bruce Wayne or Batman, he's not terrible, though the real stand-out is Bryan Cranston as James Gordon. The action is fast paced and not toned down from the comic and much like the original story, it's as much about Gordon's first year in Gotham as much as it is Bruce's as Batman. Also, Eliza Dushku as Selina Kyle. Words cannot describe the level of awesome she brings. And she gets her own short too, so bonus! 4/5
14. The Adjustment Bureau (George Nalfi)
Not exactly what I was expecting but I still applaud what we have here. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt's relationship is a delight to watch develop, with all the cute little moments (like the footrace) and the concept is intriguing. Also, it pulls out a trump card with Terrence Stamp's performance. Seriously, the man's got a commanding presence.
13. Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (Christopher Berkeley, Lauren Montgomery and Jay Oliva)
The better Green Lantern film. An anthology with some interesting stories (including one of my all time favourite Green Lantern comic stories, Mogo Doesn't Socialize), the usual high quality DC animation and Nathan Fillion being an awesome Hal Jordan (and he was who I was hoping for when the Green Lantern live action film was in pre-production. But then, Nathan Fillion runs on awesome.) Nathan will be back for the next DC Animated Original movie (Justice League: Doom) and I'll be there. 4/5
12. All-Star Superman (Sam Liu)
The winner of this crop of DC Animated Original films and the first solo Superman film to do so. Despite missing some of the smaller moments of the Grant Morrison story, it's still a sheer delight to see Superman's epic stories take flight. As usual, the animation and voice casting lift the DC films above Marvel's and when you have James Denton, Christina Hendricks, Anthony LaPaglia, Alexis Denisof and Linda Cardellini, you have a top team indeed. 4/5
11. Thor (Kenneth Branagh)
Again, to summarize my own review, the key to Thor is that it takes the fish out of water concept and deliberately avoids all the cliches. Thor is never treated like an idiot, and Jane is a well-written love interest (as are all the love interests in the Marvel Studio productions, actually.) Thor also gets to kick ass and take names and Anthony Hopkins just makes it all the more enjoyable. I'll say it again: “I now take from you, your power! In the name of my father, and his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!” I will never get tired of that. 4/5
10. Paul (Greg Mottola)
Despite the lack of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost carry on and are just as hilarious as ever. The character of Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) is extremely likeable, as is Kristen Wiig's, and it's like one giant love letter to the sci-fi genre. Affectionate and funny, it was always due to hit my top ten. Oh and Jason Bateman is just awesome. I want to go on record with that. 4/5
9. Arthur (Peter Baynham)
Taking this film on its own merits (I haven't seen the original yet, I plan to eventually), it's a lot of fun. And I'm not a huge fan of Russell Brand (at least in this film he cleaned himself up and doesn't look like a wino who's going to mug me) but damn if he doesn't deliver. Jennifer Garner seems to be having a lot of fun playing the bitch, Helen Mirren provides wonderful support and the character arc Arthur goes through is touching and believable. A feel-good film I highly recommend. 4/5
8. I Love You, Phillip Morris (Glenn Ficarra/John Requa)
Sometimes the best biopics come from the most unlikely sources and this is a serious contender to become my favourite. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor work so well together that I demand they appear together again, in any capacity. A story full of surprises, and equal parts cute and funny, this is a criminally (pun not intended, for anyone who has seen the film) underrated film. 4/5
7. Scream 4 (Wes Craven)
After a long absence, Ghostface is back with a vengeance. Kicking it old school, Scream 4 comes back to show the kids how its done. It stays in the familiar while using the tricks that have arisen in the time between the third and fourth film, a wise move indeed. Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette can't be faulted, we've come to greet them like old friends. And hey, Hayden Panettiere is actually great in something! Also, after being wowed by him in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, it's nice to see Rory Culkin in an excellent supporting role again. The kills are still fresh and the twists still engaging. Welcome back, Scream, we've missed you. Don't stay away too long now. 4/5
6. Super 8 (J.J Abrams)
Spellbinding. Mysterious in typical Abrams fashion and just like his other mysteries, you're dying to get to the bottom of it. All the child actors are wonderful, and I hope they go on to have long and prosperous careers. The train sequence is one of the most amazing scenes captured on film and the rest of the film has you on the edge of your seat. I am a little put off by how much the kids swear (did all kids swear like sailors back in the 70's? Seriously, swap some of the slang and they would sound like the kids today, only the kids in the movie are much smarter and more mature than kids today) but that's the most minor gripe I can think of if I'm forced to. Otherwise, it's one of the most original films I've seen this year and one of the best cinema experiences. I cannot urge people enough to go see it. 4/5
Well, certainly a varied list again, though this one having a lot more comic book related movies (I'm a comic nerd, so sue me. If I do a list for 2012, expect to see a lot of them again).
Only one more to go. Which films will be the cream of the crop and which will be the ones that cause me to hang my head in shame? Find out next time.
Utterly shocked that Thor didn't make the list. As high and mighty as you talk about it.
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