Juan’s Top 25 of 2011
20. Bridesmaids (dir. Paul Feig)
I can’t understand how anyone thinks this movie isn’t hilarious. Something that annoys me though is that people are so shocked that women can be just as funny and raunchy as men. Of course they fucking can, you assholes. They have always been able to. Every woman in this movie is hilarious and there’s no reason why anyone should think otherwise. Wiig’s screenplay, excellent performances, and the use of Wilson Philips’ song Hold On make this one of the funniest films of the year.
19. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey (dir. Constance Marks)
My tiny heart was pretty much exploding through every minute of this movie. It’s one of the few documentaries that really just proves how good-natured a real human being can be, and it’s rare to see that. It shows us how the magic world that Jim Henson created has touched hearts and that one person who created a timeless character can make millions smile on a daily basis.
18. Submarine (dir. Richard Ayoade)
After falling in love with Richard Ayoade on The IT Crowd, I had to check out his debut film. Once I saw the trailer I knew I was going to enjoy it, but it seriously surpassed my expectations. Ayoade works that camera beautifully and every actor in the movie (regardless of age or experience) does a damn fine job. Submarine is a great coming-of-age film and you should all give it a shot.
17. Rango (dir. Gore Verbinski)
I have to admit I was very hesitant about watching this one at first because I’ve always been wary of westerns. I grew up not being a fan of them, but over the last few years they’ve been growing on me. Rango surprised me by turning out to be much more than your average animated film. It’s full of references to classic films (not all westerns) and features some fine voice acting work from everyone involved.
16. We Need to Talk About Kevin (dir. Lynne Ramsay)
Tilda Swinton’s done some terrible and terrific work. We Need to Talk About Kevin definitely falls under the terrific category. Although I’m not the biggest fan of Ezra Miller, everyone did such a fine job in their roles — especially Swinton. Although I’ve only seen this one film by Lynne Ramsay, it is easy to see that she is a great director and that this film is a great adaptation of a very interesting book.
Juan I applaud your list. but did you not see Take Shelter? or did it just not make in your top?
@Cinema Fanatic, I never got to watch it. The only place it released here in Miami was this tiny arthouse theater with a screen the size of my face that’s really cramped and far away. It was also only a two day release, so I got royally fucked over with that one.
@Cinema Fanatic, Getting that movie online for me to watch is one of the few reasons I wholeheartedly support piracy lol
@Juan Barquin, oh man. well find it when it’s out on DVD. you will love it.
@Cinema Fanatic, I just found out it releases Feb 14th on DVD/Blu-ray and amusingly enough the blu-ray is $5 cheaper than the $30 DVD.
You are my hero! I am still struggling with my top 25 in Korean music.
@Julyssa, I am no hero! I am…the dark knight.
This is a dedicated list. xD I disagree a bit with your intro statement, I didn’t think it was such a great year for film. I mean, it was a good year, but not in the amount where you have to ask yourself in sudden hysterics “OMGGG, which one do I love the mostttttt??? I CANNNNOTTT CHOOOOOSE~~~” I think that happened to me in 2006 or 2008 xD
@amy, what are you talking about omg do you understand how hard it was for me to organize my top ten? It was BRUTAL. They’re all such wonderful films in their own way and it was so hard to properly organize them. The only ones I knew for sure were #1 and then 2-4 (which were also hard to organize fairly because they’re all flawless).
@Juan Barquin, yeah. that feeling. Hasn’t happened to me since 2008. If you check my MUBI list, it’s fairly slim compared to previous years.
And I’m completely disconnected from award season this year. It’s the first time in… many years since I miss all the award shows. I really don’t know what it is… I used to be the one reserving the day, and showering early pretending to prep for the award show and watch it all… not this year.
Anyway – I want to shock you with this. Did you know The Muppets only stayed 2 weeks at the theater down here? I tried to watch it two weeks ago, and it was already gone despite it opening on Xmas week.
@amy, Mupppets is still airing (dubbed), on CinePlanet San Miguel, lol.
Damn, I’m sooooo behind! I need to see ALL of these films. I’m most interested in My Week With Marilyn, Winnie the Pooh, The Muppets, Bridesmaids, and Shame, though apparently I need to see Drive. So, I’ve got LOADS to catch up on. I haven’t been able to actually see anything really for two or three years…yeah, it’s been that long.
Thanks for the list. Now I know where I need to start :)
@Camiele, A lot of people hated My Week though so be warned about that one. And yessssss, I am 98% sure everyone will agree that you need to see Drive ASAP.
@Camiele needs to be Ryan Gosling-educated. LOL
I haven’t seen all the films yet. :(
While I agree that TOL should be seen in Blu-Ray because it’s graphically stunning and has really great music, I wouldn’t rank it above Drive and Midnight in Paris.
@Rodrigo, Yeah, those three were very tough to rank but I like the way I left them set up.
Great list. Similar to mine. You should do a Top 25 worst.
@Eric, Thanks! I’m hoping to do a bottom ten actually to keep it nice and simple!