TOP FILMS SEEN IN 2011

Figured I would start to use this outlet again. Even if I'm the only one that ever uses it. And I kind of wanted to capture why I liked these 10 films so much. 2011 was kind of a drag in regards to quality films. I managed to squeeze out like 5 films during December that actually made my top list so I guess if it wasn't for December the year would be a total wash... In no particular order:

We Need To Talk About Kevin [2011]
Watched this lil' beauty off of an award press screening site and I enjoyed the whole experience. Just from watching the trailer you get the vibe of the film. I love the pacing and arrangement of this film. The first act feels like a dream where you remember elements but not how they fit into the overall picture. It's surreal, confusing, and downright violating. So good. Cate Blanchett is a gem, like usual. Popping off the screen as the star should. The son who's name I don't know is excellent as well. Even the young version of him is a haunting vision. As a soon-to-be-father this film scares the jewjews out of you. It reminds me of the chaos element that no matter how much we try to correct it our efforts are worthless and at the end of the day we're left helpless and destroyed.

Drive [2011]
Everyday I restrain myself from watching this again online. The DVD release is the week of my birthday and yes, I'm going to treat myself to watching it the second time in blu-ray's beautifulness. The parallels between this film and Taxi Driver [1976??] are staggering, which is probably way I love it so. Ryan Gosling is perfectly restrained and Leon-the-professional crazy when he needs to be. I loved the pacing and soundtrack of this film the most. The College's tune "A Real Hero" is a haunting tune that carries the pace of the film and story perfectly. I'm not a huge 80's fan, but it definitely adds to the film (title sequence in particular is 80's inspired). My favorite scene is when Ryan, the girl, and her son are out by the creek. Amazing. It's a visual spectacle and there are also payoffs for those that NEED that action/violence for resolution. It was just an added bonus for me, but I could've done without them and fine too.

Hesher [2010]
Joseph Gordon-Lovitt (sp?) is by far one of my favorite actors of 2011. With Hesher and 50/50 easily climbing into my top 10. I love how versatile he is. Hesher is just a fun ride. It follows a character I feel a lot of guys can relate to. The character is answered perfectly by this question: what would you do with your life if you just stopped caring and wanted to enjoy each day? Maybe that's not exactly the right question but I'm not going to squabble over it. The secondary characters add a lot too. The young boy, Rainn Wilson and that girl, whose name I always forget...

50/50 {2011]
Anything with Seth Rogan in it I automatically stereotype and place in the "watch one day, but don't care about" tray in my mind. But alas, my preconceived notions have been shattered. Sure Seth Rogan is the comic relief in this film but I feel like he also adds so much to the drama and sincerity of the film when it really kicks into gear. This film manages to take an extremely difficult subject and give it a light-hearted spin. Sure, there are moments of utter seriousness and that's why I like it so much. Ying and yang baby.

Martyrs [2008]
Ugh... this film. I need to revisit it because I remember wondering at about the 50 minute mark when something was going to happen and I think my attention was not where it should've have been. Definitely one of the downfalls of watching films at work on a 12 inch screen. This film rocked my world. The final act leaves you questioning your own life, which is a good thing. The sadist in me loves the whole dependency relational aspect of involved in prisoner/captive. I'm reminded of the Biblical story of the rich man who is in hell who longs for one drop of water to relieve the torment he's in. If you think about it, that's a beautiful thing in a twisted way, and I feel that relates to this film. The third act that is. There's a sick salvation in the end of suffering this film offers. Tread lightly if you dare enter.

Machete [2010]
Danny Trejo, danny trejo, danny trejo... Need I say more? This film is a grindhouse/exploitation/blackplotation/etc 's wet dream. I enjoyed it a ton. Not as much as I thought I would, but it's still on this list. I kick myself for not seeing it in a theater with the crowd going crazy. That would've made the experience much more memorable I believe.

Night and Fog [1955]
A documentary that captures the aftermath of the holocaust camps several years after the war concludes. Next to The Cove and Man On Wire it's one of the most visually haunting documentaries I have ever seen. It's surreal to see exactly where it all happened. Probably not as devastating as Earthlings, but I'm not ready for that doc yet. Just the trailer does the job for now.

Limitless [2011]
Again, another film in which the first act is by far superior from the rest of the film. It's smart and witty and shot well etc etc. The first act is really all you need from this film. the following acts are sloppy in my opinion and have a downward momentum build, but I still enjoyed the ride. Repeat viewing wasn't as good as the initial.

The Machinist [2004]
Probably my favorite piece of work by Christian Bale since American Psycho. And yes, Batman Begins is BETTER than The Dark Knight. This film is a bad dream. One that takes place in a desolated part of town, late at night, that never ends. It reminds me of Fight Club in some aspects, but I found myself mesmerized by it and I can't say I'm excited to revisit it, but I need to. I just have to be in the proper depressed state of mind I guess.

The Town [2010]
Finally saw this after about a year after it's release and I enjoyed it. It honestly was a bubble film for me for this list. I enjoyed the tight writing and well-injected action/drama. I feel like they were trying a little bit too hard though to recapture some of the long gone Heat inspired magic. The Bostonian vibe was fine, even though Ben Affleck's accent made me want to smash my face in with a hockey stick. I do remember enjoying the comradery element to this film.