Dec 31, 2011

A look back at 2011

Although I always try, I can never do a top 5, or top 10; I mean, I can not put them in order, decide which one is better or worse. That's why, this year, for my tiny blog, I decided just to showcase my movies of 2011: the ones I loved, the ones that shocked me, my favorite stars, the best directors, the coolest soundtracks and my regret of not seeing some movies I know would definitely make the cut for this year!

So, without further ado, here are my picks (in no particular order):

Midnight in Paris- for the simple, yet endearing script, the best references used in a movie, for its hidden treasures, the direction and lovely sight of Paris that it is showcased throught the film

Warrior- for being my surprise of 2011, for the amazing performances delivered by Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy, for making me bite my nails during the fighting scenes and for the emotional script

Melancholia- 1 of the 2 most controversial movies for me this year; it had its ups and downs, but I have to appreciate it for what it is and the performances delivered by Dunst and Gainsborough. Plus, for its grand ending

We need to talk about Kevin- for its darkness and the shocking finale

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2- for its beautiful end of series and all of its achievements

Fast and Furious 5- you might find it funny, but I am big FF fan and I love the reunion put together for this movie(especially Paul Walker and Vin Diesel)- the franchise is still delivering great action; plus the Don Omar song at the end was the running joke for me and my sister during the summer, so it will be forever stuck in my head

Jane Eyre- for re-inventing, yet at the same time, honouring, a classic; and for great performances by Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowsa

Hugo- one of the most flawless movies I have ever seen; beautifully captures the 1930s Paris and the birth of cinema

50/50- for a fantastic script and a enjoyable mix of drama and comedy

Restless- simply put, the movie that got the strongest and weirdest reaction from me this year. Check my review from October if interested

Drive- one of the best soundtracks ever, interesting first scene, memorable direction (Nicholas Refn), and two great performances (Albert Brooks and Ryan Gosling)

Tree Of Life- second of the 2 most controversial movies for me this year; like Melancholia, with a lot of ups and downs for me, but I have to appreciate Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain and its cinematography

AND
Horrible Bosses, Crazy, stupid, love and Bridesmaids- for showing Hollywood that there are funny, sweet, great script out there for comedy; for good performances that make you laugh




Last minute add:
Great Expectations- it's perfect in so many ways- if you have the chance, please see it!

Special mentions: Take Shelter(for Michael Shannon's performance), Martha Marcy May Marlene (great director and great first part for Elizabeth Olsen), The Help (strong characters, strong women, strong performances), Senna (one of the best and most innovative documentaries I have seen), Michael Fassbender (for three amazing performances he delivered this year- Jane Eyre, X Men, Shame and especially for the breakout role in Hunger, which I only saw this year), My Week with Marilyn (all rise for the lovely Michelle Williams), Life in a day documentary (innovative idea and well-edited), Carnage (best use of space in 90 minutes plus 4 amazing actors put together)

2011 movies I haven't seen, but are probably great/would have loved them: Shame, Weekend, The Artist, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, A separation, The skin I live in, Dangerous Method, Albert Nobbs, Into the Abyss, The Descendants, maybe War Horse

...and probably I have missed some things, but honestly, my whole film memory goes back to September, because that is when I started this blog, that's when I started to pay more attention to movies and its meaning and I analysed more. These last months have been fantastic and I am eager to continue my journey through the film experience in 2012 on this blog you helped grow and grow each day more and more. Thank you!

Hope you enjoyed it!

Have a great 2012! I love you all!
Diana

18 comments:

  1. Those are some good picks! I have to see so many of these movies...I'm so behind!

    Have a happy new year, and I hope your 2012 rocks! You're definitely one of my favourite new bloggers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oooh, Restless isn't out here yet, but it will be soon. Neither is Hugo or 50/50 but I look forward to them! I loved Jane Eyre, it was so lovely :) There's no need to mess with such a classic story! Albert Nobbs was a lovely film I thought - not mind blowing or anything, but Close's performance was excellent!
    Happy New Year, look forward to reading your work again in 2012!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Some great picks and I agree with most of them (although I must admit I didn't like Horrible Bosses). Some of these movies I have not seen yet and as they are mentioned in other lists as well I have started noting them down.

    Happy New Year and a great new movie filled 2012!

    ReplyDelete
  4. @Stevee: Thank you so much, it's always nice to have you here!
    @Ruth: You should definitely see Hugo and 50/50; Restless is not mind blowing, but it hit a chord for me. Thanks for dropping by, you have a great 2012, too!
    @Nostra: Thank you very much, Happy New Year to you, too! Hope it will be great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great year, great choices, though so many I still need to see! Happy new year and have a great 2012!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks like you had a great year my friend. I have seen most of your list and there are some I really NEED to see.

    Thanks for sharing, here is to 2012

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice Picks Diana. I have seen and agree with most of them, though HUGO and 50/50 haven't had a release here yet. Great to see DRIVE and TREE OF LIFE on here. No TAKE SHELTER? I thought you really liked that one.

    Here's to another great year! Happy 2012!

    ReplyDelete
  9. @Pete: Thank you Pete for always making time to comment! Hope you get to see all the movies you want! Happy New Year!
    @Scott: Happy New Year!
    @Andy: Take Shelter was an honourable mention; I liked it, the performances were great, but I wasn't blown away by it overall! I hope you get to see Hugo and 50/50 soon, they are great! Thanks for dropping by! Have a great New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  10. For some reason you have stopped appearing on my blogroll. I do hate the internet sometimes!
    Great list! I think I will give Warrior a chance after all.

    ReplyDelete
  11. My problem with Google Reader is that sometimes it does not want to unsubscribe to blogs, so I keep getting updates from people I don't want to know anymore!It's fine :)Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love that Fast Five made your list! It really is a fun action-driven feast.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yes, Fast and Furious is great, people should give it more credit! For its genre, it's one of the best! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very nice list, you should check out "Young Adult" - it's amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks Sati! I will, when I get the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Really nice choices. I like the mix of revered indies with blockbusters. Granted, I hated most of those blockbusters, but hey, we like what we like!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes, I do like to mix things up and I don't think I have reached that level where I stick to indies and old movies and don't like blockbusters or romantic comedy...but I am getting there! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Warrior was my favourite cast of the year for sure! Really like this list : -)

    ReplyDelete