The Best Movies of 2011, Part 2

So, part two. I don’t have a lot to say intro-wise, other than there are plenty of films that are great that didn’t make the list. If you have recommendations or want to know my opinion on other 2011 films, just ask in the comments.

5. The Beaver (Dir. Jodie Foster)

Mel Gibson was extremely brave to make this movie. Personally, I could care less about his drunken racist rants. Anybody whose been around anyone who is either angry, drunk, or both can understand that. But the fact remains that playing a married man whose family is disintegrating because of consuming depression is a bold move. Jodie Foster (who also stars) really knew how to bring out the best in him, and Gibson’s performance is one of the best of the year, hands down. It’s a bizarre movie, one not for all the crowds, but I loved it.

4. I Saw the Devil (Dir. Kim Ji-woon)

Serial killer films are often afraid to really look at what makes a man break psychologically, or adequately do a commentary on whether one form of violence is inherently better than another, or more justified. I Saw the Devil does both. After his wife is brutally murdered by a serial killer, a city cop breaks all the rules to hunt down the killer. But the difference is that this vigilante isn’t out to feel better, and he isn’t out for justice. He’s out to cause as much pain as possible to the man who stole his love, and actually releases the killer, knowing that he can’t go to the police. He re-traces him and re-tortures him countless times. It’s a brutal psychological war game worth every second, but not for the faint of heart. It’s literally in the top 2 percent most violent movies I’ve ever seen.

3. Young Adult (Dir. Jason Reitman)

Now here’s a really smart movie. This is a character study about an immature, shallow writer of teen fiction who goes back to her small hometown to steal her high-school sweetheart back. The catalyst? She finds out he’s married and has a kid. Yep, Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is nothing but a smarmy, selfish brat, but the movie goes to great lengths to give her a foil (the amazing Patton Oswalt) who is the polar opposite, as well as make sure that we understand the motives behind her. The movie makes a different, bold turn in the final act that some may find exploitive or left-field, but it makes sense. Emotionally, I felt this was the most mature film of 2011, and I’m surprised coming from the writer of Jennifer’s Body (vomit).





2. Hugo (Dir. Martin Scorsese)

A 3D family film that is actually good? Hellz yeah! Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is an orphan living in a 1930s Paris train station who gets caught by Papa George (Ben Kingsley), a toy shop owner, after trying to steal parts to fix a robot he’s been trying to fix. He develops a friendship with George’s goddaughter (Chloe Moretz), and the two embark on an adventure to discover the secret the robot holds. It’s beautiful, heartwarming, filled with colorful characters, and most importantly, says something. Childrens films are so oversaturated with bland “cuteness” and zero emotional or mental stimulation. Kids aren’t as dumb as movie producers think- Hugo proved that by winning GOBS of awards. I hope it becomes a future classic.

1. Drive (Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn)

Ryan Gosling plays Driver, an unnamed semi-drifter who drives for criminals as well as stunt driving for movies. If that doesn’t get you, how about this- he gets involved with some mobsters (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman), and must protect his neighbor (Cary Mulligan) and her small son. It’s got car chases, badass fights, insane violence, style oozing out of every pore, and a score to die for. If you want to see a 70s-style revenge/action/car film that does the subgenre justice- this is the film for you. It’s also a poetic examination of what heroism really means and entails, and has a true mythical spirit about it that makes it intensely memorable. A true modern classic.