MOVIES IN REVIEW FOR 2011

 

2011 goes down as the year cinema was at a crossroads.  While the independent sector produced some excellent films, commercially the industry was all over the place.  Glutted with endless 3-D movies, mindless blockbusters and poorly conceived stories, the once thriving machine from Hollywood finds itself tarnishing its once rosy reputation.  The local Australian industry went great guns however with films like Red Dog – proving Australia can make films for broad audiences and garner critical praise – something hopefully to be built upon.

So as the year draws to a close find out which films deserve their moment in the sun and those deserving of time in the naughty corner…..……

THE BEST

10.  True Grit

9.    Thor

8.    The Ides of March

7.    Red Dog

6.    X-Men: First Class

5.    The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet’s Nest

4.    Super 8

3.    Rise of the Planet of the Apes

2.    Drive

1. Black Swan

What I said then:  “At times disturbing, surreal and uncomfortable viewing, Black Swan is an endlessly fascinating film.  Aronofsky should be pleased his latest striking directorial effort continues his agitation from mainstream film-making – something always deserving of applause.”

What I say now:  The best movies are often ones uncompromising in their story-telling of which Black Swan does.  A visually amazing and well scripted movie, this was by far the most memorable production in a generally unremarkable cinematic year.

Honourable Mentions:

Rabbit Hole, The Hunter, The Debt, Unstoppable, The Fighter, Hereafter, Unknown.

THE WORST

10.          Sanctum

9.            Cars 2

8.            The Dilemma

7.            Spy Kids 4

6.            Abduction

5.            The Cup

4.            Paranormal Activity 3

3.            New Year’s Eve

2.            I Am Number 4

1.         Mr. Popper’s Penguins

What I said then:  “Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a terrible movie only suitable for punishing naughty children. Woefully acted, dull and poorly written, Jim Carrey’s latest does him no favours and proves even former box office champions can find themselves out in the cold.”

What I say now:  One of the worst children’s movies in recent years, Mr. Popper’s Penguins distinguishes itself as being one of the final nails in Carrey’s career coffin.

Dishonourable Mentions:

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Burlesque, The Green Hornet, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Beautiful Lies, Green Lantern, Cowboys and Aliens, Fright Night, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.

And so another year of movie-going draws to a close.  Thanks for reading over the last 12 months and for the comments.  May everyone have a happy and enjoyable holiday and see you all back again next year for another year of cinematic critiques!