This always takes me forever to compile. I also want you to rest assured that this is always changing. I always add to it or take off from it as I see more movies. However, this is how it currently stands.
1) THE TREE OF LIFE
Directed by Terrence Malick
A strong contender for the greatest movie of all time. Beyond description.
2) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Directed by Woody Allen
Woody Allen crafts another stellar film, pouring all of his passion for Paris into a film that is charming and witty. Owen Wilson delivers the finest performance of his career, as he’s supported by an incredible cast. Allen is still the same clever genius he’s always been. His writing in this film is extremely strong, and we will likely see him pick up his record third screenwriting Oscar for his work (after a record 15 nominations).
3) SUPER 8
Directed by J. J. Abrams
One hell of an entertaining ride. It reminds us of what blockbusters used to be, and how they should be. A charming tale of friendship and monsters, Super 8 is an awesome theater-going experience. Abrams borrows a bunch of directing techniques of Steven Spielberg and crafts a thrilling film of his own. He’s quickly establishing himself as a powerful director with immense potential.
4) DRIVE
Directed by Nicholas Winding Refn
The coolest movie of the year and destined to be a cult classic. Drive is the visceral thriller from Nicholas Winding Refn. Ryan Gosling delivers a manic performance as one of the most fascinating characters of the year. Perfectly balancing action and romance, it’s a carnal experience that is entertaining to watch (with a kick-ass soundtrack to boot).
5) THE ARTIST
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius
The revolutionary film that’s drawing all kinds of attention. Michel Hazanavicius crafts a charming film that captures our attention with virtually no dialogue at all. A silent film about the silent era, The Artist is a film that simply must be experienced. Jean Dujardin delivers one of the best performances of the year as the weary film star George Valentin. Michel Hazanavicius uses several techniques from silent films in order to create a masterful tribute.
6) HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2
Directed by David Yates
The final, impeccable conclusion to J. K. Rowling’s magnificent fantasy saga. David Yates’ two-part finale is the finest of the series, and a fitting farewell. The beloved characters have all grown up, and the astounding young cast finally delivers mature performances that I can honestly say are some of the finest of the year. Alan Rickman steals the show with a stunning performance as Severus Snape. David Yates utilizes his two films well, by packing a large number of amazing battle scenes into Part 2 to make up for the slower paced Part 1. Harry Potter will undoubtedly pass into history as a pop-culture icon. It all comes to an end with this film, and I could not have asked for a better conclusion.
7) THE MUPPETS
Directed by James Bobin
Jason Segel ushers in the glorious rebirth of Jim Henson’s beloved Muppets. Everyone that worked on this film deserves a great amount of praise, especially Segel and Nick Stoller for the screenplay, James Bobin for his direction, and Bret McKenzie for the fantastically appropriate soundtrack. McKenzie had damn well better pick up an Oscar for his original songs. Everyone does their part, and fully commits to creating a movie that Jim Henson would have been proud of. It made me laugh, it damn near made me cry, and it introduced a whole new young generation to the wholesome entertainment of The Muppets.
8) JANE EYRE
Directed by Cary Fukunaga
I was completely captivated when I first read Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece. And I was astounded when I watched Cary Fukunaga knock it out of the park with his amazing adaptation. It’s a powerful tale of love and strength, and it’s given it’s due respect in Fukunaga’s film. The romance and the intrigue are perfectly captured. He doesn’t try to modernize it. Instead, he just tries to tell the same magnificent story that Brontë told. It features the two most under-appreciated performances of the past year: one from suddenly infamous Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester, the other from the young Mia Wasikowska as the stoic Jane Eyre. A radiant and sadly overlooked film.
9) BRIDESMAIDS
Directed by Paul Feig
Truthfully, Bridesmaids wasn’t as funny the second time around. But there’s no denying it’s one of the funniest films of the year. Kristen Wiig finally displays the full extent of her comedic genius by co-creating a hilarious screenplay that earns her an Academy Award nomination. With brilliant performances from the entire cast, Melissa McCarthy shines with an Oscar-nominated performance of her own. As a Judd Apatow production, I had a good idea of what to expect, and I was extremely pleased to see this film exceed my expectations. If Bridesmaids does get labelled as a ‘chick-flick’, then it’s undoubtedly the best one yet.
10) SOURCE CODE
Directed by Duncan Jones
Duncan Jones’ new film gets a wider release than his directorial debut, Moon, and its good to see that he’s fine-tuning his skills. Source Code takes on a more mainstream action movie feel, but Jones manages to bring in a sense of deep deliberation that we witnessed in Moon. The story is very well-constructed and splendidly directed. It’s reminiscent of Twelve Monkeys, and Jones does not try to shy away from this. The ending is probably my favorite part, and it’s a testament to good science-fiction. It doesn’t quite go the way I expected, in terms of plot, mood and story. It’s some damn good sci-fi. Zowie Bowie’s got a bright future.
calvindsilva 