Minaret Movie Critic Rounds Up Top Ten Flicks of 2011

Let me waste as little time as possible and just get to it. With the Golden Globes behind us, and the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards taking place in the coming weeks, I have compiled my list for the top 10 films of 2011. I used no other formula but the basic combination of my enjoyment of the movie with how excellent the filmmaking in itself was.

It’s a challenge any year to narrow this list down to simply just 10 films; many more deserve recognition for stellar acting, magnificent storytelling, foolproof direction, what have you. And while certain limitations have prevented me from seeing every movie potentially worth crediting (for instance, movies like Shame, A Separation, Take Shelter, among others, either have not been released nationwide quite yet or are just difficult to come across), I feel confident in giving a nod to the movies that follow.

First, here are a few tremendous films that represent the cream of the crop in ’11, but just missed making the list: (in no particular order) Moneyball, Super, War Horse, The Artist (I’m predicting this win the Oscar for Best Picture), Midnight in Paris, The Beaver, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and Bridesmaids.

Now on to the top 10…

10. Meek’s Cutoff

Released in mid-April, this little known gem has gotten lost among the late-year surge of Oscar hopefuls. Based on a true story and starring the always reliable Michelle Williams, this film helmed by director Kelly Reichardt follows three families in 1845 traversing the endless Oregon desert. It may test your patience, but it would be a shame to let this subtly brilliant exercise in storytelling and spot on realism of a period piece slip past your viewing.

9. The Ides of March

While Clooney is racking up awards for The Descendants, the movie he directed and co-starred in for 2011 was also a success. The Ides of March is an excellent political thriller that cares about its characters, dialogue and story. It balances nicely on the line of political motivations and personal melodrama—something that, if not done properly, can bog the film down and wear an audience out. Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman in particular give great performances among a star-studded cast.

8. The Muppets

It’s not an easy task to please the longtime Muppet faithful while welcoming new fans into the mix, but Kermit the Frog and his crew do exactly that. Jason Segal and Amy Adams, with grins made for the stage, tone up their performances to a perfect degree while letting the real magic be done by the Muppets themselves. Unfortunately for our furry friends, they are in the strange position during awards’ season; being a non-animation movie geared towards a younger audience, I don’t see The Muppets getting any bones thrown their way in the form of nominations, let alone awards. That’s a shame, considering this is easily the most enjoyable movie-going experience of the year.

7. The Tree of Life

It’s not necessary (nor is it possible) to fully understand every aspect of the gripping, thought provoking Tree of Life to appreciate what superior filmmaking it is. This is more of an experience than it is a movie. With Tree of Life, Terrence Malick has created one of the most visually breathtaking and deeply profound masterpieces in cinematic history. It’s his brain child (he wrote and directed); this seems a movie intended almost as much for him as it is for moviegoers. As such, things are much too lofty for us to understand. Regardless, this movie seems to connect with people on some level—whether it is with faith, religion, purpose—and have a definitive impact on the way we perceive life.

6. The Descendants

Not only is George Clooney dating model and former WWE diva Stacy Keibler; he was also in two of the best movies 2011 had to offer. Clooney (who just won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama – at the Golden Globes) leads the way of great performances from a talented cast also featuring Shailene Woodley and Judy Greer. Mix that together with Alexander Payne’s heavy hearted original screenplay and direction, and we have a really touching film. After its big win at the Globes (Best dramatic Motion Picture), it now has to be a frontrunner (alongside The Artist) to take home the top prize at the Academy Awards.

5. 50/50

This movie’s prosperity can be credited in large part to Will Reiser’s semi-autobiographical screenplay and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s leading performance. With strokes of both drama and comedy, sometimes blending together, Reiser has created a very balanced approach to handling a film centered around a character with cancer. And Gordon-Levitt proves to be one of the most likeable young leading men. Along with the rest of the cast, he realistically switches his emotions with ease. The only negative I found in 50/50 was that it went by too quickly. I’ll have to gladly watch it again.

4. The Help

From Viola Davis to Bryce Dallas Howard, The Help touts the best cast in all of 2011. The Screen Actors Guild presents an award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture; it would be a huge snub if The Help didn’t win.

Based on a 2009 novel of the same name, this is a fine example of a story that transitions smoothly from on paper to on screen. It’s a film of great value that has plenty of things to teach and an abundance of lessons to learn. Your eyes should well up at least once during a viewing of The Help.

3. Hugo

Martin Scorsese is magnificent. It’s astonishing how easily he goes from hard-hitting movies like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and The Departed to the wondrous family film Hugo. Based on Brian Selznick’s novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Scorsese crafts yet another masterpiece—this time in 3D. Movies that actually excel with the use of that extra dimension are rare, but Hugo takes full advantage with depth and crisp colors to spare. A tribute to the art of movies and the filmmaking experience, the story is one that’s easy to let yourself get immersed in. Just another wonderful movie-going experience for an audience member of any age.

2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Not a dull moment is to be found in the 158-minute American remake and adaptation of the wildly popular Swedish film and novel, respectively, of the same name. These actors bring author Stieg Larsson’s characters to life with the most impressive excruciating detail, namely newcomer Rooney Mara, portraying the obscure heroine Lisbeth Salander. Mara deserves the stardom she is receiving upon the film’s release; this is the kind of role that catapults a young actor’s career, and Mara puts forth one of the best performances of the year.

There are several scenes featuring Lisbeth that are quite difficult to watch, but Mara’s role commitment coupled with director David Fincher’s proficient vision and style makes it easier for a viewer to understand the importance those moments play in the cohesiveness of the film, rather than coming off as offensive or tasteless. Certainly this will not be looked back upon as Fincher’s greatest work (Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network—take your pick), but Dragon Tattoo still comes in as the second best movie of the year. That’s how impressive he is as a director.

1. Drive

A uniquely thrilling movie with an oddly intoxicating performance by Ryan Gosling tops my “best of the best” list for 2011. Gosling says little, as he lets his facial expressions and actions carry the weight. His top notch performance is met by supporting actors Albert Brooks, playing off type as an unfunny villain, and Bryan Cranston as Gosling’s father figure sidekick. The cast in general hit all the right keys as the two storylines—one a different take on a love story, the other an action-filled crime—play off one another and complement each other perfectly. Drive plays like a 1980’s neo-noir set in present day, with a catchy, whimsical soundtrack and director Nicolas Refn’s extremely toned down and subdued style. Exciting, engrossing and worth multiple viewings, Drive was my favorite film of the year.

Daniel Feingold can be reached at dfeingold91@gmail.com.

Editor’s Note: I welcome your comments below with your own thoughts on the best movies of 2011 and any expectations you have for the upcoming Academy Awards.