My Top 10 of 2011 and the Golden Cookie Awards

I have seen 50 films that were released in the United States in the year 2011. There are some highly acclaimed movies that might have made the list had I seen them, but of the movies I saw in 2011, the following are my 10 favorites. I stress the word favorite as opposed to best, because I don’t believe anyone can accurately make a list of best films.  All anyone can do is pick his or her favorites.

Overall, I think this was a very weak year in cinema, with the worst movies being especially awful, while some of my favorites wouldn’t have made top 10 lists in stronger years. But without further ado, my favorite movies of 2011 are…

1. 50/50

Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives a subtly brilliant performance in the only movie in 2011 that made me cry. It also made me laugh harder than any movie this year except for Bridesmaids. Will Reiser’s script is remarkable, walking the tightrope perfectly between comedy and drama as it deals with the difficult subject of a young man fighting cancer. And Seth Rogen is simply hilarious.

2. Midnight in Paris

It’s the Woodmeister at the top of his game. Rebounding from the lackluster Whatever Works and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Woody Allen has made a magical film in which Owen Wilson gives a pitch perfect performance as a writer who wishes he lived in a different era. Paris has never looked more stunning than through the eyes of Woody. Look for Corey Stoll who steals every scene he’s in as Ernest Hemingway. Plus, it gets better with repeat viewings. 

3. The Artist 

It's a black and white, French, silent film and it's absolutely magnificent. By far the bravest and most original movie of 2011, if The Artist ever feels gimmicky, director Michael Hazanavicius and star Jean Dujardin do a hell of a job disguising it. It's a joyous and uplifting celebration of cinema that may very well take home a boatload of Oscars. 

4. Moneyball


Great script by Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian, great acting by Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. It's a baseball movie that goes way beyond the realm of baseball.  Director Bennett Miller does a great job with pacing, as well as mixing tones  and changing rhythms. 

5. Bridesmaids


It's easily the funniest movie of 2011 but the reason it's so great is because, like all great comedies, there are fully developed characters, a great story, and the laughs cut deep. Kristen Wiig gives a superb three dimensional  lead performance and the supporting actors match her in every scene. 

6. The Ides of March


George Clooney directs the best ensemble cast of 2011, including himself, Ryan Gosling, Phillip Seymour-Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti. This super intense political thriller is razor sharp and pitch black dark; I loved every minute of it. 

7. A Separation


I am thankful that I had the chance to see this gift of a movie from Iran. Easily the best foreign language film of 2011, A Separation is phenomenally acted, perfectly directed, and expertly plotted. This film is definitely one worth seeking out. 

8. Super 8

In a year with so many bad summer blockbusters, I loved this summer monster movie directed by J.J. Abrams because it made me feel like a little kid again. It feels like a Spielberg movie from the 80s.  The last 20 minutes were a huge let down but the  first 90 minutes were super. 

9. The Adjustment Bureau


Released early in the year, this very underrated Matt Damon flick seems to have been largely forgotten, but I really liked this science-fiction romance tale about a love struck politician fighting to maintain his free will when he discovers that his whole life has been planned out. It's thought provoking, entertaining, and the most romantic movie of 2011. 

10. Martha Marcy May Marlene


Elizabeth Olsen gives the breakout performance of the year in this haunting tale about a young woman's experience in a violent cult and what happens after she escapes. First time director Sean Durkin shows a lot of potential and the movie is visually beautiful. I hate this movie's ending; it's a complete cop out, but for the most part, the rest of this movie is so good that it still makes my top 10.



GOLDEN COOKIE AWARDS:


Best Director

Asghar Farhadi - A Separation
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris


Best Screenplay


Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
Will Reiser - 50/50
Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian - Moneyball


Best Male Actor


Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 50/50
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Brad Pitt - Moneyball, The Tree of Life
Ryan Gosling - The Ides of March, Drive, Crazy Stupid Love


Best Female Actor


Tilda Swinton - We Need to Talk about Kevin
Elizabeth Olsen - Martha Marcy May Marlene
Michelle Williams - My Week with Marilyn


Most overrated/most pretentious/ most "I don't get why this got good reviews." 


The Tree of Life
Melancholia
My Week with Marilyn
The Descendants


Best crappy horror sequel


Final Destination 5
Paranormal Activity 3
Scream 4


Worst performance in a good movie


Freida Pinto - Rise of the Planet of the Apes


Worst movie I saw


The Hangover 2
Bad Teacher
The Sitter
Just Go With It
Limitless
No Strings Attached/Friends with Benefits
Cowboys and Aliens
Tower Heist


Worst movie I didn't see


New Year's Eve
Jack and Jill
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star