2011
The Year in Movies
By The Rocket
Welcome back to my year end rankings and awards presentation. I have set a
record for the third consecutive year in number of watched films(106). I managed to sit
through some painful and boring ass shit, just so I could tell you that it sucked in this
review. There really wasn't a clear cut winner this year, but some really good depth this
year. Not as many great films as last year, but more good to average ones. I agreed with
the critics way too much last year( I couldn't help it), but it's different this year. That
doesn't mean that they were poorly reviewed movies, but they aren't necessarily Oscar
material either. That's the beauty of my reviews. I've watched all the movies that the
average person would watch and I can give “the people's angle” without any ulterior
motives.
There are some movies that I haven't seen yet, but I always try to get my year end
review out by the first of January. I'll update the rankings when I get a chance, but all
“The Rockar” awards are final! I'm pretty set on my movie of the year and I'm pretty
sure that no one can guess this year's winner. There are still plenty of “Oscar” films to
be watched, but they usually don't stand up to “The Rockars” anyways.
If my review can save anyone some time,money, or sanity then it's been worth my
time and effort to write this for everyone. Here's to a great 2012 (should be one of
the best years for movies in a while). Cheers and Godspeed(I learned that from”The
Rock”). Who said that Jerry Bruckheimer movies are dumb and brainless?
I thought that I should also mention that “Pearl Jam 20”, the documentary was
released this year, but “The Rockar's” are for narratives only! I'd read a book if I wanted
to learn. It's actually a great documentary and I highly recommend it.
AND THE NOMINEES ARE:
BEST ANIMATED FILM:
“The Adventures of Tin, Tin”- A nice mix between action and adventure. Something Spielberg does great! One of the most entertaining directors working today.
“Kung Fu Panda 2”-The first movie was surprisingly good and this is a rare
sequel that surpasses the original.
3. “Hugo”- Scorcese's first animated film and it has nothing to do with gangsters!
Not so sure that kids will like it, but it's very well done.
4. “Rango”- Gore Verbinksi finally gets off the pirates franchise and makes another
kid's movie that's for adults.
5. “Puss In Boots”- I'm actually not a “Shrek” fan and I found this entertaining.
Not a Pixar film for the first time in “Rockar” history. “Cars 2” sucked big time.
SPECIAL EFFECTS:
1. “Transformers:Dark of the Moon”-Stupid fun that entertains. Way better than
the first sequel.
2. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”-Weta in New Zealand really does a great job of
making the apes come to life. They really make you feel for the apes and that is
key for making the story work.
3. “Super 8”- A great example of using CGI for story telling and not just for the
hell of it!
4. “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows:Part II- The battle of Hogwart's couldn't
be told without great effects.
5. “X-Men: The First Class- Bad special effects might have ruined a great origin
story.
SCREENPLAY:
1. “The Ides of March”- Let's hope that George Clooney is a better writer than a
Batman!
2. “Warrior”-- Gavin O'Connor wrote and directed this UFC movie. Great sports/
drama flick. Goose bumps all over this screenplay.
“50/50”- A great comedy/drama that is real and entertaining at the same time.
“Source Code”-Sci-Fi is always hard to write, but this is an intriguing story about life.
“Margin Call”- A great cast to support a strong screenplay. A good surprise.
Not all of these are nominated for Best Picture.
SONG:
1. “Yellow Ledbetter”-by Pearl Jam from “50/50”- The movie takes place in
Seattle. Enough said.
2. “Closing Time”by Semisonic- Key song to the plot of “Friends with Benefits”
3. “Footloose” by Blake Shelton-A decent remake for a decent remake.
4. “The Muppet Theme song” by the Muppets- It's time to play the music!
5. “Tick of the Clock”by the Chromatics- Great placement in “Drive”.
This might be the easiest to predict the winner. Great song in a great movie. Enough said.
SCORE:
1. “ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides- Best thing about the films.
2. “Attack the Block”- The music flows perfectly with the style of this movie.
3. “Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol- A very suspenseful movie and the music
adds to all of the fun.
4. “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows II”-This has become an iconic theme,
so it's gotta be a nominee.
5.“Warrior”- Any great sports/goose bump movie needs a good score.
Surprise of the Year:
“Attack the Block”- A British film that got some buzz, so I checked it out and
I was impressed.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”- The Marky Mark remake had me a little
worried, but this was a fantastic movie.
“Bridesmaids”- I didn't even want to watch this movie, but I gave a female raunchy comedy a shot and it paid off big time.
“Drive”- Internet buzz got me to watch this movie and it's in the running for the best picture.
“Warrior”- I'm not even a UFC fan, but I love inspirational sports movies and Gavin O'Connor knows how to make them.
Disappointment of the Year:
“The Hangover II”- I knew that it couldn't be as good as the original, but it took the lazy way out. Recycled jokes, but still somewhat funny.
“Cowboys & Aliens”- I thought this would be bad ass with a good director at the helm, but it was way too slow and the pay off wasn't good enough.
“Cars 2”- I knew that Pixar couldn't produce great films forever, but they really crashed and burned on this one. Let's hope the sequel to “Monsters INC” is better.
“Sucker Punch”- I didn't have super high hopes for this movie, but I thought it would be good and it was so boring and repetitive that I had to nominate it for how bad it was.
“Green Lantern”- I was hoping that they could add to the great comic book heroes of late, but this is was a total dud.
Guilty Pleasure:
1. “Crazy, Stupid, Love”- A good chick flick. What else can I say?
2. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”- Michael Bay knows how to blow
shit up! I don't care what anyone says about him, he does action good.
3. “Tower Heist”- Brett Ratner's best movie since “Rush Hour”.
4. “Friends with Benefits”- I actually thought this was a well written drama/
romantic comedy. It's way better than “No Strings Attached”.
5. “Just Go With It”- The only Adam Sandler movie that has been decent in
15 years. Not great, but I enjoyed it for what it is.
Most Entertaining:
1. “Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol- Best installment yet! Great story
and action. A very good movie.
2. “X-Men: First Class- Matthew Vaughn finally brought the X-Men back!
3. “Bridesmaids”- This might be the funniest movie of the year. Which is a
great way to be entertained.
4. “Captain America: The First Avenger- I really enjoyed this movie. I had
a fun time watching this movie.
5. “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows II- The entire series is good, but
the final act is awesome here.
Supporting Actress:
1. Elle Fanning- “Super 8”- She does a great job as the girl from the other
side of the tracks. She is definitely the best actor of the group.
2. Bryce Dallas Howard- “50/50”- She plays her role as a bad girl friend
just right. She makes you to want her to go away.
3. Emma Watson- “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows II- I think she
has the brightest future of the entire cast.
4. Gweneth Paltrow- “Contagion”- The story centers around her character
and how she brought the virus to America.
5. Emma Stone- “Crazy, Stupid, Love- I've been a fan of hers since her
role in “Superbad”. She's funny and serious at the same time.
Supporting Actor:
1. Nick Nolte- “Warrior”- The Drunk father who was a bad father. I'm
not sure if he had to act much, but he was good.
2. Kevin Spacey- “Margin Call”- He plays the boss at a broker firm that
has a big moral decision.
3. Jonah Hill- “Moneyball”- A slightly overrated film, but he's great as the
math geek that runs “Moneyball”.
4. Matt Damon- “Contagion”- He plays a great concerned father. He's a
good actor in any role.
5. Seth Rogen- “50/50”- He provides the comedy and support to Joseph
Levitt's character.
Actress:
1. Anna Kendrick-”50/50”- She has great chemistry and her acting skills
with Joseph Gordon Levitt make this a great relationship to watch.
2. Lynn Collins- “Angel's Crest”- A great alcoholic dead beat mom.
3. Felicity Jones- “Like Crazy”- This is the first movie that I've seen her
in and she impressed me.
4. Carey Mulligan-”Drive”- She plays the girl next door very well. An
important quality in this movie.
5. Michelle Monaghan- “Source Code”- Most of the movie relies on
her ability to make you like her and want the best for her character.
Actor:
1. Ryan Gosling- “The Ides of March”- He's what makes this movie go
and it's a really good movie, because of him.
2. Ryan Gosling- “Drive”- He's getting the most love in this film, but he
does way more in “The Ides of March”.
3. Tom Hardy-”Warrior”- This guy is blowing up! A great actor with
range. I can't wait to see him as Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises”.
4. Joseph Gordon Levitt-”50/50”- Everyone one else is nominated and
he does the best job of the entire cast.
5. Paul Giamatti- “Win, Win”- He's a great character actor. He always
shines in the smaller independent films.
Director:
The most important role when it comes to making movies. A script is very important, but the director chooses on how the lines are delivered and how the all the scenes are put together. A great director can make a bad script good and a bad director can turn a great idea into shit!
1. Nicolas Winding Refn- “Drive”- I enjoyed this movie very much and
he will get his credit when the awards season gets here.
2. Gavin O'Connor- “Warrior”- He get's great performances out of the
leads and the UFC scenes are great too.
3. Jonathan Levine-”50/50”- You knew this was coming, but I think he
had the easiest job of all the nominees.
4. George Clooney- “The Ides of March”- He made a good movie that
centered around the presidential preliminaries. He should win just for
that!
5. David Yates- “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows II”- I hope he
finally get's credit for what he's done with these movies. Such beloved
material and he handled it flawlessly.
Picture:
It was a down year for great films, but that doesn't take away from these five films. This might be my most surprising nominees and eventual winner to date.
1. “50/50”- A great ensemble of a cast and it gives a little bit of humor,
drama, and heart. This will get some accolades.
2. “Drive”- I was surprised at how much I really liked this movie. I
thought that the critics may have overrated this film, but not really.
3. “Warrior”- This is up there with “Rudy”, “Rocky”, “The Fighter”,
and “Miracle”. Great emotional film.
4. “The Ides of March”- This movie made politics interesting. That's
probably the ultimate compliment.
5. “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows II- This could have been
a major disappointment, but it stayed way clear of being nominated in
that category. I'd love for this to get an “Oscar” nomination.
That wraps up another great year for me at the movies. The complete list of all 106 films will follow the list of winners. Be sure to check back next year, because the early favorite is “The Dark Knight Rises”, but let's hope it steers clear from the most disappointing label. There are a ton of highly anticipated films coming out this year. I dare anyone to watch the movies on my list from worst to best. Let me know if you attempt it.
And the Winners are.....
SPECIAL EFFECTS: RISE OF THE PLANET
OF THE APES
ANIMATED FILM: HUGO
SCORE: PIRATES OF THE
CARIBBEN: ON
STRANGER TIDES
SONG: YELLOW LEDBETTER
IN “50/50”
DISSAPOINTMENT: COWBOYS & ALIENS
SURPIRSE: WARRIOR
SCREENPLAY: IDES OF MARCH
ENTERTAINING: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE
GHOST PROTOCOL
GUILTY PLEASURE: TRANSFORMERS:
DARK OF THE MOON
SUPPORTING ACTRESS: ELLE FANNING
IN
SUPER 8
SUPPORTING ACTOR: NICK NOLTE
IN
WARRIOR
ACTRESS: CAREY MULLIGAN
IN
DRIVE
ACTOR: RYAN GOSLING
IN
THE IDES OF MARCH
DIRECTOR: GAVIN O'CONNOR
PICTURE: WARRIOR
THE COMPLET RANKINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. WARRIOR
2. HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS II
3. DRIVE
4. 50/50
5. THE IDES OF MARCH
6. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL
7. RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
8. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
9. SOURCE CODE
10. SUPER 8
11. ATTACK THE BLOCK
12. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
13. WIN, WIN
14. BRIDESMAIDS
15. HUGO
16. CONTAGION
17. MARGIN CALL
18. KUNG FU PANDA 2
19. MONEYBALL
20. THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU
21. THOR
22. SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
23. THE DEBT
24. THE MUPPETS
25. ANGEL'S CREST
26. LIKE CRAZY
27. REAL STEAL
28. COWBOYS & ALIENS
29. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEN:ON STRANGER TIDES
30. CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE
31. FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
32. THE ADVENTURES OF TIN, TIN
33. THE INBETWEENERS
34. PUSS IN BOOTS
35. THE LINCOLN LAWYER
36. KILLER ELITE
37. FAST FIVE
38. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON
39. CEDAR RAPIDS
40. SCREAM 4
41. LIMITLESS
42. UNKNOWN
43. HORRIBLE BOSSES
44. RANGO
45. JUST GO WITH IT
46. FIRGHT NIGHT
47. FOOTLOOSE
48. THE HANGOVER II
49. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3
50. RIO
51. TOWER HEIST
52. WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
53. THE GREEN HORNET
54. HALL PASS
55. IN TIME
56. THE THING
57. MARS NEEDS MOMS
58. SHARK NIGHT
59. I AM NUMBER 4
60. NO STRINGS ATTACHED
61. STRAW DOGS
62. PAUL
63. GREEN LANTERN
64. 30: SECONDS OR LESS
65. A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR CHRISTMAS
66. TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT
67. DRIVE ANGRY
68. OUR IDIOT BROTHER
69. THE MECHANIC
70. THE CHANGE UP
71. THE VANISHING ON 7TH STREET
72. THE SITTER
73. BAD TEACHER
74. BATTLE: LOS ANGELES
75. LARRY CROWNE
76. PRIEST
77. THE THREE MUSKETEERS
78. DREAM HOUSE
79. THE DILEMMA
80. GNOMEO & JULIET
81. CATCH. 44
82. PROM
83. CARS 2
84. RED RIDING HOOD
85. ZOO KEEPER
86. NEW YEARS EVE
87. SOUL SURFER
88. ARTHUR
89. THE ROOMMATE
90. THE RITE
91. HANNA
92. ANOTHER EARTH
93. SOMETHING BORROWED
94. ABDUCTION
95. CONAN THE BARBARIAN
96. SUCKER PUNCH
97. SANCTUM
98. SPY KIDS 4: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD
99. YOUR HIGHNESS
100. THE SMURFS
101. TRESPASS
102. APOLLO 18
103. SEASON OF THE WITCH
104. BEASTLY
105. THE IMMORTALS
106. THE DARKEST HOUR
THE LAST TWO MOVIES ARE FUCKING PUTRID.

BLACK SWAN(2010)

I was torn when I first heard about this film. My favorite actress teaming up with one of my least favorite directors(Darren Aronofsky). Natalie Portman gives a fantastic performance in a movie that is actually directed very well for his interpretation. The only problem is that Aronofsky's interpretation is fucking boring. Aronovsky uses his own odd and different techniques to tell a basic story. His vision of two dancers battling for the title role in "Swan Lake" is dark and crazy. I can see how it will get critical praise, because of it's unique approach to telling an old story. I just don't see a good movie in his adaptation. I couldn't wait for it to end and that's never a good sign. I was never intrigued or cared what happened to either dancer. This movie is strange and dark and nothing more.

Two dancers compete for the title role in "Swan Lake". If only the movie was as easy as the plot summary.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone that likes to be entertained at the movies. A rental at best! I tried to like it, but not one bit of entertainment value in this movie.

TRON LEGACY(2010)

I remember the origianl when I was a kid, so I thought a new movie with today's technology would make this a bad ass movie. I was half way correct. The visuals and the world they create are top notch, but unfortunately it lacks a great story and screenplay. The movie loses some momentum once the gladiatorial games are finished, but holds on for an adequate finish. With a better story this could've been a great movie, but you'll have to settle for a cool movie instead. This is this years "Avatar". A good movie that lacks a good script, but its still a cool and entertaining movie. The 3D is actually worth the price of admission, unlike so many other movies that are released in 3D.

Flynn's son discovers his dad's secret office at his old arcade 20 years after his dad's disappearance. He then gets transferred into the grid world, where his dad was trapped.

I recommend this to everyone who wants to go and be entertained, but don't have too high of hopes on anything more than a fun ride. Take the story and roll with it for some fun and cool visuals.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (2010)

This series of movies got off to a good start with "The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe", but the follow up just didn't have the same magic or style to it. The third installment declines ever so slightly. The pacing is fine, but the characters and story just get glossed over so quickly to get to the next scene. All of these movies have religious over tones to them, but this is by far the one that shows it the most. The movie is satisfying enough, but it just can't conj our up the same mystique as the original did a few years ago.

Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin travel to a peaceful Narnia this time and they are quickly picked up by King Caspian on his ship "The Dawn Treader". They set off to find the lords that never returned home. That's where their adventure starts.

I liked this movie enough to not warn you away from it, but it's not a must see. If you've read or seen the previous movies than you might want to rent this one.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART I(2010)

It's quite an achievement to keep an entire cast together for so many movies that are spread out over a decade. They do it to perfection with the Harry Potter series and I never get tired or bored of any of the characters. They're all back and ready to finally take a stand against Lord Voldermort. I stopped reading the books after "The Secret of Chambers" and the movies really tell a fluent story with the right amount of information about the characters that you don't need to read the entire series. The only problem with this installment is that they split it up into two movies(I know they had to, but the ending suffers a little bit for it). It sort of makes you feel ripped off, but also gives you some anticipation for the final movie. Good fun, action, comedy, and most of all story. I can't wait to watch the final battle at Hogwarts in the last movie. Hopefully it can compare to the duel between Obi-wan and Anakin in "Revenge of the Sith". I really enjoyed the dark side of HP 7 and it's one of the best of the series yet.

Harry Potter, Hermoine, and Ron are on the run from the Death Eaters when they find out what The Deathly Hallows are.

This is a must see for everyone, but especially if you enjoyed any of the books or movies so far.

TANGLED(2010)

I never really knew the story of Rapunzel, so it's only fitting that I learn the story from the best in the business. Disney puts their magical touch on another fairy tale that could've been very boring and dull if told through the wrong eyes. I'm not gonna say that this is a classic like "The Lion King", but it's a darn good fairy tale that has the songs and comedy mixed in to help tell the story. The voice talent isn't bad, but nothing really stands out on that end of the story. A fun and entertaining way to finally learn the story of Rapunzel.

A baby is stolen from the royal family by a woman who wants to be young forever and she needs Rapunzel's magical long flowing hair to achieve it. She is held captive in a tower for 18 years and she finally decides to go out with a guide and that's when the story takes off.

This is a rental for sure, but I wouldn't quite say that you need to rush to the theatres for this movie. It's good, but not great. Good to see that Disney still has the magic.

UNSTOPPABLE(2010)

The latest collaboration between Tony Scott and Denzel does NOT disappoint! I was a little worried after "The Taking of Pelham 123", but I worried for no reason. This is a great action movie that has no villian. No hijackers or bombs or anything of the sort. Very well directed and the pacing was great. The perfect amount of character development, but not too much to drag the movie down. I really enjoyed how Tony Scott chose to tell the story through the eyes of the live news reports that are covering the runaway train. A nice blend of action, suspense, heart, and some laughs to entertain anyone. One of the best surprises of the year. An action movie that gets it right.

Loosely based on true events. Denzel and Chris Pine find themselves in the middle of trying to stop a runaway train that is loaded with haze mattes that could demolish a hugely populated city.

The best action movie in recent memory. Go for the fun, action, and some goosebumps. I can't recommend this movie enough. Good times all around.