100 Words or Less Top 10 Films of 2011

It is a rather unfortunate thing but I feel as though every time I make one of these year-end movie lists I will always be forced to preface it with a few films that I feel would easily make the list had I seen them. This year that preamble includes the likes of "The Artist," "Hugo 3D," and "The Descendants." All three films are ones that have been highly regarded by many critics and more importantly people I tend to find myself agreeing with when it comes to films. So they are absent from this list, but not for a lack of quality.

#10 "Moneyball" - If the quality performances by Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill weren't enough of a reason already the ability for "Moneyball" to take a sport that I find very little interest in and weave a story that didn't require knowledge of or interest in the sport to enjoy is some what of a impressive accomplishment.

Brad Pitt looking to change the game in "Moneyball"

#9 "Bridesmaids" - Many people simply equate "Bridesmaids" to being the feminine answer to raunchy bromance comedies like "The Hangover" but Kristen Wiig, and Paul Feig deserve more recognition than that. The duo manages to create a great comedic atmosphere that is only furthered by an amazing ensemble cast.

One of the best ensemble casts of the year from "Bridesmaids"

#8 "Young Adult" - The dark and neurotic comedy from Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman "Young Adult" uses a dysfunctional cast of characters to create a genuine feeling that is too rarely seen in films.

Charlize Theron getting scoped out by Patton Oswalt in "Young adult"

#7 "Rango" - Gore Verbinski's animated answer to the tall tales of classic westerns. A great story filled with fun characters. The unique styling of "Rango" coupled with its undeniable amount of heart create an animated experience that is hard to top this year.

Our reptilian hero rides in "Rango"

#6 "50/50" - When I first heard about a comedy based on a story in which the main character finds out they have cancer I was a bit skeptical as to how the film would play out. I was pleased to discover that despite its misleading trailers and television spots "50/50" put together a respectable look into a young man's cancer ordeal. An undeniably powerful performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt elevates this film to one of the best of the year in my eyes.

Anna Kendricks counseling Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "50/50"

#5 "J. Edgar" - The kind of film I will walk into with admittedly little knowledge or expectations of made "J. Edgar" a pleasant surprise. Clint Eastwood directs an exquisite cast who help to drive this film into my top 10 of the year. The performances by a lovestruck Armie Hammer, and a torn up Leonardo DiCaprio make for a story that is as unforgettable as it was controversial.

Leonardo DiCaprio having a word with Armie Hammer in "J. Edgar"

#4 "Midnight in Paris" - The latest in Woody Allen's films "Midnight in Paris" is as much a love letter to the roaring 20's as it is a cautionary tale about living for today. The true enjoyment in this film comes from Allen's portrayals of various cultural figureheads of the era who create a humorous and at times spot on depiction of how many of us would imagine them.

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams in "Midnight in Paris"

#3 "Beginners" - Oddly enough the second dark comedy involving cancer on my top 10 list. "Beginners" is one of the most honest comedic films I think I have seen in a long time. A heartbreaking story in many different ways "Beginners" finds genuine humor amongst a quirky cast that exhibit some of the best on-screen chemistry of the year.

Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor in "Beginners"

#2 "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" - This makes it official, Fincher is now two for two at landing... well second in my top 10 list. This year's offering of his remake of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" was a story that is as uniquely Fincher as you can get. His style of creepy suspense added a level to the film that elevates it above the original. If a brilliant director wasn't enough the spot-on performance of Rooney Mara as the vengeful heroine Lisbeth Salander keeps the film feeling fresh and in my opinion a contender come Academy Award nomination time.

Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

#1 "Drive" - A strange calm stylized film that can go from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. Mesmerized by the performances of Ryan Gosling as the guilt stricken hero, Carey Mulligan as the starry-eyed love interest, or Albert Brooks as a calm and collected force to be reckoned with I couldn't help but be drawn into this film. What stood out most with "Drive" though was its ability to convey emotion and story without feeling the need bloat a scene with dialogue. The quite, often speechless scenes in "Drive" create an almost ominous calm that leave the viewer anticipating. It isn't until the viewer becomes accustomed to this quiet calm that the film decides to throw you through a loop. A plethora of quality performances, and a unique artistic style leave my number one film of 2011 asking "Hey kid, you want a toothpick?"

Ryan Gosling doing what he does best... Driving in "Drive"

100 Word Review - The Adventures of Tintin

Backed by the WETA Digital director Steven Spielberg takes to CGI to resurrect the comic hero Tintin. In a film that merges three stories from the Tintin catalog we find the adventurous young journalist being robbed and kidnapped after purchasing a model ship at the market. Accompanied by his dog Snowy and the drunkard Haddock, Tintin must discover the secrets of his model ship the Unicorn before its too late. Though the story seems to drone on about thirty minutes too long, the vibrant visuals, and adequate balance of action and story create a fun family film anyone can enjoy.

100 Word News – The Hobbit Trailer Release

Its hard to say whether it is simply my inner geek flaring up but with the first trailer for Peter Jackson's highly anticipated prequel to The Lord of the Rings finally hitting the internet I have become embarrassingly giddy. Though the two and a half minute trailer doesn't delve to deeply into the events of the film it does offer an introduction to the band of dwarfs the film revolves around and for the keen eyed watcher who knows the story of The Hobbit you may pick up some quick shots of familiar characters, events, and settings from the book.

100 Word Review - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The time is finally upon us to revel in Hollywood's remake of the wildly successful Swedish film series based on Stieg Larsson's novels. For those unacquainted the film tells the story of a legally troubled journalist who after losing his libel case and stepping down from his magazine is contracted to help solve an forty year old murder case. Between the amazingly sadistic performance from Rooney Mara in the roll of Lisbeth Salander and the brilliant dark mood cultivated through the undeniably talented directorial styling of David Fincher “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” manages to rival the original.

100 Word Review - Like Crazy

First premiered during Sundance 2011, Like Crazy uses its highly improvised style to convey the turmoil of long-distance relationships. During a semester in the states Anna the London native engages into a relationship with her student teacher Jacob. An affair that is soon cut short by the expiration of her student visa the couple must make due maintaining a relationship overseas. With solid performances from both Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, Like Crazy runs the gauntlet of emotions from the almost sickeningly happy and cute, the depressing low points, and mind-numbing indifference creating a romance that feels genuine and unique.

100 Word Review - The Muppets

Put in the capable hands of the admitted puppet enthusiast and gifted funny-man Jason Segel The Muppets break their twelve year hiatus to return to the big-screen. While on vacation in LA Gary and his brother Walter uncover a plot to do away with the historic Muppet Theater. Faced with losing their old theater the Muppets must reunite and put on a charity show before the evil oil tycoon Tex Richman turns it into an oil well. With everyone's favorite cast of Muppets intact The Muppets pulls off the entertaining family-friendly humor we all expect without alienating more nostalgic demographics.

100 Word Review - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

With the fourth iteration of the Mission: Impossible series at hand, franchise staple Tom Cruise drops himself once again right into the center of a fast-paced espionage thriller. On the brink of global nuclear war recently resurfaced I.M.F. Agent Ethan Hunt finds himself framed for the destruction of the Russian Kremlin and tasked with bringing the guilty down before they unleash a threat much worse. As a solid next step in the series Ghost Protocol makes for an acceptable action-packed blockbuster that combines enough beautiful visuals and over-the-top action sequences to mask the mediocrity of the fun but bland plot-line.

100 Word Review - Young Adult

From the director of 'Up in the Air' and the writer of 'Juno' comes the dramatic comedy 'Young Adult.' Telling the typical mid-life crisis story in a fashion that feels original we are introduced to the once prom queen now fading author Mavis who is hell-bent on returning to her hometown and winning back her high-school love Buddy. Only problem? Buddy's wife and newborn are standing in her way. The film makes a solid run at comedic moments playing off the character's unwillingness to recognize any of their blatant dysfunction which lends to a more genuine view of character personalities.

100 Word News - Men In Black Are Back

If you grew up in the 90's there is a pretty good chance that you have some fond memories of planting yourself in a theater with a bucket of popcorn and reveling in the aliens, laser cannons, and cheesy humor that made up the Men in Black films. Well it is that time once again with the third installment that looks to jump the proverbial shark (hard to think a series accompanied by those campy Will Smith rap songs hasn't already done that) as they launch the series back in time to 1969. Check out the brand new trailer below.

100 Word Review - J. Edgar

In his latest project Eastwood takes to telling the story of the man who revolutionized criminal science, J. Edgar Hoover. A man who's life was built on secrets, J Edgar tells the story of the elderly FBI director as well as the younger years that lead him to where he was through a series of well integrated flashbacks as he dictates his memoirs. With the directorial experience of Clint Eastwood, the proven acting greatness of Leonardo DiCaprio, and the inspired excellence of the relative newcomer Armie Hammer “J. Edgar” reveals a gripping story about a man shrouded in mystery.