Over the years that I've done this, I've never really set myself to a specific number for my "Top" list. Sometimes it's 10, others 12, it's even been up to 25. Sometimes I list a favorite documentary or animated movie, it basically comes down to me trying to arrange the movies that I feel strongly enough about to make them "list worthy." For example, this year I'd say Bridesmaids came in at #16, but I didn't think the movie was strong enough to be on my year end list, so I stopped the list at 15.
Honorable Mention: Rare Exports. Although a 2010 film, it was very limited in the U.S. and really wasn't accessible till the DVD release in 2011. If it was a pure '10, I would have to put it in my Top 5 as Rare Exports has also become one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. It is twisted and unique and bursting with the ambience and sensibilities of Scandinavian film that I've grown to love. Come December, you owe it to yourself to add it to your holiday film list.
Okay, on with the show!!
15. The Devil's Double
14. Paul
13. One Day
12. Win Win
11. Captain America/Thor
10. Crazy Stupid Love
9. The Trip
8. The Guard
7. Our Idiot Brother
6. Midnight In Paris
5. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest
4. Cedar Rapids
3. Moneyball
2. The Muppets
1. Super 8
Alright, who wants to throw the first flame ball? I think more so than any other year, my list is quite different from what I've been reading. Although, 2011 seems to be a year of varying opinions. that could be a good thing, or it could be the sign of a weak year. Either way, what you see is what I enjoyed and there was quite a lot to enjoy in '11.
For me, The Muppets is a very personal pick. If I had to ditch all other properties and fandoms and concentrate on only one, 9 times out of 10 I'd pick Muppets. But it was trumped by one thing, and that was the magic of Super 8. A movie I knew would be at the top n opening day. I guess I shouldn't be shocked it didn't pop up on any of the major lists since it is so easy for the blogosphere to dismiss something so grounded in the purity of entertaining filmmaking, but you know what? I am shocked. Super 8 is a fantastic film and one that made the 8 year old me, the 12 year old me, the 16 year old me, the 22 year old film school me, the 30 year old dude, and of course, the current 36 year old me fall in love. If you think I'm an idiot, then I'm glad we're not friends, but Super 8 is far and away my favorite movie of 2011.
And with that, here's to 2012!!!
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