The Greatest Films of 2011

Before I begin listing, I want to say that I haven't seen nearly enough movies this year
to make a "Best of 2011" list, so the more I see movies from this year, the more this list will change, and the more will be added on to the list.

7. Midnight in Paris
Midnight in Paris is a charming Woody Allen film, with funny and interesting moments. Even the opening shots of Paris make you wish you could live there, but once he travels back in time, you wish you lived in the '20s. Owen Wilson is the first person in years to play Woody Allen well, way above Larry David. He's emotional, funny, and unique. It's the only thing I'd pay to see him in.

You also have to see this hilarious scene:

6.  The Ides of March

The Ides of March is a clever story with superb acting from Ryan Gosling, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Marissa Tomei, Paul Giamatti, and George Clooney. I was at the edge of my seat from start to finish. It is a must-see thriller that really makes you think about what the moral thing to do is. To See: That is the answer.

5. The Descendants

The Descendants is a great lighthearted dramedy about family. It manages to be funny the same moment it's sad, something you don't see in a lot of movies. Also, all of the actors are fantastic. This is the first time that the girl who plays Scottie was ever in anything, she hasn't even been in a school play, yet she's amazing. I'm hoping it will win Best Picture.

4. The Artist

This is a fantastic film about the silent era of film making, in the style of a silent film. Jean Dujardin plays George Valentin, huge silent film actor. Berenice Bejo plays Peppy Miller, a wanna-be star. There roles with when sound comes to the big screen. George wishes for the old days, where silent film actors were huge. Peppy becomes a famous sound actor, who feels bad for George. The acting, both from Dujardin and Bejo are fantastic, as well as great supporting roles by John Goodman and James Cromwell.

3. Drive
This is the second movie I saw his year wit Ryan Gosling. Although he himself is better in The Ides Of March, Drive is a better film. It's not the story (although that was great) that makes this film fantastic. It's not the acting (although that was great, too) that makes it great, either. It's the way it's presented. The story is told with almost no dialogue, and many scenes with just two people looking at each other for an extended amount of time. But for some reason, you understand everything that's happening. The other amazing part of the storytelling are the shots. Whether it's a girl screaming while a car is flipping over behind her in slow-motion, or an entire, violent, action sequence seen only by the characters' shadows, Drive is definitely worth it.

2. 50/50
This is an uplifting dramedy that brings you to tears. The acting is great, notably from Anna Kendrick, but Seth Rogen is a hilarious in-your-face jerk/nice friend. I was crying my eyes out when, suddenly, I started laughing hysterically. But at the same time I was crying. No film has ever made me laugh and cry at the same exact moment before. Joseph Gordon Levitt is great as the 20 year old man with a back tumor.

1. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
This is an extremely complicated, smart, and confusing film. The acting is brilliant, and make sure when you see it that you go with someone of the IQ of 250. The acting by Gary Oldman is brilliant, and (for once) isn't over-the-top. Colin Firth is amazing too, and so is Benedict Cumberpatch (or, as I think of him, Sherlock Holmes). But my favorite actor was Mark Strong, who played Jim Prideaux, a man who, in the first scene, is shot. Overall, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a smart, intriguing, and confuzzling film that you must see.

And, by the way, it also wins best poster of the year: