Cinema Freaks Presents: The Observer's Top Ten Movies of 2011

Here we go again....

The usual applies: I have not seen all the movies that came out this year, these are my opinions, not anyone else, etc. So keep that in mind if you post any comments or death threats.

So without further ado, here they are:

1. The Ides of March - An excellent representation of the cynical nature of politics and how it destroy people's souls, if they had any to begin with...

2. The Adjustment Bureau - A creative journey that brings into questions the wisdom of humanity and the merits of emotion verses rationality.

3. Super 8 - Director J.J. Abrams pays homage to Steven Spielberg (who helped produce) and his classics in this exciting mystery-adventure movie.

(http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-super-8-2011-by-th.html)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger - A patriotic look at the Marvel superhero who fights the good fight in this solid summer blockbuster.

(http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-captain-america-first-avenger.html)

(http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/09/message-from-captain-america-first.html)

5. Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen is at the top of his game in this enjoyable comedy with a great set-up, dialogue, and cast of characters.

6. The Tree of Life - A visually and emotionally striking movie featuring...something about Brad Pitt and dinosaurs...well, whatever it is supposed to be about, it is worth seeing.

7. The Debt - Secrets are unveiled in this great thriller about the presence of evil and guilt.

(http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/09/debt-2011.html)

8. The Lincoln Lawyer - Matthew McConaughey plays a defense attorney must battle on his own client in this intriguing courtroom drama about manipulation and payback.

9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Yeah, I am a little surprised this is on my list as well. But, hey, it is one last ride to Hogwarts, and the filmmakers make the most of it.

10. The Help - A look at life in Jim Crow Mississippi as "the help" seek to be heard in this dramady that provides both laughs and powerful insight into the minds of a mistreated but persistent people.

Again, other opinions are welcome. Happy New Year!

The above images and links do not belong to me and are being used for entertainment purposes only. Please do not sue me.

Cinema Freaks Presents: The Observer's Top Ten Movies of 2010

Well, it is the end of year and everyone movie reviewer is revealing their favorite films from the last twelve months. So...I am going to do the same thing. The usually rules apply: these are my own opinions, not anyone else's, and I have not seen every film that come out this year, including ones that were really popular and/or have gotten a lot of praise, so try not to get worked up if some of them are not on here. That being said, here is my list:

1. Shutter Island - Another winner from Martin Scorsese as this thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio examines the dark side of human nature and the paranoia that comes when begin to question your very sanity.

2. Kick-Ass - A different kind of superhero movie, it combines action, hilarity, humanity, and Nicolas Cage to make itself one of the genre's best. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-kick-ass-2010.html)

3. Inception - There is nothing that I can say about this film that has not already been said. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-inception-2010.html)

4. The Book of Eli - A powerful post-apocalyptic drama starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman that has both action and a great story about the struggles of maintaining one's faith while defending it against those who wish to exploit it for evil purposes.

5. The Ghost Writer - Whatever you think of Roman Polanski as a person, there is no denying that he is a fabulous filmmaker, as can be seen in this "Chinatown"-like thriller with great acting and sharp dialogue.

6. True Grit - The Coen Brother's take one of John Wayne's most famous movies and make it better with and their trademark humor and good storytelling. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/12/true-grit-2010.html)

7. Winter's Bone - The story of a girl living in a dangerous town in rural Missouri takes a number of dangerous turns in this low-budget but well-acted and disturbing picture.

8. Machete - Robert Rodriguez's violent revenge flick with a large cast and even larger laughs.

9. The Expendables - A good-old fashion action film from Sylvester Stallone with lots of action, humor, and special cameos that will surely entertain. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-theater-experience-with-expendables.html)

10. Hereafter - Clint Eastwood proves once again to be a master director as he takes a glimpse into the afterlife in this though provoking film with excellent performances by Matt Damon and others. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-hereafter-2010.html)

Feel free to leave questions, comments, death threats, etc. in the comments selection below. Have a Happy New Year.