1. "Warrior"- While it is not nominated for it, in my review, I lauded "Warrior" as the best picture of the year and I cannot sway from my opinion. This is a harrowing film from beginning to end with three of the finest performances of the year. Nick Nolte has rightly been nominated for best supporting actor for his turn here as a recovering alcoholic trying to atone for a lifetime of ill-treating his sons. It is a brave performance worthy of its nomination and deserves to be won. "Warrior" is not a conventional fight movie, but a sweeping drama about wounded relationships and the strength of family. It was the best time I had in a theatre all year.
2. "Midnight In Paris" - Too bad I saw Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" after I saw "Warrior" because it certainly gives my opinion on best picture a run for its money. However, since this is actually nominated for best picture, it would be my pick to win even though I doubt it will. That's too bad, because Woody Allen has crafted not only one of the finest films of the year, but one of his finest films to date. Good old fashioned filmmaking at its best, "Midnight in Paris" has a witty screenplay, elegant performances and is filled with a romanticism that transcends its time. This is a new age classic and deserves multiple viewings to appreciate its layers of complexity.
3. "The Help" - It isn't hard to see why "The Help" has been nominated for best picture, and has three actresses nominated for their performances here. This is one of the boldest, fiercest screenplays of the year by writer-director Tate Taylor. A young, white man has crafted a marvelous adaptation of the best selling novel about race relations in the south during the tumultuous Civil Rights movement of the 60s. Easily a front-runner for the best actress win, Viola Davis is nominated for her performance as Aibileen Clark, a wounded but dutiful woman consigned to work for an obnoxious family. Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer are nominated for the best supporting actress statue for their performances as Celia Foote and Minny Jackson, respectively. Both women deserve the award, so this will be a tough call come awards time.
4. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" - What it lacks in good writing and dimensional performances, it makes up for in sheer spectacle. Rupert Wyatt has delivered an astonishing blockbuster that was the surprise hit of summer. Expert pacing, eye-popping digital effects and a revolutionary performance by Andy Serkis as the central protagonist Caesar elevate "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" to something much greater than the sum of its parts. Somewhat hampered by a less-than stellar screenplay and a few cookie-cutter performances, the rest of what is offered here provides for an excellent time at the movies. The lack of nomination for Andy Serkis as best actor is regrettable but this was a satisfying end to a summer full of impressive blockbusters.
5. "Moneyball" - Another film worthy of its best picture nomination, "Moneyball" is so much more than a 'baseball' movie. The sport and occupation of baseball are just the setting of a smartly crafted story about taking risks, living with regrets and overcoming the odds. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill both turn in masterful performances, relying on a brilliant script by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian. Directed with precision by Bennett Miller, a relative rookie, "Moneyball" is a thinking person's underdog story with subtle pacing and thematic resonance.
6. "The Conspirator" - A prime example of the quintessential courtroom drama and of expert filmmaking by veteran actor-director Robert Redford, "The Conspirator" chronicles the events following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and does so with fervant accuracy. Robin Wright is gripping as Mary Surratt, the conspirator of the title. The story follows her trial and the complicated relationship with conflicted attorney Frederick Aiken, played by James McAvoy. The wisest decision of "The Conspirator" is that it leaves any assumptions and conclusions up to the audience. It is a gripping chronicle of one of the most controversial cases in American history.
7. "X-Men: First Class" - A somewhat surprising film, "X-Men: First Class" takes a slight edge over "Captain America" as the best comic book movie of the year. Matthew Vaughn took risks reinvigorating a stale franchise, partly casting aside what didn't work earlier in the series and embracing most of what Bryan Singer brought to the table. What we're left with is a confident blockbuster filled with impressive visuals, precise staging and strong performances by James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence. Kevin Bacon even makes for a convincing and sinister villain. "X-Men: First Class" didn't perform well at the box office, but those of us who saw it were treated to a grand spectacle of the highest order. This was a great way to start the summer.
8. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2" - This was the most anticipated blockbuster event of the last few summers. A grand finale to the 12-year franchise adaptation of J.K Rowling's beloved novels, this was an excellent way to send off the series. What is so impressive about "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2" is the way it balances all of the visual effects and unavoidable action while still respecting the character and story arcs. This is the end of an era for a much-loved literary legend, and David Yates has provided an end that wonderfully and respectfully captures the magic and excitement of the books.
9. "Contagion" - A startling multiple-narrative motion picture about a virus posing a global threat, this is one of Steven Soderbergh's most deliberately paced thrillers. While not every member of the ensemble cast is given an equal amount of screen time, each is talented enough to make their respective appearances effective. Worth mention are Matt Damon in yet another role highlighting his considerable range, and an expertly cast Laurence Fishburne as a CDC official. "Contagion" may not balance the cast perfectly, but it succeeds in frightening the audiences who have seen it.
10. "Kung Fu Panda 2" - My pick for best animated feature of the year, "Kung Fu Panda 2" builds and improves upon the success of its predecessor. Whereas "Cars 2" felt like a greedy Disney cash grab, this animated sequel has a story to tell. With incredible voice work by Gary Oldman and a tolerable Jack Black reprising his role as Po, this is a sure-fire family entertainment with something to please everyone. Dreamworks Studios is on course to match and sometimes exceed what Pixar has to offer, and with vibrant animation and exceptional choreography, 'Kung Fu Panda 2" is definitely the stand-out animated sequel of 2011.
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