Matthew Sloan Photography

Jan 06

Favorite 10 Movies of 2011

So one of my favorite things in the world is seeing movies in the theater. There’s just nothing that let’s me forget everything outside in the world. Here were some of my favorites in 2011:

1. Win Win

I guess you could probably label this as 2011’s “Sideways”, “Little Miss Sunshine” or “Juno”. Win Win just has that unique storyline that is totally relatable. It had a fantastic cast, was directed beautifully, very emotional, and had me cheering all the way through it.

2. Drive

Drive was very different than what I’d thought or had seen on any trailer, which made me even more stoked about it. I was kinda thinking a cooler “Fast Five” when I went in, but was really stoked to see more real action and fighting. I’m not a huge action movie fan, but this one was what “guys movies” should be.

3. Beginners

I also went into this movie not knowing much about it. Never saw a trailer or even read about it. I was in New York City and still remember being the only person in the theatre but walking out of the movie at the end super satisfied. Mike Mills made one of my favorite films ever about something that seemed so real and honest.

4. Super 8

Super 8 was pure storytelling as I remember as a kid. It was pure childhood innocence as I remember growing up in a small town. I wonder if people who saw “The Goonies” in the theaters felt the same way as I did as they left back in the day.

5. The Guard

The Guard was probably the funniest movie I saw all year. I really enjoyed the humor and characters everyone played. The story was amazing and definitely made me want to visit Scotland someday.

6. The Help

The Help was really touching to me. As with the storyline being about race and rights, it made me really love those people who stood up for something they believed in and those people who influenced each other to stand together.

7. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

TGWTDT was a great David Fincher film that was dark and twisted. Some brutal scenes made me cringe a little. Rooney Mara was amazing and super hopeful they keep everyone together for the next 2 films.

8. The Descendants

Super touching film about realness, relationships, family, and love. Really loved it the whole way through.

9. Martha Marcy May Marlene

MMMM was by far the craziest and insane movies I have seen in a long time. I had seen a couple trailers, but nothing was what it seemed in this movie. The Olsen twins little sister was amazing and crazy and awesome all at once. Definitely a movie to see again and wonder if it was all real.

10. Take Shelter

Take Shelter was not only a beautiful movie but had me guessing everything every step of the way.

Still some other good ones or Honorable Mentions or something:

50/50 - Touching story. Really loved Joseph Gordon-Levitt character in the movie and I am a Seth Rogen fan for sure.

Bridesmaids - It’s amazing how funny this movie is. It’s rare for me to love an SNL type cast in movies, but this one had a great storyline and acting was pretty good for a comedy.

Jane Eyre - Beautiful timepiece story. Loved Mia Wasikowska. She played the character very well.

Midnight in Paris - Enjoyed the unique story and have never wanted to visit Paris before. This sparked my interest more in visiting France.

Hugo - My favorite 3D movie of the year. I might be in a small crowd, but I do enjoy 3D movies.