It’s that time of year again (Hooray, bring on some more Turkey) where we give you our Top 5’s of the year. Please feel free to drop by your own Top 5’s in the facebook comments below. And speaking of Top things, don’t forget there is still time to cast YOUR votes in The Movie Bit Movie Of The Year Poll
5 – Super-8
I thoroughly enjoyed Super-8. I’m a sucker for Spielberg and Abrams and combining the two was a wet dream for yours truly.
4 – Drive
Pretty much flawless with a rock solid performance from Gosling. Not to mention an epic soundtrack. The brooding violence, jacket and gloves made for all kinds of awesome.
3 – The Guard
One of the best Irish movies in years featuring one of the finest performances of Brendan Gleeson's career to date. Brillianty, politcally incorrect and incredibly refreshing.
2 –Crazy, Stupid, Love
I loved this flick so much! It made me laugh, made me cry, made me question my own relationship. Superb!
1 – Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
I genuinely enjoyed the hell out of the latest Tom Cruise movie. Awesome with a capital A. Entertainment with a capital E! Brilliant!!!
5 - TT3D: Closer To The Edge
While Senna was deservedly heaped with praise on it’s release, it was another motorsport documentary that stood out for me this year. TT3D tells the story of the legendary Isle of Man Tourist Trophy through the eyes of one rider. The documentary crew follow rider Guy Martin in the build up and throughout the event, trying to discover what will make a man risk his life in the pursuit of the perfect run. Best seen on the big screen in 3D, TT3D features some of the most exhilarating and tragic footage you’ll see all year.
4 - Super 8
J.J. Abram’s love letter to The Goonies, E.T. and every other classic ‘80’s family film. A small American town is overtaken by the US Army following a series of unusual events. Well written, acted and with a moment or two of Spielberg magic. Hardly surprising with the legendary director sitting in the producer’s chair.
3 - Crazy, Stupid, Love
Showing other cookie cutter romantic dramas how it should be done. A fantastic movie, with a stellar cast on top form. Proving that real love is never easy, a cool as ice Ryan Gosling takes recent divorcee Steve Carrell under his wing. While it toys with all of the clichés, it manages to keep you guessing until the very end.
2 - Xmen: First Class
Anything would have been an improvement on Last Stand, but with memories of Brett Ratner’s franchise killer still in our minds, it was hard to see a way back for the Xmen. We needn’t have worried though, with Matthew ‘Kick Ass’ Vaughn at the helm, First Class delivered a different take on our favourite mutants. Set in the 1960’s First Class proved to be a slicker, sexier look at the beginnings of the Xmen, and with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in fine form, it gave us hope for the next instalment.
1 – Moneyball
Based on the true story of Oakland Athletics’ coach Billy Beane, Moneyball tells the story of one coach’s attempts to put together a winning baseball team on a shoestring budget. With Brad Pitt in superb form, Moneyball isn’t your stereotypical sports movie, and it’s all the better for it.
5 - Arthur Christmas
This just crept in to the top 5 , great cast good fun for the festive season. Well written and great for all the family.
4 – Unknown
Liam Neeson in a slick thriller, great performance by Aidan Quinn as the villain, Neeson shows he can do action movies rather well, amazing presence onscreen.
3 - The Guard
Undoubtedly one of THE best movies this year, the advance trailers alone were worth the price of admission, Gleeson on top form.
2 - Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows part 2
Inevitably will be in many a top 5 the story doesn’t go out with a huge bang but great storyline none the less.
1 - X-Men:First Class
My choice for number one this year from what I’ve seen, great cast, great story and fits in well with the popular franchise. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in particular, outstanding.
5 - Just Go with it
I loved this movie because I am sucker for an Adam Sandler movie, meld that together with a classic Jennifer Aniston Romcom and it is winner for me. I thought it was cleverly done and a fantastic Saturday night girls night in movie.
4 - Green Lantern
With all the superhero type movies out there this year, this was one of the stand outs for me. Ryan Reynolds really did the role justice, it had the right amount of kick ass action, effects and purple aliens.
3 –Bridesmaids
I realise this was not to everyones taste, and I think it being compared to a female version of Hangover is a bit out there as an analogy. It is girlie to the core, and really showcases some of the fantastic female comedic actors out there, girls can be funny to.
2 - The Hangover Part 2
Who doesn't like a tale of drunken debauchery! It's a fantastic warning tale of what happens if you put too many men together with a great deal of alcohol what mayhem they can come up with. Just bought it on Bluray, definitely one to watch over and over for a good laugh out loud.
1 – Thor
I always liked a blonde and watching the gorgeous Kim from Home and Away wasn't the only thing that made this movie so enjoyable. All the super hero action and mixed in with a love story, it has something for everyone to enjoy. Lots of action and plenty of the romantic mixed in, I hope part two will be just as awesome.
5 - 127 Hours
I was so excited to see this film, not for the gruesome part, but because it was the follow up from other spectacular works by Danny Boyle. Following the colourful depiction of Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours is enthralling. Aron Ralston’s adventurous real-life story is brought to the silver screen with flawless brutality and awe. James Franco is yet again enticing and you have got to love the red t-shirt and yellow sunflower. A symbol for onwards and upwards, probably.
4 - Drive
It seemed that 2011 could not get enough of Ryan Gosling and I am not one to complain. This ultra-cool movie with its car chases and superb acting by Gosling and Carey Mulligan brought a 80s quality to the screen. The intensity of the leading man’s portrayal of the protagonist grips the viewer. Is he on the brink of a psychotic breakdown? This movie kept me on the edge of my cinema seat.
3 - Bridesmaids
My favourite comedy of 2011. This sharp witted film about the lives and duties of bridesmaids is the funniest film I have seen all year. Drawing on an array of realistic female characters who are brought together for one event, a wedding obviously, this film delighted and inspired me. Its intelligent screenwriting brought strong female leads to the surface. One film I talked about long after the rolling credits.
2 - George Harrison: Living in a Material World
Martin Scorsese shines a new light on the life and times of George Harrison. Neatly interwoven archival material creates a different perspective about the so-called Quiet One. This film reminds us that George’s spirit and influence continues to live on with a little help from his friends. A must see for any music or film fan as it bonds these two artistic energies for the best documentary film of the year.
1 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
This movie saw Andy Serkis secure a top spot in my all time favourite performances. Serkis brings Caesar to life and surely that deserves an Oscar nod. Each year CGI special effects get better, the quality of the CGI apes is impeccable. This prequel has heart and soul. It further encourages me in my beliefs against animal testing. Also it was wonderful to see Draco Malfoy aka Tom Felton get his comeuppance.
