Carl the Critic's Top/Bottom Films of 2011
68
Introduction
As we enter the new year, I wanted to make a list of my favorite and least favorite movies that I have reviewed in 2011. I had to think back really hard about the films I've seen, remember their strengths and weaknesses, and figure out which ones deserved to enter the golden gates of paradise, or to be damned into the pits of the inferno. To prevent confusion, I made the movies that are on my Top 5 Bold like this, and the movies on my Bottom 5 are just plain like this
Let's begin!
5th Best
The first film on my list which receives eternal salvation was an animated feature that brings the western genre back with an original story, great animation, great voice acting, and was all in all a great film.
Rango
Many might be disappointed that this film is at number 5 but this is my list and therefore your argument is invalid. I really liked "Rango", but it wasn't the best film of the year, it was just a fun, action packed adventure for people of all ages... As long as parents watched the film in advanced and determined what is appropriate and what isn't.
5th Worst
This one should be no surprise to anyone, this is a movie that was so bad I actually enjoyed (because if I didn't, it would have been a lot harder to sit through).
"Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1"
Yes sir, the part one of two of movies which could have easily been broken down into one film. Although HubPages says that my original review was a duplicate, you can read my full thoughts here on "That Guy With The Glasses".
4th Best
Fourth Best movie on my list is a film that SHOULD have been nominated for best animated feature at the Golden Globes, but was missed. A film that surpassed it sequel, and made yours truly actually tear up in the theater (which NEVER happens)! I'm talking of course about...
Brilliant animation (it used more than just CG animation, it went beyond "Rango", "Rio", and "Tintin"), this should have been nominated! It didn't have to win, but it should have been nominated! But I digress.
4th Worst
This is a movie that doesn't have a strong story, as much as it does have strong visuals which made it fun to watch. It was also one of the most funniest movies of 2011 that after I watched it I left thinking, "wait a minute, what was this about?"
"Sucker Punch"
I still don't understand the significance of the title, except when you leave the theater and you're trying to make sense of what you have just seen, your head hurts like you been hit by a Sucker Punch... Oh wait I get it now!
3rd Best
Just to be a hypocrite, the next movie I loved that has great Cinematography, Great Costume Design, Great Production Design, but the story is a bit iffy.
"Hugo"
Based on the beloved children's book by the same name, it certainly was better than I expected.
3rd Worst
This so bad that the people who work at the Golden Globes should be FIRED for nominating this piece of shit, an inappropriate sequel to a film that didn't need a sequel, with a bad story, and was even more inappropriate for kids because it depicts the death of many characters on screen.
"Cars 2"
Why, Why, WHY was this nominated for Best Animated feature and NOT "Kung Fu Panda 2"? Or even "Rio", that had a better story at least. I think Pixar pulled some strings on this one being nominated, and I will be damned if it gets an Oscar® nomination!
2nd Best
This was a film that deserves every award that it is receiving now. This is a great film, great story, great cinematography, great editing, and it's just an almost perfect film.
"War Horse"
I love this movie! I love it, I love it, I love it! And yet, there is still one more movie that I love even more. But next I'm talking about a movie that I hated!
2nd Worst
This is a film that wasn't a horrible movie, but it wasn't good either. It was a movie full of potential, that some how came off as boring and uninteresting. That and some bad acting from Matt Damon, and some poor editing choices lead me to just hate this film even more! Yes some people will wonder why I have this film on the list, but then I remind them all "THIS IS MY LIST!" And that is why, on my list of worst movies I have...
"Contagion"
I'm sorry, this was just painful to sit through, and I didn't gain anything from it. Feel free to write in the comment section how wrong I am to put this film as the second worst movie.
Number 1 Best Movie
Now when I was making this list, I could think of only three movies that I wanted to watch again after reviewing them. "Hugo" was one, "War Horse" was another, and the other...
Comma...
Stalling tactic...
"50/50"
Another almost perfect film, with (in my opinion) the best written script of all the other films I had reviewed combined. In addition to that, it had best acting, cinematography, editing (for the most part), and story. It didn't receive a lot of attention which is disappointing, but in my opinion it is the best movie I reviewed last year, and I hope that it will be recognized for the cinematic achievement that it is.
Number 1 Worst Movie
This was a film that, at the time I wrote the review, I actually really enjoyed. But re-watching it at a friend's house proved to to me that this film was indeed the worst movie that I saw. Although I may not have seen "Smurfs", "Battle L.A.", "Mars Needs Moms", or "Beastly" and if I'm sure that they were worse than this film, they didn't deceive me into believing that they were good movies. This movie not only made me believe that it may have been good, but I went as far as to give it a positive review. Oh what a fool I was in ever thinking that this was a good movie, as it was a knock off of another movie I hated.
I'm am talking, of course, about...
"Red Riding Hood"
Step onto your first place podium, and then put a noose around your neck so we can KICK IT AWAY!!!!
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (6)
- Funny (3)
- Awesome (2)
- Beautiful (1)
- Interesting (4)
CommentsLoading...
We saw The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo which was so very good.
Hopefully today we are going to see The War Horse.
Interesting picks, I'm looking forward to seeing The War Horse and Hugo.
I want to see Hugo and New Years Eve:) Maybe i'll watch Breaking Dawn when it comes out on DVD.
@Ardie: Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed the Hub.
@Writer20: I heard that was good too, I've seen the Swedish version, and have yet to see the American version. Since I didn't see it last year, it couldn't make the list.
@kgala0405: Thanks, these were all the movies on my top/bottom list that I can safely say that I saw. If I had seen more, I probably would have a different list. I hope you enjoy "War Horse" and "Hugo"
@Pongogirl2: lol thanks for your comment, I "Hugo" I reccomend, not so much "New Years Eve", and "Twilight" ONLY if you are a fan of the franchise. :)
@ALL: Thank you all for your comments, it's always good to hear from you. I look forward to reading some of your work as well :)
lol. Wow, I never would've guessed that "Red Riding Hood" would end up being number one worst film for you. Of course, the bad thing is that i actually got that film for christmas too, and I haven't watched it yet. Now, I'm thinking whether or not I should. lol. All kidding aside, I'll still watch it anyway, as i doubt it's as bad as the other films that i reviewed last year. lol.
However, this is an impressive list though. Unfortunately, I probably won't have mine up until after the Oscars are over though, as I there's still a lot of films of last year that I need to watch first. Although, I am a bit conflicted though. I already have two hubs set up where I'm showcasing my top ten films of last year, and another of the top ten worst films of last year, but I was thinking of adding a bonus of worst movies reviewed last year. Meaning, the film doesn't have been released last year, but reviewed last year if you catch my drift. I figured that I can just put it on the same list as "top ten worst films of 2011" as a bonus, or maybe I should make it a separate hub. But then again, would that be fair for the "Best films of 2011" hub where I'm only mentioning the top ten films released that year in my opinion. Oh well. Decisions decisions. lol. Sorry, as you probably know, i get lost in my train of thought sometimes.
Anyway, keep up the good work. By the way, were you planning on doing an oscar prediction hub this year?
I don't watch so many movies during a year but when I do I want them to be good, so your review is very useful and I know what to choose the next time! 50/50 and "the War horse" is on my list now!
Thanks for the tips!
Tina
@Stevennix: Well, I'm pretty sure that "Smurfs" (a movie you've seen was worst than "Red Riding Hood" but I haven't seen it so I couldn't put it on the list. You can do whatever you want with your list, I'm sure it will still be awesome. Thanks for stopping by :)
@thoughtforce: Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy these films as much as I did. :)
Always great to here from all of you, thank you all again for stopping by.
Carl, I very much appreciate your insight and value your opinion. You are a superb critic. My time is valuable and many critics stop at the storyline, whereas yours is more inclusive. Your opinion is well researched and thoughtfully written. Short and sweet! You are just awesome!
lol Thank you very much Miss DiPetta, I'm glad to hear from you, and am happy you liked this article
good list. 50/50 was one of my favourites this year too carl.
The War Horse was very good.
Very well done Carl....I think 50/50 has surprised lots of people. I want to see War Horse and Hugo. As for your worst movies....I agree Cars 2 did not seem like a Pixar movie at all...although I did like Michael Caine's Finn McMissile...but that was the only part I liked. I agree Sucker Punch was horrible....at little surprised Contagion made the bad list as I have heard lots of people talk about how good a movie it is....but I have not seen it yet, and I respect your opinion...so I will have to find out myself...voted up and interesting.
@Tschaunerb: Thanks very much, I'm glad you and I agree that it's one of the best films of the year :)
@writer20: I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you for the update :)
@Cogerson: Thanks Bruce, I agree about Michael Caine's being the best part of "Cars 2", it's just that since it's getting Oscar Buzz (and not "Kung Fu Panda 2" or "Rio") I had to put it on the list. Many people think that "Contagion" is a great film, but I found Matt Damon's Bad acting, boring story line, and poor editing to be too much to over look (in my opinion). It is not receiving as much Oscar buzz (as I am thankful for) and I just didn't enjoy it at all. That being said... You should definitely check it out (it's a hit-or-miss in my opinion). There was some good acting, good cinematography, the very beginning and very ending were both well done, and I liked the sound effect for the virus's presence but I just couldn't get into it, or get anything out of it.
@All: Thanks you all for your comments, votes and for stopping by, it's always great to hear from all of you :)
Thanks. Hey, I was going to ask if you were going to do an Oscar Prediction hub this year? I only ask because I would like to together a series of links to other hubber's oscar predictions, and if you're writing one, then I hope I can include yours as well if that's okay.
Oscar Prediction Hub? Hmm... I think I might, I just have to do my research (usually I wait for the films to be announced that have been nominated until I start predictions). Thanks for the offer I would like to participate in this for sure :)
Pretty good list here. Although your way too nice about some of the bad movies you listed, as I would've been a lot more disingenuous to them. but then again, I'm an honest jerk.
A mutual friend of ours told me about this list, so i decided to check it out, and i can definitely tell it was worth checking out. By the way, don't get used to compliments from me, as i try not to make too many of them, as I have a tough guy reputation to uphold here.
lol Thank you very much King Larry 2.0, that is what critiquing is for, so that we learn how we can improve. And thanks for your honesty :) Hope to hear from you again in the future.
Hi carl; Surpise number one pick. I didn't expect that one. I haven't seen 50/50 so I can't comment on it, but I expected something like "The Descendants" or "the Artist". I haven't seen "War horse" yet, either. Of the films on your list, I think "Rango" is the best.
I agree that "Red Riding Hood" was just awful, although I thought "Sucker Punch" was worse. I haven't seen the latest "Twilight" film. I saw the first two films but I'm not a fan of the franchise.
Thanks for the list,
Rob
Hey Rob, Thanks for stopping by,
I haven't seen "The Artist" or "The Descendants" so I couldn't put them on the list. As for "Rango", that was good, but I took into account that a lot more work went into "Kung Fu Panda 2" (in my opinion, as far as animation went, "Kung Fu Panda 2" had more, and was a more beautiful looking film). "50/50" was in my opinion the best movie I had reviewed all last year (even though I had not seen every film that came out last year I couldn't say anything about "The Artist" or "Midnight in Paris" or "The Descendants" or "Moneyball" or any other film that is getting more attention, but I felt "50/50" deserves more attention, and hope that it is recognized for the cinematic achievement that it is). I might not agree with you about "Sucker Punch" vs. "Red Riding Hood" but I'm sure there were worse films out there (like "Smurfs", or "Mars Needs Moms", or "Apollo 18", or "The Muppets" (just kidding :P), or "Fast 5" (I only watched the first 30 minutes before I was like, "I'm done!"), or other films that are not on this list.) These were all movies that I could judge because I did see them. Your list seems more complete than this, and though we might not agree, we still respect each others opinion in the end :)
Thanks again for stopping by, it's always great to hear from you,
Carl
Haven't seen many of the films on your lists (best OR worst) but I am in total agreement, "Sucker Punch" was godawful.
I enjoyed "Cars 2" though. The story was like a parody of the classic James Bond films. Maybe most of that went over the heads of the intended audience (kids) but I got a kick out of it.
Hey FatFreddysCat: "Cars 2" is mainly on my list because of the Golden Globes, but I actually found it less enjoyable to see characters being killed off on screen in a kids movie. There's nothing wrong with satire if it's handled correctly, but I felt like it wasn't for "Cars 2". Michael Caine was still awesome, and it could be a fun film, but WHY was it nominated for a golden globe? There were better animated films which deserved praise that didn't get it. Oh well. Thanks for stopping by, always great to hear from you :)
Well to be fair though, I don't think death scenes were that bad in "cars 2", as kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. besides, bambi's mom died in a Disney film once, and lets not forget the tragic funeral scene of snow white, in "snow white and the seven dwarfs", or the tragic death of simba's father in "lion king." I think you can get away with a death scene in a kid film, as long as it's not graphic. besides, kids aren't as sensitive as we think they are sometimes.
Although, I do agree with you that "Cars 2" shouldn't have been nominated for a golden globe over "Rio" or "kung fu panda 2", but I don't know if I'd say it was that bad to put into the top five worst films of last year.
We never see Bambi's mom die, nor Simba's father (he almost died, but didn't die on camera), & Snow White never died. Death scenes in kids movies can be done, but here's the thing, NO ONE BLOWS UP ANYONE IN A KIDS FILM AND ACTS LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. Blowing up is too sudden, kids will be scared .
In addition, the story was trying to parody James Bond (...how many kids know James Bond? No one will get it, kids will get confused). And the Cars movies don't make sense (Where the F*** are the people? Did the cars build everything themselves? It's good to see that THUMBS are useless in this world! Do Car's eat ice cream? How? Why? Do Cars need bathrooms? It just doesn't make any sense, there for (and since I can't put any other film on the list that I didn't see) "Cars 2" is on the list
[SMACK]
(calm voice)
Phew I needed that... where was I?... Oh yeah... Thanks for your input Steve, but "Cars 2" suffers from more than on screen deaths, but its story's logic makes no sense. And again my list, my movies... these aren't films that are the absolute worst of 2011, but they were the worst I saw and reviewed. Thanks again for stopping by it's always good to hear from you :)
Actually, we DID see Simba's father die on camera if you watched the scene, as it clearly showed him falling into a stampede and getting trampled to death, so that still counts. Yes, Bambi's mom died off camera, but it was still a touching scene. As for Snow White, I should clearify what I meant exactly. Yes, I know she never actually dies in the film, BUT when she's poisoned by the apple, the film gives the audience the immediate impression that she's dead, as they even throw a freaking funeral for her for pete's sake. Granted, adults like you and me know better, but to a kid, you're not going to know that until the prince shows up, as that's heavy stuff to bring to any kids film. Granted, she did get revived by the prince, but before that happened, I doubt seriously most kids knew that she wasn't dead.
As far as the explosions in "Cars 2" and the James Bond references, I agree that most kids probably won't pick up the reference to James Bond. However, it's just one of those adult humor jokes and references that some film makers insert into kid films to try to appeal to both adults and kids.
As for the lack of logic in how the "Cars" world can exist, I think you might be over analyzing it to some degree. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with you that the lack of logic of how their world functions doesn't make any sense. However, it's a cartoon, and you have to be willing to let a few things slide with it, as you can't expect Shakespeare when it comes to cartoon films for kids, as that would be silly.
Although from hearing your arguments about the violence of Cars 2, I'd be awfully curious to see what you'd say about "Transformers: The Movie" (The animated one, not the live action crappy ones). I know in that movie, there was a helluva a lot more violent deaths, as there was even one scene where Megatron shoots an autobot in the chest with a gun. Now that's very graphic. Not only that, but they also curse in the movie, and there's a lot of other violent deaths. Including Megatron and Optimus Prime fighting, where Megatron beats him to death literally ON CAMERA! lol. Yet...IT WAS FOR KIDS. lol. j/k Anyway, i respect your opinion about it, and I do agree that cars 2 is defintely not pixar's best.
(Transformers animated movie) One disaster at a time.
We never see Mufasa die, he falls into the Stampede but we don't see him die. We just see him fall, we assume he died, and then he is dead. We don't see a wilder beast trample on him, or mufasa BLOW UP ON SCREEN :P
Of all seriousness, I respect your opinion as well :)
Fair enough. By the way, do you take request reviews? If that's the case, I would love for you to review, "Transformers the Movie" (the animated one) because I'm very curious to see what you'll say about it now; considering you didn't like how violent Cars 2 was, as I can only imagine how you'll react to "Transformers: The Movie." lol.
lol, of course I take requests, and sure why not? I do have other requests like "Child's Play", and "James Bond" but I'll get right on that :) Thanks man
Nice hub Carl. I just have to ask though is that twilight movie poster real? It's so bad lol! I still haven't seen kung fu panda 2 but I need to. I find it interesting that Rango is on the best movies list. I couldn't even get past the first 30 min I was so bored. But my family loved it so maybe I should give it another chance sometime.
Sadly you're right about Red Riding Hood being the worst movie on this list. I remember having high hopes for it but it was just...awful. I really gotta see 50/50 Joseph Gordon-Levitt always does such a great job. Voting up and all that.
Wow! Nice I found a lot of good information and entertainer thanks a lot …
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophia222/2764359190
For good entertainer
@THEHuG5: lol I don't think so, it looks too fake to be. I found "Rango" to be a fun film that brings back the western genre and is fun for the whole family. I suggest giving "Rango" at least a second chance, but I enjoy it, and I can see why not everyone would. Definitely check out "50/50", it's awesome. With "Red Riding Hood" I made the mistake of giving it a moderate review, when it is actually worse. I didn't re-watch it on my own accord but I needed to re-watch it to remind me how bad it is. Thanks for stopping by Alexis, always great to hear from you:)
This was really entertaining. Thanks for sharing!!
I am looking forward to seeing Hugo - it looks great! I am also a big fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, so I am sure that 50/50 is excellent as well. I would disagree with you about Contagion, although I respect your list.
@Wonderingwoolley: Thank you for commenting, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
@thatmovieguy: To be fair "Contagion" really isn't that bad of a movie, but I just found it painful to sit through (I explain more in my actual review of it). I'm glad you said something about "Contagion" because I'm sure many people will feel the same. Thanks for stopping by and commenting :)
@ALL: It's always great to hear from you both, I hope you stop by again :)
This is a great list. I haven't seen most of these movies, but the ones I have, I definitely agree. Cars 2 awful, sucker punch terrible, and red riding hood I made it through about ten minutes. I'll have to check out Kung Fu Panda 2, though. Thanks.
Yes definitely check out "Kung Fu Panda", it is a very beautiful film. Thanks for stopping by Parentsreview, great to meet you :)
"Kung Fu Panda" now has his own cartoon series on Nickelodeon... my kids recently got hooked on that even though they hadn't seen either film. I have a feeling I'm going to be renting one or both for them very soon. Haha.
Haha, yeah, it really is a great film for kids, and I went into the first one with little expectations and came out of it blown away by it. The second film I had higher expectations and that too also blew me away. Thanks for commenting FatFreddysCat, always great to hear from you (hope your kids enjoy the movies when you rent them) :)
I had to skip to the comments section after I saw that Twilight poster. What were they thinking?
1. The photoshopping is awful
2. Bella looks like one of those teen mums
3. Where are her feet?
I agree man, it's really ridiculous, and that's how I feel about the "Twilight" series :) Thanks for the comment.
Good list, sir!
Why thank you very much Preston, I'm glad you like it :)
Thank you for sharing this great information.
Why thank you very much jainismus I'm glad you liked it :)
YOU are FUN! Hey, I'm old enough to be your mom...maybe grandma, even, so we aren't necessarily going to prefer the same films but it is my educated guess that you got the #1 film right for the Oscars in War Horse. I haven't seen it yet because I don't think I own enough KLEENEX. But I will see it eventually.
You know, I loved Sherlock Holmes and The Three Musketeers ...that type of movie doesn't get picked, does it? Oh well...I liked em!
lol I appreciate your comment, thanks for stopping by :)
Carl....I sort of envy people who go to the movies a lot and see all the latest and best films....and I also appreciate people like you to fill me in on what's up and what's down.
I either rent a movie now and then or just watch what appears on the tube....
Seeing "Rango," here in your hub reminds me that the last time my eldest son flew home to visit, he had watched Rango on board the plane......and said he laughed hysterically until his eyes watered. Just telling me a little about it, he was laughing again. I just remember thinking it must be REALLY funny because my son is a very laid-back, serious kind of guy. So, this movie definitely struck his funny bone. I keep wanting to rent it just to see what tickled him so.
Good hub, Carl! UP++
Well thank you very much fpherj48, I appreciate your comment and votes :) Hope you read more of my hubs, and I will check out yours as well :)
Ardie Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago
I appreciate how you kept intermingling the worst and best - to remind the reader just exactly what constitutes as a good movie or a bad movie. I dont watch tv much so I love review articles - they save me from spending my time on horrid movies! Great hub :)