The Five Best Movies of 2011

2011 at the movies was overall not a really great year as far as the quality of the movies. There were a ton of really big box office success stories, and people did flock to the flicks. There was seemingly more than ever, animated, and computer generated movies that drew tons of young viewers. And some real nice independent small movies that really found some traction and created a a buzz, and an audience.

I think the thing that was really lacking from 2011, was the gigantic Christmas season as far as the 2 or 3 movies that were above the rest. But this year there were flicks throughout the year that have made this list.

To be on this list, movies had to be in general release during the calender year of 2011, and in local theaters.

So let's check out my top five movies of 2011.

1/ Moneyball - Brad Pitt was so good in this flick he should be a favorite for the Oscar. Great
story, told well, and fantastic performances from Jonah Hill and the rest. This
is far more than a baseball movie, it is a real story of real people. This also has
I feel the most moving scene of the year when our lead characters 12 year old
daughter sings to her dad in the music store with a guitar she is about to get
for her birthday. Everything about this movie is interesting. Well done!

2/ Midnight In Paris - What a fantastic movie from Woody Allen. This story is so original, and
you can't help but love it. Owen Wilson is the new on screen Woody
Allen too. This is skillfully done, way fun, and makes you feel about as good as
you can at the movies. It may be on of the biggest surprises at the movies in
many years.

3/ The Help - In August this movie took the box office by storm, and found a huge audience.
All performances were exceptional. Emma Stone broke through and
shed the young actress label in young movies and really owned this grown up
role in a real movie. Original story, told brilliantly. This is the reason we like
to go to the movies.

4/ The Descendants - When George Clooney simply is a movie star, and not directing or
writing the movie, they are better. This is a very quirky and great story, and he
is great. Oscar nomination worthy, and a story no one else has really told before.

5/ Young Adult - I applaud bold movie making. And this is. This movie dares to take on a very
concerning topic of a young generation that is perceived by many as immature
and unmotivated, at a time society needs them to grow up. Charlize Theron
is brilliant, and will certainly be Oscar nominated. It's her flick.
She makes a bold script, absolutely fantastic and compelling.

There you have it, the five best movies of 2011. Understanding completely that there are many other great flicks out there. You can check out my list of Five Worst Movies of 2011, also the Five Biggest Surprise Movies of 2011, and the Five Biggest Disappointing Movies of 2011. All Can be found at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/movies

Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts at scott@wqmx.com