Top 10 of 2011: Movies

I didn't see as many movies as usual this year. My trip to Europe during the summer and my busy spring and fall semesters didn't help. However, when I did get the chance to head out to the theater, I was usually pleasantly surprised by what I saw. There were quite a films that proved you can be loved by both audiences and critics. Now without further adieu, here are my top 10 favorite movies that were released this year. 

1. X-Men: First Class
2. Midnight in Paris
3. Jane Eyre
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
6. Captain America: The First Avenger
7. Crazy Stupid Love
8. The Muppets
9. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
10. Bridesmaids

Note: I'm pretty sure Thor would have been on this list but somehow I still haven't seen it =( Some movies that may have been contenders on the list, but I couldn't find a theater playing them were The Artist, A Dangerous Method, and Melancholia.

What were your favorite movies this year?

My Picks: 2011 Golden Globe Winners

Glee's Dianna Agron and Naya Rivera

Okay, now thisis more like it! At least award-wise. It’s nice to see some amazing movies getthe awards they deserve. None of this Twilight ridiculousness. I was so happyto see The Social Network dominatingin nearly every movie category because it really was a fantastic film. However,I wouldn’t have minded seeing it share some of its awards with Inception or Black Swan, also two very well done films.

Best Motion Picture, Drama

Winner: The Social Network

My Pick: Quite a competitive category, but it’s a tie between The Social Network and Inception for me, but TSN does haveAndrew Garfield…

I though the Best Musical or Comedy category was a joke. Most of the films were pretty 'eh' to me. Alice in Wonderlandwas very disappointing, and The Kids AreAll Right was just…all right. Congrats to Red for being the first comic book movie to be nominated in thecategory though.

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

Winner: The Kids Are AllRight

My Pick: None of the nominees. I would choose Easy A for being a genuinely funny, smart film.

I pretty much would’ve been happy for whoever wonBest Director, all were worthy nominees, although I do feel like Danny Boyle wassnubbed for 127 Hours.

Best Dramatic Actor

Winner: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

My Pick: James Franco, 127 Hours. I can't wait to see this riveting performance myself.

Best Dramatic Actress

Winner: Natalie Portman, Black Swan

My Pick: Natalie Portman, for sure!!I am so happy she won! Natalie's been a long-time favorite actress of mine, and I’m sohappy her talent is finally being recognized! Congrats, girl!

Best Comedic Actress

Winner: Annette Bening, TheKids Are All Right

My Pick: Emma Stone, EasyA. Her performance was genius. She has a bright career ahead of her, andI’m definitely looking forward to seeing her in the new Spiderman films!

Best Supporting Dramatic Actor

Winner: Christian Bale, The Fighter

My Pick: I agree with Christian Bale,but once again there’s my love/obsession for Andrew Garfield…

Best Drama TV Series

Winner: Boardwalk Empire

My Pick: Haven’t actually seenBoardwalk Empire, but The Walking Dead was pretty awesome.

Best TV Drama Actor

Winner: Steve Buscemi, BoardwalkEmpire

My Pick: Hugh Laurie, House. The show has let me down over the years, but Hugh neverhas.

Best Comedic TV Series

Winner: Glee

My Pick: 30 Rock or The Big Bang Theory. I do enjoy myself some Glee, but 30 Rock is sheer brilliance, and The Big Bang Theory was made for super nerds like me.

The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons

Best Comedic TV Actor

Winner: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

My Pick: Competitive category filledwith great performances, but I gotta agree here. Jim Parson’s Sheldon is absolute perfection!

Best Comedic TV Actress

Winner: LauraLinney, The Big C

My Pick: Tina Fey, 30 Rock. Because she's the most brilliant and funniest woman on TV. The end.

Best Supporting TV Actress

Winner: Jane Lynch, Glee

My Pick: Agreed, she’s hilarious!

Best Supporting TV Actor

Winner: Chris Colfer, Glee

My Pick: I agree. Chris Colfer has delivered some pretty powerful scenes this season on Glee, so I wasn't surprised when he took home the award. Congrats to him! 

My 2010 Winter Break Movie Picks

Classes are out and, for 3 weeks, we have all the free time in the world. One great way to kill time and have fun is to hit the movies. It’s one activity that everyone enjoys. However, with all the different movies being released every week, you might like some guidance on what to spend your hard earned cash and precious time on (so you don't end up feeling like you've wasted 2 hours of your life). Well, look no further, your resident movie buff is here to save the day! Here are my 2010 Winter Break Movie Picks, conveniently organized by who you should see each with (because who really wants to see a movie alone?).

WHAT TO SEE WITH YOUR FAMILY

Tangled – If you didn’t see Tangled with your family for Thanksgiving, see it for Christmas! The movie stars a killer voice cast with Mandy Moore as the spunky and free spirited Rapunzel, and Zachary Levi (LOVE him) as the charming and handsome Flynn Ryder. Like every good Disney movie, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll walk away with a smile on your face. Definite must-see.
Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader – Transport you and your family to the ultimate world of fantasy and wonder in the third and latest Narnia movie. It’s sure to be a visual feast for the eyes, as well as an epic adventure that everyone will enjoy.
Gulliver's Travels – This comedy based on that book we all had to read back in high school arrives Christmas day, and with stars like Jack Black, Emily Blunt, and Jason Segel, you’ll definitely leave the theater going “Hahaha” instead of “Hohoho” (sorry, I know that was bad).

WHAT TO SEE WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS

Little Fockers – The whole cast is back in the long-awaited sequel and final installment of the Fockers franchise. If you’re looking for a fun comedy among all the dramatic fare this Christmas, look no further. Lots of laughs are sure to be had with this bunch.
Black Swan – Probably one of the most buzzed about and anticipated films of the season. Don’t go in thinking this is your typical ballet film. Be prepared for a super intense, psychological thriller that will leave your mind reeling. Natalie Portman, delivering her best work to date, stars as a self-destructive ballerina in this dark cautionary tale about the strive for perfection. This has Oscar bait written all over it.
Tron: Legacy – A young man, haunted by the death of his father, a famous video game developer, gets sucked into a special-effects laden digital world in this high-tech action movie that is sure to entrance your friends, girls and guys alike. And although it is a sequel to the 1982 film, no previous knowledge is needed to understand Legacy. BIt of trivia: While attending Comic Con last summer, I got to participate in the world’s largest crowd recording for a scene in this movie.

WHAT TO SEE WITH YOUR GIRLFRIENDS

How Do You Know? This romantic comedy stars the lovely Reese Witherspoon as a woman who is being pursued by two men: a successful, womanizing baseball pitcher played by Owen Wilson and a sweet, bad luck-ridden businessman played by Paul Rudd. If you and your girls are looking for a charming "chick flick," this is it.
Country Strong - Gwyneth Paltrow plays against type as a fallen country star trying to regain her career after a stint in rehab in this drama, which also stars Garrett Hedlund (fresh from Tron), Tim McGraw, and Leighton Meester. As we’ve seen from Gwyneth’s recent appearance on Glee, she really can sing. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a fan of country music to appreciate this film.
The Tourist – This movie, which stars two of the most beautiful and talented people in Hollywood (Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, in case you didn’t know) is a sure bet for a fun and entertaining night out with the girls. Combining action and romance with some of the most beautiful locales in Europe, this film is sure to have something for everyone.

WHAT TO SEE WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND

127 Hours – Boyfriend or not, I’m seeing this film (as soon as I can find it). I was hooked from the trailer, and sensational reviews have only cemented my desire. It’s been nominated for just about every “Best” award out there, and it’s sure to win a handful. James Franco single-handedly carries this film as a hiker who gets stuck under a boulder in the middle of nowhere. We’ve all heard the story before, but this film is so much more than just about a guy who cuts off his arm. If you’re looking for a well-made film that’s both gut-wrenching and inspirational, look no further. Just go see this film.
True Grit – Updating a John Wayne classic? If it were anyone but the amazingly talented Coen brothers (or Clint Eastwood), I would be skeptical, but obviously this film is in very capable hands. Especially, when you look at the talent: Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon play a U.S. Marshal and Texas Ranger who are hired by a girl to track down the man who killed her father (Josh Brolin) in this critically acclaimed western.
The Fighter – All three leads (Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams) deliver stellar, award-winning performances in this boxing drama/dark comedy that focuses on the life of professional boxer “Irish” Micky Ward. I’m not the biggest fan of boxing films, but I have heard nothing but raves, and Christian Bale has yet to disappoint me with a film choice. I’m sold.


Well, those are my picks. What do you guys think? Agree? Disagree? Did I leave out something? Comment and let me know!