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The Descendants (2011)

As a significant Alexander Payne fan I'd be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed with The Descendants, his forth feature film and his first since 2006. At least compared to his three previous efforts and especially his last and my favorite, Sideways. I don't really think as a director he is overrated like some do, but maybe his latest film is. Perhaps it is somewhat unfair to do so, but his movies tend to warrant comparison given their similar cues and nuances; all low key stories composed merely with different players and settings. I couldn't really review this one without making them unfortunately, though I tried not to let that overtake the experience too much.

Top Ten Films of 2011

10. SENNA

[Full Review]

9. I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS

Delayed, undervalued and sadly overlooked, Phillip Morris was the best kind of quirky. Short, but smartly paced with great performances from Carrey and McGregor; it is a shame more rom coms are not as funny or as easy to digest as this. With a script that leaves cringe and cliché behind and employs a successful narration device, Morris is just too colourful and positive to hate – unless you’re a homophobe of course.

Snowtown (2011)

This is not a film that should or could be easily recommended. It has moments of brilliance in it's articulation that all film fans should experience, but it is ultimately about a brutal serial killer and I could not say it is a "must-see" like some other films that are labelled as such; the lauded movies that cross over genre, boundaries and have universal appeal, as well as being superbly crafted. Snowtown will simply repel certain people too much. Blaming weak or uncultured stomachs would be a tad unfair too as the film’s major strength is its realism and some will just find it too much to bear. However, this should not take away from director Justin Kurzel's exceptional debut about the exploits of one John Bunting.

The Ides of March (2011)

Not is all as it seems in The Ides of March. What begins as a slick, enjoyable film about Governor Mike Morris’s (George Clooney) campaign to a hopeful, eventual presidency develops into a scandal laden political thriller heavy on thought provoking notions of dignity, loyalty and the ethical conflicts within man. The beauty is, that this forth film for Clooney as director, has successfully brought all those elements together in an extremely mature, stylish and non-convoluted way. Ides is an accomplished film, which harks back to the golden age of 70’s American cinema that Clooney has confessed has always being a major influence.

Mastodon - The Hunter (2011)

Of the newer breed of hard rock/metal bands to emerge in the last decade, Mastodon it seems have an aura around them which grants a unique anticipation whenever a new album is announced. The four enigmatic figures that make up the Atlanta quartet are unique unto themselves as well; extremely charismatic, funny, intelligent and minus chips on their shoulders; they carry an enthusiasm for playing and producing music that rubs off on all that call themselves followers of the band. Their discography (of which 2011’s The Hunter is their fifth official long player, but sixth proper release overall) reflects their attitude and musicianship better than most of their peers. All this combined breeds a group that is massively respected by their contemporaries, fans and critics alike. So after over two years since their proggy behemoth, Crack the Skye was released, and much discussion regarding the band’s musical direction, Hunter is out in the world and ultimately, it is possibly the best indicator of where Brann, Brent, Troy and Bill are with their skills and vision as well as serving as an almost justification for their refusal to repeat themselves. Sprawling concept album ideas are on hold this time; tight, self-contained tracks with plenty of chest hair are the order of the day.

Senna (2011)

A good documentary should engage the audience regardless of whether they have a knowledge or passion for its subject matter. Senna is a classic example of this, as your interest in Formula One racing or Senna himself is not a prerequisite to find this excellently crafted film absorbing, compelling and moving. With the blessing of the Senna family, director Asif Kapadia gives us an entertaining insight into the man, the drama and politics of the sport exclusively through on and off track archival footage (some extremely rare) supported by various voice over with out a talking head in sight. The structure of the film is not an overly conventional and traditional one, but in hindsight, was the best possible presentation to allow us to be transfixed at the saga that was Ayrton Senna’s F1 career up until his death in 1994.