10 - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Strikingly shot and with a dream cast of Britain's greatest (with special mention to Oldman, who is nothing short of captivating) this is a classic espionage thriller with all the twists and turns required to entertain, as well as a dignity and grace that is a welcome counter to the Bond/Bourne “blow ‘em ups”.
Despite previous Fast and Furious movies landing somewhere between dubious and diabolical, this testosterone treat is so over the top that every second is a sweat drenched, bicep tensed, behemoth of escapism.
8 – True Grit
The Coen’s most successful film to date combines the quirky supporting characters and super quick wit that they have become known for, and imbues it with a whole heap of heart in the double act of the precocious Hailee Steinfeld and gruff-as-a-billy-goat Jeff Bridges.
7 – Never Let Me Go
The Coen’s most successful film to date combines the quirky supporting characters and super quick wit that they have become known for, and imbues it with a whole heap of heart in the double act of the precocious Hailee Steinfeld and gruff-as-a-billy-goat Jeff Bridges.
7 – Never Let Me GoDespite three astonishing central performances and it’s intoxicating pace and tone, Never Let Me Go is certainly not a party in the park. However, it is both tragic and riveting, a vital and
moving examination of what it means to live and love.
6 – Super 8
The summer’s most distinctive and heartfelt film, with a hugely impressive young cast, Super 8 is a wonderfully rich homage to the classic Spielberg family films of the 1980s. Despite losing the sense of wonder and intimacy in the final act, it remains a worthy heir to the work it emulates.
5 – Rise of the Planet of the Apes
A surprise hit, given the flop of the Burton-directed effort. However, with a staggering performance from Andy Serkis as revolutionary Ape, Ceasar, as well as some of the most exciting set pieces of 2011, ROTPOTA is not only technically brilliant, but also a major highlight in a well-loved set of films.
4 – Hugo
Both a tribute to classic cinema and to the wide-eyed wonder of youth, Scorsese wears his heart on his sleeve. With sweeping, outlandish visuals, colourful characters and a sense of childish adventure which is intoxicating, Hugo is pure movie magic.
3 – The King’s Speech
The chest-swelling story of one man’s victory over fear, may be a straight forward crowd pleaser, but few films this year have had such mass appeal alongside such overwhelming critical acclaim. Heart-warming, and thoroughly British.
2 – Warrior
Warrior stands easily alongside the greatest of fighter films with two powerful performances from Hardy and Edgerton, gritty and dynamic MMA fight sequences, and a “pump-your-fist-in-the-air-while-wiping-tears-from-your-eyes” finale.
1 – The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
A rip-roaring romp of an adventure, with eye-popping visuals, larger than life characters, and one of the greatest chase sequences ever committed to film. While other films may have more dignity, deal with more important themes, or demand further analysis, none were this much fun!
moving examination of what it means to live and love.
6 – Super 8The summer’s most distinctive and heartfelt film, with a hugely impressive young cast, Super 8 is a wonderfully rich homage to the classic Spielberg family films of the 1980s. Despite losing the sense of wonder and intimacy in the final act, it remains a worthy heir to the work it emulates.
5 – Rise of the Planet of the ApesA surprise hit, given the flop of the Burton-directed effort. However, with a staggering performance from Andy Serkis as revolutionary Ape, Ceasar, as well as some of the most exciting set pieces of 2011, ROTPOTA is not only technically brilliant, but also a major highlight in a well-loved set of films.
4 – HugoBoth a tribute to classic cinema and to the wide-eyed wonder of youth, Scorsese wears his heart on his sleeve. With sweeping, outlandish visuals, colourful characters and a sense of childish adventure which is intoxicating, Hugo is pure movie magic.
3 – The King’s SpeechThe chest-swelling story of one man’s victory over fear, may be a straight forward crowd pleaser, but few films this year have had such mass appeal alongside such overwhelming critical acclaim. Heart-warming, and thoroughly British.
2 – WarriorWarrior stands easily alongside the greatest of fighter films with two powerful performances from Hardy and Edgerton, gritty and dynamic MMA fight sequences, and a “pump-your-fist-in-the-air-while-wiping-tears-from-your-eyes” finale.
1 – The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the UnicornA rip-roaring romp of an adventure, with eye-popping visuals, larger than life characters, and one of the greatest chase sequences ever committed to film. While other films may have more dignity, deal with more important themes, or demand further analysis, none were this much fun!
