What I'm watching

Best of 2011 watched in 2012 (excluding rewatched films)

Like a lot of film review blogs and sites do around this time of year, last year I created a top ten films from 2011 list. What I discovered from doing this though was that I don’t actually watch that many films released in a given year but wait for them to come to Sky the next year. Bearing that in mind I decided to create the top 10 films from 2011 watched in 2012 list.

1, The Descendants - There is nothing wholly remarkable about this film but the performances in it are what make it my number 1. Clooney and co just nailed it perfectly and I’d be surprised if he ever manages to top this film.

2, Warrior - The unsung great of 2011, this movie takes you on an emotional journey and makes you want to patch up any relationships you’ve let fall apart.

3, The Artist - Well deserving of the best picture win, this movie is beautifully made and a wonderful watch.

4, The Help - Four strong female performaces and an interesting story keep this from feeling too overly cliche.

5, Crazy, Stupid, Love. - This one caught me off guard but is a charming comedy dealing with the various issues and tribulations of love.

6, Drive - A polarising film to say the least but I liked it enough to merit a spot on the list. Not a lot of rewatchability but an interesting film no doubt.

7, Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol - Much like Fast Five last year, I could not have predicted my enjoyment of this film, given I’d written off the franchise, but this was just an entertaining watch all round and easily the one I’ve rewatched the most since its release.

8, Real Steel - I honestly don’t know why I liked this movie so much other than it’s a familiar tale with a twist and has two really well done performances in a relationship you completely accept as genuine.

9, The Muppets - I’ve got a soft spot for these lovable bundles of felt anyway but this film was a wonderful love letter to the show and great fun to boot.

10, Hugo - While kitschy in places, Hugo is visually stunning and an interesting look into a topic which could have been remarkably dry if handled incorrectly.

Best and worst watched in 2012 lists and a best of 2012 released in 2012 list are also forthcoming.