2011: Favorite movies

A little later than usual, but gave myself some time to catch up on some movies and since it's Oscar day (n.b. I hate the Oscars and all awards-giving enterprises with a passion), here's my list of favorite movies from last year. I saw most of the movies I wanted to see and a handful of crappy kids movies I wish I hadn't (looking at you Cars 2!!).

1. A Separation (as perfect a drama as you can imagine, perfect weaves multiple threads and conflicts within a gripping, totally believable story while making shades-of-gray commentary on religion, class, sexism, relationships, family and parenthood)
2. Tree of Life (who cares what it's about, a total joy to watch, I thought)
3. The Muppets (I love nostalgia and this was pure nostalgia in its most enjoyable form... a nostalgic movie that's about nostalgia, hilarious and utterly benign. if it didn't make you smile, there's something wrong with you)
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 (epic and fitting finish to perhaps the greatest series of our lifetimes)
5. The Descendants (wonderfully nuanced, perfectly acted. great film)
6. Drive (so very quiet, so very intense, and then... so very (and very unexpectedly) bloody)
7. Bridesmaids (year's best comedy, hands down, not even close)
8. Hugo (a first for me: I actually enjoyed the 3D in this movie)
9. Melancholia (so much to look at, so much to think about)
10. The Artist (a fine film, total Oscar bait, but it was a weak year for movies, so it makes the top ten)

Honorable mention (a.k.a I also enjoyed... in alphabetical order): The Adjustment Bureau,The Future, Midnight In Paris, Rango, Source Code, Super 8, Young Adult