I dont look back on 2011 with as much disdain as I did 2010. In fact, my view of the last twelve months in horror is rather positive. The VOD and foreign film output broadened the canvas of films to choose from and presented a welcome (often much-needed) alternative to the usual steady stream of studio remakes, sequels and overall “bad decisions.” (Priest? Blech.)
The list inside represents my top five of the year. And it was tough to narrow the selection down, however, these five best represent films that I enjoyed the most, that I think are incredibly strong and will stand up over time. Far too often I think “best of” lists are riddled with – yes, terrific movies – but their staying power dissipates.
Before we start, I wanted to fire off a few titles that didnt make the cut but deserve a mention.
La Casa Muda (aka The Silent House), a foreign film hailing from Uruguay, is engaging from minute one with its storytelling in a single shot gimmick and it makes the most of its haunted house-like thrills, but the sloppy ending ruins your buzz. Trollhunter was a genuine, unexpected gem that, I felt, showed us a world we had never seen before. Good effects, too. The Innkeepers is a real treat funny, ominous and revealing a side of Sara Paxton I had never seen before. The girls got some comedic chops. I also howled my way through Tucker and Dale Versus Evil, a satirical look at crazed hillbilly films that packs a lot of heart, smarts, laughs and bloodshed. The Last Circus is my number one “film you probably havent heard of but MUST SEE.” Sleep Tight opened in Spain, but not in the U.S., and that set me on the edge of my seat on several occasions. And, last but not least, The Skin I Live In. Pedro Almodovars film blindsided me and brings class and ingenuity to a sub-genre of horror that everyone is very familiar of. Id rather not reveal what that sub-genre is because it might be too much of a spoiler.
Again, those almost made the list. There were several films I saw this year that do not come out until 2012 – and will likely make my “best of” list – but I’ll save those for a year from now.
Now, here are my top five of 2011 (films released in the U.S. this year). Im going to run them down from top to bottom based on replay value.
And, just for kicks, here are some of the non-horror offerings I really dug this year: Drive, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, X-Men: First Class, Warrior, Limitless.
Look for my Worst of 2011 later this week!
Other “Best of 2011” Lists: Paul’s Picks / Jeff’s Picks
