Best, Worst, and "Ok" - Part 3

This post is specifically reserved for the best of the best in science fiction this year. These films are a shining example of solid writing, directing, and acting, which is a rarity. Please feel free to add to the list or disagree with me. All in all, I think 2011 was a good year for science fiction. End of line.

"Best" Scifi films of 2011

Attack of the Block

Attack of the Block - In the land of stale scifi remakes, Attack of the Block is a breath of fresh air. Street kids in South London band together to defend themselves against hostile alien invaders. What a brilliant concept? Chock full of witty metaphors, smart action scenes, gore, and Shaun of the Dead-like comedy, Attack of the Block is an entertaining sci-fi thriller and a must see.

Super 8

Super 8 is good, but it's not unique. Super 8 is good because it takes the best parts of other great films and pieces them together. If that's the case, then Steven Spielberg should be really flattered because J.J. Abrams shamelessly emulates classic Spielberg films. I've had my issues with Spielberg films, but if you're going to imitate someone, Spielberg is a good model to use.  

Warning: This film is very nostalgic.  After watching you're likely to break out old records and watch bad Nickolodeon at Night.

Source Code

Source Code is solid through and through. I'm not a Jake Gyllenhaal fan but this was a good movie. I truly enjoyed it. It was well-written, well-done, and well-acted. The film also contains some hard sci-fi aspects, which I like. Think Quantum Leap x's Groundhog Day x's Under Siege 2. Who would have thought of this combination? If only Hollywood used this kind of material more often.

Contagion

Contagion - Just when you think it's safe to touch door knobs, go back to using regular soap, and stop carrying hand sanitizer around in your purse, a movie like Contagion comes out. Contagion is a great whodunit and a tense thriller. The scientists are the detectives and the virus is a serial killer. Most importantly, unlike other melodramatic virus films, Contagion takes the science seriously. Contagion does something few other movies do, it treats the audience with intelligence. In this aspect, Contagion is up there with the early 1970's film, The Andromeda Strain and a must see!

Andy Serkis in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes - "Incredible" is the one word to describe Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The other two words are "Andy Serkis." Let there be no doubt that this Andy Serkis' film. Despite the obvious formula: corporate science gone wild, abused lab animals, disastrous consequences for human kind, the film is impressive, due in no small part to Andy Serkis. Serkis' motion capture performance as Caesar is Oscar-worthy. Best-known for his role as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Serkis is a master physical actor. The emotions Serkis brings with just his eyes and body language, speak volumes.

John Slattery and Matt Damon in The Adjustment Bureau

The Adjustment Bureau - This movie was good, not great. The Adjustment Bureau is basically Mad Men with a supernatural twist. It's more of a drama than anything, which is fine. But if you're expecting an action film, then you'll be disappointed. If this film had been a bit braver and possibly focused more on the adjusters, then it would have been a great film. Now that I think of it, I probably should have put this film in the "Ok" pile.

James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in X-Men: First Class

X-Men First Class was better than I thought it would be, but not as good as I had hoped. It was certainly more enjoyable to watch than Thor, but considering the long and interesting histories of Professor X and Magneto, I was expecting a little bit more. At some point, the writers threw the comic book in the trash and proceeded to burn it. If the story had focused on Charles and Erik and their relationship, then this film could have been great, but alas, lazy writers. 

"Best" Fantasy Films of 2011

2011 was not a great year for fantasy. There were a few good apples in the batch, but most fantasy films in 2011 fell short. See the standouts listed below.

Hugo

Hugo - A flawless adaptation of Brian Selznick's book "The Adventures of Hugo Cabret," Hugo is about a boy who secretly lives in a 1930s Paris train station, accompanied only by a notebook, a broken automaton, and a need to reconnect with his deceased father. Martin Scorsese directs one of the most beautiful films of 2011.

Fright Night 2011

Fright Night - This had all the makings of yet another abominable remake, but I was pleasantly surprised. Fright Night stuck to it's guns and in a post-Twilight world, Jerry the vampire (played flawlessly by Colin Farrell) isn't lovelorn or moody. He's heartless, predatory, and a tad bit alluring. The new Fright Night takes the best portions of the original film and amps it up. Written by Buffy alum, Marti Noxon, the re-imagined Fright Night flies at a quickening pace and the thrills start right away. I would note that Marti also wrote the screenplay for the atrocious I Am Number Four, but this time she gets it right. No doubt her Buffy experience came in handy.

Marion Cotillard and Owen Wilson in Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris is a light and airy romantic comedy with a great concept and a fantastical twist. A clever movie in which the main object of affection is Paris itself. If you haven't seen it, I don't want to give away the plot. This is one of Woody Allen's best films in years.