Year-End Review: Underrated Films of 2011
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 06:56
- Written by Lupe Haas
In case you were the many who missed the theatrical release earlier this year, here is CineMovie's list of 5 films we recommend for your viewing pleasure.
1. Hanna
The movie-going audience were probably not sold on seeing an action film about a 16-year-old trained assassin, but the Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) directed thriller was one of the best films that had action and well-drawn out characters - a rarity in Hollywood. Given the big names attached to this film (Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, and Saoirse Ronan), it's a surprise it didn't do better. HANNA is what I like to call an "artsy action film" that had a good balance of thrills and drama.
Saoirse Ronan gave a spectacular performance as the innocent yet deadly assassin out for revenge. Her fight sequences were convincing and natural - no CGI needed to enhance the brutality of the violence. The young actress is definitely an actress to keep an eye out for. Cate Blanchett was also bad ass as the wicked antagonist out to kill the adolescent heroine. How often do you get two strong female characters in one movie?
The score by The Chemical Brothers added another dimensionality to the film which made it fiercely unique as well.
Interview: Saoirse Ronan Takes It Easy On Eric Bana In 'Hanna'
Interview: Behind the Scenes with 'Hanna' Director Joe Wright
Movie Reviews & Clip: Eric Bana Abandons Daughter in HANNA
2. A Better Life
From the director of American Pie and Twilight Saga: New Moon, comes a heart-wrenching tale of a father's love for his son and the hardships that comes with living as an illegal immigrant in the U.S. Regardless of your stance on the immigration issue, you are rooting for the main characters in this movie to attain the American dream. A BETTER LIFE is not a fairly tale, however, when the cruelties of reality come into play and that's when you're hooked.
A BETTER LIFE was a departure for director Chris Weitz who is accustomed to working in the Hollywood system. A BETTER LIFE is Weitz's passion project and a dedication to his Mexican roots. His grandmother is legendary Mexican actress Lupita Tovar.
This indie film is worth watching for Mexican actor Demian Bichir's performance alone. The actor is up for a Best Actor award from the Screen Actors Guild this award season which is truly deserving for capturing the character of Carlos Galindo, a man struggling to keep his family together as a single father with a rebellious son in danger of going down a dangerous path. Demian's acting illicited a couple of tears from the viewers in the movie theater during a poignant scene at the end of the movie. Not many films this year tug at your heart-strings and A BETTER LIFE is one of them.
Chris Weitz Interview: It Would Be A Tragedy If Latinos Don't Support A BETTER LIFE
3. Warrior
A movie about the hugely popular MMA should've done more business at the box office, but perhaps the Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte movie was released too soon after The Fighter. Many saw it as a copycat, but it was far from it. It does involve two brothers but these two are on-the-outs siblings preparing to battle each other in the ring for the big prize.
The Gavin O'Connor film was considered by some critics the best sports movie of the year. WARRIOR has great characters and a well-written story with a balance of humor around the heavy dramatic elements. Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), Joel Edgerton (The Great Gasby) and Nick Nolte gave wonderful performances as an estranged family. However, Nick Nolte's performance was a stand out as a former abusive alcoholic trying to make amends for his lack of fatherly skills. Nolte gave a heart-wrenching turn as Paddy Conlon that had many in the audience in tears. His performance reminded me of Mickey Rourke's role in The Wrestler. These two actors not only act with their emotions, but their faces show the hardship of their characters through every every wrinkle and line on their faces. Those kind of performances are a rarity and for the viewer, the investment in the outcome is greater.
Tom Hardy Stars in Warrior Movie & Coffee Table Book
4. The Devil's Double
Playing dual roles can't be easy for an actor, but Dominic Cooper pulled off a remarkable feet in THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE that makes you believe he can do anything. Not only is it a compelling true story, but Cooper's portrayal of Suddam Hussein's son Uday and his body double Latif is so remarkable - it makes this performance one of the best of the year. He played the two characters so distinctly from each that there was never any confusion as to who he was in a scene. He created such a hateable character in Uday while playing a character so likeable, you can't wait until he gets away from his tormentor. After his memorable role as Howard Stark in Captain America: The First Avenger, there's nothing this stand-out actor can't do.
Director Lee Tamahori (Die Another Day, Next) did a remarkeable job placing the two characters in a scene so flawlessly, you're left wondering how they did that. The story is so well-put together - you're invested in the film from start to finish.
5. Attack the Block
ATTACK THE BLOCK is another film that should've attracted mainstream audiences this year. This alien invasion movie from Executive Producer Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) was different than any other alien invasion movie in 2011 (Battle: Los Angeles, Transformers 3) in that the fight is taken on by a group of young thugs in South London instead of the military. Like Shaun of the Dead, the alien invasion genre is turned on it's head in this movie directed by Joe Cornish. The balance of humor and danger makes this flick a fun-filled time at the movies.
Shaun of the Dead and Paul's Nick Frost is the only recognizable face in ATTACK THE BLOCK, but the one to look for is John Boyega, a young Denzel Washington look-alike who steals the show as the group leader of the London gang. You may want to turn on the subtitles for this one on the DVD, as the slang is sometimes hard to understand.
Attack The Block Director Stays Mum On Monster Alien Effects
Movie Clip: Aliens Invade The Hood In Attack The Block
Movie Review: Attack the Block
