hi, im mcdavis

Inspired by Burbanked’s post earlier, I decided to see what movies I was able to view that were released in 2011 (either limited or wide).  This is not every movie I saw this year, but only those that were released this year.

Of the 63 movies, I paid to see 27 of the movies in theaters, I was able to get into 12 free and early screenings and I enjoyed (maybe that’s not the best word considering some of the movies on the list) 24 of the movies from my couch.

(An interesting — and I’m probably using that term loosely — note is that I really started to miss a lot of the big releases toward the end of the year.  I was doing well until just after the summer.  I don’t know why exactly this happened, but it is notable.)

Also, while it is December, the upcoming onslaught of award contenders means it’s probably still too early to do a best of 2011 list.  I’ll be catching most of them in the next 2 weeks and have a better opinion at that time, so I’m going to hold off on doing that for now.

Below is the list of all the 2011 releases I saw this year (because I’m sure you care):

• The Green Hornet 
• The Company Men
• The Mechanic
• Sanctum
• Just Go with It
• Cedar Rapids
• Unknown

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Drive

This is an obvious first choice, right?  Everyone’s buzzing about Nicolas Winding Refn’s upcoming action thriller starring Ryan Gosling as a hollywood stunt driver turned wheelman.  Drive has its work cut out for it with all the hype, but if Refn and co. are able to pull it off, expect this to sit on many people’s top ten lists.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

David Fincher’s first film to hit after last year’s critical darling The Social Network, finds him making an English port of the Swedish film of the same title.  Not only does this have everyone’s attention due to Fincher’s attachment, but it comes paired with a mega-fanbase thanks to the huge book franchise (by Stieg Larsson) that the films are based on.  Don’t forget this Dragoon Tattoo also re-teams Fincher with Trent Reznor and Atticus Finch who were able to nab an Oscar for their score to The Social Network.  Let’s not forget this also features Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara (Zuck’s love interest in The Social Network).

Moneyball

It’s only fitting to list Moneyball right after Dragon Tattoo as it is Social Network scribeAaron Sorkin’s first screenplay since grabbing his screenplay Oscar last year.  This feel good story about the Oakland A’s turnaround is sure to fill theaters and has all the right ingredients to be a prime Oscar candidate. Brad Pitt leads this cast featuring Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation).

The Ides of March

Because there can never be enough Ryan Gosling, we’re going to be graced with his presence in two movies this fall (and his third of the year including this summer’s Crazy, Stupid, Love).  Directed by and co-starring George Clooney (who’s also double dipping in this fall’s movie lineup starring in The Descendants), this politically centered film matches Governor Mike Morris’ (Clooney) gubernatorial experience against upcoming staffer Stephen Myers (Gosling) in a bid for presidency.  Evan Rachel Wood, Philip Seymour Hoffman (also his second of the fall), Paul Giamatti and Marisa Tomei fill out the rest of this star-studded cast.

50/50

Considering I was able to get into an advanced screening of 50/50, I shouldn’t technically be putting it on my “most anticipated” list.  With that said, I enjoyed it enough that I want to ensure it falls on everyone else’s radar.  This cancer dramedy by Jonathan Levine (The Wackness) showcases how Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character Adam comes to terms with his mortality due to his newfound cancer diagnosis.  Seth Rogen stars as Kyle, who serves as Adam’s (and the viewer’s) comic relief.  Let’s not forget we also get a nice performance from Anna Kendrick who plays Adam’s young therapist Katie.  Unlike the rest of the films here, I can say with certainty that 50/50 will definitely be on my best of the year list.

The Muppets

Jason Segel and Amy Adams star in the theatrical return for the Muppets after an extended break.  Segel worked with frequent contributor Nicholas Stoller (Yes Man, Get Him to the Greek) to piece together the screenplay for what will be the Muppets newest adventure.  And, if starring in and writing the film wasn’t enough, Segel also created most of the musical numbers in the film.  What started as a passion project for Segel now oozes his love of the Muppet universe and has everyone buzzing on how Kermit and company will fare in their first film in years.

Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol is the first film that will setup a revamp of the Mission Impossible franchise, in which Jeremy Renner shifts into the starring role and Tom Cruise slowly departs.  If that alone doesn’t draw enough attention to this loved action franchise, Ghost Protocol also serves as Brad Bird’s (The Incredibles, Ratatouille) first time at the throne of a live action film.  Considering the fact that the previous installment in the franchise (directed by J.J. Abrams) was a solid entry and the fanbase that’s automatic with the MI world, expect this to be one of the biggest movies in December (which pits it directly against The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin).

Other notables:

• Like Crazy - This indie darling starring Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog, Charlie Bartlett, Fright Night) has a lot of buzz with people calling it “this year’s (500) Days of Summer”.
• J. Edgar - With Clint Eastwood at the helm and Leonardo DiCaprio starring, I’d be hard pressed not to at least give it a mention. Also notable in the fact that it features Arnie Hammer who played a pair of twins in The Social Network (although he’s only playing a single character here).
• Young Adult - This film marks the first re-pairing of Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody since Juno.  While Cody hasn’t done as well as Reitman since their previous effort, teaming them together again could be the right combination for more movie magic.