Top Ten of 2011: Runners-Up

As I unveil my list of the movies that most impressed, effected, and entertained me of 2012, I open with the same caveat as always: my year is based on what opened near me. If a movie did not open in Columbus or Dayton in the year of 2011, it is not eligible. Sorry, The Artist. You will be on my 2012 list. Meanwhile, one 2010 Oscar nominee is in my top five for 2011.

Before unveiling my top ten, these are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:

Beginners. If Chritopher Plummer's supporting performance wasn't the most entertaining performance of 2011, then I didn't see what topped it. But the sweet romance at the heart of this film is what truly won me over.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Werner Herzog always has a unique take on life. His decision to shoot these cabe drawings in 3D is one of the best cinematic decisions he ever made.

Crazy Stupid Love. Not quite the laugh riot I expected, but a film with more emotional truth than I expected, and a plot with some great twists and turns.

Drive. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. And a couple of harch reminders of how shocking violence is when played for real.

Friends with Benefits. Yeah, just a romantic comedy with dirty words, but with appealing leads in Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, and dialogue that still makes me laugh on repeat viewings, a lot less has been celebrated.

Hanna. Brutal, but exciting, with a ferocious lead performance by Saorise Ronan and tehno score to match by The Chemical Brothers.

Horrible Bosses. Flat out the major studio film that made me laugh the hardest. (There is an independent film in my top ten that had me laughing harder.)

Martha Marcy May Marlene. It's not just for Elizabeth Olsen, though she gave one of my favorite performances of the year. Its for the way the film, with its jump back and forth structure, had me feeling her paranoia.

Midnight in Paris. Just made me smile the whole time. No one does that better than Woody Allen at the top of his game.

Win WIn. Director Tom McCarthy is a master of the telling detail, which makes his films so rewarding. Plus in this one he has Paul Giamati in the lead.