FOX 4 Film Critic Russ Simmons shares his favorite movies of 2011.
1. THE ARTIST
A true Valentine to the movies, “The Artist” is much more than just homage to the early days of cinema. Shot in black and white and mostly silent, this outstanding comic drama about early Hollywood is packed with style, wit and heart. It’s a wildly entertaining and rewarding movie experience.
2. THE HELP
There are enough flaws in the movie adaptation of the novel “The Help” to fill a volume, but the movie works beautifully in spite of them. While this comic drama is soapy and a bit overlong, the great performances and heartfelt execution turn “The Help” into a moving and satisfying yarn.
3. SUPER 8
Filmmaker J. J. Abrams mines Steven Spielberg territory in this effective coming of age story that just happens to play out during a bizarre science fiction event. The climax is a bit weak, but everything else works in this action packed summer popcorn movie.
4. WIN WIN
Paul Giamatti is priceless in this affecting comic drama about the struggles of a small town, part-time wrestling coach. Tom McCarthy provided the year’s best original screenplay.
5. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
I’m no fan of American remakes of foreign films, but director David Fincher and stars Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara helped make the English language version of the popular book as riveting and tense as it is tawdry and grim.
Russ Simmons’ Top Ten List for 2011
1. The Artist
2. The Help
3. Super 8
4. Win Win
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
6. The Descendants
7. A Seperation
8. Moneyball
9. The Tree of Life
10. Incendies
