Going into the fall Oscar season, it’s clear 2011 shaped up to be pretty similar to 2010 – wholly underwhelming as major studios flocked to big-budget tentpoles, product adaptations… anything with pre-existing source material (not including novels). It’s gotten so bad I found myself giving credit to the makers of “Real Steel” the other day because someone invented the story. Who cares if the movie is somewhat tripey and derivative. (I’m not even sure it makes any sense. The only reason boxing – or any sport – is interesting is because fragile, biological, imperfect human beings are forced to compete. Who the hell would be interested in watching robots punch each other? Where’s the triumph and defeat in that?)
Nonetheless, a few great films and some very good ones have managed to squeak into theaters quietly over the summer. Most of them weren’t seen by anyone. Others, such as “Drive,” did better. “Warrior” was criminally under-watched. Honestly, I would bet money that every single person who watched that movie would walk away absolutely loving it. It’s one of the best sports films in a long time.
So, here’s my Top 10 so far. Only the first five are what I’d consider great.
1. “The Tree of Life”
2. “Drive”
3. “Certified Copy”
4. “Cold Weather”
5. “Warrior”
6. “Moneyball”
7. “Contagion”
8. “Super 8″
9. “The Trip”
10. “Midnight in Paris”‘
I imagine the second half of my current Top 10 will entirely disappear by January, and I’ll detail the merits of each of those 10 then. Until then, I’ll just say this: I can’t imagine anything topping Terrance Malick’s “The Tree of Life.” I haven’t seen a movie shoot that high and nail everything since Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” A difficult, stunning film that even my mom (somehow) loved.
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