10 – “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”
“Ghost Protocol” is the film “Mission Impossible 3″ wanted to be. It’s also the film the audience wanted it to be. Fun, cool, fast paced and full of humor. The best action film of the year, with clear direction, and set pieces that are absurdly over the top but are insanely fun to watch. Jeremy Renner also proves that he has got what it takes to be the next Bourne, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he took over from Cruise in this franchise.
9 – “Sherlock Holmes: A game of Shadows”
The sequel to 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes,” this film is bigger, funnier and better. While the story is sometimes difficult to follow, it’s the relationship between Watson and Holmes that sell this film. Downy and Law play their parts to perfection, and Jared Harris is fantastic as Moriarty. Another sequel is in order I believe!
8 – “Submarine”
One of the most refreshing films of the year. Craig Roberts is great as Oliver Tate, and he’s the glue that holds this film together, it may be a little bit pretentious, but you know what, by the time the credits roll, i really don’t care.
7 – “Super 8″
Even though it’s not particularly original, it is funny, and it is moving, and the direction is pretty much perfect. While there isn’t much in the way of story, It’s the characters who are the soul of this film, and all of them are very likeable in their own way. However, a message i give to JJ Abrams – Cut down on the lens flare next time!
6 – “Hanna”
A film that i think has been very ignored over the past year. Hanna is an excellent thriller, which boasts crisp action sequences, with an impressive central performance by Saoirse Ronan. While it may drag in the middle a little, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better thriller this year.
5 – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2″
For me, this film pretty much ticked all the boxes. The benefit of only being half the book meant that it gave the film time to give the audience what they really wanted. All the key scenes from the book have been transferred perfectly (The exception being the Kings Cross dream sequence) and it closed a ten year long film series the way it should have been.
4 – “X-men: First Class”
The best superhero movie of the year. Telling the story of how Professor X and Magneto met, this film sets up the original two X-men films wonderfully. It also puts the franchise back on track. The two central performances are brilliant, with both Mcavoy and Fassbender bringing their own to two iconic roles. Give me a sequel now!
3 – “Drive”
Ryan Gosling. You animal. You beautiful animal. What a brilliant film. Just watch it. Watch it now.
2 – “50/50″
An emotional, character driven story featuring Joseph Gorden-Levitt and Seth Rogen. This film is wonderful, and Joseph Gorden-Levitt has never been better. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel genuinely moved by the characters journey. A must watch.
1 – “Source Code”
A film that features the same 8 minutes over and over again. This is a movie full of ideas. Brilliant, wonderful ideas, and a director who’s more than capable of pulling them off. Jake Gyllenhaal is great in this film, but the person who sticks out most for me is Michelle Monaghan. A thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and the story and direction is fantastic, which is why this is top of my list. Go watch it now if you haven’t seen it!