As a movie lover, I felt obliged to make a list of my top movies for 2011. Honestly, this should’ve been a longer list and it’s painful to leave out a number of titles but these 4 stayed with me the whole year (With the exception of one entry which I literally just watched a few hours ago. But hey, that’s how great that movie was).

I listed 4 because frankly, there are only 4 of them that I can write about. I rarely interpret my “in-depth” appreciation for movies into written words but since most of my picks didn’t release locally, it is my duty as a fan to persuade everyone who hasn’t seen them. These are the type of movies that could be your weekly or monthly staple, the type that you would put in your iPod and watch it just before you sleep, the type that you automatically watch when there’s nothing good on TV… I feel I’m already justifying it too much so before things get dramatic, here’s my list:

4.) Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Some might argue that this is such a mainstream entry. I would’ve agreed if: a) it wasn’t directed by Brad Bird, b) it wasn’t directed by Brad Bird and c) it wasn’t directed by Brad Bird. BRAD BIRD people. It’s been 5 years since he made a film. The last one he made? An animation. Yes, he hasn’t directed a live action before but, of all the Pixar movies I loved - he directed it (The Incredibles, Ratatouille).

The action was a rush and kept me going. If you didn’t get the chance to see this on IMAX, you missed on A LOT because ALL of the IMAX scenes were breathtaking.

3.) 50/50

It’s a movie that has a serious subject and manages to turn it into something comical and inspirational. Based on the screenwriter’s own experiences, it gives a sincere depiction of life dealing with the disease. It’s the human emotion and smallest details of the movie that makes it close to my heart.

2.) Drive

Easily, a cult classic. From the style, cinematography, acting and down to the soundtrack - absolutely everything about it is brilliant. It’s true though how this movie was received, it calls upon a select audience which is unfortunate. You’ll either like love it or hate it.

Drive would’ve taken my #1 spot if it weren’t for:

1.) Midnight In Paris

Anything that leaves me with a smile on my face and wanting more will always take the top spot in my book. Did I mention that I watched this just a few hours ago? It. Was. That. Charmingly, magically good.

It helped that I had no idea what the premise was, nor have I seen any trailers before watching it. I only had the fact that critics gave it praise and it was well reviewed.

It starts off seemingly like your typical rom com but it takes interesting turns. I even got worried I wouldn’t exactly relate to it but it doesn’t take a literary genius to do so (although I think people who are into books and literature will appreciate this movie even more).

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Honorable Mentions:

- Hanna

- Bridesmaids

- Attack the Block

- Rise of the Planet of the Apes

- Moneyball

- Horrible Bosses

- Rango

There are still A LOT of movies released last year that I haven’t watched. I don’t know if these would affect my list but I’m sure they are among the best of 2011. Some of these are on my download queue and some I’ll be waiting for to screen in theatres.

- Hugo

- The Descendants

- The Guard

- Young Adult

- Take Shelter

- We Need to Talk About Kevin