Top Nine Films of 2011

It has been a while since I've posted anything up here and I was hoping to make my Top Ten Films an annual thing but what with new jobs, soul searching and general anxiety and distractions including going to the cinema, running and drinking beer I've not just sat down and written.

They are a Top Nine as I have a feeling one of the three films I desperately regret not seeing Hugo, Drive, Tyrannosaur would easily have been in this list so there is a space to represent my inadequacy at not always making it to the cinema.

I would also like to mention the Edinburgh International Film Festival. In 2010, many of my favourite films were viewed at the fantastic June festival, in 2011, the lack of a inviting 'buy loads of tickets - save some money' offer meant I attended nothing. Thank shiz I still caught The Guard (no. eight) post the festival. If you feel the same - I implore you to support film makers who need audiences and someone to take a chance on their film - by letting the EIFF know we will come and see film upon film and take lots of risks if we get a leeeeetle bit of help.

My top Nine films of 2011.

Nine
My Week With Marilyn
Michelle Williams. Tis all. (Oh and Judy Dench playing Judy Dench)

Eight
The Guard
'Where are you getting your cocaine, cause those are different streets to where I'm getting my cocaine'

Seven
Senna
For certain events and moments, the team had over 20 different options of footage. Do not for a second consider any knowledge of Formula One to be relevant. A truly extrodinary documentary.

Six
Super 8
'Guys watch out'

Five
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Just super brill. Perfectly paced.

Four
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
'There's a mole.' And it's been a long time since he spent his weekends down by the river with Ratty.

Three
Bridesmaids
I have no words. If only my life was this funny* *I sometimes think it's this funny in my head.

Two
Weekend
Utterly beautiful, the accident that is love, and lust, and cups of tea (sans sugar).
And I can testify, in all soppiness, two days are not nothing, or at least, they weren't for me. (I do not feature in this film as a gay man.)

One
We Need To Talk About Kevin
I have never so nearly walked out of a cinema as it got so uncomfortable, yet this film really is almost perfect. I stuck it out and it stuck in my head for months... Lynne Ramsay is a genius.