Take Shelter (2011)
I already wrote 100 words about Take Shelter. And for the moment, that’s all I’ll say. Many people haven’t gotten the chance to see this film so I’ll keep my lips sealed until that changes. Spoiler alert: this will most likely end up as one of my favorite films of 2011.
Hunger (2008)
As a huge fan of The Fass, you would think this critically acclaimed entry would have been one of the first I sought out. I was aware of the film’s subject matter (mistreated inmates and a hunger strike) and those themes tend to hit me hard. I’m not a huge fan of watching the true evils of men play out. But since everyone we know seemed to be watching Shame (the new Steve McQueen/Fassbender film), I decided to give it a go. And yes, it did bother me and leave me a bit shaken, but it was worth it. Powerful performances abound! It’s films like this that get under my skin. Not zombies and vampires, but normal people carrying out sickening atrocities.
Lake Mungo (2008)
This is not another “omg this is real!” ghost movie… Shot like a documentary, Lake Mungo lulls you into a false sense of security over and over again. Every time you think you’ve got it figured out or you feel as though you’ve found your footing, something changes. While many of the visuals are unsettling and creepy, what really struck me is the film’s unrelenting sadness. I only jumped once, but I cried through the entire closing credits. This movie broke my heart.
Hanna (2011)
I was very excited to finally see this film and I think I may have over-hyped it in my own head. I loved it, but not as much as I expected to. And that’s my fault, not the film’s. It’s beautifully shot and filled with allegory. It’s got strong female characters and is well acted. But it wasn’t as subtle as I was expecting. It made my list because it was an above average film that would benefit from a re-watch.
Scream 4 (2011)
This list is an odd one. I’m desperately trying to balance my usual viewing habits with my desire to watch as many 2011 releases as possible (and Being Human UK). That’s why there are so many newer movies here. Scream 4 is by no means a perfect film. Actually, it’s deeply flawed, often goofy, and is overly referential. But I had a ball watching it. Truly, this is the perfect example of the right film at the right time. (I also grew up with this series, so it was a very nostalgic and pleasant experience.) If I watched this again and was in a different mood, I may very well hate it. Oh, and I refuse to write it like Scre4m. Dumb.
