Best of 2011 so far…

Black Swan

Natalie Portman gives a star turn in this surprisingly chilling tale of pirouettes and paranoia. Dark and atmospheric it remains gripping and unsettling, as pressure mounts and dreams shatter. A beautiful nightmare.

Limitless

Bradley Cooper pill pops some experimental drugs that allow him to reach superhuman potential. Fun and thought provoking pharmaceutical Thriller.

Source Code

Jake Gyllenhal gets caught in a ground hog day scenario as he revisits the same 8 minutes over and over as he tries to thwart a terrorist attack. Danger on a train sci fi action that’s gripping and clever.

Bridesmaids

Reinventing the chick flick, a hugely funny film about best female friends challenged by a odd bod crew of bitchy bridesmaids. Big laughs, great fun.

The Inbetweeners Film

From E4 to the Big Screen, the 4 teenagers lads holiday to Greece remains consistent with the gags and as brazen and shocking as ever. Love the show, loved the film.

The Guard

Brendan Gleason’s as the Bad Lieutenant of a sleepy Irish port town is dark, dry witted and charming. A surprise hit that should be sought out and enjoyed.

127 Hours

James Franco in that film about a man literally trapped between a rock and a hard place. Involving, tense and ultimately gory, this film will have you panicked then elated. Highly emotive stuff.

The Kings Speech

King Colin Firth in a royal bromance crowd pleaser and the stammering prince called upon to overcome his problems and unite the nation fearful of the oncoming war with Nazi Germany. A warm a funny tale of friendship and triumph, it’s a great watch with some hugely enjoyable performances.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Silly name aside, this was the only summer blockbuster that had any real depth, illustrating how great CGI can be when it’s not just used to make robots smash each other up.

Paul

Pegg and Frost doing what they do best in their own little pastiche of Spielberg 80’s alien treat.

The Adjustment Bureau

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt try and outrun fate in this sci fi romance flick that’s well worth a watch.

Attack the Block

Inner City vs Outer Space is the tag line that best describes this alien attack film about a group of aliens attempting to take on an east London gang of tearaway kids. Refreshingly different.

Tangled

Disney deliver something fresh and funny with an old school vibe. Songs, dances and plenty of gags, Disney prove they still have that old Mickey Magic.

The Next 3 Days

Russell Crow in deliriously over the top fun in a jail break full throttle action thriller. Little bit bonkers (in the same way Taken is) but hugely entertaining.

Drive

Brutally violent arty crime thriller with bags of style and flare. 80’s infused coolness a dedication to a vision makes this a surprisingly engrossing masterpiece.

Crazy Stupid Love

A warm and likeable rom com with loveable characters. Good chemistry, wit and wisdom help make this stand out in a muddied genre.

The Help

Uplifting tale about courage and standing up for what’s right. An array of fantastic female performances makes this the most joyous offering of 2011. Heart-warming fun.