Film and television recommendations for this year. The only criteria: I watched it for the first time during 2011.
Violence, Rome, and British accents seem to be the common themes here.
America the Beautiful: Darryl Roberts takes on beauty image in the Unites States in this interesting and intelligent documentary.
The Big Lebowski: Surreal, but it sort of grows on you as you think about what it was like and what occurs. If Roseanne hadn’t given John Goodman his reputation, this would have.
Captain America: Hugo Weaving aside, Chris Evans puts in the best performance of a super hero that I’ve ever seen.
The Godfather I and II: I expected violence. What I got was an addicting study in the dark side of character.
Hugo: Don’t believe the previews that make this seem like a slapstick kids’ movie. It’s full of delicate story arcs and demolished dreams. You also learn about early cinema as a bonus.
I, Claudius: Yes, I know the BBC spends as little as possible on sets. But the acting is pretty wow, and the Romans are pretty interesting.
Kung Fu Panda Two: What matters is what you do with the life you have been given. If anything, this improves upon the original.
Luther: Fascinating study of a detective who’s ends just the means. Idris Elba chews up the scenery, supported by a deftly weaved net of fascinating good guys and bad guys, some of which can’t decide which camp to stay in.
Red: When spies retire, this happens. Kudos to Helen Mirren and Jon Malkovich.
Rome: Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus. When their luck is this good, you stay on their good side. Like a soap opera, but in a good way, with lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, and great acting. No more cardboard sets for the BBC.
I’m glad you enjoyed Hugo as much as I did.
Did you get a chance to see Cave of Forgotten Dreams? It’s not the strongest of Werner Herzog’s documentaries, but the images are gorgeous and unforgettable. If you’ve not seen it, do check it out!