2011 Movies: #1

Ref: Mulhern

Leaving me no time again, B! *shakes fist*

#1 Drive

Excellent, excellent, excellent. From the opening sequence that takes a clever turn to the slow darkening of the action, Drive keeps the viewer captivated until its conclusion and leaves room for debate later. Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan share a powerful relationship that doesn't need explication. An excellent soundtrack underscores the action. Although I would have probably cringed less at a more caper-esque version of this film, I wouldn't trade the finished product for anything.

That's all, folks! Just under the wire!

2011 Movies: #2

Ref: Mulhern

#2 Stuck Between Stations

B and I caught this film on a whim during the Minneapolis-St. Paul Film Festival this year. An hour-plus wait in line for day-of tickets was well worth it for a great show (plus a Q&A session with some of the actors and, for B, some post-show hobnobbing). Stuck Between Stations captures the magic of an instant connection years in the making against the backdrop of late-night Minneapolis. Everyone on the small cast is excellent, but the bulk of the story is admirably carried by Zoe Lister-Jones and Sam Rosen, who was also seen in last year's local film Four Boxes.

Catch it, if you can!

(p.s. Oscar pre-show viewers, mustachioed Bradley Cooper?!?!)

2011 Movies: #4 & 3

Ref: Mulhern

It's distracting trying to blog and critique the red carpet at the same time. Nonetheless, I'll try...

#4 The Descendants

I regret missing this one thus far and will have to catch it before it finishes its theatrical run.

#3 The Artist

Splendid! The Artist is a loving homage to silent movies that is delivered with a few unexpected and delightful surprises. The storytelling is fresh (for those of us who didn't grow up with silent movies) and enjoyably diverting. What a wonderful stateside introduction to Jean Dujardin, France's George Clooney, who is able to both play the classical bold but romantic hero and poke fun at himself while doing it. (And, of course, Uggie the dog is excellent.)

2011 Movies: #7, 6 & 5

Ref: Mulhern

#7 Tree of Life

I think I missed out not seeing this one in theatres just for its sheer beauty. Yes, the story doesn't seem to go much of anywhere, but it does so in the most airy, fantastic, brilliant visual way. The young boys do a great job of natural, unself-conscious interaction in front of the camera, and Chastain and Pitt convey their complex relationship through interludes of quiet side-by-side existence combined with the occasional outbursts of passion.

Also, there are dinosaurs!

#6 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

(Mulhern, refer to this cinematic masterpiece by its proper name!) My mother saw the first couple of movies in the Harry Potter franchise... and then saw this one. "At first I didn't really know what was going on," she said, "but I got the hang of it." That's an understandable reaction from a part-time viewer- HP2 picks up with virtually no exposition, other than a brief recap - it's like you stepped out from HP1 for a brief intermission and have now returned minutes later for the action-packed lengthy conclusion.

Everything is fast-paced and hangs pretty closely to its origin text, Rowling's final installment in the Harry Potter saga. Without giving it all away, it's fair to assume that you'll laugh, cry and bid farewell to the world of Hogwarts satisfied.

#5 Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

I'm familiar with ATCQ now, due in full to Mulhern. I've heard some/most of their music and know much of the group's backstory, but I'm nowhere near as passionate as B. Still, I very much enjoyed Beats, Rhymes & Life. The documentary was accessible for super-fans and interested parties alike, with a look at the history of the group, its successes and struggles, with plenty of music mixed in.

2011 Movies: #9 & 8

Ref: Mulhern

#9 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Unlike B, I went into this movie having read all the full Millennium trilogy, albeit a couple of years ago. He gets some things wrong and some things right in his recap of the story, which indicates the difficulty of conveying the nuances of a complex, (sometimes too) detailed novel on film. At the same time, the film's comparative streamlining of Steig Larsson's text cuts out some overly-lengthy exposition and brings additional intensity to the narrative.

Rooney Mara experienced an extreme transformation to prepare for this role, among other things getting pierced in about nine different places (including her ears, which weren't previously pierced), and she embodies Salander admirably. Daniel Craig is also good, although his investigative character isn't much different than others he has played before. The landscape is especially evocative, mirroring the isolation and bleakness of our imperfect protagonists. One warning: the violence is extremely explicit, so much so that two people walked out of the showing we attended.

#8 Moneyball

I did not read Moneyball, but I understand that the text itself doesn't have much in common with the movie; while the book details how moneyball is played, the film is more about conveying how moneyball was developed. I knew the basics of the story but no details going in, and I was happily entertained by the inside baseball tale.

Well-written and well-acted, the movie makes the statistician's science behind player selection understandable and the manager's art of making a deal interesting. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill have a great rapport, the grizzled coaching staff members show the appropriate amount of skepticism at the ideas of Hill's young upstart character, and the players add (for the most part) a nice dash of levity and authenticity.

2011 Movies: #10

Ref: Mulhern

#10 Beginners

"Are we married yet?" asks adorable dog Arthur of owner Oliver. Alas, Arthur, if only it were that easy. Hal was married once, but his life didn't have any vigor. It was only after he began again that he was able to find really meaningful love and a new zest for living.

We see this film's characters as beginners in different ways throughout the non-linear story: Hal/Andy and Oliver/Anna begin to know each other as romantic partners; Hal begins anew as an active and proud member of the gay community; Oliver begins to experience a world without both his parents; Anna begins to reimagine her role in her complicated relationship with her father; Arthur begins his new life with Oliver (sustaining some separation anxiety from his past). It's a testament to the strong storytelling that these beginnings and snippets of experience are exactly what help the movie feel complete.

2011 Movies: #11 & 11 (tie)

Ref: Mulhern

Talk about two films separated by extremes..

#11 Bellflower

In the first corner, we have Bellflower, the independent, low-budget, artistic, fractured, question-prompting film. Mulhern hit the nail square on the head on his review here. Bellflower boasts a unique story and an innovative way of visual storytelling. I loved the slow shift from the bright yellow watercolor impressions of new infatuation to the stark black-grey images of confusion, depression and desperation. Although portions of the film left me cringing - when it went dark, it went dark - the overall impression it left was impressive indeed.

#11 Crazy, Stupid, Love.

And in the second corner, we have Crazy, Stupid, Love., with its celebrity powerhouse cast and storyline that feels both fresh and familiar. To indulge my love of horrible humor, I crazy stupid loved this movie. The relationships between the characters felt realistic and exaggerated at the same time - you couldn't see some of the things happening to you specifically, but you could see them happening. Strong performances from all the actors, with special kudos to Ryan Gosling because, let's face it, he deserves his own tag.

2011 Movies: #13

Ref: Mulhern

#13 50/50

This was one in a series of cancer-related programs we began watching (along with Beginners and Breaking Bad) over the span of a weekend. You'd think all of that intense emotion would have us spiraling into deep depression, but, quite to the contrary, the humorous and touching story told in 50/50 didn't let us get too low.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt was marvelous in this role - stoic, amusing, emotional, raw, human. I was especially moved by the scene at the end of the film *spoiler alert* when he's preparing to go into surgery and saying goodbye to his parents. Seth Rogen was great in the bumbling buddy role that proves to have more depth than meets the eye. Anjelica Huston and Serge Houde deserved special recognition for their affecting portrayals of the mother devoted to caring for the men in her life and the father who, despite a slow disappearance into dementia, still can be partly present for his son.

2011 Movies: #14

Ref: Mulhern

#14 Bridesmaids

This movie was laugh-until-crying funny, painfully awkward and cringe-inducingly gross by turns, featuring characters you can't help but love (like Annie) and characters you love to hate (see: Helen - I despised Helen throughout much of the film). What's more, there are puppy party favors, and who doesn't like to see a basket of ribbon-bedecked puppies?

Bridesmaids does a good job of sending up some of the over-the-top drama that surrounds weddings while still genuinely examining what's at the heart of close female friendships. It's probably not one that I would be able to watch on repeat, just because of the multitude of disgusting things that take place, but there were definitely moments that I could - and likely will - view again and again.

2011 Movies: #17, 16 & 15

Ref: Mulhern

#17 The Muppets

While in the theatre on New Year's Eve (in the daytime) watching New Year's Eve, my sister and I were treated to a Muppet surprise in the form of a "don't talk during the movie" warning in which Miss Piggy shut down banana-phone-talking Fozzie, multiple-texting shrimp dude, popcorn-popping Swedish Chef and drumming Animal. At the end, old men Statler and Waldorf exhorted the audience, "Don't forget to see the Muppets in the theatre. You wouldn't want to let them into your home!" My sister laughed at this line so hard that she cried. It was that kind of morning.

It was also that kind of movie. Unabashedly silly but still charming, it followed its host of exaggerated characters (human and Muppet alike) on a diverting romp that ended in the only way that it could. It has also proven itself extremely quotable.

     Jack Black: Animal, what are you doing here?
     Animal: ...Acting... Naturaaaal.

#16 Hugo

I would not have been likely to see either of the next two films were it not for the influence of Mulhern. Nevertheless, I'm glad I saw both. Hugo was a captivating and ever so slightly creepy story that held the viewer's attention through its multitudinous meanderings. As an added bonus, there was a fierce bathing dog and a tiny human-like robot.

When we went to the theatre to see Hugo, the movie started late because the staff members didn't realize it wasn't playing. When B went out to inform them, another couple was excited because they had arrived late and thought they had missed the beginning. They then proceeded to enter a good twenty minutes later, missing the beginning. They also left with about half an hour to go. I don't know what to make of that.

#15 The Adventures of Tintin

Again with the helpful dog! Unlike B, I am not familiar with the Tintin oeuvre. Nonetheless, I was able to enjoy the film, both in its own right and vicariously through the eyes of the all-knowing fan. Investigative journalist Tintin is in the habit of getting into scrapes in the name of truth and then MacGyvering his way out. Along with his trusty sidekick Snowy (the dog), he spends this movie traveling from country to country in an effort to foil a nefarious plot (and sober Captain Haddock up while he's at it). The obstacles come fast and furious, but when Tintin is on the story you know he won't rest until it's reached its resolution.

For comparison's sake, it would have been interesting to see The Adventures of Tintin in 3D instead of regular D, since 3D is the wave of the future and the motion capture, animation and camera work probably made for an eerily cartoon/realistic juxtaposition. But for this review, that is neither here nor there.

2011 Movies: #18

Ref: Mulhern

And the hits, they keep on coming!

#18 Midnight in Paris

This is the only one of the Oscar films I was able to see three times - once on a plane with partially obstructed view and skewed color balance and twice more on different rental occasions in the comfort of home. Any way you slice it, Midnight in Paris is a keeper - even when Owen Wilson is tinted blue.

Much of the movie's allure comes from its ambiance: the musical selections, the Parisian charm, the '20s fashion. The story itself holds up despite the fact that many of its characters are unlikable, especially condescending Inez and the pedantic gentleman. (As an aside, I dispute Mulhern's disparaging of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's acting skill: she was basically tapped to play a demure French tour guide in a single scene, which I don't know that she could screw up. Besides, she's a multi-hyphenate!) Much of this is due to Owen Wilson's relatable embodiment of wide-eyed, romantic, nostalgic Gil. While some of the period portrayals are overly broad, the intense Hemingway is especially amusing in his descriptions of what it is to be true... and young... and brave... and courageous... and not afraid to die if dying is what it means to be true.

2011 Movies: #20 & 19

Ref: Mulhern

#20 The Debt

I missed this one because Mulhern watched it on DVD whilst I was otherwise occupied. I kept initially getting it confused with Red (which I also didn't see) due to the presence of the Dame. Based on the review, I will have to chase down.

#19 The Guard

I missed this one because I never heard of it before now. It sounds like decent entertainment - and we all know how easy it is to love a good Irish fellow.

2011 Movies: #22 & 21

Ref: Mulhern

#22 The Ides of March

My sis and I rented this movie despite hearing a negative assessment of it from our parents, who usually enjoy both Clooney and political commentary. We were pleasantly surprised to find a film that balanced idealism and cynicism in a way that mirrors today's political climate. Ryan Gosling hits every right note as the campaign staffer who doesn't want to believe in his idol's fall from grace, and George is, as ever, impeccable in his portrayal, here as the leader who can talk a good game but isn't all he appears to be. As in Mulhern's assessment, politics in The Ides of March are the realm of men; women don't have a place in the real action. Thinking back on it, this was reminiscent of The Ghost Writer in some of its ambiance and general outlook.

#21 The Help

This film was viewed during our household's "Month of Emma Stone," when for three weeks straight we watched the theatrical run of a feature in which that box office sweetheart appeared. Love me some Emma Stone. Unlike Mulhern, I had previously read the novel on which The Help is based, so while we both expected much of what happened, I enjoyed the advantage of having more background context.

While B promptly saw The Help as Oscar bait, I was more immediately enamored with its translation to screen and its character portrayals. Everything is somewhat simplified from the book to the movie, so that's a bit of a loss. But all in all, the strong actresses show what it's like to be a woman in the two very different worlds that exist side by side.

2011 Movies: #23

Ref: Mulhern

#23 Young Adult

I confess: I haven't seen this yet, despite the fact that I enjoyed Diablo Cody's previous offering (not Jennifer's Body, in case you were wondering). Instead, since B's review of this film was posted on Feb. 14, remember when we talked about Valentine's Day?

Bonus points to Mulhern for using cringing in his review of this film, thus allowing me to add it to the tags on this post.

2011 Movies: #24

Ref: Mulhern

#24 Margin Call

I was surprised when Mulhern said he was watching Margin Call since I hadn't heard of it before renting it during a weekend with the family this winter. Some of the lighting and sound quality gave it the feel of a low-budget number, but it ended up prompting serious discussions within my family about the financial crisis, so I suppose it hit its mark. As the story unfolded, it felt very true - and it gave the viewer a front seat to the actions, options and decisions that brought us to today. It was the type of story that had me thinking about it long after the credits rolled.

I was cringing throughout much of Margin Call because I was convinced it was going to go dark, break bad, veer into more sinister/violent/HBO-sanctioned territory than it eventually did. That may have been a distraction.

As a bonus, this film features Penn Badgley a.k.a. Dan Humphrey of Gossip Girl in a role that transitions into full-on whining (admittedly, with reason - but you're torn between sympathy and schadenfreude). But hey - at least I didn't spend a good hour talking to the television telling it how much I hate all the characters, like I do when I watch GG... each week...

2011 Movies: #25

Ref: Mulhern

#25 Super 8

Despite an ending that required quite a bit of suspension of disbelief, I thoroughly enjoyed Super 8. Everything was well done - natural dialogue, logical progression of events (which says quite a lot for a film premised on *spoiler alert* alien visitors), plenty of suspense and humor, and not too much slime. All of the young actors were superb and, as Mulhern said, it did feel very much like a fond homage to coming of age a few decades ago. I especially enjoyed the zombie film that screened throughout the credits.

2011 Movies: #26

Ref: Mulhern

#26 Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Unlike B, there was no "protocolo fantasma" advertised at my theatre. What there was was wine. As a holiday gift, my sister took me to see this at the ever-so-fancy Showplace Icon theatre, where we indulged in delicious breads and cheeses along with a bottle of wine that we were able to bring in to our VIP seating. Let me tell you, the sun shining in the brilliant blue Dubai sky makes it very easy to see where you are pouring.

Like B, I thoroughly enjoyed this M:I installment. Tom Cruise's crew was capable and amusing, benefiting from new and creative technology while poking fun at design flaws (like *spoiler alert* the eye scanning device on the side of the moving train or the climbing gloves that fail at an inopportune moment). The story held my attention and left me excited for M:I:V, whenever it will appear. Who knew back in 1996 that Mission: Impossible would be going strong nearly two decades later?

2011 Movies: #28 & 27

Ref: Mulhern

#28 A Dangerous Method

#27 Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I did not see either of these films. You know what I did see?

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is up to his old tricks in this franchise's second installment, again directed by Guy Ritchie. As faithful friend John Watson (Jude Law) prepares to marry, Holmes once again encounters flame Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) facilitating a seemingly simple plot for the highest bidder. But when that bidder turns out to be Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), you can bet that even Holmes risks being half a step behind. Careening across borders and racing to unveil their foe's true plans, Holmes, Watson, and their band of assistants, led by fortune teller Simza (Noomi Rapace) and aided by Holmes' brother Mycroft (Stephen Fry), do all they can to stop the disruption of the world's fragile post-war peace.

2011 Movies: #30(35) & 29

Ref: Mulhern

All this order changing is most complex. Also, red Starbursts are clearly the best flavor, followed by pink, orange, and yellow - at least in the original pack. With that cleared out of the way, let's reiterate the new rankings:

#34 The Adjustment Bureau
#33 Everything Must Go
#32 A Better Life (Jane Eyre)
#31 In Time
#30 Attack the Block

Onward!

#35 Hesher

Did not see it, and probably will not based on Mulhern's review.

#29 Thor

This was the most random yet enjoyable film I think I've seen in a while. It almost feels like two movies: a mythological epic with feuds, medieval weaponry, magic, honor, etc. in Asgard and then a modern lighthearted-yet-action-y fish-out-of-water story, complete with Kat Dennings' patented dry humor, in New Mexico. While some of the setup felt contrived, I got a kick out of some of the funny lines and stayed interested in the story. Confession: I'm looking forward to The Avengers, in no small part because of the exchange that precedes Thor's laugh at 1:19.

2011 Movies: #32 & 31

Ref: Mulhern

#32 In Time

Time is money for JT and his fellow denizens of the future, and to run short is to forfeit your life. (High drama!) In Time is an entertaining action flick that leaves you contemplating the underlying social commentary. Two gripes:

1. It is downright creepy to have Justin Timberlake refer to Olivia Wilde as "Mom."
2. Amanda Seyfried could have identified more appropriate outfits for running from the law, running for her life, etc. - but I don't think B minded too much.

#31 Attack the Block

Another alien movie that I did not see. It probably would have involved much cringing. You know what does not involve cringing? This Way to Delicious!

2011 Movies: #34 & 33

Ref: Mulhern

#34 Everything Must Go

I almost rented this one, but eventually decided it looked too depressing to watch solo. It probably lost out in favor of a repeat viewing of Leap Year, because that's how I roll.

#33 A Better Life

I wasn't familiar with this film before reading Mulhern's review. So, instead, I will tell you about...

#33 Jane Eyre

Mia Wasikowska shines as the titular governess, although "shines" isn't the type of descriptor the self-envisioned plain Jane would employ. Orphaned and cast aside, Jane endures a miserable boarding school upbringing before becoming employed as caretaker of a young ward in the grand - if isolated - Thornfield House, owned by aloof, tempestuous gentleman Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender, fully clothed) run by practical Mrs. Fairfax (Dame Judy Dench). While Rochester is in residence, Jane saves him from a mysterious fire and feels certain she imagines the romantic undertones she sees in his attentions. Despite her better instincts and the oblique warnings of Mrs. Fairfax, Jane and Rochester fall in love and prepare to marry - but her happiness is shattered when a dark secret Rochester has been keeping is revealed. Jane flees, becomes lost and is taken in by a sketchy clergyman, St John Rivers, and his two sisters. Hiding her identity, she begins working as a teacher at a local school and imagines a quiet existence in harmony with her newfound sibling stand-ins. However, St John demands they marry - so Jane flees back to Thornfield, which has burned to the ground, and *spoiler alert* finds Rochester, blinded in the fire set by the unhinged wife he kept locked in the house for her own safety, who died by jumping from the house as it burned. Still in love, they presumable get married and live happily ever after. Much like some other Austen adaptations, like 2005's Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre boasts excellent camera work, with softly-lit landscapes and household finery setting the scene for understated but powerful performances.

2011 Movies: #36 & 35

Ref: Mulhern

#36 Cedar Rapids

For me, this film was okay, but not great. There were definitely some funny-awkward moments as Ed Helms navigated his newfound adventurous side and was exposed to the seedy underbelly of his industry. However, I would categorize it as more of a rent-it-once than a watch-it-repeatedly.

#35 The Adjustment Bureau

This, on the other hand, belongs higher on the charts. Some of us were less distracted than others by Blunt's cleavage and were thus able to better appreciate the nuanced storyline and plot twists. The Adjustment Bureau was unique and unpredictable, with elements of action, mystery and romance to satisfy a broad audience - it's a puzzler well worth the effort.

2011 Movies: Re-Scramble

Ref: Mulhern

Changing the order? Scandalous. Let's see what we've missed.

#50 Take Me Home Tonight

Take it or leave it.

#45 Cowboys and Aliens

Better than I expected - and yes, yes there were both cowboys and aliens.

#42 One Day

Better than I expected also - but be warned, it was *spoiler alert* partially soul-crushingly depressing.

#Bonus Super Bowl Puppy Bowl

A true feat of athleticism and cuteness. Bravo to all involved: puppy players, kitty halftime show performers, piggy cheerleaders, bird tweeter and hamster blimp pilots! I definitely watched parts of this multiple times.

So, to reiterate Mulhern's new rankings:

#55 I Don't Know How She Does It
#54 Hall Pass
#53 No Strings Attached
#52 Thirty Minutes or Less
#51 Bad Teacher
#50 Take Me Home Tonight
#49 Unknown
#48 The Lincoln Lawyer
#47 Paul
#46 Cars 2 (Jumping the Broom)
#45 Cowboys & Aliens
#44 Win Win (New Year's Eve)
#43 X-Men: First Class (Something Borrowed)
#42 One Day
#41 Horrible Bosses (Monte Carlo)
#40 War Horse
#39 Limitless
#38 Friends with Benefits
#37 Source Code

Woo hoo - up to 37 already! I think when we reach number one, I too will reflect back on my own suggested rankings (taking into consideration the excellent films that B missed and removing the dreck that I did not deign to watch), so stay tuned.

2011 Movies: #43, 42, 41 & 40

Ref: Mulhern

Despite being eons behind Mulhern's reviewing pace, I will endeavor to soldier on.

#43 War Horse

I did not see this one, but I made the cat reenact pivotal scenes as I envisioned them by throwing his toys and watching him gallop after them around the living room. That was one feisty horse!

To entertain you further in the absence of any other content from me, did you read the new This Way to Delicious?

#42 Limitless

I actually enjoyed this for the most part - an interesting concept and fair execution. And we all know of my deep and abiding love for Bradley Cooper. However, the movie ended up escalating too much for my taste in the last half hour or so.

#41 Friends with Benefits

A cute story told by attractive and funny folks - what more could you want? I felt like this film's humor made it stronger than No Strings Attached. Interesting that Black Swan's Portman and Kunis went on to play the same role in essentially the same movie shortly after competing for the same role in the ballet to disastrous results. Coincidence? I think not.

#40 Source Code

I would move this one up the list, were it up to me - but, then, I have benefited from both seeing it and being asked to explain it twice. I appreciated the plot's deliberate pace and the gradual reveal of information, both within the source code and in Captain Stevens' real (or *spoiler alert* "real") world. I also enjoyed the numerous twists and turns - and the fact that each one importantly influenced and/or altered everything the audience had previously learned.

2011 Movies: #47, 46, 45 & 44

Ref: Mulhern

#47: Cars 2

#46: Win Win

#45: X-Men: First Class

#44: Horrible Bosses

Okay, so I didn't see any of these films - clearly B has more important things to do than take me to the movies with him. So instead, I will review four films that Mulhern did not see and would probably have ranked in this range (or below) anyway.

#47: Cars 2 Jumping the Broom

Successful city girl Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) is unlucky in love until she meets Jason Taylor (Laz Alonso). After a whirlwind romance, they're set to spend the rest of their lives together - but will their wedding survive their families?

#46: Win Win New Year's Eve

A motley crew of celebs [Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Cary Elwes, Alyssa Milano, Common, Jessica Biel, Seth Meyers, Katherine Heigl, Jon Bon Jovi, Sofia Vergara, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, Hilary Swank, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges (as he is billed), Hector Elizondo and a whole host of special guest cameos and extras and family members of director Garry Marshall] converge on New York City just in time for one magical night. No surprises here - everyone pretty much plays to their expected type (although SJP rocks some hideous shoes, so there is that).

#45: X-Men: First Class Something Borrowed

Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) considers herself a good girl who takes good care of her flighty and effervescent best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson) - that is, up until she *spoiler alert* sleeps with Darcy's fiancé Dex (Colin Egglesfield), a missed romantic possibility from her past. Darcy simpers, Dex waffles infuriatingly, friend Ethan (John Krasinski) provides logical-yet-ignored advice and Rachel finds herself questioning who she is and what she deserves out of life - while we find ourselves questioning why and whether we care.

#44: Horrible Bosses Monte Carlo

Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy star in this fun-loving romp through a world of glitz and glamour. On a European adventure, our heroines get left behind by the worst tour group of all time - but before they throw in the towel, Grace Bennett (Gomez) is mistaken for misbehaving socialite Cordelia Winthrop Scott and she and her entourage are whisked away to an appearance in Monte Carlo. It wouldn't be a feel-good flick without a hint of romance, a spot of trouble and some life lessons learned along the way.

2011 Movies: #51, 50, 49 & 48

Ref: Mulhern

#51: Bad Teacher

Wow, this movie just came out last year? I vaguely remember seeing it with my family over a holiday of some sort, but I barely remember anything that happened. A ringing endorsement.

#50: Unknown

My assessment of this one is unknown - because I didn't see it!

#49: The Lincoln Lawyer

I typically like me some good courtroom action and investigative antics (see: My Cousin Vinny - and, hey, this film too features Marisa Tomei), and once I read a recap of this movie I recalled enjoying it for the most part - especially some of the twists and turns that made it suspenseful. I wonder what ever happened with the eponymous television show...

#48: Paul

I'm have no shame in admitting that I had no desire to see this. (This from the one who watched New Year's Eve...)

2011 Movies #55, 54, 53 & 52

Ref: Mulhern

And here we are, back for another round of assessing and second-guessing the films of 2011 as ranked by Mulhern. I've already fallen behind on my shadow blog, possibly due to the fact that I've been too engrossed in reading the work of the best new gourmet food writer in Minneapolis. (And how about that American flag jacket, folks?)

Diving right in...

#55: I Don't Know How She Does It

In keeping with last time around, I have not seen this film (believe it or not, I wasn't the impetus for B's viewing it). I did read the book a number of years ago. The people are British in that version but the bit about the pie is in there (only I can't remember if it was in fact a pie or some other dessert).

#54: Hall Pass

0-for-2. I do not approve on principle.

#53: 30 Minutes or Less

0-for-3! "You're two minutes late, dude."

#52: No Strings Attached

Finally, I'm in it to win it! I liked both this version of the timeless more-than-friends tale and its (deservedly) higher-ranked counterpart that benefited from a bit more fizz. But hey, I liked Valentine's Day, too, so there's no accounting for taste.

[Speaking of Valentine's Day, I did in fact watch New Year's Eve on New Year's Eve day (noon showing rather than midnight) after a couple of mimosas... So much for being unpredictable. Don't worry - we'll talk about this again later.]