Boy wizard's finale gets nod as top movie of 2011

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Mark Haskins

EMC Entertainment - At the end of the year I try to pick the best films.

For the most part it's an exercise in futility because how does one compare Fast Five to The Debt? It can't be done. As a result, this year I've refused to try. Instead I've picked out 'my' best films. They may not get nominated for any awards, but they were my favourites.

Before I get to the good I feel compelled to mention the bad and the ugly. I can save some ink because Bucky Larsen covers both. Without a doubt it was the worst movie of the year. Just mentioning it makes my skin crawl. So let's never mention it again, but know deep down that this is the new definition for a bad film.

On to the good. The best comic book movie was Thor. There were some great comic book films, but Thor was the one I bought. It had everything a comic book brought to life should have, a larger than life hero, stunning special effects, and an action-filled story that puts you on the edge of your seat.

The year's most twisted film was Sucker Punch. This one was definitely not everyone's cup of tea, and even I was left feeling a little disturbed. Still, you've got to love a movie that has dragons, giant robot samurai, and Nazi zombies all brought to life in visuals so beautiful they hurt.

The best action movie was a tough call. I loved the Three Musketeers, Battle LA, and Fast Five, but the film that really made my pulse pound was Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. It was hands down the most brilliant action film I've ever seen.

The year's best comedy was easily Horrible Bosses. It was outrageous, it was intelligent, it was witty and most importantly it was laugh-out-loud funny from beginning to end.

Drive Angry was the year's best 'B' movie. There was so much gratuitous sex and violence even Quentin Tarantino was saying, "Hey I think you might have gone too far." It's a definite guilty pleasure.

The best drama was Moneyball. Any movie that can make baseball and statistics interesting is obviously a work of genius. I can't stand either one, but I loved this film. Of course the outstanding performances by Jonah Hill and Brad Pitt probably helped.

So that leaves the best film of the year and for me that was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. No other movie has as perfect a cast. No other movie is as rich in detail. No other movie is able to transport you so completely to that other world. It surpassed all the incredibly high expectations, and delivered a final chapter worthy of any great saga.

It's always fun to look back at the great films that have come, but I also can't help and look ahead to what's coming. Let's just say it's going to be another great comic book summer.

Mark Haskins' column is a regular feature of the EMC.