Nebular's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2011 PART 1 [20 - 11]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2011

PART 1 [No. 20 - 11]
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11. Take Shelter (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Quietly ominous, at times disturbing, but constantly compelling, and shot with a subtle beauty and refined care, "Take Shelter" is a seamless mixture of affecting drama and unconventional horror, led by Michael Shannon's astounding performance.

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12. Wu Xia a.k.a. Dragon (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Amazingly-choreographed, masterfully-directed and visually stunning, Peter Chan's "Wu Xia" captivates with its compelling characters, gorgeous scenery and strong script, and showcases Donnie Yen in top form, both acting-wise and fighting-wise.

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13. Source Code (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Thanks to its unique premise, clever plot structure, flawless execution, and Gyllenhaal's top-notch performance, "Source Code" easily ranks as one of the most accomplished and skillfully-crafted sci-fi films of the 00'sand also one of the best films of the year.

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14. Hanna (8.25/10)

Overall summary: With its unique premise, stellar execution, impressive variety of settings, and Ronan's show-stealing performance, "Hanna" is not only a true breath of fresh air into the genre, but also one of the most clever and spectacularly entertaining action thrillers of the decade.

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15. Drive (8.25/10)

Overall summary: A seamless blend of full throttle action, shocking violence and unexpected romance, "Drive" is a moody, yet tasteful and stylish art-house action thriller, masterfully helmed by Refn, who combines a clever script with an outstanding direction and dramatic music score to deliver probably the biggest surprise of 2011.

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16. Rango (8.25/10)

Overall summary: Charmingly-bizarre, smartly-written and beautifully-crafted, Verbinski's "Rango" is undoubtedly one of the most visually-unique animated features ever created, and certainly the quirkiest one, and it will appeal to anyone with an open mind and great imagination.

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17. Sleep Tight (8.00/10)

Overall summary: With its refined direction, flawless execution, strong characterization, and Luis Tosar's sensationally disturbing performance, "Sleep Tight" is a subtly scary and darkly unsettling psychological horror thriller that certainly won't help you sleep tight at night. At all.

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18. The Descendants (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Boasting a smoothly elegant direction, touching script, picturesque scenery and bravura performances from Clooney and Woodley, "The Descendants" is wise, witty, amusing, heartfelt, affecting, funny, exhilarating and visually-ravishing all at the same time.

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19. A Separation (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Using no gimmicks whatsoever, "A Separation", is a complex, tensely engrossing and impeccably-acted film, that is as suspenseful as it's affecting, whose director never judges his flawed, very human characters, but dares to give us a glimpse at Iran's unfair legal system and the only ostensibly democratic life in this country.

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20. Arthur Christmas [3D] (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Witty, amusing, and splendidly-animated, "Arthur Christmas" is a modern take on Santa Claus and Christmas, that not only fascinates with its rich 3D visuals and colorful characters, but also delivers an emotional story and a powerful message for kids.

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Are you watching the new original HBO series Luck starring Dustin Hoffman? You can find more information about this amazing TV show HERE. Also check out this awesome Top 5 list of Classic Casino Movies.

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Honorable mentions:

Kung Fu Panda 2 (8.00/10)
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (8.00/10)
Rio (8.00/10)
The Tree of Life (7.75/10)
Jane Eyre (7.75/10)
The Skin I Live In (7.75/10)
Real Steel (7.75/10)
Mother's Day (7.75/10)
Super 8 (7.75/10)
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