Must-See Films of 2011

 Decided to put together a collection of recent films that I really enjoy, and also give a little description of them (without giving too much away, of course!). I'm going to try to choose films from a variety of genres, but we'll see how it goes...


Trollhunter


 This Norwegian film explores the idea of trolls living under government secrecy in uninhabited parts of Norway. Filmed in a documentary style following a group of student film-makers, you witness their discovery as they follow a suspicious character believed to be an illegal bear hunter. It becomes clear very early on in the film that this is not his occupation.
 The acting in this film is disturbingly convincing, and it is very easy to forget at times that you are not watching a documentary but in fact a fictional story. That is, of course, until you are confronted with a troll.
 I don't want to give away too much, but there is a scene in this film which has a direct reference to the Norwegian fairy tale 'De Tre Bukkene Bruse' (Three Billy Goats Gruff), in which the main troll-hunter character lures a bridge-dwelling troll using three goats as bait!
Filmed in Norwegian with English subtitles.






Hobo With A Shotgun


 This film started out as a fictitious trailer for the double-feature Grindhouse movies (Planet Terror/Death Proof), which also had another feature-length film made from one of its other trailers, Machete.
 The story follows a homeless man who hitches a ride on a cargo train to a town ruled by a ruthless family of torturous and inhumane people. The civilians live in fear, and after experiencing his own confrontation with the two violent brothers, he becomes a vigilante and tries to help the people of this town. Not to be taken 100% seriously, but highly enjoyable nonetheless. Jam-packed with mindless violence and brutality, this is my kind of flick.
 Also, there is an interesting choice of song for the closing credits, which seems to fit surprisingly well... or Is that just me?




Limitless


 Probably my favourite film that I saw in the cinema last year, Limitless was one of those films that made you walk out of the cinema asking yourself "what if?".
 The main character, played by Bradley Cooper (whom most of you would probably know from his role in The Hangover), is a failed writer who seems to lack in any achievements. It looks to him like nothing could be done to change his life, until he is approached by the brother of his ex-girlfriend who claims to have a miracle drug that can unleash the full potential of the human brain. Using this new substance, his life is tranformed and all seems to good to be true. So, naturally, there is a catch to this wonder-drug... Watch the film to find out more.
 With a great cast and, as usual, a brilliant performance from Robert De Niro (one of my all time favourite actors), this is one film from 2011 that should not be missed. I particularly liked the way in which certain scenes of this were filmed. For example, when our main character is under the influence of the fictional drug NZT, the camera adopts a first person view which both travels forward and zooms into the screen. Hards to describe, but take it from me, it's trippy shit.






Machete


 Danny Trejo, everyones favourite badass Mexican, stars in this film which was the first of two fictitious Grindhouse trailers to be made into a full feature-length production (the other being the previously mentioned Hobo With A Shotgun).
 The character he portrays is an ex-police officer who is a fugitive from a corrupt higher power in Mexico. He decides to continue his life as an illegal citizen in the United States, but it's not long before his past catches up with him.
 Using his combat skills and experience from his past life he hacks and slashes his way through any foe that stands between him and justice, using his signature weapon that gives the name to his character, and indeed the whole film - Machete.
 This is another film to feature the brilliant Robert De Niro (who convincingly plays a left wing state senator), among other huge Hollywood names including Steven Seagal, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, and even an appearance from Cheech Marin whom we all know all love from the cult stoner movies Cheech & Chong. Lindsay Lohan also features in this film as a meth-abusing daddys girl - a part that I'm sure came naturally to her without having to do too much research into how to portray the role...
 Definitely a film worth checking out. I personally found it extremely enjoyable.







I will do another similar post in the future - no doubt I will soon come across another bunch of films that I have to share with the world! Any feedback is welcome, and feel free to make any suggestions for my next post.