Best of 2011 (2-1)

Before I get to my two favorite films of 2011, I want to reveal my pick for favorite song from a movie for 2011. It actually comes from one of the most laughable movies of 2011, and maybe even all time! My favorite song from a movie is Sleeping At Last's "Turning Page" featured in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1. I may be a little biased since my cousins, Emi and Kumi played violin with Sleeping At Last at a show at the world famous Troubador a couple of weeks ago, but that doesn't make it less of a stellar song. It was by far the highlight for me from that movie. Yes, even more so than Alice. If you haven't listened to Sleeping At Last before, I highly recommend doing so. I'll help you out by embedding a video now. You're welcome!

Now to wrap up the countdown, here are my two favorite films from 2011!

2. Super 8

When I heard one of my favorite directors, J.J. Abrams, was teaming up with the living legend Steven Spielberg, Super 8 instantly became one of my most anticipated movie experiences of 2011. And for me, it delivered the kind of movie that transported me back to my childhood movie experiences, back when I was easily awestruck. Back to the times of Stand By Me and The Goonies. I think as we grow up, we begin to lose that ability to be taken by a movie and to lose ourselves in the story. This film allowed me to get caught up in the story, in the moments of suspense as a mysterious train accident occurs in a small town. In the anxious moments as our youthful lead characters attempt to find out what's really going on and why the military is called in. In the heart wrenching story of a family broken by a workplace accident, leaving a father without a wife and a son without a mother, I could feel the strain the loss was causing these two characters. To experience the dynamic of their scarred relationship, played wonderfully by Kyle Chandler and Joel Courtney, just ate me up. The overarching theme of letting go of the past to move on with the future is something that we all should be reminded of. It is one of the toughest things to do in life because we hold on to memories, we hold on to pain. And while there should be time allowed for us to reflect on the past, we also must know when to move on because sometimes it's our inability to let go that hinders us from living a fuller life.

1. Moneyball

If you've been reading along throughout this countdown, you may have noticed that I talk about chasing dreams a lot. This is because I believe that having a dream and doing everything you can to make that dream come true is how you live a heroic life. In Moneyball, General Manager Billy Beane had a conviction that it was possible to go against the odds and put a winner of a baseball team on the field without spending an extravagant amount of money on players. He saw the value in players where all of baseball had written these players off. He also proved that some old, stodgy institutions like major league baseball, can be turned on their ears and revolutionized by visionaries. A more efficient system was needed to allow smaller market teams to contend with the behemoths in the major cities with endless amounts of cash. While some of the facts have been stretched for the film, it was still an educational experience watching Beane, along with his new assistant, Peter Brand, blaze a path for the future of baseball. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill couldn't make for a stranger pairing but they had a chemistry about them that made it that much more enjoyable to watch. Pitt's portrayal of a man dedicated to his work who was also trying to balance his relationship with his daughter was stirring to say the least. Bottom line, if you put a compelling story together with my favorite sport, it will more than likely be one of my favorite films.

There you have it, my favorites films of 2011. Thank you to everyone who followed along and I hope you all have a fulfilling 2012! Happy new year!

Best of 2011 (4-3)

As I delve into the penultimate entry of 2011, I found that while all of these films evoked some kind of emotion out of me, the top 5 have the power to influence. Hugo inspires to chase dreams while cherishing your history even though it may be painful. For me, that's what separates my favorite films from the rest, that feeling of empowerment or enlightenment from a well told story. I hope that you will be able to draw your own thoughts from the films you see in the future. If a movie has done its job, you'll be able to experience the story with such exquisite clarity that you will be able to draw truths for your own life. Now back to the countdown...

4. X-Men: First Class

No doubt about it, a good percentage of blockbuster movies are based on comic books these days. Only a handful of these films improve upon, or even replicate for that matter, the source material. Count me as thankful that some skilled story tellers take a shot at bringing their own creative style to some of my favorite comic books. I grew up watching the X-Men cartoon series on TV and reading the books and collecting the cards issued by Marvel. The story of the X-Men, humans with special abilities labeled as mutants, is a story that I think everyone can relate to in some way. We're all different with different abilities and we love to use labels for each other as well as ourselves. These labels are dangerous, in the X-Men lineage as well as real life. In our struggle to shed ourselves from these labels, we fall somewhere in between Professor Xavier's longing for understanding and Magneto's intolerance. These two characters, played brilliantly by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, showcase that even though people may strive for the good of others, their ways couldn't be more different. Discovering how these two characters came to their own dispositions was intriguing, especially to a fanboy like me. I was hesitant to get excited when I first saw some of the costuming but director Matthew Vaughn gave this film a tone that separates it from the first trilogy. It plays to the strength of the writing as I could really connect with the characters and their plight. This was easily my favorite film of 2011 based on a comic book and boy, were there a lot of them!

3. The Muppets

Staying with the theme of memories from childhood, there are some things that just won't ever go out of style. Kermit the Frog and his friends are just that sort of thing. Jim Henson's genius creations prove that just because you've been out of the limelight for awhile, that modern technology has seemingly passed you by and that it may seem as though you don't have any more relevant stories to tell, you can prove the skeptics wrong. When you hear that a movie has heart, this film epitomizes that. This is the kind of film that can appeal to the youngest and the oldest because there's just something about the Muppets as story telling devices that just plain works. Seeing Gonzo as a savvy businessman, who is just waiting for a call to be who he really wants to be and then leaving his successful business to follow his dream when he gets that call, personifies what the Muppets are all about, doing what you love with who you love. With infectious songs and hilarious cameos, this film brought me back to some of the fond memories of childhood while still speaking to my adult ideals. It's never too late to pursue a dream and dreams are worth pursuing. Only the most cynical could find this movie experience a negative one. And try not humming the Muppet Show theme. I dare you. It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights.

Best of 2011 (6-5)

Midway through my top 10 films of 2011 and I have to preface this entry with saying that I haven't seen The Artist or The Ides of March as of this posting. From the reviews I've read, these two films may have affected my top 10 and I can't wait to see them. Now, back to the countdown!

6. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

The fourth installment of Mission: Impossible headlined by Tom Cruise proved to be the best so far. From the death defying stunt work to the dry wit of the always funny Simon Pegg, this movie never really stalled with a dull moment. Director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) masterfully put together complex sequences and gave each actor their moment to shine. Experiencing the scene where Ethan Hunt must scale the Burj Khalifa through the lens of an IMAX camera is nothing short of breath taking. I actually held my breath! It was definitely worth the extra cash to experience this movie in IMAX. Also, getting to see the The Dark Knight Rises prologue wasn't a bad thing either. This movie had everything you could ask for from an action movie, cool toys, bone crunching fights and floating in midair using magnets! Oh, science...


5. Hugo

When I first glimpsed the trailer for Hugo, I couldn't tell if it was shot live action or if it was a CG movie. That's a testament to the look of this live action film that legendary director, Martin Scorsese achieved with Hugo. A lot has been made of movies now resorting to 3D for the cheap (and not so cheap to our wallets) thrill but this was really stunning to see in 3D. Proving to be the innovative visionary that he really is, Scorsese utilizes the 3D effect as a storytelling device. Right from the opening of an impossibly long push in shot that can only be produced in 3D, I was immersed in this love letter of a movie. That love letter is to film restoration and the history of innovation that filmmaking has. Watching this film pretty much fills you in on the 2 years of cinema courses I took in college. The only fault I had with this film was that it felt like a history of cinema class was plopped in the middle of the actual story. But it is something easily forgiven when taken in the context that filmmaking represents dreams and imagination. Something I think some of us use too little of and don't strive for enough. This film may open your eyes to that. It served as an always welcomed reminder for me.

Check back tomorrow for films 4 & 3!

Best of 2011 (8-7)

Continuing on with my countdown of my top 10 films of 2011, I give you 8 and 7.

8. Drive

Drive was probably the most pleasant surprise on my list. Before I read anything about the movie, I had seen the billboard with just an image of an actor and the word "Drive" in script font and thought to myself, "What a strange way to promote a movie." Shortly after, the buzz started and after hearing some of the songs from the killer soundtrack, I made it a priority to see this film. And it did not disappoint. Beauty oozes out of every frame and the jarring, visceral action provides a stark contrast to the elongated moments of real life silence not often addressed in film. I can view this movie with the audio off and see how cool it is. But I'd recommend turning the volume up and submerse yourself in the aforementioned "driving" soundtrack. (Sorry, couldn't help myself.)



7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

It's been a decade long journey with Harry and his friends and we were given a fantastic farewell. While I did like the first half of this two part chapter a tad better, this finale delivers on an epic scale. We've experienced a lot with Harry ever since the first time we heard the chime and flew through the Warner Bros. logo. We've seen loved ones come and go. We've seen Harry suffer pain both physically and emotionally. We've seen Harry learn just how important and absolutely essential it is to have people to trust, to hope for the future and to love in the moment. All of this set to a magical background gave us whimsical story to delightfully process. This film, more than any other in the series, pushed the visual effects and really gave us stunning visuals. The journey ends with the face off we've all been waiting for and what a journey it's been.


Come back tomorrow for 6-5!

Aside note: I just watched Ip Man and Ip Man 2 and if you haven't seen them yet, do yourself a favor and make some time. Now excuse me as I go learn kung fu!

Best of 2011 (10-9)

I love making and reading lists. Around this time, at the end of each year, people and organizations organize their lists of what they thought was best or worst of the year. It could be movies, music, books, events, tweets, people, the list of lists goes on and on. The best part about these lists is that everyone will have a different opinion and that makes for some great conversation. Getting to know what tickles a person's fancy (just wanted to use that phrase) gives you insight on what fuels that person.

Films fuel me. For as long as I can remember, I've consumed motion pictures like an ice cold drink on a warm, sunny day. I just can't get enough of this genre of storytelling. Over the years, I've developed a taste for films with a compelling story, innovative storytelling devices and films with a focused attention to detail. One rule of mine in determining if a film matters to me or not is for the film to make me care. It's not a unique sentiment but it is the basis for cherishing a movie or not.

With that said, I'll be featuring my top ten films of 2011. It's always tough to determine an order but here's what I came up with starting with 10 & 9.

10. Rango

Loved this story about a chameleon trying to find acceptance and a community to call his own. The animation is top notch and Johnny Depp plays Rango with the right mixture of awkwardness and wit. Great voice performances all the way around and the textures give the setting the right amount of grit to make it feel like a true western. Los Lobos offer flavorful songs to a stellar soundtrack. The oddball nature of this film really endeared itself to me and pulling for Rango to find a home even when his house of cards comes crashing down was a joy to experience. One of the surprise hits for me of 2011.




9. Attack the Block

The title instantly caught my eye and when I heard the plot featured inner city kids fighting against aliens from outer space, the geek in me was all aboard. The creators of Attack describe it as "Inner City Vs. Outer Space". What I found interesting about this film was how a fractured community of people were brought together by literally fighting for their lives. The look of this film has style for days with monster effects that compliment the overall tone. The dialog features vernacular uncommon to an American audience which made me pay closer attention than usual. The boys are all great especially when the action calls for them to "man up". Basement Jaxx created a thumping soundtrack which only adds to the coolness of the film. Definitely one of the most enjoyable films of 2011.

Exchanging Pleasantries

It's always sad to hear of a person succumbing to cancer. When I saw that #GodIsNotGreat was a trending topic on Twitter, I had to investigate why. After rummaging through many defensive tweets, some that were aimlessly offensive, I found out that Christopher Hitchens had passed away from cancer. Hitchens had wrote a book in 2007 titled, God Is Not Great, where he criticizes all religion. By accounts, he was a brilliant intellectual and he fervently stood for his convictions. Relevant Magazine featured a masterful piece on the reflection of Hitchens' legacy. After reading more about his work and his life, a notion stirred inside of me that I need to engage in more conversation with people about their passions, even if they may stand on the opposite side of faith.

Engaging in meaningful conversations, where real progress is made, isn't as easy as it may sound. I know many people who don't even know what they might be passionate about. I dream of a setting where we are free to express our thoughts and dreams without the fear of judgement. I believe if I had the chance to sit and talk with Hitchens, the truths I would discover about myself would be golden. I think the simple truth we would both agree on is that we are broken people. He spoke of liberating people from the tyranny of religion. I can relate to an extent that Christianity has left a bad taste in a lot of mouths. That's why I take it on as my responsibility to change that. A question I may have posed to Hitchens is that if my faith, boiled down to its lowest common denominator, moved me to be compassionate, to dish out radical grace and to be a better human being, is it conceivable that it is God that moves me to these ideals? Even though he may have argued that faith in God is my admission of reverting to infancy in my way of thinking, I would not take offense, nor would I argue. Faith is where my values only begin and we always begin with the basic. The things I am moved to be, compassionate, overflowing with grace, liberating in the name of love, all stem from my faith. I may not have the answers to every event in the timeline of the biblical age but I know that the teachings and actions of Jesus lead me to a pursuit of a better life for not only myself, but for others.

Here's what I do know. I know that we're all people who are flawed, broken and 100% human. Although we don't always agree on everything, it is absolutely essential that we stay open to talking about our differences to get to know more about our own humanity. Simply living is hard enough, let's not close doors too quickly on people. Everyone's story is sacred and that is what fuels me, discovering the stories of others. I encourage you to share your story and be a part of other people's stories, even if you think it may not be worth it. This life is too short to simply write people off or even write yourself off. If you don't know where to start, write the next thing that comes to your mind. That's always a good start.

Grace Before Malice

This portrait is part of POTSC's Labels Lie Campaign.

Bullying didn't really play a major part in my story as a child. I am fortunate to have many happy memories and very few painful ones. I can recall one instance of being intimidated when I was in kindergarten. Our school was basically one two-story building with K-3rd grade classrooms on the first floor and 4th-8th grade on the second floor. Amongst the students we were labeled "Lower Graders" until 3rd grade and "Upper Graders" once we were promoted to 4th grade. Needless to say, the "Lower Graders" always stayed out of the way of the "Upper Graders" due to human physiology and older kids' disdain for the younger kids. We even had separate recess times. One sunny day, as a kindergarten boy sometimes does, I got lost in my playtime and didn't hear the call to come back into class for the end of recess. I didn't notice my peers leaving the playground and the "Upper Graders" coming down the stairs to take over their territory. As I sat on the asphalt looking up into the blue sky, the Southern California sun was soon blotted out by three boys looking down on me. I was instantly snapped out of my play time fantasy and a sense of panic took over. The boys, who seemed like giants to me, asked me what I was doing out of my classroom. They started to shout at me, the "little lower grader",  to get out of there and get back to my class. I got up as quickly as I could and got into my classroom. My heart was racing and I must have looked like a terrified puppy. To top it off, my teacher reprimanded me for being late to class. Not the worst case of bullying ever documented but it obviously has stuck with me to this day.


We live in an age where the stories of people from all over the world are easily accessible. I have seen and heard bullying stories that would fill a lifetime of nightmares. These stories strengthen my conviction that people all over the world are in dire need of grace. Or at the very least a reminder of the golden rule. I love the way Matthew 7:1 is phrased in The Message; "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging." The next time we are drawn to our natural inclination to be cynical, let's think about the influence we have with the words we use. Grace before malice. This video, that's been making the rounds across the news outlets, sums up what labels and name calling can do to a person. This is a 14 year old boy named Jonah and he wants you to know his story.

To quote Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson from one of my favorite films, A Few Good Men; "We were supposed to fight for the people who couldn't fight for themselves." Let's do our part by spreading awareness, dispensing grace and fighting for those who struggle to fight for themselves.