Huge kudos to The County Theater in Doylestown (member supported) for landing a string of great movies this year. You’ll have my family’s support again in 2012.

My favorite movies of 2011:

1. Midnight in Paris: A creative, whimsical journey through literary and cultural Paris. Woody Allen for people who don’t like Woody Allen.
2. Super 8: When Alien meets ET meets Stand by Me. This will be another classic.
3. The Descendants: A great performance by George Clooney, but an even better performance by Shailene Woodley. Watch for her to get a best supporting nod.
4. Hugo: All of the focus is on the groundbreaking 3D, but the real star is the storytelling.
5. Young Adult: Proof that Charlize Theron is one of the most underrated actresses of our time. And proof that the screen needs more Patton Oswalt.
6. Martha Marcy May Marlene: Mary-Kate and Ashley who? Elizabeth Olsen delivers a haunting, potentially Oscar-worthy performance.
7. The Muppets: Jason Segal shows what can be done when passion and art collide.

The least favorite movie of 2011 (and, arguably, the worst movie of all time):

1. The Tree of Life: Love Brad Pitt and Sean Penn as actors, but, wow. The only movie I’ve ever walked out on.

(Image via Creative Commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/vlastula/450642954/)