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Basically a souped up version of the classic 1987 film The Running Man with Arnold. But this is with kids killing each other. Disturbing right?! The hype adds up in the Hunger Games. It’s a solid, solid movie and like the Twilight series The Hunger Games has pulled me in for the long haul. The cast rocks it out.

Honorable Mentions (I have 3 and if you frown upon that you can stick it):

The Artist - I can watch Buster Keaton films all day long but for some reason I couldn’t engage in the Artist. I acknowledge the filmmaking and boldness of releasing a silent movie.

Hugo - I can’t believe 2 of the movies (The Artist & Hugo) I thought would be in my top five are just honorable mentions. Hugo’s slow start delivered a dose of snooze I couldn’t recover from. By the time the film lesson started I found myself in the back of the classroom asleep. I really wanted to love this movie.

Melancholia - If the second half of this movie was as good as the first this would be my number one.

10) Crazy, Stupid, Love. - It’s crazy and stupid this isn’t in the Best pic noms. Such a well balanced movie with really great moments.

9) Midnight in Paris - Every wannabe artist should love this movie. You know the moment after your first cup of coffee or that first glass of wine, that feeling is this movie!

My week with Marilyn - I love history and I love movies. My week with Marilyn had me day dreaming about the golden days of Hollywood.  Branagh is so great.

7) Warrior - Two brothers, both underdogs, square off against each other in an MMA tournament. Why is this not my #1 again?

6) The Help - I dodged this movie forever for some reason. It had that elegant, stuffy feel to it that I couldn’t get excited for. That was dumb because this movie was awesome and the performances were tip top.

5) The Descendants - Alexander Payne can do no wrong. He makes storytelling look so easy.

4) Drive - From the opening beat Drive is unique. A very well directed movie and the perfect independent movie.

3) Moneyball - If I saw this only once it wouldn’t even be on my list. After seeing it again I loved it and realized I could watch it over and over. I think it says a lot about a movie that’s easy to watch.

2) Bridesmaids - With this cast I don’t know why it was surprisingly funny but one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time.

1) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - If you say it’s too long you didn’t like it. This movie was fantastic for me and Rooney Mara had a lot to do with it. The pairing of David Fincher and Trent Reznor may be the best duo since beer and sports.