And the winner is...

So film of the year then.


Unsurprisingly, my favourite film of the year was Super 8.


Incredibly heart-wrenching performances in a gripping story as a teenage boy comes to terms with the death of his mother, whilst discovering young love for the first time.


I just thought it was a well-directed, well-acted movie, which I'll be able to watch again and again for years to come. The fact it's a homage to all things Spielberg from my youth just made me like it even more.


In my mind thoroughly deserving of the title "film of the year".


Sorry it took so long to get it all down!


My post-film review can be found here.

And in second place

So, film of the year continues. To those regular readers who remember my earlier praise, it should be no surprise that at two we have "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy".


A genuine British gem with an amazing British cast led more-than-ably by Gary Oldman. Solid performances all around, but Colin Firth, Kathy Burke, Tom Hardy are all good. In fact, scratch that, it's almost unfair to start naming people as everyone involved is excellent.


Thoroughly tense, even when there's very little "action" taking place on the screen. Everything takes place in the minute details, the slightest look can mean everything, a small action tells a whole story.


Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.


My post-film review can be found here.

Film of the year (third place)

Yes, I'm determined to drag this out as long as possible.


So, my third favourite film of the year was...


Harry Potter 7b.


Now, I've never really been a fan of the Potter films. Yes, they're a who's who of British thesps, and yes, Alan Rickman is brilliant throughout, but overall they've always left me cold.


Maybe it's because I'm such a fan of the books (a late convert, I'll admit), but with the exception of "Prisoner of Azkaban" the films have never lived up to the source material in my opinion. 


So huzzah for Deathly Hallows part II. After the first hour it becomes a Siege movie, which makes it even more interesting, but even before that there are some stand out moments. McGonnagle standing up to Snape gave me goosebumps.


Then there's Neville's heroic transformation and the genuinely heartbreaking Snape flashback.


A truly excellent end to a real hit and miss series, this is hands down the best of the eight and if the Potters were ever going to be recognised for awards, this would be the one to do it.