Grand Illusion Cinema

(in chronological order):

• Seeing Winnie the Pooh a full month before its official US release date thanks to its inclusion in the Seattle International Film Festival.  Yes, I am a full-grown man, and yes, I love Winnie the Pooh, and yes, I’m sure I was the only adult male who attended the screening solo.  Read my full review here if you’re so inclined.
• The spectacular range of feelings and emotions that passed through me while watching Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, including, but not limited to: frustration, wonder, awe, heartbreak, happiness, boredom, and bewilderment.  I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after leaving the theater.  And here’s a review for that one if reading’s your thing.
• The riveting writing in Moneyball, which showcased the talents of Steven Zaillian (David Fincher’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) and Aaron Sorkin, who, as he did with The Social Network, proved he could write an engrossing screenplay about subject matter most people would initially label as boring, this time concerning Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane’s attempt at putting a successful  baseball team together using statistics, money-crunching, and data analysis instead of traditional recruiting methods.  Additionally, it was bolstered by Brad Pitt’s best performance to date.
• Getting the opportunity to see Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey in its original 70mm Cinerama format as part of the Seattle Cinerama’s 70mm Film Festival.  Never has space looked so beautifully barren onscreen.
• The glorious genre-amalgamation that was Drive, which, if you never got the chance to see (or even if you have), you’ll get another opportunity to catch it in a more appropriate environment at The Grand Illusion from January 27-February 2.  Since I know you were wondering, I have a review for that one too.
• Lucky McKee’s The Woman, which, as an unapologetic horror fanatic, was a brutal breath of fresh air, and hands-down the best horror movie of the year.  I was stoked that we got it as a late night movie at The Grand Illusion since I had been desperately waiting to see it ever since its much-ballyhooed debut at Sundance.  I know you’re just dying for a full review.
• The Muppets, for providing me with the most grin-inducing, feel-good time at the movies I had all year.  It’s the film equivalent of a big, warm hug.  Go ahead and embrace it.
• Martin Scorcese’s Hugo in 3D.  Not only was it a fantastic adaptation of a fantastic book, but it is also is also a loving tribute to cinema magic and the history of the movies, made by one of the greatest cinema lovers in all of history.  Moreover, the 3D is expertly incorporated, taking full advantage of the depth of field the format can provide when placed in the right hands.  Still not convinced?  Well then, read on doubtful one.
• It’s a Wonderful Life in marvelous 35mm at… where else?  The Grand Illusion.  Sure, I’ve seen the film countless times, but it’s one of those rare movies that only get better with age.  Plus, I had the opportunity to share the experience with my girlfriend, who had never seen it before!  I was actually kind of envious since she got to see this classic for the very first time in such a special manner.  I was glad to discover that it hasn’t lost any of its power as she was no longer dry-eyed by the end of it.  Heck, I was a blubbering mess too.
• Michael Fassbender’s performance in Shame.  Without it, the movie wouldn’t be very memorable, yet because of it, the film is a haunting piece of work.

Experiences I still look forward to in the remaining weeks of 2011: David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; the what-looks-to-be-promising-fun of The Adventures of Tintin; one of my favorite directors, David Cronenberg’s new film, A Dangerous Mind; and the much-buzzed-about modern-day silent movie, The Artist.

Submitted for your approval by Trevor Brandt, Grand Illusion enthusiast and volunteer.

Tagged best of 2011