This is it. I made a whole year of reviewing movies. If last year I still ‘crawl’, now at least it could ‘walk’ slowly. 2011 definitely marks a great step for the blog, in which I hope will continue to years ahead. In total, approximately I’ve watched 140 movies 
Possibly not as much as others would, but the total exceeded last year for sure!
As long as we’re still in New Year’s theme, this is a list of my own wishes for next year (is it a resolution? maybe).
First, I’ll be posting reviews & post I truly enjoy. Yes, these past months I kind of push myself to post (more) reviews. But one thing I realize this moment is, the reason I made this blog was for reviewing movies that have something to learn/inspire about. Though finding those movies is another issue, but it is important to watch movies when you are actually have a free time, fully rested and a mood to it. I actually believe that when you watch them in a bad mood or have something you have to do in mind, you won’t get the meaning of the movie (except probably comedy movies). Eventually it will effect your writing and basically just ruin things. This is a preventative act of feeling the pressure of reviewing. But I still love movies and planning to keep loving them.
Second, I’ll watch more of the non-new movies. I’ve started Classic Friday these last two months, viewing Roman Holiday, Manhattan and Casablanca add more perspective in my own knowledge of movies. Not just real classic, but the non-new movies, and get back to watching movies in Top 250 IMDB. Reviewing about these movies strangely felt more valuable, though reviewing new movies that you like are something to look forward too.
Next, (You’re not going to like this but…) I’ll be posting a little less. I’m not going to leave this blog. But given my number one point, I think I’ll be posting better quality posts rather than much more post with no passion. Surely, when I have more free time, I’ll post more. But I’ll definitely post movies that I would recommend. I also would stop doing monthly movie reports, as the replacement will be weekend round-ups. I’m open with contributors really, mostly for foreign/underrated movies. You can e-mail me your review/idea of a post via e-mail.
This year I read two novels that have been adapted into a movie, which is Never Let You Go (Kazuo Ishiguro) and The Help (Kathryn Stockett). I think because of that it automatically make me want to read novels again. I left that hobby years ago when I was in high school. But, this time, if I could, I would like to focus on reading novels that is already been made into a movie.
That’s all now. Hopefully this is a good way to remind myself of posting the way I want to.
Next, I’ll be posting 10 best soundtrack a.k.a my favorite soundtrack this year. Not necessarily from the 2011 releases, but surely light up my days this year. Not many movies have impressed me both in story and soundtrack, but Drive definitely is a winner for this category. Next, Alex Turner’s score in Submarine surely give an extra credit of the movie. Only both movies that I enjoy almost all of the songs in the soundtrack album. The rest you could see in the list below :
- College feat. Youth – A Real Hero / Desire – Under Your Spell (OST Drive)
- Alex Turner songs (OST Submarine)
- Phoenix – Love Like A Sunset Part II (OST Somewhere)
- Middle East – Blood (OST Crazy, Stupid, Love)
- Jens Lenkman – Your Arms Around Me (OST Whip It)
- Aimee Mann – Wise Up (OST Magnolia)
- Natasha Bedingfield – Strip Me (OST Morning Glory)
- Sarah McLachlan – Black Bird (OST I Am Sam)
- Temper Trap – Love Lost (OST No Strings Attached)
- Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks (OST Friends With Benefits)
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A week ago, I tweeted about best movie scenes in 2011. For you who probably missed it, here is some of the best scenes in 2011 that I would be likely to remember (or more likely some scenes that I had in mind while I write this post) :
I’m also quite impressed with some new actor and actresses this year. They probably weren’t new in the movie industry, but their movies definitely are my favorites this year. Still, I have some of their movies I haven’t seen. But that’s what tomorrow are for, right? If you follow my blog, you probably know these people.
Michael Fassbender
Jessica Chastain
Some new actors and actresses that impressed me are Elle Fanning (from Somewhere and then Super 8!), Felicity Jones (from her role in Like Crazy), Craig Roberts (small role in Jane Eyre and then lead in Submarine), Anton Yelchin (The Beaver and again from Like Crazy), Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids also made me laugh (plus impressed). But what I love the most is Jessica Chastain (Tree of Life, The Help, The Debt, and one I haven’t watch-Take Shelter) and Michael Fassbender (the underrated Jane Eyre, X-Men First Class and last-Shame). And, let’s not forget, Ryan Gosling who managed to star in several popular movies, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Drive and Ideas of March. That’s just for this year. Haven’t seen Michelle Williams’ My Week With Marilyn, but I couldn’t help but feel proud for her since I’ve seen her in Dawson’s Creek.
Last, I would like to thank all of you who have been kindly to take your time to comment and visit my blog, you know who you are. I’ve made some new blogger friends and I couldn’t be more happier. This is probably one post in a year (aside from the blog’s anniversary) that I could be a bit sentimental. Thanks to the posts that encourage you to visit and comment other blogs too, and now I know more about movie blogging world because of it.
So thanks again, guys! Happy New Year, and I hope your year ahead will be a blast. Stay tune for my Best 2011 Movies after this.
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Readers, do you have any best scenes in 2011 you like very much? Soundtrack you like? Or Actor/Actress you also very fond of from this year’s movie?
You might be interested :
I think all three of your resolutions are great. Blogging should never feel like a chore. If you want to blog less l in order to increase the number of meaningful post, then we (your readers) shall gladly follow you along this journey.
Looking forward to your best films of the year list, I hope to have my own up on Sunday.
CS recently posted..Which is Better?
Thank you CS
I totally agree. This end of the year, between my weekly post I realize that blogging should be fun, if you start it as a hobby. You’re right about the meaningful post, so it will be great in both ways.
Andina recently posted..Year End Note & List of Bests in 2011
Well done with all the posting and reviews during 2011, your site keeps getting better and better ( :
How often to review is different for each blogger, I stick to a weekly review and even that is overwhelming at times. Good luck for 2012
If you’re looking for a good book/movie combo for 2012, I’d recommend the classic “To kill a mocking bird”
I liked the Natasha Bedingfield song Pocket Full Of Sunshine from the Easy A soundtrack.
Is that image from the intro of Melancholia? Was the best part of the movie in my opinion. Blue Valentine had some cute scenes. Another best scene of 2011 for me was from Barneys version : youtube.com/watch?v=oqKAuNefcSM
Chris recently posted..Top rock songs from 2011
Chris, I heard great impression from ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’, thanks for recommending. Barney’s version seems hilarious! Yes, that bride running image is from Melancholia (slo-mo) scene.
Good luck for you too in 2012 
I think last year you also comment on my Year End Note, I appreciate that a lot and the fact that you’re my first movie blogger friend
Nice resolutions for the new year! Sorry to hear you won’t be posting as often though
I also loved the Drive soundtrack, from that beat you hear in the opening sequence to the 3 main pop songs used in the movie. I also have a weakness for that Morning Glory soundtrack, although I think I prefer the song by The Weepies:
youtu.be/MwFo9hecDY4
Believe me, if there’s more time, I would write all the time. I wish I could write something more valuable each post
Everybody loves Drive soundtrack! That track you mention is a nice song, might end up to my next favorite song. Seeing the clip makes me want to watch Morning Glory again, just for fun. Thanks, Castor
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