The best Sci-Fi movies of 2011

I have another guest post for you today. I've just been busy with bringing you my thoughts on the best sci-fi games of 2011. Now it's time to look at what great sci-fi works that we got from the world of cinema in 2011. Tyler has penned out his thoughts on which movies were the best at really tickling our sci-fi craving fancy (let me just state right away that I disagree strongly with Transformers 3 being on the list, but to each their own ;) )

Even though it seems the multiplex was stuffed with crappy romantic comedies or unnecessary sequels this year, 2011 did have its fair share of quality science fiction cinema. If you missed any of these, you should rent, download or stream them at warp speed.

1. Super 8
   
   Combine the writing and directing talents of J.J. Abrams, add in a side order of Spielberg channeling the early ‘80s magic of E.T. and sprinkle in some incredible acting done by kids no older than 12, and you’ve got a recipe for the year’s best sci-fi movie. From the intense and chaotic train crash, that everyone saw in the trailer way too many times, to the tension that comes from not knowing what’s going to happen next, to the superior performances and nostalgic ‘70s era cinematography, this was easily the year’s best.
   
   

   

   
   

2. Source Code

What may initially seem like Groundhog Day on a train is actually a taut thriller that consistently keeps the audience guessing and rooting on Capt. Colter Stevens. As a soldier who wakes up in the body of a man on a train that was eventually destroyed by a bomb, Jake Gyllenhaal gets only eight minute increments to investigate whatever he can to find out the identity of the bomber before they can wreak even more havoc. Yes, the premise sounds idiotic and redundant, but Source Code leaves you feeling thrilled and thoughtful.

3. X Men: First Class

Technically the fifth X Men movie, but in reality a prequel, this movie explains the origins of Professor X and Magneto’s friendship and eventual falling away. One of the best X Men movies yet, based solely on the direction of Matthew Vaugh and the fantastic performances of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. I will also watch any movie that features the wooden acting and attractive features of January Jones. Sue me.

4. In Time 
   
   Making one of his first movies in years, Gattaca’s Andrew Niccol brings a similar style and pace to In Time. Taking place in a future America where citizens over 25 are forced to purchase an extended lease on life, resulting in a two-tier society where the rich can live forever, and the poor beg, borrow and steal to scrape the time credits together to last as long as they can. Featuring Justin Timberlake, who makes acting look way too easy, and Amanda Seyfried, who is not annoying for once in her short career, In Time raises some important questions, while entertaining you with a thrilling story.
   
   

   

   
   

5. The Adjustment Bureau 
   
   Loosely based on a Phillip K. Dick short story, The Adjustment Bureau follows Matt Damon as a congressman and Emily Blunt as a ballerina, who have a chance meeting in a hotel restroom. The rest of the story deals with fate, and the forces that may or may not be dictating our lives and helping us to arrive at certain decisions. Interesting concept and the chemistry between Damon and Blunt is so real, you completely forget that they’re acting.

6. Limitless
   
   Bradley Cooper finally gets the chance to shoulder an entire movie all by himself and he delivers. Playing a copywriter that discovers a superhuman drug that allows him to use a larger percentage of his brain than most humans. Things get interesting when he starts to probe the drug’s origin and he ends up getting involved with the wrong kind of people. Thought provoking in that it makes you wonder what we truly are capable of as humans. And also makes you question why it’s taken Cooper so long to become a leading man.
   
   

   

   
   

7. Thor
   
   One of the better superhero movies this year, Thor gave some backstory and context to the god of Thunder. There’s barely enough for Natalie Portman to do, and Anthony Hopkins chews the scenery like no one else as Zeus, but the scenes where Thor dispenses justice with Mjolnir, his enchanted hammer, are hard to beat. Also, dude’s ridiculously ripped.
   
   

   

   
   

8. Transformers 3: Dark Side of the Moon

I know, I know… It’s a Transformers movie. They’re made to be eye candy with a laughably improbable script and the jarring antics of Shia LeBeouf. But this one was actually interesting, contained more eye-popping transformations and had explosions that actually helped move the story along. Also, Rosie-Huntington Whitely was a huge upgrade over Megan Fox, and I never thought I would ever utter those words.

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