3 months in.........

The first quarter is meeting it's end, that is actually something those Americans do. But it gives me an excuse to join in the crowd and the only way of saying "These are my favourite films so far". Of course by the end of the year it will be filled with the critical hits, the independent and art house favourites and a few "boring" ones to make the balance of film snob in check.

5 -127 HOURS

Between a rock and a hard place doesn't have the same ring to it but the message of one man, this time Arron Ralston, a egotistical almost shallow but keeping fit young adventurer, contemplating family, life and wrong doings in Danny Boyle's always visually satisfying but also dramatically satisfying 127 Hours. You've heard the stories of the faint of heart, ignore the rumors forget sick bags and bring tissues. Franco, even though horrid as a presenter, was rightly nominated.Strangely entertaining for a man cutting his arm off.

4 -Blue Valentine

I must have a soft spot for independent tear jerkers. This time it's Derrek Cianfrance tale of two lovers on the final days of there marriage, leading towards the build up to one final night to try and fix all that is wrong in their life. Wrongly branded an NC-17, Blue valentine rightly does what so many love stricken writers don't do: they create something pure. Nothing would have been as pure without the core of the film, two outstanding performances by Michelle Williams and the repeatedly forgotten and snubbed Ryan Gosling.

3-Rango

This is Rango.He's a largley unoticed creature but for this chameleon he's struggling to blend in.He's also a proud thespian and strugling actor who just by the magic of animation stumbles through the lawless town of Dirt to become sheriff.Rango s a strange creation but it's also a wonderful one.Rango is, at one, a western,a take on Animation, a pop culture refrence and for it's final trick it all works in a thrilling and very,very,funny fashion.

2-Animal Kingdom

Who said Australia didn't have a Mafioso about it. Animal kingdom is the narratively complex tale of Joshua, the 17 year old new comer seeking what is, essentially acceptance eventually leading towards power and control. The meaning of it's title is essentially survival, you have to be at the top of the league or you'll be eating up and spat out alive or dead.But it gets better, this might be a some what straightforward thriller, but when have we had one this strong, well acted and thrilling, it's the kind of film that The Town should have been and contains the single scariest and most twisted sensed OAP crime boss ever.Not quite Goodfellas but nearly, so very nearly there.

1-True Grit

Comparing the Coen brothers True Grit to the original John Wayne staring vehicle in the 1960's, is like comparing a five star awarding winning,Michelin star restaurant to MacDonald's. The certainly acquired dead pan humour of The Coen brothers may upset some, but it perfectly suits the cold wintry showers and lines of cool, literal diologue mixed in with the Coen brothers stamp of approval.There's plenty for the fans of the coens and the original anchored by an impressive ensemble cast of Coen favourites and new comers, including Hailee steinfield, who's age should not have stopped her from winning the best supporting actress. Now if only Matt Damon was nominated and this had been the real upset of the night at the Oscars.