One would believe that this post was inspired by the recent popularity of my Tuesday post, 10 Favorite TV Characters of the Year, but in reality, both of these posts were written back to back and I just simply queued this one for a later date. And especially as the ‘new year’ escapes us, I wanted to publish as many of these, ‘wrap up 2011’ posts as quickly as possible. So please don’t fry my buns and deem this post as a selfish attempt to get more views. But even if you never thought that in the first place, let’s get on with the show.
As I searched through 2011 movies, I’m rather disappointed in the relative lack of new characters. Another heavy year of sequels and remakes, it was difficult finding 10 worthy characters that truly inspired and put goosebumps in my skin. Out of these 10, I believe only about 6-7 truly deserve any praise, but I chose 10 to give some benefit of the doubt. Only unfortunately, I haven’t seen EVERY movie in 2011, especially the tons of December releases, but I made it about as clear cut as I could. Here’s the list below.
10. Julia Harris – Horrible Bosses
Of all the surprises and turns this year, one of my favorites is definitely Jennifer Aniston’s naughty dentist. Better yet, she harassed a character that almost made this list, Charlie Day’s Dale. The reason I ended up choosing Aniston’s character may or may not have to do with her wearing lingerie whilst eating a banana.
9. Rango – Rango
I felt slightly obliged to include an animated character on this list. And with Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks reshuffling characters like Mater, Poh, and Puss in Boots, I had to look to a relatively unknown gem in the desert. I had forgotten about Rango altogether. It turns out I really enjoyed this movie and it’s title character. Johnny Depp brings his quirkiness to CGI, admittingly not the first time as he gave his voice to the claymation picture The Corpse Bride, but his voice provides far more characterization in creating a unique and interesting fish out of water situation.
8. Driver – Drive
Some say all Ryan Gosling did was look in one direction this entire movie and hardly acted. Regardless of what some people say, he was a stone cold killer, a great driver, and had a bad-ass track jacket with a scorpion on the back. Even better, he killed all those people for a girl and kid he barely knew. Gosling’s delivery as a stolid and emotionless killer is as mesmerizing as any other character on this list.
7. Adam – 50/50
Out of all of the characters on this list, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Adam probably is the most relatable on this list. As a young cancer patient, he carries a lot of heart as he faces his mortality that is generally inspiring and makes you realize how real this movie is. I too considered my mortality as I watched this movie and wondered the legacy I would leave behind. This movie and his character provides a good break from the superhero fatigue, time pieces, and unrealistic comedies this year had to offer by offering realistic depth and though provoking ideas.
6. Ernest Hemingway – Midnight In Paris
There were a lot of supporting characters that could have taken this spot in Midnight In Paris. Adrien Brody’s Salvador Dali, Alison Pill’s Zelda Fitzgerald, and the other 1920’s icons were just as colorful as the next, but Corey Stoll’s Hemingway stole the show with his rigid morals, unforgiving attitude, and overall manliness that makes me feel like a soft marshmallow. Does anyone see a little bit of Ron Swanson in him? Because I sure do.
See the Top 5 on the Next Page
Banana Scoop 
I haven’t seen all of these, but I’m a huge Johnny Depp fan, so Rango is one of my must-sees, as are Midnight in Paris and, after reading your thoughts, 50/50 and Drive. I’m especially interested in 50/50, as I think Joseph Gordon-Leavitt is a superb actor. And I totally agree with your pick of Minny as a favorite!
While I wasn’t a fan of Horrible Bosses (I found it too much of a “The Hangover” wannabe), Jennifer Aniston’s character was easily the best, and it was so nice to see her in a non-Rachel-esque role for once.
I have to admit, I have yet to see most of the movies featured here (it’s been a slow film year for me), but I was thrilled to see two of my favorite characters (Adam and Minnie) listed here. I completely fell in love with Adam, and bawled my head off through half of 50/50. I rooted for Minnie, and found myself wishing that I could know both characters in real life. I’m definitely looking forward to checking out the other characters you’ve listed, and maybe revisiting this list to see how my opinions of them measure up.
Ehem… Melissa McCarthy, not Megan… Anyways, your list is cool! I would’ve put Caeser in the first spot, though.
You’re right! How sloppy of me, I outta be ashamed. I’ll be sure to fix it as soon as possible. Thanks for finding that!
Charlie Day’s character is based on Charlie from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. If it was exactly the same, it should be, without a doubt, in your top10!