Karen On

If you can own up to the fact that it’s all over the place, more bromantic than romantic, and childish and invasive, this action-packed comedy is some pretty good escapist fun. That’s not exactly a losing battle.

Set against the common nail salon, ‘Touch’ does the uncommon in filmmaking and makes it the background for a sensual narrative, exploring how even the simplest physical interactions naturally unlock the deepest emotions.

Nature is cause and symbolism in the haunting yet gorgeous short documentary ‘The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom,’ where voices speak about the 2011 disaster that tore Japan apart, and the blooms that remind that it will be whole again.

To conclude my series of lists of entertainment favorites in 2011 is my list of favorite films of the year! This year’s batch was so good that I had to squeeze in a little bit more than the typical top ten—and I still have plenty I need to see. Relive some of my best-reviewed movies from the cinematic heaven of ’11, from critically-acclaimed dramas to all things superhero.

One good thing about graduating college and still finding full-time employment is that I can catch up with the YEARS of TV shows I never had time for while in school, as well as explore some of the latest offerings from 2011. Tune in to what’s been occupying my Netflix queue and my OnDemand saved programs (Since I’m too broke to afford that DVR).