BY JOANN DIBUONO

2011 was a very exciting year for the film industry. There were many blockbuster hits like “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I” and “The Hangover Part II.” Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to see any of those movies! But, I will tell you my three favorite movies from this past year.

My first pick is “Winnie The Pooh.” I’m an avid Disney fan and “Winnie The Pooh” is a timeless Disney classic that is fun and super cute. It takes place in the hundred-acre woods where the whole gang – Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, Owl, and, of course, Eeyore- are on a mission to save Christopher Robin from a mythical creature. At the same time, the crew is looking for Eeyore’s tail. The animated feature is a film for anyone who appreciates Disney. “Winnie The Pooh” brings back those childhood memories and I recommend it to anyone. But, I do warn you, after watching the movie; you may just want to be a kid for the rest of your life.

The next movie that I loved was “Limitless,” starring Bradley Cooper. In this action packed movie, Cooper is a writer with writer’s block. He runs into his ex-wife’s brother who has a pill that will solve all of Eddie Morra’s (Cooper’s) problems. The pill will access all of his brain, instead of 20 percent of it. Sure enough, he takes the pill and finishes his book in four days. Eddie Morra wonders how he can take advantage of this wonderful pill. The movie outlines his journey with the life-changing pill. But, of course, it comes with complications and bad guys. “Limitless” is an intense movie with a unique plot. Although it is probably not the best movie to watch with the children you’re babysitting, it is definitely a good one for after you put them to sleep.

Finally, my favorite movie of 2011 was “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II.” It concluded the final battle between Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter. The Harry Potter movies have been running since 2001. It was certainly depressing after the movie ended. Like many of us, I grew up with Hermione, Ron and Harry and didn’t want the wizard world to end!