Wow... Top 15? Yeah! That's right! Compiling a list of my favorite films of the year is a very daunting and terrifying task for Nathan. I am a self-proclaimed "Movie-Snob," so it is very important to me that I see every good movie that is claimed to be good, and then create my own opinion.
Movies to me are like a buffet to a compulsive eater, I can't get enough. I have taken it upon myself over the last few weeks to watch as many 2010 films as possible with hopes of creating a top 10 list... It was extremely tough and in the end, I failed and could only come up with a top 15 for this blog. I hope you don't judge me, and I hope you enjoy the list. Please feel free to comment, especially if you think I am wrong.
#15 Kick-Ass- This movie was fun! The film about an comic book fan who suits up to fight crime is a good time. It was quite refreshing to see Nicolas Cage star in something that wasn't a complete hunk of crap. The action scenes are terrific and 13 year old Chloe Moretz completely steals the film as Hit Girl.
#14 Exit Through The Gift Shop- My favorite documentary of the year. Extremely talented and acclaimed street artist Banksy chronicles the amazing world of graffiti and street art. This was one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had watching a documentary. The film-making is superb and it is a glimpse into a world not many people know about.
#13 The Kids Are All Right- The Kids are All Right is a film about a lesbian married couple and their children. When the daughter turns 18, she begins to search for her surrogate Father. The film takes a wild and crazy turn that pulls out amazing performances from the film's leads Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. This film is one of the best ensemble acting movies of the year.
#12 How To Train Your Dragon- Dreamworks hit the jackpot with this film. This is perhaps my biggest surprise of 2010. The film about a hopeless young Viking training to kill dragons is outstanding. It is heartfelt, sweet and if you didn't know better you would thought it was done by Pixar. When I saw this film, I was certain it would be the best animated film of the year... I was wrong. Stay tuned.
#11 True Grit- It hurts my heart that this film just misses my top 10. Jeff Bridges is absolutely fantastic in this retelling of the classic Western starring John Wayne. The Coen Brothers are amazing and I am pretty sure could create a masterpiece starring snails watching paint dry. This film is beautiful to watch, masterfully crafted and really a great time. My only complaint is the abrupt ending. You are left wanting more, which I guess isn't a terrible thing.
#10 Winter's Bone- I am being a total homer here and going with this film that shot right here in Southwest Missouri. This is the indie darling of the year. A film about poverty, drugs and family in the Ozarks. This is an extremely dark film and when it's over you don't necessarily feel like painting a portrait of rainbows and butterflies. The only real feeling you have left is never wanting to wander into the woods or rowing on a pond again. Jennifer Lawrence, the star of the film, is spectacular. Her performance is one of the best of the year and she makes this film great.
#9 The King's Speech- As a movie "critic", of course I have to like this year's critically acclaimed British drama. How snobby of me! But seriously, the film about King George VI and his speech impediment is one of the year's best. Colin Firth is a lock to win Best Actor this year and I wouldn't be surprised if this film wins Best Picture. The acting is great, the cinematography(big fancy film word) is the best of the year, and the film as a whole is great. Go see this film, you will look and feel so cultured!
#8 127 Hours- Wow! This movie! Ouch! James Franco is great as Aron Ralston in the film about the real life story about why you should never just wander around big rocks without telling anyone... dumb! Franco's performance is mesmerizing especially when he is trapped under the rock. I love films where actors are on screen by themselves for a long time, you get the chance to see them truly shine (think Tom Hanks in Castaway and/or any movie when someone stars opposite Paul Walker.) Danny Boyle, in his follow up to Slumdog Millionaire directs an amazing film and his choice to not censor certain parts makes this film the most intense visual experience in theaters this year.
#7 The Town- I can't really believe it! I am putting a film starring and directed by Ben Affleck in my top 10... How do you like them apples? It's weird but Affleck is outstanding in this bank heist film. The pace of the film is great, the action scenes are the best of any movie this year and the acting, yes even Affleck is fantastic. I really loved this movie! Good job Ben Affleck, you and your butt chin win this time!
#6 The Fighter- I am certainly showing love to the Boston Films. Mark Wahlberg's passion project about the real life story of boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward is one of the best sports films in years. Christian Bale is terrific as Ward's brother and will most surely win an Oscar for his performance. Don't underestimate this film come Oscar time, it is my dark horse candidate for Best Picture.
#5 Scott Pilgrim vs The World- This movie was the most fun I had in a theater all year. Director Edgar Wright creatively and wonderfully tells the story of how impossible it can be at times to get a girl to fall in love with you. Michael Cera is outstanding in the role of "Michael Cera" falling in love with a girl with 7 evil exes. The film is visually stunning, very funny and really overall an extremely enjoyable experience.
#4 Toy Story 3- Ok, I will come right out and say it, this movie made me cry more than any other movie this year. Manliness points DOWN... Sensitivity and Brownie Points UP! The latest edition to the Toy Story franchise brings us back into Andy's life as he is about to go off to college. Pixar seems to strike gold every year and this year was no exception. As a boy who went off to college not so long ago, this film really resonated and tugged at those heartstrings (Hopefully there is a girl out there somewhere "Awwing" to this.)
#3 Inception- Christopher Nolan, how are you smarter than anyone else in the world? The mind-bending thriller about dreams and perception and spinning tops and Juno was the most refreshing thing to hit cinemas this year. Inception proves that there can still be movies that challenge the audience to think as opposed to the classic critical thinking masterpieces Furry Vengeance, Epic Movie and the Bratz Movie. The cast is wonderful, the premise is fascinating, and the entire execution is outstanding.
#2 The Social Network- I "like" this movie... Get it? Ok, that is a terrible joke. But the film about the much disputed creation of Facebook is a wonderful cinematic achievement. Director David Fincher and Writer Aaron Sorkin managed to make a creation of a website and legal disputes an intense, thrilling film. Jesse Eisenberg is great as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. I would love to see this film win Best Picture and we just might.
#1 Black Swan- Oh man! I love this movie! I saw this film about a month ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. Natalie Portman is phenomenal. She gives one of the best performances I have seen in years as Nina, a ballerina with an unhealthy drive for perfection. Director Darren Aronofsky is known for making strange films and Black Swan is no different. This psychological thriller really messes with your mind and at times is even harder to watch than 127 Hours. Black Swan will go down as one of my all-time favorites.
Well there you have it. My top 15 of 2010. Please comment me with any agreements or disagreements, I would love to hear from you all.
Stay tuned for my top 10 movies I am looking forward to for 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment