1. Blue Valentine
The most realistic film I have ever seen that shows the actual truths of life, love and family. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams were Dean and Cindy through and through. It’s a crime that this film will not be winning any awards because it truly is the best film of 2010. It is such a rare treat when a film makes you feel every human emotion in under two hours. It makes you sad but understand that no matter what happens this couple cannot be together and that it is no one’s fault. It questions everything our society has “opinions” on and makes you think about such topics of love and life, and if there can ever be true happiness or the “one true love”.
2. Inception
Nolan/Wally/Corbould/etc. and all of the actors brought their “A” game to this stunning and crazy layered dream heist film that had me at the edge of my seat at all 6 theater viewings, which were fueled by my inner debate of “Real vs. Dream”. No one can shun a summer blockbuster anymore, knowing that some can have the brains and the brawn… BRRRRRRMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!
3. The Fighter
Bale stole the show, but that doesn’t take any thing or diminish the others who are all outstanding and wonderful in their roles. Melissa Leo truly shines as the brother’s mother. Amy Adams puts up her best performance to date and Marky Mark shows he can wow us from time to time. The direction, design, etc. were all remarkably done and all the kudos in the world need to go to the Boxing scenes. The reenactments of them, to feel real and honor the originals from their HBO perspective were just great.
4. Black Swan
Aronofsky’s masterpiece to date, for me, because of the sheer trepidation, horror and thrills he puts you through in a mere “ballerina” film. Portman was stunning and consumed her role as both the black and white swan.
5. Rabbit Hole
Another wonderful and beautifully realistic film that also takes you through a different and refreshing take of a common story. Aaron and Nicole also brought their best performances in this film. You feel the struggles and heartache two parents feel after a confusing and troubled circumstance that a death of a child can bring. Also, this film gets major props from me because the notion the questioned how people hide behind religion during tough times and that not everyone does.
6. Toy Story 3
What can’t be said about this great film, all I will say though is that this was the first “animated” film to have me at tears the second that Woody & the gang accepted their fate in the dump. I swore the film was going to end that way, plus Pixar deserves all the credit in the world to have the balls to pull something that emotional off. This was an adult film, hell all three have been.
7. The Social Network
Thank god this was not “BookFace: The Movie” but it still wasn’t the best film this year, far from it. It did have one of the best scripts and had just fantastic performances by very great up and coming talent but this film doesn’t leave me with anything outside of some wonderful moving scenes and great quotes. Fincher wasn’t the weak link, but it doesn’t stack up against The Game, Seven, or Fight Club.
8. Somewhere
This film was a beautiful and quiet tale of a father, who doesn’t actually wear that title much due to his job and lifestyle. Brad was wonderful, along with Fanning. Both characters end up playing the roles society has deemed them but in the end don’t need to fit those roles, while together they bring out the best in each other in their own funky way because they create their own and unique way a father and daughter can be.
9. I’m Still Here
Joaquin Phoenix might be the dumbest or brightest actor, however you look at it. After my initial viewing, which was with the notion that this was all real, I truly felt sorry for the guy and how he destroyed his acting career for a rap career. This film shows you the remarkable fall of an idol and the dark places a confused, lost, and sad man goes. And, after finding out it was all a farce, I didn’t change my mind or perspective of the film. The only thing that changed was that he destroyed an acting career for an even better one. It shows that Joaquin is one of the best because of the sheer notion and ability to do such a thing to prove a point and to stir controversy in this Hollywood where many things are cookie-cutter and boring.
10. 127 Hours/Howl
Both films show off the remarkable talent of James Franco and how well he can sink into real characters but both had something missing in them to make them more complete films. The supporting casts in both also were great but neither had much development because Franco’s roles needed it the time and space to fully shine. The crazy animated portions during the poetry sections of Howlbetween the courtroom and interview scenes gave a very artsy breath and let it have a voice of it’s own. And, the trippy flashbacks/dreams that were portrayed in 127 Hours were also very well done.
The following films are also very great and shouldn’t be ignored by any one who loves movies; Repo Men, True Grit, Kick-Ass, Tron: Legacy, Shutter Island, and The King’s Speech
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