Love and Family. Reality and Surreality. The Power of Technology and the Arts.
These were the consistent themes that were apparent through the best films of the year. For many reasons, 2010 was a special time and place for the deep exploration of them through the power of the cinema.
It was the year of the talk. While Hollywood bumbled their way at the box office, the scheduling and marketing of movies the entire year, many independent films broke out and gained a bit traction throughout the year with interesting word of mouth. Some film studios teamed up with visionary writers and directors to create films that had blogs, forums, and journalists asking for questions, opinions, and debates. Animation continued its popularity but returned to the national spotlight and film circle discussions with releases that boldly touched on the human condition.
The following is the films that I have deemed the best of 2010. Though I put them in a list format, I was equally entertained and moved by these films.
To repeat: This list is of my own opinion, not the general public or Internet consensus. If I didn't view the film or watch it in its entirety, than it is ineligible. A few examples of films I wanted to see but couldn't before the mandated deadline were Blue Valentine, Dogtooth and Four Lions.
TOP TEN BEST FILMS
1. Toy Story 3
Woody, Buzz, Jesse and the crew say goodbye to their true owners, the viewers themselves. The only film last year to connect to me so much so that I weeped in happiness.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Will the American remake be placed this high? I do not know, but it will be hard to top the excellent acting and chemistry of Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace along with the great direction and cinematography.
3. Inception
Visually arresting and powerfully written, Christopher Nolan marries action film logic with a deep inspection of how dreams and memories can be stolen and/or replaced. The replayability is maddening, especially once you consider the film as a study on the manipulations and power of film itself.
4. Exit Through the Gift Shop
Is it a documentary or a mockumentary? Pro or Anti-Street Art? Is it attacking the current art world of buyers and believers? Is the Disneyland story true, and if so why are we seeing the real footage? Street artist and the film's director Banksy leaves you pondering but still entertained.
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Who knew that videogame humor and over-stylized action and acting can make an enjoyably thrill-ride while being a depressing look at modern love and social connections.
6. Black Swan
Keeps you guessing throughout the beautifully gothic landscape of New York. Natalie Portman pulls off her absolute best with a painstaking performance in this fairy tale story of ballet and female sexuality. Or is it about homosexuality and self-opression? Or is it about sadism in gender communications? Or…
7. The Social Network
Once an Internet punchline became a dark look at American youth and business. The Facebook film has a great script and cast, with Trent Reznor's haunting score and Jesse Eisenberg's performance standing out from the orgy of debauchery and computers.
8. The Kids Are All Right
A fantastic ensemble of actors performs a fresh and realistic look at modern family life. Despite some quirky moments and lines, the film captures the actual emotions people go through, whether it's dissatisfaction in personal goals or the start of college life.
9. The Town
Slick direction and great acting makes this one of the best urban crime films. It featured some of the best suspense-filled action sequences of last year with some entertaining uses of black humor.
10. Best Worst Movie
The sleeper of the year. Despite being a bad movie aficionado, I still haven't fully seen all of Troll 2. Viewers don't need to, as they experience an often hilarious and bleak look at cult fandom and guilty pleasures while examining the interesting lives of the makers and players of an awful movie.
THE NEXT TEN
11. How To Train Your Dragon
12. Tangled
13. The Fighter
14. Winter's Bone
15. Kick-Ass
16. The King's Speech
17. Waking Sleeping Beauty
18. The Secret of Kells
19. The Crazies
20. Casino Jack and the United States of Money
Next Up: Worst Performances of 2010
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