The Top 10 Films of 2010

January 13, 2011 5 Comments


At last, here is my article listing and explaining my Top Ten Films of 2010 and other movies deserving of Honorable Mentions. I attempted to balance various considerations: which films I thought are the best made, favoritism, and critical consensus regarding the movies. I elaborate under each entry on my Top Ten and Honorable Mentions lists. Some films may be highly praised but not anywhere on my lists; in that case, I either A) did not see the film/hear great things about it, or B) I did see it/hear about it and chose not to include it in the article. As a ground rule I only chose from films that were actually released (to U.S. theaters) in 2010 and eligible for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards (February 27, 2011), unless otherwise noted. I want this post to be both informative and entertaining; it is lengthly so come back to read more about the films if you cannot finish all of it at once.

I decided to include a decent number of honorable mentions; I did not want to leave many well-made or very enjoyable movies out of the mix. Some of the honorable mentions definitely deserve the recognition. The honorable mentions are divided into four categories. The first group mentions films that I have not (yet) seen but received widespread acclaim. The second set includes four extraordinary documentaries, none of which I have seen but read and heard great things about. The third one contains movies that I have seen and either I liked or they received high praise but not enough to warrant a spot on the Top Ten. The fourth and final category consists of films that premiered at 2009 film festivals and/or were eligible for the 82nd Academy Awards but were not actually released in the U.S. (limited or wide) until 2010; the films in this group basically are foreign films that should be accredited.

Viewers can vote on their favorite or top film from 2010 at the end of the post. Please feel free to mention any films that I missed and you believe deserve to be acknowledged. I will probably return to update these lists as necessary until the Academy Awards’ presentation. Also please feel free to discuss and debate my choices in the comment section found at the bottom of the post.

The Top Ten:

 

 

10. The Town

 

 

 

9. 127 Hours

  • The true story of Aron Ralston seems to be an odd choice to make into a feature-length film. Nonetheless, director Danny Boyle and lead actor James Franco did so with authority. Viewers cannot and may not want to imagine everything Ralston had to endure, but the film manages to draw you into his plight. 127 Hours is gut-wrenching yet inevitably inspirational. Boyle does not do much to cover-up the brutal knife scene. The final scenes will have your heart racing and, perhaps, tear ducts running with a rousing song by Sigur Ros (“Festival”). The film may not be the most re-watchable, but it is still one of the year’s best movies. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

8. Winter’s Bone

  • Of all the films on this Top Ten list, this one is probably the most unfamiliar to viewers; the film only received a limited release, never topping 150 U.S. theaters. However, this indie went on to win Best Picture and Best Screenplay at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival last January and will surely earn more nominations in the oncoming awards season. Somewhat newcomer Jennifer Lawrence packs a powerful punch as the lead character in the chilling crime-drama Winter’s Bone (look for her alongside Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson in Foster’s The Beaver and in X-Men: First Class). Although it is a movie involving a criminal network, it does not include large chases, shootouts or explosions; the film relies on excellently rendered atmosphere and rigorous performances for tension. This gritty crime-thriller-drama is one of the year’s best pictures with haunting performances by Lawrence, John Hawkes, andDale Dickey. Viewers will feel sucked into and drained by the bleak Ozarksand its impoverished inhabitants. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

7. True Grit

  • The Coen brothers’ remake of the John Wayne 1969 classic film of the same name turned out to be not only a worthy remake but also better than the original in many ways. The 2010 True Grit is less campy and grandiose; it is gritty and heartfelt. Furthermore, the new film appears to be the definitive adaptation of Charles Portis‘ novel of the same name. The new performances honor and often outshine the original’s acting. The Coen brothers’ sardonic style is stamped onto the film and it helps to modernize the story. This highly entertaining and richly produced film (with beautiful cinematography and score) makes a great case for a comeback of the classic American Western. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

6. The Fighter

  • Mark Wahlberg’s passion project had its problems getting produced and distributed; Darren Aronofsky and Brad Pitt were even attached to direct and star as Dicky Eklund at one point before David O. Russell and Christian Bale signed onto the project. In the end, the film turned out to be much better than just all right. The film is one of the most entertaining movies of the year and is filled with terrific performances by Bale (perhaps his best ever?), Melissa Leo, Amy Adams, and Wahlberg; at least the first two should and better win their Oscars. Simple yet remarkably made and acted, this film is truly a crowd-pleaser especially considering it is based on a true story. Although this film is not as moving as The Wrestler, as masterful as Raging Bull, or as monumental as the original Rocky, it is definitely a great addition to the boxing genre. The Fighter proves to be a very enjoyable and uplifting film. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

5. The King’s Speech

  • This film boasts great performances by its gifted cast. In particular, Colin Firth’s turn as King George VI will win Best Actor for 2010; you really feel for him right from the get-go. But The King’s Speech is not just a well-acted movie it is also a wonderful tale about courage and perseverance. Unlike some of the more demanding films found on this list, such as Black Swan, this one is rather agreeable and uplifting. I’ve had some trouble truly ranking127 Hours, The Fighter, True Grit, and this film; each film is entertaining, well-made, led by outstanding performances, and inspiring. This film, though, charms audiences without sex and violence and is no less thrilling. To my pleasant surprise, even Guy Pearce (Memento) and Derek Jacobi(Senator Gracchus in Gladiator) star in the film. Many even claim it has a good chance to win Best Picture. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

 

4. Black Swan

  • Absurd, melodramatic, and yet utterly affecting, Darren Aronofsky’s latest production is quite something to behold. This psychological horror film is extremely intense and maybe exploitative at times; imagine some of the tension from Aronofsky’s final act of Requiem for a Dream stretched out over an entire film and this is what you get. It might not reach the same devastating levels of Requiem or The Wrestler, but the film is gripping and still digs deep under your skin. Yet somehow, in spite of the cringe-worthy moments, this film may be his most enjoyable one because it does not completely depress and destroy, but it will strongly affect you one way or another. It is not a film for everyone. Despite Annette Benning’s very good acting in The Kids Are All Right and her “being due for an Oscar” (she has already been nominated three times), Natalie Portman ought to win Best Actress for her exhilarating performance in this film; she helps to hold the movie together and raise it to soaring heights. The mentally insane Black Swan will haunt you long after you see it. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

3. Toy Story 3

  • The film holds a 99% score on RottenTomatoes.com and, thus, is the only movie in the trilogy without a 100% score. Still, for a second sequel that is almost unbelievable. Animated or not, Toy Story 3, my second most anticipated movie of the year, is easily one of the best films of the year. Pixar has always managed to reach children and adults, sometimes seemingly targeting older audiences with deeper themes and messages as demonstrated in Wall-E, Up, and this film. It is funny, witty, thrilling, and (surprisingly or not) pretty emotional. It is more than just a worthy conclusion to the renowned trilogy; Pixar basically could not have done any better in satisfying gross expectations.

 

 

 


(Sorry for the remixed music, but this YouTube version of the scene is the only one that is able to be embedded here)

2. Inception

  • Easily my most anticipated movie of the year and it still managed to blow me away. The film features an all-star cast (that will unfortunately be overlooked come Oscar season, such as Marion Cotillard’s dark performance), imaginative and mind-twisting plot, the year’s best, most exhilarating fight scene (gravity defying hotel-hallway, which can be explained HERE), and perhaps the year’s best soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. For those who say the movie is overrated or lacks substance, true ingenuity, etc., I challenge you to create something that much better; could you dream any bigger? Though, looking back on it (especially after a couple home viewings of the film as some of the grandeur wore off), I have to say that it may not even be Christopher Nolan’s best work – that is either The Dark Knight or Memento. Nonetheless, Inception should at least be in the top four or five of the year; it is a great reminder to audiences that Hollywood can still produce great entertaining and intelligent movies.

 

 

 

1. The Social Network

  • I never saw this one coming. Based on the concept/story and preview featuring quirky Jesse Eisenberg, I thought this movie might tank. In actuality, the film deals with Facebook itself as much as Citizen Kane deals with newspapers (in other words, hardly at all). Anyway, after it had garnered basically universal acclaim, I went to see it and realized that I had just witnessed what could be the best film of 2010 (this coming from a huge Nolan & Inception fan). The Social Network is extremely entertaining, stylish, clever, and absolutely riveting. The movie boasts David Fincher‘s deft direction (Se7en, Fight Club, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and more), dynamic performances, a pulsating, invigorating, and perfectly suitable score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and has the best adapted screenplay of the year, (by Aaron Sorkin), bar none. Sure, it probably does not precisely “define our generation” like some claim. But it is quite an achievement and deserves recognition as what will perhaps turn out to be the Best Picture of the year. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

 

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The rest of the article lists my Honorable Mentions. These are divided into four categories:

  1. Those I have not (yet) seen but heard great things about;
  2. Notable documentaries;
  3. Those that I have seen and liked or received enough acclaim to warrant a mention but missed making the top 10; and
  4. Those that premiered at film festivals and/or were Oscar eligible in 2009 but fully released in 2010.

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Honorable Mentions Category 1:

 

Animal Kingdom

Along with Winter’s Bone, this film appeared on my must-see list just a few weeks too late to catch in theaters. This Australian family crime drama also received near universal praise. Confident direction, outstanding performances, and an intellectually and emotionally engaging story apparently helped to make this film what many have called one of the year’s best movies. I will definitely check it out sometime soon after its DVD, etc. release on January 18, 2011. As a few side notes: the film has one of my favorite actors in Guy Pearce, and the lead actor Joel Edgerton has been highly touted and will appear as the lead in The Thing prequel (coming to U.S. theaters in late 2011).

 

Blue Valentine

*I am going to see this film either this weekend or early next week, so I may have to update my Top Ten list after viewing it.* … Writer-director Derek Cianfrance took about a decade to write, rewrite, and finally make this indie, but apparently patience proved to be helpful. In particular, the casting of talented young stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams is idyllic; their raw but extremely moving performances are gaining widespread acclaim. Blue Valentine, which tells the tale of the lead couple’s blossoming AND deteriorating relationship/marriage (cutting back and forth between the two trajectories), is said to be mesmerizing and heartbreaking. Luckily, the filmmakers (and fans) managed to help to overturn the absurd NC-17 rating (first given due to the film’s too realistic portrayal of sex despite no nudity in that particular scene); some of the other movies on this list deserve such a rating before this film. Anyways, I am prepared to experience this devastatingly honest and beautiful film.

*UPDATE: I just saw Blue Valentine (Jan. 15, 2011). What a hard movie to watch – it is depressing and at times tedious. The latter description, though, is not entirely bad – the film tries so hard not to stylize the couple’s relationship and tends to linger on everyday moments. Its intended effect is to feel all the more realistic and, thus, depressing. It is awfully well acted; Williams and Gosling deserve recognition (too bad Portman and Firth will win awards this year). Ultimately, the film is pretty compelling and provocative but definitely not for everyone; the sex scenes, hum-drum pace, and depressing story will turn off many viewers. A full review is sure to follow soon…for now 8/10. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

The Way Back

Acclaimed director Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show, and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World to name a few) returns after about seven years to directing feature-length films with this one, which is yet to be fully released (sometime in January or later 2011). It is based on an incredible true story of four Soviet Gulag escapees and their long trek to freedom. Critics have responded to the film somewhat positively noting that the good performances (including Colin Farrell and Ed Harris), sweeping tale, and striking visuals outweigh the lack of emotional connection when it should be very evident and affecting. I have been anticipating the release of this film. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

Another Year

This film, yet to be released as of my posting this article, has been seen only at film festivals and in select theaters due to a very limited release until later this month (January 2011). Yet, Another Year is a top-rated film that is, according to RottenTomatoes.com, “Characterized by strong performances and the director’s trademark feel for the nuances of everyday life, Another Year marks another solid entry in Mike Leigh‘s career of kitchen-sink English drama.” From my first impressions, the film may not have been one of my favorites even if it had been released in time for this post. However, I expected little out of several other honorable mentions and some of the films that did make the top ten, including my number one. So I will probably check this one out sometime… (Check out my full review HERE).

 

Four Lions

This very dark-comedy/satire on Islamic fundamentalist terrorists is considered extremely over-the-top and even tasteless but nonetheless funny and brilliant, perhaps even truthful or at least definitely thought provoking. Furthermore, the West could use effective satirical films that help to fight the war of ideas to bolster support and deflate enemy morale. Some have even made comparisons to Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Such assessments of the film have definitely piqued my interest(s).

 

Let Me In

This is the U.S. remake of the Swedish romantic-horror vampire film Let the Right One In (and source novel). While the American version may not be better than the widely praised, outstanding original movie, many state that it stands on its own, hits all the right notes the first did, and even makes a few necessary improvements that did not defame the original. Still, the original 2008 film is considered the better of the two, but the new one is worth watching and a very good movie. And for those weary of the Twilight and copycat flicks, this film helps to redeem or at least better portray vampires (not in angsty teen flicks).

 

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Edgar Wright, writer-director of Shaun of the Dead, created this refreshing film about Scott Pilgrim and his quest to defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes. The “eye-popping visuals” and film-style seem like something right out of a video game. However, those who have seen the movie have been generally ecstatic with how the film plays out onscreen and consider it truly innovative. This is another movie that I probably would not include on my Top Ten but may  check out sometime.

 

Tangled

Disney’s newest animated feature-musical-film about Rapunzel is highly rated for its visual splendor and charm, and it has been regarded as a “worthy addition” to the Disney canon. I probably will not run to see this, but because of its compliments I might not as quickly turn the channel if I see it on sometime. Although it is most likely not my kind of movie or appeal much to me, it deserves a mention.

 

 

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Honorable Mentions Category 2

 

Exit Through the Gift Shop

This funny yet thought-provoking and very well made documentary has appeared on countless top ten lists. Some debate exists about whether the film is truly a documentary or work of fiction, but it is still considered one of the year’s best movies; I will at least catch a bit of it at some point to see what all the fuss is about. The movie must be something extraordinary if it has garnered so much acclaim when it is essentially about graffiti (street) “art” and its artists, such as Banksy.

 

Waiting for Superman

An Inconvenient Truth director Davis Guggenheim’s latest documentary has been heralded as one of the year’s top films for its condemning and polarizing perspective on America’s education system. Many people feel either angry or depressed and have been invigorated or overwhelmed after viewing this film. I’m curious to see how politicized the movie is or whether its indictment on the school system seems apt and, thus, disheartening for the future of America’s youth.

 

Inside Job

Narrated by Matt Damon, this “angry” documentary focuses on the factors and forces that caused the 2008 global financial meltdown. Critics have noted it is less cinematic or thrilling than some documentaries like Exit Through the Gift Shop or Restrepo because it is filled with talking heads and bar graphs (it is more of a straightforward documentary). Nonetheless, Inside Job engages and often infuriates viewers about the crisis and its instigators. From what I have read, it appears to take a largely non-partisan perspective that stirs almost everyone.

 

Restrepo

Unlike most documentaries, Restrepo is exceptionally exciting as it immerses viewers into the deadliest valley in Afghanistan alongside American troops and their two embedded journalists. It is an exhilarating ride into the front lines of the war against radical Islamic terrorism and the Taliban. Critics note that audiences feel like they are deployed to Afghanistan when witnessing this visceral documentary. The film received the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. As I added this film to my list of Honorable Mentions, my curiosity has grown about the film; I definitely want to see it. Hopefully this documentary makes positive impact on American morale at home and abroad by displaying and fostering patriotism, in spite of the brutal conditions it displays. (God Bless the troops.)

 

 

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Honoroable Mentions Category 3

 

Shutter Island

Martin Scorsese’s psychological horror film was one of my most anticipated movies of the year after reading Dennis Lehane’s (writer of the book Gone Baby Gone) novel of the same name. Released in February 2010, it was easily my favorite film of the year for several months. Leonardo DiCaprio’s intense performance and seeing the heartbreaking story portrayed beautifully on-screen fully satisfied my hopes and expectations. It was an excellent adaptation in my book; it even added one line to the story (the final line about living as a monster or dying a good man) that changed the dynamic ending perhaps for the better. However, after time my excitement about viewing the film adaptation wore off and I was able to distance myself enough to recognize its flaws (plus I had begun to see more and more better-made movies). Even if it did not crack the top ten, Shutter Island remains one of my favorite films of the year.

 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

The first installment of the final Harry Potter novel turned out to be quite possibly my favorite film in the series. Deathly Hallows, part 1 is a far cry from the children’s films that are Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets; it is a dark thriller with better acting, character and relationship development and thoroughly tense sequences with the right amount of the comedic charm from the previous movies. Even the animated sequence describing the actual Deathly Hallows is hauntingly beautiful. On the other hand, the film is only part one and definitely feels that way, especially when it ends on a cliffhanger. Hopefully the second part lives up to its gargantuan expectations; the first did its part setting it up. I cannot wait for its release on July 15, 2011. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

How to Train Your Dragon

With this film, DreamWorks Animation finally reached some of the greatness that Pixar has put forth since its inception and debut feature-length film Toy Story. The former has always had entertaining children’s/films, such as Shrek, but never spoke to adult audiences like the latter studio’s movies. But the funny and touching How to Train Your Dragon sparks hope and anticipation that DreamWorks is on the right path to making superior animated features that could entertain all ages of the family. I did not get a chance to witness the film in all of its glorious 3-D animation, which turned out to be one of the year’s only worthwhile 3-D flicks, but it is still spectacular and has more depth to it than even many of the year’s live-action films.

 

The Kids Are All Right

This is considered a funny and genuine portrayal of a modern family and as one of the year’s better films. However, I believe it to be a bit overrated. Annette Bening and the other cast members do fine jobs acting in the movie, but their performances are not mind-blowing or truly award-worthy. The Kids Are All Right is a well-made low budget indie-film with strong performances and interesting viewpoints on family values, but it definitely did not deserve a spot on my Top Ten.

 

The Other Guys

Will Ferrell’s latest film certainly does not deserve a spot on the Top Ten and it does not even match up well with many of the other, much better-made and acted Honorable Mentions. However, I wanted to recognize it as one of better comedies of the year and as what may be Ferrell’s best flick since Anchorman. It is pure ridiculousness but still hilarious at times.

 

TRON: Legacy

Like The Other Guys, this film has a large number of flaws, ones where it counts the most (such as story/plot and character development), but I must mention it for its dazzling visuals and electrifying, perhaps year-best score by Daft Punk. (Check out my full review HERE)

 

 

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Honorable Mentions Category 4

 

The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos)

The Best Foreign Language Film of 2009 lives up to its accolade. This crime drama, set alongside a tale of unrequited love, is truly captivating with a great mystery and compelling performances. The film is full of amazing filmmaking feats, such as the extended soccer stadium tracking shot and numerous unexpected twists in the story; gripping moments, such as the elevator scene; and a down-to-earth romance, which includes my favorite train-station romantic-scene behind Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire ones. I have only seen one of the four other contenders for best foreign film last year, France’s A Prophet, but all have been considered to be worthy of the award. Yet, Argentina’s The Secret in Their Eyes is unforgettable and can even be life-changing with some of its uplifting or inspiring themes. To borrow and slightly change a few lines from the film: “Forget it, The Secret in Their Eyes was released in 2009. It’s over, don’t mention it. It wasn’t another lifetime. It was this one. It IS this one,” so go see this film sometime. Had it been Oscar eligible for 2010, this film would have easily made the top ten.

 

A Prophet (Un Prophete)

France’s entry and contender for the Academy Award’s Best Foreign Language Film for 2009 could have easily won the award had it not been for Argentina’s entry The Secret in Their Eyes. Largely set inside a French prison, with a surprising number of scenes outside of it where the prisoners are given day-leaves, this gangster film is gritty, full of rich details, and led by an impressive performance by Tahar Rahim. Some have even compared it to one of my all-time favorite films: The Godfather. Okay, it might not be a perfect film like that one, but A Prophet makes a strong and perhaps uncomforting statement not only about the French prison system but also regarding the prevalence of crime/terrorism and possible radical movements in Europe.

 

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Män Som Hatar Kvinnor)

This Swedish crime-thriller, based on Stieg Larsson’s novel of the same name, is a tour-de-force thanks to Noomi Rapace’s unforgettably powerful performance. The other two films in the trilogy, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, did not quite live up to their predecessor (particularly ratings-wise) but were still thrilling to see the story unfold. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’s hard-to-bear story and lengthy runtime apparently has turned off some viewers, but I am willing to watch it at some point before the U.S. remake, which is directed by David Fincher and starring Rooney Mara as the lead character Lisbeth Salander, comes to U.S. theaters December 21, 2011. Hopefully Fincher produces a worthwhile, riveting remake comparable to his best works like Se7en, Fight Club, and The Social Network. I am betting he does just that.

 

Mother (마더 or Madeo)

Director of notable Korean films Memories of Murder and The Host, Bong, Joon-ho’s latest work has been hailed as a fantastic crime-mystery-drama, a horror film, and even comedic sometimes; it is led by Kim, Hye-ja’s gripping performance. I am pretty curious to catch this one sometime.

 

 

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* The following may be answered with either your favorite movie from 2010 or what you consider to be the best film from 2010; it does not have to be both. Also, if it is not an option, please choose Other AND write-it-in, thank you!*

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5 Responses to The Top 10 Films of 2010

  1. themoviescale says:
    January 13, 2011 at 4:52 am

    Seen all 10; loved them all! Great post!

    Reply

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