Year in Review: My Top Ten Movies of 2010

Alright, it's that time to start picking favorites.  This is a list of my favorite movies of the past year.  Keep in mind these are my favorites.  Also keep in mind that I haven't seen every single movie that came out last year, since I am in no way an official movie reviewer.  This means there will obviously be some omissions, but hey, we can't all be perfect.  Let's get started.

#1 Inception

Hollywood's most original and thrilling piece of cinema in 2010 came from the mind of Christopher Nolan, hot off his box office monster and critically acclaimed The Dark Knight.  Inception was a great film to get movie goers thinking about their dreamscapes and their subconscious.  Expertly paced, amazing action pieces, and great performances by A-List actors gives Inception the top spot in 2010.

#2 The Social Network

From David Fincher, the director of Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, comes a film that gives a perfect snapshot for the recent generation and the strive for instant gratification and connection online.  The impeccable script, lead by an Oscar-worthy performance by Jesse Eisenberg, is absolutely riveting.  Scorching dialogue, great performances, and outstanding direction from Fincher make The Social Network a perfect tale for the last decade.

#3 Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller Black Swan is backed by an amazing script, full of twists and turns, and a lead performance by Natalie Portman that deserves an Oscar nod.  The striking visuals supplement the already fragile mind of the characters, giving a sense of confusion, with audiences trying to piece the puzzle together alongside the characters in the film.

#4 Toy Story 3

The culmination of 15 years since the original Toy Story hit theaters shows the maturity and perfection of the craft that animation studio Pixar has honed since it's creation.  Toy Story 3 is like a love note to every fan of the series.  The film introduces real-world moments, like what happens to toys after a kid moves on to college.  Surely to bring tears to your eyes, Toy Story 3 is a delightful film, full of nostalgia of the earlier parts of your life.  You'll want to save every toy you own after this one.

#5 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

While not the most critically acclaimed film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World brings the comic book its based off of to life.  Striking visuals reminiscent of the Batman show during the 60's, the WAM! and KAPOW! feel right at home here.  The film is like nothing you have ever seen, or probably ever will again.

#6 Shutter Island

Martin Scorsese's switch from mob-drama to psychological thriller turned up aces this year, with lead Leonardo DiCaprio showcasing one of his finest performances.  The film plays on atmosphere and the erosion of the main characters ability to perceive their surroundings, including who they are themselves.  Gripping and tense, Shutter Island is sure to keep you guessing, even after the credits have rolled.

#7 Buried

A whole movie based solely on one character trapped inside a box? Are they nuts? Actually, yes.  Buried follows an outstanding performance by Ryan Reynolds, who stretches his dramatic skills instead of his usual comedic roles.  Sometimes, simplicity is better, and in this case, it definitely works to the film's advantage, giving viewers a suspenseful story of rescue and hope, despite the claustrophobic nature of the film.

#8 Kick-Ass

Forget your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman.  This one calls for the random kid down the block with no powers whatsoever to start fighting crime.  A great cast of wannabe superheroes fight for justice in this action packed film from Matthew Vaughn, which is just as hilarious as well.


#9 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

The darkest and most emotionally charged film in the series debuts the first of two parts, which, while feeling like a prelude to the inevitable conclusion in the summer, still manages to bring the best parts of the books to life.  Beautifully shot and well executed, Part One is a great set-up piece filled with impressive visual effects and a bleak ending to tide people over until the finale.


#10 The Book of Eli

Lead by an amazing performance by Denzel Washington and filled with saturated visuals, the post-apocalyptic wasteland never looked so good.  The ending alone gives viewers a reason to re-watch to look for certain details deemed trivial until the end.  Gary Oldman is a great as the menacing bad guy trying to steal the book, while the pacing is spot-on.  Themes of hope and religion abound, it never feels preachy, getting audiences to stand behind Eli on his quest.