Best of 2010

The new year is here! Now comes the time to count down the best of everything Hollywood had to offer for 2010! Unfortunately, seeing movies was not my highest priority this past year, but I plan to rectify this for 2011!!! As a result, my top 10 may not include the absolute best released films. Please enjoy and let me know which ones you disagree with and why :) Happy New Year!!!!!

Will Ferrell doing what he does best... being comedy gold! I loved the chemistry between him and Mark Wahlberg. Lately, Mr. Wahlberg has had an interesting streak of movies put out at the theater (another that is actually higher on the list). At first, the pairing seemed odd, but by the end of the film, the two pitted as partners becomes a no-brainer.

Its quite an achievement to pull off an animated movie these days that isn't Pixar. And on top of that, to make it on par with a Pixar film! How to Train Your Dragon has heart and brains where it counts, and I can only hope the sequel lives up to it.

A film about a not-so-special high school kid wanting to be a superhero turns into a balls to the wall action adventure. We all dream of becoming a super hero like the ones we read about, but it takes a lot of courage to actually go through with it! Kick Ass shows the heart pounding ups and bone crushing downs of being a super hero while simultaneously letting loose a killing machine in the shape of a 10 year old girl!

One of the most surprising films I saw this year if only for the sheer fact that Ben Affleck made it! Jeremy Renner brings a ferocity to his role that is unstoppable to watch, and even Affleck, who in the past has demonstrated mild acting skills at best, turns out a nuance and thoughtful performance. Also, one of the best finale shootouts ever made.

The Toy Story trilogy ends on a high note, triumphantly creating an award worthy 3D film. I have to say, the idea of toys nearly bringing me tears seems silly and highly over-emotional. Yet, this movie pulls on heart strings of every kid who owned one. I seriously hope this is the end of the series. It could'nt have ended more perfectly.

Without a doubt, one of the best boxer movies to come out in awhile. Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg bring out their characters effortlessly and the story, while still about a fighter struggling to make it to the top, is more about family and the what it means to stick by the ones you love even if they are dragging you down. Also, Bale deserves Best Supporting Actor. Period!

The original was a great John Wayne film. The current film follows the original source material closer, shadowing Matty Ross (played extremely well by new comer Hailee Steinfeld) and also allowing the Coen Brothers a chance to shine and strut their unusual sense of humor. Jeff Bridges recreates Rooster Cogburn, an old cot that probably should have retired a while back, but also equally dangerous and fun to watch. Whether or not the original was better, the Coen Brothers version goes on its own tangent and excels where other "remakes" have fallen.

I originally had no intention of seeing a film surrounded by the story of Facebook. Yet when David Fincher signed on as directer, I knew this would be a film worth my attention. The performances are riveting and the cinematography unbeatable. I have to agree with most people: This was the Wall Street for our generation.

The Dark Knight was almost a precursor to this mind trip, setting the stage for something Nolan had under his sleeve for years. The effects put most others to shame while the story (convoluted to some people) is filled with giant spectacle and undeniable love for films. Its a movie that will be studied for many years to come, and has placed Nolan at the top next to other filmmakers such as Kubrick and Speilberg. Simply Amazing.

The number one spot was not hard to choose. I have watched this film constantly since its release and the soundtrack is ingrained in my head. The film didn't make a whole lot at the box office, which is a shame. To me, things that make a film great involve the idea of what a filmmaker is trying to get across, and whether or not said director cares for what he is making. I felt that energy in every frame of the movie, making Scott Pilgrim a joy to watch over and over again.


Special Shout Outs!
-Black Swan
-Buried
-Shutter Island