I realize that this list is incredibly late, but it took me quite some time to catch up on many of films that came out during the last few weeks of the year, and even then, I wasn't able to see everything. So without further ado, here are my top ten movies of 2010.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1- I was completely surprised at how much I liked this one. I have been a minor fan of the Potter films so far, with Prisoner of Azkaban being my previous favorite. They have definitely gotten better throughout the years, but none of them ever really wowed me. Hallows, however, really invested me not only in the world for the first time, but the characters. I believed the threat that Harry and friends were running from was real, which is probably the main thing that has kept me from loving previous entries. There is a real sense of dread here, a feeling that everything might not actually be OK, and I think it's that feeling that impressed me most. Not only is it hard to to have that feeling in any movie, but it's especially hard for a 7th movie in a 10 year old franchise to achieve it.
9. How to Train Your Dragon- This was another surprise for me last year. I had heard the hype, but still I was hesitant. I just didn't think any animated movie could come even close to Toy Story 3, and while this film isn't as wonderful as TS3, it came much closer than I thought it would. Dreamworks really stepped up their game not only in story and characters, but animation as well. If they can keep up this kind of quality, they might actually have a shot at being a legitimate rival to Pixar.
8. 127 Hours- Easily the most inspiring film I'd seen last year. James Franco is the whole show here, and he doesn't disappoint in the slightest. I'll admit I was quite nervous about seeing this one, specifically for "the" scene, something I think that has kept quite a few people from seeing it in theaters. Yes, I did almost pass out, but I didn't! I pushed through the cold sweat and couldn't be happier that I stayed strong and gave this a shot. I dare anyone to watch this and not feel inspired and grateful to be alive.
7. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World- Joy. Pure Joy. That is the best way to describe Edgar Wright's adaptation of the comic series about Scott Pilgrim and his journey to battle his dream girl's seven evil ex's. I literally cannot stop smiling whenever I watch this. Chris Evans alone is worth the viewing, and he's in it no more than 5 minutes! If you were at all skeptical about watching it, wise up and see it. You will not be disappointed.
6. Kick-Ass- This was one of the few amazing theater experiences I've had since living in North Carolina, one that actually came close to the energy and fun an Alamo Drafthouse audience can bring to a viewing. Everyone in the theater was on board from the very first second to the very last, and it's hard to see why not. This is a ridiculously violent and hilarious film, and of course the absolutely insane Nicolas Cage doing an Adam West impression throughout. I just don't know what else you need to be able to enjoy a film.
5. The Fighter- Christian Bale. Mmmm. Even as a grossly thin junky, I still find myself attracted to the man. Also, he gives another amazing performance in a long list of amazing performances. Of course, there is also Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams all giving top notch turns as a family who lives and breathes boxing. More so than the sports aspect though, it's the story of the family struggling to stay together that really gives the film it's emotional core. Thankfully, I don't pay attention to real life, as I prefer to watch movies, so I was completely surprised at the ending and got more than a little choked up seeing how their story ended.
4. The Social Network- I'm convinced that David Fincher can do anything. The fact that he was able to pull off a straight faced drama about Facebook says it all. Of course he is greatly assisted not only by a great script, but an almost perfectly cast ensemble. Jesse Eisenberg is the perfect ass hole. However, one of my favorite aspects of this movie is the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It really sneaks up on you and helps provide a very distant feeling between not only Eisenberg and the other characters in the film, but between the audience as well. Something which, for me at least, makes the story seem all the more tragic. Fantastic film making all around.
3. Black Swan- Just as 127 Hours was the most inspiring movie I saw in 2010, Black Swan was definitely the most intense. Natalie Portman stars as Nina, an aspiring ballerina finally getting her shot at a starring role in a new version of Swan Lake who is slowly losing her grip on reality as pressure from both herself and her peers becomes too much for her to handle. Darren Aronofsky has crafted a fascinating look into a fragile psyche on the verge of madness, and in doing so he takes the audience, and Portman, through the ringer, not giving either a moment to breath until the very end.
2. Toy Story 3- A near perfect ending to what might be the greatest trilogy ever made. Alternately heartbreaking and hilarious, Pixar once again proves why they are the king of the animation world right now. Not only are they not scared to allow kids to actually experience emotion instead of fart jokes, they actually have the balls to put all of the characters in a truly life threatening situation. Oh yea, I also cry like a baby every time I watch it.
1. Inception- What else can I say about this movie that hasn't already been said. It's just stupid good. I want Christopher Nolan to live forever so that he will never stop making movies.
So that's it. My personal favorite movies of 2010. Feel free to hate me.
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