On...Top 5 Films of 2010

BEST FILMS OF 2010

I watched 19 films that were released in theaters between Jan 1, 2010 and the end of the year. This is certainly down from the late 90s where I viewed between 40 and 50 per year. Not too bad considering I have a few more responsibilities now. I didn't get a chance to see The Fighter, Black Swan, or The Kids Are All Right that have gathered a lot of buzz, but those are the breaks. I limited it to 5 since movies like The Other Guys would have probably sneaked in (funny film but should not find itself in such company).

So here are the TOP 5 FILMS of 2010:

5) True Grit By Joel & Ethan Coen.
I don't know where this film will end up on the list after it settles. I just viewed it today and Coen Brother films tend to need repeat viewings to fully appreciate. I have to admit I wasn't originally taken with either Big Lebowski or Oh, Brother Where Are Thou? Boy has that changed. That aside, True Grit is a solid movie: funny, hard edged, a fabulous yarn from beginning to end. Best western since Open Range.

4) Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part I by David Yates.
Raw and stunning. After rewatching Half-Blood Prince a few nights ago I have even more appreciation for the latest Potter film. Deathly Hallows is richer and darker and takes care of the characters on a deeper level than the previous films. Maybe this is because they have more time to nurture Rowling's prose with two movies. Either way it is a great introduction to the coming finale.

3) Inception by Christopher Nolan
The last 30 seconds deny this film the number one spot, but from beginning to end it is a visual treat and I can't complain in the face of such layered filmmaking. It also proved that you don't need 3D to blow an audience away. I don't know how Nolan and his brother pieced this dream-factory together, but the sheer audacity is breathtaking.

2) Toy Story 3 by Lee Unkrich.
Pixar makes cathedrals out of digital film. This company is the Babe Ruth of motion pictures. One home run after another. I haven't cried and laughed so much since, well, since Up.

1) The Social Network by David Fincher.
Never has a film gripped a viewer and flung them roaring for an hour and a half with nothing but dialogue, acting, and multiple lawsuits. Fincher has come a long way from Alien 3. This is a tour de force on numerous levels. (It even made Justin Timberlake a real actor) It may leave you with more questions than answers, but this movie is immensely enjoyable. A time capsule of the mid 2000s.