Five Best Films of 2010
EDIT: Two more honorable mentions: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" and "Kick-Ass" - both utterly brilliant and fun to watch.
Honorable Mention: Hachiko
Though this movie was technically shown at festivals in 2009, it didn't come into wide release until the DVD release this year.
But if it doesn't make you sob like a small child - you have no soul whatsoever. This story is heart-wrenching in a way that could only have come from a real-life series of events surrounding real-life soul mates: a man and his (really freaking adorable) dog.
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Truly original (even though it was based on a comic book series) and fun. Though I'm suffering from Michael Cera overload and am quite sick of his being in all the good movies but never changing his acting style. Edgar Wright's brilliant comedic direction kept the pace quick but it was never confusing.
4. Despicable Me
I want a minion. Now.
3. Black Swan
Here's what I thought of this movie: a serious mind-trip, brilliantly directed, mesmerizing acting... but almost predictable. Never underestimate the importance of a good script. Still, it was stunning.
2. The Social Network
We all know by now that this movie isn't quite a documentary, but the script is incredible, the acting is near-perfection. A rare movie that is topical, serious, successful, watchable and (in a way) fun. I couldn't tear my eyes away.
1. Inception
Christopher Nolan sealed his reputation with this movie. He is now the greatest director of this generation. Though not without his flaws, this auteur created the most exciting, intelligent, original movie in ages. I was literally gasping in the theatre. Ambitious, engaging, challenging... I hope this inspires moviegoers to start looking for movies that aren't easy to digest, that take serious thought and patience and work to watch.
And for the love of god, it doesn't matter whether the ending was clear or not - that was the point!
Honorable Mention: Hachiko
Though this movie was technically shown at festivals in 2009, it didn't come into wide release until the DVD release this year.
But if it doesn't make you sob like a small child - you have no soul whatsoever. This story is heart-wrenching in a way that could only have come from a real-life series of events surrounding real-life soul mates: a man and his (really freaking adorable) dog.
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Truly original (even though it was based on a comic book series) and fun. Though I'm suffering from Michael Cera overload and am quite sick of his being in all the good movies but never changing his acting style. Edgar Wright's brilliant comedic direction kept the pace quick but it was never confusing.
4. Despicable Me
I want a minion. Now.
3. Black Swan
Here's what I thought of this movie: a serious mind-trip, brilliantly directed, mesmerizing acting... but almost predictable. Never underestimate the importance of a good script. Still, it was stunning.
2. The Social Network
We all know by now that this movie isn't quite a documentary, but the script is incredible, the acting is near-perfection. A rare movie that is topical, serious, successful, watchable and (in a way) fun. I couldn't tear my eyes away.
1. Inception
Christopher Nolan sealed his reputation with this movie. He is now the greatest director of this generation. Though not without his flaws, this auteur created the most exciting, intelligent, original movie in ages. I was literally gasping in the theatre. Ambitious, engaging, challenging... I hope this inspires moviegoers to start looking for movies that aren't easy to digest, that take serious thought and patience and work to watch.
And for the love of god, it doesn't matter whether the ending was clear or not - that was the point!