So as my first official non introductory post I thought I would share with you all my top ten films of 2010 and why I loved them and why you should see them if you haven't yet.
10. Despicable Me
What an awesome movie! I was seriously laughing the whole way through this film, seriously ask my wife (who seemed slightly annoyed at my laughter). Steve Carell is absolutely brilliant as Gru. The voice acting is great and the writing is comedic brilliance, and the Minions are really icing on the cake. One of the best animated films of the year besides another one coming soon on this list. This is one that I will be re-watching over and over in 2011.
9. TRON: Legacy
I went into this movie expecting some pretty awesome visuals and walked out with my mind and expectations completely blown. I saw this in IMAX 3D and it was completely worth it. This was kind of 2010's Avatar. The visuals were absolutely spectacular but the story was a little weak. But Jeff Bridges more than made up for that and that's not even the best part. The best part about the movie was the sounds. Daft Punk absolutely engrossed me in this film with its score and really pushed it onto my list for this year.
8. Toy Story 3
Wow! What a great ending to a series that I grew up watching. Toy Story came out in 1995 when I was eight years old and convinced me that my toys were alive. I wasn't prepared for what this film was going to do to me. Toy Story 3 starts out with our same lovable characters and takes us on an emotional roller coaster that couldn't have been imagined. From laughing, to sitting on the edge of my seat to tears this movie is one for our generation. For a trilogy to grow with it's original audience is unique and this is one trilogy that grew to it's full potential.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
The beginning of the end as they say. This is one series that is completely going against the mold. It continues to get better with each sequel! This is by far the best film of the franchise so far and the best adapted from the books. A much darker Harry is seen in the latest installment that has captivated us for the past 10 years. The best part? The acting. We have truly watched Ron, Hermione, and Harry develop into quite talented actors. Absolutely can't wait for the final installment this summer!
6. Shutter Island
Scorcese's done it again. Although this film was not as good as
The Departed it was still an amazing film. Leonardo DiCaprio is really showing he has what it takes to be one of the best at his craft in our generation. Scorcese's visual style is captivating and his pacing and build up have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. Not the most innovative story we saw this year, but a very well told one indeed.
5. The Social Network
A film that defines our society? Very much so. David Fincher is brilliant. Thinking this movie was going to be terrible was one huge mistake. Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield are great and the dialogue was perfectly executed and perfectly written. This film needs to win some awards for its screenplay without a doubt.
4. True Grit
The Coen Brothers have brought the Western back to the forefront in America's heart. Visually stunning and utilizing the cinematography from the esteemed classic,
True Grit has shown us that Westerns still be great cinema. Jeff Bridges adds to his list of stunning performances and a rising star Hailee Steinfeld shows us she has what it takes in her first big screen performance. Mr. Wayne would be proud to see a remake return the Western to it's former glory.
3. The Town
One of the best bank robbery movies since Dog Day afternoon,
The Town shows us that maybe Ben Affleck still has what it takes. I loved Affleck's directorial debut
Gone Baby, Gone, but Affleck has one upped himself with this latest film. Exploring the themes of loyalty and abandonment through beautiful cinematography and brilliant character depth, this is a movie that you need to see. I love movies that make you think about your morals and ethics and this is one that truly tests those opinions.
2. The Fighter
Some think this is just another boxing film, but they are truly mistaken. This films true worth lies in the exploration of family. Christian Bale puts up a performance that will most likely give him a shiny new golden man to put on the shelf at home and the same goes for Amy Adams. Wahlberg also does a tremendous job of portraying a down on his luck boxer. This film is gonna join Raging Bull as one of the best boxing movies of all time.
1. Inception
Joining my top ten films of all time is Christopher Nolan's
Inception. This movie has it all! This is one of those films that you have to watch several times to truly appreciate the intricacies of what Nolan envisioned. The film took an idea and changed the way that we look at dreams. DiCaprio stuns us again and is almost overshadowed by the amazing performances of his supporting cast including Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Ellen Page. This film absolutely blew my mind and had me talking about it with friends for days after. When a film can change the way we as society perceive something, and makes us redefine how we think, it has done what is supposed to do. It challenges us on multiple levels and leaves us wanting more. Congratulations
Inception!
And that is all! I am looking forward to 2011 and the films that may make this list come one year from now.
