My Favorite Films of 2010

It was a pretty good year for movies…I got to see nearly 50 films in the theater this year.  Making the move to Austin definitely helped, I got to see way more than I would’ve back in Beaumont. There are still quite a few I have yet to see because they weren’t available before writing this, but I will eventually.  Here’s my list, trailers first.

10. Shutter Island

Scorsese never ceases to amaze me with his talent.  This film is beautiful, the cinematography and score were both amazing.  Great perfomances all around.

9. 127 Hours

James Franco carries this film, I was never bored by it.  I liked the use of split-screen in the credits by Danny Boyle and the fast-paced cuts. He has a style unlike anyone else and you really get the sense you’re there experiencing this with Franco’s character.  I’ve never wanted a glass of water after watching a film!

8. True Grit

Loved this film.  A straight-western, but it had the humor you’re accustomed to from a Coen Brothers film.   Can’t wait to see what they take on next.

7. The King’s Speech

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush’s performances had me intrigued the entire way through.  They should both get nominations.  Great character-piece and I learned some things I didn’t know about King George VI.

6. Black Swan

I loved The Wrestler and this follow-up from Darren Aronofsky is no different.  I loved the way he filmed it.  The camera draws you in and holds you there the entire length of the movie.  Natalie Portman will probably get an Oscar for her role and she deserves it.

5. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

This was probably the most fun I’ve had watching a film in a long time.  I loved the the satirization of pop-culture in the screenplay.  The action, practical and special effects were all great.  Edgar Wright’s editing and unique style are probably my favorite of any director working right now.  I have faith in anything he does.

4. Toy Story 3

I’ve grown up with this franchise.  It has everything; Drama, comedy, action, etc. You feel a strong connection to all the characters and it was really one of the best films I’ve seen in years.

3. Un Prophete (A Prophet)

This generation’s Godfather.  I feel it lives up to that last statement. Prison-life hasn’t been portrayed like this ever. I haven’t seen a film set in a prison setting, that connected with me like this one did, since The Shawshank Redemption.

2. The Fighter

I thought this film would be generic and wouldn’t have anything else to offer that differed from other biographical boxing movies.  I was really wrong.  It tells the story of a struggling boxer but adds a family dynamic that’s really unique. Christian Bale should win best supporting actor and Melissa Leo should win best supporting actress in my opinion.

1. The Social Network

It was really hard to pick my favorite film, but I always ended up coming back to this one.  The writing is excellent, but it’s the performances that take that writing to a whole new level.  Fincher’s direction and unique visual style guide the movie and it is really something special.

These are honorable mentions that just didn’t make it.  If you haven’t seen them, I highly suggest you check them out.

Exit Through The Gift Shop

Greenberg

Harr y Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part I

How To Train Your Dragon

I’m Still Here

Inception

Kick-Ass

Restrepo

The Town

So that’s it. I want to see and discuss your favorites of 2010.