Hey-oh. My top ten movies of the year, just before i start i have a disclaimer.
Disclaimer: I have not yet seen these movies, i don't have a job. if you'd like to buy me a ticket to any of these movies, i would enjoy your donation: Black Swan, True Grit, Blue Valentine, 127 Hours. (I did see Kids Are All Right. I hated that movie. I'm sorry.)
Now that i've disclaimed, here are MY top ten movies of 2010, i will try not to be as long-winded (long-fingered?) as i was with my albums. Here you go...
10. Winter's Bone
Winter's Bone
Directed By: Debra Granik
Released: September
This was a very subtle story of a backwoods town wrapped up in addiction, misguided loyalty, and extreme poverty. Conditions are so awful in this small town, you almost forget it's set in this country. Wonderful performances by Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes. Unfortunately it's all build, denouement of this story left me feeling a little bit gipped.
9. Robin Hood
Robin Hood
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Released: May
To everyone that hated this movie. I hate you. I continue to be flabbergasted at the horrible press this movie received and continues to receive. Yes, if you were expecting a classic version of Robin Hood, you went to the wrong movie. This movie focuses more on the creation of Robin Hood. The new spin on an old story (that has been DONE a million times) is what makes this such an incredible movie. Departing from classic conceits is the main reason this works so well. Ridley Scott and Brian Helgeland (director/writer) along with the cast create rich, thoughtful characters. And as expected the stellar cast does a stellar job and it contains good action sequences. If you're a huge fan of the classic Robin Hood, like i am, most of the fun of this movie is finding the nuance woven in with a new story.
8. The American
The American
Directed by: Anton Corbijn
Released: September
Blink and you missed this one. For Clooney it was a wonderful follow-up to Up In The Air. The American, plot-wise, is the story of the lifestyle of a freelance American weapon-maker living in Italy. What unfolds is a wonderful metaphor on the American nation from the eyes of an outsider. My problem is this movie was advertised as an action movie. it's not, it's more art house than action, but beautiful cinematography and another subtly strong performance by George Clooney was far more captivating than the 'shoot-em-up' flick i was expecting.
7. Jack Goes Boating
Jack Goes Boating
Directed by: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Released: September
Philip Seymour Hoffman's directing debut, Jack Goes Boating, is based on a play of the same name. A simple debut for PSH that very quietly creeps into your emotional core. It's funny, it's sweet, and it's heart-breaking. While Hoffman does an adequate job in his directing debut, you can very clearly tell that this is a piece that was lifted from the stage. The long scenes and minimal locations make this a movie about human relationships and about brilliant acting (Particularly for John Ortiz). I am also partial to this one because i watched it screened in NYC the night before it's major debut and sat in on a Q&A with the cast. A humbling/enlightening experience to listen to each of them. Maybe that's why it made my list... maybe it won't affect you the same way, but out of everything on my top 10 this is the one i hope sits with you.
6. The King's Speech
The Kings Speech
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Released: December
It's not often that a movie comes along with a lot of drama, a sharp message, and an uplifting story (a good movie, anyways). This hits all those points. The story of the rise of King George VI and how he overcame his impediments to become a rallying point for a nation at war. I'm a big fan of Tom Hooper's off balanced shot composition and it facilitated his storytelling very well. Colin Firth doesn't seem to miss these days, and Geoffrey Rush is delightful to watch, as always. A very thoughtful, inspiring film.
5. The Town
The Town
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Released: September
A long time ago, i would have told you Ben Affleck was brilliant. A few years after that i would have told you he was a total schmuck. Now i stand by my original statement. Affleck is playing a huge role in bringing back the Boston crime drama. And when he does it, it feels grittier and more realistic than all the others. Acting-wise it's solid, but not the strongest of the bunch, but it doesn't need to be the strongest it's a movie driven by plot and action. Sadly, The Town also becomes a vehicle for one of hollywood's finest to say goodbye. Intense and breathtaking from start to finish this is definitely one of the top movies of the year.
*Note: If you buy the extended cut of the DVD... stick with the theatrical version, it's a tighter, cleaner telling of the story.
4. Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Released: June
A striking end to a wonderfully thought out and sweet story line that most of us have grown up with. Toy Story first captured us in 1995 (i was 9), continued in 1999 (14) and now finishes over ten years later (24). This was a great movie made stronger by sentimentality, being in the theater for Toy Story 3 one of my favorite movie going experiences of all time. Coming to the theater for the matinee filled with small children, i was kicked and prodded and had popcorn spilled on me multiple times by the kid sitting next to me. And as the movie drew to a close i was fighting so hard not to burst into tears. Looking around i noticed a ton of 5-10 year olds smiling at the animated characters, and i also noticed a ton of 20 somethings fighting the same fight as me. Thanks pixar for continuing to make movies that bridge the age gap, that captivate us, and that always teach us something valuable. This movie is sure to win some awards this year, i'm just glad i got to grow up with Woody, Buzz, and Andy.
3. The Social Network
The Social Network
Directed By: David Fincher
Released: October
I already devoted a lengthy blog post to this movie this year, so i'm not gonna delve into it big time here. But to recap, Jesse Eisenberg is outstanding, Aaron Sorkin is outstanding, David Fincher is outstanding. it's #1 on everyone else's lists, why isn't it higher on mine? Two reasons: 1. These other two were better. 2. i'm sick of technology and facebook. (i realize the irony, as i state this on my blog).
2. The Fighter
The Fighter
Directed by: David O. Russell
Released: December
Give Christian Bale an Oscar already. He just keeps astounding us. Boxing movies tend to be eerily similar in their production values and story line. What sets this apart is that it carries most of the cliche's but it's also carried by performance. Christian Bale, as i said, is absolutely astounding. Amy Adams is flawless. Melissa Leo nails it. Mark Wahlberg... he's good. But he serves his purpose perfectly, i think that's the misconception about this movie. To me, Wahlberg isn't the lead, he's the glue or the facilitator of the plot, because of him (the closest to normal) we are introduced to all of these other complex and interesting characters. If it's Mark Wahlberg's story, it's Christian Bale's movie. The choices he made were so interesting that i had trouble taking my eyes off of him for two hours. He does enough to push this to number 2 for me. i'm also a sucker for stories about brothers.
1. Inception
Inception
Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Released: July
it incenses me that this has fallen behind the pack in awards voting. i think there are two reasons for this, we tend to put a heavier weight on the lower budget, independent films around awards season, and it's a victim of a very early summer release date. 1) This movie was innovative: Nolan has introduced so much with this film, clever subplots, new special effects, original storytelling. 2) it was thought provoking: my favorite question to ask after this movie has been, 'explain to me in one concise sentence what the main story in this movie is.' it's wonderful because EVERYONE has given me a different answer and that's what a good film should do, mean something different to everyone. 3) it has complex plots and simple plots: the dream with a dream within a dream, obviously a brilliantly laid out complex plot. A love story between two people trying to let go, a young adult coming to terms with his father's legacy- simple, identifiable plots hidden within a complex story. 4) it has tons of action: Joseph Gordon Levitt's sequences in the spinning hotel room are already iconic, and there's so much more to go along with that. 5) Well thought out characters: Cobb, Arthur, Saito, Eames, etc... all relatively hashed out and easy to fall in step with. And the greatest aspect of this movie to me is also another of my favorite 'theater experiences' of the year. Having such a complex, intense, driven movie for 2+ hours, but what truly puts everyone on their seat is such a simple shot. You can feel the audience holding their breath for the conclusion. And like all good pieces of art, it's a conclusion that you don't get the satisfaction of being laid out for you. Keep thinking. Keep watching... tell me The Social Network was better than this and i'll respect your opinion... but i'll secretly be judging you.
In Conclusion... Sorry i promised not to get long winded and i did anyways, but i'm not sitting next to you, so just tell me you read it all. Like i said, i left out some stuff i didn't see, but i'm actually quite proud of my list and looking forward to the upcoming awards season. Like always, thanks for reading... also if you did ACTUALLY hate Robin Hood, i don't hate you. But again, i'm secretly judging you. If you have a rebuttal, please let me know, in case you haven't noticed movies are kind of my favorite thing to talk about in the world.
