The year in movies is not completely over yet, but we’re almost there. Even though I’m still waiting to check out the likes of Sofia Coppola’s “Somewhere,” John Cameron Mitchell’s “Rabbit Hole” and Mike Leigh’s “Another Year,” I would like to say my Top 5 of the year is locked pretty tight. Keep in mind I certainly haven’t seen every movie out there this year, but I sure do try my best. Feel free to add in your own favorites you think I missed!
Here are my Five Fave Movies of 2010:
5. True Grit
This film just recently bumped down “The Kids Are All Right” which previously held the fifth slot. Here are the Coen brothers transcending their own style we have come to known, and they do it with distinguished grace through the telling of a straightforward western. The directors’ first entry into a strict genre picture is absolutely a wonder to behold with superb filmmakers simply putting their craft toward great storytelling. It’s easily one of the year’s best with memorable performances from veteran Jeff Bridges and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld.
4. Inception
Christopher Nolan delivers a Hollywood blockbuster the way they should all be made. It’s an intelligent and demanding film set to the backdrop of an action thriller. A brassy and pounding score from Hans Zimmer leads the charge in this journey into the state of dreams and reality. Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt all shine in a film that will be remembered and studied for years to come. The screenplay itself is an intricate and unsolvable maze and to craft such a thoroughly engaging film from such a complex layout is astounding in itself.
3. Toy Story 3
Pixar’s best, a masterpiece sharing themes of generational ties, family, friends, nostalgia and childhood. It’s remarkable the weighty themes this film pulls off while giving such a carefree and frivolous tone. For pure moviegoing bliss for all ages–especially those looking fondly back on “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2″–this is it.
2. Black Swan
Natalie Portman astounds with the best performance of the year in the best horror film in years. Darren Aronofsky’s flawless direction with gorgeous cinematography from Matthew Libatique creates the world of professional ballet into something sinister. Clint Mansell’s score thunders through every scene turning this melodrama into an opera in itself. Great supporting work from Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel is also magnificent in a haunting and powerful provocation of a woman losing her mind in the pursuit of perfection.
1. The Social Network
This is a film of our time. Some argue this film lacks an emotional punch, but that is exactly the point. Our lives have gone to the digital age, to social networking. ‘The Social Network’ is about this transformation, a meditation on the way we live today and how our relationships have become so ambivalent. And with a seething score from Atticus Ross and Trent Rezznor with astounding performances across the board from Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield to Justin Timberlake and Rooney Mara, this is the best movie of the year.
While I am far from an avid moviegoer, I am delighted to see Social Network at the top of your list. I remember movies that not only move me but that enlighten me. As our psyches merge with the computer, we are indeed entering a new world.