Top Ten of Two Thousand and Ten

My usual excuses … I mean, disclaimers – these are the films I saw at the cinema in 2010. I accept absolutely and utterly no responsibility for movies taking an age to get to New Zealand. 2010 has produced a strong list, with several films vying for film of the year.

In alphabetical order, my top ten of 2010 are:

Animal Kingdom – A gritty, raw, disturbing, shocking, emotional Aussie film. Superb acting by the usual suspects (notably Guy Pearce and Ben Mendelson) and a cracker performance by newcomer James Frecheville. A friend of mine tried to convince me that Mike from Neighbours (Pearce playing the cop) was the most evil person in this story. But for my money, it has to be the family matriarch (played by Jacki Weavers) – what a manipulative witch!

Boy – Film of the year contender #1 is a sentimental, parochial choice I have to admit. But I think this New Zealand film would have wide appeal. Boy is both laugh-out-loud funny and heart-wrenchingly sad. Director/writer/star Taika Waititi has given us a simple but emotional story of family and coming-of-age – it is truly a gem of a film.

Crazy Heart – I simply cannot get enough of Jeff Bridges. I toyed with putting Tron in the top ten simply because there is two of him in it! This slow boiler of a film finally saw Bridges rewarded with an Oscar, and deservedly so. He is supported by some stellar performances, but this is all about Bridges – a fantastic turn as a broken down, hard-living country singer looking for redemption. I also recommend the soundtrack for anyone who is a little bit country.

Easy A – A funny, intelligent teenage comedy, the best I’ve seen in some time. Fantastic dialogue, with some truly inspired one-liners, this film owes much to the teenage flicks of the 80s (to which it pays homage). Emma Stone is charming and spunky and carries this movie with flair. Highly enjoyable.

Four Lions – Truly the most inappropriate and hilarious movie of the year, I simply could not leave this Brit flick out. Written and directed by the brilliant Chris Morris, Four Lions is a clever, farcical and surreal black comedy. At times I audibly gasped at the sheer audacity of it all, while I wasn’t laughing out loud at the comedic brilliance. Not for everyone but certainly for this list.

Inception – You think this is going to be film of the year contender #2 don’t you? Well, you’d be wrong. Although my brother will be utterly dismayed this film has made the list at all, I simply couldn’t leave it out – its originality, visual impact and stellar acting has assured its place here. But Inception is not my film of the year. The more you think about this flawed yet entertaining film, the less you like it. And that’s never good.

Nine – I’m a fan of the musical genre, there’s no escaping it. But Nine is not here as a token entry, no sir. Nine is as entertaining a film as you’ll see all year. Please check your over-sensitive feminism at the door and enjoy this wonderfully European tale of love and lust and genius. Unforgettable musical numbers and some amazing performances (notably Marion Cotillard, who is stunning and fast becoming a favourite of mine) combine to make Nine sublime. It’s even caused me to rhyme.

Scott Pilgrim v the World – I simply LOVED this film. I am convinced it was made especially with me in mind, although I have no proof of that. It just pressed so many of my buttons – it’s funny, sweet, goofy, clever, surprising, action packed, weird, with some utterly unforgettable characters and great acting. Michael Cera is a god, no question. And a wonderful turn from the Culkin kid who has talent, Kieran. Would have been film of the year in a lesser field, but certainly contender #2.

The Social Network – I was expecting a lot from this film. With Fincher at the helm and Sorkin wielding the pen, it didn’t disappoint and is easily contender for film of the year #3. Compelling and fast moving, hugely quotable and superbly acted, this is a riveting movie. Sure, it’s about Facebook and the social networking generation and whatnot. But the story is really much more universal than that: it’s ultimately about friendship and betrayal. I didn’t really care whether it was true or not – it was a hell of a yarn.

Toy Story 3 – Is it time for an animated movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars? I dunno. But, if it is, this film truly deserves the honour. A perfectly paced, utterly compelling, surprisingly emotional film, Toy Story 3 is the best of the trilogy and a joy to watch. Film of the year contender #4.


And the highly commended:

Book of Eli – Clever, dark apocalyptic story with great turns by Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman.

Kick Ass – Hilarious and original comic book-inspired movie, with a wee girl who inflicts bodily harm. Twisted and complete fun.

Precious – Easily the most harrowing movie of the year, this is a brilliant film, but one I wouldn’t see again in a hurry.

The Road – Dark and brooding and tragic, with an excellent performance by Viggo Mortensen, this film is a must-see.

The Tourist – A surprising, refreshingly European caper flick.

The Town – A tense, smart and compelling drama, Affleck is maturing as an actor, director and writer. An especially great turn by Jeremy Renner.

Whip It – I now love roller derby. Enough said.