Related
We ’ve spent the last few days carry on aboutthe bad film of 2010andthe biggest disappointmentsin the hopes of healing our and your collective psyches from the damage sustained after watching vacuous movies likeJonah HexorFurry Vengeance(*shudder * ) .
Now we turn our attention tothe high points of 2010- namely , the picture that met or exceeded our expectations and entertained us enough so as to bring in a permanent spot on our personal favorites films inclination .
While a favorite film list does not strictly represent with a best motion picture listing ( suit in full stop - motion picture likeCitizen KaneorThe Seventh Sealaren’t traditionally considered proper pick for a play Saturday dark viewing ) , there ’s sure as shooting a effective heap of crossover voter between the two . A phone number of this yr ’s critical darlings were not only aesthetically and technically proficient opus of cinematic prowess , but made for an overall memorable two or so hour of amusement as well .
Here are seven of our favorite films of 2010 ( as harmonize upon by our faculty ) , followed by some additional option from individual member of theScreen Rantteam :
-
Screen Rant’s Favorite Movies of 2010
Inception
Yeah , you determine this one come , but what can we say?Inceptionis a electrifying , thought - provoking blockbuster that utilize some of the most innovative and breathtaking filmmaking techniques of the yr to produce a genuinely originative action exposure . Engaging performances , an intellectually stimulating game , astonishing practical gist mixed with CGI - Christopher Nolan ’s latest has it all .
It ’s the manner in whichInceptionweds the modern Hollywood popcorn leaf with art theatre cinema that is rightfully impressive . Nolan ’s freehanded - budget production succeeds at being a beautifully - shoot heist movie in the vein of classic likeHeator the originalItalian Joband serves as a monitor that filmgoers can handle a moving-picture show that demands their attention . Rest ensure , none of us will ever trust our dreams or look at hotel hallways the same way again .
True Grit
Leave it to Joel and Ethan Coen to not only prove that there ’s living left in the westerly genre , but once again deliver a film filled with dark humor and rich characters . True Gritboasts a star topology - making entry for Hailee Steinfeld as the feisty Mattie Ross ; another memorable turn by " The Dude " himself , Jeff Bridges ; picturesque cinematography by the uncomparable Roger Deakins ; immaculate production design ; and something that the Coen crony ' workplace sometimes lacks - heart .
There are few filmmaker currently active that are as prolific , divers , and accomplished as the Coens andTrue Gritis certainly validation of that . Not to mention - who else in Hollywood could get up with a character as unforgettably odd as " The Bear Man " ?
Toy Story 3
Another obvious pick , butToy Story 3really is one of the best films that polish off dramatics in 2010 . Combining everything you could want from a motion picture - exciting action , genuinely suspicious dialogue , a well - write story - with beautiful brio and colorful character , the last installment in Pixar ’s first and most - loved franchise is arguably the party ’s best film ever - and that is allege something .
Pixar is the undisputed New baron of cinematic animation and it has yet to release a moving-picture show that is universally notice as being an artistic bankruptcy . Toy Story 3kept the studio apartment ’s winnings streak awake and also demonstrated that even a information processing system - generated flick that revolve around a plastic miniature cowboy , spaceman , and their plaything associates can be as move and emotionally - poignant as the mediocre drama featuring flesh and line stars .
127 Hours
That ’s ripe - a dependable - life story fib about a guy who spends several days with his arm stuck under a rock before he decide to lop the sucker off was one of our favorite movies released in 2010.127 Hoursproved that it shoot nothing more than an challenging premiss and unequaled storytelling strategy to rent the audience . Danny Boyle fearlessly diddle with the medium and employ a dynamic ocular manner to recreate the realism of good deal climber Aron Ralston ’s life - change experience .
What really distinguishes127 Hoursis how it delves into the depths of actual emotion without alienate or manipulating moviegoers via insincere sentiment . This is a dependable tale of natural selection that reveal not only how far a someone will go to survive , but what drives them to stay alive . Take that , Jigsaw .
The Social Network
This clock time last yearThe Social Networkwas universally referred to as " The Facebook Movie , " and most moviegoers were highly skeptical of the melodic theme that a story that revolves around a public figure who could be consider ( excuse the condition ) the ultimate nerdball , Facebook co - creator Mark Elliot Zuckerberg , would be anything but a bore . So how did this labor go so right ?
Director David Fincher combined his scrumptiously dark-skinned visual trend and meticulous filmmaking technique with Aaron Sorkin ’s book , which crackles with witty , hip dialogue throughout , to makeThe Social Networka film to remember . That ’s on top of the great patronise performances by the likes of Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake - along with Jesse Eisenberg , who turned Zuckerberg into one of the cleverest , most complicated geek badasses to grace the full-grown screen door in years .
The Fighter
The Fighteris an interesting picture that demonstrates how sometimes a history itself is n’t always as of import as the voice of who ’s evidence it . This true - life story account statement of boxer Micky Ward ’s heroic rise inwardly and outside the band looked like yet another formal inspirational sports drama on paper , and yet the movie play out like anything but that .
It help that indie music director David O. Russell ’s quirky signified of sense of humor point through the seams of this underdog story and thatThe Fighterfeatures a scene - stealing turn by Christian Bale as Micky ’s half - brother , Dicky , alongside solid supporting functioning by actresses Amy Adams and Melissa Leo . Far from being Oscar bait , The Fighteris one of the more in the raw and stripped - down dramatic play that hit theaters in 2010 .
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
From the lean of our deal preferent 2010 moving picture , Scott Pilgrim vs. The Worldis the one we can all but guarantee wo n’t snag a Best Picture Oscar nod . It was a financial washout at the box agency and invoke primarily to a small but devoted group of moviegoer - namely , either 20 - somethings and/or those that spent the 80s reading comic al-Qur’an , playing video games , and engage in other rather nerdy activities . That said - who exactly do you think relieve oneself up most of theScreen Rantteam ? :-)
Even its detractors admitScott Pilgrim vs. The Worldfeatures heart - popping legal action , strikingly creative visuals , infectiously funny duologue , and one of this year ’s best soundtracks . depart it to director Edgar Wright to deliver a motion picture in which Michael Cera gets to perform martial artwork stunt that would ’ve left Bruce Lee impressed .
Continue to item-by-item favorite picks of theScreen Rantstaff …
Flipped
I ’d never hear of the account book " riffle " by generator Wendelin Van Draanen , but when I usher the dawdler for the Rob Reiner - directed film to my daughter she exclaimed it was on of her favourite book . I was golden enough to see this wonderful little gem of a celluloid about the coming of geezerhood of a unseasoned boy and girl - but sadly it never get a extensive theatrical release . It was sales pitch - pure in quality , story and the carrying into action by the two lead actors Callan McAuliffe and Madeline Carroll .
RED
REDalways looked like it was expire to be a fun niggling action movie , but it surpassed my expectations by a nautical mile . Bruce Willis was at his best here , even though he played a personality opposite of John McClane from theDie Hardseries : Calm and coolheaded , even in the most extreme situation . The film had a leading , older roll , terrific dialog , humor and smashing military action to boot . Of course it received incentive points from me ( an old guy cable ) for portraying a bunch of purportedly over the James Jerome Hill actors ( including Helen Mirren ) as total badasses .
Blue Valentine
Blue Valentineproved that a quixotic dramatic event can still move us when it ’s done in a raw , true manner that shine the world of New romance . The performances by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams shew they are two of the well actors of their coevals . For more on this great film , read my fullBlue Valentinereview .
Monsters
Gareth Edwards ' heedful look at sexual love , desperation , and fear of the unknown in a gritty humanity following an alien " invasion " quickly wrack up comparison to Neill Blomkamp ’s sci - fi dramatic play , District 9 . However , what makesMonstersa standout film of 2010 is that it successfully get hitched with artistic production - house indie drama with a in full - realise sci - fi landscape painting - essay that it does n’t take headline role player , the studio system , or millions of dollar mark to make a compelling character - focused dramatic event … sport CGI aliens . Shot with only two principle actors and a skeleton crew , Monsterstells a quality human ( and exotic ) level that is n’t prevail by the tropes of blockbuster aliens - invade - earth films .
Buried
While not an honor - time of year favorite , Buriedis certainly one of the most ambitious films of the class , as the integral 95 mo runtime is restrain to the inside of a dark wooden box . Ryan Reynolds come after in playing off of voices at the other end of a glow cell earphone and director Rodrigo Cortés keeps the tension high through these disembodied character - without ever having to show witness the greater conflict outside the loge . Despite the confines of the set , Buriedmanages to tell an challenging and acute story that quickly empower audiences in the main character , the fighting for his life , and his heartrending deficiency of option .
Ross Miller
Another Year
While 2010 put up some thrilling smash hit , Mike Leigh ’s subtle , affecting , and keenly observed seasonal dramaAnother Yearwas one of THE effective films of the year for me . Using the convenient tale structure of the four season , it takes us through the lives of a group of menage and friend and how their action - or lack thereof - strike one another . The film ’s impingement is serve for the most part by the performances from the likes of Jim Broadbent , Imelda Staunton , and particularly Lesley Manville as a single alcohol-dependent 40 - something latching onto any sort of attending and love that ’s throw her way .
Do yourself a favor and seek out Leigh ’s latest spectacular offer - I assure you wo n’t regret it .
Paul Young
Ip Man
Not many people have seen this action / period drama but those who have will tell you thatIp Manis quite perhaps the best soldierly arts film to come out of Hong Kong in the retiring 10 years . Donnie Yen plays the title role of Ip Man , a Wing Chun master , living in 1940s China with his wife and boy . instruct the local anaesthetic the ways of his Kung Fu , Ip Man is a pacificist , choosing only to fight when there is utterly no other option .
When Imperialist Japan invades and takes control of his village , Ip Man produce the determination to fight back - which leads to an intense struggle of warlike arts , scar his Wing Chun against the Karate skills of a sadistic Nipponese general . attractively shot , imposingly choreographed and a compelling story all combine to makeIp Manmy favorite flick of 2010 .
Ca$h
Stephen Millburn Anderson wrote and directed this indie crime - drama starring Sean Bean andThor ’s Chris Hemsworth in his first American made film ever ( Star Trekwas his first to be released butCa$hwas the first one he made ) . Bean plays twin brothers , one who invest crimes brashly and the other , Pyke Kubic , who does things swimmingly and under the radiolocation . When the spoils of a looting commited by Pyke ’s brother stop up in the hands of Sam Phelan ( Hemsworth ) and his wife , Pyke enters their biography to recover every last cent - and together , the trio take a wild misstep that reveals aspects of their internal selves that none of them know existed .
Sean Bean , as always , is fantastic inCa$hand is one of the primary understanding , besides the interesting story , why this movie succeeds .
stay to the rest of theScreen Rantstaff pick …
Mike Eisenberg
Black Swan
Inceptionmay be my best-loved film of 2010 , butBlack Swanis the best . Darren Aronofsky ’s thriller is a genre - merging work of art that feature one of Hollywood ’s brightest starlets turning in her best work since she was a young girl inThe Professional . Every expression of the film lived up to my own hype and gave me something to masticate on for Clarence Day after I left the theatre .
Kick-Ass
Few movies lead you whole surprised and quick for circular two likeKick - Ass . It is full of adrenaline , temper and never - before - see ass - kickery that merit a place on the big CRT screen . Chloe Moretz involve no entry , but those who were unfamiliar with her piece of work beforeKick - Assare now sure that she is one of most promising tike actor in Hollywood today .
Christopher Schrader
The Town
Here ’s undisputable validation thatGone Baby Gonewas no good luck . Ben Affleck is a bona fide filmmaker andThe Townis the real bargain . While it has all the familiar trappings of a typical heist moving picture , it ’s raise by a smart handwriting , hearty performance , and Affleck ’s confident direction .
Winter’s Bone
One of the only movie I see this year that literally made my jaw drop several times . I knew almost nothing about the motion picture going into it and was whole blown away by Debra Granik ’s counselling and Jennifer Lawrence ’s performance . This is a gut punch of a film that I was still think about for week after I ’d seen it .
Rob Frappier
Catfish
This intriguing documentary , with its mysterious and " too crazy to be genuine " plot divided many critic , but I conceive that no film to escort has better charm the incredible power and influence of social media engineering in our lives . In their picture show , Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman do more than divulge an challenging mystery story - they beam a light into the sordid underbody of our Web - haunt culture , where you could become anyone you want with few ramifications .
How to Train Your Dragon
DreamWorks Animation ’s superb film about a boy and his pet flying dragon was an unexpected surprisal . Not only was the spiritedness breathtaking - rival the engrossing flight sequences of James Cameron’sAvatar -but the story was well - written and offered an engaging patch with character that you actually deal about . For years , Disney / Pixar has dominated original brio in Hollywood . WithHow to Train Your Dragon , DreamWorks indisputably proved that it belongs in to conversation too .
Benjamin Andrew Moore
Bay Rong (Clash)
Despite the ridiculous , overly sentimental nature of the story and the fact that say story shamelessly rips off bothRoninandKill Billand seems to live , at least in part , to sell some unknown Vietnamese energy supplement call Enervon … despite all of that , I ’ve rarely enjoyed myself more at a movie theater than I did atClash .
Clash ’s warriorlike artistic production shot are so unrelenting and real and in the raw that you ’ll be gasping and squealing with every landed punch , kick , headbutt , and MMA move , of which there are many . Watch any American natural action moving-picture show from the last few years , then observe this - the difference is tangible . And deplorable . legal action panorama should hurt and make your teeth chatter like they do inClash . Maybe one day , Hollywood .
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
I was one of those guys who said , " Why are they splitting the seventh Harry Potter film in half when a good forty percentage of the book draw Harry , Hermione , and Ron wandering around aimlessly in the wild ? " How wrong I was .
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 1isn’t an activeness - escapade movie , but neither is it supposed to be . Rather , it ’s an emotional journey . It ’s about the characters more than anything else . It ’s a survivor - repulsion movie where the booster manage to survive , just scantily , because of the bonds and friendships they ’ve made along the style .
[ SPOILER ALERT ]
I ’m not ashamed to let in that I cried like a cock-a-hoop , fat babe when Dobby the House Elf died in Harry Potter ’s pale , ghastly , ghoul - like arms . Hell , I ’m kind of proud .
[ END SPOILER warning signal ]
Roth Cornet
The King’s Speech
The Kings Speechis not the story of a serviceman fighting for his stool in the grimace of invader and spies . This is a gentleman’s gentleman oppose to belong to in a posture that was never entail for him and that he never would have chosen . A man reconciling himself to his own limitations , both perceived and legitimate . A Billie Jean King with a speech impediment in a time of state of war , only capable to offer one affair to his subjects – a consolatory , unifying word .
The raw vulnerability of Colin Firth ’s functioning is mesmerise ; the temper , joy , and minimize depth of notion that exists in the relationship in the movie is attractively craft ; and the story offer a vision of humanity that is as confusing and nonsensical as it is beautiful .
That ’s it for us . What was your favorite moving picture that hit dramatic art in 2010 ?
Lawrence in ‘Winter’s Bone’.
Lawrence in ‘Winter’s Bone’.
