iamROGUE Editor in Chief's Top 10 of 2010

Monday, 20 December 2010 15:18 Written by JimmyO

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iamROGUE Editor in Chief's Top 10 of 2010

As I reflected on the past year in cinema, it seemed like it was not the most satisfying year. With every great film there were two or three disappointing ones. There were far too many movies like Killers or Furry Vengeance scaring people away from a theatre near you.

And of course 3D was alive and well. Everything was coming at you, whether it be piranhas, animated characters, and of course those crazy dancers from Step Up 3D. While I am not against this particular trend, here’s hoping that the technology continues to grow and ticket prices go down.

Yet with the craziness of 3D and the surprising amount of really great films, it was harder than I had originally projected. I would've happily added a few favorites that just didn’t make the cut. Film’s like Despicable Me, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Nowhere Boy, Winter’s Bone, and the delightfully strange, Exit Through the Gift Shop, were all terrific and would have felt right at home on this list.

In the end, narrowing it down was a major challenge. The best films were better than great. Whenever you have to narrow down a top ten list because of too many good films, that is certainly a success in my book.

So check out iamROGUE Editor in Chief's Top 10 Flicks of 2010.

10. The Ghost Writer

Roman Polanski has yet again created a rich and atmospheric thriller. The Ghost Writer features Ewan McGregor as a ghost writer who is hired to write the biography of a former British Prime Minister, played by Pierce Brosnan. The performances are terrific and the story unfolds in a slow but methodically paced fashion. Ghost Writer is a good old-fashioned mystery with a modern day twist.

9. Mother

Speaking of original, this thriller by Joon-ho Bong (The Host) is a fascinating study on a mother’s unconditional love. The mother (played by Hye-ja Kim) gives an incredible performance. This dark and unsettling film carefully balances the humor or horror of an over-protective mom. Bin Won is also terrific as her son, who may or may not have committed a terrible crime.

8. Tangled

There were quite a few tremendous family films this past year, but none of which surprised me as much as Tangled. This joyful and action-packed take on Rapunzel is well-worth bringing the whole family too. It is amazing how delightful each and every character is in this engaging comedy/adventure/musical. This is a must see for the entire family.

7. Inception

Christopher Nolan has done the extraordinary with Inception; he has crafted a perfect mix of art house style with blockbuster intensity. Sure Leonardo DiCaprio is good, but the cast also includes a handful of terrific actors including Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ellen Page and so many more. This is a stylish, thought-provoking and intensely entertaining dream of a movie.

6. The Social Network

Why would anybody care who or what made Facebook? Well, after witnessing what David Fincher was able to pull off with The Social Network, who wouldn’t want to hear this story? With a terrific ensemble cast, lead by Jesse Eisenberg, the Facebook movie is officially a wonderful surprise in an age of remakes and rehashing. Aaron Sorkin wrote the smart script and Trent Reznor did the music; there really isn’t much to not like in this incredible film.

5. The King’s Speech

How very impressive it is to see Colin Firth truly shine as King George the VI of Britain. The beauty of seeing this man of power terrified at the thought of speaking due to stammering is utterly heartfelt. The relationship the king has to his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) and his speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) is moving and incredibly witty. This wonderful film is sure to gather a few awards this season.

4. Toy Story Part 3

Toy Story 3 did something incredible thanks to director Lee Unkrich and the many others involved in bringing this wonderful story to life. He made a the second sequel as powerful and as funny as the original. This is an absolutely wonderful movie that succeeds on all levels. It may be just as much fun for the parents as well as their children. Do we need another Toy Stoy? If they can keep it at this level… absolutely!

3. Blue Valentine

“You Only Hurt the One You Love” is the song that plays through the trailer of Blue Valentine. As beautiful as that brief two minutes is, the movie is all that and more. Both Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling give Academy Award worthy performances as two people trying to hold on to something they once had. Yet somewhere deep inside this doomed romance is hope. Blue Valentine is a perfect date movie for those who long for something a little smarter than your generic romantic comedy.

2. Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky’s latest is a sensational bit of surrealism that won’t get out of your head for awhile. This haunting tale of paranoia and fear is exceptionally well done with sharp direction, breathtaking cinematography and a ideal cast. Natalie Portman gives what is easily her best performance to date. Black Swan is absolutely wild, wonderful and stunning!

1. True Grit

Whether or not you believe that True Grit is based on the novel, or that it is simply a remake of the John Wayne classic – The Coen Brothers claim this is not a remake at all – it doesn’t matter in the slightest. True Grit is exceptional. Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin… every single actor involved is a perfect choice. Once again, The Coen Brothers have made another classic film that stands proudly alongside their best.