The best of 2010: Top 5 Movies
December 29, 2010 6 Comments
Along with books, I’m just as big of a fan of movies. This year I haven’t seen as many as I normally do, but nonetheless here is my top 5 list for 2010. As with my top 5 book list, I’ll post a link to the review I did earlier in the year in case you want to check it out for more info:
5. The Social Network
Garnering a LOT of hype this year was the fictional adaptation of the origin of Facebook. To make it to #5 on my list says a lot for how good this movie was. I was not a fan of the idea of making it, but I was given the opportunity to watch a screening of it, so I said ‘hey, why not?’ I ended up enjoying it a lot, hence #5.
4. It’s kind of a funny story
This one probably won’t win any awards, because it appears to have flown quite under the radar. What makes this one so great for me is how it deals with the issue of depression and suicidal tendencies amongst teenagers. Zack Galifianakis’ role in the film is also a bit of a surprise, since he’s not overtly trying to be comedic, but instead as a patient in the psych ward of the hospital, has meaningful dialogue and shows he can act well. Check out more from my review from October 11.
3. Black Swan
This one had a lot of hype, going back to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) so I’ve wanted to check it out for quite some time. Natalie Portman’s performance was the best I’ve seen from her. She transforms herself into a timid ballerina dancer who is getting “old” and has one more chance to shine in the leading role of the Swan Princess in “Black Swan”. As the movie progresses we see her character unravel and become taken over by the character of the Black Swan, who she’s had trouble grasping. It was quite a trip to watch, and will definitely be a conversation maker with people who’ve seen the movie. Go watch!
2. catfish
As with my review, I’m not going to say much about this one because the more you know, the great the chance it will be ruined for you.
1. Waiting for Superman
This was a tough, emotionally draining movie to watch, as it showed real world examples of how the education system in America is failing. I highly recommend this one and would love to hear your thoughts on it, if you’ve seen it. Here’s my review from October 13: Waiting for Superman
While this year’s crop of movies was good, I think last year had a lot more gems to choose from. Looking over my top 5 list from 2009, I still want to go back and watch each of those movies – I hope this list has the same staying power.
What movie made it to the top of your list for 2010?
About Sean Bailey
IMO The Kings Speech should be in the #1 spot! If you haven’t already seen it I strongly suggest you do so SB!
Thanks for the comment Margo. I want to see it, but I don’t think I’ll get the chance to before the year is out 🙂 It looks like a great one.
127 Hours was my hands-down favourite, though I also thoroughly enjoyed the Social Network, The Town and Tangled. Yes, Tangled.
Thanks for the comment Emily!
I only just heard about 127 Hours yesterday.. and today I saw James Franco talking about it on Ellen, then your comment! It looks interesting and I’ll definitely check that one out. The Town was going to be #5 on my list, but got bumped because of Black Swan. In hindsight I might have added Inception to the list as well. It’s a great one.
Needs more Inception. This sounds lame, but that was such a magical theatre experience – I went opening weekend to a Sunday matinee and I swear everyone in the theatre kept increasingly leaning forward in their seats, and there was clapping at the end. Twas memorable, plus the movie was so enthralling!
But I thoroughly enjoyed both Black Swan and The Social Network! I want to see The King’s Speech and 127 Hours, too 🙂
Fair enough. As I said in my comment to Emily, it was deserving to be on the list, and it was perhaps an oversight on my part 🙂