6th Annual Movie Ranking (2010)
A ranking of movies seen at the cinema in 2010.
Inception: There’s no way around it, this movie rocked. It was so well-written, engaging from start to finish. The story was sophisticated and included a lot of great twists and turns. It was cast with some great talent, with a special shout out to Joseph Gordon-Levitt who played his role to the hilt! And at the end, the film left you wanting more, the mark of a great movie.
The Fighter: You walk into this movie expecting to know the ending. And you do know the ending. But the story was told so well that you are totally engrossed along the way. Superb acting among this fantastically cast ensemble, with special kudos to Christian Bale. His portrayal of an aging boxer with a lot of baggage was simply stunning. The realness, the simple story and the way the theme of the movie was seen reflected in each of the main characters was just well done all around.
The Town: Some felt this was formulaic.. but really, good guy/bad guy formulas are classic cinema. And Ben Affleck rang a lot out heart out of this story, his cast, and his approach. Gritty, sad, gripping.
Social Network: It’s funny how a story based on the birth of the most influential social network today was also just a great story. I was riveted. Despite knowing the ending, I enjoyed the twists and turns to get there. Jesse Eisenberg was the reason this movie really stood out to me. He infused the Zuckerberg character with amazing charisma, charm, cunningness, and power. The boardroom scene epitomized how well the script for this flick was written.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1: As these movies have progressed, they have mostly become darker, more intense, more adult… and I like it. Daniel Radcliffe has truly become a great actor. He has taken what some could consider a kiddie role and really brought so many dimensions and nuance that it has made Harry come to life. The simplicity of this film, taking it out of Hogwarts, allowed all the actors to bring so much more to their roles. Fun flick.
Flipped: This was a surprise top movie for me. Simple love story told in a unique way. Incredibly romantic without needing anything more than a simple kiss. Innocent, fresh, yet deep and rich. If you haven’t seen it… rent it!
The Karate Kid: Didn’t think I would enjoy a re-make of one the movies I enjoyed so much as a kid. But I did. Jaden Smith is an amazingly talented kid. And the refreshing of the story really worked. Very enjoyable.
Crazy Heart: I know it was released at end of 09 to qualify for Oscar, but I didn’t see until 2010… and understood right away why Jeff Bridges won the golden statute. Such a complex character, such emotion and passion. Lots and lots of heart. Good flick!
Black Swan: Dark, twisted, powerful, moving, beautiful, tragic, deep, emotional, captivating. That was my Twitter review after seeing it. Still agree.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
True Grit
TRON: Legacy
Morning Glory
Toy Story 3
Love And Other Drugs
Salt
Easy A
Kick-A**
Charlie St. Cloud
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The Other Guys
Iron Man 2
Takers
Ramona And Beezus
Stone
Shutter Island
The Expendables
Red
Burlesque
Shrek Forever After
How to Train Your Dragon
Dear John
Little Fockers
Alice in Wonderland
Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader
Brotherhood
Grown Ups
Youth in Revolt
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Step Up 3d
Get Him to the Greek
Robin Hood
The Book of Eli
Brooklyn’s Finest
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Clash of the Titans
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Catfish
Green Zone
The Last Airbender
Daybreakers
Predators
Just Wright
The Backup Plan
Killers
Jackass 3D