top 10 films of 2010

There were so many good movies this year that it was hard to narrow down this list. It was exciting to see quality films (the already iconic Black Swan and True Grit) crossing over to mainstream audiences. Two films that almost made it were Nowhere Boy and The City of Your Final Destination, which I consider underrated.

So here goes my Top 10 of the year and some honorable mentions. Which films did you love this year?

10. The Ghost Writer

Spooky, entertaining thriller with Ewan McGregor stumbling upon the shady affairs of Prime Minister. Expertly directed by Roman Polanski.

9. The Kids Are All Right

I know there's a lot of controversy over the way Lisa Cholodenko portrayed California lesbian couple dealing with the return of their sperm donor but this deft comedy is more about how a family copes and protects itself than it is about politics. My friend said it best that Annette Bening deserves the award for "best acting with stemware." I could watch her performance for hours.

8. The Fighter

Unexpectedly rousing and moving study of a family pushing one (Mark Wahlberg) into the boxing ring while clinging to the past glory of another (Christian Bale).

7. A Prophet

Haunting, shattering journey into lives within a racially divided French prison.

6. Winter's Bone

Neo-noir in the Ozarks. A brave young woman (Jennifer Lawrence) on the quest to find her missing father to save family and home is met with many odds, while everyone around her fights to survive.

5. Blue Valentine

Great chemistry between two leads elevates this painful study of the beginning and the end of a marriage. A low-budget labor of love for the talented stars and new director/screenwriter Derek Cianfrance.

4. The Social Network

The film of the moment. Electric, engrossing look at the birth of Facebook.

3. Please Give

Sharply written comedy about Manhattan neighbors. Natural, authentic portrayals by Catherine Keener and Rebecca Hall and supporting cast.

2. Another Year

Lesley Manville gives an astounding performance as lonely, anxious friend of well-to-do couple (though my opinion of them turned by film's end). One of Mike Leigh's best, most potent character studies.

1. The King's Speech

Call me old-fashioned but I enjoyed this more than any other film this year. Colin Firth as stammering King George and Geoffrey Rush as speech therapist make a terrific duo. Uplifting, well-written, handsomely filmed.

Some other great films from the year...

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, Nowhere Boy, The City of Your Final Destination, The Secret in Their Eyes, White Material, Black Swan, Rabbit Hole, Carlos, True Grit, I Am Love, Greenberg, Inside Job, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Animal Kingdom, Night Catches Us, Easy A, Kawasaki's Rose, Mid-August Lunch, 127 Hours, Vincere, Tiny Furniture, Inception, Dogtooth, Miral, Wild Grass, Mother, The Girl on the Train