My Top 10 Films of 2010
10. "Iron Man 2"
Image taken from http://blog.media-freaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/free-hidden-object-games-2.jpg
Robert Downey Jr. returned this past summer with an explosive sequel to his 2008 blockbuster. Every scene featured the great actor deliver great lines and even more action. His performance as Tony Stark/Iron Man was just as beautifully over-confident as in the first film and he never once loses the audience’s attention as he performs one death-defying feat after another. Furthermore, Mickey Rourke plays the role of the film’s villain Ivan Vanko with great fiendish flair and Sam Rockwell makes a great addition as Stark’s high-energy business rival Justin Hammer. Gwyneth Paltrow makes her graceful return as Stark’s right-hand lady Pepper Potts; and even though Terrence Howard does not return as Lt. Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes, Don Cheadle makes a great replacement as he provides a great stint as the straight man to Downey’s Stark’s reckless but endearing behavior. Throw in Scarlett Johansson as the stylish Black Widow and Samuel L. Jackson as the no-nonsense Nick Fury, and you have a fun-filled action-packed adventure. Despite all the amusement, I did feel that the film was rushed to fill its desired length and the final battle could have been given much better treatment; plus I did feel that there was no concrete plot as there was so much going on at once. Otherwise, Iron Man 2 is the perfect film to start my year-end countdown.
9. "Date Night"
Image taken from http://www.bite.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/DateNight6-14-09AH.jpg
When you take the stars of the hit NBC sitcoms "The Office" and "30 Rock", you would expect an instant comedy classic, right. Well, in "Date Night", comedy superstars Steve Carell and Tina Fey do not disappoint as they star in perhaps the best screwball comedy of the past year. As jaded married couple Phil and Claire Foster, the pair assume fake identities in order to dine at a fancy new restaurant in New York City for their once-a-week night out, However, their false personas get them into trouble and their affair turns into a crazy and all-night adventure. And Carell and Fey both give comic performances that do not lull at any point. Throw in funny characters played by James Franco, Mila Kunis, and a surprisingly funny Mark Wahlberg, you get a fun ride. I do feel, however, that certain aspects of the film are indeed rushed; but that is the only downside. Truly "Date Night" is a great comedy and it makes a good fit at number nine on my countdown.
8. "Morning Glory"
Image taken from
http://watchmorningglory.net/images/watch-morning-glory-online.jpg
Harrison Ford is a Hollywood legend! He has played Han Solo, Indiana Jones and several other great roles. But this year, Ford takes part in a lighthearted comedy as veteran and hardened news anchor Mike Pomeroy. Rachel MacAdams plays the role of the lead protagonist Becky Fuller; an eager new producer for failing morning news program “DayBreak”. After she fires a co-anchor belonging to anchor lady colleen Peck, played by Diane Keaton, MacAdams’ Fuller brings in the embittered Pomeroy; and immediately the sparks fly between the two anchors. The three actors provide great chemistry and the whole movie is fun to watch; especially as MacAdams’ Fuller makes the program feature many fun features to make the program succeed; one such example to improve ratings is for Keaton’s Peck to rap with 50 Cent. And Ford’s performance as the hardened Pomeroy is top-notch and amusing. However, like the previously mentioned films, there are parts that feel rushed; especially the ending. Otherwise, I am happy to say that Morning Glory is an amusingly warm movie and my eighth favorite film of the year.
7. "The Social Network"
Image taken from http://www.krackblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/the-social-network-movie-photo.jpg
I had a hard time figuring out the rating for this movie. Granted, I like good drama and director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin created a gripping film depicting the origin of Facebook. And core performs Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake did a great job handling the stern material. I guess that my main concern with the film is that was very dark in its entirety and its main character is completely unlikable. However, I was very impressed with Jesse Eisenberg’s performance as Mark Zuckerberg; who he plays with such extreme emotionless indifference that you completely forget the completely cowardly and lonely character he played in "Zombieland". And based on his feat as the ethical Eduardo Saverin, I am looking forward to see Garfield play Spiderman on the big screen next year; though I wished that he was used more as his performance was overshadowed by Eisenberg’s. And Justin Timberlake performs greatly as the over-confident Sean Parker. Henceforth, though I did like the movie as a whole, "The Social Network" is my seventh favorite film of 2010.
6. "The Fighter"
Image taken from http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/The-Fighter-Photo.jpg
As I am not a big fan of Mark Wahlberg, there is a serious reason why this movie is on my list. And that reason pertains to the following four words: Christian Bale’s expressive presentation. When playing former boxing champion Dicky Ekland, Bale gives the film’s best performance; as the audience sees him try to do whatever he can to help Wahlberg’s Micky Ward become a victor in the ring; just like himself. However, the older brother suffers from a serious drug habit as well as an overstuffed ego. And Bale truly nailed his performance by going above and beyond to make sure that he completely resembled the person he was portraying by losing a lot of weight and exactly mimicking Ekland’s physical mannerisms; as evident by footage of the real-life brothers that played during the film’s credits. Furthermore, supporting actresses Melissa Leo and Amy Adams gave stirring performances as well; thus making Wahlberg’s starring role seem more supporting in nature. In other words, Mark Wahlberg’s acting was what brought down the film. But that doesn’t surprise me as the only time I was happy with the actor this year was his stint in "Date Night". But, thanks to the amazing Christian Bale, "The Fighter" takes its rightful place as my sixth favorite film of 2010.
5. "RED"
Image taken from http://images.starpulse.com/news/bloggers/6/blog_images/red-bruce-willis.jpg
As we enter the top five films on my list, we come to my favorite action comedy of the year. Bruce Willis once again plays a grizzled auth authority figure out on a quest to protect the woman he loves; only this time he plays a retired former government agent who longs to fight the bad guys again. But while we have seen him play the same type of role he frequently assumes, I believe that it is the supporting cast that provides the most memorable moments to this fun-filled and action-packed ride. John Malcovich absolutely steals the movie as his overly-paranoid character Marvin Boggs and Helen Mirren provides a tough yet graceful performance as her character Victoria; a former agent who is skilled in the art of firing a sniper. Throw in Morgan Freeman as the wise former agent Joe Matheson as well as Richard Dreyfus, who plays a role that completely differs from those in the past, and you’ve got an original action comedy with many twists and turns. I will say that Mary-Louise Parker provided nothing really memorable as Willis’ character’s love interest and the fact that certain elements of the story were questionable. Henceforth, "RED" is an original comedy that places well as my fifth favorite film of 2010
4. The Town
Image taken from http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/9/20/1284980597077/the-town-ben-affleck-006.jpg
Ben Affleck is back! Three years after helming "Gone Baby Gone", Affleck presents his second stint at directing; this time he stars in what is the ultimate heist movie. Affleck gives a good performance as Doug MacRay; the leader of four friends who make up a gang of thieves who commit elaborate acts of robbery in Massachusetts. However, he falls in love with bank manager Claire Keesey; whom he kidnaps; but lets her go as he starts to fall in love her. He then forms a relationship with her; all the while trying not to give away his identity as her kidnapper as he covered her eyes during her abduction. As director, Affleck gets a great performance out of himself and Renner performs well as MacRay’s best friend and fellow thief James “Jen” Coughlin. Plus Jon Hamm is also grand as FBI Agent Frawley; who attempts to apprehend MacRay and his gang. While the movie is full of excitement I believe that all car chases and gunfights come off as generic and some additional action scenes are a tad unbelievable. Nevertheless, Affleck is my official Comeback star of 2010; and "The Town" is my official fourth favorite film of the past year.
And now, we have reached my top three favorite films of the year. These are the cream of the crop and I’m very excited to present them to you. And coming in at number three, I think that a lot of you are going to be completely dazed; just as much as the film made you this past summer!
3. "Inception"
Image taken from http://www.accesshollywood.com/content/images/124/415x0/124406_joseph-gordon-levitt-and-leonardo-dicaprio-make-their-move-in-inception.jpg
Are you shocked that this mega blockbuster is not number one on my list? Well, you better believe it. Granted, Director Christopher Nolan is amazing; as he was able to orchestrate all the astonishing visual effects and shocking stunts performed in the movie. Plus, Leonardo DiCaprio was terrific as main character Dom Cobb; a master thief who can pinch items from the unconscious. As he and his teammates try to accomplish the feat of placing a thought in the subconscious, he has to deal with his troubled past and confront his problems head-on. But besides Nolan’s master craftwork and DiCaprio’s ability to portray an intense yet approachable central character, I feel that the film could have better character development pertaining to those being portrayed by his co-stars; particularly those played by Joseph Gordan-Levitt and Ellen Page. Plus while the idea of going deeper and deeper into the subconscious is an intriguing concept I feel that the actual story could have been made stronger. Finally, you have to admit the film could have been made a little bit shorter; as it was almost three hours in length. Nevertheless, Inception is an amazing visual work to be watched on the big screen and Nolan is a great director. Thus Inception takes it rightful place as my third favorite movie of the past year and my preferred action movie of 2010!
And coming in as the runner-up on my year-end countdown is…..
2. "Easy A"
Image taken from http://bluraymedia.ign.com/bluray/image/article/114/1141503/easy-a-20101222032230090.jpgI know what you are all probably thinking: a teen comedy over Inception? Well, let me say that in addition to an engaging screenplay and a great ensemble of performers; Easy A features my Breakout Performer of 2010: Emma Stone. After appearing in supporting roles in comedies such as "Superbad" and "Zombieland", Stone takes center stage as the film’s protagonist Olive; a high school l who must deal with the heavy consequences after she tells a white lie in order to get out of spending the weekend with her friend Rhiannon; played by Alyson Michalka. And, ater she builds on to the lie by saying that she lost her virginity to a college student, the heavy gossip commences; and gives a great and honest performance throughout the film. She also proves that she can perform acts of verbal and physical humor; as well as demonstrating her gift for perfect comedic timing. And when the film takes a serious turn, Emma Stone gives an emotional performance that is completely believable and full of heart. In fact, her entire presentation as an actress is genuine and she remains down-to-earth as the movie’s official lead. I am really looking forward to seeing Emma Stone in more films and it is because of her memorable performance as Olive that has made "Easy A" my choice comedy of the past year and my second favorite film of 2010.
Which brings me to my Number One Movie of 2010. Can I have a drum roll please?
My favorite movie of 2010 is…..
1. "The King’s Speech"!!!!!!!
Image taken from http://jabcatmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/the-kings-speech.jpg
What can I say about the most inspirational and uplifting film of 2010? Set in England in the years leading up to the country’s involvement in World War II, Colin Firth gives a tremendous performance as Duke Albert; the eventual King who suffers from an unfortunate stammer and a tremendous fear of inheriting the royal throne. To help overcome his handicap, his loving and devoted wife Elizabeth played with grand elegance by Helena Bonham Carter, reaches out to therapist Lionel Logue; played with such dignity by Geoffrey Rush. What follows is a great interplay between actors Firth and Rush; as their on-screen personas go through many sessions and exercises to better help the troubled Duke deal with his impalement and raise his confidence as he ultimately inherits the role of being King of England. And it’s great to see that while The King’s Speech is technically a drama; it also contains some humorous interactions between Firth’s Duke Albert and Rush’s Lionel Logue. In short "The King’s Speech" as it all!
And, speaking as a person with a disability, this movie truly speaks to me. As Duke Albert always had the love of his wife and daughters, my family has given me all the confidence to live on my own since 2007. Henceforth I am so grateful for everything they have done for me. I also want to thank my family for inspiring me and encouraging me to create this blog. And, as Duke Albert had the friendship of Lionel Logue, I am so grateful for all my friends that have always helped me throughout the years by helping me with tasks that I have difficulty with; such as helping me run errands. Also, my friends are always there to speak with me whenever I want to talk or hang out. So as Duke Albert was surrounded by the love and support from his wife, daughters, and his friend Lionel Logue; I am very lucky to be surrounded by my wonderful family and friends. Thus, because I can strongly relate to Colin Firth’s Duke Albert, "The King’s Speech" is not only my favorite drama of the past year it is my Favorite Film of 2010!!!!
So there you have it: My Top 10 Movies of 2010!
What a list! I am looking forward to seeing more movies and reviewing the heck out of them all throughout the year. Thank you so much for reading my list and everything on my blog and I’m looking forward to a great 2011! Thank you again for everything and here’s to a lot more Nater-Tainment!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment