Top Ten Films of 2010

Just like last year, for the last posting of the year, I give you the best films of the previous year.  I'd love to be more current but that's the way it must be since I have so many 2011 films still to see.  *Note: one of these films was released in 2010 but is considered a 2009 film, but I'm counting it as a 2010 film. 

Honorable Mentions: Gasland, Tangled, I love You Phillip Morris and 127 hours. 

10. The Fighter
9. Youth In Revolt*
8. The Social Network
7. Blue Valentine
6. Black Swan
5. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
4. Toy Story 3
3. True Grit
2. Inception
1. King's Speech

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

This is the Spielberg we miss.  Much like an Indiana Jones film, we follow the young Tintin and his dog, Snowy, on a quest to uncover the Secret of the Unicorn, a ship that sunk after a great sea battle with a pirate.   But unlike Indiana Jones, here anything can happen and feel possible because it's animated (motion captured, actually, which isn't really animation but that's a debate for some other blog).   This is such a fun film I wish everyone would go see it.  It has a slick and intelligent plot that's not dumbed down for the kiddies.  The characters are evolving and likable.  And what can I say about the eye-popping action, it's cleverly staged like a great Buster Keaton film on steroids (again only possible in this medium; if shot with film, people would be complaining like they did with the refrigerator scene in Indy 4).  What helps make this such a successful film though is the script written by Stephen Moffatt, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish (the British dream team of new writers -- Doctor Who and Sherlock, Shaun of the Dead and Attack the Block -- Holy trinity of awesomeness).   They cram every scene with diamonds and I'll have to see this film again to catch them all.   Of course I can't end this segment without mentioning the man who created Tintin, the Belgium cartoonist Herge (Georges Remi).  If you like where this film took you than check out his inspiring work.  I know I will.  Grade: A

Spoiler:  Okay, I just have to say there was only one part in the film that didn't work for me.  It's a minor little plot hole but I don't want anyone reading this blog to think, after my raving review, I'm blinded by the talent behind this film.  Tintin uses his last bullet to bring a sea plane down.  Then he uses that same plane (after tying the pilot and henchman up) to fly away.   First, what did he shoot to force the plan down and second how did he fix the plane?  Why not show us?  Oh well, it's a really nit- picky flaw but it did distract me for a minute.  Still, if that's all that bothered me, that's pretty impressive.

A Midsummer's Night Sex Comedy (1982)

Woody Allen is the master of the pleasant movie experience, a light and charming antidote to the overwhelming in you face kind of film making that has taken siege of Hollywood in the last quarter century.   Here is a story of early 20th century couples pining for love with each others' lovers.  Woody Allen plays Woody Allen confronted with a missed opportunity (Mia Farrow) while dealing with the inadequacy of his marriage to a frigid woman (Mary Steenburgen).  Tony Robert is back playing Woody's best friend and Jose Farmer stops by to play the Professor that doesn't believe in anything mystical.   Great cast, lots of laughs, and tons to keep you entertained for 90 minutes.  Grade: B+.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

I was duped again into seeing another unnecessary remake because of the talented director behind the project.  I feel so bamboozled.  First full disclosure: I've read the book and have seen the Swedish film.  Because of that it's impossible for me to judge this David Fincher's adaption without comparing it to the source material and the other film it inspired into being.   I don't want to go into a huge diatribe about why this film didn't even need to be made (because it didn't) and instead focus on its entertainment value and the quality of its film making.   Is it a good film?  Sure, because it's a thrilling dark story worthy of the silver screen.  What it's not is a great movie.  If you're like me and you've read the book or seen the Swedish version, I'd recommend you skip it.  Save your money and go see Mission Impossible instead.  If you have no intention of reading the book or seeing the Swedish film then go check it out, you'll probably love it.  The acting is great, the visuals stunning and they get the story mostly right (although it could have been way more faithful to the book).  Grade: B.

Spoilers:  Now let's get to the real review of this film.   First the good:  Daniel Criag and Rooney Mara are wonderful as the lead characters.  They have great chemistry and are equally as good as their Swedish counterparts (Michael Nyqvist and Roomi Rapace).  Basically the casting is fantastic (especially Christopher Plummer).  The cinemphotograhy is beautiful (albeit too perfect at times) and Fincher's skills prove exceptional.  Now the bad:  oh boy, the script is pretty weak.  Sure, Steven Zaillian keeps Blomkvist's daughter in the story and her noticing the bible verses which I liked, and I get the need to cut things out like how Blomkvist once lived with the Vanger family as a child and his sexual relationship with Cecil, that's fine, but to change the ending is almost unforgivable.   I know you've won an Oscar but that doesn't mean you should change the outcome of the story.  I've read an interview that he wanted to get to the resolution faster but that's just a cope out.  Having Blomkvist go to Austriala and meet Harrit for the first time wouldn't have taken any more screentime.  The audience has waited over two and a half hours, why not an extra minute here or there to get the ending right (an ending that fully realizes the mystery).  And if you're so concerned with time, why the unnecessary scene where Lisbeth threatens her Guadian Bjurman in the elevator; that's a couple minutes I didn't need.  I don't think the editor can be let off the hook either.  It is a long movie and it feels long too. True, I know what's coming because I know the outcome but it still felt sluggish.  What amazes me is the Swedish version moves more quickly and is able to stay more faithful to the book (even keeping the part where Blomkvist goes to prison).   So no one can use the argument that the book is too dense, and Zaillian had to change things to make a good film, because some Sweds already did it and did it better. 

Misssion Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Tom Cruise is such a bad-ass.  God, I love the guy.  I don't care if he believes in Pink Monkeys from Mars, the guy defines what a Movie Star is.  Here he's in his prime playing a role he was just meant to play, Ethan Hunt - Super Spy.  While most franchises fade by the fourth adventure, here the opposite is true; the series is just getting better.  I had a feeling this would be a fantastic ride when I heard Brad Bird came on to direct (yes, he might have only directed Animation before this but they just so happen to be three of the best animated films ever).  This time around Ethan Hunt and his crew must stop a madman from starting a nuclear war.  Okay, I know what you're saying, hasn't this been done before?   Yes, but who cares.  This film is just pure fun and worth the movie ticket.  I happened to see it on an IMAX screen too and would recommend it; Bird uses the IMAX camera wonderfully.  Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner are fantastic and I hope to see them in the fifth installment (and there will be a fifth one and I can't wait).  As a fan of the television show, I'm so pleased to see that the franchise is in good hands and flourishing.  Grade: A
 

Paul (2011)

Nick Frost and Simon Pegg of Shaun of the Dead fame, co-write and star in this comedy about two fanboy geeks from Britain who attend Comic con and then go on a UFO road trip only to stumble upon a runaway Alien (voiced by Seth Rogen).  Jam packed with many pop culture references from Star Wars to X-Files and surprise cameos to keep any fanboy entertained, what you have is a love letter to other geeks of the science fiction legion.  This is great if you are a geek, like me, but if you're not you'll probably miss a lot of the inside jokes.   I wouldn't say this is as good as I'd had hoped it would be.  Greg Mottola does a pretty good job at directing a story that's mostly a road trip movie tied up with a fugitive-on-the-run plot but there's something missing.  The comedy never really gels.  I'm not saying it's bad or that I didn't laugh, I laughed a lot, but with all that happens I felt unsatisfied by the end.  The alien special effects are great and I love Kristen Wiig's inclusion (even if Simon and her have zero romantic chemistry) but I wanted more with just Simon and Nick.  If I had to narrow down a flaw I'd say there were too many characters.  Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio are hilarious most of the time but I'd have to say their characters distract from the heart and soul of the story and that's Nick and Simon's relationship with Paul.  Grade: B. 

Spoiler:  I'm still scratching my head with the whole twist at the end where we find out that Jason Bateman's Man in Black character is a good guy helping Paul out.  This came out of nowhere and seemed to make huge chunks of the film seem unimportant.  Which leads me to the main problem I had with this film, there's just too much going on.  You have Jason Bateman's twist, Sigourney Weaver's reveal, John Lynch's trying to get his daughter back, Bill Hader and Joe Lo Trugklio turning psycho: it's all just too much.   I'd have rather seen a buddy road trip movie with an alien instead of all that other junk. 

10 Favorite Christmas Moments (Commentary)

Since I've already written a best Christmas movie list I thought I'd pick my favorite moments, those scenes or images that forever stick in my mind and entertain me.  Ten is almost impossible but there's the ten that popped up in my head the most.

10.Ernest Saves Christmas -  I love the image of all the reindeer on the ceiling of the shipping company.
9.  Home Alone - Kevin uses "Angels with Filthy Souls" to get him a pizza. 
8. The Office, Eps 2.10 "The Christmas Party" - This is a great episode but I love it when everyone tries to swap for the Secret Santa gift from Michael, the Ipod.
7. Arrested Development, Eps.1.8 "In God We Trust" - Tobias is a Never Nude.
6. It's A Wonderful Life - I love watching the passion as Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed share a phone.  It's an amazing scene.
5. Christmas Vacation - Uncle Eddie in his Bathroom Robe as he says  "Shitter's Full."
4. A Christmas Story - Santa telling Ralphie "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" as he kicks him down the slide.
3. Elf - It's a very obscure moment but when the whale emerges from icy waters of the north pole to say, "Bye, Buddy.  I hope you find your dad."  It gets me every time.
2. Christmas Vacation - "Squirrel!"  Do I need to say anything more?
1. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas - It's my favorite moment and it's when the Grinch's heart grows and he lifts the Sleigh over he's head.

White Christmas (1954)

Irving Berlin brings his biggest hit, the song introduced in the film Holiday Inn, back again in this '50s Christmas spectacular directed by Michael Curtiz.  Bing Crosby is paired with Danny Kaye as entertainers who follow two women, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, to a Vermont inn owned by their former army General.  There's really no conflict in this pleasant sentimental film, it's just two guys falling in love as they prepare for a show meant to honor a friend.  I can see why some watch this for the holidays but it won't be one of my favorites.  Grade: B+ 

R X-Mas (2001)

I don't know what Abel Ferrara was trying to do: make the worse Christmas drama ever made or make the worse gangster film ever made.  If you're in the mood for a Christmas drama, something that's not necessarily inspiring or uplifting but dramatic and thrilling, you won't find it here.  This is a pathetic film with only one redeeming part and that's the chemistry between the two leads, Drea de Matteo and Lillo Brancato.   Unfortunately they can't save this pointless film from failing.  Grade: C-  

The Gleaners and I (2001)

This documentary from famous French film maker Agnès Varda explores the concept of Gleaning, or the savaging of things being tossed as garage.  The term comes from the concept of farming peasants who collect anything left over after the harvest.  Varda then gives us a sampling of other versions of the same idea.  You wouldn't think watching people pick food out of the garage would be enlightening but it's all in how Varda does it, with a personal touch.  This film certainly makes our society look wasteful.  Grade: B+.

I Am Love [Io sono l'amore] (2010)

It's strange when I see one movie and the next one is so similar.  I just watched All That Heaven Allows and today I see a kind of modern version of it.   How crazy is that?  This Italian film directed by Luca Guadagnino stars Tilda Swinton as the wife of a rich textile manufacturer.  She lives a simple and wealthy life with her three children.  Then she discovers that her daughter is a lesbian and this triggers in her the realization that she never loved her husband.  Enter her son's good friend and chief whom she falls in love with, and you have a grandiose love story that celebrates, like a great opera, the beauty and tragedy of love.  Grade: A-. 

All That Heaven Allows (1953)

Douglas Sirk, the king of '50s melodrama, directs the story of a widow (Jane Wyman) falling in love with a younger man (Rock Hudson).   Her struggle to follow her heart or stay socially accepted and loved by her children is palpable.  I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would but if it weren't for Jane Wyman I think it would have failed.  Rock Hudson is okay, but it's his co-star that carries the picture.  A little sappy and very outdated, it's not a bad film to watch if you're interested in films made during this era.  Grade: B+ 

Uncle Boomee Who Recalls his Past Lives (2011)

I'm a huge fan of surrealism in storytelling and was excited when I heard about this Korean film and its a surrealistic approach.   The problem is that I'm not a fan of slow moving films.  This film is just slooooow.  I've also read that it's like a David Lynch film but he somehow can get away with his pacing because he injects so much mood and intense eeriness in his films that you're never bored.   Here I was loving what was happening but then nothing would happen as I kept waiting for something to happen.  I can't say it's a bad film though, it's infused with many wonderful moments.  The scene with the catfish was fantastic.  I just hated the overall pacing and because of that can't recommend it to anyone (unless they love weird films and have had an espresso shot). Grade: B

Paradise Now (2005)

Nominated for Best Foreign Language film of 2005, this controversial film about two Palestinian friends who become suicide bombers is a moving work of drama.  Some have complained that director Hany Abu-Assad gets his facts wrong and label this propaganda.  I, on the other hand, see it as a portal into the minds of the Palestinian people; it's their perspective and it's important to understand that.  Humanizing two men willing to kill themselves and others for a cause is a powerful way to try and understand their anger.  That's what this film is about, not about politics or if they're right or wrong.  Ultimately it's a story about two friends who get sucked into an idea that is false and to say this film argues differently is narrow-minded.  Grade: A- 

Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow [Ieri, oggi, domani] (1963)

Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni play three sets of lovers in a comedic film directed by Vittorio De Sica.  The first story of the three is my favorite, telling the story of a poor couple who keep having kids to keep the police from sending Sophia's character to jail for selling illegal cigarettes.  The second story is an amusing tale of a rich woman and the man she's having an affair with going for a drive.  The third story is about a prostitute and her "number one" client saving a young man by convincing him to become a priest.  It's light entertainment and watching Loren and Mastroianni together is magical; they really have great chemistry.  Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language film of that year, I can't say it really deserves the award yet but it's certainly a fun movie.  Grade: B+ 

Blogging Anniversary (Commentary)

Well, it's been a year of blogging and while I didn't blog every day I did write 275 blogs.   That was harder than I thought it would be.  Hopefully next year I can post them in a more timely manner and at least match that number.  A few things that make these kind of blogs hard is that sometimes I don't know what to say.  You can only say you loved or hated a movie so many ways.  I think for 2012 I'm going to worry less about that.  Sometimes a movie or book or TV show is entertaining but not really worthy of a lengthy "review".   Also I don't know if I like calling these brief "takes" on that which I'm writing about "reviews".   I'm not a reviewer, nor want to be.  I'm chronicling my storytelling experience and how it affects me.   That's it.  Still, as I write this I'm thinking it's a good thing to recommend something that might be ignored or warn those of something awful.   Well, I'm not going to over think it (although I probably should write a blog about the reasons for writing a blog someday).   Mostly this is a fun endeavor and an unique challenge.   The biggest thing is I don't want to be months behind anymore.  I need to post my blogs as soon as I write them, even if they're not expertly written.  Some might say that's unprofessional but I think of it as being more raw and true to life.   We'll see.  Then there's the question of my "audience".  I don't really have any.  I know of a few friends that have checked this blog from time to time, and that's great, but according to my status no one really checks.  Should this bother me?   It doesn't.  But for any of you out there who stumble upon these pages and keep reading, thanks.   And if you feel like it, post a comment; it doesn't have to be long just a quick symbolic nod that you're out there would be appreciated.  

Man Bites Dog (1992)

I love the idea for this film.  A documentary crew follows a serial killer as he kills and debases human life.  Shot in black and white with a satirical eye and a pitch-black sense of humor, the filmmakers Belvaux, Poelvoorde and Bonzel attempt to say something but what I'm not sure.  I enjoyed the film for what it was, a mockumentary, but at times it seems to relish its violence a little too much.  At least the serial killer comes across as a scary loser instead of a glorified cool guy, and its because of that this film works.   It's not for everyone, obviously; think Natural Born Killers without a love story or Oliver Stone's over-stylized touch.  Grade: B+.

Watch on the Rhine (1943)

Two Lillian Hellman film in a row.  I didn't plan it that way, honest.  This one is based on her play and adapted by her husband Dashiell Hammett, the story of a woman (Bette Davis) traveling back home with her three children to escape the Fascist regime's taking over Europe.  Her husband (Paul Lukas), a secret freedom fighter, ends up coming face to face to his enemies here in the United States, in a lesson that even here evil resides.   It's a gripping story about sacrifice and honors those who refuse to give up.   Paul Lukas shines here in a performance worthy of checking out; it's not dated at all.   Grade: A-

Dead End (1937)

The first film with the Dead End kids, this drama based on the play by Sydney Kingsley and adapted by Lillian Hellman tells of a section of New York where the poor and the rich collide.   We have a bunch of young hoodlums played memorably, if heightened for effect, by Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan, Leo Gorcey, Gabriel Dell, and Bernard Punsly.  There's Syliva Sidney who plays one of these kid's sister and while watching out for her brother she longs for Joel McCrea who in turn longs to escape the slums.  But the actor that sweeps in and almost steals the show is Humphrey Bogart who is a gangster on the run with a changed face returning to his neighborhood to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart.  With so many moving parts its impressive William Wyler kept it a coherent film.   Back in 1937 this was nominated for best picture and while it's lost some of its luster and impact I found it an entertaining look into class warfare.  Grade: B+.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

This film completely satisfies on so many levels.  With a cleverly structured script by Dan Fogelman and strong performances from Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, what we have here is a romantic comedy that feels fresh and dramatic without being too gimmicky.  There are many little surprises as the film unfolds and I'm glad I never saw the trailer because I'm sure it all would have been spoiled.   I love that we have a movie that celebrates the concept of a "soul mate" without feeling corny.  I love how each of the characters in his film learn something.  Grade: A- 

Hugo (2011)

Martin Scorsese is the prefect director for this film.  Sure it's a family film from the guy who gave us Goodfellas but I don't see why that matters.   Only a masterful director of his caliber can fashion an emotional complex film in such a way that the whole family can enjoy it.   Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is the secret clock caretaker of Paris' central station and he's working on a special project that his father was working on before dying.  But Hugo needs more gears and doodads to complete it.   Where better to steal such parts but from the Toy maker (Ben Kingsley) who has a booth in the station.   So begins Hugo's adventure into an old man's past and taking this mystery with him is the old man's niece, a book lover named Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz).  There are many fun eccentric side characters and Inspector Gustav (Sasha Baron Cohen) is the most memorable.  There are a few hiccups in pacing and for some reason the build to the end left me slightly underwhelmed, but this is a fine film with a strong story.  I had been wanting to read the book by Brian's Selznick for a long time and now I want to read it even more.  Grade: A-.

Side note: while I think the use of 3D thematically echos parts of the story I felt like it didn't always work, especially when there's a lot of action.  Such a film shows how imperfect 3D is and I can only hope that the technology improves (which it is from what I've read about The Hobbit) or I'll be avoiding this device for most films. 

 

Dexter (Season 5)

It's difficult to review a television show like this because by just setting up the story I'm ruining what happened in previous seasons.  So I'll just say this is another great season in the chronicles of Dexter, serial killer who kills killers.   New faces add to the fun and returning faces keep the story thriving.  I wouldn't say this is as good as Seasons 2 and 4 but it's equally as good as Season 3.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  At first I didn't know if I was liking where they were going with Dexter's story; having Rita's kids live with their Grandparents seemed a convenient plot device.   But what impressed me the most was how they effortlessly spun the story in a new direction, with Dexter saving a victim, played decently by Julia Stiles, and getting him to work with a partner.  God, I love this show but I admit it's getting harder to watch knowing that Dexter's world will someday collapse around him.   

Meek's Cutoff (2011)

There's something profound about a movie that lingers in the mind after watching it.  This pioneer western about some wagoners getting lost when their guide named Meek takes them the wrong way to Oregon is certainly not typical.   First it's shot in 1.33 just like the old westerns were in John Ford's day and second there's no real action in it.  This is my first experience with director Kelly Reichardt and I'll be checking out her other work soon (so stay tuned) but I wouldn't call this a complete success.   At times it's achingly slow and some of the better parts of the film don't happen until the last twenty minutes of the movie.  I will say, Reichardt knows how to build a great cast from Michelle Williams to an unrecognisable Bruce Greenwood to Paul Dano and Will Patton.  Mostly though this is an artistic approach to a true story that deserves a more traditional telling.  But I applaud Reichardt's bravery for making a western that goes against the grain.  Grade: B+    

Biutiful (2010)

Alejandro González Iñárritu's latest film richly weaves together the lives surrounding Uxbal, a shady peddler and responsible father who learns he's about to die.  Javiar Bardem is astonishing, as usual, delivering another deserving Oscar nominated performance.  Yet his supporting cast is just as exceptional starting with Maricel Alvarez who plays his bi-polar druggie wife.   There's many aspects to this film, from the supernatural to the gritty underworld, and all of it mixed just right.  I'll admit it's a heavy film to watch sometimes and it's not for everyone but it's a pretty beautiful film with a moving message.  Grade: A-.

Hanna (2011)

From Joe Wright's past work, all excellent, I've been keen to see what else he would do.  When I learned he'd be making an action/thriller I was excited.  Too bad the result is a mixed bag.   It's basically Bourne Identity with a girl (notice how all spy films nowadays are cloning the popular Matt Damon starring film).  Saoirse Ronan is wonderful as the kick-ass spy kid and this proves she can carry a film but the story goes really nowhere.  Eric Bana is her father who trains her in the ways of battle and how to survive as an international spy.  Cate Blanchet is the rogue CIA agent out to find her and kill her.  It's a nice set up but the mystery isn't that interesting and the motivations are vague and a little forced.   I'd only check it out if you love spy films and need to see a little girl action drama.  Grade: B.

Spoilers: Okay, why are Bana and Hanna hiding from a woman who isn't even looking for them anymore?  What is their plan exactly?  Revenge?  That's a pretty weak motivation in my opinion.  I had a lot of problems with this visually exciting but plotless film.  I will applaud the bookends in this movie as well as the scene stealing from Jessica Barden (who was so good in Tamara Drewe). 

The Future (2011)

Miranda July is a performance artist, actress and film director.  If you haven't heard of her then do yourself a favor and check out her film Me and You and Everyone We Know, a masterpiece in so many ways.  Of course, if you can't find that film, this one will do too.  It's darker and much more quiet but a great example of Miss July's talents.  It's the story of a couple who are waiting to adopt a cat that they brought in to the vet because it had a hurt paw.  As they wait they each make sudden changes to their lives that end up testing their love.  Some will try and fit this film into a magical realism mold or call it an absurd comedy/drama.  All I know is it had me hooked from the first couple images and pumped me up for her third effort.   Grade: A-.

It Came From Outer Space (1953)

When you hire Ray Bradbury you know you're getting a good science fiction story and that's what this is.  It still holds up for those who like retro '50s film making.  If you find that kind of thing "cheesy" and "dated" then you probably should skip it.  It's the story of a writer and his girlfriend witnessing the crash of a meteor only to learn when they investigate that it was an alien craft that fell from the sky.   Soon the visitors are stealing people and causing a havoc in town.  It's kind of funny how much of a big deal the "Alien" costume was back then, they actually burnt it after filming to keep it a surprise from the press.   Grade: B+

America, America (1963)

Elia Kazan's personal account of his uncle and how he came to America.  Beautifully shot in black and white and filled with complex characters and issues, you can see why it was nominated for Best Picture back then.  It's a little long and Kazan's voice over is completely unnecessary but it's a fine film.  Grade: A-