Favorite Movies from 2010

The Ghost Writer

Ewan McGregor is hired to ghost write the memoirs of the former British Prime Minister, a Tony Blair-like Pierce Brosnan.  Intrigue and mystery follows, as well as some perfectly moody settings.  Great acting, great story.

Toy Story 3

If you saw this movie and didn't cry, you probably don't have a heart.  A great way to end the story of a bunch of toys, and the boy they love.

Inception

Oh man, what a cool film.  Amazing special effects, Marion Cotillard is unbelievably creepy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is gorgeous.  The end will leave you hanging, but good films should end with a question or two.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Fun to watch.  Michael Cera isn't his usual emo self, and Jason Schwarzman is pitch perfect.  No, I didn't read the comic, but don't hold that against me.


Never Let Me Go

This film was absolutely gut-wrenching.  The main characters are clones who have been raised solely for their organs, and spend the film trying to come to grips to it.  Are they capable of emotions?  Do they have souls?  Everyone gives stellar performances, and I spent a good 20 minutes crying during the movie.  Beautifully shot.

The Social Network

Look at this film as more of an examination on power, popularity, and relationships than a Facebook biopic.  Zuckerberg has created a social phenomenon that gets people to connect digitally, but at what expense to his own friendships, and our own?  Facebook has only been around about six or seven years, but has changed the way we communicate online and off.  This film raises some really great questions about how we interact, and David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin did a great job helming it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Yes, I like the Harry Potter movies, and I totally saw this the weekend it came out.  Part 1 was moody and mature, with the characters finally delving into their complex emotions.  I'm so glad they're releasing this as two films to cover everything from the final book; can't wait for the end!

Black Swan

I asked John Paul if he ever thought he would want to see a psychological horror film based in the world of professional ballet, and he responded, "No way!"  Nonetheless, the build-up to this film was almost palpable for me, and I delved into every scene and word.  Natalie Portman plays a star ballerina obsessed with perfecting both the White and Black Swan parts of the ballet.  But can she handle the stress of both?  Is Mila Kunis really out for her role?  Portman is unparalleled, the direction (by Darren Aronofsky) is superb, and you'll be on the edge of your seat from scene one.  If your nerves can take it, rush out to see this asap.

What were your favorites?  Any great rental suggestions for the first few months of 2011?