A Look Back at 2010, the Movies

This is my final post of the year, and I saved the best of my countdown lists for last. Usually I write a Top 10, Bottom 5 column for the newspaper, and did so this year, but for the Blog I thought I would expand to 15, and 10. This year I finished with 126 trips to the theater, an average of 10.5 per month, and let me tell you — they weren't all gems. This is a list of the movies I liked best and least during the last 12 months.

The Top:

15 — Devil

This entry, based on a screenplay from M. Night Shymalan, was probably the biggest surprise of the year for me. Shymalan's other film, "The Last Airbender," was poor, and his last film before this year was also marginal. I didn't have high hopes for this, but what I got was a story that really made me think. It has a powerful message about forgiveness that was probably the most unexpected aspect of the film.

"Devil," rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images, thematic material and some language including sexual references, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

14 — Step Up 3D

Easily the best 3D film of the year. I have written, several times, about my loathing for the wave of 3D films, which is predominately a money grab. This would be the rare exception. This film used 3D to enhance the visual presentation. The story is pretty basic and easily predictable, but it's fun and has a good heart.

"Step Up 3D," rated PG-13 for brief strong language, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

13 — Iron Man 2

This film was probably the best of the traditional summer blockbusters. Robert Downey, Jr. does a great job in the lead role, and the film mixed humor with action and special effects. It was one of the few summer blockbusters that actually delivered what it promised.

"Iron Man 2," rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

12 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1

This is a film series that keeps getting better. This first half of the epic final chapter delivered in all aspects and served as a great primer for the finale in July. The young actors — Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint — keep getting better. It is the characters, and their portrayal of the characters, that really make this the best.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1," rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence, frightening images and brief sensuality, has not yet been released on DVD.

11 — Black Swan

The film can be tough to watch at times — as it would be tough watching anyone going through a mental break. Though the world of ballet dance might be foreign to most, the human dynamics of someone pushing themselves to the edge and beyond in this film resonates with power. Natalie Portman gives one of the best performances of the year, one that is sure to net her an Academy Award nomination.

“Black Swan,” rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use, is now playing in theaters nationwide.

10 — Get Low

This sweet film about an aging hermit seeking redemption was one of the sweetest releases during the first half of the year. Robert Duvall gives a great performance, as does Bill Murray in an off beat and wonderfully comedic turn.

“Get Low,” rated PG-13 for thematic material and brief violent content, has yet to be released on DVD.

9 — 127 Hours

This film tells the real-life story of Aron Ralston, a hiker who was trapped by a rock in a canyon in Utah and had to cut off his own arm to survive. There are some brutal aspects to the film that make it tough to watch at times, but director Danny Boyle turns the story into something moving and frenetic. James Franco, who carries the film and often has to give a great performance all on his own, shines in the film.

“127 Hours,” rated R for language and some disturbing violent content/bloody images, is now playing in theaters nationwide.

8 — The Fighter

This film tells the true life story of boxer Micky Ward and his trainer/brother Dicky Ecklund, who battled a severe crack addiction. Director David O. Russell creates a gritty film that is blessed with four great performances. Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale are strong as Micky and Dicky, respectively, while Amy Adams and Melissa Leo, both past Academy Award nominees, turn in great supporting performances as well.

“The Fighter,” rated R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality, is now playing in theaters nationwide.

7 — Toy Story 3

This animated sequel from Pixar was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. The film features all the great toys we’ve come to know and love (featuring the voice talents of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, among others), and offers a sweetly personal story. It’s a film that works for kids but will be a powerful emotional experience for adult audiences.

“Toy Story 3,” rated G, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

6 — True Grit

This film, a new adaptation of the Charles Portis novel, delivers some amazing moments and performances. Jeff Bridges is great as Rooster Cogburn and Haliee Steinfeld delivers an incredible performance as young Mattie Ross. This is the best Coen Brothers film since “No Country for Old Men.”

“True Grit,” rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images, is now playing in theaters nationwide.

5 — The Town

This gritty drama from writer/director Ben Affleck was the best crime drama of the year. The film features some good performances from Affleck, Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm. The action scenes work well and the film features a great look and great craftsmanship.

“The Town,” rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray

4 — The King’s Speech

This is the true-life story of King George IV of Britain and the speech impediment that nearly derailed his image as the face of the British resistance during World War II. The film features excellent performances from Colin Firth as the King and Geoffrey Rush as the speech therapist that serves as his friend and confidant. The film is beautifully shot, acted, and told. Truly one of the gems of 2010.

“The King’s Speech,” rated R for some language, is now playing in theaters nationwide.

3 — Waiting for Superman

This is the best documentary of the year. Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim takes a hard look at the public education system. This film is tough to watch, but possibly the most important film of the year. The way the story is told is emotionally engaging and informative. Anyone who sees this film is going to realize we have to do better for our children.

“Waiting for Superman,” rated PG for some thematic material, mild language and incidental smoking, has yet to be released on DVD.

2 — Inception

Director Christopher Nolan is the most unique filmmaker working today. This trippy ride through the world of dreams was one of the most brilliant films released in 2010. Featuring great performances, anchored by Leonardo DiCaprio, this film created a rich narrative that pulled you in and didn’t let you go. The fact it had one of the most talked about endings of the year is proof of Nolan’s skill.

“Inception,” rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

1 — The Social Network

No one writes dialogue like Aaron Sorkin. Here, a wonderful script from Sorkin is paired with director David Fincher and a strong cast, including a great lead performance from Jesse Eisenberg. This film offers an unflinching look at the creation of Facebook, and the larger-than-life personalities behind the scenes. It’s a beautiful mix of humor, drama and betrayal.

“The Social Network,” rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and language, has yet to be released on DVD.

And now for the bottom:

10 — Machette

This was supposed to be a low-key action comedy. Instead, director Robert Rodriguez turned this into a big production about the immigration issue. It's an important issue, but this film wasn't the right setting. In addition, it was too lavish and over-the-top in a number of plot elements.

"Machette," rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity, will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray Tuesday.

9 — Pirahna 3D

I thought this would be a fun, "B" horror movie. It wasn't. This film featured a ghastly level of sex, nudity, and violence. There were precious few jokes and a lot of gore. This was probably the most disappointing time I had at the theater this year.

"Piranha 3D," rated R for sequences of strong bloody horror violence and gore, graphic nudity, sexual content, language and some drug use, will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on January 11, 2011.

8 — Repo Men

This film was supposed to be some kind of social commentary, instead it was an ultra violent futuristic tale. The sado-sexual nature of some of the scenes was appalling, as was the fact that much of it turned out to be a sadistic dream sequence. Major bust.

"Repo Men," rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, language and some sexuality/nudity, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

7 — Shrek Forever After

Easily the worst animated film I saw in 2010. The last "Shrek" film was poor, this was just inexcusable. Let's hope that their done beating this moderately entertaining franchise into the ground.

"Shrek Forever After," rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

6 — The Last Song

Nicholas Sparks adaptations can be too predictable, but when you marry a predictable plot with criminally weak acting, you get "The Last Song." Miley Cyrus might be a popular singer, but she was out-of-her-depth in this attempted weepie. The only thing sad about this film was the fact that we had to watch it.

"The Last Song," rated PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

5 — The American

George Clooney is a great actor and this film features interesting locations, but there is no real story. This movie is painstakingly boring, at least it’s boring when it’s not offering wildly uncomfortable sex scenes. This is a misfire of the highest order.

“The American” rated R for violence, sexual content and nudity, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

4 — For Colored Girls

This film, based on a wildly popular stage play, just doesn’t work as a film. The dialogue is perfect for the stage but feels out of place in the film. Additionally, the story works for a specific time period but elements fail to translate to a modern setting. Add all that to the fact this film is brutal and tough to watch, and you have a rough movie-going experience.

“For Colored Girls,” rated R for some disturbing violence including a rape, sexual content and language, has not yet been released on DVD.

3 — Sex and The City 2

This follow up on the successful series and first feature film is a decadent misfire. The jokes don’t play well, the film plays into American stereotypes, and the narrative has a whiny and muddled quality to it. One of the worst comedies of the year.

“Sex and The City 2,” rated R for some strong sexual content and language, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

2 — MacGruber

This is a “Saturday Night Live” skit that should have stayed a skit. Wildly over-the-top with its sexualized humor, this movie doesn’t have a lot of strong moments. And, at just 90 minutes, it is way too long.

“MacGruber,” rated R for strong crude and sexual content, violence, language, and some nudity, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

1 — Skyline

This film just doesn’t work. It has odd visuals, a TV sitcom cast and a ridiculous story. This was easily the most confusing, least satisfying film of the year. It was also the only film I gave zero stars during the year. Avoid this at all costs.

“Skyline,” rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some language, and brief sexual content, has not yet been released on DVD.