Josh's Picks for the 10 Best Films of 2010

We’re approaching the end of 2010, so that means it’s time for my annual 10 Best List. As always, there are a handful of contenders I haven’t seen yet (specifically “127 Hours” and “Blue Valentine”), so consider the list after the jump almost — but not quite — definitive. These things always generate controversy, so be sure to talk about why you agree or disagree in the comments section. If you think another movie should've been on the list, tell us which one and why. Remember to be respectful; we can have a difference of opinion without being rude or resorting to name calling.


 

10. Winter’s Bone

A modern day noir set in the Ozarks might sound like a joke, but director Debra Granik’s riveting drama is deadly serious. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a star-making performance as Ree Dolly, a headstrong teen who must track down her missing father, a player in the local meth trade, or lose the family’s house that he put up as bail. Her journey forces her to confront some of the worst that humanity has to offer, including members of her own family. As great as Lawrence is, the remarkable John Hawkes is even better. As Ree’s uncle, he instills his character with a menacing uncertainty; you never know if he’s helping his niece because he cares about her, or if he has something else up his sleeve. Hawkes is a long shot for a Best Supporting Actor nod, but the guy certainly deserves it.

9. The Kids Are All Right

Writer-director Lisa Cholodenko and her co-writer Stuart Blumberg crafted one of the year’s most intelligent, funny and moving stories. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play lesbian parents trying to adjust to their children’s (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) biological father (Mark Ruffalo) becoming a part of their lives. The comedic drama shows how the mundane parts of family life can be both fulfilling and dangerous. Cholodenko also makes sure the characters are realistically drawn, so the audience understands why they make the sometimes-boneheaded decisions they do. The film has one of the best casts of the year; there’s not a weak link anywhere to be found. 

8. The Fighter

This fact-based drama about a young boxer (Mark Wahlberg) struggling to make a name for himself despite a poisonous mother/manager (Melissa Leo) and a crack-addicted brother/trainer (Christian Bale) could’ve been another Rocky retread. But the gritty tone, director David O. Russell’s unique shooting style and phenomenal performances from everyone involved — particularly Bale and Amy Adams — dramatically elevate the material. I still shake my head thinking about the princess from Enchanted throwing out f-bombs in a Boston accent and punching white trash in the face. Even Wahlberg, who typically has limited range, is at the top of his game.

7. Black Swan

Natalie Portman delivers the performance of a lifetime as Nina Sayers, a fragile ballerina chosen to portray both the White Swan and the Black Swan in a revamped version of Swan Lake. Vincent Cassel’s slimy troupe director knows she’ll do fine as the White Swan, but he doubts she has what it takes to convey the Black Swan’s duplicity and overt sexuality. What follows is Nina’s attempt to tap into a heretofore unknown side of her personality, and her rapid decline into madness during the process. On its surface, the ballet world doesn’t seem like an effective setting for a horror movie, but director Darren Aronofsky proves otherwise. The result is bizarre, unsettling and absolutely fascinating.

6. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World

A dismal performance at the box office last summer forever cemented this flick’s cult status. Years from now, however, people will be kicking themselves for not seeing director Edgar Wright’s groundbreaking work on the big screen. He and co-writer Michael Bacall flawlessly adapt Bryan Lee O’Malley’s series of graphic novels, even improving the story’s conclusion. Wright mixes video game culture and hipster satire, using them (along with an amazing ensemble cast) to create a work that’s genuinely engaging and visually mind-blowing. Michael Cera’s overexposure was partly to blame for the film’s failure but, ironically, it’s his best role to date.

5. Toy Story 3

I’m starting to run out of adjectives to describe Pixar’s greatness. This second sequel in the already-classic franchise tackles mature themes like love, loss, friendship, growing up — even death — in a heartfelt way that hits home with kids and adults alike. It also allows us to say goodbye, with a smile on our faces and tears in our eyes, to a group of beloved characters that feel like a part of the family. Director Lee Unkrich and screenwriter Michael Arndt deserve a ton of credit for sending the saga out on top instead of going the Shrek route and wearing out their welcome.

4. The King’s Speech

This true story from John Adams director Tom Hooper may seem like stuffy, pretentious awards bait, but it’s actually a charming and heartwarming tale of overcoming adversity. Colin Firth (currently the Best Actor frontrunner) portrays the stammering King George VI and Geoffrey Rush (in one of his best performances to date) plays the speech therapist entrusted with the vital task of helping the ruler overcome his impediment. Set in the years leading up to World War II, the film chronicles how the new king stepped up to become the leader his people needed during a fearful and uncertain time.

3. True Grit

Remaking a well-known movie is generally a bad idea, particularly if that movie features John Wayne in his most iconic role. Acclaimed filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen not only pull it off, they (blasphemy alert!) improve on the original. The resurgent Jeff Bridges inhabits the character of Rooster Cogburn (whereas Wayne basically played upon his public persona) and remarkable newcomer Hailee Steinfeld seems destined for a Best Supporting Actress nomination. The Coen brothers also smartly restore the bittersweet ending found in Charles Portis’ brilliant novel. Roger Deakins’ gorgeous cinematography and Carter Burwell’s hymn-invoking score are icing on the cake.

2. Inception

On the surface, a movie about the power of dreams sounds like further proof that Hollywood is out of new ideas. Yet writer-director Christopher Nolan accomplishes the herculean task of making the subject seem like a completely fresh concept. The jaw-dropping visual effects are great, of course. And the cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is terrific. But what I loved most is the fascinating and complex story, crafted by a filmmaker who desperately wants moviegoers to use their brains. The attention to detail rewards viewers who pay close attention, which is never a bad thing in my book.

1. The Social Network

Not a very bold pick for my top choice, I know. But there’s a reason this gripping drama is garnering so much critical acclaim. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and director David Fincher take a story with extremely specific subject matter — the controversy surrounding Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook — and transform it into a smart, funny and visually striking study of the human condition. Throw in extraordinary performances from Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Armie Hammer and Rooney Mara, and the result is the most solidly entertaining movie of the year.