After altering my list and revisiting many features, I have come up with the top 20 films that stood out for me. It was difficult to make this list without thinking of what would be considered snubbed. However, these films are the ones that stood out in some way for me. They all may not be great, but for the time being, I have strong investment in them.
1. Inception - The best movie of the year. I'm going to argue that it's my Matrix. From Han Zimmer's amazing score to the scenes, this movie was mind blowing to watch every time. The complexity didn't seem to interfere as I was too much in awe of every set piece. This movie works on so many levels and manages to put some caper fun back into movies, proving that there's still smart blockbuster cinema out there.2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - Easily the funnest movie of the year. Also, the best ensemble cast that managed to get the most out of the simplest jokes. With fast cut editing and enough effects to make your eyes cross, this is a good time waiting to be experienced by anyone who believes movies cannot take you some place new.
3. 127 Hours - James Franco has officially entered the realms of respected actors. I have always enjoyed his work, but with this movie, he has managed to capture the tragedy, comedy, and emotional journey he faces, all while trapped under a rock. Director Danny Boyle manages to fill in the holes with beautiful cinematography and set pieces that say more than words.
4. Exit Through the Gift Shop - Easily the best documentary of the year. Exploring street art with the notorious Banksy is always asking for a bizarre time. There's plenty to learn about the form as well as the people behind it, who manage to take the simple activity into the most creative twist this year. It's so entertaining that you'll never believe that it's real, but like street art, it's something you have to see to believe.
5. True Grit - The Coen Brothers deliver a great, fun western with a solid cast. They inject plenty of their absurd character flaws into every scene to make it authentic as the characters spout out the best insults in a movie this year. The script is really entertaining and deserves more recognition because unlike some other scripts, you will know this is the Coen Brothers by the words alone.6. Toy Story 3 - Pixar continues to prove why it's the leading producers of CGI films. Having now completed a perfect trilogy, the big finale manages to have some of the most mature, tragic, and funny moments in the series. It may lack the adventure of earlier installments, but following in the series, it's a fitting end to some of the most emotional investment into cinema I have ever had.7. The Runaways - As a fan of the 80's punk scene, it's nice to finally see a movie on the Runaways. Played brilliantly by Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, the exploration of their origin as well as the exploitation, drugs, and dirty lyrics all are executed with such brilliance that like the best of biopics, it breaks down barriers and stands as the blueprints for punk chick biopics from here on out.
8. Black Swan - Holy crap, was this movie beautiful. Natalie Portman's portrayal of a downward spiral is some of the best acting I've seen this year. Director Darren Aronofsky manages to creature a film that's entirely dark and dramatic without being too intense. The dance sequences, the numerous "gruesome" scenes manage to be portrayed so beautifully that it plays out like a ballet. If you have something against dancers, this will give you reason to change your mind.
9. I'm Still Here - There's something infectious about Joaquin Phoenix's mental breakdown that made me watch every frame. I found with more viewings, the ridiculous aspects that were obviously fake are now over the top and hilarious. It's not entirely social commentary, but Phoenix's prank of being a rapper has shown our obsession with celebrity culture.
10. Four Lions - I am personally wondering why this film took so long to get on my radar. It's a great black comedy about suicide bombers who manage to sound like everyday people with no love for their career. I'm sure this will follow in suit of Reservoir Dogs and find an audience on DVD, and then you'll all see why I'm addicted to it.11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Halfway through, this movie managed to sell me with of all things a rape scene. It was so intense, violent, and empowering that from that moment, I wanted to know what happened to Lisbeth Salander. Luckily, she manages to maintain that pace through the rest and delivers one of the greatest suspense flicks I've seen in awhile.
12. The Social Network - This weird flick became a phenomenon. Yes, I will admit that Andrew Garfield should get some Oscar recognition. However, I don't find the film to be as great as the hype makes it believe. However, director David Fincher manages to make another great movie that manages to take something dull like lawsuits and bring it to authentic life.
13. The King's Speech - While the story of a stuttering king may not sound like a great movie, it's really the dialogue that carries this movie. Mixing humor with emotional insecurity, it plays off beautifully and by the final speech, you are there rooting with the audience for a beautiful transformation.14. Kick-Ass - One of the funnest, goriest movies of the year that introduced us to D.I.Y. heroes. With a stellar cast knocking superhero cliches out the window, it's hard to find something bad to say about this movie. Like Kill Bill: Vol. 1, the violence may be in plethora, but because of that, it an ultimate guilty pleasure.
15. The Fighter - A sappy boxer movie that is mostly benefited from a great ensemble cast. Christian Bale and Amy Adams shine as they manage to steal every scene from Mark Wahlberg. It's a boxing movie where everything goes right and you feel good, notably knowing that you may have just seen Bale at his best.16. Get Him to the Greek - When you get Alice in Wonderland nominated for Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes, you are having a terrible year in comedies. However, this summer hit managed to pack plenty of comedy and some of the best original music that will not be recognized with the Golden Globes. It's a breath of fresh air in making a great satire on the music industry.
17. How to Train Your Dragon - Dreamworks' response to Toy Story 3 adds some much needed competition in the CGI animation category. It may lack the emotional depth that Pixar has, but who needs it when Dreamworks has made a great run of hits on fun characters? This is easily one of their best, packing in enough comedy and thrills to qualify as a real family film.
18. Shutter Island - Another movie that split audiences based on it's twist ending, yet I was one that was rather pleased with it. The entire movie may not be Martin Scorsese firing on all cylinders, but he creates a dark, suspenseful story that is at times haunting.19. Catfish - What's with the documentaries that are deemed controversial? This is the real movie about the effects of Facebook. The investigative look into false identity has a slow burn and enough suspense amped up because of it's realism. The twist may not be worth the hype, but it's still a film that stays with you and makes you rethink the way you layout your social networks.20. The Town - A solid heist movie featuring Ben Affleck taking on double duty as director and actor. With a strong script and cast, it's proof that while Affleck may not have a spotless record, when he's passionate about something, it turns out phenomenal.
1. Inception - The best movie of the year. I'm going to argue that it's my Matrix. From Han Zimmer's amazing score to the scenes, this movie was mind blowing to watch every time. The complexity didn't seem to interfere as I was too much in awe of every set piece. This movie works on so many levels and manages to put some caper fun back into movies, proving that there's still smart blockbuster cinema out there.2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - Easily the funnest movie of the year. Also, the best ensemble cast that managed to get the most out of the simplest jokes. With fast cut editing and enough effects to make your eyes cross, this is a good time waiting to be experienced by anyone who believes movies cannot take you some place new.
3. 127 Hours - James Franco has officially entered the realms of respected actors. I have always enjoyed his work, but with this movie, he has managed to capture the tragedy, comedy, and emotional journey he faces, all while trapped under a rock. Director Danny Boyle manages to fill in the holes with beautiful cinematography and set pieces that say more than words.
4. Exit Through the Gift Shop - Easily the best documentary of the year. Exploring street art with the notorious Banksy is always asking for a bizarre time. There's plenty to learn about the form as well as the people behind it, who manage to take the simple activity into the most creative twist this year. It's so entertaining that you'll never believe that it's real, but like street art, it's something you have to see to believe.
5. True Grit - The Coen Brothers deliver a great, fun western with a solid cast. They inject plenty of their absurd character flaws into every scene to make it authentic as the characters spout out the best insults in a movie this year. The script is really entertaining and deserves more recognition because unlike some other scripts, you will know this is the Coen Brothers by the words alone.6. Toy Story 3 - Pixar continues to prove why it's the leading producers of CGI films. Having now completed a perfect trilogy, the big finale manages to have some of the most mature, tragic, and funny moments in the series. It may lack the adventure of earlier installments, but following in the series, it's a fitting end to some of the most emotional investment into cinema I have ever had.7. The Runaways - As a fan of the 80's punk scene, it's nice to finally see a movie on the Runaways. Played brilliantly by Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, the exploration of their origin as well as the exploitation, drugs, and dirty lyrics all are executed with such brilliance that like the best of biopics, it breaks down barriers and stands as the blueprints for punk chick biopics from here on out.
8. Black Swan - Holy crap, was this movie beautiful. Natalie Portman's portrayal of a downward spiral is some of the best acting I've seen this year. Director Darren Aronofsky manages to creature a film that's entirely dark and dramatic without being too intense. The dance sequences, the numerous "gruesome" scenes manage to be portrayed so beautifully that it plays out like a ballet. If you have something against dancers, this will give you reason to change your mind.
9. I'm Still Here - There's something infectious about Joaquin Phoenix's mental breakdown that made me watch every frame. I found with more viewings, the ridiculous aspects that were obviously fake are now over the top and hilarious. It's not entirely social commentary, but Phoenix's prank of being a rapper has shown our obsession with celebrity culture.
10. Four Lions - I am personally wondering why this film took so long to get on my radar. It's a great black comedy about suicide bombers who manage to sound like everyday people with no love for their career. I'm sure this will follow in suit of Reservoir Dogs and find an audience on DVD, and then you'll all see why I'm addicted to it.11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Halfway through, this movie managed to sell me with of all things a rape scene. It was so intense, violent, and empowering that from that moment, I wanted to know what happened to Lisbeth Salander. Luckily, she manages to maintain that pace through the rest and delivers one of the greatest suspense flicks I've seen in awhile.
12. The Social Network - This weird flick became a phenomenon. Yes, I will admit that Andrew Garfield should get some Oscar recognition. However, I don't find the film to be as great as the hype makes it believe. However, director David Fincher manages to make another great movie that manages to take something dull like lawsuits and bring it to authentic life.
13. The King's Speech - While the story of a stuttering king may not sound like a great movie, it's really the dialogue that carries this movie. Mixing humor with emotional insecurity, it plays off beautifully and by the final speech, you are there rooting with the audience for a beautiful transformation.14. Kick-Ass - One of the funnest, goriest movies of the year that introduced us to D.I.Y. heroes. With a stellar cast knocking superhero cliches out the window, it's hard to find something bad to say about this movie. Like Kill Bill: Vol. 1, the violence may be in plethora, but because of that, it an ultimate guilty pleasure.
15. The Fighter - A sappy boxer movie that is mostly benefited from a great ensemble cast. Christian Bale and Amy Adams shine as they manage to steal every scene from Mark Wahlberg. It's a boxing movie where everything goes right and you feel good, notably knowing that you may have just seen Bale at his best.16. Get Him to the Greek - When you get Alice in Wonderland nominated for Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes, you are having a terrible year in comedies. However, this summer hit managed to pack plenty of comedy and some of the best original music that will not be recognized with the Golden Globes. It's a breath of fresh air in making a great satire on the music industry.
17. How to Train Your Dragon - Dreamworks' response to Toy Story 3 adds some much needed competition in the CGI animation category. It may lack the emotional depth that Pixar has, but who needs it when Dreamworks has made a great run of hits on fun characters? This is easily one of their best, packing in enough comedy and thrills to qualify as a real family film.
18. Shutter Island - Another movie that split audiences based on it's twist ending, yet I was one that was rather pleased with it. The entire movie may not be Martin Scorsese firing on all cylinders, but he creates a dark, suspenseful story that is at times haunting.19. Catfish - What's with the documentaries that are deemed controversial? This is the real movie about the effects of Facebook. The investigative look into false identity has a slow burn and enough suspense amped up because of it's realism. The twist may not be worth the hype, but it's still a film that stays with you and makes you rethink the way you layout your social networks.20. The Town - A solid heist movie featuring Ben Affleck taking on double duty as director and actor. With a strong script and cast, it's proof that while Affleck may not have a spotless record, when he's passionate about something, it turns out phenomenal.
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