2010 Top Ten Films

According to me:

10) City Island- A New York-you-haven't-seen-before story. This is a quirky comedy with an ensemble that blends well. Andy Garcia has a dark secret--he wants to be an actor. And the fat girl/cooking porn site is as funny as anything in the movies this year.

9) The Town- Ben Affleck's second Boston-based film has an authentic feel to it and a great ensemble including Jeremy Renner, Rebeca Hall and the late Pete Posthelwaite. A terrific crime genre film.

8) Blue Valentine- A relationship spiraling downward but the pathos is in the flashback sequences. This couple started off so promising. Ryan Gosling is outstanding.

7) 127 Hours- Man v. Nature with the most intense scenes of the year. You need a strong stomach but the ride is thrilling.

6) The Kids Are Alright- An honest story about the struggles of a modern family. Oh and as a side note the central couple is gay. Terrific ensemble lead by Annette Bening.

5) True Grit- A western with grit as seen through the prism of the Coen Brother's talent. As entertaining as any film this year. Hailee Steinfeld is a rare find.

4) Toy Story 3- Pixar doing their brilliant Pixar thing. Clever and uplifting in a year where that is a rare event indeed.

3) Winter's Bone- Look up independent film and you find a one-sheet of this movie. Takes you to a world you have never seen before and immerses you in it. Where did they find Jennifer Lawrence? Brilliant performance.

2) The King's Speech- A film that fires on all cylinders. Watching Firth and Rush spar is truly amazing. Historical. Hysterical. Poignant. Charming. I see many gold statues in your future....

1) The Social Network- in a photo finish. A modern and topical look at friendship, betrayal and where our values are headed in the age of the computer. It's all about the script but the acting and directing are almost as impressive. Here's to you guys, Sorkin, Fincher, Eisenberg et al.

Runners up- Inception, The Ghost Writer, Date Night, Fish Tank, Please Give