It's that time again! Time to look back at the best films 2010 had to offer...so without further ado let's take a look at which movies were my all time favorites of 2010. 10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 This is the best Harry Potter film in YEARS. The last two installments have just seemed so anti-climactic to me and while I still was a fan of the series, those films didn't make you care like this one did. The film was very action packed and exciting, and it definitely made me anticipate the final installment (whereas with all the others recently it's kind of felt "meh") It was also great to see a change from the usual Harry Potter. This is the first film not set at Hogwarts and the difference is refreshing. You can really feel the urgency in this one in the need to stop Voldemort, whereas the last were like "Oh Voldemort is on the loose, not much we can do..." Plus SPOILER ALERT: Dobby dies. How can you not be happy about that? But...I still hate Ginny. Quote: Look away, I'm hideous! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EC2tmFVNNE 9. Toy Story 3 I wasn't totally looking forward to this one last year. I prefer Pixar to make original films...even though I did really love Toy Story 2. I felt like this was a sequel forced on them by Disney and what story is there to tell at this point? Luckily, I was very surprised to see a very thoughtful end to this trilogy that had been made with a lot of care. It was absolute fun and just plain adorable. The Ken and Barbie love story was hilarious. And as someone who, when I was younger, loved the world of toys, the ending was very touching. Though....SPOILER ALERT. The attic would not have been a bad place to end up. Hello!? They'd just have to wait a few years to play again, and this time with Andy's children. How special would that be? Maybe he can get them back from that girl when she's older...Haha! Quote: And this... well, this is where I live. It's got a disco, it's got a dune buggy, and a whole room just for trying on clothes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNMpa5yBf5o 8. The Town This is a story that on paper, seems like it has been done probably a thousand times. But what's great about the film is that the attention to the characters makes it feel fresh. Scenes that we may have seen before only as common heist tropes, are filled with a new suspense in their execution and again because of our attachment to the characters. I also really liked exploring the central relationship and all of its complications. Very well-made and entertaining film. Not sure I'm sold on the ending though. Quote: These guards like to test you though. They wanna get hurt for ten dollars an hour, don't get in the way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXY_JvOK63c 7. Shutter Island I think this was definitely one of the most underrated films of the year. It was tense and thrilling. The acting was all very solid and it featured an incredible ending. Definitely worth multiple views. Great film. The less said about it though, the better. It's one not to be spoiled. Quote: Why are you all wet, baby? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iaYLCiq5RM 6. 127 Hours James Franco carries this film with an unforgettable performance and he definitely earned the oscar nod he got. I loved the editing of the film and the cinematography was also fantastic. This true story of one man's survival against all the odds was incredibly powerful and inspirational...probably the most positive emotional film of the year I'd say. But some of the most crucial scenes are the hardest to watch! Quote: You know, I've been thinking. Everything is... just comes together. It's me. I chose this. I chose all this. This rock... this rock has been waiting for me my entire life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlhLOWTnVoQ 5. Black Swan This was probably one of the darkest movies I've seen, but it is SO fascinating! And Natalie Portman gives a mind blowing performance. I just love movies that grab hold of your attention and then after it's done still make you think about it. Black Swan definitely did that. I seriously found myself thinking about it for days afterward. What is so amazing about the movie is that it constantly has you guessing what's real and what's not so that in the end we feel like we've gone almost as crazy as the main character! (Almost) I think it deserves multiple viewings, but I have yet to see it again. Quote: I just want to be perfect. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bs 4. Blue Valentine When I first heard about this movie it recalled to me similar plot and structure to (500) Days of Summer so I was really excited about that. But, while they shared some similarities they were two very different films. What I loved most about this movie is what it shared with the former film. But though both were heartbreaking, I'd say that Blue Valentine would have been a broken heart that was then subsequently stomped on. There's not the whimsy and wonder of (500) Days, things feel too broken. But I love films that give honest examinations of relationships and show us two flawed characters who both share the blame, but neither are totally at fault. I like seeing relationships that feel real, both in how they were created and how they eventually crumble. It's also important to note that this isn't a film that really lays everything out, there's a lot that's under the surface that you've got to dig for. But it's so heartbreaking to see this relationship develop and you want to root for it, but you can see how ultimately it won't work. Loved the ending too. Very raw and real. Quote: - In my experience, the prettier a girl is, the more nuts she is, which makes you insane. - I like how you can compliment and insult somebody at the same time, in equal measure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oiY7W7nDeE 3. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Well since I just wrote a blog a few weeks ago over my love of this film, it's probably not necessary for me to go on and on. But, it's hilarious, non-stop fun with great music and hilarious one-liners. Crazy fights and witty humor, what could be better? Plus, as I said, the editing is fantastic. Quote: Because you'll be dust by Monday, because you'll be pulverized in two seconds; and the cleaning lady, she cleans up dust. She dusts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_RrNCqCIPE 2. The Social Network This is a surprisingly, gripping film. From the first scene til the last I was captivated by Jesse Eisenberg's (though perhaps factually inaccurate) portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg. There's just so much going on here. Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake also give pretty impressive performances in a movie that really does define the age we live in. My mom mentioned how frenetic the pacing of the film is, almost recalling the website facebook itself. It's a powerful film and was definitely one of the best the year had to offer. Even if it wasn't the most truthful as depicting what really happened, it was certainly good storytelling. Quote: You know, you really don't need a forensics team to get to the bottom of this. If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB95KLmpLR4 And the #1 Favorite Film of 2010 1. Inception When I first saw this I was just blown away. It is one of the most original big blockbuster films (or any film really) I had seen in years. Every single element of the film is just solid. The cast, the action, the direction, cinematography, score....you name it, it was done right. For more praise of the film just go back to the blog that I wrote when it came out because my feelings haven't changed. I know it wasn't the type of film to win best picture, because the academy just doesn't work that way, but it truly is one of the best films to have come around in a long time and every time I watch it I gain even more appreciation for it. It's wonderful. Quote: I'll tell you a riddle. You're waiting for a train, a train that will take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you, but you don't know for sure. But it doesn't matter. How can it not matter to you where that train will take you? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66TuSJo4dZM Honorable Mentions: Tangled, The King's Speech, Youth in Revolt, True Grit, The Figther, Rabbit Hole

Well, it's over. The only thing that makes winter tolerable; (besides Christmas of course...) the Sundance Film Festival has come to an end. Every darn year it sneaks up on me before I have time to get advanced tickets, and almost always I miss out because of it (last year is the exception since there weren't as many movies I wanted to see as this year...and including the JGL hit record event I got to do everything I wanted to do.) Even though I pretty much say it every year, next year I REALLY am going to try to be more prepared haha. The overall experience was fun as usual. And once again I never saw one celebrity (since I'm not able to use the urinals I guess..). Oh unless you count THIS GUY who I saw walking along Main Street likely promoting a film called Newlyweeds. So while I posted reviews on the films I was able to see, here's a list of just a few that I missed that I hope to catch if/when they make their way to theaters. ACOD What does ACOD stand for? Adult Children of Divorce of course! (hey that rhymed..) Being someone who is a semi-expert on the subject I was instantly intrigued. Then add the fact that a pretty solid cast was involved including Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Richard Jenkins Catherine O'Hara, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and this film instantly went on my must-see list. I'm not sure if this one has a distribution deal yet, but I would definitely love to see it. Austenland I'm really disappointed the stars never aligned so I could see this one. Unfortunately, due to some bad coordinating, as well as some really rabid Jane Austen fans in Salt Lake that arrived for waitlist way earlier than the rules state (but somehow no one seemed to care...), it was not meant to be. Fortunately, this one was picked up by Sony Classics and is said to be looking for a summer release. I'm very excited. I love Keri Russell, I love Jane Austen and I love the premise of a Jane Austen role-playing theme park, but.........I do have trouble taking Bret McKenzie seriously as a romantic lead. I just can't help but picture him in an office with Jemaine and Murray during another "band meeting." Also, I'm interested in seeing Jerusha Hess' directing debut. I have mixed feelings so far about her and her husband's work...but I'd like for her to be a success. Breathe In Director Drake Doremus and leading lady Felicity Jones reteam for their second effort after their last collaboration Like Crazy. I recently watched that film again and enjoyed it much better after my colossal expectations were finally held in check. This film's cast seems a bit more rounded out with Guy Pierce and Amy Ryan. Here Felicity Jones plays a foreign exchange student who changes the life of the family she stays with. Its a simple enough plot that could go either way in the wrong hands, but the reviews all suggest this film was even better than Like Crazy. I haven't heard anything yet about any company picking it up though. Hell Baby The horror-comedy truly is one of my favorite genres out there. From what I have gathered, this film seems to take on a Cabin in the Woods approach at both satirizing and paying tribute to the genre. Apparently, both Rosemary's baby, haunted houses, and more are covered in this film. Oh, and did I mention it has Rob Corddry and Thomas Lennon in it? Sure to be hilarious. Again though, not sure if anyone picked it up, so hopefully, we can all see it one day. I'd love to put it on my Halloween view list. In a World... I must say, I love the premise of this film. One of my favorite aspects of The Holiday (besides Jude Law's hotness of course..) is Cameron Diaz's awesome job as a movie trailer editor. So what better idea to make a whole movie devoted to the art of movie trailer NARRATING? With that premise in mind, you have to admit that the title of the film is pretty much ingenious. The reviews of this film both by critics and general festival-goers have all been very positive saying it doubles as a light and fun romantic comedy, as well as a female empowerment tale. I really hope I'll be seeing this one. The Spectacular Now This might be the film I'm most disappointed to have missed (and believe me I sure tried to get in.) The film is based on a novel by Tim Tharp but adapted by the writers of a film you may or may not be sick of me mentioning on this blog...(500) Days of Summer. That fact alone is really all I needed, but the reviews I read all pretty much gushed about this film and especially the performances of its young leads: Miles Teller (of Rabbit Hole)and Shailene Woodley (of The Descendants). Thankfully though, some brand new company I've never heard of picked it up called A24 picked it up and plans to distribute it this summer. The two films I DID see got picked up for distribution as well. Sony Pictures acquired Before Midnight and Fox Searchlight paid a hefty (and hopefully worthwhile,) price for The Way, Way Back. Fox and The Way, Way Back are a perfect match though, so I'm very excited about that....hopefully it will be out in summer since it's a perfect summer film and everyone can enjoy it as much as I did. But anyway, that's about it! I am very much looking forward to the fest next year, and hopefully, I can remember for once in my life to sign up for an advanced time slot so that I can have much more goodies to post than just two reviews and a wrap-up. But until then...so long Sundance, we'll see you next year!

Before I begin my review I must make clear once again what colored my view on this particular film: sky-high expectations. Seeing this movie again knowing what it is will no doubt help me appreciate it for itself and not for what I wanted it to be. How does one get such high expectations for something they've never even seen a trailer for? Well, a couple of photos, plot synopses, a deep appreciation for the music of Belle & Sebastian, as well as some glowing reviews made me sure this movie would be an instant favorite; when in fact there were moments that I instantly adored...but the movie as a whole needs time to grow on me. I really liked the story going on here about a girl trying to cure her problems with the aid of music. Only two things really kept me from loving this movie: occasional lulls between the fantastic (and generally wishing the movie was a bit shorter and the pacing a bit quicker...) and the fact that though I knew the lead character had her own serious problems and deserved to be cut some slack...I still didn't particularly like her. That isn't a slant on the actress though as Emily Browning does a great job (we Emilys have to stick together!) I guess I wish some of the focus could have been spread more equally to her far more amiable bandmates (Cassie, in particular, could have used a bit more depth and screen time..and I have to say that Olly Alexander who played James was simply adorable.) These things aside, there really was quite a lot to love here. There was a lot of clever humor, wisdom, and truth, wonderfully sincere moments, and most importantly: great music! As would be expected of a hipster indie musical, a lot of the highlights revolve around the fantastic musical sequences. The choreography of these sequences was great and, in general, the production design as a whole really stood out. I really enjoyed this musical with its playful tone and it's definitely clear that this was a labor of love by Belle & Sebastian lead singer Stuart Murdoch...I just think if it had been a little bit tighter I would have ADORED it. Still, a great effort worth seeing that will no doubt grow on me. RATING: 7.5/10 with room to grow on a rewatch.