Sitting down to compile my Top 10 films of the year turned out to be more difficult than I imagined (I cheated and there’s actually 12 films on the list). That’s a good sign that the movies being made and released are actually getting better (or that I’ve just seen more films this year than last). Either way, the ones that made my list are all films that affected me in some way or ones that I just thoroughly enjoyed. One thing for certain is that they will all be added to my collection for repeat viewing, studying, and debating.
10. TRON: Legacy
I can hear it now: How could a serious movie critic put TRON: Legacy on their “Top 10” list? Well, unlike all the haters, I got exactly what I went to get out of TRON: Legacy. It was a wicked display of special effects, had an amazing soundtrack, used 3-D to enhance the experience and not take away from it, and had some fine acting (I still feel Jeff Bridges was so much better in this than in True Grit). And to be honest it was one of the best times I had at the theatre all year and I think that is something most people forget when they put these lists together. **** out of 5 stars.
9. Exit Through the Gift Shop
This is what I wrote about Banksy’s street art documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop when I reviewed the DVD in November: “As a film, Exit Through the Gift Shop is entertaining and fun to watch and does show off some fine art. But after numerous viewings I still don’t buy it is a true doc and feel Banksy made it to show how easily people can be duped into believing whatever is put in front of them. Like any great work of art, it is open to interpretation and should be looked at at least once.” Real or not, the fact it can still make me question it (I’ve watched it again since writing the DVD review) and continue to entertain me each time makes it a solid classic in my book, and I’m sure I’ll enjoy, and question it, for years to come. **** out of 5 stars.
8. Trigger
Toronto-based filmmaker Bruce McDonald knows how to make rock n’ roll movies, and knows how to make them well (Hard Core Logo and This Movie is Broken are prime examples). Trigger is a rarity for him though, as it doesn’t focus on the music, but rather on the characters. The film stars Molly Parker and the late Tracy Wright, and for the most part it’s just them bantering back-and-forth (they play ex band mates meeting for the first time years after their band Trigger fell apart). The actresses carry the film perfectly, and McDonald delivers one of the most sincerest movies of his career. **** out of 5 stars.
7. The Social Network
Part of me is fighting the urge to include The Social Network on my “Top 10” list, mainly because I worry if a movie about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (portrayed onscreen by Jesse Eisenberg) will even be relevant this time next year (the way technology changes, I’m surprised Facebook is still around). Forget it’s a movie about Facebook though, and The Social Network is an excellent drama that could go on to be the modern day Citizen Kane. **** out of 5 stars.
6. Inception/Shutter Island
I file Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and Christopher Nolan’s Inception together because they make the perfect double bill. Both star Leonardo DiCaprio in equally fine performances, and both pay homage to the film noir genre of the ‘40s and ‘50s that inspired the two directors to become filmmakers. Both are also smart thrillers that will exercise your brain and leave you thinking about them days after you’ve seen them. **** out of 5 stars for both.
5. Buried/127 Hours
When an entire movie relies solely on one character stuck in one place for the entire length of it the way Buried did (and to a lesser degree, the way 127 Hours did), it is a true testament to the actors involved if they can pull it off, keep the audience interested, and bring out emotions in you. That’s what Ryan Reynolds and James Franco both triumphantly excelled at in Buried and 127 Hours, respectively, and I can’t imagine the movies working without them. Here’s hoping they get some recognition come awards season. **** out of 5 stars for both films.
4. Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky’s beautifully haunting tale about a ballerina (portrayed by Natalie Portman) and her struggle to become the best is a demonstration in what perfect chemistry behind the scenes can produce onscreen. From the writing, to the directing, to the soundtrack, to the acting, Black Swan is an all around wonderful and surreal experience that gets better upon repeat viewings. **** out of 5 stars.
3. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
I knew very little about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo when I walked into the screening of it on a cold March morning. I was oblivious to the Steig Larsson book series it was based on, but had heard the film was originally produced as a mini-series for Swedish TV before being chopped up for theatrical distribution in North America. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of the most intriguing thrillers I’ve seen in years, and made me run out to buy the second book in the series, The Girl Who Played With Fire, so I could continue the story. It also made me seek out everything lead actress Noomi Rapace had ever starred in she blew me away so much with her performance. **** out of 5 stars.
2. Rabbit Hole
Nicole Kidman’s emotional and raw performance of a grieving mother tore me apart when I caught Rabbit Hole at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September. Since seeing it I often find myself randomly pondering moments from it and thinking about how devastating it would be to lose a child. If a movie can live inside my subconscious, and make itself aware without me trying to conjure it up, it’s definitely not an ordinary movie and deserves some credit for the power it carries. **** out of 5 stars.
1. Toy Story 3
I gave Toy Story 3 a solid 5 out of 5 when I saw it in theatres and continue to stand behind my high praise each time I watch it. Besides the beautiful animation, which is the most superior work Pixar has ever done, the story hit me hard and made me not only long for my own childhood, but also made me slow down and appreciate the time I currently have with my son who is growing up fast in front of me. Kudos to Pixar for delivering such a highly emotional and entertaining film with cartoon characters. ***** out of 5 stars.
Honourable mentions: Blue Valentine, Easy A, Splice, Kick-Ass, and The Town.
Agree? Disagree? What are your Top 10 films of the year? Leave a comment below or email brian@criticizethis.ca.
