*Sound of Stan jumping on the bandwagon* Well it is fun to look back particularly when you've seen a lot of films, and I have - 80 this year (82 with repeat visits).
This year was a first, in one sense, I opened the chocolate box that is the London Film Festival and had a sneaky taste, and as a result there are a few films I've seen that aren't released until 2011 and it doesn't feel right including them so they have their own category.
The top 10 (in viewing date order)
Harrowing, yet heartening, still remember it despite it being nearly a year ago since I saw it.
A reminder that Colin Firth's acting talent stretches to more than flimsy rom-com's. The rest of the cast was excellent too and with fashion designer Tom Ford at the helm it also has to get a special mention for probably being the best dressed film of 2010. I was moved to tears and had to sit through the entire credits just to compose myself.
Just to prove I don't just like weepies and arties, loved this comic book film for being really good fun, it's sense of humour and having a young girl as it's heroine, indeed a young girl who 'kicks ass'. Jason Solomon of the Guardian/Observer has it on his turkey list because he doesn't like nerdy superheroes. Nerdy done this way is absolutely fine with me.
2010 has been a good year for indy, low budget movies and this one I particularly loved for its surreal comedy. It was quirky, funny and a refreshingly imaginative story all packaged up in a well-made, on a shoe-string budget film.
This debut film from Rachel Ward about family secrets, misplaced love, obsession and jealousy really plucked at the emotions. A great character piece, particularly so for have three great female leads.
An American indy that I just can't stop raving about. Intelligent, tense and atmospheric without the usual over-scripting. Brilliantly acted and shot on location. I'm really hoping this gets a nod or two when it comes to the awards season.
Who'd have thought a film about the creation of Facebook and the subsequent law suits could be so exciting but it was. Really want to see it again.
A brave concept, setting a whole film inside a coffin from one characters perspective but it worked superbly in creating a film that was claustrophobic and uncomfortable to watch while still eliciting the odd laugh from the audience. The ending made me feel like I'd been punched in the stomach, figuratively that is.
Another low budget, very low budget in fact, film that blew me away. A character piece with monsters in it that was brilliantly done. Budgetry restraints on extras and locations gave it such a natural and believeable feel and look.
The only foreign language film to sneak into my top ten - there have been some great ones this year but this stands out for pure atmosphere and skill at acting with few words. It's a compelling story considering the nature of the central characters.
Popcorn movie of the year
Loved Harry Potter 7a and Twilight Eclipse (the two films I saw twice) but the golden popcorn has to go to Prince of Persia which was just an enjoyable, humourous romp with Jake Gyllenhaal looking very buff. Definitely on my Sunday night DVD list and no I'm not going to apologise because I really liked it.
Most disturbing film of the year
This goes to The Killer Inside Me which divided people and had director Michael Winterbottom accused of being misogynistic. It takes something quite radical to disturb me these days and this did and I liked it for that. But extremely violent sociopath Lou Ford is an interesting and complex character, as well as being disturbing and that is also what I liked about the film.
Most uncomfortable viewing
I've already mentioned Buried in my top ten which definitely features in the this category (127 Hours will be a contender next year just from watching the trailer). But equally Israeli film Lebanon fits the bill. Like Buried it has a claustrophobic setting but my physical and emotional response to the characters and the story surprised me and that's what made it particularly uncomfortable viewing.
Worst film of the year
Sorry Robert Pattinson fans but this goes to the totally contrived Remember Me. Dreadful film in so many ways and continues add weight to my argument that RPatz is Edward and no other character.
Best film not yet on general release
Strong category this one and special commendations have to go to Blue Valentine and Brighton Rock but the winner is The King's Speech. Marvellous Mr Firth and a fantastic supporting cast. Who'd have thought a stammer could be so sexy and curing it so compelling. Have already booked a ticket to see it again when it is released next week. Colin Firth was nominated for an Oscar for A Single Man and if he doesn't get nominated again for this role then the Academy is an ass (it is anyway but it'll be an even bigger one).
My most read review
I've thrown this in because it's an odd one. It's the first film I reviewed on my new film blog: The Disappearance of Alice Creed. I didn't like it although I have seen it in one professional reviewers top ten. It didn't do very well and Alice did indeed disappear, from the cinemas quite rapidly but, inexplicably, it features daily in my blog page views and has done since I posted it.
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