I have been reading alot of best of 2010 lists over the past week or so and decided to share a few lists of my own just to make sure they are done right:)

So here we go:

Top five movies of 2010:

1) Black Swan- I’ve seen this film twice and will probably see it again. There is so much to appreciate about this film…first and foremost the performance of Natalie Portman. Her transformation from white swan to black is breathtaking and should earn her an Oscar. Aronofsky masterfully blends the story of Nina with the actual story of Swan Lake.

2) Biutiful- Watching this film is like a kick to the gut. It leaves you breathless, then a little numb and the emotional wallop lingers for days. Javier Bardem is also my pick for an Oscar. He is so convincing that I found myself slipping into his character while I watched this film.

3) Inception- Rarely if ever have I been treated to such a cerebral joy ride. This movie is like crack for your brain. A strong story, great acting, visuals that left me wide eyed and a great ending had me buying a ticket to see it again two days later…..the second viewing certainly helped piece together what I missed the first time.

4) 127 Hours- Give Danny Boyle credit! He has made a visceral, harrowing film from a story most of us are going to be familiar with before we even walk in the theater. Yet my attention never wavered and James Franco deserves the rest of the credit for that. There is something immeasurably watchable about him.

5) Winter’s Bone- After watching this film I can honestly say that I hope to never find myself trapped in the Ozarks. Jennifer Lawrence is a revelation. This really is a simple story but told with such harsh and effective minimalism. This is a violent movie but the brilliance of it is that it is all implied….always lingering on the periphery, ready to spring any moment.

Honorable mentions…….the fighter, the kings speech, rabbit hole, shutter island, the crazies

Look for more best of lists in the next few days!

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