ALMOST OBSCURE-A Cinematic Journal: Top 10 Films of 2010

Now that I have finally gotten the opportunity to see James Franco's amazing 127 Hours, I can now create my 2010 Top 10 movies list. There were times when it felt like I was pulling teeth desperately trying to find an entertaining movie during this last year. However, as the year closed more films of a higher quality began slowly making their presence known, and I can honestly say that I truly feel these movies are the best of the best for the year. So here we go, finally.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2010

Winter's Bone- Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, Winter's Bone has two amazing Academy award nominated performances from Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes. Gripping, frightening & hauntingly beautiful, no film stood out more in 2010 then Winter's Bone.
Inception- Christopher Nolan's Sci-Fi thriller masterpiece; no film in 2010 better combined big time action with an original captivating storyline and stunning visuals more then Inception. It's a travesty that Nolan did not receive a Best Director nomination from the Academy.
127 Hours- Based on a true story, James Franco gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Aron Ralston, a hiker who is forced to cut his arm off just below the elbow in order to save his own life. The follow-up film for director Danny Boyle after his 2008 Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours is truly a visual masterpiece and an awe-inspiring story that deserves to be seen.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo- This Swedish mystery thriller was the biggest surprise film of 2010. The first of the Stieg Larsson trilogy, Dragon Tattoo introduced us to one of the most mysterious and complex cinematic characters of the last decade, Lisbeth Salander played masterfully by Noomi Rapace. Dark and thrilling, Dragon Tattoo grabs a hold of you from the opening scene and never lets go.
Black Swan- Darren Aronofsky's ballet psychological thriller, Black Swan shows a frightening and hypnotic look into the mental breakdown of a performer under the highest of stress. Natalie Portman's exceptional performance already garnished her a Best Actress Golden Globe, and is currently the front-runner for the Academy Award that will be announced later this month.
Get Low- Set in 1930's rural Tennessee, Get Low tells the story of a social hermit who decides he wants to have a living funeral service. A story of regret and redemption, Get Low is highlighted by wonderful performances from acting greats Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and especially Robert Duvall, who easily deserved an Academy award nomination for his celebrated portrayal of cantankerous recluse Felix Bush.
The Kids Are All Right- When the two children of lesbian a couple become curious about their biological father, an anonymous sperm donor, this happy little family gets turned upside down. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore give memorable performances in this unconventional yet amazingly warm family drama.
The Social Network- The mostly factual story about the creation of the gigantically popular social website Facebook. Fast paced and edgy, director David Fincher constructed a film that best encapsulates the creation of the new 21^st century social landscape. The Social Network is currently the front-runner for the Best Picture Oscar.
The King's Speech- Set during the years just before WWII, Colin Firth plays Prince Albert, Duke of York, the eventual King of England who receives help from an unexpected commoner to overcome the stammer that had plagued him for most of his life. Majestic visuals and outstanding performances from Firth and Geoffrey Rush make this a film worthy of the praise that has been bestowed upon it.
The Town- Starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner & Rebecca Hall, The Town tells the story of childhood friends who form a robbery crew. Co-written & directed by Affleck, this Boston crime drama wallops an intense punch.