Cinema Freaks Presents: The Observer's Top Ten Movies of 2010

Well, it is the end of year and everyone movie reviewer is revealing their favorite films from the last twelve months. So...I am going to do the same thing. The usually rules apply: these are my own opinions, not anyone else's, and I have not seen every film that come out this year, including ones that were really popular and/or have gotten a lot of praise, so try not to get worked up if some of them are not on here. That being said, here is my list:

1. Shutter Island - Another winner from Martin Scorsese as this thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio examines the dark side of human nature and the paranoia that comes when begin to question your very sanity.

2. Kick-Ass - A different kind of superhero movie, it combines action, hilarity, humanity, and Nicolas Cage to make itself one of the genre's best. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-kick-ass-2010.html)

3. Inception - There is nothing that I can say about this film that has not already been said. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-inception-2010.html)

4. The Book of Eli - A powerful post-apocalyptic drama starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman that has both action and a great story about the struggles of maintaining one's faith while defending it against those who wish to exploit it for evil purposes.

5. The Ghost Writer - Whatever you think of Roman Polanski as a person, there is no denying that he is a fabulous filmmaker, as can be seen in this "Chinatown"-like thriller with great acting and sharp dialogue.

6. True Grit - The Coen Brother's take one of John Wayne's most famous movies and make it better with and their trademark humor and good storytelling. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/12/true-grit-2010.html)

7. Winter's Bone - The story of a girl living in a dangerous town in rural Missouri takes a number of dangerous turns in this low-budget but well-acted and disturbing picture.

8. Machete - Robert Rodriguez's violent revenge flick with a large cast and even larger laughs.

9. The Expendables - A good-old fashion action film from Sylvester Stallone with lots of action, humor, and special cameos that will surely entertain. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-theater-experience-with-expendables.html)

10. Hereafter - Clint Eastwood proves once again to be a master director as he takes a glimpse into the afterlife in this though provoking film with excellent performances by Matt Damon and others. (http://docuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-hereafter-2010.html)

Feel free to leave questions, comments, death threats, etc. in the comments selection below. Have a Happy New Year.