The Top 5 Films of 2010 (So Far)

I realize it’s a bit past the halfway point of the year, and there are still plenty of films I haven’t seen yet, but based on what I have seen, here are my picks for best of the year (so far):

5. Inception – No matter what your thoughts are about the film, Christopher Nolan’s latest has at least been something worth discussing in this disappointing summer movie season. Its stunning visuals and inventive sequences (Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s anti-gravity fight scene stands out) help create an entertaining heist film. The dream sequences could have been a bit more inventive, and there was probably a bit too much exposition in the first half, but despite its flaws, Inception remains one of the highlights of the year so far.

4. Exit Through the Gift Shop – Street artist Banksy’s debut film is a playful, highly entertaining documentary about artists, wannabe artists, the nature of art and how we react to art. It’s also funny as hell. (see my review here)

3. Toy Story 3 – Pixar has been on a bit of hot streak lately (you could also make the argument that they’ve never made a bad film). Toy Story 3 continues with the adventures of Woody, Buzz and co., and it definitely holds its own with the first two films. The second half plays as a nice homage to prison escape films of the past (The Great Escape, Cool Hand Luke) while also keeping the wit and humor of the series. It also has two of the most effective scenes in recent memory in terms of emotional impact near the end of the film. You’ll know them when you see them.

2. Winter’s Bone – Based on Daniel Woodrell’s novel, this film noir via Ozark adventure is one of the most gripping films you’ll see all year. Jennifer Lawrence gives an excellent performance as the teenage heroine, and John Hawkes gives one of the best performances of his career as the heroine’s intimidating uncle. The atmosphere in the backwoods of Missouri is like a character unto itself, always in the background like an ominous force.

1. A Prophet (Un prophète) – Technically released in 2009 in France (and nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in last year’s Oscars), this film didn’t get a stateside release until this yearr. The ambitious film is an instant classic in the gangster genre, all told through the viewpoint of the lead character primarily within the confines of a French prison. His rise to power can be seen as reminiscent of Scarface, but the film never gets as campy as that film not glorifies the lifestyle, instead presenting it in a much more harrowing manner. Tahar Rahim gives an outstanding performance in the lead role, and he effortlessly shows the character's rise within the prison ranks from scared newcome to head boss.

Honorable mentions: “June 17, 1994” (part of ESPN’s “30 For 30” series), Greenberg, Best Worst Movie (also a 2009 film via festival circuit), Shutter Island, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Many more films to see this year, many more reviews to write (and catch up on). Stay tuned.