The Best of 2010...

2010 has been an interesting year in filmmaking. With a dead summer and an overwhelming fall, there have been many ups and downs in Hollywood. Here is what I found to be the best of film this year.

The Fighter

Mark Wahlberg stars in and produces one of the most moving sports biopics of all time. The Fighter tells the wonderful true story of boxer Micky Ward and his struggles for success. The film also includes incredible performances from Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams.

Inception

Director Christopher Nolan once again gives us a twisted and complex story and fantastical world in Inception. Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt star in the action filled head-trip that was by far this summer’s best film.

Blue Valentine

Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams captivated audiences in one of the heaviest romances of all time. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Blue Valentine tells the heartbreaking story of a bittersweet failure of a relationship.

The Trotzky

Jay Baruchel stars in this Canadian film about a 17 year old kid who believes he is the reincarnation of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotzky. Jacob Tierney’s The Trotzky is entirely hilarious and Baruchel gives a remarkable performance as a precocious psycho.

127 Hours

Director Danny Boyle takes on the unbearable true story of mountain climber and canyoneer, Aron Ralston who had to make an impossible decision to save his life when a boulder landed on his arm and got him stuck in a crevice. James Franco is brilliant as Ralston and Boyle takes you through an emotional roller coaster that makes you question what you would do in that fatal situation.

Tangled

Disney’s newest princess musical, Tangled warmed hearts of many this winter. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi voice characters in this joyful, funny adaptation of Rapunzel. This soon to be classic features many catchy songs played throughout the lovable story.

The Social Network

From Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin comes the phenomenal true story of the creation and creators of Facebook. The Social Network was directed by David Fincher and includes numerous magnificent performances from everyone in the cast including Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg himself.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Michael Cera stars in the hilarious adaptation of Mike O’Malley’s graphic novels about a guy who has to defeat his girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to go out with her. Taking place in Toronto, the film has many Canadian jokes and includes a lot of faithful scenery and locations. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World also has a highly amusing group of ensemble actors such as Kieran Culkin, Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick.

The King’s Speech

Screenwriter David Seidler tells the magnificent true story of King George VI of England who had to overcome his troubling speech impediment to lead his country through World War II. The King’s Speech is wonderfully charming and is the most heartwarming film of the year with marvelous performances from Colin Firth as King George VI, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and many more.

Barney’s Version

Richard J. Lewis delivers an incredible adaptation of Mordechai Richler’s classic. Barney’s Version encapsulates the same Jewish Canadian feel of the novel while making interesting changes so the film will appeal to a global audience. Paul Giamatti is fantastic as the iconic schmuck, Barney Panofsky.

How To Train Your Dragon

Mentioned for the second time on this list, Jay Baruchel lends his voice to an endearing children’s story about a young teen named Hiccup living in a town of Vikings in Scotland. How To Train Your Dragon is touching, funny and quite surprising as one of the most enjoyful films of the year.

Black Swan

Natalie Portman stars in Darren Arronofsky’s wicked sexual thriller that takes place in the stressful ballet world of New York City. Black Swan mirrors the story of Swan Lake where an innocent girl is taken over by the evil version of herself. This movie is artistically beautiful, spine-chillingly scary, and one hell of a mind trip.

The Town

 The second film directed by Ben Affleck takes place in the bank robbing capital of the world, Charlestown, Boston. The Town is an exceptional crime thriller with a phenomenal cast including Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall and Affleck who made a real comeback with this film.