YEAR 2010 WASN’T NECESSARILY GREAT FOR FILMS, BUT SATISFACTORY. By Crystal Booker
KANSAS CITY, Mo – 2010 was not the year in films. However, there were some films that did stand out. Each Movie Critic’s top 10 list is going to be different, mainly because these lists are based on their own personal opinions. Coming up is my ‘Top 10′ list of the best films from 2010 along with my reasons for liking the film.
1. Inception - I chose this as my number one film of 2010 because it has action, a great screen play, brilliant director and a great cast. The story grabs you from the first scene and doesn’t let you go until the end. It is thrilling and amazing to watch Leonardo Di Caprio navigate his way through this mind maze. If you haven’t seen Inception then do yourself a favor and see this movie!
2. Social Network – This is the story of Mark Zuckerberg played by Jesse Eisenberg, who is one of the founders of Face Book. This film chronicles his creation of the site and the events that took place afterwards. The cast delivers good performances and the story is very interesting. It gives us hope that money can be made on line. All you need is an idea and the skills to pull it off.
3. True Grit – John Wayne would be proud of Jeff Bridges portrayal of Rooster Cogburn, which was originally played by John Wayne in the 60’s version of True Grit. With actors like Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon you can’t go wrong. This version stays true to the original with a few exceptions, but there is no dispute that this is a good movie. If you like Westerns you will like this movie.
4. The King’s Speech – Colin Firth does a spectacular job as Prince Albert known to us a King Henry VII. Jeffery Rush also delivers a good performance. This film tells the story of the life of Prince Albert, who had a stammering problem and how he prepares to give one of the most important speeches of his life. It really shows how the life of the monarchy is not a pretty one.
5. Green Zone - This was a powerful movie. Matt Damon delivers a wonderful performance in his portrayal of a soldier in Iraq. This film is wrought with action, but also delivers a powerful message. “The reasons we go to war do matter!”
6. Takers – With an all-star cast consisting of Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, Chris Brown, T.I, Paul Walker just to name a few you can’t go wrong. This film has action along with a good screen play. It will have you guessing until the end. It’s about a group of men that take for a living. It’s definitely a must see!
7. Eat Pray Love - Julia Roberts shines in this role based on the real life adventures of her character. This movie is very enlightening and great for wellness of the mind, body and spirit.
8. Hereafter – Clint Eastwood has done it again as he attempts to answer the question of life after death. Matt Damon delivers a brilliant performance as a psychic who really doesn’t want to be a psychic. The special effects in this film will sweep you away. The tsunami scene is breath taking. Definitely a must see!
9. Toy Story 3 – This is the perfect ending to the Toy Story series. It’s 15 years later and the original cast reunites for one final adventure. Tom Hanks returns as Woody and Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear. It is a heartwarming story and a great way to say goodbye to the characters.
10. Unstoppable - Denzel Washington and Chris Pine star in this film based on a true story of a conductor and an engineer who save a town from the chaos of a train crash. It’s full of excitement and it’s thrilling to watch.
So, there you have it: My Top 10 of 2010. Let’s hope 2011 will be the year in film!
Happy New Year to you all!
And I’ll see you at the movies.
Crystal Booker, a distinguished member of the Kansas City Film Critic’s Circle, is the movie critic of Kansas City’s Magic 107.3 FM. She is also a contributing writer to I Love Black Movies.com. To view her movie reviews, click here. For the latest reports and celebrity interviews, check out “Crystal on the Scene.” She welcomes both your questions and comments at cbooker@massappealnews.com
