Why So Blu?

Gerard’s Top 10 Films of 2010

I’ve given you my Top 10 Blu-rays of 2010, now it’s time for my Top 10 list of films of 2010.  Again, I did not see every film this year, and some that are currently playing will not be watched until after the new year.  If you don’t see something that should be there, it’s because I probably did not see it or think it deserves to be on the list.  2010 was very diverse and had something for everybody.  Without further ado, I give you my top 10 films of 2010.  Enjoy!

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10. Daybreakers – In what can be a mash up of two of my very favorite films around: Gattaca and Blade 2; Daybreakers satisfied my vampire tooth this year by being fun, smart, and actually having a very decent story.  Daybreakers used very minimal CGI and relied heavily on traditional special effects make-ups provided by Weta Workshop.  The film stars Ethan Hawke, Sam Neil, and Willem Dafoe.  Daybreakers was on the shelf for almost two years and that’s never a good sign for a film.  I later found out that the reason why it was shelved for that long was due to Ethan Hawke’s character’s name of…wait for it…EDWARD.  That’s right, folks.  And you all know which other hero “vampire” has the same name, right?  I scoff in your general direction.  I hate when politics and poor marketing skills get involved in the distribution of film.  Daybreakers deserves justice and everyone should check it out.

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9. Shutter Island – Martin Scorsese directing horror?  I’m in!  Teaming up once again with one of his favorite actors: Leonardo DiCaprio.  The duo teamed up to bring us a psychological brain tease of a film.  The special effects and cinematography were top notch and evoked a sense of dread in every frame.  It’s ironic, though, I have Shutter Island on my list, but have not gotten around to getting the blu-ray disc yet.  I better get on that!

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8. Tron: Legacy – Was there any doubt that this sequel to 1982’s Tron would not have a story as cutting edge as its visuals?  No, so why fight it.  Embrace the visuals and embrace Daft Punk’s music score.  In fact, Tron: Legacy can be considered this year’s Avatar. I have no problem with that label.  I’m almost certain that the blu-ray for Tron: Legacy will be on my top 10 blu-ray list next year.

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7. Predators – Leave it to my favorite Mexican director Robert Rodriguez to come in and take my favorite alien hunter and fix the wrong that was committed in previous franchise entries.  Sure, the film will not win any awards for best thespians, but it sure is a lot of fun!  That’s all that matters.

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6. The Book of Eli – I’ve come to the realization that The Book of Eli is about as close to a live action Fallout 3 film we are ever going to get.  I can accept that.  From some of the similar story arcs, to some of the very exact shots of rockets flying through the air, The Hughes Brothers deliver big on action, story, and entertainment.  The cast rocks, and it’s a bloody good time.

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5. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Being an Oliver Stone fan, I can see how some of his audiences will always be mixed, but this sequel to his classic Wall Street is up there in terms of following through with some familiar characters and their stories.  Twenty two years later, greed never looked so good.

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4. Machete – “They f##### with the wrong Mexican!”  On that alone Machete deserves to be on my list for the best films of the year.  Once again, the hardest working Mexican director in Hollywood, Robert Rodriguez; brings us Machete. In Danny Trejo’s first leading role, and with an all star cast, Machete delivers the goods.

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3. The Social Network – Who wouldn’t have been interested in seeing the inner workings of the uber geek that created Facebook?  Who wouldn’t have wanted to see David Fincher’s latest film?  What could have been a disaster in the hands of lesser talent, The Social Network presented a cut-throat world of deals, back-stabbings, money, excess, all in a very entertaining and not boring way.

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2. The American – One of the most polarizing films of the year, The American, was either loved or hated by the general public.  I’m in the first group.  The film can be described as a “slow burn” film.  You will spend lots of time with a solitary character who may or may not speak much or do much.  You will also take in some breathtaking scenery.  The American is a very esoteric view in the life of an assassin, and I totally appreciated that particular point of view.

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1. Inception – After the first half hour of the film, I’d already made up my mind that Inception would be my top film of 2010.  Christopher Nolan can do no wrong, in my opinion.  All of his films dare the audience to actually think.  Some people don’t want to think while watching a film and that’s pretty sad.  I’m glad Christopher Nolan is around to create thought provoking entertainment.  He gets it.

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*As was previously mentioned, I have not seen every film that was released in theaters in 2010.  Some of the these films include: Black Swan, and True Grit. Here’s hoping that 2011 keeps it going with more quality entertainment.