Top Ten Best Films of 2010 (Part II)

The second of my top ten best films of 2010 lists. Part I is found here.

Top Ten Best Films of 2010 I've Seen

(Note: As always, this is in no particular order)

# 10 - Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham is a street style photographer for the New York Times. He's been photographing New Yorkers wearing beautiful clothes for decades, even before the likes of Jak and Jil and The Sartorialist came into the scene. This film is a documentary that follows one of the greatest photographers of our time - his humility as a person and the surprisingly simple life he lives (considering he works for the fashion industry) makes him all the more astonishing. At times it gets intensely (sometimes uncomfortably) personal. Read my review here.

# 9 - If I want to whistle, I whistle

This a Romanian film about a teenage prisoner who falls in love with an intern who works at the detention center. I see this less as a love story and more of a character study. Recalls the rebelliousness of Holden Caulfield from the Salinger novel and Antoine Doinel from The 400 Blows. 

# 8 - Toy Story 3

Pixar hits yet another home run with the closing film of the franchise that started it all.

# 7 - Winter's Bone

Jennifer Lawrence gives an exceptional performance as a sister (and sometimes as a mother) to her siblings as she searches for her drug-dealing father in order to keep the house they reside in. Set in the Ozark Mountains, the film presents a world so grounded in gritty realism and sincerity - the stark sense of place makes it feel as if one is seeing a dystopia, a post-apocalyptic world not much different from McCarthy's imagined world in his novel The Road. When I walked out into the glittery Sydney harbour after a Sydney Film Festival screening of the film, I remember looking up into the sky and contemplating how lucky I was to not have to endure the hell someone from the other side of the world probably has to. Sounds mawkish, I know. But some films do that to you.

# 6 - Inception

The only summer blockbuster movie released this year that I actually liked. Has the best fight scene of the year. Saw it twice on the big screen as a desperate antidote for the other poisonous blockbusters.

# 5 - The Kids Are Alright

The first half of the film was brilliant, the following half found its characters too close to the stereotypes they were meant to be discrediting. But the film gave us great performances from the actors and it's heartening to see stories like these put out there.

# 4 - Hesher

Reminds me of Zusak's novel The Book Thief in that Death is represented as more than a force in a tragic story. In that book, Death acts as the narrator for a story set in the Holocaust. In Hesher, Death becomes a physical presence, as characterised by Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character, in a young boy's grief story. Despite the depressing theme, the film does bring out plenty of laughter as it creates this really interesting buddy movie between the boy and Hesher (Death),. The more they bond, the more the boy accepts the idea of death, and consequently the grieving becomes less painful. 

# 3 - I Am Love

I will never look at a plate of prawns the same way again. Makes the culinary so erotic and sensual. Also the always mesmerising Tilda Swinton brings yet another interesting performance.

# 2 - The Social Network

Who doesn't have this on their list? I don't really know what else to say about this film because everything about it has been pretty much said. I don't think this film defined the Facebook generation as other people have stated, but it's a good start.

# 1 - Animal Kingdom

In my eyes this film is already an Australian classic. I'm so glad Jacki Weaver is creating buzz and picking up nominations for her performance. She walked past me at the Sydney premiere (OMG!OMG!OMG!). Read my review here.


Well that's all folks. Let's see what 2011 brings us. Happy watching.


Image Credits (Originals have been resized): BCNY, IIWTWIW, TS3, WBone, Inception, TKAA, Hesher, IAL, TSN, AKingdom

Top Ten Best Films of 2010 (Part I)

It's that time of the year again. Top ten lists are appearing everywhere. I have to say, this year in particular was the hardest list I had to compile, not because there were too many films to choose from but too few. It has not been a very good year at the movies, so many disappointments, and nothing really surprised me. There's just a couple in my list that I'm really passionate about and the rest just made it in because they were well-made films.

Also, I did not watch a lot of new releases in the past year. I did a lot of catch-up with films I haven't seen yet, and basically just trying to revisit my filmic blind spots. I saw more classics and past releases than newly released films, so it's mostly been DVDs, Criterions and cinematheque for me this year. So, instead of making one top ten list I'm going to compile two. A Top Ten Best Films of 2010 I've Seen and a Top Ten Best Films of 2010 I Haven't Seen (films I know would have made it on my list had I seen it, on the basis of critical reception, trailers and general buzz surrounding the films). Let's start with the latter:

Top Ten Best Films of 2010 I Haven't Seen

(Note: As usual my lists are not in any particular order)

# 10 - Enter The Void

This film looks insane. I'm all about the visuals, and this film looks like a feast for the eyes.

# 9 - Never Let Me Go

I read Kazuo Ishiguro's novel a couple of months ago and I have not read a better book since. The story of these three characters emotionally captured me to the point that it was heartbreaking. I'm hoping the film manages to captivate me with this truly melancholic story.

# 8 - 127 Hours

This looks like James Franco best performance to date and he would have to make it up to me after the disappointing Howl. Plus, Danny Boyle will also have to make it up for me after the abomination that was Slumdog Millionaire. 

# 7 - The King's Speech

Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter look like they poured their hearts out for their characters. Is that the Oscar bell that's ringing?

# 6 - Mother

I enjoyed The Host so much and I'm a huge fan of this director. 

# 5 - Black Swan

I've always had a thing for Natalie Portman, I've loved her in all her movies I've seen and critics are calling this her best performance to date -  a must-see. Darren Aronofsky in the director's chair? Not that's a combination set to ignite (to quote Katy Perry) "like a firework". (Apologies - midway through that sentence the chorus to Fireworks started to play in my head)

# 4 - Dogtooth

It's like Haneke and Von Trier had a baby out of wedlock. I've seen the first twenty minutes of the film and it's bat-shit crazy.

# 3 - Exit Through The Gift Shop

I missed this at the Sydney Film Festival (damn you early bookers!) and I missed it on its theatrical release (damn you sole arthouse cinema playing the film whose premises I would need two buses and a twenty minute   walk in order to reach!)

# 2 - True Grit

The Coen brothers always appears on my yearly list and this one looks like it could be an absolute stunner

# 1 - Blue Valentine

Two of my favourite actors starring head-to-head in a film that's being described as an unbearably realistic portrayal of a marriage? Yes please.

Image Credits (Originals have been cropped and resized): ETV, NLMG, 127H, TKS, Mother, BSwan, DTooth, ETTGS, TGrit, BValentine

TOP TEN: Movies or TV shows that make me hungry

NOTE: NOT IN PARTICULAR ORDER


#10: Turkish Delight/Hot Chocolate scene in Narnia.
I would never have tried turkish delight if it wasn't for this scene. It looked so perfect and delicious.


#9: Ratatouille
Even in CGI, the food in this movie is so mouth-watering. I actually like to eat dinner while watching this movie as it makes any food taste better.


#8: No Reservations
I couldn't wait to get out of the theatre when I saw this film. Because my stomach was grumbling like crazy. It was borderline culinary pornography.


#7: Chocolat
How come I don't have any chocolate shops around my area that is as good as the one in this film??


#6: Mad Men Lunch Scene
I don't know why but this scene made me crave for a sandwich real bad. It's one of the early episodes in season one where Peggy was bought lunch from the cart and the sandwich was wrapped in waxpaper. It looked so tasty.


#5: Pulp Fiction. The Big Kahuna Burger
I don't think I need to explain this. This scene made everyone crave for a cheese burger and had me frantically search for a place that sold Big Kahunas.


#4: Super Size Me
Ok, I know this documentary's intentions were to put people off McDonalds. Unfortunately it did the opposite to me. I ran out of the house and bought myself a Big Mac.


#3: Sex and the City Magnolia bakery scene or any SATC epsiode
This scene made everyone crave for cupcakes, so much so that the actual bakery has become immensely popular. Why are they always eating in this show? And they're always at some fancy New York restaurant. It's not fair.


#2: Matilda
Miss Turnbull's chocolate box, chocolate cake scene and TV dinner scene


#1: Hell's Kitchen
Everytime they mention the word risotto, I panic.


Image credit

THE TOP TEN: My most anticipated films of 2009

NOTE: Again, this is not in particular order.

#10: Where the wild things are

I've never read the book but the trailer looks fantastic. After Pan's Labyrinth, I'm all in for storybook tale movies with a dark twist. Plus Spike Jonze is directing, who am I to resist?

TRAILER:

#9: Bruno

I just recently re-watched Sacha Baron Cohen's previous film, Borat and it reminded me how groundbreaking this comedian really is. Daring, risky and shocking. In a good way. His name alone will secure a seat for me in the theatre and judging from the trailer, it's going to be hilarious.

Do yourself a favour and see this on the big screen. Comedies like Borat are best seen with a group of people in a dimly lit room. Trust me.

#8: Up

The yearly Pixar release is always going to make it to my anticipated films list of any year. You don't understand how much of a fan I am of Pixar. I love their work and I love what they do with their movies. They're the only ones who seem to be able to produce movies that are artistic masterpieces but at the same time make it marketable to mainstream audiences. They don't seem to fail and I don't see why they're going to fail with this next one. A sure-to-be instant hit.
According to test screenings at a certain film festival (forgot what it was called. BNAT-? i think. Google it), Up seems to be receiving a positive buzz even in its rough version.
Oh and did I mention that it's being screened on 3D? CAN'T WAIT!

TRAILER:


#7: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

I'm not usually a big fan of action films. This is because in most films, I see the same car chase sequence over and over again, with few variations. So most of the time I just get bored with it. But there's something about Michael Bay films that make me jittery on my seat. I love films that are pushing their over-the-topness, without actually going full blown OTT.
Transformers was one of these films. I have never been so ecstatic in a movie theatre, ever. I was practically high on adrenaline. Hopefully, this does not fall short of it predecessor.

#6: Angels and Demons

Yes, I read the book. Kept me awake at night for about a week, I couldn't stop reading it. When I finally forced myself to turn off the lights and go to bed, I just stared at the book in the dark, and it teased me. Then I would give in and start reading it again. Now imagine that kind of willingness to see (or read) a story progress and have that translated on screen. BOOM. You have Angels and Demons.

#5: Inglorious Basterds (no it's not a typo, that's just how Tarantino likes it spelt)

Tarantino. Enough said. No, I'm not a pretentious fan. He's just a bloody fantastic filmmaker.

TRAILER:


#4: Julie and Julia

Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Those two names alone will have me rushing down to the theatre. Oh. It's a film about cooking. Perfect. I have this thing with films and shows about food. You know, movies like No Reservation and Ratatouille. TV shows like Hell's Kitchen and Masterchef. There's something so delicious about them. I actually like eating dinner while watching them, it's weirdly satisfying.

#3: The Fantastic Mr Fox

Another movie movie adapted from a beloved novel. And with big names attached to it like Cate Blanchett, George Clooney and Bill Murray. No, this movie must not be skipped.

#2: Shutter Island

A definite Oscar contender. There's just so much talent involved with this film, this just had to be on this list. You can't really go wrong with Scorcese, I mean The Departed is going to remain as one of my most loved films. Let this be the next one.

#1: Moon

Independent and sci-fi usually don't go hand in hand when you're talking about films. But apparently this succeeds spectacularly. The new Sam Rockwell film screened in various film festivals, including Tribeca and is generating quite a buzz. Can't wait until it's released theatrically.

THE TOP TEN: Songs with the randomest lyrics

NOTE: These are not in order. I suck at ranking things.

#10: "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers


..somebody told me that you have a boyfriend, who looked like my girlfriend that I had in February from last year..

WTF?? This cracked me up when I was listening to it in the bus. I LOLed and people around me were giving me weird looks.


#9: "Don't Trust Me" by 3OH!3


..tell ur boyfriend, if he says he's got beef. That I'm a vegeterian and I ain't fucking scared of him..

If someone picks a fight with me, and I'm intoxicated out of my mind. I would so use this line.


#8: "Family Reunion" by Blink-182


..shit piss fuck cunt cocksucker motherfucker tits fart turd and twat..(repeats 4 times and finishes with a hilarious ending)

Hmm.. I wonder what their inspiration was for this song. This is beautiful, exquisite piece of songwriting. This song got stuck in my head for a whole month and unconsciously started singing it in an elevator. I got those weird looks again.


#7: "Fuck you very much" by Lily Allen


..fuck you, fuck you very very much cause we hate what you do and we hate your whole crew so please don’t stay in touch..


Hate much?? I've never seen so much hate in lyrics since Frankee's infamous FURB song. But I'm in love with this. The way she sings it make me LOL too.


#6: "Fucking Bitch" by Diva Avari


..fucking bitch, fucking bitch, fucking bitch, you goddamn fucking bitch. Bitch. BUNCH OF FUCKING BITCHES!!..


Umm ok. More hate. Do people need a hug or something? I heard a remix of this song in a club and it's perfect! Everyone (including myself) were yelling fucking bitch at each other while dancing like maniacs. Funniest night ever.


#5: "Anyone else but you" by The Moldy Peaches


..You're a part time lover and a full time friend. The monkey on you're back is the latest trend. I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else. But you. I kiss you on the brain in the shadow of a train. I kiss you all starry eyed, my body's swinging from side to side..

Finally something warm and gentle. I just wanna sing this at my wedding, it's so cute. And people are going to be wondering wtf we're singing about. Perfect! More of those weird looks again.


#4: "Bazooka Bubble Gum Song" by Bazooka Joe


..My mom, she gave me a dollar she told me to buy a collar. But i didn't buy no collar. Instead I bought some Bubble Gum, Bazooka, zooka Bubble Gum..


OOohhh. Rebellion. I love it.


#3: "Loose Lips" by Kimya Dawson


..loose lips might sink ships but loose kisses take trip to San Francisco double dutch disco tech tv hottie do it for scotty. Do it for the living do it for the dead do it for the monsters under your bed do it for the teenages and do it for your mum..


Huh?


And it goes on:


..and if you wanna kill yourself remember that I love you, call me up before you're dead we can make some plans instead. Send me an IM, I'll be your friend..


Oh ok. Nice to know there's support. I memorised the lyrics for this song. Took me a while.


#2: "Let the drummer kick" by Citizen Cope


..Let the drummer kick, Let the drummer kick Relations Creation Incarceration Determination Equation Humiliation Reincarnation Situation Elation..


And it goes on reciting other words ending with a -tion. Hmm writer's block? Oh! Look a dictionary that could help!


#1: "Naughty Girl" by Mr G (Chris Lilley)


..Ecstasy, ecstasy. E-e-e-e-ecstasy. She's a naughty girl with a bad habit, bad habit for drugs..She's a slut and she knows it. She wants to root all the boys. She can't help taking the drugs on a Saturday night. She can't help being a slut on a Saturday night...


Summer Heights High. Funniest show ever.