Best Of 2010: Eddie Fleisher

EDDIE FLEISHER'S BEST FILMS OF 2010

Please note this list is based on movies I've actually seen this year. There are some that I haven't gotten to, and I may regret not having them on my year end list once I do see them. It's always a work in progress, though. Also, I didn't do a list of the worst movies of the year. It was my New Year's resolution last year to try and be positive, so I'm not gonna focus on the crap. We all know there were plenty of movies that sucked this year, we don't need to be reminded of them.

1. TOGETHER - A really powerful and emotional Norwegian movie about coping with the loss of a loved one. The amount of times I cried during this film is totally embarrassing. Bring tissues.
2. CRAZY HEART - Jeff Bridges proved there's more to him than The Dude. His portrayal of a washed up country musician who gets a sec ond chance was terrific, thanks also to a great script, and stellar songs from Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett.
3. NEVER LET ME GO - A really inventive science-fiction drama based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The cinematography is lovely, and Carey Mulligan is charming, as always. This movie really has a unique vibe to it, that's hard to explain in words - it's better to experience it for yourself.
4. SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD - While the year end lists are usually crammed with heavy films that make some sort of social commentary, SCOTT PILGRIM is anything but. I mean, it's pretty ridiculous, actually. But, it's so darn fun! Sometimes, that means everything.
5. INCEPTION - Everyone loved this movie - it was truly the best of both worlds. It had your mind working overtime, but was still jammed full of awesome special fx and explosions. Plus, while Leo might have been the main attraction, the rest of the cast was fantastic too (especially Joseph Gordon-Levitt).
6. THE FIGHTER - This one came out of nowhere. A boxing movie? We've seen this before, right? Wrong. This one stands tall as one of the best sports movies of recent years. Christian Bale loses himself in his role, and Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams are great, as well.
7. CYRUS - A truly endearing dramedy starring John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, and Marisa Tomei. The quirky story grows on you, and in the end, you find yourself truly invested in the character's lives. It's too bad this one didn't make a bigger splash at the box office - completely underrated.
8. GET LOW - A dark comedy/drama based on the legend about a 1930's Tennessean hermit who threw himself a funeral party while still alive. Robert Duvall proves he just gets better with age, and Bill Murray cuts the tension with some awkward humor.
9. SHUTTER ISLAND - Is it really happening? Is he crazy? What's going on? Scorsese delivers an epic film that will keep you on the edge of your seat with curiosity. It's highly entertaining, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo are excellent.
10. BLACK SWAN - A really creepy movie that holds two of the year's best performances from Natalie Portman (wow!) and Barbara Hershey. Darren Aronofsky once again invades your brain, leaving you completely confused for days. Sure, it's a bit over the top, but there's something charming about it's absurdity.

Runner Ups: THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, PIRAHNA 3-D, SAW VII 3-D, TRON: LEGACY, CONVICTION, THE EXTRA MAN, FAIR GAME

BEST DOCUMENTARIES OF 2010

1. FORGETTING DAD - A terrific documentary about a father who supposedly loses his memory, forgetting his life and family, after an accident. His son, and others (including doctors), think he's made it up in order to start a new life. Truly fascinating, and the raw emotions displayed are sure to get to your heart.
   
2. EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP - While everyone was busy talking about Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck's hoax in I'M STILL HERE, the real mind trickery was happening in this faux documentary from acclaimed street artist Banksy. A really entertaining film with a message about art vs. commerce. Of course, Banksy still claims it was all completely true...
   
3. BEST WORST MOVIE - Who knew a documentary about a low budget, laughable horror movie (TROLL 2) and the failed careers of it's actors and directors could be so interesting and endearing? BEST WORST MOVIE is really about people's hopes and dreams, and how it affects their lives when they do or don't pan out. It's also about being appreciated, even if it's just on a small scale.

Runner Up: DISCO & ATOMIC WAR