2010 - Part 4 of 4
It was early on in 2010 that I realized my obsession with movies. That summer I was begging Matt to take me to a movie pretty much every weekend. That didn’t happen too often, though. After admission for 2 and snacks we almost spend a days pay just to satisfy my desire to sit in a cold dark theatre and be in awe of the magic of movies. There are still several movies that were released last year that I have yet to see. All Good Things, Blue Valentine, and Creation come to mind. I know there is at least a dozen more. Movies that didn’t make my 2010 list include Shrek Forever After and Twilight: New Moon. Not because I didn’t love them. They are great movies, but because I had an odd number (37) of favorites from this year I had to narrow it down to an even (well, really odd) 35. You know what I mean, right? No one makes a list of their 37 favorite anything. Come to think of it they probably don’t make a list of 35 either. It’s usually 25…or 50…but anyway. I chose to remove these 2 because their predecessors were on previous lists listed as “series”…implying that love each and every one of them. So, I hope you enjoyed (or will enjoy) these 35 as much as I did.
127 Hours – Matt refused to see this movie...he has a weak stomach. So I watched it with my sister and brother-in-law one weekend. It was amazing…and gross…but only for a few minutes. I would have definitely died if I were in that situation.
Alice in Wonderland – Matt and I saw this in the theatre in 3D. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I was unquestionably transported to Wonderland that night. It was mesmerizing.
Avatar – Matt and I waiting a long time after this was out on video to watch it. I wasn’t sure if it was something that either of us would enjoy. I was wrong. It was rather enjoyable to watch. James Cameron rarely disappoints me.
Black Swan – Oh my! Natalie Portman absolutely deserved the Oscar for this performance. It was unnerving and eerie. It was phenomenal.
Brooklyn's Finest – This movie drew me in from the first minute. It is kind of your typical action/thriller cop movie that most people get bored with. But, this one is different; highly entertaining.
Charlie St. Cloud – Although I could find many rave reviews about this movie, I still love it. It is very touching and honest. Zac Efron is superb.
Cyrus – I personally know of a mother/son relationship just like this. Any guesses? Some of you who read this may know.
Date Night – 10 out of 10. This movie is so funny.
Dinner for Schmucks – This is unquestionably a laugh out loud movie. Matt and I both laughed until we cried; absolutely hilarious.
Due Date – This is funny from beginning to end. I think that most people watched it hoping Zach Galifianakis would reprise his role as Alan and were disappointed when he didn’t. He played Ethan Chase (and Ethan Tremblay) perfectly. Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t too bad himself.
Easy A – Emma Stone has grown to be one of my favorite actresses. She is hilarious in this movie and I can’t wait to see her in The Help later this summer. I read a review of this film that mentioned it is reminiscent to a John Hughes film. That couldn’t be truer.
Going the Distance – So funny and so crude, this movie had me laughing until I cried. Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are terrific.
Hereafter – Matt could not get into this movie. But I loved it. I am fascinated with near death experiences and the after life. This movie is not the normal flashy paranormal film we are used to seeing. It is mysterious and peaceful. Now I can’t help but wonder if there really is life after death.
Hot Tub Time Machine – Nick: “Excuse me Miss. What color is Michael Jackson? Girl at Bar: “Black.” Nick: “AAHHH!” So funny I didn’t forget to laugh.
Inception – Matt and I saw this movie in the theatre also; mainly because of the sound effects. As if I really have to say…seeing in the theatre made the movie even better. It’s such a complicated storyline that it is sometimes hard to follow, but it is still awesome. I do recommend that you watch it twice. Unfortunately, I have yet to do this. I think I will love it even more after the second viewing.
It's Kind of a Funny Story – Zach Galifianakis plays a somewhat subdued role in this film as compared to Alan in The Hangover. Honestly, we rented this movie just because he was in it and were not at all upset that all of Alan’s characteristics did not come out. He is funny, but not overly crazy. This one is a definite must see.
The Joneses – This was not a highly advertised movie. In fact, I don’t remember seeing the trailer at all. But, the cover drew me in one night while I was searching for something to rent. This one turned out to be smart and witty. And one of my favorites.
The Karate Kid – Again, another movie that I wasn’t too sure about. I grew up in the 80’s so I was sure this one couldn’t even compare to the originals. And again, I was wrong. Jayden Smith is fantastic.
The Killer Inside Me – I should have taken a hint…the title. But I didn’t. And I am glad that I didn’t or I probably would not have rented it. This movie was shockingly (since I didn’t do my research like I usually do) brutal and cruel. The abnormal side of me loves to watch movies like this, but the guilt I feel afterward sometimes haunts me. This one will haunt you too.
Killers – Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl star in this action/comedy. They together are fun-loving and hilarious. You must see this one!
The Last Song – Ok, ok, ok..I know…a Miley Cyrus movie? Just watch it. It’s soooo good.
Leap Year – This movie has a permanent spot on my favorite movies of all time list. Amy Adams is wonderful.
Love and Other Drugs – I couldn’t wait to see this movie. I have the privilege of spying on drug reps from my office. I overhear them kissing ass and watch them bring gifts (mainly food) to doctors every day. So, I was dying to see behind the fake smile and overfriendliness front. And this movie did just that. Plus, it told a great love (sex) story as well. It did not disappoint.
Never Let Me Go – I just watched this one a couple of weeks ago. It is strangely fascinating and heartbreaking. Carrie Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightly are incredible.
Red – I was hesitant on whether or not to rent this movie. But John Malkovich convinced me. Not John himself. He didn’t call me up and recommend that I see it. Just the thought of watching another one of his films was all the convincing I needed. It is action packed and oh so funny!
Remember Me – I admit I only rented this movie because Robert Pattinson was in it. I didn’t even know it existed until I caught a glimpse of Edward…oops…I mean Robert on the cover. I didn’t even turn it over to read what it was about. To my surprise, it turned out to be an amazingly touching film with an ending that...I don’t want to spoil it for those of you that haven’t seen it. Rent it this weekend. You will love it too.
Repo Men – Again…me and the futuristic thing...I love these movies. This one is at times pretty brutal, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Secretariat – I usually don’t watch movies based around animals. The last time I did dogs died and I cried for weeks at just the thought of that movie. Lucky for me, the horse didn’t die in the movie so I didn’t regret watching…crying…watching…crying. This one is fantastic, people. You should rent it tonight!
Shutter Island – I tried to watch this at night, by myself and didn’t make it thru the first 5 minutes. Days later I finally got through it. And I have to tell you (this usually doesn’t happen) I had no idea it was going to end the way it did. I don’t want to spoil it or those of you that haven’t seen it, so I won’t say anymore. I definitely recommend this one. Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant…as always.
The Social Network – This movie is magnificent. At first, I wasn’t sure it would live up to the excitement, the hype, if you will. I went in to the theatre expecting to be disappointed and came out thrilled and in awe. Jesse Eisenberg could not have been more perfect for the role as Mark Zuckerberg.
The Switch – I know that Jennifer Aniston doesn’t make the best movies (Bounty Hunter), but this movie stole my heart. So maybe it was Jason Bateman that was actually the thief. Either way, this movie is so sweet. I want to see it again.
The Town – Ben Affleck as a bank robber…so hot!
True Grit – This movie was witty and highly entertaining. Did you expect anything less from a Coen brother’s film?
Unstoppable – This movie was fast moving, suspenseful, and intense. It had me jumping in my seat. It is great!
When in Rome – A definite chick flick, so it didn’t get glowing reviews from critics. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not a huge fan of Kristin Bell, but she was fantastic in this movie.
Maggie enjoys them too!
