My Top Ten Movies of 2010

As I looked back at the movies I saw this year not that many great ones jumped out at me. Usually I have an easy time picking my Top Ten movies of the year, this year I had a hard time picking five. But fear not I finally got my list to Ten. Wanna know what movies made the list? Keep reading.

1. (TIE) The A-Team & Toy Story 3- I keep going back and forth over which of these movies I liked better. In the end I decided to call it a tie.
   The A-Team was just what movies should be. Big, loud, funny, action packed and highly enjoyable. Sure there was some kind of plot that makes the explosions make sense but really who needs a plot when you are having a blast? I don't I just ask that my movie choices entertain me and The A-Team did just that from start to finish. Toy Story 3 was also highly entertaining especially when you take into consideration that this is not only a sequel but a sequel to a sequel at that. The story is one that everyone can relate to and the movie pulls at everyone of your heartstrings. The last scene with Andy and his toys was enough to make me cry. I admit it. And if you didn't cry you might want to replace your batteries because you are not human.
2. TIE (see above)
3. Inception- This movie was a mind trick and I mean that in the best way possible. It was utterly original and just like a puzzle that you can't figure out you will keep coming back to it until you do, or until you think you have it figured out at least. The cast was a little mismatched for me but the story is what we are here for and that is where Inception really shines. Plus the special effects are hard to beat. But what I really like about this movie was the way it ended. If you haven't seen it I won't spoil anything but just say that it can go either way I wouldn't mind.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1- Long title but this was my favorite of the books and the movie doesn't disappoint. Sure it is much darker then the other movies but in order to be true to the books it would have to be. It is amazing to see how far the young cast has come since the first movie. They carry this movie and really it is all the better for it.
5. The Kings Speech- This may be one of the best acted movies this year. The cast is fantastic and the story isn't bad either. Based on the true story of the rise of King George VI and his speech impediment and how his wife found an Australian speech therapist to help him overcome it. It should be noted that I find movies based on history very interesting, so that my explain why I liked this movie so much. If I had my way each of the main actors here would be taking home Oscars this year.
6. The Town- Ben Affleck it turns out is quite the director. This could have been just your typical heist movie. Instead it is a character study of people with complicated issues to say the least. Sure the movie has a ton of bad language but sadly so does real life and even though the story is focused on bank robbers you still can't pull yourself away.
7. Red- Much like The A-Team this movie was just fun, mindless, popcorn entertainment. The cast looks like they had a blast making the movie and that joy translates throughout the movie.
8. 127 Hours-James Franco is great in this movie and even if you know the outcome (it is based on real events) you are still held at the edge of your seat for the whole movie. I am happy to say that I keep my eyes open the whole time, although I did cringe a few times when the arm scene came to a conclusion. This is a story of human triumph and the will to live.
9. It's Kind of a Funny Story- If you blinked you most likely missed this movie which is too bad because it was touching and full of heart and humor that you wouldn't expect for it's subject matter. Feeling the weight of the world a young teen checks into a mental institution and there learns more about life then he could have every imagined. The great cast really takes this movie to the next level.
10. Alice in Wonderland- After repeated viewing this movie continues to grow on me. And therefore earns a spot on my list. While this is your typical Tim Burton movie it seems grounded more by the original story of Alice in Wonderland. Plus it reminds me of the creepy made for TV movie that terrified me as a kid. I love it when movies bring up obscure memories from childhood.

Well there you have it. My favorite movies of 2010. What movies made your list? Any movies that surprised you with how good, or bad, they were. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Tangled and a little disappointed by True Grit. I should also note the I didn't see The Social Network and it seems like that movie is on a bunch of Top Ten lists this year.

Top Ten Movies of 2008

To see my Top Ten Movies for 2008, simply click here. Thanks!

A few movies that almost made the Top Ten include: Prince Caspian, Tropic Thunder, Kung Fu Panda, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Yes Man, Bolt.

And the movies that never stood a chance at making the list include: Twilight, Indiana Jones, Hancock, You Don't Mess With The Zohan.

Holiday Movie Must Sees

Okay, this post may be a little early but it seems like there haven't been any good movies in the last little while. To help get you (and me) excited I am listing the Top 10 movies that I can't wait to see this Holiday season.

1. Quantum of Solace -After Casino Royale the next Bond movie is a must see.

2. Bolt - Yes I realize that this is a kids movie but the hamster makes me laugh every time!

3. Australia - I could watch Nicole Kidman read the phone book.

4. Role Models - Paul Rudd describes this as "a kids movie with a ton of bad language." I am sure I will be laughing the whole time.

5. Four Christmases - Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn make a Christmas movie!!! Holiday stress is always more fun to watch then take part in.

6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - I am intrigued by the concept of reverse aging and the cast is top notch. Love Cate Blanchett.

7. Frost/Nixon - If this where on the History or Discovery channel I am sure I would be sucked in very easily. This story based on true events is directed by Ron Howard. Yes I am a geek.

8. Doubt - It looks very intense in the previews I have seen. But with Meryl Streep , Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman what else would you expect.

9. Yes Man - Jim Carrey has been absent for awhile and I am hoping that it makes the heart grow fonder. But at least it has Zooey Deschanel who should be a huge star by now!

10. Rachel Getting Married - I just can't imagine Anne Hathaway in a serious role, so that fact alone makes this one I want to see. Plus she as gotten great reviews.

On Notice!

I have put the following things ON NOTICE

1. My computer: Lately the stupid antivirus software has acted just like the things it has supposedly been keeping off of my computer. It keeps trying to load and in the process causes everything else to stop working. Turning the computer off only makes things worse. Finally after many reboots and several hours does Windows kick in and disable the program. I have since tried to delete said antivirus software only to have the computer tell me that I don't have the rights to do so!!! One more act like this and it is straight to the Apple store and I really don't have the money for that.
2. itunes: Don't think I didn't notice that you were the root of the above problem after your latest update failed due to some Apple Mobile software, which I am pretty sure is for an iPhone that I don't even have. Thanks to your failed update, I couldn't update my iPod which caused me to reboot my computer only to have the antivirus software take over!!! Maybe it isn't off to the Apple store after all.
3. Private Practice: Why have you become such a crappy show? I love Kate Walsh and if you get canceled and she doesn't get shipped back to Seattle Grace I don't know what I will do. This is why I was never behind the idea of a spin-off show. Bad things happen to good characters on spin-offs. Just ask Joey.
4. The Economy: Ok, this one I don't have any control over, but I am so sick of hearing bad news that I am not going to listen anymore. That's right, me the news junkie has had enough. That saying no news is good news, I am putting that into effect right now.
5. Politicians: See Above. Insert mud slinging, no direct answers, more mud slinging. I can't wait for November 4th to be over with, this has been the loooooongest election season I can remember.
6. My bed: Listen we need to get something straight. I don't like waking up at all hours of the night. You used to be very comfortable but now perhaps you are too comfortable. Or perhaps my not sleeping is due to one of the above. That is more likely, but you're still on notice.
7. Duck: You know who you are, noisy duck outside of my window. I don't know what your problem is or if you are tying to get the baritone spot on some sort of duck choir or practicing to take over Linda Blair's role in a new Exorcist movie but 5am is not the time for practicing either. Maybe you are the cause for the above issue...be careful I think duck hunt season is soon.
8. My fridge: Why are you always empty??
9. My gas tank: See Above.
10. My bank account: See previous two entries. At least my bank is still around for now (see reason 4). But so help me, if you somehow get bought by Chase I am putting my money, all $18 of it, under my mattress. Hum, maybe that will make it easier to sleep. I might be on to something...

That about wraps up the things I am putting on notice. I am off to try and get a decent sleep for the first time this week. Cheers!

Top Ten Chicago

Here are the Top Ten things you should do while in Chicago.

Take in a game, be it the Bears, Cubs, Sox, etc.

Meet Sue; the largest, most complete T-Rex ever discovered, at the Field Museum.

Take in the view of the Skyline from the Adler Planetarium.

Explore all of Grant Park from end to end.

Enjoy a Chicago Deep Dish pizza, make sure you go hungry!

Visit the shore of Lake Michigan. Seen here from above.

Walk, and shop if you must, the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Ave.

Visit "the Bean" also known as Cloud Gate at Millennium Park.

Check out the view from the top of Big John, aka The John Hancock Center.

Take in the sounds and feel of riding the El train.

Top Ten Comic Book Movies

After seeing The Dark Knight for the second time, I felt it was time for my Top Ten Comic Book Movies. So here we go!

1. Batman Begins-I was a fan of Batman the Animated Series because it was not as over the top as the live action movies. This movie changed all that by making Batman a action packed thrill ride with a really good plot.
2. The Dark Knight-This movie just barley misses the top spot because it would not have existed without Batman Begins. The acting in this movie jumps up a few notches from its predecessor and it continues the trend set forth by Batman Begins by having a deep plot. Plus Heath Ledger is amazing as the Joker.
3. X2: X-Men United-This was my favorite comic growing up. I would get up early every Saturday just to watch the cartoon series. This is another sequel that lives up, and surpasses, its predecessor.
4. X-Men-See the first sentence above. This is the movie that took comic books from cheesy, over the top fair to action packed movies with actually plots and real characters.
5. Ironman-Yes I included this movie on my action list. Yes it was at the top of that list but when compared to the movies before it here your gonna need a little more than just action. Still a great movie.
6. Spiderman-I admit that I liked the first Spidey movie. Sadly, it was all downhill from here.
7. V for Vendetta-It took me awhile to get around to seeing this one but when I did I was pleasantly surprised. Natalie Portman even has a believable English accent.
8. Batman Returns-Okay, so it is cheesy but it has Catwomen, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, so all is forgiven.
9. X3: The Last Stand-This makes the list because they finally made Storm like she should have been all along and because it gives us the Phoenix storyline, which was my favorite from the comics. Too bad the rest of the movie didn't hold up.
10. Spiderman 2-Uh...I couldn't think of any other movies that I like more than this one, so it gets the last place on the list. Not great, but compared to Spidey 3 it looks like a masterpiece.

Did I miss any or are there any movies that you would not have put on this list? Comment Away.

iPod Top Played

So I thought for a little twist on my normal top ten list I would put up my top ten (plus 15 more) most played songs on my iPod. Yes, I am as random as the list would imply. Enjoy

1. The Underdog - Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Bonus Track Version)


2. Love Is Free - Sheryl Crow - Love Is Free


3. Falling - Ben Kweller - Sha Sha


4. No Rain - Blind Melon - Blind Melon


5. After You - The Fray - How to Save a Life


6. Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Bonus Track Version)


7. I've Just Seen a Face - Jim Sturgess - Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture)


8. Starlight - Muse - Black Holes and Revelations


9. Way Back Into Love (Demo Version) - Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore - Music and Lyrics (Music from the Motion Picture)


10. Girl - Jim Sturgess - Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture)


11. All At Once - The Fray - How to Save a Life


12. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz - I'm Yours - Single


13. All My Loving - Jim Sturgess - Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture)


14. Love Song - Sara Bareilles - Little Voice


15. Under the Moonlight - Travis - The Boy With No Name (Bonus Track Version)


16. Can't Get It Right Today - Joe Purdy - You Can Tell Georgia


17. Battleships Travis The Boy With No Name (Bonus Track Version)


18. Let It Be (Long Version) - Carol Woods & Timothy T. Mitchum - Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture)


19. How to Save a Life - The Fray - How to Save a Life


20. Stuttering - Ben's Brother - Beta Male Fairytales


21. It Won't Be Long - Evan Rachel Wood - Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture)


22. Inside Out - Eve 6 - Eve 6


23. If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static


24. You Know My Name - Chris Cornell - You Know My Name - Single


25. I Want You (She's So Heavy) - Dana Fuchs, Joe Anderson & T.V. Carpio - Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture)

I have listed the Song, Artist, and Album in case you were wondering or wanted to find out more on any of them.

Top Ten Action Movies

As promised here is another of my top ten movie lists. Up this time: Action Movies

1. Casino Royale - A great reboot of the Bond movies and great action from the first frame to the last. If you haven't seen it, stop reading now and do so.


2. The Bourne Supremacy - One of the best sequel movies ever, regardless of genre.


3. Speed - Sure the plot is kind of far out there and cheesy but the movie is cast perfectly and this is one bus ride you are certain to enjoy.


4. The Bourne Identity - A surprisingly original, thought filled action movie.


5. The Bourne Ultimatum - Even after two movies before it the franchise still keeps the hits coming.


6. Mission: Impossible -Who would have thought that a 60's TV show would translate into such a classic action movie.


7. Ironman - I did not think that I would like this movie. I did and it has already secured a spot on my top ten. Well done Ironman, well done.


8. Executive Decision - Kurt Russell, Halle Berry and an Airplane. Action never looked so good at 30,000 feet.


9. Air Force One- Harrison Ford as the Commander in Chief. Another great action movie not set on solid ground.


10. The Rundown - This one may be more buddy comedy then action movie but it is still fun.

And there they are, my favorite action movies. Honorable Mention awards are given to Mission: Impossible 3, for making up for M:I2 and The Incredibles which would have landed a spot here if it wasn't already mentioned on the Pixar list. As with all of these lists I reserve the right to add or remove movies after watching other movies or re-watching those on the list and reevaluating them. Happy Movie Watching!

Best in Category

In order to broaden your movie enjoyment (and mine) I am going to list my Top Ten movies by Category. I will try and do this every so often and please feel free to share your opinions on movies that you think I should have included. I figured since I have already listed my favorite Pixar movies the next step is Disney (Non Pixar) and Animated movies. So here it goes.




Disney

1. The Lion King
2. Aladdin
3. Cinderella
4. The Emperors New Groove
5. Robin Hood
6. Mary Poppins
7. 101 Dalmatians
8. Beauty and the Beast
9. Peter Pan
10. Lilo & Stitch

Animated(non Disney/Pixar)

1. Shrek
2. Hoodwinked
3. Surfs Up
4. Ice Age
5. Shrek 2
6. The Prince of Egypt
7. Robots
8. Chicken Run
9. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-rabbit
10. An American Tail

Well there you have it. Think I missed something in either category? Have a better list? Comment Away. Just remember this is a Top Ten list, so there is only so much room, some movies had to be bumped down the list.

Favorite Pixar Movies

I was forced to watch Disney movies for 3 years, (Thanks Hollywood Video) now mind you this didn't bother me. I think that animated movies are great and lately they have been the only funny movies released. (see the review of Zohan below) So in honor of Wall-E coming out next week I thought I would list my favorite Pixar movies.

1. Finding Nemo-This may be my favorite movie of all time.


2. Toy Story- The first Pixar movie and a great comedy/buddy movie.


3. Cars- I love automobiles and this movie is a love story to the auto and the road trip.


4. A Bugs Life- So many great lines are in this movie. "We are going around the stick."


5. Toy Story 2- A very original sequel that lives up to the first.
6. The Incredibles- A good action movie that just happens to be animated. "No Cape!"


7. Monsters Inc.- "Kitty"


8. Ratatouille - My least favorite of the Pixar movies, but it looks amazing for a cartoon.

Well there you have it, my ranking of the Pixar movies. The quality of all these movies makes them some of the best films every released. I have heard good things about Wall-E and as a movie geek I am excited to see it, even if there isn't any "talking" for the first 20 minutes. Sometimes talking is very overrated and movies are just as much visual entertainment as anything else. If you would like more info on Wall-E or just want to watch some funny previews, click on his picture on the right.