JON ABRAMS’ 20 FAVORITE MOVIES OF 2010.

You’ve read a hundred of these lists by now, so let’s keep this one real simple.

There was only one way to keep this honest, and that was to consider which movies I would most be willing (and eager) to watch again.  That made it a lot easier, because as the list gets down to the top five, we’re talking about movies that I’ve already re-watched, that I’ve enjoyed all over again, that in a couple cases I’ve felt I wanted to own, and that I expect will become a part of my ongoing frame of reference.

If you have any interest in my opinions, I am grateful and I hope that you find the following rankings both revealing and worth pondering.  If you don’t, of course I’ll listen to that too.

20. Let Me In  [Read my review!]

I was as skeptical as anybody, but this is as good a remake of Let The Right One In as anyone who digs the original film could hope to see.  It has a great cast, some terrific wintry atmosphere, and one of the best scores of the year, thanks to Michael Giacchino.  Not only that, but in a sparse year for horror, this was a real life-saver.  It’s spooky and effective, and many more people should see it.

19. Rare Exports  [Read my review!]

You know what’s rare?  An original idea, particularly around Christmas time.  This mischievous take on the mythology of Santa Claus probably isn’t what you think it is, if you happened to see the trailers.  It’s a bit more deceptively warm-hearted than that, which is what’s so special about it.  Hopefully, as the Christmases of the future accumulate, more people will discover this fun movie.

18. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World  [Read my review!]

I keep telling people that “this would have been my favorite movie when I was 19.”  That’s no slight to what Edgar Wright & Co. have done here – I had great taste when I was 19!  Unfortunately I wasn’t 19 during 2010, which is why this movie ranks lower on my list than it might.  In addition to the many unfair oversights it suffered upon release, Scott Pilgrim is a casualty of the fact that I’ve had a rough couple years personally and my heart hasn’t been as light as it once was (and hopefully will be again).  Scott Pilgrim is a movie for dreamers and romantics, and really, if you haven’t seen it already, you ought to.

17. Green Zone  [Read my review!]

Honestly, it’s been a long time since I first saw Green Zone.  I remember enjoying it, but more importantly, I remember respecting its aggressive attempts to engage a generally apathetic moviegoing audience with some very pertinent questions.  It wasn’t a hit, and the movie is going to go overlooked in all kinds of ways, but it spurred a rare political stance from yours truly so it, for me, is probably worth revisiting.

16. The Social Network  [Read my review!]

There’s not a single thing I can say about this movie that I didn’t say in my very exhaustive review.  David Fincher is consistently one of my favorite working filmmakers, the score is brilliant, and the movie is quality throughout, but the occasional Sorkinisms and the fact that it forced me to say positive things about Justin Timberlake keep it from ranking higher for me.  Sorry, America.

15. Black Swan  [Read my review!]

This movie is terrific and my review positively glowed.  But if you’ve seen it, you might understand why I’m not in a rush to see it again too soon.  (Though I certainly will.)

14. The American  [Read my review!]

13. Jackass 3D  [Read my review!]

Green Zone wasn’t the only movie in 2010 that got me talking bout my personal polititcs. This one did also. It was a weird year that way. 

12. Valhalla Rising  

I never found the time to review this one, from the director of last year’s Bronson, but it’s a rare case where I’m not sure exactly how to describe it.  It is an ultra-violent and beautifully-photographed movie about Vikings and their travels, but it plays like a weird, far-less-than-sober dream.  It’s like a Terence Malick remake of  The 13th Warrior.  With some really addictive music playing behind it.  Valhalla Rising is the definition of not-for-everybody, but it totally worked for me.

11. 127 Hours  [Read my review!]

Really, that scene is not as tough as you would think.  Have you ever seen a horror movie, or the 6 o’clock news?  You can handle it.  Don’t let fear or squeamishness keep you from seeing this excellent movie.  The fact that it’s just outside my top ten is an indication that this was a year rich in movies for me.

10. Four Lions  [Read my review!]

I’ve only seen this movie once so far, and I have no doubts that it rewards multiple viewings.  I feel like I missed half the jokes because they kept flying so quickly and constantly.  Seeing as how I laughed hysterically operating at my reduced mental speed, I can’t wait to see it again and catch everything I missed.  As soon as you’re able, make space in your schedule for Four Lions, absolutely one of the bravest and fiercest comedies I’ve ever seen.  

9. The Wolfman  [Read my review!]

Yeah, that’s right.  Maybe it’s not a popular opinion, but these are my favorites we’re talking about.  You know I own this on DVD already.  It’s a Universal Studios werewolf movie with make-up effects by Rick Baker.  Many people have defended far worse movies for far weaker reasons.

8. Centurion  [Read my review!]

This is a solid, unpretentious, impolite action movie.  It’s got some interesting sociopolitical subtext, but who am I kidding, its priority is bloodletting.  It’s a good story more than competently told – if you like sword-swinging and manly banter, this is what’s for dinner.