10. (500) Days of Summer

Takes the rom com genre and flips it on its ass. Some familiar tropes (younger sister that has life and relationships figured out) but seems very fresh. Thought provoking and heartfelt. A reminder that relationships aren’t just fun(ny); they can be really hard.

9. Watchmen

Took a novel I love so much and made a film that I didn’t hate. Yea, there are a handful of scenes that don’t work, and a love scene that is down right embarrassing, but this movie delivers. It’s not for everyone, but for those that want a mainstream film that is complicated and has big ideas; look no further.

8. Star Trek

Fun! So much damn fun! Takes this geeky property and makes a space opera that any film fan HAS to enjoy.

7. A Serious Man

The Coen’s have had a bleak out look on life lately, and this film is no different. We are tested every day of our life until the day we die, and when we finally give in we are as good as (or might as well be) dead. At least in the opinion of this film.

6. Avatar

A film that gets a lot of criticism because of it’s familiar storyline. This film is about second chances. It is about a man who was lost and found his destiny across the stars. It also has some of the most amazing visuals put on film. Ever.

5. Public Enemies

Misunderstood by so many. Michael Mann’s slice of life gangster picture is brilliantly shot, acted, and executed. The shoot out at Little Bohemia will make you forget to breath. The ending is so beautiful it will leave a lump in your throat. “Bye Bye Blackbird.”

4. The Brothers Bloom

I am in love with the aesthetic of this film. It is like Fellini inhabited the body of a 30 something hipster filmmaker and made a amazing and touching con film. Rian Johnson is a talent to watch. Brothers Bloom reminds me why I love film.

3. The Road

The most emotional experience I had in a theater last year. The book was an amazing piece of art and the film is the perfect companion. Viggo Mortensen was my vote for biggest Oscar snub.

2. Inglourious Basterds

Q.T.’s war film is one great punch in the face. Every scene in this movie is like a giant rubber band being pulled until it not only snaps, but unleashes bullets, dynamite, fire, and blood all over your screen. When was the last time you saw a scene go on for 30 minutes? Aldo Raine is correct! This film is a masterpiece.

1. Up In the Air

This film got to me on every level. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I first saw it. The tagline “Make a connection” may sound a little on the nose at first, but that is what this film is all about. How do you tell someone their whole life is about to change? What will happen when you break your rules and let your guard down? Will you get hurt? Where will life take you? Every scene is meaningful and perfect. This film will stay in your mind and heart for years to come. A modern classic.

Honorable Mentions

Away We Go
Adventureland
The Informant!
Where the Wild Things Are
Up
Sugar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Moon

Have Not Seen

An Education
The Blind Side
Precious
Sin Nombre
Goodbye Solo
Bronson