Disclaimer: I have thus far been unable to see the following films, and from all that I've heard I do not doubt that some or all may warrant a spot on this list: 127 Hours, The Kids are All Right, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Mother.
1. The Social Network
Featuring the technically perfect direction of David Fincher and a litany of strong performances, most notably by Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, The Social Network stands as the year's best film. A great film that strives to illustrate one man's trouble in making human connections, even while creating the world's largest social media website. I never thought I would care about the "the facebook movie," but once the final credits rolled I was ready to watch it all over again.
2. Black Swan
Without a doubt the year's most disturbing film, Black Swan also benefits from Darren Aronofsky's typically astute direction, as well as a brilliantly deranged turn by Natalie Portman. You'll never look at ballet the same way again. The year's best genre film.
3. Winter's Bone
Cold, bleak, oppressive and perfectly done, Winter's Bone is a small triumph. Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes give unbelievable performances in a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
4. Inception
With this year's defining motion picture event, Christopher Nolan once again proves that no one makes smart blockbusters like he does. A mind-bending premise, star-studded cast, and world class visuals all contribute to this bravura thriller.
5. The Fighter
A rousing story of family dysfunction and the quest for glory, both real and imagined, by two very different brothers. Great direction and a screenplay that resists the urge to lapse into cliche take a backseat to Christian Bale, who is dynamite in a film chock-full of great performances.
6. Toy Story 3
A poignant, touching, and often hilarious closing chapter to one of the great film trilogies of our time. The highest grossing film of the year and quite deserving of that distinction. Oh, and try not to tear up at the end; go ahead, I dare you.
7. The King's Speech
A delightful period piece anchored by two of the best performances of the year. Colin Firth is fantastic here in a subtly demanding role and Geoffrey Rush once again reminds the world of his prodigious talents. The feel-good movie of the year.
8. The Town
Ben Affleck returns to the Boston crime scene for his second feature; the resulting effort may be the best heist film since Heat. Jeremy Renner is especially notable as part of a fantastic cast that ensures that The Town finds a place on this list.
9. True Grit
Although I wasn't as enamored with True Grit as most, I found it to be an enjoyable, if slight, Western with some great performances and cinematography. Jeff Bridges reaffirms his place as one of the great film stars of our time.
10. Vengeance
Another stylish crime film from Johnnie To, Vengeance is filled with philosophical hitmen and creatively staged shoot-outs. A fine genre film marked by the unusual, but welcome, appearance of French icon Johnny Hallyday.
Best performance of the year:
Natalie Portman
Performances by a lead actress:
Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawrence, Hailee Steinfeld
Performances by a lead actor:
Colin Firth, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeff Bridges, Mark Wahlberg
Performances by a supporting actress:
Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Barbara Hershey
Performances by a supporting actor:
Christian Bale, John Hawkes, Vincent Cassel, Jeremy Renner, Geoffrey Rush
Best direction:
Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan || Runner-up: David Fincher for The Social Network
Best cinematography:
Black Swan || Runners-up: The Social Network and True Grit
Best soundtrack/score:
Inception || Runners-up: The Social Network and Black Swan
Best ensemble:
The Fighter || Runner-up: The Town
Best ending:
Black Swan || Runner-up: Inception
Best action sequence:
The Hallway fight in Inception ||Runners-up: The car chase in The Town and pretty much any part of Vengeance
Most atmospheric:
Winter's Bone || Runner-up: Black Swan
Best sequel:
Toy Story 3 || Runner-up: Iron Man 2
Biggest disappointment:
Shutter Island
Worst plot twist:
Book of Eli
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