The Tops...

Finally, three months into this new year, I'm going to finally announce my favorite films of this past year...Well, the top 10, anyway...
So, in lieu of more exposition, here she is:

1. Pan's Labyrinth - The most beautifully haunting film of the year, and also the most violent. Such a strange combination is what makes this film work so incredibly well, because it is what makes the end all the more enchanting.

2. Little Miss Sunshine - This was the best family film of the year. In spite of its R-rating, its a film that speaks to every person on this planet who questions their own self-worth. A worthwhile film for everyone to see.

3. The Departed - Its a fun, thrilling actioneer that never lets up on the tension, not even until the very last, shocking scene. Just a fantastic film.

4. Stranger Than Fiction - It's heartwarming, and its funny, and it does make you think, but not so much that your head spins. It knows its audience, and it plays to them. Will Farrell is his usual fantastic self, with a supporting cast that makes film-going a dream.

5. Children of Men - Brilliantly shot and directed. It takes an okay script and raises it to levels of sheer cinematic genius. The car chase and the final action set piece are possibly two of the most thrilling shots ever filmed. Period.

6. The Prestige - Twisty, dark and beautiful to behold. Nuff said...

7. Marie-Antoinette - Another win by Sofia Coppola. Beautiful in every frame, and mesmerizing in its directorial vision. Never has 80s punk been so cool.

8. V for Vendetta - Fun, thrilling, and thought-provoking. Full of those great "goose bump moments" that make movie-going so much fun.

9. Inside Man - Spike Lee does mainstream, and boy is it a treat. Clive and Denzel are fantastic together, and Jodie Foster being enigmatic is incredibly fun. A great bank-heist thriller with some pretty fun twists.

10. Casino Royale/Mission:Impossible III - Yes, a tie. I know... but these two spy flicks both managed to succeed in outdoing their predecessors, but they also knew how to thrill. J.J.'s directorial debut was a treat to behold (thank you Ms. Russell), and Daniel Craig's moody Bond was one of the best surprises of the year. We finally got a Bond I could respect, and Alias: The Movie...Who could ask for much more?

Other Notable Films: Dreamgirls, The Devil Wears Prada, United 93, Apocolypto, Nanny McPhee, Talladega Nights, World Trade Center, Nacho Libre