Not all of these are 2010-released films, and not all of the worst mean that there weren't elements that weren't executed well. These films cover theatre releases, direct-to-DVD, and made-for-TV.
THE BEST
10. Legendary (2010) - Fantastic performances by John Cena and the cast. Unequivocally the best WWE-produced film to date.
09. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) - I don't know what the critics problem is (actually I do, but that's another post), but this is easily the best video game adaptation I have yet seen.
08. Iron Man 2 (2010) - Where IM1 is about the superhero saving his world, IM2 is about that world (and superhero) saving the man. It's also about an entrepreneur defending his right--against his own democratic republic--to engage the world via private enterprise. If you want a profound story, watch the first film; IM2 trades some of that depth for a well-earned vacation into glitz, high-tech action, firecracker dialogue, and Scarlett Johansson.
07. 3:10 to Yuma (1957) - Although I prefer the acting of the 2007 version, this is the better of the two for the amazing cinematography, tighter more intelligent storytelling, and a Ben Wade that isn't grey--making his final scene far more meaningful.
06. Up (2009) - Charming with well-timed humour and emotional string-pulling.. a great message about pride, obsession, and letting-go all wrapped up in a family-friendly package.
04. Sherlock Holmes (2009) - Brilliant form by all, and most important--very respectful of the literary continuity and other fan-favourite adaptations of the characters and canon. The only thing off was the notion that all things supernatural are just awaiting a rationally deduced explanation.
03. Thomas Kinkade's The Christmas Cottage (2008) - A superb insight into Mr Kinkade's early life and inspiration wrapped up in a wonderful Christmas story. Peter O'Toole is masterful.
02. David (1997) - A fantastic adaptation of one of the OT's most complex heroes. David might be the most identifiable of the great Biblical personas, and the best example of what Christ meant when He said, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
01. Star Trek (2009) - Other than the fact I was distracted by Pine looking more like Luke Skywalker than James Kirk... Brilliantly executed. Superb dialogue. More Please for this casual-Trekkie.
THE WORST
10. Young Sherlock Holmes (1985) - Just can't figure out what the big deal is about this film.
09. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010) - Classic example of why I make mine Marvel.
08. Public Enemies (2009) - Another drawn out bio-pic that felt it necessary to greyscale a villain and change facts that need not be changed to keep the interest. The acting was top rate though.
07. The Game (1997) - Interesting concept. Pretty bad execution.
06. Clash of the Titans (2010) - Mads Mikkelsen, a decent Jawadi score, a cool Kraken sequence, and a bit of pithy dialogue in a few scenes were about the only redeeming elements of this remake that tried far too hard to not be the original. Andromeda and the Olympian kit were little more than an afterthought. 'Nuff Said.
05. Fast and Furious (2009) - No magic recaptured here. Vin did his part, no one else in the production did theirs.
04. State of Play (2009) - A great example of a bad PR film. The newspaper media find themselves increasingly less relevant and with even less integrity, and this film just speeds that process up. And of course the Republicans are the bad guys.
03. Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) - Watch the trailer. That's about the funniest and most coherent this film ever gets.
02. Street Fighter II (1994) - Might be the most unfocused plot and series of nonsensical duel contexts/results I ever saw--including the live-action versions from these franchises.
01. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) - This movie should have been shelved the moment the production realized that Rachel Weisz was out.
I haven't seen all of these, but I can comment on a few. We've only watched about 20 minutes or so of Sherlock Holmes, and neither of us are impressed as of yet. We love Robert Downey Jr, too.
I totally agree with Monsters vs Aliens. Very disappointing. Also agree with the Mummy movie. Without Rachel Weiss, the relationship between Rick and Evie faltered. Not to mention that it just plain wasn't good. I love the other mummy movies...well, the first two anyway. This one just stunk.
Posted by: Tracy Green | 29 December 2010 at 17:56