TOP 10 of 2010

TOP 10 Films & Directors
01. Inception, Christopher Nolan
02. The King's Speech, Tom Hooper
03. 127 Hours, Danny Boyle
04. Certified Copy, Abbas Kiarostami
05. Biutiful, Alejandro González Iñárritu
06. The Ghost Writer, Roman Polanski
07. The Millennium Trilogy, Niels Arden Oplev & Daniel Alfredson
08. Red Riding Trilogy, Julian Jarrold, James Marsh & Anand Tucker
09. Mother and Child, Rodrigo García
10. Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky



TOP 10 Performances, Female
Leading & Supporting
01. Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right, Mother & Child
02. Juliette Binoche, Certified Copy
03. Lesley Manville, Another Year
04. Natalie Portman, Black Swan
05. Noomi Rapace, The Millennium Trilogy
06. Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
07. Gemma Jones, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
08. Naomi Watts, Mother & Child, Fair Game
09. Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom
10. Olivia Williams, The Ghost Writer



TOP 10 Performances, Male
Leading & Supporting
01. Javier Bardem, Biutiful
02. Leonardo DiCaprio, Shutter Island & Inception
03. Colin Firth, The King's Speech
04. James Franco, 127 Hours
05. Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine
06. Christian Bale, The Fighter
07. Andrew Garfield, The Social Network & Red Riding: 1974
08. Matt Damon, Hereafter & True Grit
09. Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right
10. Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

TOP 10
2009
2008
2007

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Notorious and controversial British street artist, Banksy turned accidentally into a filmmaker with this outstanding documentary about art inspired life and vice versa. An eccentric Frenchman who has been obsessively filming random events finds focus documenting underground street artists including Invader, Shephard Fairey and ultimately the most famous and reclusive Banksy. After gaining the trust and friendship of Banksy, his real talent as a filmmaker is exposed which leaves Banksy to turn the camera around and tell the story which is hilariously funny, touching and what art is all about beyond the street art. The film shows the genius of Banksy who's a true artist with something to say and one of the most important one alive. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

True Grit

After the modern western "No Country for Old Men," it only seems fitting that the Coen brothers would do a classic western with true grit and a wicked sense of humor. Instead of the remaking the film of the same name, they went to source novel by Charles Portis which pays off for all involved. The story about young girl who enlists a former U.S. Marshal to hunt down the killer of her father. While the story might seem familiar, the Coens along with the excellent cast and crew show the West as it might have been without any sense of nostalgia, an unforgiving place that's truly dangerous. Jeff Bridges reunites with the Coens for another classic that also includes Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld with solid performances. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

This Way of Life

Canadian cinematographer Thomas Burstyn makes his feature debut as a director with this beautiful documentary set in New Zealand's rugged Ruahine Mountains. The Karena family doesn't have any material wealth to boast about but they have a unique life style with their six beautiful kids and wild horses close to the nature that's as far from materialistic world you can get including TV, computers and games. While the parents suffer from the pressures of family and the society, the kids live an happy existence close to the nature and each other including horse riding on daily basis that would be the envy of many families. Burstyn chose the right family and story to tell which shows what we have lost in these days, a direct connection with nature. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Sleepers

Writer and director Barry Levinson adapted the autobiographical novel by Lorenzo Carcaterra about four friends in Hell's Kitchen, New York. After a disastrous prank, they are sent to a detention center where they are physically and sexually abused by the vicious guards. Years later through a chance encounter, the friends start taking revenge on the guards with the help of local priest and mob boss. What's striking about the story is the complex bond of a community that manages to beat the system by getting away with murder. The all star cast includes Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Bacon and Minnie Driver amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Run Lola Run

German writer and director Tom Tykwer delivered a masterpiece with this groundbreaking film that's one hell of a ride. A young woman has 20 minutes to come up with large amount money to save her boyfriend who's about to rob a bank or get killed by the mob. Tykwer gives three variations of the story with different outcomes from grim reality to an happy ending that accentuates the notion that every second counts where actions will have consequences. The film is an exercise in hyper kinetic action that's breathtaking literally through innovative camera work and editing combined with animation and techno music. Franka Potente stars as Lola who literally runs and makes this film work. Tykwer along with his cast and crew made a modern classic that will become time capsule for its era for the ages to come. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

La Femme Nikita

French writer and director Luc Besson delivered a knockout with this stylish action thriller. A tough and violent female convict is given a second chance in life as an assassin for the government. Besson took a familiar story and created an original and breath-taking action film which also broke some new ground by reversing the genders. Anne Parillaud is perfect as Nikita and gets solid support from Tchéky Karyo and Jean-Hugues Anglade as the men who fall for her. Jeanne Moreau, Jean Reno and Philippe Leroy also appear in cameos for Besson's breakout film which has copied and imitated but never surpassed. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Gone with the Wind

One of legendary producer, David O. Selznick's greatest achievements remains a timeless classic. The story about a beautiful and headstrong woman whose love for the wrong man causes her a lifelong heartache and agony before, during and after the Civil War in the American South. The film is a time capsule of an era gone with the wind on and off screen that showed the potential of cinema. The film holds up well because of a good story with a great cast and crew. A terrific cast with a tour-de-force performance by Vivian Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara, a never better Clark Gable and equally outstanding Olivia de Havilland, Hattie McDaniel and Leslie Howard among others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Full Metal Jacket

Legendary director Stanley Kubrick revisits the war with this film to show the dehumanizing effects that turns human beings into killing machines. A group of soldiers go first through a brutal basic training that turns them into killing machines and are later let loose in Vietnam where they kill and get killed. Kubrick is focused and precise with his vision that clearly shows where he stands on the subject. The cast includes Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio with solid performances. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Fountainhead

Novelist Ayn Rand adapted her own novel for director King Vidor in this morality tale where an individual fights the masses for his integrity. A brilliant and visionary architect refuses to compromise his art in order to find acceptance with the popular standard. He finds an unlikely ally with the owner of a popular newspaper that tried to destroy him. Vidor's film still holds up the test of time because of Rand's timeless themes which are still relevant. There's also a potent love story that works well because of the performances of Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal in the leads. While the look and style of the film reflects those of the 40's, it seems remarkably fresh and modern. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Cairo Time

Canadian writer and director Ruba Nadda made this lyrical and intelligent romantic film which is intoxicating. Juliette, a Canadian woman travels to Cairo to spend her vacation with her husband who works for the UN. When her husband can't get away from work, Juliette spends more time with an Egyptian friend of his and finds herself attracted to the city and its people. Nadda makes a sophisticated film for adults that's mature and refreshing. The magnificent Patricia Clarkson and versatile Alexander Siddiq deliver fine tuned and nuanced performances that's extraordinary along with the stunning city of Cairo that has never looked better on film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Shining

Legendary director Stanley Kubrick made one of the greatest horror films with this stunning classic. A family of three take care of a remote and majestic hotel during the winter time. Once locked by the snow they realize they are not alone when psychological terror starts to drive them apart. Kubrick cleverly stays away from too much explanation and lets the mystery speak through the images for themselves to the imagination which makes for a terrifying journey into the human psyche and the unknown. Besides the outstanding cinematography and production design, the film has terrific performances by Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Getaway

American director Sam Peckinpah made one of the best heist films of all time with this classic thriller. An ex-convict and his wife go on the run after a bank heist. Super macho and ultra cool is the team of Peckinpah and star Steve McQueen that's still refreshing and breathtaking. Ali MacGraw brings some sexy chemistry to the equation that sizzles throughout. Steve McQueen was and remains one of the coolest guys in cinema history. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Deliverance

British director John Boorman made of one of his best films with this adventure thriller. Four urban men set out to river-rafting trip in an abandoned region that ends in terror and murder. Based on his novel, James Dickey wrote the screenplay and appears in the film about the rape of nature through man literally and figuratively. The four men represent four archetypes of an urban man. Boorman made one of the essential and groundbreaking films of the 70's that stars Jon Voight that made Burt Reynolds a star and started the careers of Ned Beatty and others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

House of Flying Daggers

Chinese director Zhang Yimou delivered another knockout with this spectacular martial arts film. During the end of the Tang Dynasty (Nineth Century A.D.) two government officials hunting a group of rebels fall in love with the same woman where their duty and loyalty is tested with devastating consequences. Spectacular dance and fight sequences along with dazzling cinematography and visual effects make this film far and above its kind. Asian superstars Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Andy Lau are perfectly cast. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Blake Edwards 1922 - 2010

Cronos

Mexican writer and director Guillermo del Toro made his feature debut with this dark and twisted drama. An antiques dealer finds an ancient mechanical device that promises eternal life which is sought by a dying and wealthy man. Del Toro creates an utterly original and spellbinding tale with a lot of heart and humor within the horror genre. While staying true to the genre, Del Toro doesn't forgets the story that pays homage to the vampire and Frankenstein stories in touching and profound moments that makes the film a triumph and Del Toro a master. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Dot the i

Writer and director Matthew Parkhill made his feature debut with this stylish romance thriller. A young Spanish woman with a troubled past decides to marry her British boyfriend, only to fall in love with a Brazilian man that complicates their lives. Parkhill takes the love triangle story and spins it on its heads several times with mixed results which thanks to his talented cast, he almost gets away it. Gael García Bernal, Natalia Verbeke and James D'Arcy bring credibility to a convoluted story. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Mala Noche

Writer and director Gus Van Sant made his feature debut with this gay drama shot in "chiaroscuro" black and white. A white gay clerk has a crush on a Mexican immigrant which causes him trouble and heartache. The film feels like a documentary because of the performances and actual locations that brings a genuine sense of authenticity. Van Sant made a truly independent film that features themes he would explore better in his later films such as "My Own Private Idaho." The look and feel of the film is in tune with its spirit which started an illustrious career. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Writer and director Wes Anderson made another impeccably mounted film with a killer cast that fails to deliver to its target audience but will please Anderson followers. Based on the classic by British writer Roald Dahl, the story is about a sly fox who outsmarts three means farmers while stealing their poultry. Unlike Nick Park whose film pleases children and adults alike, Anderson gets swayed by style in his attention for detail that's a sight to see in this beautiful stop-motion animation. George Clooney and Meryl Streep along with Anderson regulars Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray are perfect as the voices but can't save the film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Milk of Sorrow

Peruvian writer and director Claudia Llosa gives a taste of her country in this drama. After the death of her mother, a young woman works as a maid in order to afford her burial which also allows her to overcome her fears and superstitions that sets her free. Llosa uses local folklore and magic realism to tell the story of a young woman who's forced to come out of the shadows of a violent past. The title refers to a believe that mothers pass their terror through their breast milk. There's an obvious touch of exoticism in the film that's common in foreign films but it's a beautiful and haunting film from a country rarely seen on screen. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

CRITICS AWARDS 3: NY Film Critics Circle

Best Film
THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Foreign Language Film
CARLOS

Best Director
David Fincher, THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Actor
Colin Firth, THE KING'S SPEECH

Best Actress
Annette Bening, THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Best Supporting Actor
Mark Ruffalo, THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Best Supporting Actress
Melissa Leo, THE FIGHTER

Best Documentary
Inside Job

Best Animated Feature
The Illusionist

Cinematography
Matthew Libatique, BLACK SWAN


2009
2008
2007

For more info: http://www.nyfcc.com/index.php

Sherlock Holmes

British director Guy Ritchie has been assigned to make Sherlock Holmes hip and fashionable. The only thing that remains from the classic Arthur Conan Doyle's novels are the names, everything else has been thrown out of the windows. It's not that film is bad, it's just that it wants represents something it isn't except for the name. In this version Holmes has to solve the case of Lord Henry Blackwood who reappears after being executed in front of Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law provide sex appeal and hipness to the classic characters while the beautiful Rachel McAdams and Kelly Reilly appear as their love interests. Mark Strong and Eddie Marson provide solid support along with the top notch crew. It's too bad they couldn't come up with an original idea with all the talent except to bastardize a classic. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

CRITICS AWARDS 2: LA Film Critics Association

Best Film
THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Foreign Language Film
CARLOS

Best Director
Olivier Assayas, CARLOS

Best Actor
Colin Firth, THE KING'S SPEECH

Best Actress
Kim Hye-ja, MOTHER

Best Supporting Actor
Niels Arestrup, A PROPHET

Best Supporting Actress
Jacki Weaver, ANIMAL KINGDOM

Best Documentary
Last Train Home

Best Animated Feature
TOY STORY 3

Best Adapted Screenplay
Aaron Sorkin, THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Cinematography
Matthew Libatique, BLACK SWAN

Production Design
Guy Hendrix Dyas, INCEPTION

Score
Alexandre Desplat, THE GHOST WRITER

2009
2008
2007

For more info: www.lafca.net

The Last of the Mohicans

Director Michael Mann delivered his first masterpiece with this riveting drama set during the French and Indian War where the British fought the French and the Indians for their territories that later become the United States. A white man raised by the last of the Mohicans falls in love with the daughter of a British Colonel that leads them through the war infested lands. Daniel Day-Lewis transformed and established himself as one of the greatest actors alive after his 180 degree turn from his previous award-winning role in "My Left Foot." Beautifully written and directed with stellar cast and crew make this film a timeless classic. The cast also includes a never better Madeleine Stowe and a menacing Wes Studi as well as Russel Means, Jodhi May and Eric Schweig. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Baraka

Celebrated cinematographer Ron Fricke made his feature debut with this masterpiece. A documentary unlike any other that has to be experienced which no words can describe. Through footage from the world in 24 countries, Fricke's meditation on humanity but also its effect on nature. Breathtaking visuals and music show humanity across the globe and religions and focuses on how much we have in common than what separates us that's beyond words. The film will affect everybody in different ways every time it's viewed. A classic made for the ages shot in glorious 70mm that has to be experienced. A milestone in the history of cinema. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Limey

American auteur Steven Soderbergh made another innovative film with this revenge thriller. A British ex-con goes to LA to find out the truth about his daughter's death who had an affair with a rich record producer. There's nothing new or exciting about the story itself which comes to life through its stylization, mostly through the innovative editing by Sarah Flack under the guidance of Soderbergh. Terence Stamp and Peter Fonda are perfectly cast, specially since the film relies on their persona's from earlier films. Soderbergh actually uses footage from Stamp's performance in Ken Loach's "Poor Cow" to convey the back story for his character. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Road

Australian director John Hillcoat took on Cormac McCarthy's The Road after successfully capturing the Australian wild west. In this dystopian sci-fi set in the near future where the earth has lost its livelihood through a human made disaster, the few surviving humans fight for a brutal survival that includes cannibalism amongst others atrocious acts. The world turned into a wasteland and the survivors resembling rats rather than humans. What differs the good from the bad is their humanity shown through the relationship of a father and son who are on the road to nowhere but managed to keep their dignity while there seems no reason for it. Hillcoat is faithful to McCarthy's examination of humanity on the edge. Hillcoat and his cast and crew made a powerful film that cuts to the bone. Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee are pitch perfect as the father and son. Charlize Theron, Robert Duval and Guy Pearce make brief cameos. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

I Love You, Alice B. Toklas!

British comedian Peter Sellers is hilarious as the straight lawyer who falls in love with the hippie life in this comedy. A thirty-something lawyer finally decides to get married on his girl friends insistence but falls for a beautiful hippie girl he meets through his hippie brother. The film sees the world in black and white between the conservative and liberalism and it's clear on which side it stands. Sellers is the main attraction here and he does deliver. He gets solid support from Jo Van Fleet as his mother and Leigh Taylor-Young as his love interest. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Times and Winds

Turkish writer and director Reha Erdem delivered a poetic and profound study of youth in this stunning film. Three young kids escape their harsh reality that includes household chores or scolding parents into nature where they find peace and companionship with each other. The kids are Omer, the son of the imam who has been replaced by a younger brother and can't understand or connect with his parents. His best friend Yakup who can't stand to see his father humiliated by his grandfather on daily basis while having a crush on his beautiful teacher. The two are joined by Yildiz, a young girl who's buried by household chores that includes her baby brother. The three escape to the mountains where they befriend the shepherd, an orphan boy their age. Erdem focuses on the small and daily truth in the live of his characters rather than the big events which gives the film its poetic message. The film divided in five sections according to the five times of prayer where nature and people live in harmony. Stunning cinematography and deliberate slow pace make the film a joy for those game to more than just entertainment. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Maxed Out

Writer and director James D. Scurlock makes his feature debut with this troubling documentary about the credit crises in the US that reveals the bigger picture of the economy. Through expert witness and case studies, Scurlock shows how hard times and easy credit makes average citizens victims to predatory lenders that includes all the major banks. It's the big banks who prey on the helpless and get government help when they are in trouble unlike the people who most of the time have no other option than falling into the vicious cycle besides those who live above their means. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Joneses

Writer and director Derrick Borte makes his feature debut with this entertaining take on the dark side of the American dream. When the Joneses move into the town, it's impossible to keep up with them because they are beautiful and rich that makes them the envy of their peers. However nothing is as it seems because the Joneses have their own dark secrets. Borte takes a scathing attack on the materialism that plagues not only the US but most of the world where everybody tries to get rich or die trying. Demi Moore and David Duchovny lead the talented cast. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Paris 36

French writer and director Christophe Barratier returned with another winning musical and heart-warming film. The story about a Parisian neighborhood before the second world war through a music hall where people fall in and out of love while their hopes and dreams are created and shuttered. Barratier cleverly uses the romantic postcard image of Paris to bring a fresh perspective on the familiar story through winning music and a stellar cast of mostly unknown actors. French stars Kad Merad and Pierre Richard provide solid support. The film doesn't hide its intents and will please its target audience, the Francophile. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Bliss

Turkish director Abdullah Oguz shows the big culture clash in his country through this tale about honor killing. After a young woman is raped in her village, she refuses to name the culprit which forces her family that includes the village elder to cast her out of the village. She's sent far away to Istanbul with her soldier cousin who has to commit the honor killing. The cousin fails to fulfill his duty but they find refuge and understanding from a university professor that help them to sort their dilemmas. Oguz shows the big gap between the ancient and the modern that exists in Turkey and how it affects the people. While the villagers have outdated moral codes, they have a close ties with each other where the city people are lonely, even in the closest form of a relationship, the marriage. Stunning locations and cinematography along with a potent story make this film worthwhile despite its shortcomings. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Free Zone

Israeli writer and director Amos Gitai has all the right intentions but comes short with this road movie that brings together women of different backgrounds together. In order to collect her husband's debt from his Arab partner, Israeli cab driver Hanna travels to the Free Zone in the Jordan-Iraq-Saudi border along with an American girl who had a dispute with her fiancee. Upon their arrival the two women find more trouble and have to help Leila in order to get the money. Gitai shows the daily conflicts in the Middle-East through the eyes of women in the actual locations. Natalie Portman, Hiam Abbass and Hanna Laszlo bring the required authenticity with their performances. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Jagged Edge

British director Richard Marquand delivered his best film with this effective thriller about a lawyer falling in love with her client which clouds her judgement. A former criminal lawyer returns to the courtroom to defend a man accused of killing his wealthy wife, only to find out that nothing is as it seems. Marquand and writer Joe Eszterhas created a perfect whodunit with plenty of twists from the beginning till the last frame. Glenn Close and Jeff Bridges deliver solid performances along with Robert Loggia and Peter Coyote in supporting roles. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Angel

French writer and director François Ozon fails utterly with this English period piece. The story of a young woman who finds fame and fortune as a romance writer, only to fall in love with the wrong man before the first world war. While Ozon used the "Kitsch" theme to his advantage in some of his films, he comes short in this film due to cultural and language barrier. The talented cast can't overcome the restrictions of the script that might have improved their performances. It would have helped more to have established stars in the leads instead of the newcomers that Romola Garai and Michael Fassbender are. The supporting cast is solid with Charlotte Rampling, Sam Neill and Lucy Russell. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

CRITICS AWARDS 1: National Board of Review

Best Film
THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Foreign Language Film
OF GODS AND MEN

Best Director
David Fincher, THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Actor
Jesse Eisenberg, THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Actress
Lesley Manville, ANOTHER YEAR

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, THE FIGHTER

Best Supporting Actress
Jacki Weaver, ANIMAL KINGDOM

Best Documentary
WAITING FOR "SUPERMAN"

Best Animated Feature
TOY STORY 3

Best Adapted Screenplay
Aaron Sorkin, THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Best Original Screenplay
Chris Sparling, BURIED

2009
2008
2007

For more info: http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/

The Other Man

British director Richard Eyre took a serious misstep with this film after three solid films. The story about a man who suspects his beloved wife might have been unfaithful and sets out to find the other man. The question at the heart of the film is whether one woman can love two different men at the same time without having to choose one of them. The problem lies in the writing more than anything that derails the rest of the film including the casting. It would have been more successful if it stayed away from the cliches and went deeper into the characters, specially the woman at the center of the story. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Heat

Writer and director Michael Mann made this film at the height of his craft that produced his three best films that started with "The Last of the Mohicans" and ended with "The Insider." An epic crime saga set in LA about a brilliant criminal who matches wits with an equally brilliant cop. After a heist leaves several men dead, the LAPD tries to track down the gang responsible while they attempt another one. The film brought two legends of American cinema, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino together for the first time on screen that's worthy of their talents. It's also one of the best films about the city of Los Angeles. Mann's ambition pays off with a smart and stylish film that features a great ensemble of fully developed characters that's rare in a genre film. The supporting cast is impressive as well which includes Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd and Diane Venora amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Mario Monicelli 1915 - 2010