“I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn’t always know this, and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out.” – Roger Ebert

I haven’t seen all that many movies this year, so it’s hard to do a true “top 10″ list.  There many movies that I suspect are good but which I haven’t seen. So here are my top 5 movies of 2010:

1. BLACK SWAN – I saw this movie in a packed theater.  When the credits started to roll, I could hear everyone immediately start discussing the movie.  Usually we leave during the credits, but I sat through to the very end this time because I needed time to digest what I had just seen and to calm down.  This movie is riveting from beginning to end, and there are no superfluous scenes.  I have read several reviews which labeled this movie as “genre-bending” and this is truly the case.  Black Swan is an action movie, psychological thriller, erotic thriller, drama, and it even has its comedic moments.  This is the best movie of 2010.
2. 127 HOURS – This was a relatively short movie with a simple plot — a hiker gets trapped alone outdoors and he tries to free himself from his predicament.  Despite the simple premise, and despite the fact that most of this movie takes place in one location,  this movie had the biggest emotional impact on me.  The ending of this movie is uplifting and is a testament to the human spirit.  But more importantly, it emphasizes the message no man is an island and the most important thing in our lives are the connections we make with other people.  A very close second.
3. THE SOCIAL NETWORK -As I watched this move, there was a moment when I knew I was watching something special.  At first glance, it’s a straight-forward corporate drama. But I think it goes beyond that aspect and captures the emergence of a movement that literally changed our society. This is probably the first film that accurately captures the state of our present Internet society.
4. INCEPTION – The first truly original film in a long time.  In an age of sequels, remakes, comic book movies, and franchises, this was a breath of fresh air. 
5. TRUE GRIT – The best Western since Open Range.  Great storytelling and great acting.  It’s the kind of movie that’s even better on a second viewing.

Should I just shut this site down?  Everyone is on Facebook anyway.  But I’m somewhat nostalgic about this place…