for me, The measuring stick i would use to say that a movie was my "Fav of the year" would be how many times I sought to watch the movie after its Initial Viewing.
for that, First on my List is:
'The Wolfman'
I fist saw the Wolfman in the theaters on its initial release and Instantly 3 things stuck with me. The visuals, The Wolfman is probably one of the Best looking movies of the year with its mix of special effects, CGI, Make up and its Cinematography. I looks Gorgeous IMO. second, the Score. While the score was plagued with many revisions and even re-scored entirely by a different composer, Danny Elfman's Music fit the movie PERFECTLY!! I love the score to this film. Lastly, Benicio Del Toro and Sir Anthony Hopkins play off of each other brilliantly. The combo really played that Father-Son rift to the T.
Still, this movie has its many flaws and i was actually quite upset with the ending. However, once this was released on Blu-ray I knew I had to have it!! Thankfully the Extended Director's cut of the film gave the movie a little boost to make it even more enjoyable. The ending, while still intact from its theatrical release, still irks me. Thankfully there are 3 alternate Endings to be seen to make you say," Damn! why didnt they use that ending?? that was soooo much better!"
With that, I Have to Say that despite its flaws, The Wolfman Is the Movie i watched the most this year and is one of my "Best of the year".
Next,
'Black Swan'
Arronofsky hits another Grandslam with this one, as he wrote and Directed this Dark Gem! Of course, the big talk on the film was its beautifuly Naughty lesbian love scene between Co-stars Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. But throw that small thrill ride aside and you have a movie that creates a Star! Portman is Perfect! and her supporting Cast not only throw her into turmoil but the they sink the audiance as well. Once again, noone makes a movie more Visually stunning than Aronofsky and his team. last, as Halloween fans we all know the importance of a good score. one that sets the pacing and tone for the film. Here, Clint Mansell re-hashes Tchaikovsky's Music for the play 'Swan Lake' and adds his haunting musical preasence as he has done many times to the set the stage for what maybe the film of the year. I have seen this twice in the theater and this will be a sure buy for me on Blu-ray on its release date. To quote a Very important line from the film "it was Perfect".
and Finaly,
'Inception'
What can be said about this film that is not good? Not much if any. The World around us has pretty much all be in compliance with thier opinion of this Film and everyone holds thier thumbs way up high for thier seals of approval. Christopher Nolan (Like Aronofsky) is one of the best Directors of the past 10 years. The Cast is brilliant and Leo DiCaprio once again shows why is one of Hollywood's Best leading men of this past Decade. The Idea of Dreams within Dreams may confuse people but this seeming complex idea is plotted so elegantly that even a fool can feel when the "Dream is collapsing".
Hanz Zimmer"s Score for the film has been praised worldwide for its Mirror imaging of the Film, and its Adrenaline inducing "Kick". Its Blu-ray release is second to none filled with more extras that you can ask for. The Coplex nature of the Film is lessend with each Viewing but the action sequences and Special effects keep the film keep it crispy and never stale.
Honorable Mention
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt.1'
There is plenty of good to say about this one. I,ve seen it twice in the theaters and it may very well be the best Potter film to date. My Problem with this is that there is a sequel to this so to be fair to it i will have to consider this one with its counterpart for next year's top 3 list. Still as a stand alone film this movie was all kinds of Win!
