Another year has passed and 2010 has given us some great flicks The Social Network, Toy Story 3, Black Swan are all creating Oscar hype, but there are always the hidden gems that slip through the cracks every year. When embarking upon creating this list I found it was difficult to tell which films were underrated. What makes a movie underrated anyway? Well, I decided that it comes down to a couple of factors. First of all maybe two of these films played in Edmonton theaters, and not for long. I also tried to find picks that the average moviegoer might not have heard of. Critical acclaim and media surrounding the release of the films also factored in. So without further deliberation here are the top ten films you never saw in 2010 after the jump.
Top Ten Underrated Films of 2010
10. Buried
Ever wanted to spend an hour and a half in a box with Ryan Reynolds? Me neither, but Buried is an intimate display of camera work and suspense that keeps you entertained without leaving the coffin our hero Paul is stuck in. Armed with a cell phone and a lighter Paul attempts to find his way out of the mysterious situation he woke up in. Apparently captured and buried alive by terrorists Paul, an American truck driver in Iraq, finds himself suffering through the minutia involved in finding help on the phone (think tech support). Buried tries to throw in the themes of terrorism and hostage politics, which helps keep the dialogue flowing, but it feels forced at times. There’s a lot of tension in this thriller that those who suffer from claustrophobia should avoid.
9. Kick ass
Don't get me wrong, Kick Ass is an awesome movie, it only hits number nine on my list because I'm on the fence as to whether or not it was underrated, maybe unjustly advertised is more appropriate. I remember when I first saw the trailer for Kick-Ass, as soon as Nicholas Cage hit the screen dressed as a half assed batman I didn’t think I would ever watch it. Once I found out it was based on a Mark Miller comic I was persuaded to watch, and I was pleasantly surprised. Kick Ass is hilarious and original pseudo-superhero movie that follows the typical teen nerd who can’t get the girl as he attempts to become a super hero; only he has no super powers. It’s technically an action-comedy expect more laughs from Kick Ass than anything else it is one of the funnier movies of 2010 hands down.
8.Holy Rollers
Holy Rollers is a look at the true story of an Orthodox Jewish teen that unknowingly gets involved in smuggling ecstasy. After getting a taste for the girls and trips to Europe Sam Gold, played extraordinarily by Jesse Eisenburg, begins his journey down the drug dealing rabbit hole. Transitioning from being innocent to being corrupted by the cruel world of the drug trade isn’t a new idea for a plot but the way Holy Rollers is presented, with possibly the most innocent main character at the beginning of any movie, it becomes a completely original take on a sub-genre which has been done to death since Scarface. The Directorial debut of Kevin Asch is an impressive independent film
7.Restrepo
Restrepo is a Stunning National Geographic Documentary that follows a platoon of U.S troops in Afghanistan. British photographer Tim Hetherington and American journalist Sebastian Lunger directed this up close and personal look at American soldiers posted in the Korangal Valley, one of the most dangerous valleys in Afghanistan. Restrepo gets so close to the action it’s almost unbelievable. Hetherington and Lunger literally risked their lives for this documentary and it shows. There are incredible shots during firefights and eye opening looks at what soldiers have to experience daily. Restrepo is definitely worth a watch for anyone interested in seeing the most realistic portrayal of what’s happening overseas.
6. Never Let Me Go
This might just be me, but I completely missed this one. Never Let Me Go is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel of the same name. It’s the story three children growing up in an English Boarding school in an alternate history where they are raised only to donate their vital organs at the end of their short lives. Although this is essentially a love triangle with an awkward Andrew Garfield at the center, Never Let Me Go is an adaptation that captures the feel of a novel, which is tough to do. If you have to watch a love story it might as well be this one.
5. Animal Kingdom
A Grand Jury Prize World Cinema winner at Sundance Animal Kingdom is the story of 17-year-old Josh “J” Cody who is sent to live with his family’s criminal side after the death of his mother. After police shoot one of Josh’s relatives and the family retaliates it sends his world spiraling out of control. Animal Kingdom is the story of a family of interesting but psychotic characters, most notable the performance by Jackie Weaver as the deluded grandmother. Writer/Director David Michod’s first full-length film is a smashing success that may not have received much press in North America.
4.Winters Bone
Based on Daniel Woodrell Novel, Winter’s Bone is the story of 17-year-old Ree Dolly who takes on the dark world of her dangerous and abusive relatives to find her drug-dealing father. Winter’s Bone takes place in Missouri and feels like an incredibly authentic portrayal of the bare bones lifestyle she is forced into. The setting shines through in almost every character it’s both delightfully pulled off and feels frighteningly real at the same time. This isn’t just the American south, it’s the deep south. As a girl in a man’s world Ree takes abuse at every turn when attempting to track down her deadbeat dad. The young Jennifer Lawrence pulls of the subtle art of being a strong silent type and if you don’t feel sorry for her by the end you have no soul.
3. Four Lions
Four Lions is what would happen if Dumb and Dumber were wannabe terrorists trying to perform a jihad. Taking the most sensitive subject imaginable and making it hilarious and heartfelt tale is no easy task, but British director Chris Morris managed to do just that. The cast is outstanding and makes this one move along nicely. You won't be able to understand what I mean when I say "loveable terrorists" until you watch it. Four Lions isn't only hilarious, but a commentary on the reality of situations like this occurring in the real world, where misinformation and radical takes on nationalism and religious beliefs can turn into violence, and how easy it can be for someone to blow themselves up if they really want to. The film not only pulls off one of the most unconventional ideas for a comedy, but the cast of peculiar characters helps lighten the subject matter which at times gets serious. Four Lions has a lot to offer and should be considered one of the best comedies of 2010.
2.Enter the Void
Enter the Void from French filmmaker Gaspar Noe, known for the shockingly grotesque Irreversible, comes an incredible work of cinematography and unique film making. Enter the Void begins with the death of a drug dealer in Tokyo. After his death he becomes a ghost and follows his sister while simultaneously experiencing events from his past. The most engaging thing about Enter the Void is that the entire film is done from the first person perspective. The shots flying over Tokyo look spectacular and Noe takes the camera places I’m sure it’s never been before. A side note, there is about as much sex in this movie as most porno, albeit it’s done a tad more artistically. A fantastic visual experience and a very unique idea for a film Enter the Void is one of the best films you’ve never heard of in 2010 and is probably impossible to get your hands on for the time being.
1.Exit Through the Gift Shop
Exit Through the Gift Shop is one of the best films of 2010. This documentary follows an eccentric French shopkeeper as he attempts to find and film the world-renowned street artist Banksy. Exit Through the Gift Shop is both a cross section of the phenomenon that is street art, and the hilarious and unconventional tale of the amateur filmmaker Thierry Guetta (who may or may not be insane) who accidently fell into the world and began making street art himself. Following and filming both Banksy and another infamous street artist named Space Invader, Exit through the Gift Shop exposes the inner workings of the world of street art and preserves an art form usually cast aside as graffiti and quickly removed. This quirky doc is one of the best documentaries and films in recent memory and I would recommend it to anyone.
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