So the general consensus seems to be that 2010 hasn’t been a particularly good year for movies… and for the first half of the year, I was definitely in agreement. Things have turned around a bit since then, though, and it’s looking like some of the smaller films from earlier in the year are being released on DVD/BD around now. Normally, I’ve got a ton of current-year movies under my belt by this time in the year – usually around 60-70. When I finished off the 6 Weeks of Halloween horror movie marathon last month, I took a loot at my list and saw about 30 movies from 2010. So all throughout November, I’ve been playing catchup on 2010 movies. I’ve made some headway, but there’s still quite a few movies I want to catch up with before I put together the annual awards and top 10. So let’s start with new movies that are coming out in December:
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale – I don’t remember how I found out about this one, but I’m super excited to check out this Finnish movie about an archaeological dig that unearths the “real” Santa, who then proceeds to go on a murder spree (of course!) Ok, so it sounds terrible, but I have an affinity for such movies and this one opens on 12/22 in Philly. Score.
- Black Swan – Initial reports appear mixed, and judging from what I’ve heard, I’m not going to love this. But I’ll watch anything Aronofsky puts out.
- The Tourist – I know this looks like typical Hollywood trash, but the talent involved is somewhat intriguing.
- The Fighter – Another one I don’t have particularly high hopes for, but it’s been getting good reviews, so I guess we’ll see.
- TRON: Legacy – Low expectations here, but should be fun.
- True Grit – I have to admit that Jeff Bridges’ voice gives me pause, but it’s Coen Brothers, so I’m in and will probably love this.
Next up, 2010 movies that are or will be available on Netflix Watch Instantly:
- Cropsey – Documentary about a creepy urban legend? I’m in!
- Mother – I have to admit that I’m not quite on the Bong Joon-ho bandwagon, but I’m still interested in checking this movie out…
- Vengeance – I am, however, on the Johnny To bandwagon, so I will most definitely be checking this one out.
- Blood Into Wine – A documentary about the Wine business (apparently features Maynard James Keenan of Tool fame).
- The Art of the Steal – Documentary about the power struggle to control a group of famous paintings after the owner’s death.
- Restrepo – Documentary about soldiers in Afghanistan.
- Exit Through the Gift Shop – Documentary ostensibly about street artist Banksey, but apparently things get twisted around in other directions…
- Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work – Documentary about the woman, the myth, the legend.
- Red Riding Trilogy (1974, 1980, 1983) – Three movies telling the story of a 14 year manhunt for a serial killer.
- Terribly Happy – Seems kinda like a serious version of Hot Fuzz… big city cop forced to take a job in a small town, hijinks ensue.
- The Good, the Bad, the Weird – A Korean take on the Spaghetti Western? Why not! Technically been around for a while, but it just became available for most to see this year.
Finally, 2010 movies I’ll probably be checking out on DVD/BD (again via Netflix) in the next month or two:
- The Secret in Their Eyes – Technically this won the Oscar for best foreign picture during last year’s Oscars, but it wasn’t released here until this year. These movies often end up on my top 10, so this is a natural choice.
- Doghouse – I don’t think this battle-of-the-sexes zombie flick will be winning any awards, but I really enjoyed director Jake West’s previous schlock-fest, Evil Aliens, so I want to check out this movie.
- Easy A – I wanted to check this out when it was in theaters and I suppose I had no good reason not to, but I never got around to it. From what I’ve heard, it’s surprisingly good, so I guess we’ll find out!
- The Kids Are All Right – Doesn’t really sound like my type of movie, but I’ll check it out anyway because everyone seems to love it.
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – I’ve heard it’s the best video game movie ever made. I’ve also heard it’s terrible. Of course, those are not conflicting statements.
- The Expendables – I’ve heard bad things, but really, how bad could it be? Not super excited about this one and may not get to it, but it’s on the list!
So there’s 25 movies I want to see in the next month or so. Something tells me I won’t get to all of them (particularly junk like The Expendables), but I’ll give it the good ol’ college try. Of course, there are probably a few other movies coming out on DVD/BD in January that I’ll want to check out as well… but interestingly, I think I could put together a decent top 10 list right now if I had to, which is actually a pretty good sign (and I’m virtually certain that some of the above movies will make their way onto the list as well). 2010 didn’t get a particularly good start, but it’s shaping up to be ok (for me, at least).