The 2010s have delivered some exceptional films that I consider to be "excellence in filmmaking". I could layout 50 movies that are exceptional, but this article would be way too long. Choosing my top ten was incredibly difficult, and all of these are some of the best. This list represents me as a movie lover, and I wish to share it. Without further ado, let's begin!
10. Whiplash (2014)
This pick is what I consider my "movie that wouldn't be on most peoples list".Whiplash speaks to me as a musician and jazz lover. That's one of the reasons why it makes my top 10 combined with excellent filmmaking of course! J.K. Simmons gives an Oscar-winning performance as a hard-nosed professor. We follow Miles Teller as he navigates playing the drums and romance with Melissa Benoist. The editing and sound mixing elevates this movie to the next level, and then there's the finale. The ending scene makes me forget to breathe as amazing drumming, cinematography and directing traverse the screen (Click here for a full movie review)
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2 (2011)
The wizarding world of Harry Potter makes the list for being an epic ending to a legendary series. These books and films spawned a fandom that includes the old and the young. This particular movie features awesome battles, good vs evil, and making heavy difficult choices. We see our young trio finishing their perilous mission as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Go have yourself a Potter-binger, and be immersed in its magic. (Full Review Here)
8. Inception (2010)
This Christopher Nolan epic is the earliest film on this list. Not to brag, but I understood this movie as a 13-year-old while listening to adults complain about its complexity. There's a lot to remember of course, but it's followable. Not only is it followable, but it's also great. Leonardo DiCaprio highlights this fantastic ensemble film about trying to implement an idea into someone's brain. The very idea of dreams fascinates me already. If you ask me late at night, that conversation will last hours. So a cool and well-made film about dreams filled with drama and action? Count me in.
7. Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
Tom Cruise is the man. He's 57 years old, and he's still doing terrifying stunts I wouldn't dream of performing. Cruise flys a helicopter in an action scene just because he can. The Mission Impossible franchise has become a perennial cornerstone in action movies. Fallout is an awesome installment with great editing, sound, and acting. Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Simon Pegg, and the rest of the cast are exceptional.
6. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Famous cinematographer Roger Deakins helped land this movie at number 5. Beautiful camerawork can't be understated in art films, and this is one. This is a high budget, action-drama, arthouse picture. Unfortunately, it didn't make much money in theaters, but it deserves high praise. I loved watching this one on the big screen, and everyone reading this needs to watch.
5. 1917 (2019)
What can you say about a movie that leaves you speechless? Roger Deakins is the cinematographer again in this arthouse one-take style war film. He and Sam Mendes, the director, deliver a near-perfect picture following George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman. The former gives the performance of a lifetime, and I can't say enough. You should just read the full review to understand by clicking here.
4. Skyfall (2012)
Here's another Sam Mendes directed film. Regardless of the decade, this is a top 3 ever made Bond movie. Daniel Craig is my personal favorite portrayal as he brings this famous character to our screens. We get to explore more about Bond's background, and we start to understand what brings someone to this life. Everything flows in this movie. The villain, Javier Bardem, is the best to grace the franchise. Judi Dench gives an award-worthy performance. The original song is amazing. Then there's the writing, directing, pacing, editing, cinematography and so on to name a few more. That enough?
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
This is an epic ending to an epic trilogy. Andy Serkis is the undisputed king of motion capture work. You may recognize his handiwork from such other films as Gollum/Smeagol in Lord of the Rings. The point is he and director Matt Reeves make you care deeply about fake apes. There's a scene at the beginning that almost made me cry (next to the waterfall involving Caesar's family for those who've seen it), and that's no joke. If that's not amazing storytelling, I don't know what is anymore. Compile this with awesome cinematography, pacing, and a plethora of excellent acting performances to make a film for the ages. Watch this trilogy.
2. Django Unchained (2012)
Not many movies invoke all types of emotions including happiness, depression, amusement, anxiousness, repulsion, energy, furiousness, and satisfaction. Somehow Django Unchained does all of these. Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz star in this spaghetti-style western from Quentin Tarantino. His off-beat scripts are full of witty dialogue that elevates his movies above others. Then, throw in Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Walton Goggins? That makes it extra extraordinary. Something as simple as the lighting is better than most in this movie. I've got to make a full article for this one, so I can nerd out some more.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
I'm deeply ashamed to say I didn't say see this 6 Oscar winner movie in theaters, and it's one of my biggest regrets (not even a joke). Madman George Miller directed this big-budget arthouse movie set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland which Miller was the first ever to do in the original Mad Max movie. Leading actress Charlize Theron deserved awards for her performance alongside a stellar depiction of Tom Hardy's Mad Max. Watch car chases in the desert with prodigious production designs and costumes. Everything in this movie makes me love the art of cinema, and that's why it's my favorite pastime. As Nicholas Hoult excitedly shouts: "O what a day, what a lovely day!"
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