My Top 50 Movies of the 2010s (Part III: #10-1)

10. Silver Linings Playbook - 2012
Directed by David O. Russell

David O. Russell, who often directs movies that aren't particularly groundbreaking (seriously, The Fighter and American Hustle? Even the titles are boring) took a simple plot and made it extraordinary, thanks largely to a great cast of characters played by great actors turning in some of the best performances of their careers. Admittedly, there are very few things about this movie that are all that unique, special, or mind-blowing. I understand that. But every time I watch this movie, I find myself wanting to start it over and watch it again. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence deliver top-notch performances, giving off great chemistry and showing some excellent comedic timing, helping to make them one of my favorite on-screen couples. Even Robert De Niro, who over the past 15 years or so seems to have given up the art of acting in favor of making De Niro-y faces in front of a camera and collecting money for it, gives a great performance as a quirky, somewhat insane old man with a serious case of OCD. I've never seen him quite like this before, and it was nice to see him actually put out effort for a role again. In the end, this movie is hilarious, charming, and emotionally-satisfying, making it one of my all-time favorite romantic comedies.

My Top 50 Movies of the 2010s (Part II: #25-11)

I'm sure there will be entries on this list that people will disagree with, which makes me happy. If you have issues with my list, leave me feedback. I want to hear what people think, what changes they would make, or even recommendations for things I might have missed that aren't included on this list. Any feedback is good feedback.

But now, to business. This is part 2 of my top 50 of the 2010s decade.

25. Certified Copy - 2010
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami

By the halfway point, I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. It was a relatively simple film, with good performances and interesting characters. And then something happened that changed this movie into complex, challenging, and totally unforgettable. One of director Kiarostami's finest efforts to date -- which is saying something.

My Top 50 Movies of the 2010s (Part I: #50-26)

A definite work in progress, this list will be updated on occasion to compensate for new releases, though I'll often wait for a while to make sure the movie has the staying power to keep on this list before I throw it on here. But as it stands, and as you glance through, these are my top 50 movies of the 2010s.

50. The Avengers - 2012
Directed by Joss Whedon

Though I could have just as easily slipped Guardians Of The Galaxy in this slot, I feel this movie deserves a position on here for sheer enjoyability, and being one of the only movies of this sort to ever be released. Utilizing plot devices and developments from a handful of individual superhero movies before it, The Avengers takes this monumental set-up and runs with it.