Harry's Top Ten Films of 2010!

I don't usually follow Harry Knowles or AICN, but I wanted to post this because 
he echoes many of the same thoughts and feelings I have about his choice for 
best film of the year. 


To see all his picks, follow this link:  http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47938


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Scott Pilgrim vs the World
 
My most controversial pick for my top pick ever?   Most likely.   Do I care what 
anyone else thinks?   Not one iota.  
 
What is a Best Film of the year? 
 
Does that mean it has to be dirty and grimy?   Does it have to “feel” 
important?   Does it need to be a giant money maker?   Does it have to be so 
incredibly serious and inaccessible that you feel like you must claim its 
importance, otherwise there would have been no other point to having watched it 
in the first place?   Is the best film a movie on every other list?  
 
No.   BEST FILM is a personal decision.   Once decided, it becomes the author’s 
responsibility to illuminate the reader as to what it was about that film in 
particular that lifted it up above all others of the year.
 
Well, here we go.
 
I’ve watched SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD a lot.   So much, that I now anticipate 
the film.  Edgar Wright has made a film, that given time, will grow and grow and 
grow in the estimation of those that watch it.   How can I say that?   Because 
that is exactly what has happened to me.  
 
I’ve been going through screeners of all the best films of the year.   December 
was a very intense film viewing month for me.   I pitted films against one 
another in a tournament style bracket in my head.   I’d watch the films on this 
list against one another.   Against films like KING’S SPEECH and THE KIDS ARE 
ALRIGHT, both of which were easily defeated.   They’re fine films, but they 
don’t really stand up against stronger competition, but through the entire 
process – I wasn’t even considering SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD.
 
It wasn’t supposed to be “that type of film”.    You know, the sort of film that 
everyone can look at and say, “Harry Knowles is right, that is the best film of 
the year!”  Oh, don’t get me wrong.   There is a group that feels that way.   
They’ve become radiantly in love with SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD – and several 
of my online brothers would probably feel more comfortable naming SCOTT PILGRIM 
VS THE WORLD their “favorite film of 2010”.   But ya know what…
 
I’m nearly 40 years old now.   I no longer care what the grown ups say, I’m very 
likely to be considered a grown up by a lot of  folks – and this Grown Up is 
saying SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD is the best film of 2010 – and I will 
absolutely not back down from that decision.
 
WHY?
 
Because it feels nothing I’ve seen before.   Because it plays with sound & 
editing in a way that would make Buster Keaton smile and admire.   Because like 
TRUE GRIT it is filled with unique and fully realized characters.   Because like 
BLACK SWAN it dips into the surreal.   Because like THE SOCIAL NETWORK, it 
follows the socially inept.   Because like THE FIGHTER it’s about a character 
that everyone tries to beat down, from his family and friends, to himself, yet 
through it all he discovers what matters most and pursues it.   Because the film 
is young, full of vitality and isn’t a contributing funk to the world.  
   Because, SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD is my Best Picture of 2010.   
 
Because a film does not have to be self-serious to be great.   Because it 
doesn’t have to be about old people and old things.    It can be about triumph 
and happiness.   Why must we celebrate only the dark, when the light is as 
beautiful as this.   Because sometimes we need a movie to rock us.   To beat us 
over the head and shoulders with the fevered mania of a generation that is just 
starting to scream in front of the cameras with a glee that seems all too rare 
in this world.
 
I know I’m alone as a film writer on this front, but I don’t care.   Sometimes 
you have to be alone when picking the BEST FILM OF THE YEAR.   Because you must 
have the courage of your convictions.   And mine say SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD 
is the best film of 2010.

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