My top 5 films of the year

Well I promised I'd do it but rather than spend 5 minutes thinking of it I thought I'd spend a bit of time coming up with my definitive list. Overall it has been a decent year for films with the highs being as good as anything released over the past decade. There have been various lows as well but lets not dwell on those. Have a read and let me know what you think on Facebook.

5: Kick-Ass
Kick-Ass is the first of two comic book adaptations in my top 5. Originally devised by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr (and adapted by Jane Goldman and Mathew Vaughn) the strongest aspect of this film is easily the script. Tight, witty dialogue permeates the entire film and any film that has Nick Cage doing a good turn has to be brilliant. With imaginative set pieces and strong performances throughout, this is a film I will gladly watch again and again.


4: The Road
This film was released at the start of the year and has stood up against pretty much everything else that has came out since. "Bleak" only begins to describe how dark this film is and I still remember the atmosphere in the cinema as the end credits began to roll (there was a loud collective sigh and the general feeling someone had just died). A trully stunning piece of cinema and more than worthy of a watch (though expect a tough ride)


3: Scott Pilgrim Vs The World
Scott Pilgrim Vs the World is a peculiar film. A film that is quite apart from anything that has came before it. A comic book adaptation that is more like watching someone play a video game than anything else. Edgar Wright has created a particular visual style with this film that has the sounds pretty much coming alive and directly towards you (this film could have worked as well in 3D as any film brought out in that medium). The sound and music in this is what makes the film what it is. The Beck scored Sex Ba-Bomb tracks along with clever choices for licensed tracks give the film an unmistakable character and really help make the film what it is. Special mentions to Chris Evans and Kieran Culken. Both pretty much steal the whole film.

2: Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 is a film that manages that rare feat of being a sequel that is at least as good as the original and the Toy Story trilogy surely has to go down as one of the strongest trilogies of all time. This was a film that managed to appeal to both adults and children at the same time and dealt with themes of growing up (and out of use) and the idea of not being needed any more (themes few film makers would even consider putting into a kids film). Put simply, this is an awesome film and one that will help the Toy Story trilogy go down as one of the all-time classics.

1: Inception
So my film of the year? Well it had to be "Inception". A blockbuster with brains was how a lot of people coined it and, in truth, it's not far wrong. In an age where all we seem to get are sequels for Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean this was simply refreshing. A plot that deserved repeat viewing, enough action to satisfy most and strong performances from all involved in it, this film for me is the best thing since "There Will Be Blood" and it's possibly even better than that.