Top 3 Films of 2010 (Karen's List)

Quiet but remarkable. I list these films in my Top 3 because they were the ones I recommended the most throughout the year. They are often over-looked but worthy of mention. Their storylines lingered with me long after the end credits and they are exceptional examples of character-driven dramas. I attended screenings for all three followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers where they shared several insights about the filmmaking process, which made me appreciate the films even more.

1. Never Let Me Go - It features a hauntingly beautiful musical score and cinematography to match its tone. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley are in fine form, three actors worthy of acclaim. The scene where Garfield's character goes to the headmaster of the school and shows his artwork: heart-breaking.

2. Cyrus - The Duplass brothers are able to mix comedy with offbeat love in a poignant way. It's a great start as they transition from mumblecore to mainstream. John C. Reilly is a well chosen lead alongside Marisa Tomei and Catherine Keener in a supporting role.

3. Mother and Child - The power of this movie lies in its ensemble cast: Annette Benning, Naomi Watts, Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington and Jimmy Smits come together to create a touching story sufficiently intertwined by writer/director Rodrigo Garcia.

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Never Let Me Go

Never Let Me Go is a remarkable story about love, friendship and the meaning of life. Skillfully wrapped in a world of science fiction Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield offer compelling performances. The movie is quiet in tone with lush landscapes, a beautiful music score and scenes full of hauntingly poignant moments. It's definitely worth a watch! 

Now in theaters.

Official Site: www.foxsearchlight.com/neverletmego

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The Greatest

Writer-director Shana Feste’s debut film stars Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon as Allen and Grace Brewer, a grief—stricken couple whose family has been pushed to the breaking point by the death of their older son, Bennett (Aaron Johnson from Kick-Ass) in a car crash. When a young woman, Rose, (recent Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan) shows up a few months later announcing that she is pregnant with Bennett’s child, the Brewer’s are forced to take her in. At first, Rose’s presence threatens to tear the family even further apart but, eventually, her interaction with each of the Brewers proves to be the very thing that brings them back together. Also co-starring Johnny Simmons from Jennifer's Body.

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An Education

I've been hearing a lot of Oscar buzz regarding this film, mostly about Carey Mulligan's performance. I really hope it lives up to the hype because I haven't seen an Anne Hathaway Rachel Getting Married type performance yet. And I'm so ready for the all hoopla over potential best actress nominees to begin.

For those of you who caught An Education at a festival chime in with your opinion. The rest of us have to wait until October 9th when it opens in limited theaters.

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