Top 10 Films of the Decade

The semester has ended, and 2019 is coming to a close, which means that the decade is also coming to a close. In honor of this being the last blog post that I will be sharing until the start of the new year, I decided to share with you all my favorite films of the 2010s.

10. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013)

Ben Stiller in 2013's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty".

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) is a photo developer for Life Magazine, who is afraid of taking risks in his own life, and often daydreams to escape into his own personal fantasies. When his company is put in jeopardy, the adventure of a lifetime arises when he is sent to recover a photo from legendary photographer Sean O' Connell (Sean Penn) to use for Life's final magazine issue. Ben Stiller does great work here, as director and lead star of this underrated and wonderful film. "Mitty" soars not only on a technical level with its beautiful visuals and locations, but also with its intimate, relatable characters and heartfelt story. It teaches that life is truly an unpredictable adventure, and that we must face our fears and live our lives to the fullest and without regret or fear. I had a blast watching this movie and I would highly recommend accompanying Walter Mitty on this grand cinematic journey.

9. How to Train Your Dragon" (2010)

Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup in "How to Train Your Dragon" (2010).

This movie sets in the Viking village of Berk, where dragons are feared as enemies and vile creatures. We follow the scrawny Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), who successfully captures a dragon but decides to have mercy on the creature and befriend him, naming him Toothless. "How to Train Your Dragon" certainly captured my heart, with its memorable characters, excellent voice work, engaging story, and gorgeous animation. DreamWorks Animation definitely proves its mettle next to the giants at Pixar with this charming, delightful adventure that is great for all ages and is one of my favorite animation features of the decade and one of my favorites of all time.

8. "What We Do in the Shadows" (2014)

Taika Waititi, Jonny Brugh, and Jemaine Clement in 2014's "What We Do in the Shadows". (2014)

This clever mockumentary provides an inside look into the lives of three vampires (Waititi, Brugh, Clement) as they attempt to integrate into our modern society. This is one of the funniest comedies that I've ever seen. As a big fan of the mockumentary genre, in a similar style to shows such as The Office and Parks and Recreation, this is a refreshing, brilliant genre-blend that pokes fun at vampire movies, with a clever and witty script, hilarious performances and loads of laughs and charm. Don't miss this one! P.S. Also be sure to check out FX's television adaptation of the same name. It's just as great!

7. "Baby Driver" (2017)

Ansel Elgort in 2017's "Baby Driver".

Director Edgar Wright helms this pulse-pounding flick, that stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, a partially deaf getaway driver who relies on the beats of his personal music playlist to help deliver criminals to and from their heists. When the experienced professional begins to develop feelings for a beautiful girl named Deborah (Lily James), he sets out to come clean and escape his life in the criminal underworld, but discovers that he has put himself and his new lover in danger. "Baby Driver" is a sleek, stylish and thrilling action film, with a killer soundtrack, a great script, fantastic stunt work and action set pieces, and a charming lead performance from Elgort as Baby. Wright puts the pedal to the metal with this unique, exciting thriller, and I think that this drive is certainly a ride worth taking.

6. "Inception" (2010)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt co-stars in "Inception" (2010).

In this imaginative sci-fi/thriller from visionary director Christopher Nolan (the "Dark Knight" trilogy), a dangerous new technology has allowed criminals to enter the dreams of individuals and steal their subconscious memories and secrets. One of these thieves is a man named Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is trying to escape his criminal life and reunite with his children. Cobb is unexpectedly given a chance for freedom if he successfully pulls off a nearly impossible task: implanting an idea rather than stealing it, in the mind of a powerful corporate figure. I think this is Nolan's most defining work: a smart, intense and bold sci-fi action blockbuster that pushes the boundaries with its creative story, stunning visual/practical effects and mind-blowing action and performances (couldn't resist a pun, sorry!). Dreams are easy to forget, but "Inception" is a captivating cinematic experience to behold that is memorable without a doubt.

5. "Short Term 12" (2013)

Kaitlyn Dever and Brie Larson in 2013's "Short Term 12".

This indie drama follows Grace (Brie Larson), a counselor at a group center for at-risk teenagers, whose past as an abuse victim begins to haunt her as she and her co-workers help bring life into the lives of the children that they care for. This is a very powerful film with strong and relevant messages of hope and resilience in the midst of suffering. Larson gives an honest and beautiful lead performance, with John Gallagher Jr., Rami Malek, and Kaitlyn Dever giving wonderful supporting performances as well. I was incredibly moved by this film and I commend writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton for delivering this important and heartfelt story to the screen.

4. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014)

Ralph Fiennes and Tony Revolori star in 2014's "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

This quirky indie comedy accompanies acclaimed hotel concierge Monsieur Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) and his young protege Zero (Tony Revolori) during their perilous misadventures, after Gustave is accused of murder and the theft of a priceless painting. Director Wes Anderson, known for his unique, zany and aesthetically pleasing style of filmmaking, crafted this hilarious movie, which sports an all-star ensemble cast, beautiful cinematography, and plenty of surprises, laughs, and heart within a superb, award-worthy script (written also by Anderson). Check this one out!

3. Annihilation (2018)

Natalie Portman stars in 2018's "Annihilation".

Prepare to have your mind blown by this epic sci-fi thriller. After her husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) returns alone from a military mission within a mysterious quarantined landscape known as Area X, Lena (Natalie Portman), an ex-soldier and biologist, volunteers to join an expedition into the mutated environmental zone and discover the unknown threat behind its origins. I had no idea what to expect when I first saw "Annihilation", and I was absolutely floored by how incredible and surprising this film was. It's not your average sci-fi flick; it is a complex, thought-provoking, terrifying and surreal experience that only gets better with each rewatch. Writer/director Alex Garland ("Dredd", "Ex Machina") knows how to play with the audience and has plenty of unexpected tricks up his sleeve, and he delivers "Annihilation" with masterful grace and precision. What a trip.

2. "Frances Ha" (2012)

Greta Gerwig stars in 2012's "Frances Ha".

In this charming comedy, Greta Gerwig stars as the titular character, a bright young woman who sets out to follow her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but faces the unfortunate truths of reality, adult hardships and growing responsibilities in her journey. This is a very relatable story with a very relatable protagonist at its core. We, like Frances, all grow up and learn to live as responsible adults in the big and intimidating world around us. But we, also like Frances in her own story, must embrace our lives and work hard to follow our dreams and aspirations. Greta is amazingly talented and absolutely shines in her performance, and delivers behind the camera as well with her delightfully clever screenplay, that she co-wrote with director Noah Baumbach. (Also be sure to check out Greta's excellent 2017 directorial debut, "Lady Bird") "Frances Ha" is a funny, sweet, and touching story and slice of life that is an absolute joy to behold.

1. "La La Land" (2016)

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone star in 2016's "La La Land".

Damien Chazelle, fresh after helming the Academy-Award winning "Whiplash", went on to craft this extraordinary musical that became my favorite film not just of the decade, but my favorite film of all time. "La La Land" follows the unexpected and star-crossed relationship between aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz performer Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), whose individual dreams of success threaten to tear them apart in their own pursuit for happiness. This is a vibrant, gorgeous movie with a fantastic script, lively cinematography, show-stopping musical numbers and impeccable chemistry between Stone and Gosling. "La La Land" is a testament to the aspiring dreamers of the world and a touching homage to classics of the musical genre, such as "Singin' in the Rain". This is why we go to the movies; to be inspired and be moved. And Damien Chazelle does just that with this film, and I, as an aspiring actor myself, instantly fell in love with it. Take a visit to "La La Land". You won't regret it.

It's been an amazing year and an exciting decade in film, but now it's on to a new beginning. Cheers!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all! :)