The Film Strain: Top 10 Tragically Underrated or Ignored Films of 20100

by Andrew E. Konietzky

You film minions are a voracious breed. I gave you a Horror Top 10 in October, which you greedily devoured. Unsatiated, you tore open another vein with the Holiday Top 10 in November, and now you want more. So I bring you The Film Strain’s Top 10 Tragically Underrated or Ignored Films of 2010. As with my previous lists, it is impossible to be 100% definitive and catalog all the films that got created this past year. Some of the films that I’ve included are big names, but considered failures by the studios. Many of them were tragically ignored by the masses and quietly slinked into DVD/Blu-Ray releases. Some may be completely unknown to many film lovers, so write them down. Here are 10 from 2010 that just did not get the respect and viewer love that they should have, but all of them actually got released in theaters somewhere.

1. Splice: “What’s the worst that could happen?”

This is a beautiful and warped film, the likes of which we don’t see much anymore. In this brain-tweaking treat Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) are two young genetic engineers who make a lot of mistakes and poor judgments while playing God. They begin to bond with a creature they create and name her Dren (Delphine Chaneac). Ultimately they learn why folks shouldn’t mess with Mother Nature. This film creeps into you on a moral, intellectual, and erotic level, and should not be missed.

2. Paper Man: “If only everything in the world could be covered in butter.”

The film is touching and full of sublime humor. Jeff Daniels and Emma Stone turn in fantastic performances, and Ryan Reynolds’s presence as Captain Excellent brings a quirky humor into play. Anyone who has ever felt a bit lost in life will instantly connect with Paper Man; it’s inspiring and reminds us that great movies can be made about the little things. If you love films like Lars and the Real Girl, Defendor and The Station Agent, do not miss this one.

3. Black Swan: “I just want to be perfect.”

I will not give away any spoilers so as not to ruin the experience for anyone. However, if you’re familiar with Darren Aronofsky’s work, then you already have an inkling as to what you are in for. I’ve been a fan of his since I first saw Pi, which is a brilliant piece of filmmaking and storytelling. If there is any justice, Black Swan will dominate during the upcoming awards season. Natalie Portman’s turn as Nina Sayers – a dancer who struggles as she succumbs to growing pressures from her director, her mother, her rivals, and her personal need for a perfect performance – is, hands down, the best acting I have seen in a long time. The film is intense, exhausting, and truly stunning. A masterfully crafted piece that only Aronofsky could bring to the screen.

4. Legend of the Guardians – The Owls of Ga’Hoole: “We’re each others’ family now. We’ll find them together.”

Soren, a young barn owl, is kidnapped by The Owls of St. Aggie’s as part of their scheme to brainwash owlets into becoming soldiers. Soren and his new friends escape to the island of Ga’Hoole to assist its noble, wise owls who fight back against the army being created by the wicked rulers of St. Aggie’s. It is the first non-R rated film by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, and the upcoming geek overload film Sucker Punch). This film deserves Best Animated Feature and Cinematography nods to say the least. I know this is a children’s film based on a series of popular books, but there were times when I forgot it was CG and that they were freaking owls due to the visuals, action, and great story.

5. Inception (2010) “Dreams feel real while we’re in them.”

It cost a little over $160 million to make and only grossed $62 million during the opening weekend. You know what that means? That means Inception was considered an epic failure by the studio. However it was a highly original thriller from the mind of Christopher Nolan, executed to a stunning soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, and gets my nod for the Best Film of the Year. Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the absolute best at stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious. He perpetrates his crimes while his victims are in a dream state, when their minds are at their most vulnerable. This is intelligent filmmaking at its absolute best. Unfortunately the complexity of the premise and plot also made it confusing for many. It’s a dream within a dream within an incomprehensible clusterfuck, but you will love the ride and the puzzle of it, I promise.

6. Kick Ass: “So, you wanna play?”

If Spider Man and Kill Bill had a drunken one-night-stand, then Kick Ass would be the love child. A superhero film based on the comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr., it’s relentlessly violent, consistently smart, and hilarious. Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) is outstanding and deserves her own spin-off movie. Kick Ass caused a huge stink however, due to moronic parents taking their spawn to it thinking it was a kid’s film. Because of this, the film was attacked by family advocacy groups for violence and strong language. Several critics like Roger Ebert and Christopher Tookey also accused the film of glorifying violence, particularly violence by young children. Come on people!!! It’s Rated R for a damn reason. Even though the studio considers the film a financial failure we are getting Kick Ass 2: Balls to the Wall in 2012. Sweet.

7. The Runaways: “I like your style. A little Bowie, a little Bardot, and a look on your face that says I could kick the shit out of a truck driver.”

I love Joan Jett, the music and the person. Always have. But I simply cannot stand Kristen Stewart. I think she’s like watching the inventory of Lowe’s Lumber Department trying to act – she’s just THAT wooden. Even if you agree with me, don’t overlook this film because of Stewart. She actually did a fantastic job of playing Joan Jett. Dakota Fanning also delvers a strong performance as Joan’s fellow Runaway Cherie Currie. If you are a fan of The Runaways or Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, you will enjoy this movie (which was written and directed by Floria Sigismondi). For those who aren’t fans, watch it anyway – I bet most of you will end up being one.

8. Monsters: “All I want, is to get back to America.”

If you loved District 9 you should have seen this film already. The premise of the story is that six years ago NASA discovered the possibility of alien life within our solar system. A probe was launched to collect samples, but crashed upon re-entry over Central America. Soon after, a new life form began to appear and half of Mexico was quarantined as a designated “Infected Zone.” Made with a crew consisting of only two people using off the shelf $8,400 cameras, the film was shot opportunistically with little to no outline of scenes and their direction. It’s a bit slow moving, but the visuals and realistic feel draw you in to the tale of two people just trying to get back over the border.

9. Exit Through the Gift Shop: “I used to encourage everyone I knew to make art; I don’t do that so much anymore.”

The film documents Thierry Guetta’s attempt to make a definitive film about contemporary street art. In his quest to locate and shoot all the scene’s major players, the eccentric French shopkeeper turned filmmaker manages to befriend elusive superstar artist Banksy, who subsequently turns the camera back onto the filmmaker. When Guetta’s original documentary proves to be unwatchable, Banksy takes over the production of it, and suggests to Guetta that he should do an art show. It’s at this point that the documentary shifts focus onto Guetta and how he transformed himself into the artist known as Mr. Brainwash. When Exit Through the Gift Shop first came out, many insisted the film and the art of Mr. Brainwash were part of an elaborate hoax masterminded by Banksy to show the stupidity of the art world. It’s certainly a critique of the contemporary art world, and the over-commercialization and exploitation of street art, but is it a documentary or mockumentary? Either way it’s genius.

10. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: “We are Sex Bob-Omb and we are here to make you think about death and get sad and stuff.”

Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley and deemed an epic failure, this film will appeal to anyone who loves video games, Edgar Wright, Zelda, and/or rock music. It stars Michael Cera (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) as Scott Pilgrim, an uber geek who has to fight off his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to prevail in love. Jason Schwartzman plays Gideon Gordon Graves, the evilest of the evil exes. If you’re anything approaching a self-identifying geek, go see it already – really, trust me on this!