The Top 10 Scenes of 2010
1. "The Social Network"
Opening scene
You know from the opening scene of "The Social Network" that you are in for a master class in linguistics. It isn't very often that a film begins with the inciting incident, but Fincher and Sorkin aren't our usual director and screenwriter. The opening feels like a game of tennis with both characters (portrayed incredibly by Rooney Mara and Jesse Eisenberg) playing an even match, up until the end. You think Mara's Erica wins, but Eisenberg's Zuckerberg immediately starts to play dirty using his genius and lack of scruples (with a little help, or not, from some friends/enemies) creating...well, you know the rest.
2. "127 Hours"
Amputation
James Franco plays Aron Ralston, a daring adventurer who lives life a bit too much on the dangerous (and lonely) side. It is not a spoiler that Aron's arm gets trapped for 127 hours under a rock, having to break and cut it off (with a dull blade no less) in order to escape. What people might not understand is the incredible euphoria both Raston and the audience experience at the moment of truth. We know what will happen, and we see him try everything he can to get out prior to the scene. Once he makes the decision to remove his arm, it is done with incredible energy and hope. He is going to get out alive! It is a very tough scene to get through. I found myself breathing in unison with the other 200 or so folks in the theater trying not to faint, but mostly my heart was beating with excitement. Don't look away when you (PLEASE!) finally see this film. It is a very uplifting moment.
3. "Black Swan"
The Black Swan dance
You know where the film is headed from the beginning, but that really isn't the point of "Black Swan." It is about the journey that Nina takes, learning how to feel, to experience, to eventually become the black swan. After succumbing to her darker side, it is indeed HER turn. When Portman enters with her Prince from upstage she is absolutely on fire. Every muscle is invested in the dance, and the performance. It is sexual, raw, and dare I say, Oscar worthy. Here is a taste. The really good part comes afterward, so SEE IT!
4. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
Harry and Hermione dance
This is one of my favorite moments from all 7 of the Harry Potter films, and it isn't even in the book.
When Ron abandons the group after being being affected by one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, Hermione is devastated. Listening to the radio, Harry comforts Hermione by invited her to dance in their tent. It is a simple and beautiful moment, that gives the audience a brief glimpse into the "what if."
5. "Fringe," ep. Over There: Part II
Olivia reveals her feelings to Peter
Watching the second season of Fringe was quite reminiscent of watching season 2 of The X-Files. After the show found its footing, the show leaped forward creativley. Also leaping forward: the chemistry between Anna Torv and Joshua Jackson playing TV's newest pair of star crossed lovers. After Peter (spoiler!) decides to stay in the alternate universe, Olivia admits that she has feelings for him, and that he is the reason she keeps going. It is a bold move for a transition into the 2nd season, but anyone who has seen the 3rd season knows that it comes with a big twist and a price.
Olivia and Peter, Over There: Part II
6. "How to Train Your Dragon"
Toothless accepts Hiccup
My favorite moment in "How to Train Your Dragon" comes very early in the film after Hiccup "woos" Toothless. There is a really fun scene with give and take (and raw fish) by the two characters that ends with this sweet moment. It was the first time for me that a Dreamworks film truly reached the emotional level of anything Pixar had done. And also made me think very much of my own pet, my cat, Ellen Ripley. Yes. Ellen Ripley. She fights aliens.How To Train Your Dragon Blu-ray/DVD. Hiccup Meets Toothless. @ Yahoo! Video
7. "Blue Valentine"
Ukelele serenade
This, for me is the saddest, most beautiful, and telling scene in the entire film. When I was at the theater to see "Black Swan" (again) this past Friday, they showed a fantastic trailer for the "Blue Valentine," including this scene. It was great to revisit this moment. On its own, it seems like such a romantic moment, but knowing where they are headed makes your heart break for the couple.
Movie Trailers - Movies Blog
8. "I'm Still Here"
Post Letterman
I already knew that "I'm Still Here" was not a documentary. But it isn't just a work of fiction either. It is an art piece. Performance art, perhaps. Although Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck, and a few others were playing alternative versions of themselves, the majority of the players were not "in on it." Everyone has seen "The Late Show with David Letterman" interview that instantly became viral, but what happens afterwards in the film is the real must see. Phoenix doesn't break character after what I can only imagine was a frightening experience as an actor. He continues to play the part, having a bit of a (mostly) silent breakdown. Had Affleck played his cards a little better when promoting the film and not have been so smug, Phoenix might have received some awards attention. That moment alone shows serious commitment and acting chops.
9. "Glee"
Teenage Dream
"Glee" has been putting video clips of upcoming eps online since they became GLEE ,the phenomenon, but I have never been one to watch. The songs are my favorite part of the show and I don't really like to be spoiled, especially out of context. But when I saw that a new character, a boy, was singing Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, I had to watch. And I think I watched the scene 5 times in a row, something I haven't done in forever. Now that the initial excitement of the scene and the number (still Glee's biggest selling single) have died down, one thing is for sure. We have a new breakout star, and his name is Darren Criss.
10. "Salt"
Salt escapes
I wanted to acknowledge "Salt," the action thriller starring uber-bad ass Angelina Jolie in some way, but let's be honest, it's not going to make my top 10. The fun movie slot is going to go to another bad ass. One of the nerdy kind. But I can honor it here. It was a slow start at the early screening I attended. They tried to start the film 5 times, each attempt with no sound. I almost left the theater, but on the 6th try, it worked. And I was so glad I stayed. After what I considered a lackluster beginning to Popcorn Summer, I finally got what I wanted. FUN. With good acting and good storytelling. "Salt" works. And I knew it worked when the Evelyn Salt is forced to escape from the CIA, early in the film, using whatever is at her disposal. It is a great scene and a great couple of hours. Something I couldn't say at the time for the summer's other major offering, "Inception."