Inception (2010)
After the success of the Dark Knight trilogy, Christopher Nolan got a black check to create a dream in a dream…in a dream in the most impressive heist in cinema.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
A phenomenal comic-book adaptation with video game logic and still to this day laugh-out-loud moments.
The Social Network (2010)
The modern equivalent to Shakespeare in film, Aaron Sorkin’s words and David Fincher’s visuals makes what should be a boring bio-pic into a tight, intense, funny, and sad film about the creation of the world we all live in now.
Attack the Block (2011)
The next step in evolution of The Goonies took over 25 years and in another country as bad boys from the inner city take on creatures from outerspace. A fun action-packed flick with a side of heart.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A great sendup of horror movies that still manages to be a really one as well. It overreaches a bit, but the whole ride is worth it. Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins are gold in every scene.
Looper (2012)
Time travel as we learned it in Back to the Future has a dark side and can be used to aid in organized crime. And we also get a peek at that age old geek question of ‘would you kill baby Hitler?’
Short Term 12 (2013)
A look at the result of childhood trauma in several stage of growth, from the way too young to adults dealing with pain of the past. Powerful performances by the entire cast led by Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
I can understand why this one didn’t land for some people, but it came at a crucial time in my life and spoke to me in a profound way. I simply love watching this film.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
This was a case of the right director with an almost 50 year old property. It is The Empire Strikes Back of “Apes” movies.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
This is the nitro-version of the 80’s Mad Max movies. With off the charts world building, a never-ending chase with real stunts and explosions that reminds us that CGI is still just second best.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
A stop-motion masterpiece with brilliant Star Wars like mythology and beautiful action. A heart-felt story of a boy with one eye who sees all.
Sing Street (2016)
A sweet throwback to the innocence and confusion of the 1980’s. Young love, the changing musical landscape, and families that are both lost and created. The original catchy soundtrack has yet to be removed from my monthly rotation.
Arrival (2016)
If I had to choose one film from the decade as the best, this would be it. As a lover of classic sci-fi, and as a parent this hit me like few films ever have. It is without a doubt one of the best works of art ever made.
Rouge One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
I knew when George Lucas sold his property to Disney, we would be bombarded with content. This for me is the closest they have come to the timelessness of that original trilogy.
Logan (2017)
A fitting end to the character of Wolverine in this R-rated unleashed version that gives every fan who grew up with the X-Men films what they always wanted and deserved. And truly the best final shot of any superhero film, ever.
Your Name (2016)
A troupe of Disney films wrapped in a more mature all consuming storyline. Majestic imagery and a superb ending that caught me completely off guard. A beautiful film.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse (2018)
Everything great about Spider-Man crammed into this look at the new version of the web-slinger Miles Morales, yet still is as relatable as Peter Parker, in all his variations from the 60’s to today. With next-level animation that rivals anything Pixar has ever done.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier / Captain America: Civil War / Avengers: Infinity War / Avengers: Endgame (2014-2019)
This half a decade long quadrilogy written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and directed by Joe & Anthony Russo represents the Infinity Stone of Cinema in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the focus is on Captain America, it still completes the arc that began in 2008 with Iron Man. This is the Star Wars for my kids generation. It’s all consuming, from toys to bed sheets to the shouting of “Wakanda forever!” around the house. Plus we still end up watching at least one of them every couple of months, which leads to wanting to watch the rest.
