2010 Movies: #20, 19, 18 & 17

Ref: Mulhern

#20 Youth in Revolt

Although I enjoyed Youth in Revolt, I think I liked Scott Pilgrim better than this Cera vehicle overall. Now that I think about it, both films feature Cera's character going to extraordinary lengths (boyfriend battle/alter-ego crime spree) to impress girls I found somewhat annoying, Sheeni more so. I felt like she toyed unfairly with Nick for most of the film, versus Pilgrim's Ramona, who genuinely liked Scott but came with plenty of complications. I suppose without the toying, though, Nick's imaginary version of himself, Francois Dillinger, would never have been born.

As B's review mentions, the dialog in the movie is worth noting:

Nick Twisp and Francois Dillinger: Sheeni, hi, nice to see you. I was just going for a walk, and I thought I'd drop by. I remembered that you lived here. I'm sorry I got so upset about Trent. It was very immature of me. I'm not normally like that. He sounds like a great guy. I'd love to hear more of his neat poetry. Say, do you want to go to the beach or get breakfast?
Sheeni Saunders: Actually I'm going on a hike. I'd ask you to come along, but you haven't got any hiking boots, provisions, survey maps, or a compass.
Nick Twisp and Francois Dillinger: Fine. I do all of my hiking free form. Like John Muir, I enter the wilderness with nothing more than my journal and a child-like sense of wonder. 

#19 Buried

B watched this one while Minnesota was being buried in snow. I was too frightened - even the allure of Ryan Reynolds couldn't pull me in.

#18 True Grit

I didn't see this one either. Too gritty.

#17 The Ghost Writer

I very much enjoyed The Ghost Writer, a mysterious, moody film that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll. The setting, all grey beaches and modern architecture, sets up a suspenseful atmosphere that puts the audience on the lookout for twists and turns along the way - but even with this expectation, the unpredictable happens. Ewan MacGregor, Pierce Brosnan and Olivia Williams (late of Dollhouse and An Education) are wonderful in their respective roles of ghostwriter, former PM and his driven wife. Also featuring: Kim Cattrall (who is apparently British) in a thankful departure from her Sex and the City role.