The Night Mail by New Jackson is one serious kick ass tune, these guys from Dublin have totally nailed this track for me. Credit must also go to Fergal Brennan, for the striking video that accompanies the track. To say that both complement each other is a serious understatement, as you will see for yourself below.

This track just oozes class for me, visually the video total pulled me in, I literally found myself drifting off while watching it.

I will advise a nice set of headphones for this…

Thinking back of the films that stood out for myself during 2010, so many great titles jump out at myself. Some not so great movies also stand out but this is a positive post and I will not vent my anger at 3D in this post.  I usually watch around 3-4 movies a week, so I consider myself to be somewhat of a movie critic. The following list is my personal section of movies that I enjoyed from 2010 (Some are not actually from 2010 but it was the first time I seen them) I would never try and put this list into any particular order, or name my top film, that’s just not going to happen.

There is also a list of movies I’m busting to watch, some of which I’m sure would probably be on this list. If I catch any of these ones I will update my list accordingly. Many may not agree with my choice but then again its my list, I will however listen to any valued points.

• Brothers Bloom – A very complete film, excellent actors, unpredictable story, amazing wardrobes, locations and touched off with clever humor. For me the Brothers Bloom is a must see and a stand out of 2010. Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo make this film a highly watchable tale of two brothers who are lovable con men. Mark Ruffalo really shines in this film for me.
• Flipped – Iv literally heard nothing about this film and would strongly recommend it. Its based around a story of two kids in America, in a time without computers, mobile phones etc. It captures the events between the two main characters perfectly, as the story flips back and forth we see both views of the same story. It’s something like the Wonder years from two separate viewpoints. I find films like this very refreshing in today’s movie land with all the big budget, CGI, 3D nonsense that we are subjected to.
• Ondine – It has to be said that I think Colin Farrell is an excellent actor, though he has done his fair share of duffs; Daredevil the first that springs to mind. With the right script he can shine and showcase his actual talent. Ondine is an remarkable film, Neil Jordan delivers an story set in Ireland that features a tingling score composed by Sigur Rós‘ ethereal keyboardist, Kjartan Sveinsson. This is well worth checking out.
• Social Network – This seems to be the movie that will finally get Jesse Eisenberg some recognission. Iv been saying for a while that he is heads and shoulders above all the other American teen type actors that are floating around (See Zombieland or Adventureland). This film is on everybody’s hit list and rightly so. As much as I hate to say it, I thought Justin Timberlake was also excellent in this one. Soundtrack is well worth checking out.
• A Prophet - This film is from 2009 but it took a while before I could get my hands on it. Set in a french prison, it tells the tale of Malik, sentenced to 6 years in jail for assault on a police officer. for me this was easily one of the best films of 2010.
• Black Swan – I cant begin to express how much I loved this film, Natalie Portman is outstanding as the fragile Nina. I think its the real dark side of this film that fascinated me. There is so much going on around Nina, with her mother and all, that I found myself thinking about this film for weeks. This is a sign of an excellent film, if you find your mind wandering back to examine the story at a deeper level.
• I Love You Phillip Morris – Jim Carrey is one of them actors that has a checkered past. He has such a varied history, its hard to say what or when he is at his best. In Phillip Morris its seems like he has been giving license to do as he pleases, which makes this film highly watchable. Ewan McGregor is perfect support for Carrey’s madness in a movie full of humorous twists and turns.
• Fantastic Mr Fox – As a kid I loved all of Roald Dahl‘s books, with The Fantastic Mr Fox being of my favorite. I didn’t know what to expect form this, as it looks like it was aimed at kids. Upon watching it I quickly realized that this is a normal Wes Anderson movie, that just happens to be done in animation.
• The Fighter - I never really took to Mark Wahlberg as an actor, though I like his interviews as a person. He seems to slot perfectly into this movie, about a boxer trying to make his mark. Christian Bale overshadows Wahlberg in this film immensely, however so does his character, which helps make this film fit together perfectly.
• Ponyo – It’s hard to knock anything that Studio Ghibli do, I could be here all day if I even started. Ponyo is excellent and has that special something to hold a kids and adults attention.
• The American – Iv only started to appreciate George Clooney recently, the American is a shinny example why. Iv heard people say that this film is very boring, I strongly disagree. It may not be packed full of action but that’s the point, it shows a different side to a hitman’s life.
• A Single Man – Tom ford can do no wrong, this is so slick its unreal. I never appreciated Colin Firth until I watched this. Iv seen the kings Speech, its ok but this for me is a millions times better.
• Inception – As we all know much of the film industry these days is all hype, the so-called big blockbuster. We get carried away with the hype, eventually catch the movie, then leave the cinema felling disappointed. Inception was gripping from start to finish, a clever blockbuster with big affects that actually works. I should also point out that Im not a big Leonardo DiCaprio fan, I can never fully explain this. That said I enjoyed this film and left the cinema thinking “whoa” how good was that.

So there you go, that’s my run down of movies that hit the mark, I dare say not everybody will agree with my list though.