11. The Imposter
When something sounds too good to be true, it almost always is. There is, however, sometimes an exception to the rule. The Imposter created an unprecedented buzz on its arrival. Rarely has a documentary caused such as stir. But the reason it did so, is because Bart Laytons cinematic take on the larger than life Frederic Bourdin is, at once, engaging and brilliantly structured. Just as the true-life story of Bourdins infiltration into small town Texas is full of twists and turns, so is the way Layton constructs his film. Some of the most shocking moments, however, come not from the reconstruction moments, but in the simple talking heads moments. Bourdin is one evil S.O.B. It will come as no surprise that Layton has had a steady stream of offers from Hollywood, since The Imposters release.
10. The Descendants
Some consider Sideways to be Alexander Paynes best film so far, whilst others argue that it is About Schmidt. But it would probably be fair to say that Payne doesn't have a best film. In reality, Paynes latest outing, The Descendants, is just as brilliantly written as Sideways, and just as bitterly funny as About Schmidt. This is simply, yet another home run for the Nebraskan film-maker. One of the more endearing qualities of The Descendants is its embrace of Hawaiian culture. This is not a film about living in Hawaii, this is a film about Hawaiians living. And when you manage to make George Clooney play against type, as a man who has no grip on anything (he is neither smarmy nor idiotic), that in and of itself makes The Descendants a stand out picture.
9. Skyfall
Adeles monotonous and hypnotic theme tune may have been enough to push most of us to the point of self-harm, but luckily it had no bearing on the film it was made for. Some purists have labelled Skyfall as too much of a departure from the source character, whilst some feminists have said it shares too many chauvinistic qualities with the originals. But you cant please everybody, and the majority of the world thought Sam Mendes take on 007 was pure brilliance. Stepping away from the Quantum storyline, this is a much more personal film and a very fitting 50th birthday present for the film incarnation of Her Majesties number one spy. The set pieces just get better and better as the film progresses, and has one of the most lasting Bond villains since ol three nipples Scaramanga.