Essential 2010

Essential viewing in 2010:
1. Inception (Christopher Nolan)
This dazzling display of effects combined with some genuinely original writing proved that blockbuster entertainment can also be art. The best picture of the year.

2. The Killer Inside Me (Michael Winterbottom)
The darkest and most haunting film in years, with a career best performance from Casey Affleck. A remarkable achievement in storytelling and character.

3. The Road (John Hillcoat)
The apocalypse has never been more emotional or beautiful than this. Amazing photography and a very strong performance from Viggo Mortensen. One of the most overlooked masterpieces of the year.

4. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Edgar Wright)
The most original and hilarious comedy in ages, featuring a great soundtrack and some wonderful editing. We’ve never seen anything like this before.

5. The American (Anton Corbijn)
The best looking picture of the year and a terrific turn from George Clooney. This will make Corbijn the most desireable director for every actor in Hollywood.

Top three runners up: The Messenger – Youth In Revolt – Cemetery Junction

Essential listening in 2010:
1. The National – High Violet
Their fifth album just might turn out to be the cornerstone of their work. No contest. The best album of the year.

2. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
After their run as indie darlings these Canadians are finally ready to become the biggest band in the world. The Suburbs is the album U2 has been trying to make for 20 years.

3. Tired Pony – The Place We Ran From
Proof that a so called “super group” actually might work sometimes. A terrific collection of pop music with a sentimental heart.

4. Vampire Weekend – Contra
Picks up where their brilliant debut left off and just keeps going! A sensational mix of every musical emotion there is.

5. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang
Bigger and stronger than their first two, and out to send the most important message of all: rock is a positive!

Top three runners up: Surfer Blood, Astro Coast – Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, Hawk – The Hold Steady, Heaven Is Whenever

Let's have it, 2011.