Following Urban Shogun’s release of his top 5 films of the year. I’ve decided to to release a special top 5 list of 2010’s greatest and most overlooked hits.

This is of course considering that I haven’t yet seen Grand Jury Prize Sundance winner Winter’s Bone. Or explored into much foreign films such as Of Gods and Men and Certified Copy.

Surprisingly two films in my list are based in L.A, two British ones and one based on Time’s person of the year Mark Zuckerberg.

5.) Four Lions

“Simba’s Jihad = classic”

Its rare these days for an comedy film that genuinely makes me laugh out loud, I’m pointing fingers at you, yes you Little Fockers.

While everyone is revelling at the British talent that is Gervais and Merchant, I’m quietly admiring the work of Christopher Morris (Jam, Brass Eye).

Who could believe a satire about suicide bombers would be hilarious? Just a little message, this film does not elaborate on religious elements but mostly on human nature’s ignorance. So no controversies or scandals!

Just full on chuckles, check it out!

4.) Somewhere

“Stuck in a loop”

Sofia Coppola’s film was met with critical acclaim in the Venice Film Festival winning the Golden Lion for best film. The majority of critics gave it a positive review, however scanning through the IMDB forums there does seem to be a general dislike from the public. I enjoyed the film and recommend it to to Coppola’s fans, its a return to form.

Stephen Dorff plays a Hollywood star stuck in a spiral of his shallow lifestyle of sex, booze, fast cars all while staying at the Chateau Marmont Hotel. His perception and depth of lifestyle is questioned when his daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning) is dumped onto his doorstep.

I’m a big fan of Coppola ever since The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation. Somewhere’s themes tread closely to “Lost In Translation”, and in essence feels like an accompanying piece to the 2003 hit.

3.) The Social Network

“Never get on the wrong side of Harvard students”

David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club)and Aaron Sorkin’s (The West Wing) love child that is “The Social Network”, is every bit Sorkin as much as it is Fincher.

Sorkin’s genius screenplay brings out this great character study into some really unlikable guys.

With great performances from Andrew Garfield (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Boy A), Jesse Eisenberg (The Squid and the Whale, Zombieland) and surprisingly Justin Timberlake.

This dramatized version of the creation of Facebook in the format of Rashomon is a joy to watch! Look out for Armie Hammer and his superimposed face onto Josh Pence to leave the impression of real twins.

2.) The Kids are All right

“Sperm donor from hell?”

Lisa Cholodenko’s drama-comedy sleeper hit, is the gem of 2010 and I strongly recommend everyone to go watch it.

Synopsis (IMDB): Two children conceived by artificial insemination bring their birth father into their family life.

Featuring an ensemble cast of Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. And the youngsters Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Josh Hutcherson (Journey to the Center of the Earth).

A great family drama without the conventional family, with a witty/brilliant script by Cholodenko and Blumberg. One word Mark Ruffalo’s performance mirrors much of his role in You Can Count on Me. He Takes chillaxing to a new level, leaving the liberal so chic uncle that everyone loves (I feel a man crush developing rapidly).

1) Another Year

“Get new friends?”

I was shocked when Mike Leigh’s “Another Year” did not win the Palme ‘or at Cannes.

Talking about returning to form for Coppola, 2010 marks a great year as Leigh reaches the heights of his previous great works, Secrets & Lies and Vera Drake.

A central piece based in 4 seasons as suggested by the title with the protagonists, a perfect couple in Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen. Their home acts as an refuge for their damaged souls and relationship while they witness the huge changing contrast.

Some people suggest that there are saints, who are there to support the collateral damage or in a more sinister point of view, they revel in the sadness of others. A deep heartfelt drama, gripping, magic created only by Leigh.

Mike Leigh at his best, please go watch it.