2.THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS...if I had to use one word to review it, it would be "unique". It was so full of sub-textual meaning that it demands to be seen a few times.

3. INVICTUS...just robbed by the Oscars. District 9 and Blind Side? This film will be long remembered when those are forgotten, a movie that shows the ability of sport to unite a people, along with the power of forgiveness and steadfastness.

4. RED CLIFF...the dumb-downed shorter version for Western audiences was still better than most everything released this year. This ancient Chinese epic by John Woo has standout battle sequences, unique characters, and rising stars.

5. THE HURT LOCKER...more of an "experience" than a film, shot with the camera style of the tv show "The Shield". It is riveting and engaging, with a standout performance by RENNER that might net him the best actor oscar in an upset.

6.STAR TREK...brilliant reboot of the franchise, ridding the film of all the stuff that weighed down the previous films.

7. UP IN THE AIR...very good look at the plight of our present world. Clooney shines as a character who turns avoiding all things into a lifestyle.

8. PUBLIC ENEMIES...even Michael Mann's lesser work is better than most others best. Many great acting performances.

9. PRECIOUS...hard to watch, but I guess that was the point. The three lead females all deserve recognition.

10. AVATAR...could have been one of the greatest films of all time, if only it had gotten a few more script polishes...and that is what is so disapointing about it.