My top five films of 2010:

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. My favourite film of the year. Pure energy and excitement. It takes film to a heightened level of postmodernism which has never been done before.

The Social Network. The best film of the year. A Shakespearean story of betrayal updated for 2010. Perfect.

How To Train Your Dragon. Forget the overhyped Toy Story 3, this was the best animation of the year.

Whip It. Ellen page provides an excellent role model for teenage girls as a roller derby heroine in Drew Barrymore’s severely underrated directorial debut. Juliet Lewis is sublime as page’s nemesis.

The King’s Speech. An enthralling episode of British history told with spades of humour and emotion. Three of the best performances I’ve witnessed in a very long time from Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter, perhaps even five if you include Guy Pearce and Michael Gambon’s smaller roles.

The best of the rest:

Inception - Knocked out at the last minute by The King’s Speech; brawn with brains but sadly emotionally deficient.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - beautifully shot impending doom.

The Runaways - flawed rock-drama that’s nevertheless very enjoyable and somehow stays with you. Excellent performances from the extremely attractive duo of Kirsten Stewart and Dakota Fanning.

Four Lions - Chris Morris’ suicide-bomber black comedy is both funny and moving.

Films I’m yet to see but likely to enjoy:

True Grit, Black Swan, Winters Bone.