10 Favorite Stories of 2010: Brian's Picks

Not surprisingly, It wasn't so hard to compile numerous top 10 lists judging other people's work in 2010. But karma caught up with me and I've now had to endure going through all of my own work from the latter half of this year. Whew! While the task is by its nature a little painful, it also served as a welcome reminder of how much I enjoy writing for this site, and also reading the ensuing feedback (even the cranky, venom-filled responses). So, here are my 10 favorite Movieline articles from 2010, which is based on a number of factors including my own memories and the feedback the articles provoked. Since it's awkward enough for me to choose favorites from my own work, these are not in any particular order.

·In Praise of 2001 Acid Freakouts (and Other Disruptions that Make Moviegoing Memorable)

This one brought in a lot of other great stories in the comments. Plus that video is priceless.

·Trailer: Megashark Vs. Crocosaurus... Vs. Steve Urkel?

Some mornings you wake up, eyes half open, actually dreading the inevitable wastepile of casting rumors and celebrity gossip you know you must sift through. And then suddenly you realize: "Wait. Today I get to write about the Megashark Vs. Crocosaurus trailer." These are truly special days.

·5 Villains That Would Be Cooler Than the Lizard in the Spider-Man Reboot

Besides Maximum Carnage, I did not read Spider-Man comic books as a kid, but after doing the research for this list, I kind of wish I had.

·Dear Hollywood: 5 Films in Development We Actually Want to See

I'm including just this in case anyone with decision-making power in Hollywood missed it the first time. At least make the Paul Verhoeven ghost-sex movie? Please?

·5 Martin Scorsese Movies Besides Goodfellas to Re-Imagine for Television

This list started as kind of a smart-ass riff on what a ridiculous idea it was to turn Goodfellas into a TV show... but then I realized I would probably actually watch a few of these.

·In Honor of the Machete Controversy: 5 Movies that Make Texas Look Good

I spent about 10 years of my life in Texas, and most movies made me feel pretty terrible about it. But not these!

·The Films of David Lynch Explained in 140 Characters or Less

If David Lynch ever does explain his movies, I have a feeling it probably will be through Twitter.

·Movieline's Halloween 25

It's about time all of those nights spent watching horror VHS tapes instead of talking to girls in high school paid off somehow.

·An American in Paris: 9 Lessons From Moviegoing in the City of Light

Since writing this piece, I have had several repeats of the Miller's Crossing experience and I am starting to wonder if it's actually acceptable to laugh in any movie in France. Anyway, since I don't have any sort of personal blog and I barely even update Facebook, I was happy for the opportunity to share these stories about the cinema in Paris, which is where I spend most of my time.

·5 Movies to Watch if The American Left You Wanting More

Not only was this the first post I wrote for Movieline, but it still includes some of my favorite movies of all time. So I'm choosing this for sentimental reasons and to remind you again to see Branded to Kill if you haven't. Or at least think about it!