10: Invictus
A solid directorial effort from the great Clint Eastwood that picks up steam as it progresses leading to an immensely pleasing finish.

9: Agora
A literate and absorbing tale that reminds one of those international biblical epics of the '60s such is its ambitious scale.  It's a great shame that it was ignored by audiences.

8: The Ghost
A classy film version of Robert Harris's bestselling potboiler. Roman Polanski gives it a sophisticated sheen and it's all done with satisfying know how from an excellent team of pros.

7: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
An absorbing start to the Millenium trilogy with a knockout performance from Noomi Rapace as fearsome computer hacker Lisbeth Salander.

6: Bad Lieutenant: Port of New Orleans
Nicolas Cage's deliriously entertaining turn anchors this funny, vibrant and decidedly odd cop tale from arch mad hatter Werner Herzog.

5: Date Night
Terrific fun, warm, fast moving and amusing. It would be great to see further adventures with Steve Carell and Tina Fey as the beleaguered couple.

4: Shutter Island
Leonardo DiCaprio gives his best performance to date in Martin Scorsese's dark and rivetting chiller thriller. Superb.

3: The Social Network
Brilliantly written, crisply directed, fine performances, smart dialogue, sharp presentation. It's fully deserving of all the accolades and awards it's receiving. Excellent.

2: The Kids Are All Right
There's not a false note in this beautifully done, well observed and hugely winning dramedy with flawless acting from the entire cast.

1: Carlos
Outstanding epic about the famed terrorist.  Olivier Assayas's masterful direction keeps a tight grip despite the complexities and huge scope of the undertaking. Make time for the full five-and-a-half hour cut. You won't regret it. A genuinely magnificent achievement.

NORBIT OF THE YEAR: Old Dogs, a film  for masochists only.