Ashley Townsend (blackeyedsurfer)

Easily the most upbeat flick at Sundance 2010. This musical road movie set in the Western Australian outback is bright, colourful, and just plain fun. The story is deceptively simple, but the lack of plot is made up for with performances that are full of heart. There are deeper themes of Aboriginal unrest, but they are subtle, and if you aren't familiar with that part of Australian culture, you won't be missing out on anything. The tone remains light throughout, bordering on campy in many places, though it is entirely self-aware, and the soundtrack is too catchy not to enjoy. Great cast all around, but I especially enjoyed Aussie singer Missy Higgins acting debut.

While none of the characters are particularly likeable, they represent a familiar generation and accurately reflect some of the relationships I've had in the past. The natural lighting lends a Dogme-like aesthetic, while the overwrought soundtrack is anything but, but some of the score choices are brilliantly manipulative. The ensemble cast is solid, with extra kudos going to the supporting players Adam Brody, Malin Akerman, Dianna Agron, and Candace Bergen.

Although it can be quickly and easily dismissed, this contemporary Shakespearean adaptation is far above a typical teen romp. Loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew, intricate characterization and solid performances make 10 Things not only tolerable, but thoroughly enjoyable. The cast is loaded with talent: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larry Miller, and Allison Janney, to name only a few. Ledger and Stiles have chemistry, and even this early in their careers, it was clear that they were destined for greatness. Ledger's ridiculously romantic scene where he serenades Stiles over the public address system in the middle of soccer practice, singing The Four Seasons' classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" is simply icing on the cake.

A childhood fave!