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Tyler Hanley is a film critic for the Palo Alto Weekly and Palo Alto Online.

10. "Definitely, Maybe"
There's no maybe about this heartfelt "mystery/love story" from "French Kiss" screenwriter Adam Brooks. The excellent cast (including Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Rachel Weisz and Kevin Kline) exhibits an infectious cinematic chemistry. Brooks' charming script couples a child's wide-eyed curiosity with a father's jaded memory, embracing both hope and honesty.

9. "Wanted"
Russian director Timur Bekmambetov's first American feature is a bold example of his vibrant imagination. Simultaneously groundbreaking and jaw-dropping, "Wanted" is one of the best action movies of the past decade. Stunning visual effects, an A-list cast and an edgy script based on comic scribe Mark Millar's in-your-face graphic novel click together like a finely tuned engine.

8. "Charlie Bartlett"
Anton Yelchin shines as the wise-beyond-his-years title character, and Gustin Nash's clever script is sharp. Strong supporting performances from Robert Downey Jr. as a principal struggling with alcoholism and Hope Davis as Charlie's medicated mother add to the appeal. Although this indie sleeper slipped under the radar, it emerged as one of the year's best. Intoxicating.

7. "Doubt"
Does Meryl Streep have any space on the mantel for another Academy Award? Streep will go toe-to-toe with "Rachel Getting Married" star Anne Hathaway for the Best Actress Oscar after delivering this nuanced portrayal of a callous nun. Director John Patrick Shanley aptly adapts his Broadway play, with underlying messages about morality, faith and suspicion. Subtle and powerful.

6. "Man on Wire"
Documentary filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recounts the breathtaking feat of French tightrope walker Philippe Petit, who crossed the expanse between the World Trade Center towers in 1974. Petit's tale is both inspirational and cautionary, evoking a sense of frightened wonder. A shoo-in for the Best Documentary Oscar.

5. "WALL-E"
Love is the battery that fuels this beautifully animated film from the genius digital mechanics at Pixar. The title character is an adorable protagonist and his quest for companionship tugs at the heartstrings. The relationship that develops between WALL-E and plant-seeking robot EVE is delightful, while a subplot about the possible future of humanity feels alarmingly accurate.

4. "In Bruges"
Humor, suspense and drama intertwine effortlessly in writer/director Martin McDonagh's edgy crime flick. Terrific performances by leads Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes charge McDonagh's witty dialogue. Remorse and redemption underscore the characters and their violent world, while the historic landscape of Bruges is a visual feast.

3. "Slumdog Millionaire"
The year's most pleasant surprise, "Slumdog" features an incredibly smart script and stellar performances from a handful of unfamiliar faces. Leading man Dev Patel is remarkable and director Danny Boyle helms with thoughtful expertise. Strong character development, consistent pacing and a taut climax will likely push this dark horse to the front of the Oscar pack.

2. "Iron Man"
Marvel Comics' golden avenger blasts onto the silver screen with all of the high-octane action and special effects one would expect from a superhero film. Unexpected are the A-list cast and acting (Robert Downey Jr. is exceptional as industrialist Tony Stark), tons of well-timed humor and a director (Jon Favreau) who demonstrates an appreciation and fidelity for the character's comic-book roots. The tales of suspense are over — "Iron Man" soars.

1. "Milk"
Thanks to a powerhouse performance by perennial Oscar magnet Sean Penn and considerate direction from an auteur (Gus Van Sant) who cares about the subject matter, "Milk" gets top honors. Supporting actors — especially Palo Alto's own James Franco — serve up courageous, sincere performances. One of those rare films that forces you to think beyond buttered popcorn and consider broad issues, such as prejudice, equality and freedom. Does a body good.


TYLER HANLEY'S PANS

"10,000 B.C."
A stampede of special effects can't mask the lowbrow screenwriting and fossilized performances. Ugh!

"In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale"
A rubber-faced Burt Reynolds plays the king. Yep, it's that bad.

"Jumper"
I'd rather spend two hours jumping on a busted trampoline than sit through this dizzying spectacle again.

"Over Her Dead Body"
Throw a toetag on this comedy flop.

"Untraceable"
It's like "Saw" meets "The Net" — nauseating for the digital age.

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