It’s always good to take time to reflect at the beginning of a new year. Sorting out a list of top ten movies requires some careful thought. Every movie does something vastly different from the last. We often react in very personal ways while responding to a universal situation. According to DFW Film Critic Association President Todd Jorgenson’s list, a whopping 522 films were released this year. I didn’t see all of them, but I saw more than the average person (with the exception of my friend Tim Hobbs). My list includes films that engage and entertain; films that demonstrate outstanding cinematography and the craft of filmmaking; and films that use their art to make us think and consider issues relevant to the human heart, that touch us at the deep heart’s core. These aren’t in any particular order. I seem to juggle the list everyday, depending on my mood, but these are the ten to watch for come award time.

1. The Aviator: Leonardo DiCapro has grown up to be Howard Hughes. Martin Scorsese directs this sweeping bio-pic with clear, well-defined vision and captures the essence of Hughes’ renegade spirit.

2. Million Dollar Baby: Although this movie is about a female boxer (beautifully portrayed by Hilary Swank), it isn’t about boxing. A multi-layered tragedy directed by Clint Eastwood, it resonates issues related to human dignity and courage.

3. A Very Long Engagement: Nobody can do the kind of beautifully stylized, self-conscious film the way the French can. Starring Audrey Tautou of “Amélie” fame, this film is a journey about WWI and waiting for love (with French subtitles).

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Jim Carey and Kate Winslet star in this unorthodox movie that stands traditional plot structure on its head. It’s campy, but touching at the same time.

5. Kill Bill Vol. 2.: Quentin Tarantino does it again with the same audacious verve as he did in Vol. 1. Enough said.

6. Beyond the Sea: This was the year of the bio-pic, and Kevin Spacey’s flawless portrayal of Bobby Darrin goes beyond acting, and he does all his own singing. Bobby lives again.

7. Closer: A film with lots of relationship angst, “Closer” stars Julia Roberts and Jude Law. What happens when people act on their impulses, oblivious to other people in their lives? This careful, solid movie is a study in power and manipulation.

8. Sideways: Directed by Nebraska son Alexander Payne (of “About Schmidt”), this is low-budget movie about two middle-aged guys (expertly played by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church) who just want to have fun. It takes a detour into man-issues too complicated to discuss here. Giamatti’s character happens to be a wine expert. Watch for the metaphors.

9. Finding Neverland: Johnny Depp stars as J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan. Giving audiences a glimpse of the complexities behind the author of the beloved children’s story, the myth isn’t toppled, only expanded.

10. The Passion of the Christ: Any movie that created this much world-wide attention deserves to be on the list. Mel Gibson had a mission, and he accomplished it.

Happy New Year, and see you at the movies!