The following films, listed in alphabetical order, are not equally recommendable to all viewers. Some contain mature themes or even problematic elements that certain viewers may find objectionable. Yet while some of the movies are inappropriate for family, or even unqualified adult, viewing, all the films listed, in addition to being artistically outstanding, are thoughtful works that present, in my opinion, an overall moral vision consistent with Catholic values and a Catholic understanding of the human condition – including its fallen nature. It is neither authoritative nor exhaustive in its listing of 2010 films worth seeing, but rather an imperfect attempt to enumerate some movies that struck this admittedly fallible Catholic film critic as particularly noteworthy.

And so, without further ado, here are my picks:

Babies – A life affirming gem that celebrates new life by documentarian Thomas Balmes. (rated PG; cultural and maternal nudity)

Despicable Me – Zany good fun and unabashedly sentimental. A standout in a bumper crop year for animated fare. (rated PG; some mild rude humor and animated action)

Flipped – Director Rob Reiner’s charming coming-of-age tale that provides the year’s most positive screen role model for young girls. (rated PG; thematic elements and some language)

Get Low – A terrific, underappreciated film full of brilliant performances and spiritual themes. In my book, one of the two best films of 2010. (rated PG-13; thematic material, an alluded to adulterous affair and brief violent content)

127 Hours – A riveting true-life survival tale that also serves as a parable about how man only finds meaning in community. (rated R; language, suggested sexuality, disturbing violent content and bloody images)

Never Let Me Go – Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel set in a dystopian alternate reality where humans are cloned and raised solely to have their organs harvested. Despite some problematic sexual content, including partial nudity, that some viewers may find objectionable, the movie speaks to our culture of death in which human life and dignity are increasingly threatened. Chilling! (rated R; sexuality with nudity)

Rabbit Hole – As a parent, this disturbing drama, fueled by heart-wrenching performances, affected me more deeply than any other movie this year, as it explores a couple mourning the loss of a young child. Despite the characters, understandably, questioning the existence of a loving God, the question of faith is handled with sensitivity. (rated PG-13; mature thematic material, some drug use and sporadic language)

The Fighter – A gritty tale of flawed humanity and, ultimately, redemption, wrapped in an underdog sports drama. It pulls no punches in its depiction of self-destructive behavior, making for mature viewing only. (rated R; pervasive language, drug content, some violence and sexuality)

The King’s Speech – A crowning achievement that left me speechless and that offers an inspiring portrait of moral leadership.  Together with “Get Low,” it tops my list for 2010. (rated R; some language)

Toy Story 3 – When it comes to quality, family entertainment, nobody does it better than Pixar. (rated G)

Honorable Mentions: Inception (PG-13); True Grit (PG-13); Winter’s Bone (R); The Social Network (PG-13); The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG: for this die-hard C.S. Lewis fan, this third installment was disappointing, but still had enough Narnian charm to merit inclusion); and Ramona and Beezus (G: one of the best pro-family films of recent memory).