Roger Ebert is one of just a handful of movie critics that I will make a habit of checking out his weekly movie reviews, and subsequently is one of the few individuals whose ‘end of year list’ will be posted on the site.

So we’ve heard what the AFI had to say, so what does Roger think are the best films that the last 12 months had to offer?

1. JUNO

I tried out other titles in the No. 1 position, but my heart told me I had to be honest: This was my true love, and I could not be unfaithful.

2. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

A perfect movie…A story bleak and merciless, played out by characters who are capable of almost anything except withstanding the relentless evil of its serial killer.

3. BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD

Another masterpiece by Sidney Lumet, who is 83 and at the top of his form.

4. ATONEMENT

Against the canvas of World War II, the love of the two older characters is prevented from realizing itself, in a stunning period picture that centers on a tracking shot at Dunkirk that is one of he most elaborate ever staged.

5. THE KITE RUNNER

Director Marc Forster, filming in local languages in Afghanistan and the United States, interlaces the fabric of these lives with a heartbreaking story that leads to a powerfully uplifting ending.

6. AWAY FROM HER

Julie Christie, in one of the year’s best performances, plays a woman whose memories are inexorably slipping away.

7. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

Possibly the year’s most divisive film; you loved it or hated it.

8. LA VIVE EN ROSE

A virtuoso performance by Marion Cotillard as the beloved “Little Sparrow,” the legendary singer closest to the hearts of the French.

9. THE GREAT DEBATERS

It’s a deep emotional experience.

10. INTO THE WILD

Could have been dreary, but Penn’s screenplay and direction are compelling.

Surprisingly, no place for PTA’s THERE WILL BE BLOOD… especially with Ebert in the past voicing his praise for the director and especially Daniel-Day Lewis. No mention of I’M NOT THERE either which has topped many people’s lists.

It’s been something of a turbulent year for Roger, let’s hope he will get back to the balcony on EBERT & ROEPER sooner rather than later. For now, it’s just great to know that he is still enjoying the great movies we are.

Expect my list in the last week of the year. I am desperate to try and give myself as much time as possible to see all the movies I can.

source – cinematical, roger ebert’s site