Salute to summer's best films

The arrival of Labor Day weekend signals the end of the summer blockbuster season. Let's take a look back at the best movies Hollywood had to offer.

10. “Attack the Block” — From the producers of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” this criminally underseen alien invasion flick belongs in your must-see list. This stylish and entertaining yarn even has something to say about racism and social structure. Trust me, you will love this out-of-this-world movie!

9. “Thor” — Director Kenneth Branagh infused this Marvel Comics adaptation with Shakespearean sensibilities. Star Chris Hemsworth is perfect as the Nordic god and Tom Hiddleston is memorable as Thor's nemesis, Loki. Even Anthony Hopkins was game to take on the role of the powerful Odin.

8. “The Tree of Life” — This transcendental meditation about life as we know it is brilliantly directed by Terrence Malick. Like a true master, Malick created a film that confounded some, but inspired many. This visual treat, starring Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, deservingly won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Watching the film is almost a spiritual experience.

7. “The Debt” — When critics use words like “riveting” and “gripping” to describe a movie, they might as well be talking about “The Debt.” Director John Madden (“Shakespeare in Love”) created a tension-filled movie in the vein of the great Alan Pakula films of the 1970s. Based on the 2007 Israeli film “Ha-Hov,” “The Debt” is blessed with great performances, especially by Jessica Chastain who shares the same character with Helen Mirren. This is a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat cinematic experience.

6. “Bridesmaids” — I'm still laughing thinking about this smart, funny and surprisingly touching movie. Kristen Wiig proved that she could spearhead a film that would become the highest grossing female R-rated comedy of all time, but my heart was stolen by Melissa McCarthy, who plays sexed-up bridesmaid Megan.

5. “X-Men: First Class” — Hats off to director Matthew Vaughn, helmer of “Kick-Ass,” “Stardust” and “Layer Cake.” Playing with the philosophical and psychological concept of good and bad, Vaughn created a prequel that was steeped in “X-Men” mythology but was also thoroughly engrossing and entertaining.

4. “Midnight in Paris” — Welcome back Woody Allen! The film became the auteur's biggest hit, and why not? It was also one of his best in quite a long time. The golden age of Paris is explored with Owen Wilson playing a time-traveling screenwriter. The result is an enchanting trip inside the magical heart of the city.

3. “Super 8” — Director J.J. Abrams and producer Steven Spielberg teamed up for this excellent coming-of-age film. Abrams showcases his great storytelling skills aided by a cast of gifted child actors headed by Elle Fanning. It's a nostalgic filmmaking exercise that perfectly mixes sci-fi, monster and family drama movies.

2. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” — This sci-fi film renewed my faith in Hollywood sequels, remakes and prequels. While it's not a perfect movie, “Rise” did something short of miraculous. We all knew where the movie was heading, but somehow, it felt fresh and exciting. Big credit goes to director Rupert Wyatt for creating a cerebral popcorn film.

1. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” — The last film in the Harry Potter franchise gave us a satisfying conclusion. We laughed, we cried and we felt vindicated for standing by our favorite boy wizard for the last 10 years.