With the Golden Globes over and the Academy Awards just around the corner, I've decided that since Americans love Top 10 lists, that I should make my own based on the best movies I saw this past year. I should point out that these were the best films that I saw throughout the past year and not neccesarily the best films made this past year. If that were the case you'd see Mystic River, Lost in Translation, Master and Command, etc.... In a year that brought us Matrix: Revolutions and Daredevil, the decision process was tough but I managed to narrow my choices down to 10. And so without further ado:
10. The Matrix: Reloaded
The Matrix movies got a bad rap this past year, but despite seeing Keanu Reeves' butt, this movies wasn't all that bad. Chock full of faster, more daring fight scenes and more philosophy to make you think a little, this movie teaches us that if we believe we too can restart our dying girlfriend's hearts.
9. Love Actually
A movie about love, actually. I think what pushed this movie into the top 10 was the little kid running through the airport at the end of the movie and the memory of Amanda jumping up and down in her seat with excitement. There's also the scene with Hugh Grant dancing through his house and singing which appeals to me because it's something that I can see myself doing. Plus it has Rowan Atkins being his typical Mr. Bean self.
8. Old School
I couldn't stop laughing at this film. Between Luke Wilson as "the Godfather", Vince Vaughn with his "earmuffs" and Will Ferrell being himself, what more could you ask for? "You're my boy Blue!"
7. Bend it Like Beckam
I have a feeling if I didn't include this film in my top 10, Amanda would come and hurt me. Everyone likes to bend it like Beckam (especially Rachel's bathroom!) and now you can with a British female football movie that not only teaches us about the sport itself but also about the Indian culture that has shattered so many young dreams! I especially enjoyed Keira Knightley's mother who was convinced her daughter is a lesbian! A very fun movie.
6. Big Fish
I don't know if I liked this movie because it was a Burton/Elfman collaboration or because of the story itself. I was very impressed with both Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney in portraying an Alabamian despite both being from the UK. This movie was like several bedtime stories melded into a super bedtime story, and still left something for the audience's imagination.
5. A Mighty Wind
Directed by Christopher Guest, what more can I say? His musical abilities never cease to amaze me! What makes this even more special is the fact that the cast toured America in these roles and put on live shows for people! Needless to say I already own this movie.
4. Finding Nemo
An animated favorite that has brought us back to those glorious "Bill and Ted" days with its wonderful sea turtles! Disney has once again assembled a great cast for an even better script in the best underwater movie since The Little Mermaid. Plus the movie ends with one of my most favorite swing dancing songs ever!
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
I think this movie ranks high on most "Surprise Hit of the Summer" lists. Who would have thought that the most flamboyant pirate in the world could bring us so much joy and adventure? Also it is stock full of nostalgic references to the Disneyland ride and corny lines about "Davy Jones' locker". Great music, great cast, great story, great effects, great movie all-around!
2. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
This was the most difficult choice to make, but I think the third and final LOTR movie was only my second favorite movie of the year. Maybe it had lost a bit of its luster because of all of the hype it had? But that doesn't detract from what an outstanding job Peter Jackson has done in transforming these novels into wonderful films. It's nice to see directors go back to that 3.5 hour long movie epic that tests your bladder's limits. There was a great battle scene with Sloth from The Goonies leading the enemy army! And might I add the Gollum scares me!
That being said, my favorite movie of the year turns out to be:
1. Kill Bill
Quentin Tarantino's kung-fu, samurai film taught us the valuable, cultural lessons that Japanese people are full of blood (and should donate more) and the worldwide knowledge of Charlie Brown. This movie was very Tarantino, with an interesting storytelling method and full of dark humor. Don't hate yourself for laughing at 88 armless and legless gang members crying out in pain. Absolutely wonderful in all aspects!
Some honorable metions include: Seabiscuit, The Italian Job and Peter Pan. Also isn't it funny how Keira Knightley appeared in 3 of these 10 movies? Gives you something to think about, huh?
10. The Matrix: Reloaded
The Matrix movies got a bad rap this past year, but despite seeing Keanu Reeves' butt, this movies wasn't all that bad. Chock full of faster, more daring fight scenes and more philosophy to make you think a little, this movie teaches us that if we believe we too can restart our dying girlfriend's hearts.
9. Love Actually
A movie about love, actually. I think what pushed this movie into the top 10 was the little kid running through the airport at the end of the movie and the memory of Amanda jumping up and down in her seat with excitement. There's also the scene with Hugh Grant dancing through his house and singing which appeals to me because it's something that I can see myself doing. Plus it has Rowan Atkins being his typical Mr. Bean self.
8. Old School
I couldn't stop laughing at this film. Between Luke Wilson as "the Godfather", Vince Vaughn with his "earmuffs" and Will Ferrell being himself, what more could you ask for? "You're my boy Blue!"
7. Bend it Like Beckam
I have a feeling if I didn't include this film in my top 10, Amanda would come and hurt me. Everyone likes to bend it like Beckam (especially Rachel's bathroom!) and now you can with a British female football movie that not only teaches us about the sport itself but also about the Indian culture that has shattered so many young dreams! I especially enjoyed Keira Knightley's mother who was convinced her daughter is a lesbian! A very fun movie.
6. Big Fish
I don't know if I liked this movie because it was a Burton/Elfman collaboration or because of the story itself. I was very impressed with both Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney in portraying an Alabamian despite both being from the UK. This movie was like several bedtime stories melded into a super bedtime story, and still left something for the audience's imagination.
5. A Mighty Wind
Directed by Christopher Guest, what more can I say? His musical abilities never cease to amaze me! What makes this even more special is the fact that the cast toured America in these roles and put on live shows for people! Needless to say I already own this movie.
4. Finding Nemo
An animated favorite that has brought us back to those glorious "Bill and Ted" days with its wonderful sea turtles! Disney has once again assembled a great cast for an even better script in the best underwater movie since The Little Mermaid. Plus the movie ends with one of my most favorite swing dancing songs ever!
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
I think this movie ranks high on most "Surprise Hit of the Summer" lists. Who would have thought that the most flamboyant pirate in the world could bring us so much joy and adventure? Also it is stock full of nostalgic references to the Disneyland ride and corny lines about "Davy Jones' locker". Great music, great cast, great story, great effects, great movie all-around!
2. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
This was the most difficult choice to make, but I think the third and final LOTR movie was only my second favorite movie of the year. Maybe it had lost a bit of its luster because of all of the hype it had? But that doesn't detract from what an outstanding job Peter Jackson has done in transforming these novels into wonderful films. It's nice to see directors go back to that 3.5 hour long movie epic that tests your bladder's limits. There was a great battle scene with Sloth from The Goonies leading the enemy army! And might I add the Gollum scares me!
That being said, my favorite movie of the year turns out to be:
1. Kill Bill
Quentin Tarantino's kung-fu, samurai film taught us the valuable, cultural lessons that Japanese people are full of blood (and should donate more) and the worldwide knowledge of Charlie Brown. This movie was very Tarantino, with an interesting storytelling method and full of dark humor. Don't hate yourself for laughing at 88 armless and legless gang members crying out in pain. Absolutely wonderful in all aspects!
Some honorable metions include: Seabiscuit, The Italian Job and Peter Pan. Also isn't it funny how Keira Knightley appeared in 3 of these 10 movies? Gives you something to think about, huh?
posted by Chris Burzlaff @ 2/08/2004
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