Top Ten Films of 2004
So here it is: my official Top Ten Movies of 2004. I spent long and hard thinking of creative things to say about each film and tried my best to think of something I liked and disliked about each film. The former was much easier than the latter and I feel that some of the dislikes are rather petty and don’t really have any significance to the list, but it was a nice challenge to come up with an argument for each film. So without further ado….
10. Team America: World Police
America’s favorite South Park duo team up to lampoon today’s society through marionettes. With effects straight out of an action figure commercial and the absurd humor found on South Park, it’s hard not to enjoy the absurdity of this film. Two words: Puppet Sex!
Why it should be higher: I seriously laughed my ass off during this film and consider it my favorite comedy of the year. I exited the theater hoarse and about 10 pounds lighter.
Why it should be lower: There are a lot of other good films on the bubble below that are equally as fascinating: “Life Aquatic” “Shaun of the Dead” and the new Harry Potter.
Memorable Moment: There are so many, but I’d have to say the pumas. (You’d have to have seen it to get it)
9. Hotel Rwanda
I didn’t know what to expect when I saw this movie and when I learned it was about genocide, it sorta turned me off. But once I got into the film I found it gripping and very suspenseful. It is not so much a genocide story as it is an individual story surrounded by genocide.
Why it should be higher: Don Cheadle gives an absolutely amazing performance in this film; my favorite of the year. This alone improves the quality of the film.
Why it should be lower: It’s hard to put this any lower than it already is. Some people thought that the lack of violence made it not as strong, but personally I didn’t want to see more than I had.
Memorable Moment: Don Cheadle’s breakdown while tying his tie.
8. Kill Bill Vol. 2
The second segment of the film that earned my top spot last year for movies seen was in some regards better than the first and in other regards lesser. This was the more plot driven half to complete Vol.1 in making one amazing movie overall. Whereas the first one was a samurai kung-fu film, this became a spaghetti western with swords.
Why it should be higher: Tarantino has a way with story-telling both in his scripts and his directing, which is wonderfully displayed in this movie.
Why it should be lower: It’s not as action-packed as the first, which loses some of its initial aura and because it is a continuation movie, it works best with Vol.1 than by itself.
Memorable Moment: Uma Thurman walking into a diner in the middle of the night covered in dust and dirt, asking for a glass of water.
7. Finding Neverland
Johnny Depp surprises me yet again with his versatility in his portrayal of James Barrie, playwright of “Peter Pan”. It somewhat reminded me of “Big Fish” in the way that it is very playful despite being a dramatic work. And Depp’s accent kept reminding me of Mike Myers in “So I Married an Axe-Murderer”.
Why it should be higher: The acting by Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, who played Peter, were just wonderful. The kids, especially, were so fun and made the movie just so enjoyable to watch.
Why it should be lower: It didn’t carry the same weight that the other major dramas did and it wasn’t playful enough for the comedies. It fits right in between both at times, making it not as strong in comparison.
Memorable Moment: The play that Peter wrote being performed by all four Davies boys.
6. The Incredibles
Is it just me or do the Pixar films surpass a great movie with an even better one every year? Just when I thought “Finding Nemo” took the cake after “Monsters Inc.” they had to make this film, which was even better than its predecessors. The James Bond-formula works well in animation and this movie gets it right for both kids and adults. Now I’m intrigued at how their next film “Cars” will stack up.
Why it should be higher: Pixar movies have consistently been getting better each year and this one is the best of them all. “Finding Nemo” was fourth overall on last year’s list and this should expect nothing less.
Why it should be lower: Because this is a kid-focused movie, as all Pixar movies are, the story aims to this audience, with more focus spent on the family relationships and some campy moments than desired.
Memorable Moment: “Every time someone runs, you take a shot.”
5. Sideways
The top 5 films were the hardest to arrange because each one of these deserve to be number one. This, of course, includes “Sideways” where Lowell from “Wings” and Tony Clifton team up in wine country. It’s the small things that allow this film to work, and it made me want to pour myself a glass of Pinot Noir after watching it.
Why it should be higher: Paul Giamiatti. He is the loveable loser that we all hope to never become, but still love all the same. This movie hits close to home with my “wine expert” family and our own wine tasting adventures.
Why it should be lower: A little too much middle-aged nudity for my liking. To make matters worse, it was all middle-aged male nudity.
Memorable Moment: Thomas Haden Church charging two guys in a golf cart wielding a golf club.
4. The Aviator
A biopic of Howard Hughes that showed just how crazy he really was and how the crazier he got, the more determined he became to become great. Leonardo Di Caprio does a wonderful job of portraying Hughes from a young heir of millions to an older tycoon of billions. I think he would have also been great in a spelling bee: “Quarantine; Q-U-A-R-A-N-T-I-N-E; Quarantine.”
Why it should be higher: Martin Scorsese captures the sights and sounds of Hughes generation and provides captivating cinematography. Cate Blanchett pulled off Katharine Hepburn nicely too without making it seem like she was just doing an impression.
Why it should be lower: Too long and drawn out, though somewhat necessary. It is a bit of a turn-off for some to sit through a 3-hour plus film. A shortened plot would probably have not been as draining.
Memorable Moment: Airplane crash into a residential neighborhood that nearly killed Howard.
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I know I’ve always wanted to forget certain people and this movie shows us both the good and the bad consequences of this process. I loved the backwards story-telling that took place with the memories of Clementine getting more pleasant and heartfelt as the movie went on. Another great screenplay by Charlie Kaufman.
Why it should be higher: Brilliant acting, story, directing, music, etc. My unanimous favorite by the end of summer and just the presence of David Cross makes me laugh.
Why it should be lower: Charlie Kaufman movies are an acquired taste and have a different pace than most movies, which at times can be brilliant but at others seem confusing or disorganized.
Memorable Moment: “I’m building a birdhouse!” – David Cross
2. Million Dollar Baby
It was tough to pick the best drama of 2004, but I finally narrowed it down to this film that is more than just a boxing film (which I’m sure those who haven’t seen have heard ad nauseum). It contains all of the right elements in a simplistic but effective nature. It’s funny when it wants to be and serious when it has to be and what happens in the end is very heartfelt and bittersweet.
Why it should be higher: The performances of the actors amidst the situations of the plot are unlike any other on this list (with the exception of Don Cheadle). Each sequence is done right and everything looks well-made.
Why it should be lower: Having Morgan Freeman as the narrator reminded me of “The Shawshank Redemption” and after awhile it felt stale because I had seen this trick before.
Memorable Moment: Clint Eastwood’s eventual decision in the end, and that’s all I’m saying.
1. Garden State
When I first saw this film, before most people had, I knew I had just watched an amazing film. It really speaks to my generation with people still trying to figure their lives out and searching for purpose. What really propels this into the number one spot is the overall balance it has over the other movies, with not only a great story and acting to match, but with a soundtrack that speaks for itself, wonderful visual shots and visual humor, and some sincere moments that I just love. My number one film isn’t necessarily the best film on this list, but just the film I enjoyed the most.
Why it should be lower: What bothers me now about this film is how popular it has now become with people here constantly talking about it. This ruins one of the reasons I enjoyed the movie, when it still was not mainstream and felt like a hidden gem.
Memorable Moment: There are so many, but when Zach Braff is at the doctor’s office being tested and has marker all over his body is particularly enjoyable.
10. Team America: World Police
America’s favorite South Park duo team up to lampoon today’s society through marionettes. With effects straight out of an action figure commercial and the absurd humor found on South Park, it’s hard not to enjoy the absurdity of this film. Two words: Puppet Sex!
Why it should be higher: I seriously laughed my ass off during this film and consider it my favorite comedy of the year. I exited the theater hoarse and about 10 pounds lighter.
Why it should be lower: There are a lot of other good films on the bubble below that are equally as fascinating: “Life Aquatic” “Shaun of the Dead” and the new Harry Potter.
Memorable Moment: There are so many, but I’d have to say the pumas. (You’d have to have seen it to get it)
9. Hotel Rwanda
I didn’t know what to expect when I saw this movie and when I learned it was about genocide, it sorta turned me off. But once I got into the film I found it gripping and very suspenseful. It is not so much a genocide story as it is an individual story surrounded by genocide.
Why it should be higher: Don Cheadle gives an absolutely amazing performance in this film; my favorite of the year. This alone improves the quality of the film.
Why it should be lower: It’s hard to put this any lower than it already is. Some people thought that the lack of violence made it not as strong, but personally I didn’t want to see more than I had.
Memorable Moment: Don Cheadle’s breakdown while tying his tie.
8. Kill Bill Vol. 2
The second segment of the film that earned my top spot last year for movies seen was in some regards better than the first and in other regards lesser. This was the more plot driven half to complete Vol.1 in making one amazing movie overall. Whereas the first one was a samurai kung-fu film, this became a spaghetti western with swords.
Why it should be higher: Tarantino has a way with story-telling both in his scripts and his directing, which is wonderfully displayed in this movie.
Why it should be lower: It’s not as action-packed as the first, which loses some of its initial aura and because it is a continuation movie, it works best with Vol.1 than by itself.
Memorable Moment: Uma Thurman walking into a diner in the middle of the night covered in dust and dirt, asking for a glass of water.
7. Finding Neverland
Johnny Depp surprises me yet again with his versatility in his portrayal of James Barrie, playwright of “Peter Pan”. It somewhat reminded me of “Big Fish” in the way that it is very playful despite being a dramatic work. And Depp’s accent kept reminding me of Mike Myers in “So I Married an Axe-Murderer”.
Why it should be higher: The acting by Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, who played Peter, were just wonderful. The kids, especially, were so fun and made the movie just so enjoyable to watch.
Why it should be lower: It didn’t carry the same weight that the other major dramas did and it wasn’t playful enough for the comedies. It fits right in between both at times, making it not as strong in comparison.
Memorable Moment: The play that Peter wrote being performed by all four Davies boys.
6. The Incredibles
Is it just me or do the Pixar films surpass a great movie with an even better one every year? Just when I thought “Finding Nemo” took the cake after “Monsters Inc.” they had to make this film, which was even better than its predecessors. The James Bond-formula works well in animation and this movie gets it right for both kids and adults. Now I’m intrigued at how their next film “Cars” will stack up.
Why it should be higher: Pixar movies have consistently been getting better each year and this one is the best of them all. “Finding Nemo” was fourth overall on last year’s list and this should expect nothing less.
Why it should be lower: Because this is a kid-focused movie, as all Pixar movies are, the story aims to this audience, with more focus spent on the family relationships and some campy moments than desired.
Memorable Moment: “Every time someone runs, you take a shot.”
5. Sideways
The top 5 films were the hardest to arrange because each one of these deserve to be number one. This, of course, includes “Sideways” where Lowell from “Wings” and Tony Clifton team up in wine country. It’s the small things that allow this film to work, and it made me want to pour myself a glass of Pinot Noir after watching it.
Why it should be higher: Paul Giamiatti. He is the loveable loser that we all hope to never become, but still love all the same. This movie hits close to home with my “wine expert” family and our own wine tasting adventures.
Why it should be lower: A little too much middle-aged nudity for my liking. To make matters worse, it was all middle-aged male nudity.
Memorable Moment: Thomas Haden Church charging two guys in a golf cart wielding a golf club.
4. The Aviator
A biopic of Howard Hughes that showed just how crazy he really was and how the crazier he got, the more determined he became to become great. Leonardo Di Caprio does a wonderful job of portraying Hughes from a young heir of millions to an older tycoon of billions. I think he would have also been great in a spelling bee: “Quarantine; Q-U-A-R-A-N-T-I-N-E; Quarantine.”
Why it should be higher: Martin Scorsese captures the sights and sounds of Hughes generation and provides captivating cinematography. Cate Blanchett pulled off Katharine Hepburn nicely too without making it seem like she was just doing an impression.
Why it should be lower: Too long and drawn out, though somewhat necessary. It is a bit of a turn-off for some to sit through a 3-hour plus film. A shortened plot would probably have not been as draining.
Memorable Moment: Airplane crash into a residential neighborhood that nearly killed Howard.
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I know I’ve always wanted to forget certain people and this movie shows us both the good and the bad consequences of this process. I loved the backwards story-telling that took place with the memories of Clementine getting more pleasant and heartfelt as the movie went on. Another great screenplay by Charlie Kaufman.
Why it should be higher: Brilliant acting, story, directing, music, etc. My unanimous favorite by the end of summer and just the presence of David Cross makes me laugh.
Why it should be lower: Charlie Kaufman movies are an acquired taste and have a different pace than most movies, which at times can be brilliant but at others seem confusing or disorganized.
Memorable Moment: “I’m building a birdhouse!” – David Cross
2. Million Dollar Baby
It was tough to pick the best drama of 2004, but I finally narrowed it down to this film that is more than just a boxing film (which I’m sure those who haven’t seen have heard ad nauseum). It contains all of the right elements in a simplistic but effective nature. It’s funny when it wants to be and serious when it has to be and what happens in the end is very heartfelt and bittersweet.
Why it should be higher: The performances of the actors amidst the situations of the plot are unlike any other on this list (with the exception of Don Cheadle). Each sequence is done right and everything looks well-made.
Why it should be lower: Having Morgan Freeman as the narrator reminded me of “The Shawshank Redemption” and after awhile it felt stale because I had seen this trick before.
Memorable Moment: Clint Eastwood’s eventual decision in the end, and that’s all I’m saying.
1. Garden State
When I first saw this film, before most people had, I knew I had just watched an amazing film. It really speaks to my generation with people still trying to figure their lives out and searching for purpose. What really propels this into the number one spot is the overall balance it has over the other movies, with not only a great story and acting to match, but with a soundtrack that speaks for itself, wonderful visual shots and visual humor, and some sincere moments that I just love. My number one film isn’t necessarily the best film on this list, but just the film I enjoyed the most.
Why it should be lower: What bothers me now about this film is how popular it has now become with people here constantly talking about it. This ruins one of the reasons I enjoyed the movie, when it still was not mainstream and felt like a hidden gem.
Memorable Moment: There are so many, but when Zach Braff is at the doctor’s office being tested and has marker all over his body is particularly enjoyable.
posted by Chris Burzlaff @ 2/27/2005
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