The best of times... (late again)Jul 13 '04 (Updated Jul 15 '04) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line read it...and no, I didn't hate the Matrix sequels.
It's about past that time again, when I reveal my choices for best films of the previous year. There were a few movies I considered really great, but not a lot that simply blew me away, like last year's Adaptation. Nevertheless, 2003 saw big events like the stunning end of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the fun-but-not-that-stunning middle and end to the Matrix trilogy, and a highly entertaining movie based on a disneyland ride, that no one could have predicted would do so well. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here are a few of the films I had high hopes for, but never got around to seeing yet: -the barbarian invasions -the cooler -open hearts -the revolution will not be televised -spider -capturing the freidmans -angels in america -master and commander: the far side of the world -love actually -osama First, the runner's up: 14. Owning Mahoney 13. 28 Days Later 12. 21 Grams 11. Dark Blue Now...on to the best of the best. 10. AMERICAN SPLENDOR (****1/2) Paul Giamatti again proves how great he is as an actor in a film that's both depressing, and funny often at the same time. In a film that deals with loneliness and unimportance, Giamatti endears us to his real-life Harvey Pekar character, and touches on the same issues as this year's Lost in Translation, while managing to come out as the superior film. 9. X-2: X-MEN UNITED (****1/2) Better than the first, and arguably (until Spiderman 2, anyway), the best comic book film of all time. More mutants, more powers, more action, but never at the expense of the great characters. Nightcrawler became and instant fan favorite, and more depth was given to the returning characters. While the story sagged at times, and there may have been too many characters to keep up with, the movie was highly entertaining and faithful to the comic books. With the possibility of Halle Berry not returning for a third film, the potential for this franchise keeps rising. 8. CITY OF GOD (****1/2) Fernando Meirelles' stylish and ultra-violent look at the normalcy of drugs and organized crime in Rio Dejanero is engrossing in its storytelling and relentless in its brutal authenticity. The screenplay and acting are near-perfect, and the way the story is told will keep you captivated throughout every second of the film. 7. MYSTIC RIVER (****1/2) Sean Penn gives two oscar-worthy performances in one year, solidifying his greatness as an actor. Clint Eastwood weaves a dark, mature, and dreary character drama about three Boston friends whose lives are intertwined by fate after 30 years. Winner of two very deserving best actor Oscars. 6. FINDING NEMO (*****) While, it doesn't measure up to Toy Story as Pixar's best film, it does come in second. Beautiful animation, vibrant colors, and great voice acting make it impossible to look away. It's funny, adventurous, heartwarming, and the best animated film of the year, not to mention one with strong lessons of determination and self-sacrifice for kids. 5. THIRTEEN (*****) Thirteen is a brilliant cautionary tale about the realities of being a teenage girl. Relentless and unforgettable in its horror and tragedy, the film is startlingly realistic, and has fantastic performances from Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood. 4. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (*****) What a movie! The only film last year that I saw three times in theaters. It's enormously funny, packed with swashbuckling adventure action, and an all-around rollicking good time. Jonny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow is sure to be one of the most celebrated characters in movie history. 3. THE LAST SAMURAI (*****) A beautifully shot and written film about a forgotten culture, The Last Samurai sees a breakout role for Ken Watanabe, and a great performance from veteran Tom Cruise. It's emotional, epic, and visually spectacular, not to mention Hans Zimmer's score is the best of the year. It's not Kurosawa, but in this day and age, it's almost as good. A little Hollywood-ized, but nevertheless a great film. 2. IN AMERICA (*****) An autobiographical film by director, Jim Seridan, In America tells the story of a young Irish immigrant family who comes to America after tragedy strikes. Touching scenes, and a great script make the film work, and Djimon Hounsou gives a fantastic performance as the neighbor who befriends the family. Overlooked, sentimental, and almost good enough to make you believe in the magic of America, even for the most cynical of viewers. 1. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (*****) Peter Jackson brings to a close his fantasy legacy, ending nearly a decade of work by a cast and crew of hundreds. While Fellowship of the Ring is still the best MOVIE of the three, this one is the best experience, and encompasses the full scope of his vision. Return of the King is an epic to the highest degree, with memorable characters, brilliant battle scenes, and more than one tear-jerking scene involving Frodo and Sam, who becomes the film's standout character thanks to a fantastic performance from Sean Astin, who I think should have been nominated for an Oscar. It's long, and has about six endings, but by the time the credits roll, it couldn't feel more complete. So, there you have it. Rest assured, though, there were lots more movies worth watching than just those that made the top ten. Here's the rest that were worth mentioning. (4 Star films) -Bruce Almighty -Dirty Pretty Things -Freaky Friday -Kill Bill: Vol. 1 -Lost in Translation -Matchstick Men -Monster -The Rundown -Something's Gotta Give -Swimming Pool -The Triplets of Belleville -Whale Rider -Winged Migration Until Next Year, Keep Fit and Have Fun CLARK  |
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