CaptainD's Top Ten Movies of 2005
Mar 04 '06 (Updated May 10 '08)
The Bottom Line My Ten Movies of 2005... agree, disagree, or do neither... (?)
CaptainD's Top Ten Movies of 2005
** UPDATED 01.06.06 **
(I will be updating this list every time I see a film from 2005 that deserves to be here.)
10 - Chicken Little
While this had a very mixed reception, I really enjoyed this animated movie about a chicken who thinks the sky is falling on his head, is mocked for it, begins to doubt himself, and then finds out that the sky really is falling... okay, not the sky itself, but pretty close... I think if you miss some of the little digs at other movies it won't be as funny. Watch it if you're in a silly mood and you'll love it!
9 - The Interpreter
Admittedly the plot takes rather a lot of suspending belief – interpreter Sylvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) happens to go back into the UN building and happens to be one of the few people in the world who understands the language being spoken down in the main hall by people who happen to be discussing an assassination attempt while happening to have left the microphones on… but that asides, The Interpreter is an effective and tightly-plotted thriller also starring the excellent Sean Penn, who plays the special agent assigned to find out exactly what is going on.
8 - Fun With Dick And Jane
Jim Carrey and Tia Leone find out that living within the rules doesn’t always work… a refreshingly daft movie without being overly dumb, good performances by the lead couple and some ENRON jibes thrown in for good measure. Not great cinema perhaps, but very entertaining.
7 - Sahara
Clive Cussler’s bestselling novel is turned into an enjoyable Indiana Jones style adventure as Matthew McConnoughy and Penelope Cruz go racing across the Sahara to find out what’s causing a deadly illness in a remote African village, with Steve Zahn providing the comedy element. Not quite as good as Indy, but the nearest anyone’s been for quite a while.
6 - The Constant Gardener
Another film set in Africa, this film based on the John Le Carre book features amazing performances by Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes, a fantastic musical score, and one of the most emotional finales I've ever seen. Starts off a bit slowly but just gets better and better. I defy anyone who's seen it not to be speechless at the ending.
5 - Pride and Prejudice
Though it couldn’t possibly match the wonderful BBC mini-series version of Jane Austen’s book, this version of Pride and Prejudice is well worth watching and offers slightly different, more modern look at the storyline. Kierra Knightly’s performance here was excellent, easily the best I’ve seen from her so far, and Donald Sutherland makes a less caustic Mr Bennett. His relationship with Mrs Bennett is far more affectionate than the BBC version, which was a nice touch. No wet shirt scene here though, doubtless disappointing many female viewers!! (Unless you count the scene where they got rained on...)
4 - Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Nick Parkes’ dynamic claymation duo appear in their fourth adventure, and their first feature-length one. When crops start to go astray just before a major veggie tournament (hey, it’s a small country town, they don’t get out much), Anti-Pesto, run by Wallace and Gromit utilising Wallace’s amazing inventions, it’s bunny problems such as have never been seen before… Add in Lady Tottington (just call me Totty) and a love rival for Wallace, and all mayhem begins… and that Were-Rabbit isn’t going away soon… great stuff, with Peter Sallis as always perfect as the voice of Wallace.
3 - Nanny McPhee
A movie I wasn’t at all sure about beforehand, Nanny McPhee is based on the “Nurse Matilda” stories by Christiana Brand and adapted by British actress Emma Thomspon, who also stars as the eponymous nanny. Colin Firth is the harassed father of several children who have become very horrible indeed since his wife died., and go through nannies at a rapid pace. Eventually no agency will work for poor old Colin… until Nanny McPhee, who has a curious habit of making things happen, turns up uninvited. A kind of modern day Mary Poppins, a lot of fun though naturally the kids will enjoy it most.
2 - Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith
The keenly awaited third instalment (and sixth film) of the Star Wars saga had some dodgy moments but overall was a stunning success. Brilliant special effects, a satisfying plot that tied up most of the loose ends surrounding the other films (it would have been impossible for all the loose ends to be tied up, after all), a cracking musical score and some tremendous action sequences made for a thoroughly enjoyable film. It helped that the silly editing style of episodes I and II wasn’t used so much and that the tone of the film was a lot darker. (This does make it the least suitable of the six films for younger children though.)
NEW ENTRY! (10.05.08) - The Corpse Bride - I didn't see Tim Burton's wonderful stop-motion creation until 3 years later, but now that I have it deserves to be high on this list! A wonderful mix of humour, darlky optimistic storyline and great music. My joint no.2 for the year.
1 - Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The retelling of CS Lewis’ much-loved story was eagerly awaited by all who enjoyed the book (or the series – I’m not much of a fan of that particular book, I must admit). This film did not disappoint. With sets and effects from the people who brought us the Lord of the Rings trilogy and a talented cast, the world of Narnia was really brought to life as never before.
Well there you go, that’s my top ten. Thanks for reading!
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CaptainD’s Top Ten Movie Lists
Top Ten Movies of 2002
Top Ten Movies of 2003
Top Ten Movies of 2004
Top Ten Movies of All Time
Top Ten Romantic Comedies
Top Ten Science Fiction Films
Top Ten Star Trek Movies
Top Ten Science Fiction Series
Top Ten Animated Movies
Top Ten Children's Movies
Top Ten Spoof Movies
Top Ten Musicals
Top Ten Comedies
Top Ten Action / Adventure Movies
Best Lines in Film History
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