The Top 10 Films of the Year

“Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff.”

10. American Splendor

I absolutely adore Paul Giamatti, and I think this film is what caused me to take notice of him first. He mostly did sidekick roles in comedies before this, and he really shines in this part biopic, part documentary detailing the life of Harvey Pekar. Pekar created the comic book this film was named after, which is based on his own life and the things he actually gets into. It’s really interesting to watch and Giamatti does a great job of capturing the real Pekar who also appears in the film.

“Nobody thinks about death in the supermarket.”

9. My Life Without Me

Sarah Polley has always been one of my favorite actors, and is Canadian to boot. Unfortunately she hasn’t done as much work lately and I often forget about her. But this is probably one of my favorite films she has been in, where she plays a woman diagnosed with cancer and decides to keep it a secret. She proceeds to make a list of things to do before she dies, and in the end it’s a very touching story about mortality and missed opportunities.

“Most importantly, have fun.”

8. Elephant

Gus Van Sant is often hit or miss with me, and I know this film was definitely a love it or hate it kind of deal. I have always been intrigued about stories relating to school shootings, because I simply cannot grasp the thought process behind doing something like that, and how they even happen. The thing I really liked about this film was that there was very little actual violence shown on screen, a lot of the killings were assumed to have happened but never shown. The film is almost poetic, and with regular high school students cast it gives the film almost a realistic feel, and the result is almost much more terrifying than any scripted film could ever be.

“You are a god among insects.”

7. X2: X-Men United

The first X-Men film was good, and one of the first comic book adaptations that didn’t suck really bad. But as with most superhero movies, it was plagued with the need to tell an origin story and to introduce the characters. Which is one of the many reasons this sequel worked so well, with plenty more room for mutants kicking ass and less exposition. Plus we get Nightcrawler, who was one of my absolute favorite X-Men, played expertly by Alan Cumming. The opening sequence with Nightcrawler infiltrating the White House is one of the greatest action sequences ever put to screen.

“You have my respect for your heart.”

6. House of Sand and Fog

There was something hauntingly truthful about this film, in which the dispute over a house between a young woman and an immigrant family ultimately ends in tragedy.  It’s powerful and full of integrity, done justice by excellent performances by Sir Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly. When I originally saw this movie I didn’t know what to expect, and I was absolutely blown away. The ending was something I never saw coming and is emotionally powerful on all accounts.

“I do not fear death.”

5. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Most people think the first Lord of the Rings film is the best one. Most agree the second one is the weakest. Personally, I thought the films just got better as they went on, and would describe the first film as the weakest (though still amazing). I thought the conclusion to this saga was masterfully done here, and it could have been five hours and I wouldn’t have cared. The thing I don’t understand about adaptations is people get upset when things are left out, but even more upset if it’s too long. You can’t have it both way, friends, and I thought this was a perfect length for the amount of material they needed to fit in. Aragorn is the best character though. Hands down. Legolas was still a turd.

“I have to find my son!”

4. Finding Nemo

Pixar has a way of making movies for people. Not for kids, not for adults, but for everyone. I honestly believe that. This movie was so amazing and full of heart. It’s the first time I noticed how beautiful computer animation can be, too. More will be discussed on this film if I ever make my 25 Animated Films list.

“I have more determination than any other man you’re ever likely to meet.”

3. Big Fish

Yep, I love father/son stories. Great performances and amazing visuals aside, this is ultimately a tale about a father and son and their attempt to understand each other. Edward Bloom told many tall tales, but not all of what he said was complete bullshit. It was all based on some truth, and he had the desire to be much more interesting than he thought he was. In the end his son can understand this, and the final story is just beautiful.

“You’re not hopeless.”

2. Lost in Translation

I didn’t think I’d like this film, but I can’t really express why. The first time I watched it I actually fell asleep which I normally chock up to being a bad movie. But watching it again I realized I must just have been THAT tired, because this movie has a quiet elegance to it that I couldn’t ignore. The feeling of loneliness and alienation is prevalent all throughout this film and Bill Murray delivers one of his greatest performances to date. Scarlett Johansson is wonderful as well, and has a subtlety in her acting that is less present now that she’s doing bigger films.

“Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.”

1. Oldboy

This is a powerful, powerful film. Do yourself a favor and check this movie out, because it’s the kind of movie Hollywood wishes it could make but can’t (in fact, Steven Spielberg is apparently in talks to make an American version, with Will Smith to star. It will be terrible). It has a great ending, which I did not see coming at all, and some of the shots are so fantastic that I can’t believe I hadn’t seen something similar before. There is a scene involving a hallway and the main character fighting his way out though tons of enemies, and it’s all done in one shot. It’s fucking amazing. There’s not much else I can say, except watch this film as soon as you get the chance. Trust me.

“You really are the very monster I created, aren’t you? But you won’t find out the “why” of this if you kill me. Fifteen years of being curious would go to waste.“

-Lee Woo-Jin (Yu Ji-Tae)

Honorable Mentions

Elf: A wonderful Christmas movie, with the role Will Ferrel was born to play.

Kill Bill Vol. 1: Stylistically awesome.

The Life of David Gale: An interesting mystery from start to finish.

Matchstick Men: Nicholas Cage is one of his better roles, where arguably he plays Nic Cage to the third power, but it works and has a great story.

Mystic River: I actually really enjoyed this film, I think Clint Eastwood is a wonderful director.

School of Rock: Jack Black wishes he was as good at music as those kids. That’s not a diss to Jack Black, but those kids are fucking awesome (yes they all played their own instruments for real).