Saturday, November 21, 2009
Top 10 Movies of the Decade
I've been inspired by watching At the Movies to come up with my own list of the Top 10 movies of the decade. And that certainly was no easy task. I've seen as many movies as I can, but there are some from 2008 and 2009 that I have not seen yet. However, I'm fairly confident I have seen the best the decade has to offer.
That being said, plenty of movies on this list aren't ones that gathered all sorts of Oscar consideration but are films that left a big impact on me, and in most cases, that I can watch over and over again.
So here's the list:
10. Gladiator
A classic from the first year in the decade, when a lot of people list the ultimate guy movie they either list Braveheart or Gladiator. Russell Crowe is one of our best actors, and this is his ultimate role. And what makes it great is that it's not just blood and guts but has a heart. The scene where Maximus unveils his identity to Commodus gives me goosebumps.
9. Letters from Iwo Jima
Everything Clint Eastwood touches turns to gold nowadays. I could have easily put Million Dollar Baby on this list, and Mystic River is also very good. But I think his best directorial effort is Letters from Iwo Jima, the second of two movies released about World War II. This one is from the Japanese standpoint and focuses on the stories of a few soldiers. Eastwood does a great job of really making you feel sympathy for the enemy.
8. Hitch
I'll probably get some crap for this pick, but I just love this movie. Kevin James really has a breakout movie role with some really funny scenes (especially when he tries to dance). Yes, it's somewhat predictable, but it's one of those movies that I can see over and over and still enjoy. Eva Mendes isn't the world's greatest actress but she really shines here.
7. Slumdog Millionaire
A very deserving choice for Best Picture this past year, I'm really glad a movie like this got widespread acclaim. The way the story unfolds brings you moments that are heartbreaking and inspiring. And the last 15 minutes or so make you want to cheer. I really hope this lives on as one of the classics from this decade.
6. The Majestic
For whatever reason, this movie did not do all that well when it came out, but everyone I knew who saw it loved it. And I am no exception. Jim Carrey is at his best when he tones down his schtick and does roles like this one. Martin Landau's performance is also exceptional. This is one of the most heartwarming movies I've seen, one I know that small theaters like the Majestic would play in their hayday.
5. United 93
Obviously, the events of September 11th bring out a lot of emotions in a lot of people. And for many, it is still too soon to see a movie like this. But I urge everyone to see it. This movie is not flashy or filled with CGI -- it even has the real people playing a lot of the roles. But what it has is an incredible amount of raw emotion. The last 20 minutes made me feel sick to my stomach. This is one that sticks with you well after it's over.
4. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
If I wanted to, I probably could make a case for putting all 6 Harry Potter movies on this list. I was a Potter skeptic when the craze first started, but once I saw the first movie I was hooked. There is just something about these stories that produced 7 fantastic books and 6 great movies. This most recent movie is one of my two favorite Potters, doing a great job of condensing the book into a feature film length movie that still is able to include the major plot points and the lighter teen angst moments.
3. Adaptation
I really had few expectations going into this movie, and I was completely blown away. It's hard to even describe it. Nicholas Cage is so good playing twin brother screenwriters. As you watch the story unfold, you have no idea where it's going, and the last 30 minutes is an emotional roller-coaster. The real star of the movie is Charlie Kaufman, whose screenplay is brilliant.
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I remember when I walked out of this movie I was speechless. I was just trying to take in what I had seen. Besides the 7th book, this one was my favorite of the books. And after what I thought was a disappointing 3rd movie, this one really picked up the slack. I have no idea whether non Harry Potter fans would like it or even understand what was going on. All I know is that I loved it.
1. Memento
When I meet someone that is a movie fan, I make sure they see two movies. Casablanca and Memento. If you are reading this and have not seen Memento, go see it! Christopher Nolan is a very gifted director. I'm glad people are recognizing his value since he has directed the last two Batman movies. The way this strange story unfolds is unlike any other movie. You really don't know any of the answers until the very end. And even then, my impression when I first saw it of who killed Leonard's wife was totally different from my impression now. Each time you watch you pick up more clues. Just an unforgettable film.
So that's it -- that's my list! There were a lot of deserving candidates that just missed out.
I've been inspired by watching At the Movies to come up with my own list of the Top 10 movies of the decade. And that certainly was no easy task. I've seen as many movies as I can, but there are some from 2008 and 2009 that I have not seen yet. However, I'm fairly confident I have seen the best the decade has to offer.
That being said, plenty of movies on this list aren't ones that gathered all sorts of Oscar consideration but are films that left a big impact on me, and in most cases, that I can watch over and over again.
So here's the list:
10. Gladiator
A classic from the first year in the decade, when a lot of people list the ultimate guy movie they either list Braveheart or Gladiator. Russell Crowe is one of our best actors, and this is his ultimate role. And what makes it great is that it's not just blood and guts but has a heart. The scene where Maximus unveils his identity to Commodus gives me goosebumps.
9. Letters from Iwo Jima
Everything Clint Eastwood touches turns to gold nowadays. I could have easily put Million Dollar Baby on this list, and Mystic River is also very good. But I think his best directorial effort is Letters from Iwo Jima, the second of two movies released about World War II. This one is from the Japanese standpoint and focuses on the stories of a few soldiers. Eastwood does a great job of really making you feel sympathy for the enemy.
8. Hitch
I'll probably get some crap for this pick, but I just love this movie. Kevin James really has a breakout movie role with some really funny scenes (especially when he tries to dance). Yes, it's somewhat predictable, but it's one of those movies that I can see over and over and still enjoy. Eva Mendes isn't the world's greatest actress but she really shines here.
7. Slumdog Millionaire
A very deserving choice for Best Picture this past year, I'm really glad a movie like this got widespread acclaim. The way the story unfolds brings you moments that are heartbreaking and inspiring. And the last 15 minutes or so make you want to cheer. I really hope this lives on as one of the classics from this decade.
6. The Majestic
For whatever reason, this movie did not do all that well when it came out, but everyone I knew who saw it loved it. And I am no exception. Jim Carrey is at his best when he tones down his schtick and does roles like this one. Martin Landau's performance is also exceptional. This is one of the most heartwarming movies I've seen, one I know that small theaters like the Majestic would play in their hayday.
5. United 93
Obviously, the events of September 11th bring out a lot of emotions in a lot of people. And for many, it is still too soon to see a movie like this. But I urge everyone to see it. This movie is not flashy or filled with CGI -- it even has the real people playing a lot of the roles. But what it has is an incredible amount of raw emotion. The last 20 minutes made me feel sick to my stomach. This is one that sticks with you well after it's over.
4. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
If I wanted to, I probably could make a case for putting all 6 Harry Potter movies on this list. I was a Potter skeptic when the craze first started, but once I saw the first movie I was hooked. There is just something about these stories that produced 7 fantastic books and 6 great movies. This most recent movie is one of my two favorite Potters, doing a great job of condensing the book into a feature film length movie that still is able to include the major plot points and the lighter teen angst moments.
3. Adaptation
I really had few expectations going into this movie, and I was completely blown away. It's hard to even describe it. Nicholas Cage is so good playing twin brother screenwriters. As you watch the story unfold, you have no idea where it's going, and the last 30 minutes is an emotional roller-coaster. The real star of the movie is Charlie Kaufman, whose screenplay is brilliant.
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I remember when I walked out of this movie I was speechless. I was just trying to take in what I had seen. Besides the 7th book, this one was my favorite of the books. And after what I thought was a disappointing 3rd movie, this one really picked up the slack. I have no idea whether non Harry Potter fans would like it or even understand what was going on. All I know is that I loved it.
1. Memento
When I meet someone that is a movie fan, I make sure they see two movies. Casablanca and Memento. If you are reading this and have not seen Memento, go see it! Christopher Nolan is a very gifted director. I'm glad people are recognizing his value since he has directed the last two Batman movies. The way this strange story unfolds is unlike any other movie. You really don't know any of the answers until the very end. And even then, my impression when I first saw it of who killed Leonard's wife was totally different from my impression now. Each time you watch you pick up more clues. Just an unforgettable film.
So that's it -- that's my list! There were a lot of deserving candidates that just missed out.
