1/30 Theatrical Releases

New Releases

New in Town - Renee Zellweger has run her course in Hollywood, the best thing for her to do would be to quit acting and start something new, like painting.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Taken - Though the film has been out in Europe for almost a year, the movie still looks great. Luc Besson is incapable of making movies that aren't enjoyable.
VERDICT: SEE IT

The Uninvited - pg-13 remake of an Asian (South Korean specifically) horror film. No Thank You.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Now these are the only films being released this week that are NEW. However, the Cobb theater here in Tuscaloosa is getting some more films that are definitely worth your time.

The movies in question are: Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, and Doubt.

As you know, Milk is my favorite film of 2008, Doubt was also in the top 10 and Slumdog was on Honorable Mention. Though apparently if you're everyone else besides me and Penn Jillette you're going to love Slumdog Millionaire.

So all of you should just show up at the Cobb in the afternoon and see Milk, Doubt, Slumdog and Taken. Sure it'll cost a lot of money, but man will it be worth it.

My beef with Slumdog Millionaire

Let me start by saying if you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, and plan on it, then do not read this.

I'm very puzzled at why people like this movie so much. I've watched the Golden Globes and SAG awards and this movie has SWEPT both of them, in a sense that its nominated for a lot and it wins several. This movie is also getting incredible Oscar buzz, buzz speculations that say the movie is a surefire to win Best Picture and that the other nominations need not even prepare a speech.

After seeing the movie, I don't understand how people can like the film THAT much. Granted its a good movie, story isn't that bad, music and acting is top notch, but I have my complaints. The idea of the film you know is that the main character is on the Indian equivalent of Who Wants to be A Millionaire?, and it shows how events in his life led him to know the answer to the questions he's being asked.

If you haven't seen the film the movie starts out with this question:

Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it?

a. He cheated
b. He's lucky
c. He's a genius
d. It is written

And naturally at the end of the film it is revealed that D is the "correct" answer.


Personally, I don't buy that. It's like the quote from The Matrix, when Neo is asked Do you believe in Fate? He says No, because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life. This is my first really big complaint about the film.

My second complaint is to the effect of this: So when a poor kid from the slums is on a show like this, and he gets all of the questions right, by the logic of the police and host of the show: He's cheated. This is of course the basis for the film.

My complaint about this aspect of the movie, why CAN'T a person know these things? Why is the only solution to them: he cheated? Granted it is implied since he is poor, essentially he can't know things.

It's like what Penn Jillette expresses in his youtube vlog account pennsays: If the film had been changed from an Indian kid in the slums to an African American child from Harlem who won Who Wants to be a Millionaire and they had to explain it due to some poverty ridden experience in his life cause he can't just KNOW the answers. I think the same people that are loving this movie might find it a little bit offensive.

Those are my complaints, look at the film how you want, but I have to disagree with all the praise it gets, and now you know why.

Talks of The Dark Knight sequel

We're all pretty well aware of the rumors that started circulating around Christmas, The Dark Knight was getting a sequel set to come out in 2010 with Eddie Murphy as The Riddler and Shia Lebeouf as Robin. Since this news was being reported by the British equivalent of the National Enquirer, most of us internet dwellers knew it to be false, but americans ATE IT UP.

Now I think most people are pretty well aware of these being simple terrible rumors with no truth to them. But now there are more talks about the, inevitable, sequel. The internet got wind a few days ago of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Exectuive Producer Michael Uslan saying he'd signed on to executive produce The Dark Knight's sequel. He claims they're preparing for a 2011 release date, and when asked about the villains and love interest said "If I told you, I'd have to kill you."

My Analysis: Yes he probably did sign on to produce the film, but that talk of villains and love interest is just telling people what they want to hear. Him coming out and saying this while we have no word of wether Christopher Nolan is on board or not PROVES that WB will make the sequel with or without him, if you think they won't you really don't understand how these studios work.

Nolan has gone on to say, some of them while Batman Begins was in production, that there is a set of rules he has about his Batman films. 1. They'll be heavily rooted into reality. Meaning they'll try to feel as realistic as possible, and none of the villains that are 'supernatual' will make appearances. 2. Robin WILL NEVER appear in one of his films. Nolan's words are that Batman is just getting started out, he doesn't need a sidekick to help him fight crime. 3. He doesn't know if he wants to do a sequel to The Dark Knight.

Fans of The Dark Knight, that have no true understanding of the source material, continue to say if there is a sequel the Joker should not be recast, out of respect to the late Heath Ledger.

You can't do that.

Heath Ledger is not as important to The Joker, as The Joker is to Batman. If you paid attention when you watched The Dark Knight to the interogation scene you would know that. Re-casting the Joker MUST be done. The character is TOO important. It would be like making Return of the Jedi without Darth Vader, or Pirates of the Carribean 3 without Barbosa, or Aliens without any Aiens!

People will talk all they want about who they think should be cast as the villains in the film. I've heard Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin (Good idea), Johnny Depp as The Riddler (bad idea), David Tennet as The Riddler (Good Idea), Kristen Bell as Harley Quinn (Meh Idea), Angelina Jolie as Catwoman (She's far too busty for that suit though), and even that Daniel Day-Lewis should pick up the Joker (Great idea).

We'll not know for a while whats really going to happen, all we know is that wether you want to or not. There is a 99% chance of a sequel to what a lot of people think is the best movie ever made of all time ever.

1/27 DVD Releases

A lot of hits and misses on video this week, mostly just misses though. To sum up the week, you don't necessarily need to buy any of them unless you're a fan.

Fireproof - Now I haven't seen all of this movie, but the parts that I did see were laughably bad.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Lakeview Terrace - Or should we call it Samuel L Jackson yells at silly white people the movie.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Pride and Glory - I'll watch anything that has Edward Norton in it, so this will be a rental for myself. Though a lot of people didn't like the flick.
VERDICT: RENT IT

The Rocker - It's a safe bet to say none of you saw this, it really made almost no money by today's box office standards. Do we really need to see it though?
VERDICT: SKIP IT

RocknRolla - If you remember this was on my honorable mention of 2008. Any fans of Guy Ritchie will love the flick and people that haven't seen any of his work could be drawn to it by the film.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Vicky Christina Barcelona - Granted I never got to see this either, but you can't deny that its not worth a watch after all of the award nominations its gotten over the past few months.
VERDICT: RENT IT

81st Academy Award Nominations

BEST PICTURE:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
Frost/Nixon (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production,Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
Milk (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production,Christian Colson, Producer

DIRECTING:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
Frost/Nixon (Universal), Ron Howard
Milk (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE:
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor (Overture Films)
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon (Universal)
Sean Penn - Milk (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler (Fox Searchlight)

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE:
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie - Changeling (Universal)
Melissa Leo - Frozen River (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep - Doubt (Miramax)
Kate Winslet - The Reader (The Weinstein Company)

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Josh Brolin - Milk (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt (Miramax)
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Amy Adams - Doubt (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis - Doubt (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler (Fox Searchlight)

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
Doubt (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
Frozen River (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
Happy-Go-Lucky (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
In Bruges (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
Milk (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:
The Baader Meinhof Complex A Constantin Film Production, Germany
The Class (Sony Pictures Classics), A Haut et Court Production, France
Departures (Regent Releasing), A Departures Film Partners Production, Japan
Revanche (Janus Films), A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production, Austria
Waltz with Bashir (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:
Bolt (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
Kung Fu Panda (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

ART DIRECTION:
Changeling (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
The Duchess (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
Revolutionary Road (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Art Direction: Kristi Zea, Set Decoration: Debra Schutt

CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Changeling (Universal), Tom Stern
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle

COSTUME DESIGN:
Australia (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West
The Duchess (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor
Milk (Focus Features), Danny Glicker
Revolutionary Road (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Albert Wolsky

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
Encounters at the End of the World (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
The Garden A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
Man on Wire (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
Trouble the Water (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

FILM EDITING:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Lee Smith
Frost/Nixon (Universal), Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
Milk (Focus Features), Elliot Graham
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens

MAKEUP:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal), Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz

ORIGINAL SCORE:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Alexandre Desplat
Defiance (Paramount Vantage), James Newton Howard
Milk (Focus Features), Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Thomas Newman

ORIGINAL SONG:
"Down to Earth" from WALL•E (Walt Disney), Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel
"Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
"O Saya" from Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman andMaya Arulpragasam

SOUND MIXING:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
WALL•E (Walt Disney),Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
Wanted (Universal), Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt

SOUND EDITING:
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Richard King
Iron Man (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Tom Sayers
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
Wanted (Universal),Wylie Stateman

VISUAL EFFECTS:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
Iron Man (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan

DOCUMENTARY SHORT:
The Conscience of Nhem En A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
The Final Inch A Vermilion Films Production, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
Smile Pinki A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306 A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

ANIMATED SHORT FILM:
La Maison en Petits Cubes A Robot Communications Production, Kunio Kato
Lavatory - Lovestory A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production, Konstantin Bronzit
Oktapodi (Talantis Films) A Gobelins, L’école de l’image Production, Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
Presto (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Doug Sweetland
This Way Up A Nexus Production, Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM:
Auf der Strecke (On the Line) (Hamburg Shortfilmagency), An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production, Reto Caffi
Manon on the Asphalt (La Luna Productions), A La Luna Production, Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
New Boy (Network Ireland Television), A Zanzibar Films Production, Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
The Pig An M & M Production, Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
Spielzeugland (Toyland) A Mephisto Film Production, Jochen Alexander Freydank


All I can say is that I'm a little disappointed that The Wrestler didn't get a Best Picture nod, but for the most part I'm happy with the list. Though I do fear Slumdog Millionaire will be the big winner here as it has been at the other awards shows, even though in my opinion it is no where near as good as Milk, The Wrestler, Benjamin Button and Frost/Nixon.

1/23 Theatrical Releases

We only get two theatrical releases this week, and I'm going to make the call that something that isn't one of them will be number one at the box office.

Inkheart - I only saw the trailer for this earlier this week, and in all honesty it seems like its The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen except for instead of main characters from books its bit parts from books that are real, excuse "brought to life". Brendan Fraser hasn't really delivered in the good movie category in quite a long time (The Mummy in my opinion, and that was 10 years ago).
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - Fans of the series will line up to watch this film, but very few people outside of the fan circle will probably go. Rise of the Lycans is my pick of the week to watch.
VERDICT: SEE IT

2008 Razzie Award Nominations

Suffice to say I don't necessarily agree with a few of these, but sometimes I think the Razzie People overlook some movies. For instance 10,000 BC (the WORST movie I saw in 2008) is no where to be found on this list, and we all know I'm a Shyamalan fanboy so I do disagree with The Happening being nominated for worst picture/screenplay/director. I will let Mark Whalburg slid on the acting credit though. I do however, much to my own surprise, disagree with the nomination of Paris Hilton for Worst Supporting Actress for Repo! The Genetic Opera. As well as the nomination of Speed Racer for Worst Prequel, Sequel, Remake, or Rip-Off.


Here's the full list:

Worst Picture
Disaster Movie
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Meet the Spartans
The Happening
The Hottie & the Nottie

Worst Actor
Mike Myers - The Love Guru
Eddie Murphy - Meet Dave
Al Pacino - 88 Minutes and Righteous Kill
Mark Wahlberg - The Happening and Max Payne
Larry the Cable Guy - Witless Protection

Worst Actress
Jessica Alba - The Love Guru and The Eye
Cameron Diaz - What Happens in Vegas
Paris Hilton - The Hottie & the Nottie
Kate Hudson - Fool's Gold and My Best Friend's Girl
The Entier Cast of The Women - Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Meg Ryan.

Worst Supporting Actor
Uwe Boll, Postal
Pierce Brosnan - Mamma Mia!
Ben Kingsley, The Love Guru, War, Inc., The Wackness
Burt Reynolds, Deal and In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Verne Troyer, The Love Guru and Postal.

Worst Supporting Actress
Carmen Electra - Disaster Movie, Meet The Spartans
Paris Hilton - Repo! The Genetic Opera;
Kim Kardashian - Disaster Movie
Jenny Mccarthy, Witless Protection;
Leelee Sobieski - 88 Minutes, In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale

Worst Screen Couple
Uwe Boll and Any Actor, Camera and Screenplay
Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, What Happens In Vegas
Paris Hilton and either Christine Lakin or Jorel David Moore, The Hottie And The Nottie
Larry The Cable Guy and Jenny Mccarthy, Witless Protection;
Eddie Murphy In Eddie Murphy, Meet Dave.

Worst Prequel, Sequel, Remake Or Rip-Off
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Disaster Movie
Meet The Spartans
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull
Speed Racer
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Worst Director
Uwe Boll - Tunnel Rats, In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale And Postal
Jason Friedberg And Aaron Seltzer - Disaster Movie And Meet The Spartans
Tom Putnam - The Hottie And The Nottie
Marco Schnabel - The Love Guru
M. Night Shyamalan, The Happening.

Worst Screenplay
Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer - Disaster Movie And Meet The Spartans
M. Night Shyamalan - The Happening
Heidi Ferrer - The Hottie And The Nottie
Doug Taylor - In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Mike Myers and Graham Gordy, The Love Guru

Worst Career Achievement
Uwe Boll - "Germany's answer to Ed Wood".



The Worst Career Achievement is a nice touch on the part of the razzie people.

Origins of the Term "Thriller" and why it should be abolished.

In the 90's after the wake of the 1980's horror movie boom, the word "horror" sort of became a no-no, very taboo if you will. So instead of labeling movies as "Horror" films studios decided to start calling things "Thriller"s. A LOT of these films went on to become very successful and revered in the eyes of the general public. Let's examine some of these movies and look at why they're NOT thrillers but instead horror films.

Silence of the Lambs - Silence of the Lambs was billed as a thriller to the movie goers, but look at its content. The story is about an FBI agent that goes to an imprisoned cannibal to seek advice about catching a serial killer that skins his victims to make a suit of their flesh. Yea that's definitely not a horror movie.

Se7en - A serial killer that kills people in various ways related to the seven deadly sins, including (POSSIBLE SPOILERS): Forcing a man to cut off one pound of his own flesh, giving a pretty woman the option of living ugly or dying beautiful, and strapping a man to his bed for a year.

Misery - A. this is based on a story by Stephen King, and this isn't a Green Mile or Shawshank Redemption so you can bet its a horror story. B. Its about an author that gets held against his will in an obsessed fan's home. That is pretty scary in my opinion.

The Sixth Sense - A story about a boy that can see ghosts? Horror.

Hard Candy - A girl extracts revenge on a man that she suspects is a pedophile by torturing him. Yes, its a horror film.

Bug - People think that bugs are crawling under their skin?

P2 - A man locks a girl in the parking garage of her work on Christmas eve and stalks her/kills people "for her". Oh yea, not horror at all.


If you look at the lists of "Thriller" films online the list only gets longer as the years get closer to the present, because people either don't want to admit they've made a horror film or they've made something that isn't exactly an action movie or isn't exactly a drama so they stick it in the thriller category.

In conclusion 90% of Thriller films are a lie and can easily be classified into another genre. There are however a select few that could be called thrillers but not nearly enough to warrant its own genre. Thriller should be seen as a sub-genre of horror, not its own.

1/20 DVD Releases

It feels good to be back in the swing of things, and now that I'm done with those lists I can get my routine in order.

City of Ember - Granted I didn't see the movie, but after watching the preview I don't think I really have to.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Igor - I haven't seen this one either, but it looks more promising than the previous title mentioned.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Max Payne - The third movie being released that I haven't seen. Though I want to see it being a fan of the video games.
VERDICT: RENT IT, if you're a fan.

Repo! The Genetic Opera - This is a fantastic movie. All fans of horror movies, musicals, horror musicals this is a must own.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Saw V - Fans of the series will be anxious to buy this, the director's cut in particular which features about 14 minutes of material cut from the theatrical cut.
VERDICT: BUY IT, if you're a fan.

Top 15 movies of 2008

This was a tough list to compile. Granted the top 5 was the easiest part, because it was very easy for me to recognize how great they are, but filling in the rest of the list was very difficult. Now I present it to you:

Top 15 Movies of 2008

15. Religulous - If you're religious or not, this movie is still a good watch. The best documentary of the year, which is saying something since Gonzo: The Life of Hunter Thompson and Zeitgeist: Addendum were released this year. Bill Maher brings his intellectual wit and sarcastic tone to a touchy subject in America, but a subject that should be toucher on nonetheless (the ideas and stories behind organized religions).

14. Hamlet 2 - This is the movie I wish had come out when I was in high school, since its very pro-arts and anti-jock/prep/mtv. Hamlet 2 recognizes the things that people aren't familair or comfortable with and puts them in your face in a light you haven't experianced them. The film also takes a look at racism in public schools, a rather serious topic for a very serious film. Brilliant writing and songs.

13. Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood has truely blossomed in his old age. Though I didn't care for his other directing efforts, Gran Torino is truely representative of his directing/acting abilities. Though the story is predeictable up until it's climax, the message is needed in a day and age like ours when you can't go anywhere (especially here in Alabama) and not hear at least one rascist remark.

12. Tropic Thunder - I honestly misunderestimated this movie. I thought it was going to be one of those generic comedies that people would grasp on to for a while then leave in the cold for something new. The movie is a brilliant escapade of comedy and is executed to a T. The way Tropic Thunder lampoons the hollywood system is also one of its crowning achievments since I love watching movies about A. Making movies and B. Making fun of the way people make movies.

11. Frost/Nixon - Ensemble casting and messages/morals that needed to be heard a common theme throughout this year. Frost/Nixon has brilliant casting, and presents the way a corrupt politican thinks and acts into the spotlight for us to see (granted it isn't the politican we WANT to see dissected by a clever British talk show host) the movie is still spectacular in its accomplishments. Ron Howard hasn't lost his touch, and if anything Frost/Nixon proves that he's going to continue to be a juggeranaut of film for years to come.

10. Speed Racer - I will take your crap for liking this movie. Speed Racer was a crowning achievement in the way films were made and presented in the year. It's just a shame that none of you were there to enjoy it with me. The visuals, while stunning, leave you breathless and hinged to your seat awaiting the next daredeviling stunt. Plus it's got Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, and (my personal favorite) Christina Ricci.

9. Son of Rambow - Another film that none of you saw, and also a shame. The very subtle humor in the film makes it one of my favorites of the year. It also doesn't hurt that I'm very emotionally connected to the movie by way of its about two little kids making a film. The movie takes a stab at the status quo of children (though it is set in the 80s, it's not much different than it is now). Son of Rambow is brilliant.

8. The Dark Knight - It may surprise some of you that I thought there were better movies than this in the year, but there are. The Dark Knight was an epic film. Words cannot truely express how grand the casting, the story, the direction and the acting are, but most of us already know how good they are since we saw the movie. Christopher Nolan, who has never made a bad movie, continues to evolve as a filmmaker and thanks to this he will be able to pick anything he wants to do.

7. In Bruges - The comedy about two men in what is essentially percieved as a trip to the most boring place on the planet has easily earned its place here near the top for 2008. Colin Farrell gives his best preformance to date (which isn't saying much, but let me tell you it is eons better than anything else I've seen him in). Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes also capture your attention every time they're on screen, so there is NEVER a dull moment in this movie.

6. Doubt - This movie has some of the best acting I have seen on screen in a long long time. Besdies the fact that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of my favorite actors, Amy Adams really proved she is capable of taking on more than singing in a pretty dress in New York. The thing that keeps the movie from being in my 'sacred' top 5 is the story. Though the story isn't original the brilliant acting makes up for it. As well as Nun Meryl Streep making jokes.

5. Let the Right One In - I will save my blog for the comparisons between this and Twilight for another day (yes I saw it, so you can't say anything). Let the Right One In is one of the best vampire movies I've seen in a while, they even manage to do vampires correctly by staying very true to the customs and lore of vampires. The movie has some of the best child acting I've seen in years (probably since Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense). The cinematography is also something to be marveled.

4. Wall-e - Though it hurts me to put this movie at number 4, that still doesn't take away from how great it really is. Wall-e is the best animated movie I've ever seen, and even though the main characters aren't even human it still showcases love in a proper and realistic light. The (possibley accidental) "green" message of the movie is also very neccessary and better executed than anything Al Gore has put out.

3. The Wrestler - Even though Mickey Rourke has had roles recently, very good ones mind you, this movie truely does signify his return to the spotlight in Hollywood. The Wrestler has some of the most emotional preformances of the year and and even more dazzling story as things unfold before you. The Wrestler should go down as a classic for years to come if you ask me.

2. The Curious Case of Bejamin Button - There comes every so often a movie that people dazzle and marvel at and are very aware at how it will be looked and viewed for years to come. Ben Button is that movie, and is very well deserved because it truely is a masterpiece. I'm glad that David Fincher is finally getting the recognition for being so good at what he does, and for good reason because this is probably his best movie to date.

1. Milk - The very well timed movie about the first openly gay man elected into office is easily the best movie of the year. Milk offers some of the best acting I have seen since all the actors work off of each other and develop the story into the brilliant symphony that it is. Milk is just as politically charged as V for Vendetta if you ask me, and this will go down in history as an epic biopic and a pinnacle of cinema achievement.

HONORABLE MENTION:
Slumdog Millionaire
Burn After Reading
Rock'n'Rolla

MOVIES THAT COULD HAVE MADE THE LIST IF I GOT TO SEE THEM:
Synecdoche, New York
Appaloose
Vicky Christina Barcelona

Most Anticipated Movies of 2009
(In no particular order except for the # 1 and 2)

15. Friday the 13th Trailer
14. The Wolfman Wiki
13. Monsters VS Aliens Trailer
12. Wolverine Trailer
11. Star Trek Trailer
10. Bruno Wiki
9. Up Trailer
8. Pirahna 3-d Wiki
7. Astro Boy Trailer
6. Fantastic Mr. Fox Wiki
5. Sherlock Holmes Wiki
4. Halloween 2 Info
3. Public Enemies Wiki
2. Where the Wild Thing Are Clip
1. Watchmen Trailer

Top 15 movies of 2007

2007 easily has one of the most violent lists. Most if not all of the movies were rated R for their violence, with a few exceptions.

15. Hot Fuzz - The creators of Shaun of the Dead are back, and they've brought their creative film genius to the Cop movie films. I love this movie because of it's rewatchability (just like Shaun) and because there are very few jokes in the movie that don't make you laugh out loud, as opposed to a silent chuckle.

14. Stardust - It's a shame almost no one saw this movie, I know that because I was there opening night and I was one of 8 people in the theater. The movie has its flaws yes, but Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer bring there acting expertise to the table and don't disappoint.

13. Beowulf - This is the first movie on the list that I will take crap for liking. Most people didn't enjoy it because its not the Beowulf they read in high school, which is an idiotic reason to dislike the movie because: Beowulf originated as an oral story, being told from generation to generation, changes being made a long the way as the story teller saw fit. This time Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary decided to make certain changes. Great acting on part of the entire cast in this fantastic movie.

12. Black Snake Moan - Sam Jackson and Christina Ricci starring in a movie written and directed by Craig Brewer is only a recipe for greatness.

11. 3:10 to Yuma - The rebirth of the western with this movie, and the intense acting ability on part of Crowe and Bail make it a desirable watch for fans.

10. Sweeney Todd - Depp and Burton make another movie together, and yea its really that good. Plus shame on you for not knowing it was musical when you bought your ticket.

9. Zodiac - This is the second movie I will take your crap for liking. Its your own fault for thinking that this was going to be a horror movie before you went to see it. David Fincher is incapable of making a bad movie and this is no exception. Robert Downey Jr and Jake Gyllenhaal are fantastic in this.

8. Hairspray - I love this movie. The charisma, the music, the actors, it all works wonderfully. The ensemble casting for this movie make it an irresistable choice to watch.

7. The Orphanage - This spanish horror film is one of the best ghost movies I've ever seen. I'm fully aware that most people haven't seen this and thats a shame because yes it really is that good.

6. The Mist - This is the third movie that I'll take crap for liking, but first: I love the way this movie was made. Yes it's in the same set for 90% of the movie but it doesn't get old. The acting is done great, even the little kid (which is an accomplishment because normally I HATE the children in movies). Now personally this is the best ending for a movie that I've EVER seen, and probably ever will see.

5. Juno - Yes the dailogue is a little quirky, and yes a little unrealistic, but the movie is still so cute and enjoyable you can't help but smile a little. Plus its hard to not stare at Ellen Page when she's on screen, because let's face it she's a hot preg-o.

4. Halloween - The fourth movie I'll take crap for liking so much. Yes it's different than the original but isn't that the point of the remake? If I wanted to watch the original one I'd do that. I think Zombie's take on Halloween is the way to have gone with the series, and I still consider Rob to be one of the best modern horror directors (if not the best).

3. Grindhouse - It hurts me to put this so low, because I love this movie[s] so much. I'll also take crap for liking this because yes I did like Death Proof, sure you may think that it sucks but I'm entitled to my opinion just as much as you are. Grindhouse has it's advantages because it really creates a unique and genuinely fun movie going experiance. I'll be very excited when the entire film is released as one on DVD.

2. There Will Be Blood - This is truely an epic movie. Daniel Day-Lewis is a brilliant actor and delivers one of the best performances I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in the theater. Though the movie is very long, I can still watch it over and over again because of how well the scenery is created and the community is portrayed.

1. No Country for Old Men - As I've said before, you can't go wrong with Joel and Ethan Coen. The pair have delivered a perfect movie once again and with the help of their jaw-dropping cast the best movie of the year.

Stay tuned for tomorrow where I unveil my Top 15 movies of 2008, plus my most anticipated movies of 2009!!!

Top 15 of 2006

Its become fully aware to myself that my lists tend to have two kinds of movies on them: Un-Conventional comedies and blood drenched violent pictures.

15. Snakes on a Plane - Say what you will about the movie, it's still a lot of fun to watch and one of the best B-movies ever made.

14. Candy - The proof that Heath Ledger was a brilliant actor, yes he was a good actor before The Dark Knight.

13. Thank you For Smoking - Very well written satire about America, a great watch and very thought provoking about the processes of lobbyists and companies.

12. Children of Men - Granted this movie is no Blade Runner but it still manages to captivate you at the thought of what our society would become in the event of the tragedy depicted.

11. Stranger than Fiction - Proof that Will Ferrel doesn't have to play a 13 year old in a 40 year olds body to be very entertaining.

10. Over the Hedge - A great animated film with an All-Star cast and fantastic message about the world. Granted I'll watch anything that Bruce Willis is in, but this proves he doesn't have to be physically in front of the camera.

9. Lucky Number Slevin - This feels like an American Guy Ritchie movie, but hitmen instead of thieves, and that isn't a bad thing. LNS is a great watch for mod-genre fans.

8. Little Miss Sunshine - Steve Carrell is truely capable of playing any role, and this family-esque comedy really delivers in all aspects of comedy. This movie truely deserved its Best Picture Nomination at the Academy Awards.

7. The Descent - Original horror films are a rare commodity in this day and age, and its even more rare that they're as good as this. The Descent is a great female driven horror piece.

6. Clerks 2 - The sequel to the brilliant indie hit is, in my opinion, just as good as the original. That being because it does what a sequel is SUPPOSED to do. Build on the things that worked from the original and then expand into different territories.

5. Inside Man - One of the most well thought out and brilliant heist films in ages. The Direction by Spike Lee for this amazing cast is superb.

4. The Hills Have Eyes - With all the remakes that are being made these days its difficult to find a good one, like this one. Plus as I've said before, Alex Aja is a horror god.

3. V for Vendetta - Though it differs significantly from the graphic novel it's still a very well put together piece that fit more to our political times than the political messages of the source. Freedom Forever!

2. The Departed - Marty Scorscese is back, and The Departed is one of the BEST gangster films of the decade.

1. Pan's Labyrinth - I've said it before, I'll say it again. Guillermo Del Toro is a brilliant filmmaker, and this original piece is a spectacle of cinema greatness.

Top Movies of 2005

It seems as the years continue to go by that more and more violent movies appear on the countdown. This year is no exception.

15. The 40 Year Old Virgin - Judd Appatow's Directorial debut is easily the best (of the 2 that he's made) but that's saying something since his next project was also pretty good.

14. Domino - It's so refreshing to see Kiera Knightly playing a role that isn't from a Jane Austin adaptation or in a pirate movie, because she's great in this movie. Plus Mickey Rourke is in this, and you can't go wrong with Mickey.

13. King Kong - Peter Jackson has said he wanted to make this movie for a long time, that it was essentially his dream project, and with good reason: It's actually quite good.

12. Lord of War - This is the best movie Nick Cage has been in since Raising Arizona, and that was a long gap of time mind you, though its a different role than RA, Lord of War is a great film and says a lot about the world we live in today.

11. Walk the Line - Being a Johnny Cash fan I was destined to like this movie, and I wasn't disappointed.

10. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith - Easily the best of the prequels, and a very good film if you look at it in it's own context.

9. Constantine - I'm a comic fan, so a Hellblazer movie was a good idea to me, and it delivered for the most part what you could expect from a movie about John Constantine.

8. Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the WereRabbitt - Wallace and Gromit are great characters and this movie just proves the genius of the minds behind it.

7. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory - I can hear all of you BAWWWWW'ing at this already. I don't care if you prefered the Gene Wilder version "It's a classic!" You may say. But then I would have to say "You OBVIOUSLY haven't read the BOOK Charlie & the Chocolate factory" because this film (for the most part) is the definitive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie.

6. A History of Violence - Epic comic adaptation with commanding screen proformances by the entire cast.

5. The Devil's Rejects - Three words: Brilliant Horror film.

4. Capote - Granted I love anything that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is in, but this is the movie tha confirmed I would watch ANYTHING that he's in.

3. Batman Begins - (At the TIME) The Best Batman movie ever made.

2. Serenity - The movie sequel to Joss Whedon's brilliant series Firefly, answers many questions from the show but you don't have to be a brown coat to enjoy the movie.

1. Sin City - Without a doubt the best comic book adaptation of all time, brilliantly stylized to resemble the books and excellent casting!

1/13 DVD Releases

Few movies coming out, but very good ones.

Appaloosa - Granted I haven't seen the movie, but I would really like too. You can't go wrong with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen as cowboys
VERDICT: RENT IT

My Best Friend's Girl - BOOOOOOO DANECOOK
VERDICT: SKIP IT

My Bloody Valentine (1981 Re-Release) - One of my favorite golden age slasher films, and I did see it/hear of it before they even mentioned a remake. This is the movie I'll be purchasing this week.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Mirrors - Alex Aja is a horror god. This is my second pick of the week.
VERDICT: BUY IT

The Family that Preys - No Thanks.
VERDICT: SKIP IT


Sorry for the short blog, but most of my energy went into the Best of 2004 blog below.

Top 15 Movies of 2004

The Violent takes hold of the list in 2004 as this year was met with extremely gruesome (yet sometimes funny) and brilliant movies.

15. Jersey Girl - One of the only not violent movies on the list, and I will take crap for liking this because its a good film and really shows that Kevin Smith has matured as a film maker.

14. The Village - I'll also take your crap for liking this, but I love it. If you're going to judge this movie based entirely on how you didn't like the twist ending really shows how naive of a film viewer you really are.

13. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Jim Carrey is incapable of playing a bad-serious role.

12. The Terminal - I also have the guts to admit that this is a good movie by Spielberg. I still don't like the guy, nor do I like the majority of his films Post-Jurassic Park. I like this.

11. Collateral - I enjoy the film, and consider this the only good film Tom Cruise has made since he converted to crazies.

10. HellBoy - Guillermo Del Toro is incapable of making a bad movie. Even if it is based on a comic book, which isn't a bad thing.

9. Team America: World Police - Trey Parker and Matt Stone are geniuses, and this is proof that they don't have to be making a cartoon to do well.

8. Dawn of the Dead - My opinion on this is exactly what Kevin Smith says in A Threevening with Kevin Smith "When they announced they were remaking Dawn of the Dead, I thought ' What a terrible Idea. Dawn of the Dead is a brilliant movie.' And Zach Snyder made a PIMP-F***ING version of Dawn of the Dead."

7. Fahrenheit 9/11 - Michael Moore Fan here, also pretty opposed to Bush. Love it.

6. The Punisher - Though not the definitive Punisher that is Punisher: War Zone, still a good film and more or less the Taxi Driver of our generation.

5. The Butterfly Effect - Fantastic mind-blowing movie, and surprisingly great acting by Ashton Kutcher.

4. Spiderman 2 - My favorite of the Spiderman movies, and a fantastic action/superhero/comic book movie here.

3. Saw - The movie that turned the horror community on its head finds its way near the top of my list, and for good reason too.

2. Kill Bill Volume 2 - The better half of Tarantino's epic vengeance film, but in my opinion not as FUN or GOOD as .....

1. Shaun of the Dead - A BRILLIANT movie. One of the few movies I can re-watch, that I know all the lines too, and still laugh my head off when I watch it. Shaun of the Dead is the best movie of 2004 and one of my favorite horror/comedies or simply just comedies of all time.

Top 15 Movies of 2003

2003 was a great year for horror and action films, both of which are very well represented on the list.

15. The Matrix Reloaded - Some people didn't like the sequels, they can deal with it because I did and felt that it was a very good film in and of itself.

14. Big Fish - I'm a big fan of ensemble movies like this, where the lead character does through a series of trials in their life and meets many interesting people. (You could have guessed that since I had 25th Hour, Bubble Boy, and O, Brother where are Thou? on my previous lists) Plus its tough to go wrong with Tim Burton at the helm.

13. Finding Nemo - Again not my favorite Pixar movie, but you'd have to be blind to not notice how good the movie actually is.

12. Lost in Translation - You can't go wrong with Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Coppola at the helm.

11. Cabin Fever - Granted every other word in this movie is explicit and probably only four letter long, but it still shines out as great among the horrid sea of PG-13 horror films and Japanese remakes.

10. The Matrix Revolutions - In my opinion, a great way to end the series. Much better than Reloaded and a fantastic movie to just watch.

9. House of 1000 Corpses - Proof that Rob Zombie is a mastermind of the ideals of the horror film. I don't care if you didn't like it, that just means you didn't get it.

8. Dreamcatcher - A Stephen King movie starring: Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Timothy Olyphant, and Donnie Whalberg. Good stuff here.

7. Once Upon a Time in Mexico - Robert Rodriguez knows how to make a good action flick and not chock it full of hollywood action movie norms. Great film.

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Need I say anything about this movie?

5. Bad Santa - If you read my Christmas blogs you know how much I love this movie, and by having its presence so high on this list you can guess even more how much I like it.

4. High Tension - Alex Aja is a horror cinema GOD, and he proved it with this debut film that is perfect in almost every way.

3. Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl - Good action, clever story for what they have to work with. Though not my favorite of the series.

2. Kill Bill Vol. 1 - Though I prefer Volume 2, Volume 1 is still exceptional filmmaking on Captain Tarantino's part, and brilliantly coreographed fight sequences.

1. Oldboy - This movie, while not only my favorite of the year, is one of my favorite movies of all time. Oldboy is the only film I can think of that is better than its source material (a japanese manga that sucks hardcore). Brilliantly stylized with a sinister plot, Oldboy is the best movie of 2003.

Top 15 Movies of 2002

2002 brought some of my favorite films of all-time. It's a pretty epic list if you ask me, but I am little biased.

15. The Mothman Prophecies - An X-phile and skeptic such as myself can't help but like this movie. An interesting concept delivers with its fantastic story and creepy visual style.

14. Lilo & Stitch - This is one of the last actual animated films to be released, and I guess you can say they went out with a bang. Lilo and Stitch is a fantastic animated movie with humor for everyone, even though its a more or less cliche' story.

13. Resident Evil - Being a fan of zombies, video games, zombie video games, but not that big of a fan of Paul W. Anderson. I was skeptic about the film. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie though and think that the sequels only enhance the series(as sequels should!), even though it did differ from the source material a lot.

12. 25th Hour - Being a Spike Lee and Edward Norton fanboy I couldn't help but like this movie. Plus its hard to make a bad movie with Rosario Dawson and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

11. Bowling for Columbine - I'm also a Michael Moore Fanboy, and consider this better than his debut Roger and Me.

10. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Yea all of you Lord of the Rings fanboys are probably screaming at your monitor "WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET ONE OF THE TRILOGY IN THE TOP 5 OF HIS LISTS!". Well in all honesty they're very fantastic movies, but I just like these next 9 movies more.

9. Minority Report - Yes I hate Steven Spielberg and most of Tom Cruise's, but I do have the nerve to admit that this was a very good movie.

8. Road to Perdition - Tom Hanks playing a gangster? Brilliantttt.

7. Blade 2 - One of the few sequels in the entire world that is probably better than the original. With someone at the helm like Guillermo Del Toro, you can't go wrong.

6. Insomnia - Robin Williams in a serious role (always great), Al Pacino, and directed by Chris Nolan. Whoever came up with this combo deserves a medal.

5. Infernal Affairs - The HongKong basis for The Departed is possibley even better than its American remake (as the case usually goes).

4. Spiderman - Sam Raimi is one of my favorite directors, though I do think the series could have been just as good (if not better) with James Cameron at the helm (Damn you court system!). Raimi still delivered as good of a Spiderman film to start with as you can.

3. Death to Smoochy - This is one of my top 3 favorite comedies ever. Fantastic film with great neo-noir elements and clever characters.

2. Punch-Drunk Love - I'm a P.T. Anderson fanboy as well, and don't usually go for Adam Sandler (the only film of his I enjoy is Billy Madison, and Happy Gilmoure at times). So seeing Sandler in a serious film written and directed by PTA is just what he needed IMO.

1. 28 Days Later - Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and Cillian Murphy. All great at what they do, they in turn delivered a great horror film and an all around brilliant movie.

Top 15 movies of 2001

2001 was a good year for sci-fi/fantasy films, as well as comedies and thought provoking dramas. All of which are present on the countdown.

15. Bubble Boy - Granted this is no Oscar winner, but its still a very fun movie to watch. Bubble Boy is one of my favorite comedies because it hits close to home (no I never lived in a bubble). Granted all the things that happen to him are very unrealistic but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the movie.

14. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back - Another one that will never win any mainstream awards, but a favorite nonetheless. Granted you have to see four other movies to fully understand all the jokes in this but man is it worth it.

13. Spirited Away - I usually don't for the anime related things but I have to admit this is one you can't afford to skip. Spirited Away is a fantastic.

12. The Man Who Wasn't There -You can't go wrong with Billy Bob Thornton and the Coen Brothers. (Or Scarlett Johanssonn and James Gandolfini)

11. The Royal Tenenbaums - It is also hard to go wrong with Wes Anderson films.

10. Legally Blonde - Yea I like Legally Blonde Its actually a pretty good comedy with a good message. Which is something that most Comedies fail in.

9.Monster's Inc. - Though not one of my favorite Pixar movies, its still very good. Plus I love John Goodman/Steve Buscemi.

8.Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone - Yes the films begin to feel a little tired after the second one, but this first film is actually very good at introducing the world of Harry Potter and you have to admit that Chris Columbus knows how to make a movie.

7.Ocean's Eleven - You CANT go wrong with a clever heist film, especially one with a cast like this!

6.The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Cleverly Orchestrated begginning to the series and an all around great movie. Wether its fantasy or horror Peter Jackson can do no wrong.

5.Hannibal - My personal favorite of Thomas' Harris books, my least favorite of the films (which should tell you a lot about how much I like the others since this one is so high up on the list). Ridley Scott might lose his touch after This movie, but boy is it a good one.

4. Blow - Gangster movies about drug running are a favorite of mine, now take that and put Johnny Depp in the title role and its all good.

3. Swordfish - Was 2001 the year for the heist movie or what? Plus with another all star cast you can't go wrong. Plus with a semi-twisty ending with political satire abound whats not to love?

2. A Beautiful Mind - Russel Crowe and Ron Howard are an unstoppable force with this masterpiece of a movie.

1. Donnie Darko - Yea I'm a Darko Fan and I know this movie backwards and forwards. Donnie Darko isn't just the best movie of 2001 its my second favorite movie of all time. (And yea I'm one of those fans that can explain the movie, so Darko Questions should come to me if you have any).

Top 15 movie countdown....countdown.

Next Friday I'll unveil my Top 15 films of 2008. In order to get you comfortable with the way I look at the movies and how I pick my favorites I've decided to pick a year and go over my Top 15 of that year, a countdown to my countdown if you will. I'll be starting with the year 2000, and progress until next friday with my top of 2008.

My Top 15 of 2000

15. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Now I don't consider myself much of a kung-fu movie person, yes I like them but not as hardcore as some people. CTHD is a very well paced film and is very fun to watch.

14. Pitch Black - Surprisingly Vin Diesel has made some pretty good flicks. This being one of them. Pitch Black is one of the better sci-fi movies of recent years.

13. Hollow Man - Say whatever you want about the movie and Kevin Bacon. But I really dig it, and think it has good effects and a great message about too much power.

12. Keeping the Faith - Yes a comedy made the list, its not hard for comedies to do that. Even though I tend to not like Ben Stiller he does a good job in the film, along side everyone's favorite Eddy Norton.

11. Almost Famous - I can rant and rave all day about how good this is, or you can go see it for yourself and believe me.

10. X-men - Granted only 2 sentences from the media god that is Joss Whedon's rewrite made it into the Xmen film. It's still a very good movie, and does its best to work with the X-men Mythology.

9. Cast Away - Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis can never do wrong.

8. O, Brother Where art Thou? - The Coens and George Clooney can also never do wrong.

7. Chicken Run - I love Wallace and Gromit and this movie which is essentially the life of chickens is very fun and entertaining for all ages.

6. Requiem for A Dream - Aronofsky is a brilliant man and also, can do no wrong.

5. Cecil B. Demented - Jon Waters is a great writer/director, and this film which bashes the hollywood system is fantastic and can be re-watched overandover.

4. Memento - Chris Nolan has made quite the masterful film too, and its only his 2nd. Nolan is very good at keeping your attention and leaving you wanting more.

3. Snatch - Guy Ritchie is the next Scorscese and with an All-Star cast like Snatch has you can't help but wonder who will be in his movies in 10 years.

2. American Psycho - This is the movie that proved Christian Bale is one of the better actors currently working. Scary, thought provoking, and wonderfull brilliant.

1. Unbreakable - Call M. Night Shyamalan a one hit wonder if you want. Just shows that you don't know what you're talking about Since Unbreakable is the best film of 2000 and is the pinnacle of Super Hero movies.