By the end of the summer of 2003, it seemed like we were in the midst of a very mediocre year for movies. So far, the only truly essential film was a computer-animated fish story. The last few months have changed all that with one success following another and culminating with the conclusion of a trilogy masterpiece. While I can easily recommend A MIGHTY WIND, X2, WHALE RIDER, AMERICAN SPLENDOR, MATCHSTICK MEN, BUBBA HO-TEP, and MASTER AND COMANDER; I’ll always remember this year for five amazing films that I believe will stand the test of time and deserve repeated viewings.
5) MYSTIC RIVER – This is the best ensemble-acting piece since Glengary Glen Ross. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins are the standouts and absolutely lose themselves in their roles. Like Clint Eastwood’s last great work, Unforgiven, MYSTIC RIVER takes a hard look at violence and its long lasting effects. The performances are augmented by the haunting way that Eastwood films their faces in shadows.
4) FINDING NEMO – Pixar continues its perfect batting average and has exceeded even its own standards. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and have never seen it so delightfully visualized as in FINDING NEMO. Its message of facing your fears and accepting uncertainty resonates for both children and adults. It’s got enough excitement, laughs, and drama to rank it among the best of Disney’s animated features.
3) LOST IN TRANSLATION – It’s the rare film that becomes more meaningful in the weeks after a viewing, but this one keeps coming back to me. It’s truly unique and defies any Hollywood categorization. Its kind of a love story, but it digs so much deeper than most. Japan is filmed like its not just another country, but another planet. The emotions that Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson (who should both win Oscars) bring are so real because they're never made obvious. Director Sofia Coppola seems to have the family gift and I can’t wait to see how she follows this up.
2) RETURN OF THE KING – I was hesitant to compare the Lord of the Rings to the Star Wars trilogy until seeing this last installment, but now its clear that this is a Star Wars level event for a new generation. RETURN OF THE KING gives new meaning to the word epic. The special effects and set pieces are unsurpassed (even compared to the first two films.) So much so that it will set the standard for many years to come. While I admire the whole series, this film makes the audience more invested in the characters than its predecessors. The best thing I can say for it is that this three and a half hour movie seemed to go way too quickly.
1) KILL BILL: VOLUME ONE – Pure adrenaline! This roller coaster ride of a movie is a non-stop delight. Quentin Tarantino has taken everything that’s great about seventies exploitation films and made the ultimate version. There is a lot of violence and blood, but the fights are so well directed that the effect is stunning. While beginning in the blaxploitation mode, its his loyal take on the samurai film that leads to perhaps the greatest sword battles ever filmed. Uma Thurman is so rock solid in the lead that Quentin can create the wildest environments and we never question the reality and we can enjoy the ride.
5) MYSTIC RIVER – This is the best ensemble-acting piece since Glengary Glen Ross. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins are the standouts and absolutely lose themselves in their roles. Like Clint Eastwood’s last great work, Unforgiven, MYSTIC RIVER takes a hard look at violence and its long lasting effects. The performances are augmented by the haunting way that Eastwood films their faces in shadows.
4) FINDING NEMO – Pixar continues its perfect batting average and has exceeded even its own standards. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and have never seen it so delightfully visualized as in FINDING NEMO. Its message of facing your fears and accepting uncertainty resonates for both children and adults. It’s got enough excitement, laughs, and drama to rank it among the best of Disney’s animated features.
3) LOST IN TRANSLATION – It’s the rare film that becomes more meaningful in the weeks after a viewing, but this one keeps coming back to me. It’s truly unique and defies any Hollywood categorization. Its kind of a love story, but it digs so much deeper than most. Japan is filmed like its not just another country, but another planet. The emotions that Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson (who should both win Oscars) bring are so real because they're never made obvious. Director Sofia Coppola seems to have the family gift and I can’t wait to see how she follows this up.
2) RETURN OF THE KING – I was hesitant to compare the Lord of the Rings to the Star Wars trilogy until seeing this last installment, but now its clear that this is a Star Wars level event for a new generation. RETURN OF THE KING gives new meaning to the word epic. The special effects and set pieces are unsurpassed (even compared to the first two films.) So much so that it will set the standard for many years to come. While I admire the whole series, this film makes the audience more invested in the characters than its predecessors. The best thing I can say for it is that this three and a half hour movie seemed to go way too quickly.
1) KILL BILL: VOLUME ONE – Pure adrenaline! This roller coaster ride of a movie is a non-stop delight. Quentin Tarantino has taken everything that’s great about seventies exploitation films and made the ultimate version. There is a lot of violence and blood, but the fights are so well directed that the effect is stunning. While beginning in the blaxploitation mode, its his loyal take on the samurai film that leads to perhaps the greatest sword battles ever filmed. Uma Thurman is so rock solid in the lead that Quentin can create the wildest environments and we never question the reality and we can enjoy the ride.
No comments:
Post a Comment