It has come to this, the top 5 movies, and while I really do enjoy all 20, there were many movies that I teetered with and could have been high up on my list, but didn't end up on it at all for a variety of reasons, but without further digression, the top 5 movies of the decade are here:
5) The Bourne Trilogy (2002-2007)
Maybe not the most complex plot (which is good for this type of movie), but to me the 2nd most exciting movie (yes it was one 6 hour movie in this sentence) of this list. After Bourne Ultimatum, it's hard to watch a Matt Damon movie and for him not to be JB, he was on a very short list of actors who could of nailed the role, but he did no doubt.
4) Avatar (2009)
2009 was a great year for movies, with Avatar as the peak of the year. Just the idea that Cameron may break his own record with Titanic for amount grossed should speak for itself. Now, I haven't re-watched this movie or seen it without the 3-D theater experience, but I'm sure the movie will still be great. The plot has been done, but that's what is going to happen when you have an idea for a movie but don't put it out until 14 years later... On a short list of best blockbuster movies of all time (note that Spiderman isn't on my list).
3) Ocean's 11 (2001)
Not 13, certainly not 12, 11. Danny Ocean should not have added any more people to his posse, 11 was the perfect number for a near perfect movie. A casino heist at its greatest with a great cast, if you haven't seen this movie, then you should and you'll enjoy; I haven't met a single person who didn't like it.
2) Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
This isn't even a trilogy -- thousands of some of the most creative literature of all time in J.R.R. Tolkien made into a 10 hour long movie, nay experience. Anyone who tells you they didn't like watching it simply just has a short attention span. Peter Jackson did an amazing job, and even though I haven't read the entire series, I think he near perfected the films.
1) The Dark Knight (2008)
Some may be surprised to see this as the number one movie of the decade, but case and point, DK has it all. Action, suspense, acting, plot, re-watching value, and one of the best villains to ever appear on film. Its all around character is really what intrigued me so much even from the very beginning (even the trailers were really good).
Honorable Mentions
Here is a list of must see movies of the decade that for one reason or another (it's like another movie or I simply just forgot about it until now) didn't make my list.
Finding Forrester (2000)
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
There will be Blood (2007)
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Gangs of New York (2002)
Catch me if you Can (2002)
City of God (2002)
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Batman Begins (2005)
Super Troopers (2001)
any feedback would be welcomed, and if you have any other list ideas let me know...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
20 Best Movies of 00's Part 3
So many different types of movies to choose from, it's hard to compare certain movies. Some need to be on a list, but you may see some honorable mentions that you think are more worthy of being on the list, but keep in mind it's my attempt at being objective... 10-6
10) Finding Nemo (2003)
It was a hard decision for which Disney Pixar great of the decade gets the honor of being on the list, but for me Finding Nemo gets the slight edge over Monsters, Inc... Why, I have no other reason other than I get more excited to watch Nemo, so that must mean something... The casting on the voices is really perfect as well.
9) Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Genius. That's all there is to say of this movie, the idea (finally a different kind of zombie movie), dialogue, British humor that's funny to everyone for once (other than Trigger Happy). If you haven't seen it yet, then stop reading and go watch it.
8) Star Trek (2009)
I went to see this movie basically because of the trailer alone. Never a star trek fan, but the hype all those years had to be for a reason right? I really enjoyed the plot, and the movie got a huge energy burst around halfway through by a certain awesome actor that's in the previously mentioned movie (I don't want to ruin it, but I feel like I just did).
7) Memento (2000)
Memento nailed the concept of a backwards movie. I guess the only problem with it as with any other film in its genre is re-watching value. If enough time passes between views it's still great, but there's not much I can say for this movie except how come Guy Pearce hasn't been in any other really popular movies. Watch it if you haven't, it's not too long either, so bonus!
6) The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese formed a masterpiece here with a star-studded cast who all gave really solid performances. Who hasn't seen this movie, finally a gangster movie for non-Italians. As a common nitpicker of plot flaws, I really enjoyed this plot and idea.
10) Finding Nemo (2003)
It was a hard decision for which Disney Pixar great of the decade gets the honor of being on the list, but for me Finding Nemo gets the slight edge over Monsters, Inc... Why, I have no other reason other than I get more excited to watch Nemo, so that must mean something... The casting on the voices is really perfect as well.
9) Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Genius. That's all there is to say of this movie, the idea (finally a different kind of zombie movie), dialogue, British humor that's funny to everyone for once (other than Trigger Happy). If you haven't seen it yet, then stop reading and go watch it.
8) Star Trek (2009)
I went to see this movie basically because of the trailer alone. Never a star trek fan, but the hype all those years had to be for a reason right? I really enjoyed the plot, and the movie got a huge energy burst around halfway through by a certain awesome actor that's in the previously mentioned movie (I don't want to ruin it, but I feel like I just did).
7) Memento (2000)
Memento nailed the concept of a backwards movie. I guess the only problem with it as with any other film in its genre is re-watching value. If enough time passes between views it's still great, but there's not much I can say for this movie except how come Guy Pearce hasn't been in any other really popular movies. Watch it if you haven't, it's not too long either, so bonus!
6) The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese formed a masterpiece here with a star-studded cast who all gave really solid performances. Who hasn't seen this movie, finally a gangster movie for non-Italians. As a common nitpicker of plot flaws, I really enjoyed this plot and idea.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
20 Best Movies of 00's Part 2
As you'll soon see, I'm not completely biased towards the beginning and end of the decade, and I also treat certain series as one big movie, while others are not... 15-11 coming up:
15) Kill Bill vol. 1 & 2 (2003-2004)
What I liked about Kill Bill? This movie knew exactly what it was with the over the top (at times) fight scenes, a simple plot that I almost always enjoy (see my hatred for Children of Men), and a terrific lead actress in Uma Thurman. Both volumes because everyone tries to compare, but really it's one long movie, just Tarantino didn't have the balls back then to make a 4 hour movie.
14) Best in Show (2000)
Well, 14th best at least... Best in Show is one of those movies where you can watch over and over again and pick up on new jokes each time, it's a different kind of comedy, and the taste is right up my alley, it takes a lot for a comedy (for me) to have its place among other films in a list like this, highly recommended.
13) Donnie Darko (2001)
What did Donnie Darko do that most couldn't in this drama? It dealt with complex science fiction without confusing the watcher... well you may have to watch it twice to get everything, but totally worth it. I actually like Jake Gylenhall here, which is strange, and Maggie isn't all that annoying. Bonus: deep dialogue about smurfs.
12) The Hangover (2009)
Why The Hangover and not any of the 10 or so Judd Apatow movies this decade? Because all those movies are the same, Forgetting Sarah Marshall would have had a good chance if not for Pineapple Express, Step Brothers, Funny People, Superbad, etc. Yes these movies are mostly very funny (note mostly, not all), but they're all too similar. The real test though? Lasting value, I've seen The Hangover about 5 times, and it's still awesome.
11) El Laberinto del Fauno (2006)
...Pan's Labrynthe, sorry to confuse you. Thank you senior year spanish class, without you I may not have seen this movie, it was pretty magical. You know movies are that good when you can understand maybe every other word, and you still love it.
15) Kill Bill vol. 1 & 2 (2003-2004)
What I liked about Kill Bill? This movie knew exactly what it was with the over the top (at times) fight scenes, a simple plot that I almost always enjoy (see my hatred for Children of Men), and a terrific lead actress in Uma Thurman. Both volumes because everyone tries to compare, but really it's one long movie, just Tarantino didn't have the balls back then to make a 4 hour movie.
14) Best in Show (2000)
Well, 14th best at least... Best in Show is one of those movies where you can watch over and over again and pick up on new jokes each time, it's a different kind of comedy, and the taste is right up my alley, it takes a lot for a comedy (for me) to have its place among other films in a list like this, highly recommended.
13) Donnie Darko (2001)
What did Donnie Darko do that most couldn't in this drama? It dealt with complex science fiction without confusing the watcher... well you may have to watch it twice to get everything, but totally worth it. I actually like Jake Gylenhall here, which is strange, and Maggie isn't all that annoying. Bonus: deep dialogue about smurfs.
12) The Hangover (2009)
Why The Hangover and not any of the 10 or so Judd Apatow movies this decade? Because all those movies are the same, Forgetting Sarah Marshall would have had a good chance if not for Pineapple Express, Step Brothers, Funny People, Superbad, etc. Yes these movies are mostly very funny (note mostly, not all), but they're all too similar. The real test though? Lasting value, I've seen The Hangover about 5 times, and it's still awesome.
11) El Laberinto del Fauno (2006)
...Pan's Labrynthe, sorry to confuse you. Thank you senior year spanish class, without you I may not have seen this movie, it was pretty magical. You know movies are that good when you can understand maybe every other word, and you still love it.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
20 Best Movies of 00's Part 1
Commonly referred to as the naughts, the first decade of this century provided perhaps the most impressive set of a movies a decade has seen ever, with directors like Cameron, Jackson, and Spielberg really coming into their own in utilizing the awesome power of technology. While you can argue that the previous ten years had individually better movies, I feel as though there were more just simply near perfect films from 2000-2009. With out any further ado, the top 20...
20) Almost Famous (2000)
If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this movie, I would highly suggest it, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee all do a great job of capturing the essence of the 70's... you might find yourself suddenly listening to classic rock, and it's a great film too, so win-win.
19) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino capitalized on a feat Treyarch could not... They made killing nazis fun. Brad Pitt doesn't fail, and Christoph Waltz delivers the Golden Globe winning performance of a lifetime as the Jew Hunter.
18) In Bruges (2008)
(Pronounced In Brooge) Do you like Colin Farrel? Tasteful comments about midgets? European accents? Not only is this a pretty good thriller, but the acting is phenomenal.
17) Snatch (2000)
With ensemble bad boys like Jason Stathom and Benicio del Toro (even Brad Pitt's character here puts him among these gents), Guy Ritchie nails a different kind of gangster film and adds the perfect amount of humor (a little) and violence (a lot).
16) Sherlock Holmes (2009)
I may be a little haste to put this movie here, but I loved it. Rounding out the decade, Downey, Jr. takes on a really cool "modernish" Holmes and uses his wits for some pretty cool fight scenes. Some criticize his detective work and say it's just him deducing things, but I was both fascinated and pleased as I was left with no unanswered questions... (well except whether or not there will be an equally good sequel).
20) Almost Famous (2000)
If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this movie, I would highly suggest it, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee all do a great job of capturing the essence of the 70's... you might find yourself suddenly listening to classic rock, and it's a great film too, so win-win.
19) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino capitalized on a feat Treyarch could not... They made killing nazis fun. Brad Pitt doesn't fail, and Christoph Waltz delivers the Golden Globe winning performance of a lifetime as the Jew Hunter.
18) In Bruges (2008)
(Pronounced In Brooge) Do you like Colin Farrel? Tasteful comments about midgets? European accents? Not only is this a pretty good thriller, but the acting is phenomenal.
17) Snatch (2000)
With ensemble bad boys like Jason Stathom and Benicio del Toro (even Brad Pitt's character here puts him among these gents), Guy Ritchie nails a different kind of gangster film and adds the perfect amount of humor (a little) and violence (a lot).
16) Sherlock Holmes (2009)
I may be a little haste to put this movie here, but I loved it. Rounding out the decade, Downey, Jr. takes on a really cool "modernish" Holmes and uses his wits for some pretty cool fight scenes. Some criticize his detective work and say it's just him deducing things, but I was both fascinated and pleased as I was left with no unanswered questions... (well except whether or not there will be an equally good sequel).
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Random Thoughts Number Whatever
Yeah, so usually whenever I have a conversation with my good friend Chris a couple good things come up to post.
1- Reason I Love living in New York
Just read the hyperlink. You never see the Chargers or the Eagles or the Colts doing this. No matter how far fetched it is (even though it is obviously true) its still awesome this was put out there. Give that man a sandwich.... rather like five sandwiches.
2- I hate traveling for Christmas break because of the increased security at the airports. Don't get me wrong- the increased security is a good thing- but come on. I caused a security shutdown(again) when I was flying home. Why? Well, they had me stand in the little "Bomb Glass Area" while they went through my backpack in front of me. They gingerly removed my set of school keys which had my school ID, 2 room keys, and my laptop-lock key on it. They rescanned my laptop lock key 3 times, because they thought I was trying to hide a weapon inside of it. This is, I swear, is 2 inches long and is basically a little tube of metal with a nub on the end. I was interrogated about its use. Honestly, this is when I am for racially profiling, or using a SHRED of common sense here. I am wearing a Notre Dame Rowing T-shirt, wearing an ND hat, with a bag with a laptop and textbooks in it. My keys have a college ID on it. Yeah, I'm really looking to cause some harm, as opposed to a guy from Yemen who's dad called the airport to warn them that his son is crazy. Ridiculous
3- The general public is too gullible and that annoys me. Chris told me of the local weather station's Channel 4 SUPERPredictor Radar. Let me type that again. The actual weather radar, that the anchors REFER TO ON THE AIR, is the "SUPERPredictor". Are you kidding me? More people are tuning into CBS Channel 4 as opposed to other stations for their weather, because their radar, alas, is "super". Screw NBC's doppler honey, that ain't "Super".
4- Disney World is actually really really awesome. And if you don't think so, you either
a) never been b) didn't have a childhood or c) don't have a soul.(according to Chris). Pretty much truth.
5- Splash Mountain is sick.
6- I'm running a marathon in 4 days, and I am not ready. Although I kind of am ( 20 days of training.. okay not really), 26.2 miles is really far.
7- I got Planet Earth on Blu-ray for one of my birthday gifts. It is easily one of the greatest things mankind has ever produced.
8- A movie called "The Expendables" is coming out that looks absolutely amazing.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Sylvester Stallone, Steve Austin, and Jason Statham are in it. Look it up. There are going to be so many bad one-liners in this movie that there might actually be something that constitutes real conversation.
9- The toilet paper at home will always be better than the toilet paper at school. I know everyone going back to school right now agrees with me whether they like it or not.
That's it for now. Till next time. Oh yeah. Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.
Garrett
1- Reason I Love living in New York
Just read the hyperlink. You never see the Chargers or the Eagles or the Colts doing this. No matter how far fetched it is (even though it is obviously true) its still awesome this was put out there. Give that man a sandwich.... rather like five sandwiches.
2- I hate traveling for Christmas break because of the increased security at the airports. Don't get me wrong- the increased security is a good thing- but come on. I caused a security shutdown(again) when I was flying home. Why? Well, they had me stand in the little "Bomb Glass Area" while they went through my backpack in front of me. They gingerly removed my set of school keys which had my school ID, 2 room keys, and my laptop-lock key on it. They rescanned my laptop lock key 3 times, because they thought I was trying to hide a weapon inside of it. This is, I swear, is 2 inches long and is basically a little tube of metal with a nub on the end. I was interrogated about its use. Honestly, this is when I am for racially profiling, or using a SHRED of common sense here. I am wearing a Notre Dame Rowing T-shirt, wearing an ND hat, with a bag with a laptop and textbooks in it. My keys have a college ID on it. Yeah, I'm really looking to cause some harm, as opposed to a guy from Yemen who's dad called the airport to warn them that his son is crazy. Ridiculous
3- The general public is too gullible and that annoys me. Chris told me of the local weather station's Channel 4 SUPERPredictor Radar. Let me type that again. The actual weather radar, that the anchors REFER TO ON THE AIR, is the "SUPERPredictor". Are you kidding me? More people are tuning into CBS Channel 4 as opposed to other stations for their weather, because their radar, alas, is "super". Screw NBC's doppler honey, that ain't "Super".
4- Disney World is actually really really awesome. And if you don't think so, you either
a) never been b) didn't have a childhood or c) don't have a soul.(according to Chris). Pretty much truth.
5- Splash Mountain is sick.
6- I'm running a marathon in 4 days, and I am not ready. Although I kind of am ( 20 days of training.. okay not really), 26.2 miles is really far.
7- I got Planet Earth on Blu-ray for one of my birthday gifts. It is easily one of the greatest things mankind has ever produced.
8- A movie called "The Expendables" is coming out that looks absolutely amazing.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Sylvester Stallone, Steve Austin, and Jason Statham are in it. Look it up. There are going to be so many bad one-liners in this movie that there might actually be something that constitutes real conversation.
9- The toilet paper at home will always be better than the toilet paper at school. I know everyone going back to school right now agrees with me whether they like it or not.
That's it for now. Till next time. Oh yeah. Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.
Garrett
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
