TOP TEN MOVIES OF 2004
Clarkey's Picks...
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Incredibles
This movie could possibly knock down Toy Story for my favourite Pixar movie. There is some great comedy scenes, but the action takes up a lot of the time. It is a rather long movie and it could’ve been shaved down a bit. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson and Jason Lee all delivered the best voices for an animated movie since Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in Toy Story.
The Life Aquatic
Normally I don’t like Wes Anderson movies, but I wanted to see this movie and it was a solid movie. Much better than his other works and his best movie in my opinion. Bill Murray keeps on getting better and better (with the exceeption of Garfield). My only problem with it was Owen Wilson because the man cannot act to save his life and should only be a comic sidekick; even that is pushing it.
Man on Fire
This movie surprised the living shit of me. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was definitely blown away. The first half is a relationship movie with Denzel’s character starting fresh in Mexico and getting befriended by Dakota’s character. He goes from being a friendly bear to the most pissed off man to ever grace the big screen in the second half, which is highlighted with some of the goriest scenes of the year.
Miracle
If I were American, this would be one of my all time favourite movies, but since I’m Canadian I didn’t really get into it as much as I usually get into sports movies. However, this movie was just so well done with Kurt Russell’s great portrayal as Herb Brooks and the amount of quality hockey scenes made it very watchable and enjoyable.
Napoleon Dynamite
This movie is hilarious. And not in like an Anchorman or Dodgeball kind of way. Everyone in this movie are nerds. Napoleon (played perfectly by Jon Heder) is the ultimate loser, which makes him so lovable and so funny at the same time, along with his countless one-liners. "You know, like nunchuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills… Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills" and "I caught you a delicious bass." Also the words idiot, sweet and gosh are used non-stop throughout the movie.
THE TOP TEN
10. Team America: World Police
The best puppeteer movie ever made. If there was any other ones, they wouldn’t stand a chance againt this hilarious movie from the creators of South Park. Nobody is safe in this movie and I mean nobody. Everybody from actors to world leaders to U.N. inspectors. The songs are simply brilliant. "America - Fuck Yeah!" And the movie looked great with some of the best puppets ever and the best puppet sex ever caught on film. This film is simply the best political satire ever made.
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9. Fahrenheit 9/11
Team America is the best political satire, but this movie is clearly the best politically-based movie ever made. Also, it is the best documentary ever made. Michael Moore is a genius and my hero. Although, I tend to fight along side Moore, this is movie is simply great. He takes himself out of this movie, unlike Bowling for Columbine. But the man does have a bit of a trouble going to very extreme once again. It should’ve been nominated for Best Documentary for the Oscars and kudos to Moore for another stellar documentary.
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8. Jersey Girl
Kevin Smith may have left Jay and Silent Bob in the past, but this movie shows us that he can make a real movie without the "dick and fart jokes". He wrote a solid script, which not very original, but very personal based on his life and raising his duaghter. Ben Affleck is once again the lead actor, but he does a good job as Ollie, whose wealthy life takes a turn after a tragedy and a personal blow-up. Which ends with him living with his father, while raising his duaghter, (played by Raquel Castro). Liv Tyler gives the performance of her career as Maya and the relationship with Ollie is as real as possible and very believable. George Carlin shows a more serious side and is great as Ollie’s dad. All in all, it’s a well made and solid addition to Smith’s resume.
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7. Spider-Man 2
It used to be that sequels ment a shitty movie, but lately there are an increasing amount of solid sequels. And this sequel is one of the best sequels I have ever seen. It picks up the story about a year later with Peter is now a university student, MJ is starring in a play and Harry is now running Oscorp. This time is Spidey has to face the most recognizable villian, Dr. Ock. It is equally good as the first one with the same look, more smartass remarks from Spidey, more great action sequences and one hell of a solid story with the help of some great directing by the genuis Sam Raimi.
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6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Charlie Kaufman is in a world of his own as one of the best screenwriters ever. The man is brilliant and this is yet another great story that is well written. This time about a break-up and heart broken couple. Jim Carrey shows us once again that he has solid acting chops, (the other times include The Majestic and The Truman Show). Also, Kate Winslet steps it up a notch and not too mention the amount of star power from the supporting cast with the likes of the cool Mark Ruffalo, the gorgeous Kristen Dunst, Frodo Baggins and the legendary Tom Wilkinson.
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5. Friday Night Lights
Football movies are usually enjoyable, nothing special, but enjoyable nonetheless. However, this movie has raised the bar on football movies. It has one of the best stories in a football movies, mainly cause it was based on true events. But the football scenes in this movie are unbelievable. No other movie has come close to getting you into a football game. Billy Bob Thorton is great as Coach Gaines and his speeches at the beginning of pre-season and during half time of the state championship are keepers. The characters are very well rounded and the young actors all did a good job. But it’s all about the football, that’s what made this movie for me.
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4. Garden State
Zach Braff did everything for this movie. He wrote it, he directed and he starred in it. And all I can say is that I hope he continues to make movies. The man has a talent of making a story as lovable and heartfelt as this movie. He mixes comedy and drama like most other writer can. Another stand-out quality of this movie is the acting of the ever so lovely Natalie Portman, who plays Braff’s love interest and Peter Sarsgaard, who brings in another stellar performance. Zach Braff was solid, but his true talent lies behind the camera. Can’t wait for his next movie.
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3. The Girl Next Door
This is probably one of the best teen movies that has come out in the last little while. It’s refreshing and is in a league of its own. It’s not a laugh out loud comedy, but it’ll have you chuckling and smiling throughout. It stars the most gorgeous canuck ever, Elisha Cuthbert, as a former porn star who falls in love with a straight arrow aspiring political scientist (Emile Hirsch). Timothy Olyphant plays her former producer and ex-boyfriend and he shines in his role. But it’s Matt’s best friends who steal the movie for me, Kiltz (Paul Dano) and Eli (Chris Marquette), who have countless hilarious scenes. Luke Greenfield has directed some bad movie in the past (i.e. The Animal), but he shows his stuff behind the camera for this great teen comedy.
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2. Shaun of the Dead
What’s a top 10 without a foreign movie? This is the best British comedy that I have seen since Monty Python. It takes the zombie storyline that has been done so often lately and makes it their own. The comedy is great and it’s also a well made movie with a solid story, rounded characters, and great direction. Simon Pegg is great as Shaun, Kate Ashfield is superb as Liz and the movie couldn’t been without Nick Frost as Ed (the comic best friend). Overall, one of the better zombies movies ever made, if not the best.
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1. Kill Bill: Volume II
I was right in predicting that this was going to be number one last year in my top 10 of 2003. This movie by far was the best movie of the year. Quentin Tarrantio is a GOD and he has blessed us with another modern day classic. While, Volume 1 was all action, Volume 2 slows it down a bit and let’s us know the backstory of The Bride and we get to see the final confrontation with Bill. Uma Thurman delivers once again as the Bride and once again kicks some serious ass. David Carradine is wonderful as Bill and we actually get to see him this time around. He shines throughout, but most notably in the hotel room before the final battle. Also, Michael Madsen is another wonder to watch as Bud and shows why he is such an underrated actor. Darryl Hannah comes in, gives a stellar performance and battles the Bride in one of the best girlfights ever shown on screen. Everyone should see this movie, along with Volume 1 and it is a must-have for every moviebuff.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Incredibles
This movie could possibly knock down Toy Story for my favourite Pixar movie. There is some great comedy scenes, but the action takes up a lot of the time. It is a rather long movie and it could’ve been shaved down a bit. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson and Jason Lee all delivered the best voices for an animated movie since Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in Toy Story.
The Life Aquatic
Normally I don’t like Wes Anderson movies, but I wanted to see this movie and it was a solid movie. Much better than his other works and his best movie in my opinion. Bill Murray keeps on getting better and better (with the exceeption of Garfield). My only problem with it was Owen Wilson because the man cannot act to save his life and should only be a comic sidekick; even that is pushing it.
Man on Fire
This movie surprised the living shit of me. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was definitely blown away. The first half is a relationship movie with Denzel’s character starting fresh in Mexico and getting befriended by Dakota’s character. He goes from being a friendly bear to the most pissed off man to ever grace the big screen in the second half, which is highlighted with some of the goriest scenes of the year.
Miracle
If I were American, this would be one of my all time favourite movies, but since I’m Canadian I didn’t really get into it as much as I usually get into sports movies. However, this movie was just so well done with Kurt Russell’s great portrayal as Herb Brooks and the amount of quality hockey scenes made it very watchable and enjoyable.
Napoleon Dynamite
This movie is hilarious. And not in like an Anchorman or Dodgeball kind of way. Everyone in this movie are nerds. Napoleon (played perfectly by Jon Heder) is the ultimate loser, which makes him so lovable and so funny at the same time, along with his countless one-liners. "You know, like nunchuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills… Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills" and "I caught you a delicious bass." Also the words idiot, sweet and gosh are used non-stop throughout the movie.
THE TOP TEN
10. Team America: World Police
The best puppeteer movie ever made. If there was any other ones, they wouldn’t stand a chance againt this hilarious movie from the creators of South Park. Nobody is safe in this movie and I mean nobody. Everybody from actors to world leaders to U.N. inspectors. The songs are simply brilliant. "America - Fuck Yeah!" And the movie looked great with some of the best puppets ever and the best puppet sex ever caught on film. This film is simply the best political satire ever made.
----------
9. Fahrenheit 9/11
Team America is the best political satire, but this movie is clearly the best politically-based movie ever made. Also, it is the best documentary ever made. Michael Moore is a genius and my hero. Although, I tend to fight along side Moore, this is movie is simply great. He takes himself out of this movie, unlike Bowling for Columbine. But the man does have a bit of a trouble going to very extreme once again. It should’ve been nominated for Best Documentary for the Oscars and kudos to Moore for another stellar documentary.
----------
8. Jersey Girl
Kevin Smith may have left Jay and Silent Bob in the past, but this movie shows us that he can make a real movie without the "dick and fart jokes". He wrote a solid script, which not very original, but very personal based on his life and raising his duaghter. Ben Affleck is once again the lead actor, but he does a good job as Ollie, whose wealthy life takes a turn after a tragedy and a personal blow-up. Which ends with him living with his father, while raising his duaghter, (played by Raquel Castro). Liv Tyler gives the performance of her career as Maya and the relationship with Ollie is as real as possible and very believable. George Carlin shows a more serious side and is great as Ollie’s dad. All in all, it’s a well made and solid addition to Smith’s resume.
----------
7. Spider-Man 2
It used to be that sequels ment a shitty movie, but lately there are an increasing amount of solid sequels. And this sequel is one of the best sequels I have ever seen. It picks up the story about a year later with Peter is now a university student, MJ is starring in a play and Harry is now running Oscorp. This time is Spidey has to face the most recognizable villian, Dr. Ock. It is equally good as the first one with the same look, more smartass remarks from Spidey, more great action sequences and one hell of a solid story with the help of some great directing by the genuis Sam Raimi.
---------
6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Charlie Kaufman is in a world of his own as one of the best screenwriters ever. The man is brilliant and this is yet another great story that is well written. This time about a break-up and heart broken couple. Jim Carrey shows us once again that he has solid acting chops, (the other times include The Majestic and The Truman Show). Also, Kate Winslet steps it up a notch and not too mention the amount of star power from the supporting cast with the likes of the cool Mark Ruffalo, the gorgeous Kristen Dunst, Frodo Baggins and the legendary Tom Wilkinson.
----------
5. Friday Night Lights
Football movies are usually enjoyable, nothing special, but enjoyable nonetheless. However, this movie has raised the bar on football movies. It has one of the best stories in a football movies, mainly cause it was based on true events. But the football scenes in this movie are unbelievable. No other movie has come close to getting you into a football game. Billy Bob Thorton is great as Coach Gaines and his speeches at the beginning of pre-season and during half time of the state championship are keepers. The characters are very well rounded and the young actors all did a good job. But it’s all about the football, that’s what made this movie for me.
---------
4. Garden State
Zach Braff did everything for this movie. He wrote it, he directed and he starred in it. And all I can say is that I hope he continues to make movies. The man has a talent of making a story as lovable and heartfelt as this movie. He mixes comedy and drama like most other writer can. Another stand-out quality of this movie is the acting of the ever so lovely Natalie Portman, who plays Braff’s love interest and Peter Sarsgaard, who brings in another stellar performance. Zach Braff was solid, but his true talent lies behind the camera. Can’t wait for his next movie.
--------
3. The Girl Next Door
This is probably one of the best teen movies that has come out in the last little while. It’s refreshing and is in a league of its own. It’s not a laugh out loud comedy, but it’ll have you chuckling and smiling throughout. It stars the most gorgeous canuck ever, Elisha Cuthbert, as a former porn star who falls in love with a straight arrow aspiring political scientist (Emile Hirsch). Timothy Olyphant plays her former producer and ex-boyfriend and he shines in his role. But it’s Matt’s best friends who steal the movie for me, Kiltz (Paul Dano) and Eli (Chris Marquette), who have countless hilarious scenes. Luke Greenfield has directed some bad movie in the past (i.e. The Animal), but he shows his stuff behind the camera for this great teen comedy.
---------
2. Shaun of the Dead
What’s a top 10 without a foreign movie? This is the best British comedy that I have seen since Monty Python. It takes the zombie storyline that has been done so often lately and makes it their own. The comedy is great and it’s also a well made movie with a solid story, rounded characters, and great direction. Simon Pegg is great as Shaun, Kate Ashfield is superb as Liz and the movie couldn’t been without Nick Frost as Ed (the comic best friend). Overall, one of the better zombies movies ever made, if not the best.
----------
1. Kill Bill: Volume II
I was right in predicting that this was going to be number one last year in my top 10 of 2003. This movie by far was the best movie of the year. Quentin Tarrantio is a GOD and he has blessed us with another modern day classic. While, Volume 1 was all action, Volume 2 slows it down a bit and let’s us know the backstory of The Bride and we get to see the final confrontation with Bill. Uma Thurman delivers once again as the Bride and once again kicks some serious ass. David Carradine is wonderful as Bill and we actually get to see him this time around. He shines throughout, but most notably in the hotel room before the final battle. Also, Michael Madsen is another wonder to watch as Bud and shows why he is such an underrated actor. Darryl Hannah comes in, gives a stellar performance and battles the Bride in one of the best girlfights ever shown on screen. Everyone should see this movie, along with Volume 1 and it is a must-have for every moviebuff.