LORD OF WAR
WALK THE LINE
DOMINO
SKY HIGH
HAPPY ENDINGS
GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS
A BITTERSWEET LIFE
# 10. THE BAXTER
Michael Showalter (one third of comedy trio “Stella”) delivers a Howard Hawke’s esque romantic comedy to utter delight. Its movie about the other guy in a romantic comedy - the one whose left at the alter when the movies reaches its romantic climax where we have the troublesome male lead who comes stumbling in and halts the wedding (which is already in progress) and steals away the bride to be. It’s about “the Baxter”. The movie is good hearted, comedic, and accomplishes its goal of the underdog overcoming his shortcomings. A fun ride, and if you’re a fan of Stella, you'll love this movie. Also, laughs galore in the cameo heavy department.
# 9. HOSTEL
I saw this movie back in september of '05 during the Toronto International Film Festival - all that is needed to be said about this film I have already spewed in the form of a movie review, read it by click here.
# 8. SIN CITY
Once again, all that needs to be said has all ready been said right here. But I will once again just say – thank you Mr. Miller and Mr. Rodriquez.
# 7. KING KONG
A spectacular action film coupled with a surprising emotional depth. It’s thrilling and captivating. Watts is illuminating; she owns every scene she graces. She is a stunning beauty that personifies very sense of the word. Everything in this movie is lush and beautiful. The action sequences are heart-pounding. The story is emotional. It’s all just grand in its presentation. Favorite shot/sequence is the re-introduction between Watts’ character and Kong in the New York City. She walks out of the smoke framed nicely in-between two building as Kong sees her. It’s emotional, sweet, and innocent. Peter Jackson, kudos to you.
# 6. THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
From the title alone and its essential storyline one would assume that this movie would just be another goofy screwball comedy, but the thing is this movies isn’t. It has an actual story, that actually works well, its sweet and endearing. The script is sharp and hilarious, with the cast bringing forth grandiose performances that must be commended. Judd Apatow and Steve Carell have crafted a comedy that will stand the test of time; it’s a film that kept me laughing. Its raw, natural tone infuses even the most outrageous of sequences – the chest-waxing mixes authenticity with humour, the sex clinic workshop touches on real insecurities. It’s all really grand that comedy, written so hilariously, yet genuinely taps into issues of masculinity, obsession and attraction. With its vintage action figures, electronic gadgets, clever references, classic movie clips, musical touches, comedic gags, run-on jokes, engaging story, and a buster keaton-esque gag, this movie is fun times all around.
# 5. THE SQUID AND THE WHALE
Writer/director Noel Baumbach jets sets off into the world of autobiographical and embraces a tone of authenticity, as he recounts his parents divorce with a startling, unflinching realism. The script is astute and exudes a Wes Anderson type feeling (it’s given because Baumbach co-wrote Life Aquatic). Its literary dialogue - both insightful and observational. Everyone in the movie is flawed and self-absorbed, guilty in their vices. The relationships are raw and real. The love is there, the fear is there. Jeff Daniels is brilliant in the movie as well as Jesse Eisenberg. This is a complex movie, bursting out with emotion and resonating in our feelings. It hits levels, with its layered story, and it’s both funny and sentimental.
# 4. ELIZABETHTOWN
Cameron Crowe is king of cinematic love letters. With “Elizabethtown” he creates an affectionate mix tape for his father, which is both moving and sweet. Though, this movie wasn’t as well received as other Crowe offerings, I for one loved this movie. Sure, there aren’t exactly new themes being played around with this movie, nor are there any particular extraordinary insights – but it works because of its characters and the relationships that blossom between one another. There vivid and well-acted. The dialogue sharp and funny. Dunst is fascinating, intriguing, and cute as Claire, while Bloom is engaging as lead character Drew. The movie is a full of charm, moving moments, and comical tension. And its musical cues are just brilliant, Crowe is a master in the art of blending music with moving pictures in hopes of creating something magical, and with this film he has done that. - Read my full review here.
# 3. SERENITY
Joss Whedon is a genius. From Toy Story to Buffy to Angel to Firefly to the X-Men he exudes greatness. With Serenity (the theatrical re-birth of the short-lived television series Firefly) Whedon establishes a new world, a new universe for us geeks and talk incisively about on the internet, buy its action figures keeping them in their original packaging, and quote its characters and feel all kinds of cool when quoting them. It’s the new Star Wars (hell, this movie is far better the whole Lucas’s digital trilogy, combined). The dialogue is lush, the zinging interaction between characters funny, the serious menace from oppressive authorities exciting, the characters all complex and well developed. Whedon builds to a tremendously gripping, stirring conclusion that shifts and develops brilliantly, the movie bundle of jagged emotions and edgy humour. Star Wars, Star Trek, meet the new kid on the block. - Read my full review here.
# 2. KISS KISS BANG BANG
Shane Black (creator of the Lethal Weapon franchise) sits in the director’s chair for the first time and directs his own material which results in one of the most enjoyable movies of the year. It’s witty, clever, and full of outrageous goodness. It’s a bewildering romp filled with and plays with every cliché of the action-comedy genre. From its opening childhood prologue, its sleek animated titles – Black creates one gigantic in-joke, smartly playing with conventions and expectations. Downey’s Harry Lockhart voiceover is both funny and brilliant – “Don't worry, I saw Lord of the Rings. I'm not going to end this 17 times.” All the actors and actress shine in the movie: Downey and Kilmer are awesome in their respective roles, and Michelle Monaghan – wow. In the end Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is the coolest movie since True Romance (and that’s a praising statement because True Romance is my all-time favorite movie).
# 1. SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGAENCE
For the past couple of years, I’ve been heavy on Asian cinema and one film maker that has caught my eye (and many others) is Mr. Chan-wook Park, the master-mind behind the “Vengeance Trilogy”. The first two installments – Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy, absolutely blew me away. So, when the third and final installment of this bewildering series of films (all of which do not have anything in common besides the whole “kidnapping/revenge” motif)came around, that being the film is Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Did it too blow me away? Considering that this flick is placed in the number one spot of my top ten films of 2005, I think you can come to your own conclusion on that.
The film is elegantly shot, style on full display, from the gorgeous white-out title sequence to the desperately emotional final showdown, it’s all very well composed. The film is rich in its detailed storytelling - full of vivid characters that are all impeccably well acted. It's much more than a tale of violence and retribution; its about ones inner journey and correcting wrongs and tying up loose ends. It’s a story that is haunting, tragic, and dares you to hold on to the ones you love – especially if you have children. The climatic sequence is brutal, violent, and un-nerving. It’s all just a fucking extravagant movie, it deserves to be seen.