General Chat / Top 25 films of 2002

I've seen 50-60 some films this year, and here is the list of the 25 best I've seen.

25. Blade II



Pure fun. Who needs a script or storyline when there's so many vampires to go around.

24. Bowling for Columbine



Sure he edited facts, and was generally dishonest at many points, but when viewed as entertainment, it doesn't dissapoint. The History of the US cartoon is one of the funniest scenes of the year.

23. Treasure Planet



The first of four animated films to show up on this list. A rousing adventure flick that didn't deserve to bomb like it did. Silver is one of the most well-realized animated characters to come along since Disney's 2nd golden age.

22. Road to Perdition



The first time I saw it, I felt it was cold and distant. When I gave it a second chance, I better noticed the subtlety of the film. The Cinematography is top notch and was well-deserving of the Oscar.

21. Punch Drunk Love



There is no doubt I will probably get some flak for this not being in my Top 5. The fact is, I didn't love as many people here did, but it was definately an achievement with top-notch perfomances all around. I did have problems with it's constant "look how original I am" feeling.

To be continued...

20. The Quiet American



Though it wasn't sure if it wanted to be a love story or a political thriller, I was enthralled by the story and the acting, Michael Caine is in normal form and Brendan Frasier is the suprise of the year as far as I'm concerned.

19. Spirit: Stallion of the Cinmarron



Dreamworks took a major chance by not allowing the stars of the film to have dialogue, resorting on expressions to tell much of the story. The visuals are gorgeous and the music (score by Hans Zimmer with songs from Bryan Adams) do a great job. Imagine that, good music from Bryan Adams.

18. The Pianist



A draining experience. While it had it's slow spots and script problems, not many other films have been able to be so emotional while at the same time being cold and real.

17. Signs



M. Night Shyamalan is one of the brightest young directors in Hollywood (though like QT, he can't act worth a lick). He builds suspense better than almost anyone currently in the business. If he could have found a better way to end it, then it would have been MUCH higher up my list. Joquain Phoenix steals the show.

16. 8 Mile



A movie that probably had no business being as good as it was. The story was unfocused and somewhat cliche, and Brittany Murphy was awful, but it does it all with so much style that this can be overlooked. Eminem does a fine job playing a character close to his own and the atmosphere is gritty and stylish. It also is the benefit of some of the best scenes of the year, namely the ending and the "Sweet Home Alabama" rap.

15. Ice Age



Another somewhat controversial pick (probably). What can I say about this other than it took some time to get this high. While not as critically strong as some of the others on this list, it's the most replayable movie I've seen this year. John Leguizamo and Dennis Leary are top notch voice actors and I had no problem with Ray Romano as many others did. A great start for Fox's CG animation department.

14. Max



Probably the most underrated and forgotten film of the year. I'm not sure 10 people saw this. Noah Taylor is brilliant as Adolf Hitler and the film gives a chilling idea of how close the greatest tragedy in Modern history came to being averted.

13. Minority Report



A brilliant year for Steven Spielberg, and this is the tip of the Iceberg. Excellently adapted from the short story, Spielberg shows us a disturbing vision of a very possible and likely future (not talking about pre-crime of course).

12. Narc



This is what Training Day wishes it was. Sure, it's essentially a by the numbers cop-flick, but it is elevated above all of that by the amazing direction of Joe Carnahan and the performances of Patric and Ray Liotta (for the record, Liotta was screwed of a Supporting Actor Nom.)

11. Gangs of New York



A flawed film to be sure, but one cannot deny what went into this film. It's better than the sum of it's parts. The production values are maybe the best of the year, giving a picture-perfect view of 19th century New York. It is a great pleasure watching Daniel Day-Lewis work. An epic film in every sense of the word.

10. Far From Heaven



THE film about domestic life for women this year (screw The Hours). Julianne Moore definately deserved the Oscar this year, nothing else came close.

9. Bloody Sunday



If it weren't for the fact that the entire film was staged, this would have been the best documentary of the year. Disturbing, infuriating, and depressing all at once. One of the most finely crafted films of the year.

8. One Hour Photo



A vehicle for Robin Williams to prove that he is indeed one of the best dramatic actors working in Hollywood today. In his first time behind camera, Mark Romanek crafts a beautiful film that at once disturbs you and breaks your heart.

7. Catch Me If You Can



Without a doubt the most fun I've had in a movie theater this year. It's too bad people can't also see past this to the brilliant investigation of the character of Frank Abagnale Jr.

6. Changing Lanes



The biggest suprise this year. I had no expectations and it blew me away. An intriguing and emotional examination of rage and consequences.

5. Y Tu Mama Tambien



A film with two faces. At times it's a coming of age story, and at others it's a serious commentary on Mexico (read: it rips the country a new asshole). The only thing it is at all times is amazing.

4. Adaptation



The most clever and original film released this year. Nicholas Cage plays perfectly two completely different people, giving each their own mannerisms and personalities. I was not a fan of Being John Malkovich, but this completely returns all the respect I have for Spike Jonze.

3. Spirited Away



A film that is as poetic and deep as it is original. There isn't much to say about this that hasn't been said. I adore it.

2. 25th Hour



A masterpiece, and in my opinion, the best thing that Spike Lee has ever done. How this film did not recieve even one single Oscar nomination is offensive. I cannot find one single thing wrong with this movie. The acting is top notch (Barry Pepper is a star in the making), the script is the best of the year, and it's absolutely haunting.

...

...

..

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers







Was this choice predictable? maybe

Do I care? hell no

The fact of the matter is I've never connected with films as I have with these movies the last two years. Say what you want, but that's all the matters.

Note: this was originally posted somewhere else, so some of the comments about flak, etc do not apply here. (As I'm better than all of you )

Bowling for Columbine


That guy is a fucking idiot and should be shot with the gun he is carrying.....

.....otherwise Nice list.

You know. I cried, while watching Spirit: Stallion of the Cinnamon.

I thought One Hour Photo was a terrible film. Poor acting and direction.

The 25th Hour was good. However, boring as Hell. Somehow, it lost itself in it's length and slow pacing.

Catch Me If You Can was entertaining, and a lot of fun. Great movie indeed. Who knew Leonardo DiCaprio could act worth a shit?

Ice Age has it's moments... I nearly cried in that, also. Great animation too.

Minority Report is one of Speilberg's greats, better than that E.T. shit. I loved the plot twist at the end. Collin Farrell is cool.

Signs is scary as shit, when watching it at 2 AM during a thunderstorm. Plus it is masterfully crafted. Great score, too.

Bowling For Columbine was hilarious. Especially that Charlton Heston bit.

Treasure Planet? WTF? Even the music sucks.

Two Towers sucked a mighty one.
j/k

Bowling for Columbine


That guy is a fucking idiot and should be shot with the gun he is carrying.....

.....otherwise Nice list.

Let me guess, you're a conservative.

Great list vTd.
I agree with almost all the movies that made it onto the list, even if the order of mine is different.

Minority Report was my favorite movie of the year. Definitely my favorite Spielberg movie as of late. It's strange, because on most cases, I'm very anti-Tom Cruise. I think he's definitely overdramatic in most cases, but he seemed perfect as the "set up naive cop" in this one. Colin Farrell is the coolest actor in the world right now, and whether he's playing Daredevil's nemesis, a "recruit", a swat team cop, or just a cop trying to figure out Pre-Crime, he always comes out awesome. All the performances of the movie were awesome, and the movie had tons of plot twists that kept me completely entertained the whole way through. I love how the movie worked...the whole time I was wondering how & what would push John Anderton to murder, and I had completely forgotten the whole part about his son. The pre-cog's mother thing was another "where did that come from" twist, just one of the many.

Signs was my second favorite movie. I'm a sucker for a great alien movie, and with M.Night working it, with my favorite score of the year (the coolest alien music ever), plus great performances from Mel Gibson and definitely Joaquin Phoenix, it's really strong on all accounts. I had no problems with the movie, although the ending was very hit or miss for me. The one on one battle between Phoenix & the alien at the end sorta cancelled out all this 'supreme being' alien vibe that the whole movie had going for it. Still, I love how the movie was more about fate then aliens. Fate is one of those very vast, debatable topics that M.Night took a hold of, added a great plot to, and made an awesome thriller. Cool double meaning of the title also.

Of course, I loved 8 Mile. It definitely over achieved any expectations I had going into it. I went into the movie theater almost feeling obligated to being a fan of Eminem. Turns out, he's really not a bad actor, and although the role of "Rabbit" was very similar to his own life, he was very good in it. Brittany Murphy's performance wasn't great, but I didn't think it was terrible either. Mekhi Phieffer was great in his role, and as vtd said, the movie has several stand out moments. The final battle, the choke, Sweet Home Alabama, and basically every battle scene through the movie. The only movie to really ever portray hip hop in the right way, I've heard it compared to the "Saturday Night Fever of Rap".

Catch Me If You Can was awesome. Like Tom Cruise, I usually completely hate Leo Dicaprio, but this movie was just fun on all levels. Great performance by DiCaprio (losing the Dicraprio name), Christopher Walken was fun as always, and the plot was just awesome. Tom Hanks is always great, so no surprise there. The only problem for me was the movie seemed to drag on a bit too long, about 20 minutes too long, but other then that, no flaws I don't think. All the different cons were clever as hell, definitely a fun film experience.


On other notes:
-I also felt that "Punch Drunk Love" seemed to try too hard to be strange...if that made any sense. Adam Sandler really showed he's a good actor, but I just really wasn't compelled at all through the movie. Basically, I realize it's a very good movie, but "good" and "entertaining" are different things on my end.
-I think "The Count of Monte Cristo" should have been on your list. I guess we differ our opinions on that due to the fact that you saw it with high expectations, and I saw it with absolutely zero expectations. The main character had a very strong performance, Guy Pearce was pretty good, the plot was complex, and the setting of the film was beautiful. From the island of Monte Cristo, to the final battle place between Pearce and the main character. It's defiintely a better movie then Treasure Planet and Blade II in my opinion. I mean, how much longer can we go on believing that Wesley Snipes can kick everybody's ass in every movie he's in?


I'll finish this post later.

What about Spider-Man? That movie kicked everyone's ass in 2002.

And, seriously. Treasure Planet? What the fucking fuck are you trying to pull?

Narc is a great movie.

Lord of the Rings was kinda predictable.

Punch Drunk Love was pure crap. It was the dumbest movie I ever seen...

Turtleman

Oh, please...

Where's About Schmidt- the dark comedy with Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates at their finest? (Oscar nominations for each)

You obviously didn't understand The Hours. Top-notch film... sure, it's kind of a dark chick flick, but Nicole Kidman was better than Julianne Moore in Far From Heaven (though it was a good movie and she was great)

And most of all... um, that musical that won Best Picture... oh yeah, Chicago? Duh.

The Academy About Shit (LOL!) when voting. I mean, Gigli will probably win something this year.

I think my best movie 'six sense' and 'the others' and 'Ring Serise:Ring' & 'Juon(jepan)'

i like horror movie

umm..

old movie

Paris & texas..
AI..
ET..(
ect )

How, exactly, is Punch Drunk Love trying to be wierd? It is no more or less wierd than any other Adam Sandler comedy - because it is every other Adam Sandler comedy.

Only this time we're not veiwing it from afar - this time we do not have the distance.

The filmmakers, whether intentionally or not, take us within the mind, within the heart, within the body and within the soul of the main character. We are Adam Sandler. We hear his thoughts, we feel his pain, we live his life.

What was once humorous from afar, now becomes almost frightening, and genuinly touching.

We see the dark facade beneath the humor - and the drama beneath the humor - that we didn't exactly want to see before. And by doing this, and doing it as brilliantly as it was done, P.T. Anderson has created a genuine masterpiece.

All of the strangeness is just the silly building of a slapstick plot - and the measures taken to have us truly live it, to truly feel it.

I think it was perhaps one of the most amazing films I've ever seen - and it is without a doubt my favorite. Perhaps its because I can relate to all of the characters - and you can relate to none.

Yes, I'm a complete whack job.

Anywho...

That's my .02 on that. As for VTDs little list - it blows, and proves once and for all that VTD has no taste in film. Then again, all we had to do was look at his review for Open Range to know that.

Yeah...

Oh, please...

Where's About Schmidt- the dark comedy with Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates at their finest? (Oscar nominations for each)

You obviously didn't understand The Hours. Top-notch film... sure, it's kind of a dark chick flick, but Nicole Kidman was better than Julianne Moore in Far From Heaven (though it was a good movie and she was great)

And most of all... um, that musical that won Best Picture... oh yeah, Chicago? Duh.

About Schmidt - ***/**** just missed the list

I understood The Hours perfectly fine, and it still annoyed the hell out of me */****

Chicago- **1/2/**** It had its moments, "When You're Good to Mama" and "Cell Block Tango" were nicely done, and the courtroom scene was quite humourous. Other than that, it was completely forgettable from every perspective. And it amazes me how a hackjob like Richard Gere continues to get work.

How, exactly, is Punch Drunk Love trying to be wierd? It is no more or less wierd than any other Adam Sandler comedy - because it is every other Adam Sandler comedy.

Only this time we're not veiwing it from afar - this time we do not have the distance.

The filmmakers, whether intentionally or not, take us within the mind, within the heart, within the body and within the soul of the main character. We are Adam Sandler. We hear his thoughts, we feel his pain, we live his life.

What was once humorous from afar, now becomes almost frightening, and genuinly touching.

We see the dark facade beneath the humor - and the drama beneath the humor - that we didn't exactly want to see before. And by doing this, and doing it as brilliantly as it was done, P.T. Anderson has created a genuine masterpiece.

All of the strangeness is just the silly building of a slapstick plot - and the measures taken to have us truly live it, to truly feel it.

I think it was perhaps one of the most amazing films I've ever seen - and it is without a doubt my favorite. Perhaps its because I can relate to all of the characters - and you can relate to none.

Yes, I'm a complete whack job.

Anywho...

That's my .02 on that. As for VTDs little list - it blows, and proves once and for all that VTD has no taste in film. Then again, all we had to do was look at his review for Open Range to know that.

Yeah...

Ahh... the jackass of all trades... I figured you would show up.

Those who can't do, criticize. Let's see yours.

that's a cool list.

~TID

This just about wraps up how I feel about your fucking pathetic #1.




Why I hate Lord of the Rings

Jon Dennis explains why he hates Tolkien. And prog rock. And shops that sell candles and incense

Wednesday December 19, 2001


It's a strange, shadowy world inhabited by troll-like creatures, with its own languages and mythologies. Lurking in this remote, twilight place, far divorced from real life as you or I might know it, are a dangerous breed: Lord of the Rings fans.
Fans of Tolkien's work - let's call them fantasists - are uninterested in the real world. The real world is troublesome - hard to understand, fraught with difficulties, inequalities, demanding interaction with real, live human problems. Much easier to focus on pixies, elves, hobbits, tooth fairies or whatever.

Oh, but Lord of the Rings is about a fundamental struggle between good and evil, they'll tell you. But the real world is quite a bit more complex than that.

You won't find many fantasists working to make the real world a better place. They're too concerned with (to quote from a Tolkien website) "destroying the One Ring by casting it into the fiery fissures of Mount Doom, in the very heart of the land of Mordor, Sauron's bleak and wasted realm of pure evil."

In other words, fantasists are just too nerdish to participate in real life - they're more likely to be found lurking in one of those shops selling candles, incense, fake skulls and other crappy knick-knacks which help turn your home into some dreadful grotto. Or playing Dungeons and Dragons while listening to the collected works of Rick Wakeman.

Don't get me wrong. When I was 10 years old I loved The Hobbit, and spent a summer ploughing through Lord of the Rings. It wasn't until I got about halfway through the third book that I realised that my summer holiday might be better spent playing football with my mates than on an interminable trip through some cobwebbed, pompous, humourless netherworld.

And now we have the film. Is it me, or is it no coincidence that the release of fantasy films Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings comes as we are living under the threat of terrorist attack and being led into war by increasingly remote political leaders?

Tragically, I will actually be going to see the film. I've agreed to take my niece on Boxing Day. Oh well, it will give me somewhere warm to sleep off the Christmas dinner.

Of course, Tolkien apologists tell me that the special effects and the scenery are marvellous.

If you like grottos, that is.


Yes so, in short, fuck that shit. It's right up there with that god-damned Star Wars crap.