FILM!!!- I might do a best and worst here, so just put up with me for a few more minutes
BEST- I should warn that these are strictly the top 10 that I SAW, but I'll also name a few others that are must-sees as well
10.- The Devil Wears Prada - believe you me, I never thought I would put it up there either, but the fact is that it's one of the highest grossing films of the year for a reason. It was totally enjoyable,and Meryl Streep does one heck of a job as the Devil Herself!
9. Inside Man- well acted, well directed suspense thriller. It makes me happy to know that Spike Lee is just as effective in commercial arenas as well as more provocative, independent outlets
8. Bobby- A moving portrait of life in 1968. Emilio Estevez had his director's hands full with the amount of star power in the film, but his falters were small, and it should reach a wider audience when the DVD is released
7. Casino Royale- by far, the best Bond I've seen in a while, maybe ever. Daniel Craig is believable, vulnerable, human, and totally hot in or out of a Bond tux. If it doesn't make you want to jaunt off on an adventure, you probably were sleeping during the movie.
6. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan- Say what you will, but I say that Sacha Baron Cohen is a modern- day Andy Kauffman who pulls off all of his gags with effortlessness and a hint of genius. He IS Borat, in case you forgot that Borat was a character, and his study of our nation brought up some seriously troubling issues. It's easy to not deal with things like racism and stupidity because they're under the guise of comedy, but in reality, I think Borat taught us more about ourselves, than we taught him.
5. Dreamgirls- easily, the most moving musical adaptation I've seen in a while. On par with the classics like Sound of Music and West Side Story. It doesn't fall into the trappings of being too "stagey" or"over-the-top". Just a hard-working, awe-inspiring cast, beautiful costumes and photography and a mid-movie number that will have you crying and applauding at the same time!
4. Slither- the studio never gave this movie a chance, releasing it at the end of March, putting it up with a whole bunch of crap movies, but it deserved better. It's perfect satire, biting wit, and a level of gore that had even Wes Craven cringing, but all in good fun! Please,please rent it and it's best when taken with a grain of salt, so don't overthink it!
3. Little Miss Sunshine- in August it was the best movie I had seen all year, but I didn't know what was coming. It's only slipped back two spots, but it's just as amazing as always. Abigail Breslin is the new Dakota Fanning, if that's possible, and she shines as the wannabe wee beauty queen. With a supporting cast that is better than any special effects, a story that tugs at your heart while keeping you laughing and one ridiculous Volkswagon, it's the movie that every family should see!
2. The Departed- I know most people will think, what do you mean number 2?! Again, these are just my opinions, but it's still one of the greatest movies this year...and maybe one of the greatest Scorsese films ever! I put it up there with Goodfellas and the story that is woven right in front of you is nothing short of spellbinding. The cast is amazing and enthralling in every way and the twists almost leave you dizzy. You'll probably need to watch it multiple times, but that's not a downfall, just a sign of a brilliant film.
1. Blood Diamond - I don't think it's possible for me to be any more amazed by this film. The realism, the sadness, the tragedy, the hope,the sheer beauty of life, it's all there. Leonardo DiCaprio has nailed his leading man status. Although a few years from now, people may forget he made this film, because it was overshadowed by The Departed, I hope it's never forgotten. Djimon Hondsou is mesmerizing and the subject matter alone should have people wanting to change the world.
TOP TEN Second Best(s) aka movies that I want to see desperately, or loved but just couldn't in good conscience put in a respectable top 10 list
The Queen, The Last King of Scotland, Beerfest, Little Children,Children of Men, Dave Chappelle's Block Party, United 93, World Trade Center, V for Vendetta, and The Good Shepherd
WORSTS - but really I'm probably just guessing, because I probably didn't see them, so really they're the top 10 I would NEVER want to see...not even if the movie studio president came to my door and offered me a job...well...maybe...nope, no, never! In no particular order...
10. End of the Spear
9. Big Momma's House 2
8. The Pink Panther
7. Date Movie
6. Basic Instinct 2
5. RV
4. Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties
3. Little Man
2. My Super Ex-Girlfriend
1. Lady in the Water
Other Crap that's not good for you: The Santa Clause 3, The Shaggy Dog, The Wicker Man, Material Girls, The Grudge 2,
BEST- I should warn that these are strictly the top 10 that I SAW, but I'll also name a few others that are must-sees as well
10.- The Devil Wears Prada - believe you me, I never thought I would put it up there either, but the fact is that it's one of the highest grossing films of the year for a reason. It was totally enjoyable,and Meryl Streep does one heck of a job as the Devil Herself!
9. Inside Man- well acted, well directed suspense thriller. It makes me happy to know that Spike Lee is just as effective in commercial arenas as well as more provocative, independent outlets
8. Bobby- A moving portrait of life in 1968. Emilio Estevez had his director's hands full with the amount of star power in the film, but his falters were small, and it should reach a wider audience when the DVD is released
7. Casino Royale- by far, the best Bond I've seen in a while, maybe ever. Daniel Craig is believable, vulnerable, human, and totally hot in or out of a Bond tux. If it doesn't make you want to jaunt off on an adventure, you probably were sleeping during the movie.
6. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan- Say what you will, but I say that Sacha Baron Cohen is a modern- day Andy Kauffman who pulls off all of his gags with effortlessness and a hint of genius. He IS Borat, in case you forgot that Borat was a character, and his study of our nation brought up some seriously troubling issues. It's easy to not deal with things like racism and stupidity because they're under the guise of comedy, but in reality, I think Borat taught us more about ourselves, than we taught him.
5. Dreamgirls- easily, the most moving musical adaptation I've seen in a while. On par with the classics like Sound of Music and West Side Story. It doesn't fall into the trappings of being too "stagey" or"over-the-top". Just a hard-working, awe-inspiring cast, beautiful costumes and photography and a mid-movie number that will have you crying and applauding at the same time!
4. Slither- the studio never gave this movie a chance, releasing it at the end of March, putting it up with a whole bunch of crap movies, but it deserved better. It's perfect satire, biting wit, and a level of gore that had even Wes Craven cringing, but all in good fun! Please,please rent it and it's best when taken with a grain of salt, so don't overthink it!
3. Little Miss Sunshine- in August it was the best movie I had seen all year, but I didn't know what was coming. It's only slipped back two spots, but it's just as amazing as always. Abigail Breslin is the new Dakota Fanning, if that's possible, and she shines as the wannabe wee beauty queen. With a supporting cast that is better than any special effects, a story that tugs at your heart while keeping you laughing and one ridiculous Volkswagon, it's the movie that every family should see!
2. The Departed- I know most people will think, what do you mean number 2?! Again, these are just my opinions, but it's still one of the greatest movies this year...and maybe one of the greatest Scorsese films ever! I put it up there with Goodfellas and the story that is woven right in front of you is nothing short of spellbinding. The cast is amazing and enthralling in every way and the twists almost leave you dizzy. You'll probably need to watch it multiple times, but that's not a downfall, just a sign of a brilliant film.
1. Blood Diamond - I don't think it's possible for me to be any more amazed by this film. The realism, the sadness, the tragedy, the hope,the sheer beauty of life, it's all there. Leonardo DiCaprio has nailed his leading man status. Although a few years from now, people may forget he made this film, because it was overshadowed by The Departed, I hope it's never forgotten. Djimon Hondsou is mesmerizing and the subject matter alone should have people wanting to change the world.
TOP TEN Second Best(s) aka movies that I want to see desperately, or loved but just couldn't in good conscience put in a respectable top 10 list
The Queen, The Last King of Scotland, Beerfest, Little Children,Children of Men, Dave Chappelle's Block Party, United 93, World Trade Center, V for Vendetta, and The Good Shepherd
WORSTS - but really I'm probably just guessing, because I probably didn't see them, so really they're the top 10 I would NEVER want to see...not even if the movie studio president came to my door and offered me a job...well...maybe...nope, no, never! In no particular order...
10. End of the Spear
9. Big Momma's House 2
8. The Pink Panther
7. Date Movie
6. Basic Instinct 2
5. RV
4. Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties
3. Little Man
2. My Super Ex-Girlfriend
1. Lady in the Water
Other Crap that's not good for you: The Santa Clause 3, The Shaggy Dog, The Wicker Man, Material Girls, The Grudge 2,
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