My Top 10 List For 2005

Of the movies I got to see in '05, here are the ones that I believe were the most engaging, thought-provoking, and riveting (or just plain entertaining):

10. Oliver Twist - For my money, it was superior to the other movies this year that starred kid actors, namely, Charlie and the CF, Narnia, and Harry Potter and the GOF. Yeah, I said it.

9. Cinderella Man - Could have really been an over-the-top cheesefest, but everyone, including America's sweetheart director Ron Howard, played it just right. I think it's Ron Howard's finest and was, ironically, overlooked by everyone. It should have been released in the Fall.

8. Wedding Crashers - What could have easily been a SNL sketch stretched to 120 minutes had an engaging narrative overflowing with laughs. A perfect mix of slapstick and rapid-fire wit. And finally, thank God, a comedy for adults who are way out of the PG-13 demo.

7. A History of Violence - Suspenseful as Hell! Viggo playing it cool. This is Cronenberg showing M. Night how it is REALLY done.

6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - It's finally over, and I'm not sure if Lucas could have done a better job, considering the corner he digitally painted himself in to. Hayden turned up the heat (yes, a pun), and Ewan McGregor and Ian McDermont were in full form. In the action/adventure category, this one knocks it out of the park.

5. Good Night, and Good Luck - The story here, recounting Senator McCarthy's communist witch-hunt, shows just how maligned our government can be, which still rings true today. Shot in black-and-white, and seamlessly using historical news footage, Straithairn and Clooney take us back to that era without question.

4. Walk the Line - A love story that spanned decades. The performances (including the singing by the two leads) were extraordinary. And the cameos of Elvis, Merle, and Roy Orbison were fun, too.

3. The Constant Gardener - A terrific script with twists and turns, full of suspense and sadness. Such a natural performance by Fiennes, it almosts seems real. Also, beautifully shot and directed.

2. Syriana - Fact or fiction, there is truth in this story somewhere. Probably the most thought-provoking and topically important movie in a long time. As just a movie, great turn for Clooney (take that Russell Crowe), and wickedly shot.

1. Munich - This one is still sticking with me, days later. I'm obviously a sucker for political thrillers. Now throw in action, interesting and colorful characters (Eric Bana and Daniel Craig on fire), and a bit of factual history, and I'm sold. Oh, and Spielberg directed it.


What?! You left off:

KING KONG: Never been a fan of the gorilla movies. Too long, and too self-indulgent on the part of Peter Jackson. Did we really need that 10 minute bug scene? I was patiently waiting for more Adrien Brody screen time. And everyone is harping how a CG monkey made them cry. You have officially been manipulated.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin: I love Steve Carrell. I liked this movie. Liked. Some of the scenes just wandered on and some had no point at all. (i.e. tranny date scene?) Tight script? See ..8. Granted, it does have one of the greatest closing credit sequences of all time.

Honorable mentions that almost made my top 10:
Batman Begins
Serenity
Millions
Everything Is Illuminated
Duma
Thumbsucker
Downfall
L4YER C4KE

Dear Movie-Luvin'-Baby Boomers,

Here's a heads up to you "Golden Oldies" out there. Growing old has not given you the right to disregard the concept of common courtesy when going to the movies. For the second time in two months, I have had to scold a pair of old ladies at the theatre for talking, not whispering, talking, as the movie fades up. Shame on you ladies, shame on you. You should know better.

It is my theory that malicious and rude behavior by old ladies is a key factor in the loss in movie revenue this past year. Stastically, 2 out 10 of my most recent movie going experiences have been violently tarnished by some old bag leaning over to her leathery friend saying something like "What kind of filth is SHE doing these days? Oy!" No one wants to hear your running commentary for the price of a movie and tub of popcorn. What could you possibly have to add to the film that Stephen Gaghan didn't already put in the script to 'Syriana'? Do you think Clooney's performance is enhanced when he "hears" you complimenting his choice of attire?

Ladies, this isn't Bridge Club, this isn't your living room. This is a place where people go to get away from it all (i.e. you and your friends), to enjoy a moment away from harsh reality and to be someplace else.

And to you ma'am I say, "Yes. Yes, I am overly sensitive when I go to the movies." It's a shame I wasn't there to ruin things for you when 'Birth of a Nation' first opened.