2004
It's back...with a twist. This year, I've included several lists to give you an idea of what I found worthy (and torturous) in 2004. As usual, I've created the "10 Best" list. However, instead of just rattling off 10 movies that everyone else is claiming as the cream of the crop (which I've done), I've also added my "10 Personal Favorites." For the sake of creativity, no movie appears on both lists. The "10 Best" list reflects films chosen on artistic merit; the other list is of movies that entertained me without needing an Oscar pedigree. All 20 movies were my favorites of the year.
I've also included a list of the 10 best performances of the year, as well as the five worst movies and five worst performances. All lists are in no certain order.
Now, on with the show...
The 10 Best Movies of 2004
1. Ray - Even without the amazing performances of Jamie Foxx, Regina King and Sharon Warren, director Taylor Hackford's beautiful ode to the late genius is one of cinematic brilliance. His sharp eye and vibrant use of imagery made me forget the nearly three-hour length.
2. Finding Neverland - The beauty of imagination and the angst of childhood have never been so haunting. Simply stated, this is one of my all-time favorite movies.
3. Maria Full of Grace - Out of the arthouses came one of the most powerful and and devastating films ever. Repeat viewings do not detract from the film's heartbreaking power.
4. The Aviator - Old Hollywood comes to life again in Martin Scorsese's career best. Cate Blanchett is awe-inspiring as late great Katharine Hepburn. Leo's never been better, the colors are inspired and the music roars.
5. Sideways - So it's not for my age range. I still enjoyed every minute of Alexander Payne's humorous tale of the frustrations we share with our friends.
6. Million Dollar Baby - Clint Eastwood's latest reveals a previously unseen gentler side that gave Hilary Swank her finest hour. A twist halfway makes this much more than just a boxing movie.
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Perhaps no movie has better captured of the agony of heartbreak. Despite the humorously bizzare world that Charlie Kaufman creates, his characters remain human and relatable as they fall in and (try to fall) out of love.
8. Hotel Rwanda - In director Terry George's powerful tale of refugee struggle in Rwanda, Don Cheadle proves what many of of us have known for so long: He's an amazing actor.
9. A Very Long Engagement - The director (Jean-Pierre Jeunet) and star (Audrey Tautou) brought us the fantastic Amelie. Now, with World War I as a background, they create something equally romantic. And even the most jaded cynic will find inspiration in the "Never give up" message.
10. Closer - No American film produced finer ensemble acting. While Julia Roberts and Jude Law are good, Natalie Portman and Clive Owen deserve the Purple Heart for portraying such beautiful and shattering heartache.
My 10 Favorite Movies of 2004
1. I Heart Huckabees - The year's other existential romantic comedy might not have been as spoon-fed to audiences, but I defy you to show me a more whimsical, nonsensical good time at the movies. Kudos to the ensemble cast.
2. Saved! - Mandy Moore rises above the mediocrity of her reputation in a wicked little indie about the evils of Christian school students.
3. Dawn of the Dead - The year's scariest film was also one of the most cleverly commercial thanks to the underrated Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and, dare I say it, flesh-eating zombies?
4. Spider-Man 2 - Sam Raimi proves once again that an action movie can have heart and brains in this equally compelling sequel. The final five minutes set up a fascinating story arch for the inevitable films to come.
5. Collateral - Michael Mann knows just how to film Los Angeles. Instead of the palm trees and shopping meccas, he gives a grittier view of the city. And with Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx in top-notch performances, the thrills keep coming.
6. Napoleon Dynamite - Screw the critics who relegated it to the "worst" lists. I wasn't looking for deep. I was looking for a nunchuck-wielding, tater-tot eating anti-hero. GOSH!
7. Kill Bill, Vol. 2 - Uma Thurman grossed out, gorged and gutted her way to vengeance in a seemless action flick with just enough evil (thanks to Darryl Hannah) to keep me panting.
8. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy - I'm not looking to impress anyone by adding this to my list. But I'd be a fool to deny that I laughed heartily during Will Ferrell's comedic showcase? (The question mark is a sly reference to one of the movie's many gags)
9. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow - I could include this movie solely because it was Gwyneth Paltrow's only appearance in 2004. Fortunately, incredible effects and a welcome throwback to the danger films of the '30s more than merits its place.
10. The Motorcycle Diaries - This beautiful buddy pic shows a softer Che Guevara (Gael Garcia Bernal) as he embarks on a gorgeous road trip across South America in the '50s.
The 10 Best Performances of 2004
1. Annette Bening in Being Julia - Bening's brilliant blend of comedy and melodrama made this the year's best comeback performance.
2. Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby - Swank fearlessly conquered the film's physical and emotional demands. And after thinking her 1999 Oscar was a fluke, I've clearly been proven wrong.
3. Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Finding Neverland - Because she's one of the finest actresses around, it was a treat to see Winslet give two memorable performances in two exceptional films.
4. Regina King in Ray - Although King has been deprived of the awards recognition she's deserved for 12 years, anyone who watches the film knows Jamie Foxx wouldn't be half as brilliant without such a fiesty female counterpart.
5. Natalie Portman in Closer and Garden State - Portman remains one of the few actresses of her age who can bring such depth and charm to her roles. Seeing her excel in two disparately different roles reinforces that she's the best.
6. Jamie Foxx in Ray - What could I say that hasn't been said about the guaranteed winner of this year's Oscar?
7. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator - DiCaprio bit his teeth into the role of a lifetime. His Howard Hughes will remain with you long after you've left the theater.
8. Gael Garcia Bernal in Bad Education and The Motorcycle Diaries - Bernal's refusal to accept traditional roles attests to the fact that his gutsy performances have garnered critical acclaim.
9. Clive Owen in Closer - Owen's anger and heartache give Closer it's most powerful punch.
10. Freddie Highmore in Finding Neverland - Never in the entire history of cinema has a child actor so effortlessly captured and broken so many hearts, Amen.
The Five Absolute Worst Movies of 2004
1. Ocean's Twelve - How condescending can one movie be to its audience? Just ask George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts as they dangle their celebrity in front of you while completely not entertaining you.
2. You Got Served - ...a big piece of shit
3. Catwoman - This movie used its nine lives in the first five minutes, as the roots of a comic book masterpiece were completely ignored for boring Hollywood conventions and my-ass-looks-hot-in-leather acting.
4. Surviving Christmas - I'd rather survive a prostate exam than Ben Affleck's latest, mirthless stinker.
5. Open Water - Who was I kidding? It wasn't scary, the acting sucked, and I wanted them both to die.
The Five Worst Performance of 2004
1. Julia Roberts in Ocean's Twelve - Behind those pearly whites lies a woman who doesn't mind settling for a lazy, over-indulgent performance.
2. Michael Moore in Fahrenheit 9/11 - I might not be a Republican anymore, but I still have no tolerance for agenda-shoving, fact-shuffling, loud-mouthed, fabricating Democrats. Impartial? Documentarian? My ass. That was bad acting.
3. William Ullrich in Beyond the Sea - William, call your agent. Tell him you're creepy.
4. Cary Elwes in Saw - OH GOD, MY LEG! MY LEG! OHHH...NO...HOW...WILL...I...EVER...WALK...AGAIN? LOSING...BLOOD...CAN'T...ACT...
5. Sharon Stone in Catwoman - Riiiiight, you still have a career.
It's back...with a twist. This year, I've included several lists to give you an idea of what I found worthy (and torturous) in 2004. As usual, I've created the "10 Best" list. However, instead of just rattling off 10 movies that everyone else is claiming as the cream of the crop (which I've done), I've also added my "10 Personal Favorites." For the sake of creativity, no movie appears on both lists. The "10 Best" list reflects films chosen on artistic merit; the other list is of movies that entertained me without needing an Oscar pedigree. All 20 movies were my favorites of the year.
I've also included a list of the 10 best performances of the year, as well as the five worst movies and five worst performances. All lists are in no certain order.
Now, on with the show...
The 10 Best Movies of 2004
1. Ray - Even without the amazing performances of Jamie Foxx, Regina King and Sharon Warren, director Taylor Hackford's beautiful ode to the late genius is one of cinematic brilliance. His sharp eye and vibrant use of imagery made me forget the nearly three-hour length.
2. Finding Neverland - The beauty of imagination and the angst of childhood have never been so haunting. Simply stated, this is one of my all-time favorite movies.
3. Maria Full of Grace - Out of the arthouses came one of the most powerful and and devastating films ever. Repeat viewings do not detract from the film's heartbreaking power.
4. The Aviator - Old Hollywood comes to life again in Martin Scorsese's career best. Cate Blanchett is awe-inspiring as late great Katharine Hepburn. Leo's never been better, the colors are inspired and the music roars.
5. Sideways - So it's not for my age range. I still enjoyed every minute of Alexander Payne's humorous tale of the frustrations we share with our friends.
6. Million Dollar Baby - Clint Eastwood's latest reveals a previously unseen gentler side that gave Hilary Swank her finest hour. A twist halfway makes this much more than just a boxing movie.
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Perhaps no movie has better captured of the agony of heartbreak. Despite the humorously bizzare world that Charlie Kaufman creates, his characters remain human and relatable as they fall in and (try to fall) out of love.
8. Hotel Rwanda - In director Terry George's powerful tale of refugee struggle in Rwanda, Don Cheadle proves what many of of us have known for so long: He's an amazing actor.
9. A Very Long Engagement - The director (Jean-Pierre Jeunet) and star (Audrey Tautou) brought us the fantastic Amelie. Now, with World War I as a background, they create something equally romantic. And even the most jaded cynic will find inspiration in the "Never give up" message.
10. Closer - No American film produced finer ensemble acting. While Julia Roberts and Jude Law are good, Natalie Portman and Clive Owen deserve the Purple Heart for portraying such beautiful and shattering heartache.
My 10 Favorite Movies of 2004
1. I Heart Huckabees - The year's other existential romantic comedy might not have been as spoon-fed to audiences, but I defy you to show me a more whimsical, nonsensical good time at the movies. Kudos to the ensemble cast.
2. Saved! - Mandy Moore rises above the mediocrity of her reputation in a wicked little indie about the evils of Christian school students.
3. Dawn of the Dead - The year's scariest film was also one of the most cleverly commercial thanks to the underrated Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and, dare I say it, flesh-eating zombies?
4. Spider-Man 2 - Sam Raimi proves once again that an action movie can have heart and brains in this equally compelling sequel. The final five minutes set up a fascinating story arch for the inevitable films to come.
5. Collateral - Michael Mann knows just how to film Los Angeles. Instead of the palm trees and shopping meccas, he gives a grittier view of the city. And with Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx in top-notch performances, the thrills keep coming.
6. Napoleon Dynamite - Screw the critics who relegated it to the "worst" lists. I wasn't looking for deep. I was looking for a nunchuck-wielding, tater-tot eating anti-hero. GOSH!
7. Kill Bill, Vol. 2 - Uma Thurman grossed out, gorged and gutted her way to vengeance in a seemless action flick with just enough evil (thanks to Darryl Hannah) to keep me panting.
8. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy - I'm not looking to impress anyone by adding this to my list. But I'd be a fool to deny that I laughed heartily during Will Ferrell's comedic showcase? (The question mark is a sly reference to one of the movie's many gags)
9. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow - I could include this movie solely because it was Gwyneth Paltrow's only appearance in 2004. Fortunately, incredible effects and a welcome throwback to the danger films of the '30s more than merits its place.
10. The Motorcycle Diaries - This beautiful buddy pic shows a softer Che Guevara (Gael Garcia Bernal) as he embarks on a gorgeous road trip across South America in the '50s.
The 10 Best Performances of 2004
1. Annette Bening in Being Julia - Bening's brilliant blend of comedy and melodrama made this the year's best comeback performance.
2. Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby - Swank fearlessly conquered the film's physical and emotional demands. And after thinking her 1999 Oscar was a fluke, I've clearly been proven wrong.
3. Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Finding Neverland - Because she's one of the finest actresses around, it was a treat to see Winslet give two memorable performances in two exceptional films.
4. Regina King in Ray - Although King has been deprived of the awards recognition she's deserved for 12 years, anyone who watches the film knows Jamie Foxx wouldn't be half as brilliant without such a fiesty female counterpart.
5. Natalie Portman in Closer and Garden State - Portman remains one of the few actresses of her age who can bring such depth and charm to her roles. Seeing her excel in two disparately different roles reinforces that she's the best.
6. Jamie Foxx in Ray - What could I say that hasn't been said about the guaranteed winner of this year's Oscar?
7. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator - DiCaprio bit his teeth into the role of a lifetime. His Howard Hughes will remain with you long after you've left the theater.
8. Gael Garcia Bernal in Bad Education and The Motorcycle Diaries - Bernal's refusal to accept traditional roles attests to the fact that his gutsy performances have garnered critical acclaim.
9. Clive Owen in Closer - Owen's anger and heartache give Closer it's most powerful punch.
10. Freddie Highmore in Finding Neverland - Never in the entire history of cinema has a child actor so effortlessly captured and broken so many hearts, Amen.
The Five Absolute Worst Movies of 2004
1. Ocean's Twelve - How condescending can one movie be to its audience? Just ask George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts as they dangle their celebrity in front of you while completely not entertaining you.
2. You Got Served - ...a big piece of shit
3. Catwoman - This movie used its nine lives in the first five minutes, as the roots of a comic book masterpiece were completely ignored for boring Hollywood conventions and my-ass-looks-hot-in-leather acting.
4. Surviving Christmas - I'd rather survive a prostate exam than Ben Affleck's latest, mirthless stinker.
5. Open Water - Who was I kidding? It wasn't scary, the acting sucked, and I wanted them both to die.
The Five Worst Performance of 2004
1. Julia Roberts in Ocean's Twelve - Behind those pearly whites lies a woman who doesn't mind settling for a lazy, over-indulgent performance.
2. Michael Moore in Fahrenheit 9/11 - I might not be a Republican anymore, but I still have no tolerance for agenda-shoving, fact-shuffling, loud-mouthed, fabricating Democrats. Impartial? Documentarian? My ass. That was bad acting.
3. William Ullrich in Beyond the Sea - William, call your agent. Tell him you're creepy.
4. Cary Elwes in Saw - OH GOD, MY LEG! MY LEG! OHHH...NO...HOW...WILL...I...EVER...WALK...AGAIN? LOSING...BLOOD...CAN'T...ACT...
5. Sharon Stone in Catwoman - Riiiiight, you still have a career.
