I feel like I saw a lot more movies this year, but maybe not, as this is all I could remember. As usual, my ‘want-to-see’ list is a mile long, but I only made it to a few. These are in no particular order, in fact, no order at all.
XXX: 2 hours of my life I am never getting back. Marc still owes me for this.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones: Better than its predecessor, but too much love story.
Storytelling: Lupe Ontiveros and Mark Webber were great, but otherwise this was a waste of time, even if I did see it during work hours.
Panic Room: Sure. Fine. Whatever.
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart: I wanted more stuff about actually making the record, and I think Jay Bennett was a little unfairly demonized, but the scene with Tweedy shirking off the record biz geeks backstage was priceless. "I’m outta here."
The Good Girl: Yeah, it pokes fun at ‘middle-American’ life, but after living in the midst of it for a few months, I say it needs all the criticism it can take. Great acting, although I still don’t get the Jake G. obsession.
About A Boy: Highly enjoyable. Hugh Grant was surprisingly engaging. Great apartment. This wasn’t high art by any means, but a fun time nonetheless.
Y Tu Mama Tambien: This movie really captured the feel and mood of the last days of adolescent freedom in a pretty amazing way. I had a couple of gripes with the story, but in general I enjoyed this a lot. Now I see why Dan keeps bugging me to go on vacation with him to Mexico.
Gangs of New York: Yeah the historical elements are a bit skewed, and Diaz looks so out of place it’s almost painful, but overall I thought this was a damn good way to spend a rainy day. Daniel Day Lewis better take home a statue for this.
Far From Heaven:
Critics and filmboys can gush all they want about this homage to weepies,
but I contend that if you have to be a film major to ‘get’ a film, then it’s
just an exercise in cinematic incest. Loved Dennis Haysbert though.
Catch Me If You Can:
Enjoyable from start to finish. I really enjoyed the 60’s caper vibe. A refreshing
diversion. I can’t believe that I am admitting to liking a DiCaprio role and
an Eminem song ("Lose Yourself") in the same year. Excuse me while
I go kill myself.
Spider-Man: While still not what I am hoping for from a comic adaptation, this is as close as any since X-Men. New found crush: Kirsten Dunst.
Minority Report: This was OK, but could have been so much better…
Sunshine State: Decent movie with an amazing performance from Carmela Soprano, easily one of the most talented actors in the world right now. You could literally feel her exhaustion. Plus, nice to see Timothy Hutton again.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:
Everything was spot-on except for the ‘hidden’ side-door in the final battle,
and the skateboarding-on-the-shield bit. I’ll see it again, which is more
than I can say about most of the other movies I saw this year.
Adaptation: Chris Cooper was genius, and I like this more now than I did after I left the theater, but I still say this movie is proof that ‘clever’ is a 4-letter word.
Talk To Her: I had no desire whatsoever to see this, but it wins for biggest surprise of the year. Gorgeous, funny and painful at the same time. I still say the trailer sucks, despite Dan’s protestations.
Signs: Would have been a lot better if we’d never seen the aliens and they’d just stayed in the shadows. Far and away M. Night’s least accomplished movie, but I do love his languid style.
Barbershop: Surprisingly enjoyable. Who knew?
2002
LISTS
dan
kevin
jeremy
alex
sujan
dave n.
sarah f.
juhi
genna
shawn
chris larry
mitch
chris m.
donovan
marc
jim
