Posted by Kevin at dhcp64-134-55-221.four.nyc.wayport.net on December 31, 2001 at 13:35:43:
I don't think I've ever done this before, but here goes...
This is by no means a Top Ten list. I don't believe in Top Ten lists.
These are just thoughts on the flicks I've seen in the 2001 calendar
year.
Mind you, I haven't seen everything that came out. But I've seen a
good deal of the so-called "Oscar Hopefuls" (God bless the Academy
and those pre-holiday screener DVD's they send out). There are a
few more that I've yet to watch, but I've delineated those below.
And also, I've seen a lot more flicks than what's listed below. These
are just the stand-outs for me.
Let me repeat that part: FOR ME. Keep in mind, these are just one
man's opinions. And this man's opinion is no more valid than, say,
that Roeper guy's.
Which is to say, my opinion's just about as worthless.
Movies I Saw, Really Liked/and or Loved, and Would Watch Again
In no particular order...
- Amelie
Wonderful, wonderful subtitled stuff. God-willing, no one will try to
remake it in English.
- Bridget Jones Diary
I've seen this flick around twenty times now, and it never loses
anything. Crisp script, subtle direction, fantastic performances. If I
had to pick a favorite of the year, this was it.
- Training Day
Just watched this the other day. It's a "programmer" that rises above
that station, thanks to incredibly strong direction and a couple of great
performances from Denzel and the Ethan "The Hawk" Hawke.
- Monster Inc.
One of the most imaginative movies I've seen in years. The Pixar
team cannot fail. And whoever voiced "Boo" deserves an Oscar.
- Shrek
As a parent, you're forced to watch a lot of the same videos over and
over again. Thankfully, "Shrek" holds up through repeated viewings.
The animation and the script wasn't as strong as "Monsters, Inc.", but
the vocal performances by Murphy, Myers, Diaz, and Lithgow more
than make up for that.
- Sexy Beast
Ben Kingsley and Ray Winstone put in some stellar work, and the
flick was incredibly well-made. Make an effort to see this flick.
- The first half of Baby Boy that I watched
Still haven't finished the flick, but I really liked what I saw. Singleton's
turned in his best work since "Boyz n' the Hood."
- The Thirty minutes of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with Alan
Rickman in them
What can I say? I'm a fan of the man. And his overly-dramatic
entrance into Potion's Class may very well be my favorite movie
moment of 2001. I look forward to getting this screener just to watch
that clip over and over.
Honorable Mentions
- Spy Kids
A living comic book for kids, and one in which the GIRL is the lead
(very rare, that). As always, incredibly well-shot and edited by Robert.
- In the Bedroom
A very, very moody flick, with understated performances.
- The Biggs and Band-Camp/Stiffler Stuff in American Pie 2
This former was incredibly sweet and the latter was incredibly funny.
The rest of the picture was incredibly bad, but this stuff saved the day.
Kudos to those portions of the script, and those performers.
Movies I Haven't Seen Yet, but Have Been Sent, and Will Watch Soon
- Moulin Rouge
I'm a big fan of "Strictly Ballroom" and Ewan McGregor, so I imagine
I'll like it. Plus, it made Mosier cry, so that's pretty monumental, as
Mosier's hated every movie he's seen since "Raising Arizona."
Including our own.
- The Man Who Wasn't There
Two words: Billy Bob. The man gave, what I felt, was the best
performance of the '90's in "A Simple Plan." I'll give whatever he does
a shot.
- The Others
Vincent dug it, so I've gotta give it a try.
- Waking Life
Richard Linklater's "Slacker" got me off my ass and made me want to
be a filmmaker. For that reason alone, I'll watch anything he does.
-Mulholland Drive
C'mon - it's David Lynch.
- Life as a House
What can I say? I like Kevin Kline.
Movies I Haven't Been Sent Yet, but Will See Regardless
- Monster's Ball
Again, the Billy Bob curve's at work here.
- I Am Sam
Do I understand this correctly: Sean Penn plays a retarded guy who's
trying to adopt/keep a keep? I'm so there. I'm all about Sean Penn.
His "Dead Man Walking" and "Carlito's Way" performances are so
captivating, not to mention his "Falcon and the Snowman" and "Fast
Times" stuff. Fuck, he's even great in "Taps."
- Iris
Mmmmmm. Dame Judy Dench.
Movies I Didn't See and Probably Won't Until They Come Out on
Video, If Ever
-The Lord of the Rings
I love Peter Jackson's "Heavenly Creatures" like you read about, but I
could give a shit about Hobbits and Middle Earth.
- A Beautiful Mind
I love Russell Crowe, but there've been exactly two Math genius
movies that I've enjoyed: the one with the "Phantoms" guy in it, and
"Little Man Tate." I don't know if there's room for another - particularly
one made by the guy who butchered "The Grinch." However, same
guy also gave us "Splash" and "Parenthood", so he can't be all bad.
- The Majestic
I love "Shawshank" (but didn't like "Green Mile"), so Frank Darabont's
got a fifty/fifty chance here to win a brother back.
- Heist
I dig Mamet as much as the next guy, but man, it better be better than
"State and Main."
And a Final Tacky Shout-Out
- Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
I know it's mine, but I've seen it at least a hundred times, and it still
hasn't lost its charm. Mewes deserves a big, cosmic blow job for his
bravado leading man work, not to mention the very up for anything
(including making fun of themselves) cast. I call's 'em as I see's 'em;
and I calls this one a gem.
I should point out that some of the best filmmaking this year was to
be found on HBO. "The Sopranos," "Sex and the City," and "Curb
Your Enthusiasm" blew almost all theatrical releases away. I say
give HBO an Oscar; they're taking the real risks these days.