Best of the Decade: Movies

As 2009 winds down so too does the decade. These past 10 years have been a trying time in the land of the free. In fact, because of 9/11, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the financial meltdown Time Magazine has called the 00's the "worst decade ever" (Surely, the 1930's were worse, right?) It's a bit weird to think that, for all intents and purposes, I grew up in this decade. My entire high school career, my entire college career, and the beginning of my actual career all took place in this ten year stretch. In 50 years people might look back on the 00's as a decade of turmoil, but I'll look back on them as some of the best years of my life.

I mean, let's be honest, the 00's were filled with some great moments. During this final month of the decade, I will compile various "Best of the decade" lists for your viewing pleasure. Each list has been compiled under the same set of criteria.

- Did I enjoy it? Did the movie/song/moment/etc. resonate with me personally?
- Did the people who's opinions really matter like it?
- How much does it typify the decade? In 20-30 years will people think of it when they think of the 00's?

First up, the best movies of the decade.


10.) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)


Although I'm a sucker for closure the first film of this trilogy, based on the volumes written by J.R.R Tolkien, was clearly the best. I was interested in the trilogy from the get go because my dad read the prequel, "The Hobbit" (a chapter a night before we went to bed), to my brother and I when we were little (Do parents still do that?).

That being said, the film presents the entire premise in a way that is easy to understand even for those not familiar with Tolkien's "middle earth". Peter Jackson's direction of this film was not only incredible from an effects/scenery standpoint, but also for it's accuracy in regards to the original work.

One thing I liked about the movie was that Tolkien's fantasy tale is not overshadowed by any particular actor or actress. The story of the ring is what's most memorable and that's not to say that the cast was mediocre because that couldn't be further from the truth. Viggo Mortenson was incredibly badass as Aragorn, Sir Ian McKellan was terrific as Gandalf, Orlando Bloom was on the mark (no pun intended) as Legalos, and how could I not love Sean Astin (Rudy) as Sam? Hell, Liv Tyler was even pretty good as Arwen. I also must give some props to the character Gimli, the dwarf with the battle axe, because my oldest brother and his girlfriend named their new dog after him.

Most people point to the The Return of the King as the best of the three films and it won 11 Oscars including Best Picture, but not me. That movie was good, but it was literally a full hour too long. Five different times in theater I thought the movie was over before it actually ended.


9.) Walk the Line (2005)

Vivian Cash: You can't wear black. It looks like you're going to a funeral.
Johnny Cash: Maybe I am...

Other biopics in the decade were more hyped (Ray, The Aviator), but none were as succuessful as Walk the Line. Maybe Johnny Cash's life was just more suitable for such a film, but that doesn't change the fact that Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the American icon was electric. Now as good as he was and he was very good, Reese Witherspoon's performance as June Carter was even more remarkable. So remarkable that I would not hesistate to say that it was head and shoulders above any other female performance of the decade.

I liked Walk the Line because it was filled with real, raw human emotion. We saw the extreme highs and extreme lows of a rock star. Cash loved being on the road, but it led him to rampant drug abuse and away from his family.

Something should also be said about the scene where Cash and his band perform in front of the record producer. It was truly an inspirational moment. After they play a few songs, the producer stops them and says, "If you was hit by a truck and you was lying out there in that gutter dying, and you had time to sing *one* song. One song that people would remember before you're dirt. One song that would let God know how you felt about your time here on Earth. One song that would sum you up. You tellin' me that's the song you'd sing? That same Jimmy Davis tune we hear on the radio all day, about your peace within, and how it's real, and how you're gonna shout it? Or... would you sing somethin' different. Somethin' real. Somethin' *you* felt. Cause I'm telling you right now, that's the kind of song people want to hear. That's the kind of song that truly saves people. It ain't got nothin to do with believin' in God, Mr. Cash. It has to do with believin' in yourself."


8.) Blood Diamond (2006)


My buddy Glancy took a film class in college because he, like myself, is a big movie buff. On the first day of class the professor went around the room and asked everyone what they thought the best film of all time was. All of the film geeks that took the class because they had unrealistic goals of becoming the next Spielberg said movies like Rear Window (1954), Citizen Kane (1941), and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Glancy said Top Gun (1986). As soon as he said it all of the film majors laughed in that snarky "we're smarter than you" way, but Glancy went on to defend his choice by saying, "It has everything you could want in a film. There's action, adventure, drama, and romance. It's got it all."

That's how I feel about Blood Diamond. Leonardo DiCaprio (whether you liked his accent or not) was extraordinary, as usual. My buddy Matty K's favorite actor Djimon Hounsou pulled off his dramatic scenes well enough to make the audience sympathize with him as a father/husband desperate to get his family back and he was obviously perfect in all of the action scenes because of his physicality. Jennifer Connolly, as I believe I have said in the past, was sneaky hot in this film. At first she's a good looking 35-year old, but you aren't blown away. Then as the plot develops, so to does her character. Then towards the end of the film she suddenly seems incredibly hot.


7.) The Dark Knight (2008)


When I initially compiled these rankings The Dark Knight came in around 12 or 13. There was no questioning the film's captivating nature, but it wasn't nominated for Best Picture, it's about 20-25 minutes too long, and Maggie Gyllenhaal lacks any sort of sex appeal (she's a bad projection for what Amanda Bynes will look like in 10 years). How could I seriously suggest that a summer blockbuster, and one based on a comic book no less, was one of the 10 best movies of the decade? Then, as I thought more about it I realized that there were plenty more arguments to be made as to why it should make the top 10 as opposed to why it shouldn't.

1.) My buddy Frank would probably murder me if I didn't include it. In fact, he'll probably complain that I didn't have it in my top 5.
2.) In a decade that was rife with superhero films this one was better than all of the others by leaps and bounds.
3.) Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker might be the defining role of the decade and would have been even if he didn't tragically die because he snorted more coke than the Olsen twins. By the way, talk about high risk/high reward. Ledger's drug use simultaneously led to one of the most memorable acting performances of our day and to his untimely demise.
4.) Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, who've both won Oscars for Best Supporting Actor, gave stellar performances without stealing the show.
5.) The special effects were amazing.
6.) The film contained undertones about the goodness of human nature. For example, the boat scene. Would that have happened in real life? I'm not so sure, but it evoked positive message nonetheless.


6.) Crash (2005)


In today's world it seems as if the only purpose of film, literature, television, etc. is to entertain, but this film reminded us that these creative outlets can do much more. At it's core Crash was a social commentary about our modern culture. It tapped into the everyday disconnect that is felt throughout our diverse society. The film's message was that we are all in this life together and that we all go through the same struggles, but for whatever reason we all put up fences in order to shield ourselves from others.

Orchestrating a film with multiple storylines that work in and out and blend together in order to demonstrate a singular message is a very delicate task. Films of this nature usually fail (see Bobby, Vantage Point), but when they are done successfully they can be very powerful. Another film that successfully employed this narrative style is Love Actually (2003), which I'm not ashamed to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed.


5.) The Departed (2006)


The film featured two of the best actors of our generation (Damon and DiCaprio) as cops that worked on both sides of the law with a big shot criminal played by one of the best actors of all time (Jack Nicholson). One cop (Damon) was dirty and helped the crime boss avoid the swift arm of the law. The other cop (DiCaprio) went undercover and tried to bring down the crime boss from the inside by infiltrating his crew. When you break it all down, that's the gist of the plot and even at it's simplest level the duality is pretty awesome.

The rest of the cast was brilliant as well. Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin both deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations (Wahlberg got one, Baldwin didn't). Martin Sheen was great and Vera Farmiga was sneaky hot.

The best scene from the entire movie (from an acting perspective) was definitely when DiCaprio shows up at Farmiga's apartment. The sexual tension combined with the anxiety, nervousness, longing, and vulnerability that they both show in the scene is perfectly complimented by Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb". The scene is just amazing. DiCaprio is at one of his lowest moments and desperately wants to feel something that is real. Farmiga, who's sneaky hotness is at an all time high in this scene, is questioning her decision to move in with Damon and in this moment senses more of a connection with a man that she knows only as her patient with a criminal record.

Another great part about this movie is that it has rewatchability. If it's on TV, I'm watching it (Only 4-5 other movies have this power over me). Also, I think I've said this before, but the first time I watched the movie for some reason I was pulling for Matt Damon. I didn't want him to get caught. Everytime I've seen it since I've been all about DiCaprio's character. Seriously, outside of Denzel, who is even on his level as an actor?


4.) Finding Neverland (2004)


Simply a touching film. I had a few reservations about seeing it at first because on the surface it seems a little feminine and it's only rated PG, but it's now one of the first films that I recommend to others. The film really puts the power of belief and imagination on display. Seriously, watch it and then try to tell me you didn't absolutely love everything about it.

In case you didn't watch the trailer (I could watch these ten trailers all day), this film is about the author J.M Barrie's inspiration for his materpiece; Peter Pan. It features a very good Johnny Depp and the best actress of our generation, Kate Winslet.


3.) Gone Baby Gone (2007)

He lied to me. I can't think of one reason big enough for him to lie that's small enough not to matter.

During my senior year of college I had strong feelings for a young dame. Let's call her Tristen. As I've previously mentioned Tristen reciprocated those feelings, but also had strong feelings for someone else. Let's call him Lyle. A few months into the year Tristen (perhaps wisely) chose to be with Lyle. Let the record show that they have now been engaged for more than a year. My feelings for Tristen did not subside overnight, but I knew that I had to move on. In the weeks that followed I began hooking up with another girl. Let's call her Melissa.

I wish I was kidding when I say that at that point Melissa had only seen about 10 movies in her entire life. Knowing this, I decided to expand her horizons a bit, so for our first official date I took her to see Gone Baby Gone. As we walked into the theater on that fateful Wednesday night we noticed that only two other people were there; Tristen and Lyle. Now I've had some pretty awkward moments in my life, but none were even in the same ball park as that one. I was literally stunned. They were in the middle of the second to last row so we were relegated to sitting about 4-5 rows in front of them, but a little to the left (facing the screen). I think Tristen and I exchanged a quick wave, but I was so overcome with emotions that I honestly don't even remember. I'm not sure if Melissa or Lyle even knew the entire story, but Tristen and I later discussed how we've both never felt an awkward moment quite like that in our entire lives.

That all being said, I loved the movie. I had never seen a film in which Casey Affleck was the leading character and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. Ed Harris and Amy Ryan were also outstanding. The movie had me hooked from the opening voice over.

"I always believed it was the things you don't choose that makes you who you are. Your city, your neighborhood, your family. People here take pride in these things, like it was something they'd accomplished. The bodies around their souls, the cities wrapped around those. I lived on this block my whole life; most of these people have. When your job is to find people who are missing, it helps to know where they started. I find the people who started in the cracks and then fell through. This city can be hard. When I was young, I asked my priest how you could get to heaven and still protect yourself from all the evil in the world. He told me what God said to His children. "You are sheep among wolves. Be wise as serpents, yet innocent as doves."

Although you got the feeling that the movie might end about half way through it, the actual ending was the definition of thought provoking. The decision that Casey Affleck's character faces is one that I have had hour long arguments with my friends and family members about. If I've said it once I'll say it 1000 times, you could teach an entire ethics course based solely on this film. The ending is so controversial that I bet plenty of couples have broken up because of this movie. There are arguments to be made for both sides, but there is no gray area.


2.) Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

LATIKA!

Slumdog is a heartwarming, uplifting tale. Director Danny Boyle's recreation of Vikas Swarup's novel "Q & A" is magnificent. In case you haven't seen it, the movie is about a poor boy from the slums who goes on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and knows the answers to all of the 15 questions because of his incredible life experiences. The plot construction is both simple and genius. The main character, Jamal, is presented with a question on the game show and then the audience is shown a poignant story from his childhood where he has learned the answer to the question. Now it's not that cut and dry, but that's the premise. There is also a love story that develops from the childhood stories and comes to fruition because of the game show experience. If you haven't seen the film, drop what you're doing right now and go see it. It's that good.

A few weeks ago I was working on a four hour radio show (Football Tonight) and inbetween segments the host and I were talking about movies. What we liked. What we didn't. What our producer needed to see. Now the host has had two children in the past 20 months and hasn't seen many movies in that time, so he asked me what movies he needed to see. Without hesitation the first movie out of my mouth was Slumdog. At the end of the show he referred to me on air, as "the movie guy." I really believe that Slumdog will be one of the movies that people still talk about in 30 years.


1.) Mystic River (2003)


Mystic River is a raw, gripping, emotional crime thriller. The film is equally dark and powerful. A man's daughter is murdered and he and his friends perform their own investigation, often interviewing witnessess before the police do. As the clues are pieced together the audience is forced to wonder what will come first, justice by way of the law or vengeance by the girl's father? Let's jut say that in an intriguing plot twist author Dennis Lehane, who also wrote Gone Baby Gone, gives us both.

The cast of the best movie of the decade is, of course, extraordinary. Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, and Tim "Andy Dufresne" Robbins play childhood friends that have taken different paths in life, but are all brought back together by this murder. Penn, in an Oscar winning role plays the murdered girl's father, Bacon plays the detective investigating the murder, and Robbins in an Oscar winning role plays an aloof man who becomes a prime suspect in the murder investigation. I also must give some love to The Sandlot's Scott Smalls, who plays the boyfriend of the murdered girl.

The end of the film provides one of the best lines of the decade. Of course, if you haven't seen the movie this will mean nothing to you.

Sean: So Jimmy, when was the last time you saw Dave?
Jimmy: The last time I saw Dave...
Sean: Yeah, Dave Boyle.
Jimmy: Dave Boyle...
Sean: Yeah Jimmy, Dave Boyle.
Jimmy: That was twenty-five years ago, going up this street, in the back of that car.


The best of the rest:

’00- Gladiator, Traffic, Castaway, Almost Famous
’01- A Beautiful Mind
’02- Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can
’03- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
’04- Million Dollar Baby, Man on Fire, Collateral, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
’05- V for Vendetta
’06- Inside Man, The Prestige
’07- Michael Clayton, Juno
’08- Iron Man