I know, I know, it is a little late, but better late than never, right? I wanted to take a little “list break”, to prevent inundating people who check out the blog with lists. But, here is the final list for 2005. The movie list. Now, I know that there were tons of great movies out this year; many of which I saw (and are probably listed here), those which I haven’t seen, and some of which I still want to see. But, if I didn’t see it, it isn’t on this list. So, if you are thinking, “Man, movie A is much better than one of his choices”, then you have the wrong idea here. These are MY favorite movies of 2005; out of what I have seen in 2005. I hope that you enjoy. Here are my top 12 movies of 2005:
Brokeback Mountain – I wrote a pretty in depth review for the blog, which can be accessed here. The quick and dirty version goes a little something like this: Brokeback Moutain will change you. It will make you feel differently about how to look at love stories, and how to feel when you see what happens when people fall in love; against all odds. It will teach about acceptance, and love. It will also make you wish more movies were made like this one. It will definitely touch your heart; it did mine.
Happy Endings - What can I say about this movie? Well, first of all, it is a montage of a lot of different stories that end up being tied together by minute circumstances. It is one of those. And, it is amazingly well acted by everyone in it, and all of the story lines are extremely interesting. Also, Maggie Gyllenhaal is in it, and is completely mesmerizing. She sings so wonderfully; who knew? This is one of those movies you really can’t describe too much without giving a lot away, so I will just say that I highly recommend it. If you liked the Opposite of Sex, you will definitely like this (they are by the same person).
Sin City - I really meant to see this in the theater, but due to mixed reviews, I didn’t. It is supposedly a literal translation of the Frank Miller comic, which was pretty exciting, but still, I didn’t get to theaters to see it. But, now I know that it is actually a shame that I didn’t go see it, because it was awesome. I have never seen anything like this before. You feel like you are watching a literal translation of something drawn on a page, for sure. I loved it. It was really dark and gory, but it was really good too. And Jessica Alba is my new favorite… love her and Brittany Murphy in this one!
RENT – I wrote an in depth review of this, which can be found here. Given all of its criticisms (it was choppy, may have tried a little TOO hard), I must say that I think that this is a truly wonderful translation of a great story, from stage to screen. The characters gain a new three dimensional quality, and all of the songs are polished and cleaned up for the better. I waited so long for this one, and it certainly was worth the wait. This movie just wants you to take it for what it is… greatness.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – I wrote an in depth review of this, which can be found here. As for the quick and dirty version: best. Harry. Potter. Movie. Yet. I loved it. They left out a lot of the fine details described in the book, but really focused on the landscapes and the beauty of the story. Loved it.
Jarhead - I wrote a really long and in-depth review for this very blog, which can be accessed by this link. If you just want the quick and dirty version, the movie is a depiction of one soldier’s experience during Desert Shield/Storm, and speaks to the build up a soldier gets in training, and the let down he receives in the field. Not really an action movie, more of a war movie about what happens to soldiers in a war that they are not truly involved with. And Jake Gyllenhaal is in it. Definitely worth watching; multiple times.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith - First of all, what a great premise for a movie!! Two hired killers that are married, and don’t know the other is a hired killer! Also, they work for competing “killing agencies”! It just gets better. I loved this movie. Brad and Angelina sizzle. It was practically worth it for the scene where they are in the chase in the van. I can’t imagine being married to someone for 5 (no, 6) years, and lie about everything! But, in this movie, it works. And it works well. If you like lots of action, lots of fun, and two sexy stars, this movie is definitely for you! I can’t help but make this comparison: It is like making Vaughn and Sydney work on different sides, making them funny, and having neither one know about the other (FYI… Alias folks).
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - It is really rare that I want to go see a movie the weekend it opens and actually do, but this is a great example! This movie was hilarious, and was extremely fun to watch. Although it is quite funny, it certainly isn’t perfect. Perhaps it is best that I have not read the books, because I have seen several people saying that it wasn’t good because of that. Also, there are several things in the movie that are simply left unsaid or unresolved. Other than these MINOR things (minor to me, anyways), it makes me want to read the books (much like Harry Potter did). The acting is fantastically fun, and I love Martin Freeman. He is so wonderfully likable. You will be singing “so long and thanks for all the fish” for days (and there is a sing a long on the DVD!). Trust me, if you have a British funny bone in your body, and if you are able to put aside the mishaps (of which most screen adaptations have at least a few), you will enjoy this.
Monster-In-Law - I must say that when James wanted to see this movie, my first response was to pass. I really don’t care for J Lo, the “actor”. She is kind of like Helen Hunt. She is always playing herself. But… alas, I gave in, and managed to make it through the opening credits. And then, I was surprised. The moment Jane Fonda hit the screen, I was laughing hysterically. They really made this movie for her; and Wanda Sykes, don’t take your eyes or ears off of her. The play between JLo and JFo is fabulous. I want to have Wanda Sykes’ babies. I seriously love this movie. And you will too, cos it’s funny.
The Upside of Anger - I must admit that I really did not want to see this movie when it came out in both the theaters or on DVD; but the fact that it had Keri Russell in it peeked my interest enough for me to rent it from Netflix. I am glad that I did. This movie has a lot of family moments as they really occur in real life, and isn’t afraid to tackle the mucky stuff. But that, is a good thing. Joan Allen is awesome in this, and I even enjoyed Kevin Costner; which is something that I never thought I would say. The movie is kind of dark, but does have lots of funny points, and will have you laughing all of the way through; despite some serious subjects that will arise. I recommend this highly.
Constantine - Based on the comic book, “Hellblazer”, this movie focuses on the life of a guy that can see demons, and has the power to send them to hell, if the need should arise. He is trying to win his way back into heaven, but it doesn’t seem they are buying it. I thought this movie was VERY well made, and it is an exciting thrill ride, from beginning to end. Even though Keanu is good, he plays a very “Neo” role, acting very similar to the character of the same name from the Matrix movies. Overall, if you like comic book movies, this one is in the same vein, but has a darker, heavier focus on the occult and the war between heaven and hell. Definitely worth a watch.
The Constant Gardener – This is one of those movies that you are watching wondering how in the hell they ever made it; not because of the special effects or anything like that, but because of the subject matter. This highly political and ethical thriller is exciting and intense; but still calm and a little slow. Ralph Fiennes loses his wife, and he searches to find out how she was killed. Very well acted, and very interesting story. I won’t give anything away, but if you believe that there is conspiracy, ethical manipulation, and down right genocide going on in Africa, this movie poses a different perspective on one possible reason; whether it is real or not.
Random Thursday music (obviously unrelated to the movies, except one!):
Rufus Wainwright - The Maker Makes (BBM)
The Cardigans - Top of the World
Beyonce - Check On It (I don’t even know how this got so good… I swore I wouldn’t like it! Dammit!)
yeah, duane, i’ve seen exactly two of these movies. but i liked tham both, so that’s something.
Good list, I still really want to see The Constant Gardener, I wanted to see it in the theater, but never got around to it. I am glad that you liked it, I trust your judgement, I tend to agree with most of your decisions.
With a few exceptions, I’m right there with ya man. I’m surprised we have such similiar tastes in movies… considering we have such varying views on other things that I promise not to bring up at the next APWBWGTTD.
You know, I loved Constantine as well. My roommate hated it, but he hates anything to do with religion at all. Brokeback makes the list, loved Revenge of the Sith (FINALLY! A Star Wars sequel I liked!) I would have to add Crash to the list however…
Kat, get netflix. You will be glad you did. I had hardly seen anything before I did, and now look at my media commentary page… lots of shit.
Matt, that is because you and I rock. Constant Gardener is cool.
Dave, we don’t necessarily have to agree on everything, and I think that is a good thing. You just loved Mr. and Mrs. Smith for Angie, right? Well, That was part of it for me too, you know.
Eric, Crash is on my netflix queue, but it never makes it past 7 or 8; there is always something else I want to see. I will see it eventually. I have heard about how good it is, but how it is about racial and serious stuff. I have seen a lot of serious stuff lately, so I guess I am just waiting til the time is right.
I actually ended up seeing Crash when I went to the theatre on my own not entirely sure what it was I was going to see. It was amazing, and you simply MUST put it higher on your Netflix queue!
I loved Happy Endings but I almost walked out of Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy. And Mr. and Mrs. Smith was totally fun. I’ll have to check out some of the others. : )
duane, of course I loved Mr. and Mrs. Smith for Jolie. I haven’t met a man or woman that would say anything different. And I also must agree that the van scene is the best part of the whole movie…
dpb, we haven’t met but I’m no fan of Jolie.
I can’t even think of 12 films I saw last year, but I would definately say that “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” would make any sort of favourites list. Laugh out loud funny.
LOL, I haven’t seen a single one of those. Of course, I don’t go to theaters, so unless they’ve made it to PPV or one of the pay cable channels, I haven’t seen anything.
Wait, I did see part of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. About the last half. I couldn’t tell you the plot, unless it was just a bunch of stuff blowing up. That’s all I caught.
Totally agree on Happy Endings. Excpet I thought Maggie was a AWFUL singer (and thought that was kind of the point).
Vince, I totally disagree; apart from the karaoke one she did, her voice was awesome. Sorry you didn’t think so!
see Mysterious Skin
Thanks for recommending Happy Endings to me on Netflix. I watched it last week and LOVED IT!
Really like Constantine too even though several friends didn’t like it.
I missed Upside of Anger and the Constant Gardener, I’ll queue those up asap. Thanks!