With the 00′s coming to an end, I think it’s good to reflect on some of the best films that came out this decade. I feel it was a good decade for film, the best since the 70′s. Below is my personal top 10 list from the 00′s, it will certainly differ from many critic’s lists, but these are the ones I enjoyed most and that’s what film is all about. Wasn’t easy to narrow down my original list of 26, but here it is:
1. Gladiator (2000)- I don’t think anybody can say anything negative about this film. It has everything, action, drama, Rome, and incestuous lust, what’s there not be entertained by? The Academy got it right by awarding “Gladiator” Best Picture. Almost makes up for “Shakespeare In Love” winning over “Saving Private Ryan” two years prior, almost.
2. The Departed (2006)- The film that finally gave Martin Scorsese his Oscar. Who cares that this was a remake of a Japanese film that came out 4 years before? Not me. This film is one of the best works of Scorsese. Like Gladiator, this film has everything. Incredible casting too.
3. City of God (2002)- The DVD is labeled as “The best film you’ve never seen,” and it’s a real shame if you have never seen this film. Based on the true story about the gangs and violence in the slums of Rio, this flick is truly extraordinary. The movie is in Portuguese, but the film is so good you’ll barley notice your reading subtitles.
4. The Pianist (2002)- The best and most haunting portrayal of the holocaust I’ve seen yet on the silver screen. The scene when Nazis bust into a dining room of Jewish people eating and kill them, is one of the most disturbing scenes and it sticks in your mind. If there was a best actor of the decade award, Adrien Brody deserves it.
5. 40-Year Old Virgin (2005)- Definitely the funniest of the comedies that came out this decade. A special props to “Old School” for really making the rated-R comedy popular this decade. So many memorable lines from this movie, I can still watch this over and over again.
6. The Hangover (2009)- I love this movie. The entire film is comedic genius. Alan Garner (Zack Galifianakis) might be my favorite mentally disturbed character in comedic history (slightly beating out Brick from “Anchorman”). If my future wife divorces me for naming our first-born son “Carlos,” this film will be why.
7. Gangs of New York (2002)- A truly great and underrated Scorsese film in my book. A very entertaining and violent film about how New York was in the 1800′s, which was never really shown before in cinema. Plus, has there ever been a better villain than “Bill The Butcher?”
8. Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind (2004)- The best film for movie night with a girl in my estimation. It appeals to both genders and has a very interesting plot. My favorite Jim Carey movie ever and Kate Winslet is awesome in it too. Plus, this is a romantic movie that won’t make you (guys) feel as if your brain is melting.
9. Training Day (2001)- Easily one of the coolest movies ever. Denzel Washington makes this film so entertaining and a little scared thinking that there may cops out there like him. This film also introduced us to Eva Mendes, need I say more?
10. Taken (2008)- Yes, this is a basically mindless action film, so what? It is probably the best action film since “Die Hard.” The action is constant and awesome, Liam Neeson makes you believe you should never fuck with him. The “I have a special set of skills,” line he uses on the phone with the kidnappers is as classic as Dirty Harry’s, “Do you feel lucky?” line.
My favorite films from the years not listed above:
2003: Old School
2007: Knocked Up
Honorable Mentions: Anchorman (2004), American Psycho (2000), Downfall (2004), Inglorious Basterds (2009), Almost Famous (2000)
Clint Eastwood is quickly establishing himself as one of the best directors in the history of film. His latest film, Invictus, follows the story about how new President Nelson Mandela and the “Springboks,” South Africa’s national Rugby team, united a country that was previously divided by Apartheid during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
