10 (okay 12) Favorite Movies of the 2000's

I thought I would try something a little different for a change; a list. While there is no shortage of lists on the internet I can't help but make one as well. Now this is not a list of the best of the decade, though some would easily be included on such a list. No this is my personal favorites from 2001-2009. So let's start with the film I most enjoyed seeing; and by that I mean I literally saw it at least sixteen times at the theater. Crazy I know but it just comes to life on the big screen.

Chicago (2002)

 You might be asking sixteen times for Chicago? Yes and I would go see it again if I could. It just has everything you want to see in a film to be entertained. Lots of grit to go with the flashy glamour. It was shot beautifully and just swept me up from start to finish. Even though Roxie and Velma are cold blooded killers you still can't help but warm to their charm. Every actor gives their all with each song particularly John C Reilly's Mister Cellophane. All I know is whenever I feel the need for a pick me up I put this on and can escape for a couple of hours.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

I stood in line each time for tickets to the midnight showing of each of these masterpieces. What more can be said that hasn't been said about these movies? Yes they veer from the books but if you can't look past it for the finished project you are just too nit picky or like elves too much. One of the few films where the CGI works. Just great movies on par with the great epics of old like Ben Hur. Peter Jackson achieved the impossible with these only time will tell if he does it again with The Hobbit.

Let the Right One In (2008)

See my review below for more on why I love this movie. Just a great movie. Yes you are dealing with a vampire but there is no killing just for the sake of it like most horror films. Though this is more a love/friendship story then anything. Two lost souls find one another and try to bring some light into each ones dark world. Dark yet beautiful film.

The Dark Knight (2008)

 

As most would state Heath Ledger's Joker is one of the best performances ever; ever. That being said the film itself is amazing. Not many action films have the ability to keep not only you; aka fanboy/male, entertained but this one also kept those wifes, girlfriends, dates, or moms entertained as well. Now this could be they had more "eye candy" to look at between Bale, Ledger, and Eckhart but I think the story actually had more to do with it. I can't wait to see how this series will end.

Amelie (2001)

 

Very rarely do I go for sugary films but this one has a special place in my heart. Audrey Tautou exudes such an innocence as Amelie that you are drawn to her light like a moth. While there is a lot of chaos to the plot of the film it all falls together wonderfully. This movie reminds me of the golden age of cinema.

Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

 

This is a nice little film about two sisters who start a crime scene cleaning business. Each sister has their own demon; one still wanting to be that high school cheerleader the other trying to come to grips with their mother's death. This is a great window into the highs and lows of sisterhood. Emily Blunt gives an Oscar worthy performance in my opinion. Seek this out.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

 

Jason Voorhees with a bowl cut is how I would describe Javier Bardem in his Oscar winning role. Though the kills aren't as grisly they are as shocking. The Coen Brothers know how to write a tight script and this is easily their best. A classic cat and mouse movie shown in a different light.

The Royal Tenebaums (2001)

 

An amazing cast help turn a great script into gold in this one. Gene Hackman stars as Royal trying to get back into the lives of his ex-wife and children after discovering he has cancer. Though this family is not normal by any stretch there is an odd love between them. So many great performances; even Ben Stiller gives a good performance. Just a great subtle film about the complexity of family.

There Will Be Blood (2007)

 

One of the best performances ever; even by Daniel Day Lewis standards. His Daniel Plainview is high on my list of movie bastards. He charms you like he would a landowner in the film then flips you on your ear quicker then "I drink your milkshake". On top of the performance the film is shot wonderfully. A film that deals with how much you would sell your soul for whether it be oil or fame.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

 

What would any decade list be without a David Lynch film? This is one of his best. You are thrown into the underside of LA as you follow "Rita" and Betty on their search for "Rita's" identity. Along the way you run across many Lynchian characters interwoven into various storylines. As with any Lynch film you never know what is real or where you are truly going but that is what I love.

There you have it my favorite films of the decade. Google any you want to know more about or go to your local movie store and rent them.

Apartment For Peggy

It's been quite some time since I could post but I am back and ready to get the ball rolling again with one of my favorites Apartment For Peggy. This is an excellent post WWII era film starring William Holden, Edmund Gwenn and Jeanne Crain in the title role. I like this film for several reasons one being that there are thousands of films about war but very few showing what happens when the troops come home. Peggy gives a rare glimpse into the post war period immediately following the war.

The movie starts with the revelation that retired Professor Henry Barnes (Gwenn) plans to kill himself after finishing up some bits of work. He feels he is of no use to anyone. He tells his close friend Professor Bell about his plans and Bell naturally advises against it. Next Peggy comes upon Henry sitting in the park. She is a spitfire rambling off new age slang which captures his interest. She tells him that she and her husband Jason (Holden), a war vet using his GI Bill to attend the university, are about to become homeless. Henry tells her to get in touch with his friend Bell who runs the university housing. As she confides in him he confides in her his feeling of uselessness. She tells him in no subtle terms he needs to live; with a capital L. Once Peggy gets in touch with Bell he realizes that Henry has an attic available for use and suggest they live with him to try and help him out. Though Henry resists at first Peggy uses some of her made up statistics to sway him. From there we get the heart of the film with many twists along the way.

While the film may feel dated in places; some of Peggy's slang terms for example, it still has a story that could easily be made today and seem fresh. Of course there is very little "fresh" left in Hollywood today. Crain's Peggy is a refreshing character to see in all her make up statistics as you go glory. Her chemistry with Gwenn is excellent and you get a true feel that they are helping each other. Apartment For Peggy is a true gem that deserves more attention than it receives. Then again there are tons of quality films from that era so sometimes these diamonds fall through the cracks. I highly recommend this film,