Friday, February 4, 2011

A Decade of My Best Movie

This decade is the best decade for movies. The special effect industry goes nuts and the average movie gross revenue jump very high compared to the previous year. Yes, no one beat Titanic (except Avatar), but overall, the top 10 of highest gross revenue goes to 2000s. And the best part is those top 10s are mostly special effect heavy movie. Here are the list of my 2000s best movie. Its a very hard choice, so lots of good movies cant make to my list. And yes, its MY list. If you're not happy with it, make your own damn list! ;)


10. Batman Begins (2005)
This probably is the first Batman movie that has a very serious moment. I like the idea how Nolan brought the early years of Batman, before he turned up into Batman. The reasons why Batman exist was never explained. before this movie This filled the hole why Batman exist, what's his purpose, and the best part, why he picked the Bat symbol. And yes, no ridiculously weird weapon like the previous Batman series. The composition between the action and thrill is perfect. Cinematography is well done and the storyline is  so tense yet believable. A perfect example of a darker Batman.The only thing that holds this apart is nothing from this movie shines that much. Everything is average (ly good), but not the best.


9. 300 (2006)
Amazing visual effect, with artistic scene and photography makes this movie shines. The story is a little bit above average, but the way it presented was marvelous. This probably still holds the crown of artistic special effect that says special effect doesn't always have to be realistic. What impressed me the most is how they play with colors to expose the brutality. The combination of black, red, and brownish gold is perfect. My only complain is the pace is a little bit slow and the character, just like any other Gerald Butler movie, was over-expressed. Sometimes it looks like a joke rather than a serious conversation.


8. Up (2010)
The thing I love about pixar is they are clever enough to exploit a cartoon character. This probably the best animation movie in this decade (yes, even compared to Toy Story 3). How it brings the audience emotion up and down is brilliant. Put that with a great 3D technique, this movie is top notch for an animation movie I've ever seen. Colorful world with a believably funny character brought me to a fun and sad world.


7. The Hurt Locker (2008)
I think this is the only drama movie that will reach the list. I love this movie because it has a deep meaning. Some people always thought that the good guy is the one who kicks Iraqis bomber. But the last scene where he talked to his baby explained everything. He's the guy who believe he can help other people even when the war torn them apart. It's a perfect movie to show that there are some people still believe that they can make the world a better place. And it doesn't have to be killing the 'bad guys'. The pace is a little bit too slow in the beginning, but I'm amazed how the characters were built throughout the movie. Its really hard to digest the movie judging from the first half, but at the second half, I can't find any other drama movie that can bring so much conflict. 


6. Transformers (2007)
Some say this is more a special effect portfolio than a movie. Well, I can't blame them. While its hard to accept the scenario seriously, we have to admit that Michael Bays brilliant idea transforming Transformers into a more complicated object than its predecessor. Plus how he added military style action with it is brilliant. It's a perfect eye candy and enjoyable with a brain shut down. If only he worked more on the script. Its not that ugly, it's just hard to accept so much laughable conversation when the world is under alien attack.


5. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Ridley Scott is a maestro in war movie. The best part of Ridley is he knows the perfect point of view to make the action enjoyable yet not too chaotic. Probably the best Army-Based movie I've ever seen, not too cocky manly type of army, but not to whiny. The action is just right with a drama stories weight the movie alot. What impressed me the most is the sound of the guns. It's so awesome that every time I watch this movie, I put my head set and set it to the max. The sound of guns, explosion, and most important the choppers, are so great.


4. Taken (2008)
"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will Kill you!" Yes, thats how cool it is.


3. Avatar (2009)
Avatar is an awesome movie, no one doubt that. Nice special effect, nice story, great actors, the list goes on. Probably most of you asked why this is not number 1. Well, for me the pace is kinda slow. Its hard to enjoy Avatar over and over again without skipping to the best part.


2. Star Wars 3: Revenge of The Sith (2005)
Execute Order 66. End of explanation!


1. Star Trek (2009)
Surprise surprise! Yes, I really love this movie. The story is good, the pacing is right, and the effect is adequately nice (yes, Mr. Bay, quality over quantity!). Its a movie I'd like to watch over and over again without getting bored. I love how JJ Abrams treated the Star Trek franchise so it does not look that geek. A little joke here and there, but the pace of the story is fast enough so you won't get bored in the middle. When I first saw the pre-production image, I cant believe it would be that good. I mean, cmon, Harold from Harold and Kumar series, on a Star Trek Movie? But when I saw the movies, wow! This is the best treat to any Star Trek fans. Kudos to JJ Abrams!

Honorably Mention:
Munich (2005), Analyze That! (2002), America's Sweetheart (2001), The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Monster Inc. (2001), Balls of Fury (2007), The Island (2005), Paranormal Activity (2007), Lord of The Ring: Return of The King (2003), The Last Samurai (2003), I am Legend (2007), The Passion of The Christ (2004), Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hoy Jos.
Interesting list. This is obviously extremely subjective.
Some of them I don't agree on at all!

:)

I don't think transformers got anything to do on that list.

I would probably swap it with 28 days later. Also.. Star Wars III? dude.. it was the best of the three new ones.. but still.

I think i would add Hotel Rwanda to the list. Not so much for how "good" it is, but because of the impact it did on me.

Another film which would have to go on my list is Mulholland Drive. A film that needs at least 3 viewings before you can start to "understand" it.

Anyways.. thanks for the list Jos :)

- Eirik