The 10 Best Movies of 2005 (so far)
I’ve been able to spend many afternoons at movie theaters over my summer vacation. Here’s a list of the 10 movies that i’ve enjoyed the most so far this year.
Murderball - This documentary is one of the most entertaining films i’ve seen in a long time. It’s the kind of movie that after you see it, you want to tell everyone you know to check it out. Murderball follows the lives of Olympic quadriplegic rugby players as they prepare to compete. It’s funny, sad and very moving. Hands down, the best movie so far this year.
Batman Begins - Christian Bale is a perfect Bruce Wayne. This Batman sets a new bar for future superhero movies. From casting to the look of the film, they got everything right. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about who’s going to play The Joker in the next movie. I’m rooting for Sean Penn. That would be…how you say?…super awesome.
Sin City - I watched this a second time recently and it amazed me again. Almost everything about Sin City kicks ass, especially the Marv character. I love the pacing of that first half hour.
Melinda and Melinda - I’m so glad that Woody Allen finally made a good movie again.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - If you haven’t seen this yet, go see it, but clear your head of any expectations tied to the excellent Gene Wilder version first. I love the older movie. This movie may contain the same story elements as that one, but it’s its own movie. Tim Burton’s version is visually arresting. The new Oompa-Loompas’ songs are very cool. Johnny Depp works well as Wonka. It also is very clever and probably worth a few repeat viewing to take it all in. My favorite line of the movie is from Wonka talking to the children as they enter the room with the chocolate water falls, “Everything in this room is eatable. In fact, even I am eatable. But that, my dear children, is called cannibalism which is in fact frowned upon in most societies”. Good stuff. I was lucky enough to see the movie a few weeks back while in Chicago at an IMAX theater. It was a great experience. The sound and picture quality were fantastic. I’d highly recommend it.
Hustle and Flow - The story about a pimp trying to go legit through chasing his dream to be a rapper is quite engaging. This is easily one of the best acted films i’ve seen in some time.
Me, You and Everyone We Know - I saw this last night. It’s a strange, kind of uncomfortable but ultimately charming movie. It’s tone is similar to Todd Solondz’ films, but nowhere near as dark. There’s a scene in this that had me laughing so hard i started crying. I can’t remember the last time that happened.
Layer Cake - If you like Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, you’ll want to give this movie a look. It has a similar feel to it. It’s a fun movie.
Kung Fu Hustle - Crazy chaotic action sequences fused with silly slapstick humor. I haven’t seen anything like it before. It was another fun time at the movies.
Crash - Sandra Bullock and Brendan Fraser in a good movie? Believe it. Crash is a fascinating movie about racial stereotypes.
Posted by chuck at August 9, 2005 5:29 PM
