Home Theater Forum - View Single Post - HTF Top 10's of 2004: Time To Throw Down!

Jonny P · 01-13-2005, 01:18 PM

I usually stick to the software pages, but I have really enjoyed this thread.

I hope you all don't mind, but here are my picks:

1. The Passion of the Christ
Controversial or not, "The Passion of the Christ" is a beautifully crafted movie. The cinematography by Caleb Deschanel is a wonder to behold. I have viewed this film on four occasions, and I believe it to be a masterpiece. I look at most films at pieces of entertainment. Whether you share the values and beliefs that the film professes (or that its director professes), it is compelling viewing.

2. Kill Bill - Vol. 2
Our local movie critic here in Omaha didn't see either of the "Kill Bill" movies because he thought they'd be too violent (I think they need to hire a new person at the paper). "Kill Bill - Vol. 2" completes the latest Tarantino masterpiece. I must admit, I am a Tarantino fan. Vol. 2 has more of the trademark Tarantino dialogue and humor that we have become accustomed to. It is a film that is wonderfully realized and makes Vol. 1 a better film. Tarantino has the uncanny ability to take little vignettes -- sometimes material that would be considered B-movie trash -- and make it into high art. I dunno how he does it, but it is amazing. The best work Uma Thurman has ever done.

3. Miracle
This is where everyone laughs, but "Miracle" is one of the best sports movies I have seen. Kurt Russell -- often underrated -- does a solid job in his portrayal of Coach Herb Brooks (note: I had the opportunity to meet Herb Brooks and visit with him in 2000). The movie pushes all the right buttons and does a decent job creating hockey footage onscreen (not an easy task to do). Some will argue it is typical "rah-rah" Disney fare, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

4. Collateral
Tom Cruise as a likable bad guy. He has tried a "darker side" in other movies with, in my opinion, mediocre results. Michael Mann new all of the right buttons to push. There is more to this movie than meets the eye -- don't let the ending fool you. This film is really about the quiet desperation of adult males in this society when it comes to achieving dreams and goals in life. Cruise's character acts as an odd mentor to Jamie Foxx in the movie, but in the end, Foxx's life is changed (for the better) because of all he had to deal with in the film. Overall, and excellent crime drama.

5. The Life Aquatic -- With Steven Zissou
About four of us in the theatre actually found this movie funny. Personally, I love Wes Andersen's "weirdness" and I liked this movie because of it. I can safely say that I left the theatre having experienced something new -- you can say that too often. Bill Murray is a comedy genious (despite what his detractors say). It is a bit pretentious, but I thought it was compellingly bizarre.

6. Open Water
Yes, it is a low budget (really low) indie film. Very few films with a minimalistic story and budget have left me feeling "dazed" like this film did. As I sat and watched, I felt a terrific amount of anxiety. I wondered how I would react. I wondered how I would cope if put in the same situation. In all honesty, I feel that I might have reacted in a similar manner...which is very scary.

7. Spider-Man 2
I was so underwhelmed by the first "Spider-Man" that I was pretty "ho-hum" about viewing this one. The story was infinitely better in "2," and I actually wanted to see this one again after leaving the theatre. There is still something about Tobey Maquire that bothers me, but the material seemed to fit him better this time out.

8. The Incredibles
In many ways, this was the best "superhero" movie last year. The movie ran longer than most such animated fare (clocking in a nearly 2 hours), but it was nice to see Pixar do something that was (for them) actually a risk. This wasn't the typical "cute kiddie fare with some adult jokes" that they have made into an art form. The was a more fully realized (if not more serious) movie.

9.Garden State
Pure genius from Zach Braff. The relationship between Andrew and Samantha is really touching. I loved the bizarre comedy in this movie. It is really refreshing and entertaining. I missed this one at the theater, but had really wanted to see it. I have watched it three times since owning it on DVD and just love it.

10. Friday Night Lights
Billy Bob. He made a great coach in this movie. You know that a good movie has been made when you walk out of the theatre and say, "Huh...Tim McGraw was good in that." I hate to include two sports pictures (Million Dollar Baby hasn't come here yet and I will probably like that, too), but -- much like "Finding Neverland" -- the main star brings this up a level.

01-13-2005, 01:18 PM	#68 of 139
Jonny P Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 12:38 PM Local Date: 09-05-2008 Posts: 622	I usually stick to the software pages, but I have really enjoyed this thread. I hope you all don't mind, but here are my picks: 1. The Passion of the Christ Controversial or not, "The Passion of the Christ" is a beautifully crafted movie. The cinematography by Caleb Deschanel is a wonder to behold. I have viewed this film on four occasions, and I believe it to be a masterpiece. I look at most films at pieces of entertainment. Whether you share the values and beliefs that the film professes (or that its director professes), it is compelling viewing. 2. Kill Bill - Vol. 2 Our local movie critic here in Omaha didn't see either of the "Kill Bill" movies because he thought they'd be too violent (I think they need to hire a new person at the paper). "Kill Bill - Vol. 2" completes the latest Tarantino masterpiece. I must admit, I am a Tarantino fan. Vol. 2 has more of the trademark Tarantino dialogue and humor that we have become accustomed to. It is a film that is wonderfully realized and makes Vol. 1 a better film. Tarantino has the uncanny ability to take little vignettes -- sometimes material that would be considered B-movie trash -- and make it into high art. I dunno how he does it, but it is amazing. The best work Uma Thurman has ever done. 3. Miracle This is where everyone laughs, but "Miracle" is one of the best sports movies I have seen. Kurt Russell -- often underrated -- does a solid job in his portrayal of Coach Herb Brooks (note: I had the opportunity to meet Herb Brooks and visit with him in 2000). The movie pushes all the right buttons and does a decent job creating hockey footage onscreen (not an easy task to do). Some will argue it is typical "rah-rah" Disney fare, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4. Collateral Tom Cruise as a likable bad guy. He has tried a "darker side" in other movies with, in my opinion, mediocre results. Michael Mann new all of the right buttons to push. There is more to this movie than meets the eye -- don't let the ending fool you. This film is really about the quiet desperation of adult males in this society when it comes to achieving dreams and goals in life. Cruise's character acts as an odd mentor to Jamie Foxx in the movie, but in the end, Foxx's life is changed (for the better) because of all he had to deal with in the film. Overall, and excellent crime drama. 5. The Life Aquatic -- With Steven Zissou About four of us in the theatre actually found this movie funny. Personally, I love Wes Andersen's "weirdness" and I liked this movie because of it. I can safely say that I left the theatre having experienced something new -- you can say that too often. Bill Murray is a comedy genious (despite what his detractors say). It is a bit pretentious, but I thought it was compellingly bizarre. 6. Open Water Yes, it is a low budget (really low) indie film. Very few films with a minimalistic story and budget have left me feeling "dazed" like this film did. As I sat and watched, I felt a terrific amount of anxiety. I wondered how I would react. I wondered how I would cope if put in the same situation. In all honesty, I feel that I might have reacted in a similar manner...which is very scary. 7. Spider-Man 2 I was so underwhelmed by the first "Spider-Man" that I was pretty "ho-hum" about viewing this one. The story was infinitely better in "2," and I actually wanted to see this one again after leaving the theatre. There is still something about Tobey Maquire that bothers me, but the material seemed to fit him better this time out. 8. The Incredibles In many ways, this was the best "superhero" movie last year. The movie ran longer than most such animated fare (clocking in a nearly 2 hours), but it was nice to see Pixar do something that was (for them) actually a risk. This wasn't the typical "cute kiddie fare with some adult jokes" that they have made into an art form. The was a more fully realized (if not more serious) movie. 9.Garden State Pure genius from Zach Braff. The relationship between Andrew and Samantha is really touching. I loved the bizarre comedy in this movie. It is really refreshing and entertaining. I missed this one at the theater, but had really wanted to see it. I have watched it three times since owning it on DVD and just love it. 10. Friday Night Lights Billy Bob. He made a great coach in this movie. You know that a good movie has been made when you walk out of the theatre and say, "Huh...Tim McGraw was good in that." I hate to include two sports pictures (Million Dollar Baby hasn't come here yet and I will probably like that, too), but -- much like "Finding Neverland" -- the main star brings this up a level.