A work in progress
Top 10 of 1999
10 - Arlington Road - Along with American Beauty, this film taught us that all in suburbia may not be as it seems. Along with the Sixth Sense, it provided a surprising and effective conclusion. Carried by the award worthy Tim Robbins, Arlington Road was chilling, effective thriller that makes you look twice at the person across the street or fence from you
9 - The Matrix - Proving that effects-laden shoot ‘em ups can have a brain too, The Matrix stood the test of summer’s blockbusters and winter’s media darlings. It’s effective message and beautiful, stunning visuals will stay with you long into the next millenium (still shuddering on how a Keanu movie makes my Top 10, stock up on the water and beans now!)
8 - The Insider - A simple tale of the effects that the truth can have, Michael Mann took what could’ve been a heavy handed droll docudrama, and turned into a truly compelling piece of film. I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation, suspense, frustration (along with the characters) and admiration for the performances.
7 - Toy Story 2 - So much more than just a cartoon, this is the prototype for an animated film. It is filled with visual pleasures, as well as an intelligent script and powerful emotional messages. The House of the Mouse does it again.
6 - Run Lola Run - Mix together the X-Files, Sliding Doors and some exercise videos, move it to Germany, then stir some philosphical implications regarding fate and decisions, and you would just begin to scratch the surface of this unique masterpiece. It features the best editing and cinematography of the year, as well as impassioned, emotional performances from the leads. Take the time to read along and follow the running Lola!
5 - October Sky - The best family film of the year This is one for everyone to see, mothers, fathers, children who dream of more, adults who dreamt of more, everyone. An inspirational, uplifting tale about believing in, chasing, and following your dreams. This movie is an inspiration and will make you want to look to the stars and dream of what can be, then strive as best you can to do it. It gets inside you, becomes a part of you.
4 - Red Violin - A chillingly, powerful and beautiful tale following the journey of one instrument. This movie was filled with beautiful scenery, music, performances, and moral message about passion, greed, lust, and love. All taught by one magical instrument, through 500 years. See this one, and let your eyes, and mind be tantalized and satisfied.
3 - Blair Witch Project - This was a love/hate experience for most filmgoers, and I was one who absolutely loved it. Opening new cinematic doors, via filming style, Blair Witch further demonstrated that the thing we fear the most, is what we cannot see. It scares you from the inside out, by making you think, feel and associate with the cast. If Hitchcock would’ve had a camcorder, he’d have made this film.
2 - American Beauty - I did look closer at this one, and am so glad that I did. It is the years most powerful, darkly comic, yet creepily realistic look at suburbia, societal pressures, expectations and coping with the world around us. A masterful ensemble cast, headed by Kevin Spacey, and newcomer Wes Bentley make American Beauty a film for the ages.
1 - The Sixth Sense - Not only was this the biggest cinematic surprise of the year, but in my opinion, it was the best thing on the big screen. Its hauntingly simplistic ghost story, carried by the best acting performance of the year, and the most memorable line (still chills me when I hear "I see dead people"). This movie is further proof that you don’t need blood, guts and gore, to be able to send chills down your spine
Just missed the list: Three Kings, Man On The Moon, Fight Club, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
This list will be a work in progress until I can see those movies that I still need to. Then my complete analysis of the year will be posted
My movie stats for 1999.
Number of movies I saw: 74
Number of 1999 releases 65
- In Theater: 55
- On Video: 10
Number of 1998 releases: 9
- In
Theater 6
- On
Video: 3
Average rating: 2.62
Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?
