#5 - "Signs" (2002) - Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. I wish I'd had a chance to review "Signs" after I saw it the weekend it came out, because this is a top-notch psychological thriller. Mel Gibson finds crop circles in his field and becomes the last one in his family to finally be convinced of what everyone was afraid of. A thrilling and chilling story, "Signs" doesn't try to distract us with special effects. Rather it tries (successfully) to keep us alert, keeping our eyes and ears wide open. "Signs" is a rare achievement: a film which was billed as a thriller and actually had me a tad creeped out. Not reviewed (yet).
#4 - "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001) - Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow. Directed by Wes Anderson. This is a controversial choice, since most people I know who saw it didn't like it at all. But I really think that this is one of the most imaginative, smart, and delightfully quirky movies that I've seen. Gene Hackman is Royal Tenenbaum, who, after 22 years of abscence, tricks his unusual family into believing that he is dying so that they will give him somewhere to stay. While staying with his family, Royal bonds with his grandchildren while trying to convince everyone else to forgive him. Anderson tells a considerably strange tale with a brilliant screenplay (co-written by Owen Wilson) resulting in a funny, intelligent, and touching masterpiece. Read the full review.
#3 - "Wonder Boys" (2000) - Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Robert Downey, Jr., Frances McDormand. Directed by Curtis Hanson. A book about a writer made into a charming and hilarious film by Curtis Hanson. The writer/engilsh teacher is Grady Tripp, played by Michael Douglas, and he is having one hell of a weekend. His editor is asking for a new book, seven years overdue, his wife has left him, his married girlfriend is pregnant, his car is stolen, and his manic depressive star student has comitted a felony and is hiding out with Professor Tripp. Terrific screenwriting here, not to mention an exceptional performance by Tobey Maguire. One of the best college movies ever made. Review coming soon.
#2 - "The Filth and the Fury" (2000) - Documentary with interview footage of John Lydon, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock. Directed by Julian Temple. A stunning documentary concerning quintessential punk rock band, the Sex Pistols. Revealing interviews, concert footage, and other archives document the fascinating story of the legendary group that self-destructed as quickly as they found success. Funny, energetic, sad, and beautiful all at the same time. Not reviewed (yet).
#1 - "High Fidelity" (2000) - John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso. Directed by Stephen Frears. What can I say about "High Fidelity" except that this is one of my favorite movies of all time. This is a perfect movie for rock music fans, as well as fans of great comedy. John Cusack plays Rob Gordon, a record store owner who feels his present love life is being haunted by his all-time top 5 most memorable breakups. Jack Black and Todd Louiso are hilarious as Rob's employees, and we see some impressive performances from Tim Robbins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Iben Hjejle. Rob narrates straight into the camera, making the audience into a player in a simply brilliant movie, spawned from an equally brilliant book by Nick Hornby (also the author of "About a Boy"). Review coming soon.
What did you think? Well, if you did think something, please e-mail me at morecowbell@msn.com. Thanks for stopping by.
