The 2000's are coming to a close and everyone and their brother is compiling their list of the best films since the turn of the century. Most of these lists stink. If I see another best of list that has Tropic Thunder or The Dark Knight on it, I am going to scream. Face it kids, The Dark Knight is one of the most overrated films ever released. Obviously, it will make my list of the most over-rated films of the 2000's.
I've compiled my own list of the best films of the decade. If you're going through the list and find yourself disagreeing with any of my choices, remember the following before you comment:
You're wrong.
Is this a flawed movie? Yes. It has its problems. It also is a moving film and represents one of the best "Christian" productions of the decade.
This film avoids heavy handed sermonizing and relies on its characters to deliver the message - just like a movie should.Eduardo Verástegui and Tammy Blanchard (Stealing Harvard) star in this story about a former soccer player Jose who comes to the aid of Nina, a newly unemployed and pregnant woman.
The script by writer director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde and Patrick Million and Leo Severino develops the relationship between these two characters and gives them a reason to fall in love. The touching relationship at the center of the film, along with a powerful final act makes this a production I highly recommend.
#49. Spider-Man (2002)
Easily the best superhero film of recent memory. Where Christopher Nolan's Batman is a grumbling crank and Bryan Singer's X-Men are too busy being symbolic, Sam Raimi breathes life into The Electric Company's star cast member. Raimi takes his subject seriously but keeps his tongue firmly in cheek, never forgetting the whole point is to thrill the audience while delivering an amusing tale.The casting of Tobey Maguire was a perfect move. Maguire's aw-shucks persona fits perfectly with the awkward Peter Parker as he slowly comes to terms with his new found super powers. This is a origin/coming of age story that manages to hit the right tone and bring the audience into the wonder of Parker's new world.
David Mamet writes a martial arts movie? How does that work out? Glen Garry Glen Ross meets Kickboxer? Not quite. Mamet delivers what I believe to be his strongest script in twenty years.Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a dedicated jujitsu instructor is lured into professional competition even though it goes against his values. Ejiofor gives one of the best lead performances of 2008 as the conflicted mixed-martial artists. Not only does he meet the challenge of performing Mamet's complicated character, he also handles the complex physical work convincingly. The mix of great script and gifted actor makes this a must see - in particular for guys.
Cautions: Language, violence
Denzel Washington commands this film about the rise of a razor sharp drug lord. Following the death of his neighborhood's boss, Frank Lucas (Washington) works out a scheme to run heroin out of South Asia and onto the streets of New York.As Lucas' fortunes rise, so does his profile. On the other end of spectrum, Richie Roberts, a narcotics investigator with a crumbling private life compiles a team to hunt Lucas down.
Director Ridley Scott balances the two sides of the law and the two competing story lines. This is not a simple feat. Scott also draws out memorable performances out of both Washington and Crowe.
Cautions: Excessive violence, drug use, language
Five missionaries engage the isolated Waodani tribe at a time when the tribe was embroiled in violent attacks against one another. The Stone Age tribe would kill and torture over nothing and the introduction of missionaries into this situation led to tragedy. Each of the five missionaries were slaughtered by the Waodani.Over the course of their lifetimes, the wives and children of the murdered missionaries not only returned to interact with the Waodani, but they lived among them. The families of the slain missionaries don't just preach their faith, they practice it.
This is a thoughtful and carefully paced documentary. The Christian elements may give non-believers pause but I assure you that even atheists can be moved by this true story.
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