2005: Runners Up (Top 11-20)
Here we are at last, time for the Top films of 2005. First, I have a few brief words for the list of runners up (11-20). (Many titles can be clicked for a link to my full review.)
20. KUNG FU HUSTLE
A huge creative leap forward for Filmmaker Stephen Chow is a silly, slapstick, special effects, kung fu extravaganza. Not everyone’s cup of green tea, but you’ve truly never seen another film like it.
19. THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
Opening after the wildly successful WEDDING CRASHERS, this superior comedy made a star of Steve Carell. Seth Rogan may be one of the funniest people on the planet.
18. JARHEAD
Underappreciated Sam Mendes drama was well-marketed, but may have been too cerebral for its own good. It’s an excellent portrayal of men mentally trained to kill, only to be denied the opportunity.
17. CONSTANTINE
Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz battle demons and angels in this creative funhouse featuring some of the year’s best technical qualities, and an excellent ensemble cast.
16. HUSTLE & FLOW
Writer/director Craig Brewer and star Terrence Howard (in one of the best performances you will see this decade) deliver the “street to rap” excitement we hoped for with 8 MILE.
15. WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT
The year's best film for kids of any age (4-94), Wallace & Gromit finally make it to the big screen, and it’s every bit as good as I hoped. The bunnies nearly steal the show. “Cheeessseeee!”
14. THE CONSTANT GARDENER
This global politicial murder mystery is just okay as a thriller, but it’s terrific as a portrait of two people deeply in love. Director Fernando Meirelles proved that CITY OF GOD was no fluke. He’s one of the best, most important directors we have.
13. SERENITY
Being a huge Joss Whedon fan, I actually hoped for better. Still, this sci-fi thrill ride was the great series finale “Firefly” never had. Even if you don’t know the show, Whedon’s great dialogue (delivered by a cast having the time of their lives) offers magnificent entertainment. [I’m still upset about some of the downer moments though.]
12. KING KONG
I have such misgivings about this movie. It’s flawed in the first and third hour, but the mid-section has some of the greatest adventure sequences ever put on film.
11. GRIZZLY MAN
Timothy Treadwell lived among the grizzly bears, until one night his life was taken by one. Director Werner Herzog is not in Treadwell’s corner, but lets Timothy (through video footage) tell his story and we watch in fascination as the man becomes increasingly disconnected with reality.
20. KUNG FU HUSTLE
A huge creative leap forward for Filmmaker Stephen Chow is a silly, slapstick, special effects, kung fu extravaganza. Not everyone’s cup of green tea, but you’ve truly never seen another film like it.19. THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
Opening after the wildly successful WEDDING CRASHERS, this superior comedy made a star of Steve Carell. Seth Rogan may be one of the funniest people on the planet. 18. JARHEAD
Underappreciated Sam Mendes drama was well-marketed, but may have been too cerebral for its own good. It’s an excellent portrayal of men mentally trained to kill, only to be denied the opportunity.17. CONSTANTINE
Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz battle demons and angels in this creative funhouse featuring some of the year’s best technical qualities, and an excellent ensemble cast.16. HUSTLE & FLOW
Writer/director Craig Brewer and star Terrence Howard (in one of the best performances you will see this decade) deliver the “street to rap” excitement we hoped for with 8 MILE.15. WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT
The year's best film for kids of any age (4-94), Wallace & Gromit finally make it to the big screen, and it’s every bit as good as I hoped. The bunnies nearly steal the show. “Cheeessseeee!” 14. THE CONSTANT GARDENER
This global politicial murder mystery is just okay as a thriller, but it’s terrific as a portrait of two people deeply in love. Director Fernando Meirelles proved that CITY OF GOD was no fluke. He’s one of the best, most important directors we have.13. SERENITY
Being a huge Joss Whedon fan, I actually hoped for better. Still, this sci-fi thrill ride was the great series finale “Firefly” never had. Even if you don’t know the show, Whedon’s great dialogue (delivered by a cast having the time of their lives) offers magnificent entertainment. [I’m still upset about some of the downer moments though.]12. KING KONG
I have such misgivings about this movie. It’s flawed in the first and third hour, but the mid-section has some of the greatest adventure sequences ever put on film.11. GRIZZLY MAN
Timothy Treadwell lived among the grizzly bears, until one night his life was taken by one. Director Werner Herzog is not in Treadwell’s corner, but lets Timothy (through video footage) tell his story and we watch in fascination as the man becomes increasingly disconnected with reality.
posted by Cutshaw at 1/30/2006
1 Comments:
First man, i must say that we have the same likes and dislikes about movies. We are nearly soulmates, well this sounds kinda gay, so forget it, but your list of best movies of 2005 is similar to mine. I loved Kung-Fu Hustle, Sin City, Jarhead, Serenity and many others that you selected. The only movies that i don´t agree with you is Constantine, i was very disappointed and i´m and huge Hellblazer fan, and Sympathy for lady vengeance
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