Here is a list I made on IMDB.com (Internet Movie Database) awhile ago. I want to use this as a checklist for reviews to write on this blog. I have already done some, but hope to get to all of them eventually.
The portion I wrote (which are all short summaries) for each film is surrounded in quotation marks and in bold faced italics.
Enjoy….
The Top 10 Best Films of the 2000-2009 Decade
Here are the 10 films I deem to be worthy of representing the 2000-2009 decade. Maybe not the best films of the era per se, but more a map of the cinema that occupied the decade. If nothing else, it’s a recommendation list; thank you for reading….
1.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and more than two million dollars in cash near the Rio Grande. (122 mins.)
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
“ Saw it 15 times in the theater alone! Sometimes there is a film that comes out at the right moment(s) in your life causing it to be your favorite all-time film! Although he is an awful human being, Anton Chigurh (Best Supporting Actor winner Javier Bardem) is one of the greatest characters in cinema history! ” – bamwake-1
2.
The Hurt Locker (2008)
During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work. (131 mins.)
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
“ In this near perfect masterpiece, Jeremy Renner gives us one of the greatest performances of the past 25 years! Renner plays Sgt. Will James, the best bomb disposal expert the army has to offer, but that sometimes comes at the emotional expense of James, as he resolves the lines between compulsion and duty. What a stunning film! ” – bamwake-1
3.
Almost Famous (2000)
A high-school boy is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone Magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies it on their concert tour. (122 mins.)
Director: Cameron Crowe
“ Quite simply one of the greatest most fun films ever made! Never a dull moment in Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story about a boy posing as a man to experience life through music! Try NOT hugging yourself through this one! ”– bamwake-1
4.
In America (2002)
A family of Irish immigrants adjust to life on the mean streets of Hell’s Kitchen while also grieving the death of a child. (105 mins.)
Director: Jim Sheridan
“ Watching this Irish family of 4 settle in to New York City in the early 1980s is only one of the many joys in this beautiful film! Displaying the difficulties many immigrants in the USA have faced, we get to learn that the world is truly a melting pot and not one person can make it through on their own! Although the plot is important, it’s more important for you to take it in as it happens…. One of the most emotional films I have had the pleasure of viewing! ” – bamwake-1
5.
Oldboy (2003)
After being kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in 5 days. (120 mins.)
Director: Chan-wook Park
“ What a film-watching experience! Forget about the plot, and focus on how this mesmerizing film makes you feel! A revenge quest that brilliantly juxtaposes our hero’s mental anguish for payback with his physical determination to not be stopped! A rarity to be sure! ” – bamwake-1
6.
Michael Clayton (2007)
A law firm brings in its “fixer” to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit.(119 mins.)
Director: Tony Gilroy
“ Clooney plays the titular role in one his best performances! Here he gives us a top law firm’s “fixer” who endures an onslaught of problems, both personal and work related; sometimes it’s hard for him to distinguish between the two…this is truly a unique thriller! ” – bamwake-1
7.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional. (132 mins.)
Director: Clint Eastwood
“ This Best Picture winner teaches us that even if dreams are realized, there is always the full scope of fate with which to contend….A heavy film with a stellar cast, Million Dollar Baby is a masterpiece that stretches to all fullfilled and unfulfilled corners of a life. ” – bamwake-1
8.
The Dark Knight (2008)
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, the caped crusader must come to terms with one of the greatest psychological tests of his ability to fight injustice. (152 mins.)
Director: Christopher Nolan
“ One of the few films in recent history to deliver on all the advertised hype! Great performances by all (especially the late Heath Ledger’s Joker) which help to provide a deep examination in to the dark realities of our favorite superheo! Strap in for this scary rollercoaster ride! ” – bamwake-1
9.
In the Bedroom (2001)
A New England couple’s college-aged son dates an older woman who has two small children and an unwelcome ex-husband. (130 mins.)
Director: Todd Field
“ A dark film with a tremendous cast about how a married couple deals with personal tragedy in a small Maine town. With its measured pace and a little misdirection of tone, this film allows for you to get to intimately know the characters and also genuinely care about their feelings and actions. It’s a rare thing when a film implicates you in the attitudes and behavior of its characters; this one will keep you thinking for awhile…. ” – bamwake-1
10.
Junebug (2005)
A dealer in “outsider” art travels from Chicago to North Carolina to meet her new in-laws, challenging the equilibrium of this middle class Southern home. (106 mins.)
Director: Phil Morrison
“ If nothing else, this brilliant indy gave us our lovely Amy Adams. Although it’s not her first film, it did yield her first Oscar nomination and as Ashley she (sweetly) shows us there’s always a reason to come home….!! ” – bamwake-1