Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Best movies of this decade?

I was talking to my friend Craig who runs a decent blog over here called TV Babies. In one of our discussions he said he doesn't think there are really any great movies this decade. I'm not exactly sure what I think. So with this decade coming to a close it's time to look back.

Now are many of these movies going to be classics going forward? Not all, but some definitely will. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, for example, I think will always be recognized until I am old. But I started thinking about others and doing some research since my memory isn't the best.

One thing I came across is this list from Paste Magazine.

I also came across this discussion from a message board I follow

Well, I'm thinking of turning it over to my loyal reader, (Yes singular) but also anyone else that may stumble upon this blog (after I post it on my facebook and twitter).

I will list some that I definitely agree with right now, but as far as my own personal rankings from 50-1 or whatever, I cannot do that right now. So in no particular order:
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Just a perfect Trilogy. If you haven't seen it, come on over to my apartment on New Years Day where I always go there and back again as a hangover cure.
Inglourious Basterds - Only saw this once so far, but was shocked and amazed by the maturity Tarantino showed, and the story.
Mulholland Drive - Amazing. Even if I'm still not sure I fully understand it.
The Prestige - The twist of Usual Suspects, the weirdness of mulholland, great acting, fun story. See it!
City of God - Haunting, but fantastic film about Brazilian Gangs
Pans Labrynth - Not what I expected when I saw it. And that was a good thing.
Memento - Nothing will beat the first time watching this. Trying to put the pieces togethers.
Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2 (For very different reasons) - The first one for the fun and action, the second one for the story. I love Tarantino
Anything Pixar (mostly Incredibles, Up and Wall E) - Great for all ages for different reasons
Sin City - Visually stunning.
Donnie Darko - Diet Lynch. I've seen this movie 3 times in the theater, who knows how many times at home. Dream Halloween outfit: Frank the Bunny
There Will Be Blood - Epic. For some reason it sticks in your mind.
Magnolia - Two PT Anderson movies. Not a coincidence.
Sunshine - Am I the only one that likes this Heart of Darkness-ish film?
Waking Life (was that this decade?) - A little talky, but still amazing. The content and visuals.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A little sad, but a great way to tell a story.
The Departed - A perfect crime film, and it does not follow many conventions.
Royal Tennenbaums - Fun script. Owen Wilson makes this movie.
Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Didn't like it the first time, but gets better each time I watch it.
Dark Knight - Not quite a perfect comic book movie, but close.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - Great script, fun movie, and Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. looking like they are having the most fun since the 80s.
40 Year Old Virgin or Forgetting Sarah Marshall - Great, great comedies.
Requiem for a Dream - A difficult movie to watch, but that doesn't mean it isn't fantastic.
Cache - Watched this one morning. Different than most anything you have ever seen.
O Brother Where Art Thou? - Simply amazing. More fun than most movies you will eve see.

I'm starting to run out of movies and I'm sure that I have forgotten some of my favorites, but I think there are some actual GREAT films on this list as well as some that I know only I like. But what does everyone else think?

Fire back in my comments section. What do you like? What do you not like? Are there any GREAT films of this decade or just some "good movies"?

3 comments:

Rabbit said...

Probing!!

I have to insist that Lost In Translation be included, even though you claim to dislike it.

Also missed:
Amelie
Dancer In the Dark
Moulin Rouge (too fun to get dissed from the list!)
American Splendor
Sin City (not the most compelling story(s) but nothing has ever looked like it and everything that follows will be a sad ripoff)
Watchmen (the sheer effort and success in recreating the classic novel alone makes it list-worthy)
High Fidelity
Whale Rider (I just cried from even typing its title)
Man On Wire
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (I noticed you only listed it once so far)

There's more, of course... so hard to think on the spot and you definitely captured most of the prominent films.

cRAIG said...

never really got into Lord of the Rings, yet agree it's an impressive trilogy. still say The Dark Knight is overrated: it's a good film with a great performance from Heath Ledger. i actually prefer the subtlety of Batman Returns...

The Station Agent is my favorite film you didn't mention, followed by No Country for Old Men. i'm right with you on the Pixar favorites. and you definitely like current Tarantino more than i do, although i do plan on checking out Inglorious Basterds. discussion to be continued...

cRAIG said...

decent?