Hey all! The resident movie junkie is here now (after having seen all the 2002 films he planned to) to share his thoughts on the memorable of 2002. Anything that deserves to be remembered or to get some recognition will hopefully be mentioned. If you see something I forgot, it's probably because I didn't personally see the movie. If you did and you liked it, mention it! Peace!
Outstanding Films 25th Hour Adaptation The Pianist Chicago Gangs of New York About Schmidt Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Bowling For Columbine Changing Lanes About A Boy Insomnia Road To Perdition Catch Me If You Can Minority Report
Outstanding Male Performances Edward Norton [25th Hour] Barry Pepper [25th Hour] Dennis Quaid [The Rookie] Nicolas Cage [Adaptation] Chris Cooper [Adaptation] Willem Dafoe [Spider-Man] Adrien Brody [The Pianist] Robin Williams [One Hour Photo] Richard Gere [Chicago] John C. Reilly [Chicago] Daniel Day-Lewis [Gangs of New York] Jack Nicholson [About Schmidt] Andy Serkis [Lord of the Rings: Two Towers] Ben Affleck [Changing Lanes] Samuel L. Jackson [Changing Lanes] Mel Gibson [We Were Soldiers] Hugh Grant [About A Boy] Al Pacino [Insomnia] Robin Williams [Insomnia] Tom Hanks [Road To Perdition] Paul Newman [Road To Perdition] Jude Law [Road To Perdition] Christopher Walken [Catch Me If You Can] Leonardo Dicaprio [Catch Me If You Can] Tom Cruise [Minority Report]
Outstanding Music Terence Blanchard [25th Hour] John Williams [Star Wars - Episode II: Attack of the Clones] Chicago Howard Shore [Gangs of New York] Howard Shore [LOTR: The Two Towers] 8 Mile Badly Drawn Boy [About A Boy] Thomas Newman [Road To Perdition] John Williams [Catch Me If You Can]
Outstanding Direction Spike Lee [25th Hour] M. Night Shyamalan [Signs] Sam Raimi [Spider-Man] Roman Polanski [The Pianist] Rob Marshall [Chicago] Martin Scorsese [Gangs of New York] Alexander Payne [About Schmidt] Peter Jackson [LOTR: The Two Towers] Michael Moore [Bowling For Columbine] Christopher Nolan [Insomnia] Steven Spielberg [Minority Report] Steven Spielberg [Catch Me If You Can]
Outstanding Screenplays David Benioff [25th Hour] M. Night Shyamalan [Signs] Charlie & Donald Kaufman [Adaptation] Brett Hanley [Frailty] Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor [About Schmidt] Peter Jackson & co. [LOTR: The Two Towers] Peter Hedge, Chris & Paul Weitz [About A Boy]
EDIT: Added stuff.
(edited by Freeway420 on 1.2.03 1650) Remember: No-selling makes Baby Jesus cry.
The Flames: 17-24-7-3 [All-Star Break] Bragging Rights: TheBucsFan (Go Bucs!)
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Spirited Away Igby Goes Down The Hours Y Tu Mama Tambien Far From Heaven Road to Perdition Auto Focus
"No one's ever done a movie about flowers before. So there are no guidelines." "What about "Flowers for Algernon"?" "Well, that's not about flowers. And it's not a movie." "Ok, I'm sorry, I never saw it." -- Adaptation
Okay, I don't usually pimp my own columns here, but check out MY Year In Review here. Covers everything I wanted to say about the year's films, and a few tidbits about last year's stinkers (including Frailty, which I HATED HATED HATED).
odessasteps-is Igby Goes Down worth purchasing on DVD? I've heard nothing but good things about Culkin The Second's performance, but I'm wondering if it's a worthwhile buy overall; I need to see it at some point, but I'm torn as to whether or not to own it or not.
Oh, and I really do not grasp the love for About A Boy. I know our American friends eat up quaint British things with a spoon, but this really wasn't anything spectacular by any standard; an enjoyable two hours or so, most certainly, but not plaudit-worthy.
And Freeway, I hereby challenge you for title of Resident Movie Junkie. (edited by oldschoolhero on 1.2.03 1512)
(edited by oldschoolhero on 1.2.03 1514)
"Here's the thing: I don't give a tupenny f*ck about your moral conundrum, you meatheaded shit-sack. That's pretty much the thing." Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill "The Butcher" Cutting, Gangs Of New York. You'd be surprised at how many statements this can be used as a response to.
I think it is. It ended up in my Top Ten list, although with the cavaet that I've not yet seen The Hours or some of the indy stuff from the beginning of the year, like the Inuit movie whose title I can never remember correctly.
Caulkin is okay. I mean, everyone's got a little Holden Caufield in them. Goldblum is pretty good in it; also good are Amanda Peet and Claire Danes.
"No one's ever done a movie about flowers before. So there are no guidelines." "What about "Flowers for Algernon"?" "Well, that's not about flowers. And it's not a movie." "Ok, I'm sorry, I never saw it." -- Adaptation
have you seen The Hours yet? In hindsight I somewhat regret my shortchanging of Far from heaven, but The Hours-not at all. It's a thoroughly enjoyable film, but as I said it felt like it had "OSCAR" stamped all over it. Sometimes the worthiness of a film can blind you to it's faults, and The Hours is one of those cases; it can be preachy, dull and INCREDIBLY slow-moving. It's got tons of good intentions, sure, but I'd imagine that Michael Cimino had good intentions when he sat down to edit together Heaven's Gate.
Good top ten list. Y Tu Mama Tambien I felt was slightly overrated (pretty much a coming-of-age movie in fancy wrapping), and unfortunately I have not yet had the opportunity to witness Spirited Away or Adaptation, being a Brit and all. Gratifying to see that we agree on top dog, tho. ;)
(edited by oldschoolhero on 1.2.03 1539)
"Here's the thing: I don't give a tupenny f*ck about your moral conundrum, you meatheaded shit-sack. That's pretty much the thing." Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill "The Butcher" Cutting, Gangs Of New York. You'd be surprised at how many statements this can be used as a response to.
Originally posted by oldschoolheroAnd Freeway, I hereby challenge you for title of Resident Movie Junkie.
You can't do that!
"You can't treat the working man this way! One day, we'll form a union and get the fair and equitable treatment we deserve! Then we'll go too far, and get corrupt and shiftless...and the Japanese will eat us alive!" Last Exit To Springfield
Well, maybe I'll just get a FANCY website gig like you and Oddessasteps! Excuse me for being a kid who works as a projectionist in Canada's #1 chain of movie theatres and loves movies!
Actually, the website gig would be pretty swank...
F420
Remember: No-selling makes Baby Jesus cry.
The Flames: 17-24-7-3 [All-Star Break] Bragging Rights: TheBucsFan (Go Bucs!)
The Japanese? Those sandal-wearing goldfish-tenders? P'shaw!
"Here's the thing: I don't give a tupenny f*ck about your moral conundrum, you meatheaded shit-sack. That's pretty much the thing." Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill "The Butcher" Cutting, Gangs Of New York. You'd be surprised at how many statements this can be used as a response to.
I'm probably seeing The Hours tomorrow (with such things as futbol cluttering up Sunday afternoons). I've been putting it off, but I guess I need to finally see it.
I don't remember if I mentioned it here, but Gangs probably cemented # 1 with its (still unconfirmed) homage to Battleship Potemkin in the film's last quarter.
BTW, the Chuck Barris movie will be in the Top Five when I update the list. I still wonder if Soderburgh didn't secretly direct it. (Holy Christian Nyby, Batman!)
I do really want to see the Don Quixote movie. I love Gilliam and I love trainwreck film productions.
"No one's ever done a movie about flowers before. So there are no guidelines." "What about "Flowers for Algernon"?" "Well, that's not about flowers. And it's not a movie." "Ok, I'm sorry, I never saw it." -- Adaptation
Odessa: Lost in La Mancha is excellent. Best look at a movie production on the edge of failure since "Hearts of Darkness". You just want to pull your own hair out watching as everything that could go wrong does for Gilliam.
Torchslasher foiled me this time, but I shall get him next time!*maniacal laughter*
I like movies as well, all kinds from documentaries, blockbusters and foreign. Here's some that hasn't been mentioned too much that I think needs some recognition.
Blockbuster that delivered - Spiderman -This delivered in so many aspects. It had great action and interesting characters. Great casting also. The only minor problem I had was some fight scene were too video game like but other then that a perfect summer blockbuster.
I watched it doubt you did - 13 Conversations about One Thing. -Movie came and went without much hype at all. I loved it. Such a smart piece. It's 4 stories going on at the same time but all the character have some little connection to other characters. Great cast and stories. It got a huge ovation at the theatre I was in when it ended.
My surprise hit - The Ring -Changing lanes was surprisingly good but for me the biggest shockingly great movie was The Ring, especially after the Ring worked with WWE to hype the movie so well (sorry most WWE hyped movies are bad. lol). Naomi Watts is spectacular, she was the full focus of the movie and she made it. I thought she was best actress nomination good, of course she won't get it because people watched this movie and she didn't try to make herself look ugly. Also this movie had one of the best false finish that I've seen in a long time. Before you die go see the Ring, actually don't wait that long go rent it when the video comes out in a month. I saw it months ago and it still memorable now.
Either loved it or loathed it - Frailty -I loved it, it came out really early 2002 so it might be forgotten now. I found it very creepy. Nice double swerve at the end. One I saw coming the other I didn't.
Best dumb Comedy - Austin Powers 3 -I'm a fan of the series, I think this held up pretty well. Undercover Brother was very entertaining as well.
Documentary that wasn't about guns - The Comedian -Bowling for Columbine is my favorite documentary but I also loved the Comedian. I'm a Jerry Seinfeld mark, so following him is a good thing, hearing some of his new material is enjoyable and seeing him interact with other comedians vets and youngsters. It was also great them following a hot shot young comedian and how he operates especially when he is invited to the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal and if the crowd doesn't react to his stuff how he blames everyone & everything else but his.
Kinda foreign documentary but they speak English so it's not really too foreign - 24 hour party people (UK) -If your into UK new wave scene like I am you'll like this. It's a story of the manager of Joy Division/New Order.
Luvie Luv comedy Foreign movie - Italian For Beginners (Denmark) -I surprisingly liked this movie. 6 people join an Italian speaking class. Real cute movie. A lot of funny moments.
Disturbing movie - The Piano Teacher (French) -This movie was sick, this movie was disturbing. I saw it once and I never want to see it again, but I'm really happy that I was able to see it once. I never left a theatre with everyone having the same disturbed look of shock. I can't even describe it, it's this Piano Teacher with some disturbing S&M fetishes that goes over the line.
Over the top goodness movie - Brotherhood of the Wolf (french) - I've been pimping this movie for a year. KungFu, monsters, the lead looks like HHH and his sidekick looks like The Rock. Busty french babes all over the place. Just so over the top insanely fun.
(edited by Net Hack Slasher on 1.2.03 2234) Oh they have the internet on computers now!
My Top Ten List (don't laugh, at least its not like everyone else's): 1. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie 2. Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers 3. Spider-man 4. The Bourne Identity 5. The Count of Monte Cristo 6. Blade 2 7. Super Troopers 8. Lost In La Mancha 9. Roger Dodger 10. Kung Pow: Enter the Fist
Honorable Mention(s): Lilo and Stitch, May, and Chicago
The 10 worst movies I saw last year (2002):
10. Minority Report 9. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets 8. Star Wars Episode 2-Attack of the Clones 7. Red Dragon 6. 40 Days and 40 Nights 5. Treasure Planet 4. The Tuxedo 3. House of 1000 Corpses 2. Two Birds with One Stallone 1. Bowling for Columbine
Honorable Mentions: Eight Legged Freaks, Reign of Fire, Die Another Day
As for Cowboy Bebop, it was the best movie I saw last year, and I had the priviledge of seeing it twice. Also the best movie/soundtrack combination since O Brother Where Art Thou, and David Lucas IS Spike Spiegel.
(edited by The Vile1 on 2.2.03 1426) "I am many things Kal-El, but here I am god." -Darkseid
maybe it's just me freeway, but i would have swapped out minority report for bourne idenity. i fell asleep during minority report twice, and woke up once durning what i like to call the "porno" scene (a lot of gun fire and a chick that screams for like 15 mins straight. i had the movie on in the store and people were wondering why she was moaning, like in a porno)
13 conversations had a magnolia vibe, but was cool none the less...
You die...--More-- You made the Top Ten List! No Points 1 43372 Kaka-Bar-Orc-Mal-Cha died in The Dungeons of Doom on level 7 [Max 13], Killed by a troll, while helpless.
Originally posted by rikidozanmaybe it's just me freeway, but i would have swapped out minority report for bourne idenity. i fell asleep during minority report twice, and woke up once durning what i like to call the "porno" scene (a lot of gun fire and a chick that screams for like 15 mins straight. i had the movie on in the store and people were wondering why she was moaning, like in a porno)
13 conversations had a magnolia vibe, but was cool none the less...
I really liked Minority Report. Not sure what scene you are talking about here. I only remember three gun shots in the whole movie, but they weren't fired near each other. Are you talking about when Crow and Anderton are in the room and Samantha Morton wants them to leave? Or the precog vision of when Anderton killed Crow? Or am I really confused?
Best Completely Under the Radar Action Flick: Equilibrium. Plot isn't too original (think Brave New World), but the action keeps delivering. Bale and Watson deliver the goods as well.
Worst Movie of the Year (That I Saw): tie, Them and Blue Crush. Them was just bad all around. Terrible story. Not scary. Bad acting and directing. One of the most anti-climactic endings in recent years. Blue Crush had good surfing scenes, but little else. A god-awful sports story plus the worst romance filmed in years. You know it's a bad movie when there are TWO scenes involving over-stuffed toilets.
Originally posted by Net Hack SlasherBest dumb Comedy - Austin Powers 3 -I'm a fan of the series, I think this held up pretty well. Undercover Brother was very entertaining as well.
Finally, some much-needed luv for Undercover Brother! (1st DVD I ever heard of with Flash animation episodes...solid!)
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy. . . THE THRILL All-Star Championship Wrestling Home Video Technical Director...& A2NWO 4 Life!
Chicago Catch Me If You Can About Schmidt Minority Report
....and about ten films tied for fifth. This has been a great year for the movies.
"If you go out with a girl and they say she has a great personality, she's ugly. If they tell you a guy works hard, he can't play a lick. Same thing." -- Charles Barkley
"No one's ever done a movie about flowers before. So there are no guidelines." "What about "Flowers for Algernon"?" "Well, that's not about flowers. And it's not a movie." "Ok, I'm sorry, I never saw it." -- Adaptation
The Bourne Identity was six kinds of awesome, showing that Matt Damon is indefinately superior to his bosom buddy Ben Affleck. Now, if only we could get Damon to play a Marvel superhero...Hmm...
Any-hoo, while Bourne was good, being an action movie it adhered to most action film conventions (subtlely, of course since Doug Limon is a fine director). But Minority Report actually challenged the viewer and made us think. So, Minority Report is superior. Frailty was very love it/hate it. I loved it, mainly because I love brutal mindf*ck movies. Spider-Man delivered in every way Episode I of Star Wars didn't: believablilty. I don't think House of 1000 Corpses is out yet...but if it is, it's gonna be strange.
The line on the Hours is great performances, crappy story. I'm gonna go see Confessions of A Dangerous Mind sooner or later... and the Ring was surprisingly awesome. We figured out so many ways to freak out the audience by shutting off the house lights AND the projector at once (at the static at the end) so that they're sitting in darkness. MWAHAHA!
F420
Remember: No-selling makes Baby Jesus cry.
The Flames: 17-24-7-3 [All-Star Break] Bragging Rights: TheBucsFan (Go Bucs!)
House of 1000 Corpses isn't out yet, but it was a premiere at last year's Butt-numb-a-thon. As was MAY. May is a much better horror movie than that piece of Rob Zombie crap. I recommend that one instead. I'm sure some of ou have seen the TV spots for it by now.
"I am many things Kal-El, but here I am god." -Darkseid
That's all. I just really need a cigarette. Someone email me one. ironcladlou, AKA Cygnet"I am made from the dust of the stars, and the oceans flow in my veins" - Rush, 'Presto'
Pages: 1
#6 Posted on 1.2.03 1744.32 | Instant Rating: 5.96
#7 Posted on 1.2.03 1826.20 
#8 Posted on 1.2.03 1900.20 | Instant Rating: 6.41
