10)“Block Party”
This Dave Chappelle hosted and Michel Gondry directed performance film effectively conveys the feeling of attending Dave’s all-star block party concert: a positive and fun event with great jokes and tight grooves. It may not be the flashiest (or most profitable) film of the year, but “Block Party” is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
9)“Dreamgirls”
It’s really a shame that the Oscars only honor “original” recordings for the Best Song category- if they did allow adapted music, I’m sure that songs from “Dreamgirls” would sweep the nominations. Great songs and performances make this a terrific musical.
8)“V For Vendetta”
Here we have the best “genre” flick of the year. Not only is “V” a stylishly made adaptation of the classic graphic novel, it also contains two qualities not often found in comic book movies: a distinct societal viewpoint, and the ability to communicate its message successfully.
7)“Borat”
If dying is easy and comedy is hard, making this kind of comedy without getting killed must be an act of genius. Rude, crude, and darkly ironic, “Borat!” is the funniest film of the year.
6)“A Prairie Home Companion”
Some may say that I’m being overly gracious towards this film due to its sentimental status as the last work by the great Robert Altman. However, as sentimentality is practically the hallmark of this story, I feel justified in my decision- this is another film that is a pleasurable experience from start to finish.
5)“Little Miss Sunshine”
Every year there seems to be the little Indie that could- a small quirky film that captures national attention and becomes a smash hit. “Little Miss Sunshine” is a worthy recipient of that honor, and will hopefully receive acting nominations for it’s outstanding cast (particularly Steve Carell).
4)“Babel”
Probably the most controversial of the top films of the year, “Babel” explores the complicated effect that communication has on our relationship to the world around us. How can we survive if we can’t relate to others? How can we relate if the way we talk (or don’t talk) falls on deaf ears? What does it take for someone to make the first step towards understanding?
3)“The Queen”
Helen Mirren should win an Oscar for her superbly nuanced portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. However beyond that, this film’s ideas on governments’ relationship with the public trust are as relevant to current events as it is to the days following Princess Diana’s death a decade ago.
2)“The Departed”
In terms of story, performance, and direction, this film is very nearly perfect. This would easily be the best film of the year, were it not for…
1)“United 93”
What puts “United 93” on a higher level is that it dares to do what virtually no one will with the events of September 11th- it allows the reality of that day speak for itself. There is no “Path to 9/11” spin, and the current administration is barely mentioned. In this film, the facts are compelling enough- no assistance required.
Honorable Mentions: “Hollywoodland,” Stranger than Fiction,” and “Casino Royale.”
Bottom Three:
3)“The Slither”
As I said in my original review, this one was not funny enough to be campy, and not scary enough to be horrifying. I saw many middling films this year, and this was the middling-est.
2)“Eragon”
Attention Hollywood Producers: the days of cheapo fantasy and sci-fi pictures is over. Thanks to films like The Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, your audience has become accustomed to gripping performances, compelling stories, and dynamite action on an epic scale- simply having a decent looking dragon is not going to cut it anymore…
1)“Scary Movie 4”
Since it seems to have been the filmmakers’ goal to create the worst movie of the year, why not oblige them?
Not quite bad enough: “Firewall,” “Underworld: Evolution,” and “American Dreamz.”
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