The Films: 2005
1. Brokeback Mountain 
The only reason I put this film at number one is because I didn’t feel compelled to rank the film. It was the most emotionally impactful film of the year by far, but to say I enjoyed it in the way that I did other films would be wrong. The film is in a category of its own. It was like nothing I have ever seen, not because of the fact that it was a ‘gay western’ or because it was the first widely accepted gay love story, but because of it’s unique style. Go and see it, I won’t give out any more expectations of enjoyment.
2. Good Night and Good Luck
I loved this film, absolutely loved it. David Strathairn does not waste one word in the whole film. He is utterly brilliant. It is unfortunate that he will not be recognized this year since the awards season will belong to Heath Ledger and Philip Seymour Hoffman (deservedly so). Clooney displayed a message in which I have a deep personal belief; that film and television can act as catalysts for more than just entertainment.
3. Munich
Steven Spielberg’s best work since ‘Saving Private Ryan’. The film is directed masterfully. Each assassination sequence is incredible to watch. It is Spielberg at his best in storytelling.
4. King Kong
The most entertaining film of the year played out like a theme park ride. The thrills keep coming and coming. Andy Serkis and the FX team created one of the best creatures ever captured on film. Kong is ferocious, lovable, pathetic, cute, and intimidating. Naomi Watts gives a performance that is uncharacteristic of these kinds of films. She’s not only good, she’s exceptional.
5. Walk the Line
A great biopic about musician Johnny Cash. Joaquin Phoenix is stellar. He has such a great charisma during his performances throughout the film. Reese Witherspoon is very cute and sassy as her usual self, but her ability to play layers of intelligence and heart shine brighter here than they ever have in any other film.
6. Murderball
A highly entertaining documentary that comes off almost as a mockumentary. I guess I’m just tainted by the work of Christopher Guest. It was a good story to tell. There are so many interesting people in this film about wheelchair rugby. Each sequence involving the coach of team Canada is mesmerizing. That guy is such a character.
7. Batman Begins
Perhaps my favorite super hero flick of all time. Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer produced a very good script, not only for a super hero film, but for any film. The theme of fear is perfectly executed through smart dialogue and brilliant performances. What was most amazing was despite the caliber of the supporting cast, Bale still managed to be the best actor in the film.
8. Jarhead
The most underrated film of the year. The acting ensemble is as good as any other that was seen this year and the style is so good. Mendes’s presentation of ‘the suck’ is perfect. He presents it as it is; it’s boring, it sucks.
Acting and Technical Awards coming soon...
The only reason I put this film at number one is because I didn’t feel compelled to rank the film. It was the most emotionally impactful film of the year by far, but to say I enjoyed it in the way that I did other films would be wrong. The film is in a category of its own. It was like nothing I have ever seen, not because of the fact that it was a ‘gay western’ or because it was the first widely accepted gay love story, but because of it’s unique style. Go and see it, I won’t give out any more expectations of enjoyment.
2. Good Night and Good Luck
I loved this film, absolutely loved it. David Strathairn does not waste one word in the whole film. He is utterly brilliant. It is unfortunate that he will not be recognized this year since the awards season will belong to Heath Ledger and Philip Seymour Hoffman (deservedly so). Clooney displayed a message in which I have a deep personal belief; that film and television can act as catalysts for more than just entertainment.
3. Munich
Steven Spielberg’s best work since ‘Saving Private Ryan’. The film is directed masterfully. Each assassination sequence is incredible to watch. It is Spielberg at his best in storytelling.
4. King Kong
The most entertaining film of the year played out like a theme park ride. The thrills keep coming and coming. Andy Serkis and the FX team created one of the best creatures ever captured on film. Kong is ferocious, lovable, pathetic, cute, and intimidating. Naomi Watts gives a performance that is uncharacteristic of these kinds of films. She’s not only good, she’s exceptional.
5. Walk the Line
A great biopic about musician Johnny Cash. Joaquin Phoenix is stellar. He has such a great charisma during his performances throughout the film. Reese Witherspoon is very cute and sassy as her usual self, but her ability to play layers of intelligence and heart shine brighter here than they ever have in any other film.
6. Murderball
A highly entertaining documentary that comes off almost as a mockumentary. I guess I’m just tainted by the work of Christopher Guest. It was a good story to tell. There are so many interesting people in this film about wheelchair rugby. Each sequence involving the coach of team Canada is mesmerizing. That guy is such a character.
7. Batman Begins
Perhaps my favorite super hero flick of all time. Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer produced a very good script, not only for a super hero film, but for any film. The theme of fear is perfectly executed through smart dialogue and brilliant performances. What was most amazing was despite the caliber of the supporting cast, Bale still managed to be the best actor in the film.
8. Jarhead
The most underrated film of the year. The acting ensemble is as good as any other that was seen this year and the style is so good. Mendes’s presentation of ‘the suck’ is perfect. He presents it as it is; it’s boring, it sucks.
Acting and Technical Awards coming soon...