A little look back at the big screen
My top 11 films of 2005:
2046 (12A)
A mess, yes, but one of the most striking and beautiful messes possible. This semi-sequel to ‘In the Mood For Love’ is enigmatic, heart-breaking and a little batty.
Mr. And Mrs. Smith (15)
In which John and Jane go bang bang with aplomb. Pitt and Jolie sizzle as they finally get parts that confirm all the fuss about them, trading barbs and literal shots in an escapist, black comedy action flick for grown ups.
Batman Begins (12A)
Did we really hope for it to be this good? Sound story that satisfyingly explains how Bruce became Batman, in a Gotham City that’s only slightly tilted from the real world. Fitting origin story for the Dark Knight.
Pride and Prejudice (U)
Intelligent, concentrated adaptation of the novel, that centres on the love story, but deftly humanises some of the satire, while retaining the serious comedy, and satisfying the Janeite in me.
Howl’s Moving Castle (U)
No, the story doesn’t entirely stand up, but this anti-war fable is wise about growing up and taking responsibility and achingly stunning to look at.
Serenity (15)
One of the most entertaining and moving, not to mention smart, films of the year. The crew got to fly again, cinema audiences got a glimpse of what can be done when you play with genres, words and images so that you can focus on interesting characters being very human: crazy, brave, silly and besotted.
Nightwatch (15)
Such a lot to get excited about here, as Russia tells a story about vampires and seers, with its own metaphors at work, its own ideas on how to mount a stupendous visual treat.
Sky High (PG)
A loveable mix of the silly and the sly, as the eminently parodiable superhero as teenager story is parodied and loved. If you’re even half a geek, you’ll be laughing throughout.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (12A)
Harry grows up a little more, and this film charms, with the real darkness and danger neatly counterbalanced by the angst and drama of adolescence, the comic violence of a British boarding school, and many, many neat touches.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (PG)
He appeal and message of Lewis’s story is kept, the enhancements of plot and character are deft, and it is luscious to look at, with everything in serivice to the story, that touches and enchants. In a good way.
The Constant Gardner (15)
One of the most searingly thought-provoking thrillers I’ve seen, boosted by two dexterous performances, intelligent direction, and a script that takes the audience along with its protagonist to a moving conclusion.
(Film certificates are those awarded in the UK.)
2046 (12A)
A mess, yes, but one of the most striking and beautiful messes possible. This semi-sequel to ‘In the Mood For Love’ is enigmatic, heart-breaking and a little batty.
Mr. And Mrs. Smith (15)
In which John and Jane go bang bang with aplomb. Pitt and Jolie sizzle as they finally get parts that confirm all the fuss about them, trading barbs and literal shots in an escapist, black comedy action flick for grown ups.
Batman Begins (12A)
Did we really hope for it to be this good? Sound story that satisfyingly explains how Bruce became Batman, in a Gotham City that’s only slightly tilted from the real world. Fitting origin story for the Dark Knight.
Pride and Prejudice (U)
Intelligent, concentrated adaptation of the novel, that centres on the love story, but deftly humanises some of the satire, while retaining the serious comedy, and satisfying the Janeite in me.
Howl’s Moving Castle (U)
No, the story doesn’t entirely stand up, but this anti-war fable is wise about growing up and taking responsibility and achingly stunning to look at.
Serenity (15)
One of the most entertaining and moving, not to mention smart, films of the year. The crew got to fly again, cinema audiences got a glimpse of what can be done when you play with genres, words and images so that you can focus on interesting characters being very human: crazy, brave, silly and besotted.
Nightwatch (15)
Such a lot to get excited about here, as Russia tells a story about vampires and seers, with its own metaphors at work, its own ideas on how to mount a stupendous visual treat.
Sky High (PG)
A loveable mix of the silly and the sly, as the eminently parodiable superhero as teenager story is parodied and loved. If you’re even half a geek, you’ll be laughing throughout.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (12A)
Harry grows up a little more, and this film charms, with the real darkness and danger neatly counterbalanced by the angst and drama of adolescence, the comic violence of a British boarding school, and many, many neat touches.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (PG)
He appeal and message of Lewis’s story is kept, the enhancements of plot and character are deft, and it is luscious to look at, with everything in serivice to the story, that touches and enchants. In a good way.
The Constant Gardner (15)
One of the most searingly thought-provoking thrillers I’ve seen, boosted by two dexterous performances, intelligent direction, and a script that takes the audience along with its protagonist to a moving conclusion.
(Film certificates are those awarded in the UK.)