Films of the decade
So i've been really bored with all this bad English 'summer' weather, and thanks to wednesdaydreams
I have booked up a day of sorting out my '50 Best 7 Favourite Films of the Decade'
50-46
Meet The Parents (2000) // Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince (2009) // Avatar (2009) //
Finding Nemo (2003) // Meet The Fockers (2004) // Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Harry Potter & The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004) // Zombieland (2009) // War Of The Worlds (2005) //
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007) // Sunshine (2007) // The Village (2004)
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005) // X-Men 2 (2003) // Lord of The Rings Fellowship of The Ring (2001) //
Lord of the Rings The Two Towers (2002) // Hot Fuzz (2007) // Drillbit Taylor (2008)
Kill Bill Vol.1 (2003) // Knocked Up (2007) // The Happening (2008) //
The Bourne Identity (2002) // Poseidon (2006) // Brick (2005)
Batman Begins (2005) // Rat Race (2001) // Anchorman (2004) //
Zoolander (2001) // Oceans Twelve (2001) // The Departed (2007)
*The Departed came so close to the top 20, but i had to add a rather late Inception into the equation, which sadly pushed it out.
It's still a top film to me*
THE TOP 20
The Virgin Suicides
(2001)
Plot: The Virgin Suicides is the adaptation of Jefferey Eugenides' novel about five sisters who are
controlled by their strict christian parents, from the point of their neighbours.
WHY is it top? Because as touching and slightly, depressing, as it is, The Virgin Suicides is a compelling
film made beautifully by Sofia Coppola, with an astounding cast such as Josh Hartnett and Danny DeVito.
"What are you doing here honey? You're not even old enough
to know how bad life gets."
"Obviously doctor, you've never been a thirteen year old girl."
Jennifer's Body
(2009)
Plot: When Jennifer, a gorgeous high school cheerleader is kidnapped by a band who are willing to
sacrifice a virgin for wonderous fame and chance, their plan is backfired when they sacrifice non-virgin, Jennifer.
Jennifer is then cast into a boy eating demon, and only then, is her best friend, Needy, able to stop her.
WHY is it top? Jennifer's Body, is humurous in random places, and see Megan Fox turn into an ugly
demon is rather crazy, yet awesome.
"She's actually evil. Not high school evil."
(500) Days Of Summer
(2009)
Plot: This non-love story is about Tom, lovely and charming greeting card designer who falls in love with
his boss' secretary, Summer. Under her spell, he realises that she is not interested in the idea of relationships
and the idea itself of 'love'.
WHY is it top? Joseph G-L, in like all of his films, is entrancing and lovely to watch on screen. Seeing him flip
out on a bus about a song is just hilarious, but this film is just absolutely a-grade.
"I hate her crooked teeth. I hate her 1960's haircut. I hate her
knobby knees. I hate her cockroach-shaped splotch on her neck. I hate the way she smacks her lips before she talks. I hate the way she sounds when she laughs. I HATE THIS SONG!"
The Boat That Rocked
(2009)
Plot: An ensemble comedy, about a bunch of loveable radio dj's on a pirate radio station in the English
1960's.
WHY is it top? I love the quotes that come from this film, and nearly all the characters are just
loveable and hilarious to watch for two hours. I love this film!
"Open your knees, and feel the breeze. Because Gavin's
back to stay!"
Pineapple Express
(2008)
Plot: When process server, Dale, witnesses a murder by a well respected drug dealer and corrupt cop,
he sets out to go into hiding with his marijuana dealing buddy, but it doesn't prove to be easy in the end.
WHY is it top? Because, the stupidity of Dale and Saul keep me giggling throughout the film, obviously
a film by Seth Rogen and produced by Judd Apatow lives up to its history of comedy films.
"It's really that rare?" "It's, like the rarest."
"It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn,
with like, a bomb."
Step Brothers
(2008)
Plot: Brennan, a fourty-something slacker, is made to live with his step-father and brother, after his mother
re marries. Ensuing fights and childish pranks.
WHY is it top? This easily quotable movie, gives me chuckles at all times, from the very beginning when
Brennan overloads the plate with cheese, right until he finishes a wonderful opera ballot.
"You yelled rape at the top of your lungs."
"Mom, I honestly thought I was going to be raped for a second. He had the craziest look in his eyes."
Mysterious Skin
(2004)
Plot: A hustling teenager, and a boy obsessed alien abductions, cross paths and
discover a horrifying truth about their past.
WHY is it top? The cinematography of this film is truly unique, and I just love Joseph Gordon-Levitt
in this movie, because he proves to all that he can play more than a geeky side character. This film is tear jerking
(for me anyway) and everytime I watch it, I find it compelling, emotional, and always slightly disturbing.
"I was bleeding. I kept passing out. I wet my bed, and you
never asked why!"
The Hangover
(2009)
Plot: Three buddies lose their about-to-wed friend on a trip to Las Vegas the day before his wedding,
so they then involve themselves in a crazy series of events in order to find him and get him home.
WHY is it top? It's non-stop action as well as non-stop comedy. Just when you think it can't get
any more worse, the trio get themselves into a bigger heap of chaos, and to me, it's the perfect
film to pick you up from being down in the dumps. Two thumbs up :)
"The stripper's wearing my Grandmother's ring!"
"How dare you! She is a lovely lady!"
Kill Bill Vol.2
(2004)
Plot: The second, and final part of the story about Beatrix Kiddo AKA "The Bride". After she is left dead and entrance
in a 4 year coma. She must overcome the last few members of the Deadly Viper
Assasination Squad in order to get to Bill.
WHY is it top? Tarantino's original screenplay of the two-part action movie, is just as thrilling and impressive
as the first, if not yet even more. Just when you think, 'how can he beat the crazy 88's?' she pulls out her
enemy Elles' eye out! CRAZY 'W-T-F-NESS'
"Now, a staple of the superhero mythology is, there's the superhero and there's the alter ego. Batman is actually Bruce Wayne, Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker. When that character wakes up in the morning, he's Peter Parker. He has to put on a costume to become Spider-Man. And it is in that characteristic Superman stands alone. Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman."
Disturbia
(2007)
Plot: When teenager Kale, attacks his teacher at school, he is trapped in his house with only his spying gadgets
to watch over his neighbours, until he then suspects one of them to be a crazy serial killer.
WHY is it top? Shia Labeouf, is interesting and energetic in this tense film with a constant drive to uncover his
neighbour's secret. David Morse is equally great, creepy and yet, somehow charming to hide his truth.
"It reeks in here!" "What's it smell like?"
"The corpse of a rotting hottie."
The Royal Tenenbaums
(2001)
Plot: When the father of three child prodigy's re-enter their lives after divorcing their mother two decades previous,
now they are all grown up the craziness is reborn into everyone's lives with his return.
WHY is it top? Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson and the rest of the ensemble cast, give a true family feeling of chaotic
mess yet, there is a clear warmth to this film that is unmissable. After catching it on BBC a few years ago,
I have been unable to forget this amazing film.
"Do you send my mother your clippings and grades from college?"
"Please stop belittling me."
The Losers
(2010)
Plot: After a group of CIA black ops are betrayed and left for dead, they all set out to get their boss back
with the help of a rather mysterious woman.
WHY is it top? After having seen it on the day of its release, with the absolutely hilarious lines of Chris Evans as
dorky 'ladies man' Jensen, it keeps this action packed movie believable &
one to definitely watch again and to buy on DVD.
"Did you know that cats can make over a thousand
different sounds and dogs can only make ten? Cats, man.
Not to be trusted."
Paranormal Activity
(2009)
Plot: A couple in their house in San Fransisco, begin to suspect that all is not right in their
humble abode, so they decide to film the goings on in the bedroom, as they sleep as a way to keep up.
WHY is it top? From the minute of starting to the ending, I was on the edge of my seat. Friggin tense,
and the scariest movie i have seen since 'The Blair Witch Project'. It left us all crapping ourselves
with that unforgettable 'holy shit' ending. I'm scared just typing about it.
"There's something strange in the house, and I don't
know what it is!"
Four Brothers
(2004)
Plot: When four adopted sons of a murdered old woman, return to their home town to bury her, they begin
a journey to find the killers and set their revenge out.
WHY is it top? Unlike movies I usually watch, Four Brothers, proves to be unlike other gangster movies
about getting revenge. The soundtrack kills with souful songs, and Garrett Hedlund and Mark Wahlberg
definitely make this an interesting film with slick lines and powers of persuasion to get what they desperately need.
"Man, I will drink you under the table!" "We're not talking
about sperm, Jack, this is whiskey."
Lord of the Rings - Return Of the King
(2003)
Plot: As Frodo and Sam get closer to the eye to destroy the ring, wars ensue around the land as their friends
prepare for fights that will either end their lives, or start their new ones.
WHY is it top? Like the previous two films, LOTR continues with amazing special effects and an AMAZING
(mostly british) ensemble cast. It's amazing to watch, although long, it's worth all the wait in the end for that
last fight in the end, with giant-elephants, pierced bald guys, and ghost armies. A memorable well
recognised film, that will be recognised in the future.
"No man can kill me!" "I am no man."
Star Trek
(2009)
Plot: Turning back to the beginning of Spock and Kirk's relationship, the first journey of the USS Enterprise
begins with the helm of Spock at it's control as they seek to destroy Nero as he kidnaps their original captain.
WHY is it top? The first two minutes have me in tears, and then in laughter as Chris Pine has himself
clanging knuckles with four other men in a futuristic bar. It's sleek futuristic feel, makes you genuinely think
you have gone into the future. JUST WOW.
"You all right son?" "You can whistle really loud,
you know that?"
Napoleon Dynamite
(2004)
Plot: When a new boy enrolls at Napoleon Dynamite's school, he forms a strange friendship with this boy,
as well as the arrival of Napoleon's embarassing and strange Uncle Rico.
WHY is it top? Me and my friends never cease to quote this movie, it's easily laughable, with hilarious characters
and wonderful Jon Heder as nerdy Napoleon. You form a loveable bond with him, as he sets out to help his friend
become class President. This picks you off of your feet for an hour and a half, cheering any sad person up.
"Do the chickens have large talons?" "What?"
"Large talons?" "I didn't understand a word you just
said!"
Oceans Eleven
(2001)
Plot: After Danny Ocean is released from prison, he plans a top class heist with ten others, to rob thre three
casino's of his ex-wife's new husband.
WHY is it top? A truly wonderful and variated cast, and the score by David Holmes, it genuinely makes you feel
like you're sitting on a stool in a casino in Las Vegas, the clever screenplay and emotional (for me) ending.
I just love this film because it's wonderful to watch, and the two brothers keep me entertained with their annoying
squabbles. There's enough eye candy in this film to keep me happy for years.
"Shane, you've got three pairs. You can't have
six cards! You can't have six cards in a five card game!"
Inception
(2010)
Plot: In a world where the technology exists for you to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a high skilled thief
is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing the toughest job of dream invasion, Inception.
WHY is it top? Never have I experienced a film quite like this. I feel privelleged just to be able to say "I have seen
Inception at the cinemas." In years to come, anyway. An amazing cast, and once again, an A-Grade film by the truly
magnificent and original Christopher Nolan. What else can I say??
"You're waiting for a train. A train that will take you far away.
You know where you hope this train will take you, but you
can't be sure. But it doesn't matter - because we'll be
together."
Transformers
(2007)
Plot: When Sam Witwicky purchases his first car, he can't imagine that his car is part of the team of Autobots.
A robot race out to save Earth from the destructive Decepticons, who are out to find the powerful
All Spark, which is hidden somewhere on Earth.
WHY is it top? IT'S FIRST BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST FILM F*CKING EVER!
I still get goosepimples the first time Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) speaks! And the first time you see
loveable Shia Labeouf. Non-stop action for over two hours, literally, the special effects make my mind
shake and my body go all giddy everytime I watch it.
Sometimes, when I watch movies I stop halfway through and go off and do something else.
Never with this film. If I press play, it's on until the end, and it will never stop being my top.
Unless the make something else quite like this.
"Hello, 911 emergency? My car's been stolen! I'm in pursuit! I need the whole squadron, bring everyone! No, no don't ask any questions, my father's the head of the neighbourhood watch!"