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"The 10 Best Movies of 2004"
This past year has been a strange one as far as movies go. It is the first time I ever had two animated movies in my top ten list but this year they could not be denied. Most of my top ten is from movies released in the past month or still to be released. I got to see them early so you have the pleasure of anticipating them.
Anyway I have studied my list from top to bottom and that is how it flows - from top to bottom. I like to save the best for last.
Number 10 - "The Terminal": A lot of people thought this was one of Tom Hanks' weaker efforts but I was attracted to the story of the man who lands at a New York airport and is forced to stay there indefinitely. The airport becomes his home and he becomes involved with all the lives that pass by him. There is also a throwaway romance with Catherine Zeta Jones. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this is a sweet and simple movie with Hanks being brilliant as usual.
Number 9 - "The Miracle": I reached way back in the year to get this one. Kurt Russell headlined the story of the US Olympic Hockey Team that beat the Russians and brought him the gold medal. I hadn't felt this much patriotism in years and watch this movie over and over on video to hear the shout of "USA! USA! USA!"
Number 8 - "The Phantom of the Opera": When I first saw this movie I was slightly disappointed there were not some big name stars in it. Then the more I thought about it the more I realized the music and the story were enough. It has romance, drama, comedy and above all the music of the night by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Number 7 - "Beyond the Sea": Kevin Spacey has been fascinated by Bobby Darin for some time now and worked long and hard to get his life story brought to the screen. Maybe he is a little too old to play Darin but he has all the right moves and he especially has the right voice. Man, this man really sounds like Darin when he sings and he makes the film infectiously enjoyable.
Number 6 - "Million Dollar Baby": Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this movie about a female boxer and the trials and tribulations of her life. It is a story with enough twists and turns to keep surprising you. Eastwood has never been better as an actor or director. Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman made it a trio of talent and a worth a million movie.
Number 5 - "The Aviator"; Howard Hughes was a man who lived life on the edge. He also was just a little bit quirky, and this got worse in the later years. This movie captures all of these aspects of the man in a brilliant portrayal by Leonardo Di Caprio. Add in Martin Scorcese's direction and Cate Blanchett and Kate Beckinsale as Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner and you have a movie and a half.
Number 4 - "Sideways": A "buddy" movie that works. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church play two guys who go on a tour of the California wine country just a few days before Church's character is to get married. They meet two women, Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh, and get involved. It is all simple but complicated and with Alexander Payne's direction it ends up being brilliant. Believe me this is a movie worth seeing.
Number 3 - "The Incredibles": In a word it is "incredible." The magic of Pixar Studios has never been better. Plus Craig T Nelson and Holly Hunter lead a cast of vocal talent that is dang near perfect for the images on the screen. It is fun filled but still a tribute to family unity. You won't see anything else quite like it this year.
Number 2 - "Finding Neverland": Never underestimate the depth of Johnny Depp's talent. As Sir James Barrrie, the author of "Peter Pan," he comes across as heartbreakingly nice. And this movie will break your heart at times. Kate Winslett and young Freddie Highmore are only two of the picture perfect actors who supplement his performance.
Number 1 - "Shrek 2": If you thought "Shrek" was as good as it gets, well "Shrek 2" outdid it. The intriguing characters, the throwaway jokes, the music - the everything. This was family fun meant for each and every one of us. It was the biggest hit of the year and in my opinion the best film of the year.
There they are - my top ten. What are you waiting for? Get up and go to see them! 2004 proved Hollywood is alive and well and making great entertainment.
Let me know if you agree or disagree. E-mail me at jkershawcooper@aol.com. I'd be interested in hearing your comments. |
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Fiona and Shrek in "Shrek 2"
courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures
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©2004 Jackie K. Cooper |
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