Maria Full of Grace Joshua Marston, 2004
i didn't know a thing about the story so i wasn't expecting anything. i was taken along for the ride. really enjoyable film.
Fahrenheit 9/11 Michael Moore, 2004
in my eyes this is still the most important film of the year. if you didn't see this film, you're an idiot. period.
Shaun of the Dead Edgar Wright, 2004
funny, hilarious, smart. i've been having a hard time trying to describe this film to friends as it's not really a parody or a spoof because the story and characters take place in the 'real' world (as much as zombie can exist, that is).
Pickup on South Street Samuel Fuller, 1953, The Criterion Collection
one of the coolest, slickest films i've seen. this one film made me a Sam Fuller fan.
Stray Dog Akira Kurosawa, 1949, The Criterion Collection
the goddamn heat. an amazing film. and you got Kurosawa and Mifune together. how can you not love that? and it's the first time i was so gung-ho on buying a disc after i'd rented it.
Super Size Me Morgan Spurlock, 2004
i saw this film on my own (and ended up being the only one in the whole theater) on a sunny june saturday afternoon. that film, more than any other in recent memory, has had such a deep and real impact on my life, it's scary. now i still occasionally eat fast food but you can't compare it to my pre-Super Size Me days. i wasn't there everyday, but i'd say once or twice a week. and it's not only fast food, junk food, even though i knew it wasn't good for me, was my main drug of choice. Morgan Spurlock gave me a nice kick in the ass. and for that, i owe him a huge thank you.
Dogville Lars von Trier, 2003
i was enthralled when i saw this film. close to three hours and i think i only got out of it for about five minutes during the second act. i guess i was in the right frame of mind when i saw it.
George Washington David Gordon Green, 2000, The Criterion Collection
incredibly moving and heartfelt movie. the kids are so genuine. i gotta remember to rent All the Real Girls.
Throne of Blood Akira Kurosawa, 1957, The Criterion Collection
again - bought it after renting it. kurosawa is a genius. amazing -- amazing -- final scene.
The Incredibles Brad Bird, 2004
okay but not great first 15 minutes but then it just picks up and never lets go. fun, fun, fun. (the only downside - sam jackson's character, who was a more than thoroughly unnecessary.)
The Five Obstructions Lars von Trier, Jørgen Leth, 2003
an endlessly fascinating experiment in art. thoroughly enjoyable for Lars, or art, fans.
and a special mention:
The Wire (The Complete First Season) David Simon, 2002
so much fun. i love how the story and characters are stretched over an entire season and not much is resolved after each episode. smart and highly entertaining.
Posted by Anonymous | 11:17 AM
