Top 5 Films of 2003

[anti-NAFTA]

Rank the top 5 films of 2003 and give a brief reason why you ranked the films so high. I'll start.

1. Monster - Charlize Theron's performance is phenomenal as the ugly prostitute who kills her customers. But there's more to the film than just that. First time director Patty Jenkins unpretentiously captures a dark period in American history (1989-1990), which has been glossed over with mythic nostalgic false memories of family values, without ever being pretentious.

2. 28 Days Later - This was my number 1 before I saw Monster. Some say this film ripped off horror films like Dawn of the Dead, which I haven't seen; but it was as good as a horror film can possibly be. The scene where London is completely deserted is bleak and haunting, complemented with gritty digital camera cinematography. The film made me afraid to walk outside at 4 30 in the morning for quite a while (don't ask).

3. Dogville - This was my number 1 before I saw 28 Days Later. It hasn't yet been released in the US; I saw it in Switzerland. It's a film without sets: Rooms are delineated with chalked lines on the floor, and doors are opened and closed through pantomimes. When I walked into the film I had no idea it would be like this and was seriously pissed that this was going to go on for 3 hours, but it was never boring at all. Stellan Skarsgaard delivers his best performance ever, and the ending is easily the best ending of the year. I won't ruin it.

4. Shattered Glass - The film is an unpretentious look at how a New Republic reporter made up stories. Enough said.

5. Matchstick Men - Ridley Scott directs another great one. Colorful cinematography and a hilarious performance by Nicholas Cage.

Runners up (in no particular order):
The Missing - best cinematography of the year
Radio - OK, it's kinda racist and formulaic; but I liked it.
Goodbye Lenin! - This German film pokes fun at the Westernization of East Germany after the fall of the wall. Not for Freepers.
Cabin Fever - Nauseatingly disgusting.

[jpgray]

1. 28 Days Later also ripped off Omega Man in the scene you mention

But I enjoyed the movie a lot, and that's what matters, isn't it? :D

[anti-NAFTA]

2. Sure is. eom

[bigwillq]

3. Although I consider myself a big

movie buff, I haven't seen any on your list -Nafta nor have I seen many of the one's nominated for the Oscars.

I guess
Mystic River
Kill Bill
Cold Mountain
21 grams
Elf
would be somewhere in the mix

[anti-NAFTA]

4. I've seen all of those

except Elf.

I thought Mystic River couldn't get past its reliance on coincidences and contrivances. I guess that's what happens when you adapt such a commercial novel to the big screen.

Kill Bill was decent but I can't get over the cheap gimmick of releasing the film in two parts.

Cold Mountain was VERY good, but I am not going to put it anywhere near my list because it is an outsourced movie. It was shot in Romania because America was too expensive. Insulting.

21 Grams had one redeemable aspect: Benicio Del Toro's performance. The rest I found unoriginal and boring.

[bigwillq]

6. Funny that CM went to Romania to shoot

and it still cost them nearly 90 million to make it. Elf was my funny pick, cause I love comedies. Lately, I've been going to the movies for pure enjoyment. I don't know why but movies don't inspire me the way they use to. Don't really care to see many of the one's all the critics are raving about. Want to see Monster and Lost In Translation though.

[Jack_Dawson]

5. #1 - Lost in Translation

Loved 28 Days Later too...I was captivated.

[NWHarkness]

7. American Splendor

In my opinion, the best film of the year.

[Burma Jones]

8. My Favorites

1. LOTR - I love the story. I am a devoted reader of the trilogy. I was wrapped up in the film throughout its length.

2. Kill Bill - Exhilarating

3. American Splendor - Just Plain cool. Good and Different

4. Pirates of the Caribbean - AAAAAAARRRRGGGGGH Matey

5. Lost In Translation - Bill Murray Rules. Scarlett Johansson also rules. The movie is nice and intimate.

[bigwillq]

9. Did Johnny deserve his

screen actors guild award?

[Burma Jones]

10. Depends on whether you believe it was for just Pirates

or maybe it was some recognition of his very fine acting in general. I was impressed by Bill Murray's performance in Lost in Translation and Paul Giamatti's performance in American Splendor.

[anti-NAFTA]

11. kick

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

12. How about that Showtime network George Bush movie?

OK I'll leave now before the tomatoes and eggs start flying over.