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Ten Terrific Movies
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After theaters were inundated with horrific garbage like Planet of the Apes, Monkeybone, Tomb Raider and Swordfish over the course of 2001, my perception may be skewed somewhat as to the relative quality of films that have been released during the first half of this year. Still, considering the fact that by this time last year I had already seen six of the films that would eventually make my bottom ten list, the fact that the worst film I’ve seen this year (Dragonfly) would rank higher than as many as half of the movies I saw in 2001 is the best illustration of the superior caliber of the Class of 2002.
Since we’re now sitting at the halfway point of the calendar year, it seemed a natural time to go back and briefly review my favorite films through the month of June. One thing I’d like to note is that of all the films I’ve seen this year, there are only two that I would absolutely not recommend: the aforementioned Dragonfly and Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. While Dragonfly is probably self-explanatory, I’d like to diffuse the batches of Star Wars geek-mail that I’m likely to receive by saying no, I didn’t like the other Star Wars movies either and no amount of arguing or name-calling is going to change my subjective opinion on the subject. A wide variety of films fill my top ten, from chick flicks to foreign film, family fare to horror/thrillers. The best part of making the list is that it was actually hard to choose, so I’ll give those additional films that barely missed the cut the credit they are due by mentioning the runners up at the end of the article.
I’m not certain whether this film qualifies as a bona fide chick flick, but it is a period piece and is very British, though the screenplay has been updated somewhat from Oscar Wilde’s original theater comedy. Purists may find the changes a bit jarring but it’s the additional touches and twists that serve to anachronistically match the events more closely to modern times. It is here where director/writer Oliver Parker succeeds in making The Importance of Being Earnest more than just another dreary, “been there, done that” adaptation.
Still playing in selected theaters.
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I admit it. I’m a sucker for adaptations of classic literature and this film is no exception. It doesn’t hurt at all that the movie features Colin Firth, one of my favorite actors working today, but there’s a little bit more to it than that. The dialogue is snappy and witty and the outstanding cast includes past Golden Globe nominees Frances O’Connor and Reese Witherspoon, BAFTA darlings Rupert Everett and Colin Firth and 2002 Oscar® nominees Judi Dench and Tom Wilkinson. The repartee between Firth and Rupert Everett in particular stands out amongst the great performances of the year so far, with the two men even getting ballsy enough to sing a rather adorably awful song
2. Lilo & Stitch
It’s entirely possible that by the time it’s all said and done, I’ll remember this film more fondly than the one currently listed at the top. Lilo & Stitch is easily Disney’s best traditional animated offering since The Lion King (I use this qualifier because Toy Story 2 is a particular favorite), with endearing characters that are surprisingly deep and well developed. For a more complete review, click here.
Now playing in theaters. |
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3. About a Boy
Though Hugh Grant is the “name” star (and he is fantastic in the role), it’s the performers around him who really make the movie. Nicholas Hoult is the titular “boy” and he is a true revelation - a genuine young man who immerses himself into the nerdy character of Marcus with aplomb. Likewise, Toni Collette is again a chameleon as she puts her heart into her role as Marcus’ mentally unstable mother. Anyone who might be under the misapprehension that this is a romantic comedy should be forewarned. About a Boy cannot truly be classified as either one, though there are elements of romance in addition to plenty of hilarious moments. At its heart, the film is a slice of life because it’s easy to believe that you might know people just like these characters - which makes the movie a perfect companion piece to High Fidelity, another Hornby adaptation. Still playing in selected theaters. |
Another rather British film that simply didn’t get the marketing it deserved from Universal, this adaptation of the wonderful Nick Hornby novel by the same name is well worth getting out to see while it’s still in theaters. Those unfamiliar with the movie might be shocked to note that it was directed by the Weitz brothers, who just happen to be the same guys who first broke out with the teen gross-out comedy American Pie.
4. The Rookie
A happy film that is truly appropriate for the entire family, The Rookie is based on the true story of Jim Morris, a Texas baseball coach who agrees to try out for the major league if his high school team makes the state playoffs. The story itself isn’t necessarily groundbreaking or original, but Dennis Quaid is nothing short of phenomenal in this role, which makes it really easy to root for the character and get caught up in what's happening. Also worthy of mention is the attention-drawing performance of Angelo Spizzirri, who plays one of the kids on Morris’ high school team. He has a special spark and is memorable in his somewhat limited role. Fans of the underdog and baseball in general will definitely find this Disney flick a delight.
Still playing in selected theaters, DVD/video available on August 27th. |
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5. Undercover Brother
Still playing in selected theaters. |
I always expected to enjoy Undercover Brother, but never anticipated it would be this consistently clever and comedic. With very little in the way of gross-out jokes, the laughs are almost never cheap, and the ultimate payoff is a constant state of giddy enjoyment from start to finish. Though Eddie Griffin is terrific as the title character, it’s the supporting players who really make the film work, with outstanding performances from Dave Chappelle and Neil Patrick Harris in particular being wonderful surprises. Here’s hoping this film discovers the cult following it deserves once it hits video.
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6. Y Tu Mamá También
Though there’s not much by way of actual story, the character studies are fascinating and brutally real. Adding to the uniqueness of the film is its unusual narrative pattern. At various points during the course of the movie, the action will break for exposition from an unseen chronicler of the events. It is this voice that fills in the often uncomfortable details of the story, and the device is used quite effectively. Still playing in selected theaters. |
The first foreign entry on the list, Y Tu Mamá También is a different sort of teen road movie. It’s a grippingly honest film about two boys coming of age in Mexico, but it goes much deeper as we also are able to examine the motivations of an attractive 20-something woman who travels with them.
7. Big Trouble
I’m really bummed out about Barry Sonnenfeld’s recent audience reception. Though Men in Black II is pretty clearly going to be a huge hit, his two previous directorial outings haven’t received nearly the attention they deserved. The first of these was The Tick, a Fox television show that you probably never saw.
Probably the best new sitcom of the 2001-2002 season, The Tick was sadly short-lived as the network shuffled it around the schedule and barely bothered to market it. Then came Big Trouble, which had issues from the get-go after its delay due to the tragic events that occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. in September 2001. The timing for the film’s original September 21st release couldn’t have been worse, especially because it featured an airplane bomb rather prominently as part of the plot, and it was delayed until spring, where it was buried by the studio on a miniscule number of screens. And it’s a damned shame, too. The ensemble comedy based on newspaper columnist Dave Barry’s book by the same title is fast-paced and hilarious. A number of actors give some great bit performances, including Andy Richter, Tom Sizemore, Jason Lee and Patrick Warburton. The dialogue is punchy and clever, helping the movie steamroll quickly to its inevitable happy ending and leaving the audience yearning for more. I had the added benefit of seeing the movie in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the University of Tennessee, which is significant because the jokes about their rival Florida Gators that were prevalent throughout the story took on a bit more meaning to that particular audience. I really look forward to owning this one on DVD. Estimated DVD/video release date: October 2002 |
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8. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Nia Vardalos adapted the script from her own one-woman autobiographical play. She also stars in the film, and it is a pleasure to see an honest-to-god, real-looking woman be the focus of attention. This film has performed amazingly well at the box office and is a very worthy success story.
Still playing in selected theaters.
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I’m as surprised as anyone that this adorable film made my list. Basically, I went to the movie because I decided if my local theater is willing to support some independent fare, I am willing to pony up some cash to support them in return. I went in with no real expectations and was delighted by what I got. It’s a celebration of the Greek culture even as it dissects some of the very customs that still exist today.
9. Frailty
The tone, pacing and acting in this movie are an intriguing combination. Its pace is almost the opposite of Big Trouble’s - it moves slowly and deliberately, ensnaring the audience in an intricate web of dysfunctional family history. Bill Paxton is quietly restrained in a brilliant performance as the father of the family, with Matthew McConaughey providing the perfect narrative voice.
Frailty is not a happy film at all but is instead dark and somber, but also thought-provoking and intelligent. Incidentally, if I were voting for best musical score of the year, this one would win it, hands down. Estimated DVD/video release date: September 2002. |
10. Brotherhood of the Wolf
The best kung-fu-werewolf-horror-romance-period piece-French film ever. It’s really a mish-mosh of lots of different styles and genres, but the film is put together effectively and tells a compelling story nonetheless. Also, any film with Mark Dacascos doing kung-fu has a 37.6% greater chance of getting my vote on any list.
DVD/video release date: October 1, 2002. |
The best of the rest
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, The Son’s Room, Death to Smoochy, Blade 2, Resident Evil, Super Troopers, Kissing Jessica Stein, Insomnia, Minority Report, Spider-Man
Be watching for my follow-up next week where I’ll profile ten movies to keep on radar for the second half of 2002.
View other columns by Kim Hollis
Saturday, December 21, 2024
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