I really could have turned this post into a mini-novella, but I’ve spared y’all the endless scrolling and picked some absolute must-sees from each year. My one criteria? These are all movies I can see numerous times. And so, for your consideration …
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000): Ang Lee’s brilliant tale of love and betrayal sports some of the most amazing and thrilling martial arts fights and stunts I’ve ever seen. Totally turned me onto the art form, as well as stars Ziyi Zhang and Michelle Yeoh (I also dug House of Flying Daggers and Hero).
Memento (2001): Of course, writer/director Christopher Nolan will always be remembered for his Batman movies, but I love his first big breakthrough film Memento – the twisty tale of a murder told to us backwards. Speaking of seeing it over and over, it’s been awhile.
Adaptation (2002): I’d really love to crawl into writer Charlie Kaufman’s mind, see how it works – oh wait, that’s what Adaptation is for. And you know what else? This movie brought Meryl Streep back to us in raring form (after she took a three year break), as well as reminding us just how superb veteran character actor and Oscar winner Chris Cooper can be.
Finding Nemo (2003): Although I adored Toy Story and Toy Story 2, this is the first Pixar flick that strikes just the right chord with me. Maybe it’s how hilarious Ellen DeGeneres is as Dory the fish.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Kaufman makes my list again with this wholly and wonderfully unique love story. Definitely one of the best things Jim Carrey has ever done.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)/The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): I’ll just lump this two together as two hysterical comedies in the last 10 year I’ll watch for years to come (I’ll also add Old School, Knocked Up, Role Models and The Hangover to that list as well).
Notes on a Scandal (2006): This movie haunts me, from the page to Philip Glass’ score to Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench’s exquisite performances. They are both so good, it makes my teeth ache.
Children of Men (2006): Gripped my seat with the action, loved Clive Owen and marveled at director Alfonso Cuaron craftsmanship (NOTE: his Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is by far the best of the series, in my opinion). But what really gets me is the story of a not-too-distant future in which women can no longer have babies. Talk about haunting.
Michael Clayton (2007): George Clooney simmers, Tilda Swinton sizzles and Tom Wilkinson boils in this superb whistle-blower drama. Writer/director Tony Gilroy’s script was definitely the best of the year, even if it didn’t win the Oscar.
Juno (2007): I know pregnant teenagers giving away their babies to adoptive parents don’t really say things as witty as, “You should’ve gone to China, you know, ’cause I hear they give away babies like free iPods. You know, they pretty much just put them in those t-shirt guns and shoot them out at sporting events,” even if they are as cool as Ellen Page. But Juno totally works for me. At least THIS script from Diablo Cody won the Oscar.
Wall-E (2008): Pixar films rarely fails me, but this one just SLAYED me. That little robot is just so damn endearing.
Burn After Reading (2008): Not sure what why this Coen brothers’ dark comedy stands out for me, but darn it, if I don’t crack up every time I see it. Brad Pitt’s idiotic, fist pumping personal trainer is a grade-A classic.
Finally, my top 10 list for 2009, which I have already detailed. If I had to pick just ONE, it would probably be … well, based on my criteria of something I’d watch over and over again, then Star Trek. There, I did it.
And just for shits and giggles, I picked five really bad movies over the last decade (but there were a LOT more than that):
10,000 B.C. (2008): It has potential but totally blows it
Norbit (2007): Oh, Eddie Murphy. Please stop with the fat suits already.
Annapolis (2006): Does anyone even remember this An Officer and Gentleman rip-off with James Franco? Unfortunately, I do.
Rumor Has It (2005): Jennifer Aniston should have known better than to say yes to a Graduate sequel.
Gods and Generals (2003): After the FIRST two hours of the dreadfully dull Civil War flick, I walked out. It went on for two more hours.