Tops of 2004: Movies

January 6, 2005

As you can see, it took me a while to settle on my favorite movies of the year. I saw more new films this year than I had in any previous year. By my count, I saw 59 new films this year. Of those, I narrowed it down to ten and I've got several more I couldn't help but mention, even if I didn't give them a ranking. Here goes.

1. The Incredibles
I was swept away by this Pixar/Brad Bird classic. I have always appreciated Pixar's ability to make fun and beautiful movies, but this one has so much more. Kudos for treating this as a feature film, not an animated feature film.

2. Sideways
It's the most underrated/overrated film this year, apparently. Whatever those crazy critics say, I loved this movie. It was touching and biting, which is a fun combination.

3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Charlie Kaufman and Michael Gondry try collaborating a second time, and it really works. I saw this one twice and I enjoyed it even more the second time. (Note: their first collaboration is Human Nature)

4. Bad Education
This film is slightly weaker than Talk to Her, which means it's fantastic instead of amazing. Pedro Almodovar is officially one of my favorite directors.

5. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
Here's my "surprise" pick. Going into the movie I couldn't stand Metallica; When I left I still disliked them, but I understood them. This is my favorite non-concert music documentary. Another contender is Plaster Caster.

6. Kill Bill: Volume Two
Yes, it was over the top, but I loved this film. It could have been number one if both volumes had been edited into one film. They can stand on their own, but they're much, much better together.

7. Touching the Void
The true story of two men who get stuck in the Peruvian Andes. One breaks his leg, and they both manage to make it down alive. I had heard of the book, and a few recommendations by blogs made me give it a shot. Once I started watching I couldn't stop. It was incredibly gripping.

8. I Heart Huckabees
David O. Russell is freakin' crazy. Thank God.

9. Million Dollar Baby
Despite being a bit cliché at times, I loved the story. Hilary Swank was terrific as well.

10. Before Sunset
I still haven't seen the first first film, but I thought Linklater's newest film was very refreshing. The dialogue was spectacular.

The Rest:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Motorcycle Diaries, Anchorman, Born Into Brothels, Dawn of the Dead, Garden State, Goodbye, Lenin!, Hero, Mean Girls, Riding Giants, Saved!, Shaun of the Dead, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Sponge Bob Square Pants Movie

Dawn of the Dead was the best horror movie I saw and Shaun of the Dead has the best genre (zom rom com). The rest of those listed above were great films, but didn't quite make the cut.

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