The list tonight will consist of the 6 best movies I saw during 2004. This doesn't mean these movies were released in 2004, but just that I saw them for the first time sometime during the calendar period. So, no complaining nimwits.
6) The Terminal. While I thought that Catherine Zeto-I bang an old man-Jones's part was completely unnecessary, I felt the other characters were extremely well fitting and that the movie had a spectacular flow. Tom Hanks is, of course, brilliant and the entire plot was altogether charming, innocent, and amusing. Stanley Tucci probably plays a 'jerk' better than anyone in Hollywood. I would certainly suggest this to anyone who hasn't seen it yet.
5) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. While I was able to guess the basics of the ending pretty early, I still felt the movie had enough twists and turns to make it very interesting and a great concept. The one-liners were freaking brilliant and Jim Carrey once again proved he is more than just a nutty comedic genius. Kate Winslet was very good in a sublime role. Overall, it was the most surprised I've been about a movie all year.
4) Mystic River. Everyone speaks of dark comedies, you know? No one ever mentions the dark drama and this one is the pure definition of such a genre. From Sean Penn's gutwrenching performance to Tim Robbins proving yet again that, while he's a political idiot, he is an amazing actor. If Marcia Gay Harden's part could've simply been played by a different and TALENTED actress, this movie would've been near a perfect film.
3) The Passion of the Christ. I, of course, was completely overcome by the movie and had to walk home from the theatre. I went with a few God-hating, Christian-hating individuals and had no desire to be around them for the rest of the evening. Mel Gibson did a very accurate portrayal of the scriptural version of the events and provided just enough graphic content to overwhelm the senses. His escape hatches were well timed and very helpful to make it through without completely breaking down. How this movie could not make you cry, as it did with me, is beyond me.
2) The Bourne Supremacy. I loved this sequel to the brilliant 2001 film. I was sad to see Franke Potente removed from the story line, but such is life. The soundtrack was brilliant and so was the camera work in many of the scenes. Another amazing car chase with a sudden ending. I would suggest this movie (and its predecessor) to anyone who loves spy/action movies. Robert Ludlum's books were never this good. And, yet again, Matt Damon proved to me that he is one of the best 3 or 4 male actors in Hollywood.
1) Love Actually. Now, I realize this might be the oldest film of them all. I wanted to see it last Christmas but I wasnt able to. Brilliant freaking film, and one of the funniest I have ever seen. I love british humor and this is rife with enough one liners and complications to make even the most neurotic individual chuckle once or twice. Colin Firth's character along with Bill Nighy make the film really go, but the cast, as a whole, is quite possibly the best I've ever seen. What I really love about this film is that its just as funny the 2nd or 3rd time you watch it. If you haven't seen this film and aren't leery about a little language and some brief nudity, please, for your own sake, go get this one.
In Other News...
a) Winter Meetings start this week. I am hoping the Cubs make at least one good, solid move. J.D. Drew or a trade for a closer or something to keep me interested for the rest of the winter. Dealing Sosa would be, of course, the best move but that is seeming more unlikely every day.
b) I hope the next new episode of Lost shows Miss Lilly in a bikini of some sort. God knows it would improve my life a good bit. She's amazing...in so many ways.
c) I don't know what to think of the new U2 album. I enjoy greatly 3 or 4 tracks, but this album doesn't seem to have near the depth of "All that you can't leave behind" or some of their older ones. There are a few real good tracks...Miracle Drug, Yahweh, Crumbs from your Table, Vertigo...some of the others are very, well amateur sounding. But you've still gotta love the Edge's guitar and backup vocals...his arpeggio's are brilliant. Anyways, it's worth a listen, but I don't know that it's worth a buy.
d) I need a freaking job.
Connemara's Rising is solely a division of David Brunner's Intellectual gifts.
© 2004 David Brunner
