Top Five of '05 - Part I: Movies

Well, it's that time of year again. Its the time that every magazine under the sun has some sort of "Best of" list. The Best Movies. The Best Albums. The Best Video Games. The Best Anti-Depressants.

Okay, I made that last one up, but you get the picture. And granted, everyone else put out their lists about a month ago, but I got a little behind.

Anyhow, I love these lists. Some might say I'm kind of addicted to them. Not the film ones for some reason, I think because I kind of count the Oscars and the Golden Globes as my barometers. Not that they don't get it wrong ever, because they often do, but they are often good places to start. So, it's not the movie lists I love, but the music lists. Occasionally, I use these lists to get me off the fence on obtaining albums that I've been thinking about getting. Usually, however, I use them for vindication (i.e. "Right on, Spin Magazine! You're damn right Seven's Travels was one of the best albums of the year.") or consternation (i.e. "What?!?! Spin and Rolling Stone, you have not only left Don't Believe The Truth off of your lists, but you have incurred my wrath! In fact, I shall not buy your magazines again for 1 year... or until your next 'Best of' issue comes out, whichever comes first!")

Now that I have a blog, I have decided to create couple lists of my own. However, I will not be calling any of them "Best of." I know that am not nearly qualified to claim to know the "Best" of anything, since I have not heard or seen every one of the possible contenders. Besides, it's really just my opinion, and what I think of as the "Best," might not be anybody else's cup of tea. So, instead they will be lists of my own personal favorites of 2005. This time out, I thought I'd start with movies, because you never know, maybe I can still sway some Oscar voters!

Top Five Movies of '05

5. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - This is why I didn't want to say this was a list of the best movies I saw this year. I know in my heart of hearts that this was not one of the "best" movies of the year, but dammit I loved this movie. Does it have it's share of problems? Yes. I mean, how do you die because you "lost the will to live?" But there is so much good stuff in there that George Lucas almost redeemed himself. Almost. And I say this, without reservation, Ewan McGregor's performance as Obi-Wan in the final battle with Anakin, is one of the best, most heart-wrenching performances I have ever seen on screen. That scene alone, almost makes the whole new trilogy worth it. Almost.

4. Capote - I didn't even really want to see it, but it was the only movie I hadn't seen that was playing when I could go. What I had heard was that it was really only worth seeing for Phillip Seymour Hoffman's performance. That couldn't have been farther from the truth. The movie was great. First of all, I don't even think that Philip Seymour Hoffman's Truman Capote was even the best performance in the film. That honor belongs to Clifton Collins, Jr. as Perry Smith. That guy was simply amazing, and as far as I know, he has received little if no accolades for his work. The rest of the cast was solid as well, especially Chris Cooper and Catherine Keener. That said, Capote is more than just a performance-driven movie. The direction was top notch, with a naturalistic look and feel that really drew me in. This film stuck with me long after I left the theater.

3. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - This one definitely isn't going to win any Oscars, but damn if it wasn't the most fun I had at the movies all year. Great performances by Robert Downey, Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. Full of snappy dialogue, plot twists and turns, and buckets of irreverence. Whether you're looking for a pulp-style detective story or a wicked little satire, this one works as both.

2. Brokeback Mountain - What can I say about this movie that hasn't already been said? I must admit that I couldn't really get excited about seeing it. I love Ang Lee, but I thought the trailers were pretty weak and come on, a gay cowboy love story? All of my reservations and pre-conceived notions were quickly washed away by the beauty of the film. Beautiful cinematography, naturalistic filmmaking, terrific acting, and one of the most convincing love stories I've ever seen (gay or not), make this one of the most memorable films I've seen in recent memory. Oh, and the music is great, too.

1. Good Night, and Good Luck - People throw around the term "important" a lot when talking about movies. Usually, when someone says "important," it means the film is going to be preachy and well, boring. I mean, who likes to pay $7 for a ticket so they can get preached to? So, I'm going to refrain from calling Good Night important, but I am going to say that I think that everyone should see it. One of the best examples I've seen of movie reminding it's audience that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. The movie will make you cheer for David Strathairn's Edward R. Murrow as he fights to make America safe for dissent once again while simultaneously infuriating you as you contemplate our current political atmosphere. The film is strongly political without ever being preachy and is full of vivid characters and great dialogue, made even more impressive by the fact that they're real. Gorgeous black and white cinematography and solid direction by George Clooney add to film's greatness. By far, the most satisfying movie I saw last year.

So, there you have it, my favorite films of last year. They're probably different from your choices, so if you feel like it, comment on your own picks, or simply why mine suck. Whatever trips your trigger.

Next up, my favorite albums from '05! Hopefully, you can all handle the suspense...