It’s that time of year again, when the lists pile up like kindling for the fireplace. First, in the interest of full disclosure I should mention what I didn’t see that could’ve made the list along with whatever excuse I can conjure up.
Here are a dozen I missed because I have to sleep sometimes (first excuse right there):
3-Iron: I look through my list and notice a lack of international diversity. I can only blame myself as I had tickets for this at Seattle Film Fest and probably went spelunking or something instead.
Breakfast on Pluto: This barely screened as far as I remember. Then again I do have early onset Alzheimer’s. (editor: diseases fair game?)
Brokeback Mountain: It’s not the gay thing it’s the Western thing. I can only take so many a year and I already saw The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada and An Unfinished Life. That’s enough wistful looking at the stars for me, thank you very much.
Good Night, and Good Luck.: I believe it was in black and white, right? Yeah, I made a promise to the Coen brothers that the last B&W film I’d see was The Man Who Wasn’t There. I wanted to go out in style.
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang: After reading the feature on it I really should have taken an evening and caught it. Val Kilmer is getting stranger so I should take advantage while he’s still lucid.
North Country: I just can’t do the whole miner woman’s rights things. One or the other, but not both.
Pride & Prejudice: I often find these classical remakes cute but not exceptional. I did really like Great Expectations but that’s far more modern.
The Constant Gardener: Again, I’d already seen the Interpreter and one African genocide… oh who am I kidding? This film deserved to be seen.
The New World: Finally one that’s not my fault! I haven’t been invited yet! I am anxiously waiting because I’m a Malick apologist from way back.
The Squid and the Whale: The issue is Dumb and Dumber. I refuse to let Jeff Daniels grow. I’ve typecast him.
War of the Worlds: I didn’t see it because everyone else did. Who needs my advice if they’ve already seen it?
You, Me, and Everyone We Know: The kind of small film that usually has me there was missed because I had to save a baby seal from a burning building. Yes, it’s time to start soliciting some sympathy.
And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for: THE TOP 10!!
I do have some Honorable Mentions, films that could have been contenders, they weren’t quite as good as the top ten. I still felt it was necessary to mention them… Honorably.
Syriana: A well made film, but would it have been amazing under Soderbergh? Let’s give Gaghan the benefit of the doubt; the subject of oil isn’t nearly as assessable as drugs. Plus it wasn’t murderously heavy handed like Lord of War.
Murderball: This would have been the best documentary of the year if not for Grizzly Man. It’s the perfect film to watch if you are feeling like the world is against you, these dudes can’t walk and out are there playing frickin’ rugby.
Everything Is Illuminated: One of the most ambitious films of the year. Elijah Wood has proven he’s not just a hobbit, he’s leading man material. The direction was also very steady for a first time director.
Munich: Spielberg has a real knack for balance. He could have easily made a film that crucified the Palestinians.
Saving Face: No one has heard of it but it was third best romance on the board. I hope Alice Wu gets attached to another project pronto. Do I hear MI4 in her future? That’s just irresponsible rumor mongering on my part.
Thumbsucker: A weird journey into teen depression with the next Johnny Depp (Lou Pucci). It also has Keanu, Vince Vaughn and Vincent D’Onofrio in supporting roles. Now that’s a cast worth renting.
If you haven’t read Brad’s Top Ten Movies of 2005 you can do so right here, and stay tuned as there are more looks back at 2005 to come as well as a look forward at our most anticipated films of 2006. It will hopefully be a great new year!
