Top 50 Films of the Decade (#10-#1)

10. Finding Nemo (2003)

Thanks to Ellen Degeneres and her wickedly funny performance as Dory, this comic showstopper never fails to delight.  With something to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, this visual feast for the eyes will stick around for many generations to come.

9. The Station Agent (2003)

So little happens during the course of the film that it’s amazing how it has stuck so clearly in my memory and comfortably in my heart.  Three drifters with no direction find one another and connect on a level far deeper than those of us distracted by our ambitions.  It’s poignant, moving and tremendously funny all at the same time.

8. Once (2007)

This low budget comedy came out of nowhere and knocked the socks off everyone who saw it.  Every moment is genuine, which is rare in this era of big budget blockbusters and dramas grandstanding for awards.  Plus it has incredible music performed by two sincere actors.  When all is said and done it makes you happy to be alive!

7. Wonder Boys (2000)

Underappreciated gem that’s wise and witty in all the right places.  Michael Douglas tosses his vanity aside to show us a man in desperate need of a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  Its spirited style protects the movie from becoming too melancholy, and when all is said and done, it’s rather quite sweet.

6. WALL-E (2008)

It may be difficult to believe one of the greatest love stories of all time is about two robots, but that’s the case.  The film has layers upon layers of subtext, but it all boils down to one heart finding another and not letting go.  Timeless.

5. Far From Heaven (2002)

This Douglas Sirk inspired melodrama could have been a slight experiment in recreating a genre that has long been a relic, but instead it overflows with relevant themes to modern day audiences.  Julianne Moore not only carries the picture, she propels it into the stratosphere.

4. About Schmidt (2002)

Jack Nicholson gives the performance of his career in this stunning character piece, chock full of subtle humor and wry observations about growing older.  Every single detail, from his windswept comb-over to the linoleum tile, is meticulously thought out and pitch-perfect.

3. Best in Show (2000)

Christopher Guest and company set the bar high with this deliriously funny mockumentary that has the most laughs a minute since the glory days of screwball comedy.  It hardly seems possible to top the sheer lunacy found in every reel, making the title oh-so appropriate.

2. Up (2009)

As touching and inventive as any movie ever made; I can nary think of another that can make me laugh and cry at equal measure.  Certainly the best Pixar film to date and damn close to being one of the greatest of all time.

1. A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

Robert Altman’s final film also turned out to be his finest.  It’s a touching and poetic end to an illustrious career, brimming with glorious dialogue and spectacular performances.   A knockout on every level.