Top 50 Films of the Decade (#20-#11)

20. Frozen River (2008)

Winner of the Sundance film festival, this movie sneaks up and sticks with you forever.  Melissa Leo has been working for years, but her performance here finally garnered the kind of attention she has deserved all along.  It also has a brilliantly spare screenplay that never hits a false note because every moment is necessary.

19. Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar never shies away from a challenge, as is evidenced by this utterly original and gutsy tale of Remy, a rat chef in Paris.  When I first heard about the plot, I thought to myself they must be crazy.  Crazy, sure…and brilliant.  This goes to show audiences are eager to see new and fresh ideas.

18. Doubt (2008)

A virtual master class in acting, this film should be studied by thespians for generations.  Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Viola Davis make up the strongest ensemble of actors I have ever seen in a movie.  That none of them won an Oscar should be a huge embarrassment for the Academy.

17. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

Sidney Lumet proves with this picture that you are never too old to keep making masterpieces, like many of his colleagues who rest solely on their previous laurels.  This ranks up there with his very best, which is considerable given his best includes the classics Network, Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict and 12 Angry Men.

16. The Polar Express (2004)

Okay, the motion capture is a wee bit creepy at times; however, it’s the story that matters and this one needed to be told.  And when it comes to storytelling, there is hardly anyone better than Robert Zemeckis.  This crowd pleaser is both majestic and intimate, making it a Christmas classic that will stand the test of time.

15. Man on Wire (2008)

Anyone who needs a reminder that anything is possible needs to witness the joie-de-vivre of Philippe Petit as he proudly recalls the momentous achievement of walking a tight rope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center.  It’s riveting, suspenseful and all together life affirming.

14. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s romantic tragedy about two cowboys in love is one of the most gut wrenching movies I have ever seen.  My heart breaks merely thinking about the film, especially Heath Ledger’s stolid face as he realizes his true love has gone forever.  It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s a triumph in every way.

13. Julie & Julia (2009)

Nora Ephron rarely gets the credit she deserves, especially considering she’s one of the funniest women working today.  After a string of fantastic movies over the past two decades, she came out swinging with her finest achievement to date.  It’s more than a story about food (and it certainly is that!), but a loving examination on how a complete stranger has the ability to be an inspiration to another.

12. Into the Wild (2007)

Sean Penn directed this mesmerizing drama about one man and the wilderness.  It takes a lot of courage to tell a story that relies so heavily on one actor (who spends virtually the whole movie alone), but thankfully Emile Hirsch was up the challenge.  It’s an exhausting journey, spiked with many emotional payoffs.

11. The Visitor (2008)

Sometimes slow and steady wins the race, as in this searing examination of the US immigration system and its effect on Americans and immigrants alike.  Richard Jenkins received his long overdue shot at a leading film role and knocked it out of the park with barely more than the look in his eye and subtle nod of his head.

Top 50 Films of the Decade (#30-#21)

30. Michael Clayton (2007)

 

You have to pay close attention, as this complex thriller is not served with a spoonful of Hollywood sugar.  It’s also far better the second time around, once you’ve had a chance to digest the shocking ending and its disturbing implications.  George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson are in a league all of their own.

29. The Queen (2006)

Playing a public figure is a daunting task for any actor, particularly when that figure is still alive and well.  Helen Mirren embodies Her Majesty with both grace and dignity, and Michael Sheen provides solid support as Prime Minister Tony Blair.  Their subtle and affecting performances are first rate. 

28. Enchanted (2007)

Amy Adams joined a very exclusive club when she signed on to play a Disney princess.  I cannot think of anyone more suited to the role of Giselle, as perky and naïve a princess as ever seen before.  Add Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden to the mix and suddenly you have a fairy tale of the highest order. 

27. Milk (2008)

Director Gus Van Sant always takes risks, whether for good or bad.  After years of toiling away on his pet project, he finally got to tell the story of Harvey Milk.  It’s clearly a labor of love, with each detail meticulously thought out and executed.  Sean Penn gives the performance of his career and certainly deserved that Oscar. 

26. American Splendor (2003)

Innovative hardly begins to describe the masterly structure of this screenplay, adapted from the graphic novel.  This is a difficult film to explain, but I promise it’s one of the most original and peculiar movies ever made.  I also promise it’s one of the best, with eccentric yet poignant characters, and a heap of cinematic pleasures. 

25. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2006)

Julianne Moore has a knack for playing 50’s housewives.  After tackling similar themes in Far From Heaven and The Hours, she put on the apron once more for this moving and humorous story about a woman raising her family in an era when women were never breadwinners, let alone prize winners. 

24. C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

This French-Canadian film takes a number of contradictory genres, mixes them all together, and hurls them up on the screen.  The energy is contagious and it’s remarkable how many places this film takes you, all unpredictable and all compelling. 

23. One Week (2008)

Another Canadian film makes the list; this one made me enormously proud to live in the great white North.  Joshua Jackson manages to be sympathetic without ever layering on the schmaltz.  It makes a huge number of profound observations, all wrapped up inside quiet little moments in time. 

22. Hairspray (2007)

This is a high octane musical ride that never lets up for a second.  The entire cast is first rate, each perfectly cast in their roles.  John Travolta is darling as Edna and newcomer Nikki Blonsky lights up the screen. 

21. Death at a Funeral (2007)

Farces very rarely work on film, but director Frank Oz and his daffy cast of characters make this story whiz along at such a rapid pace that you barely have a chance to catch your breath.  This one demands repeated viewing, as you will know doubt be laughing from one scene into the next.

Top 50 Films of the Decade (#40-#31)

40. Chicago (2002)

 

This musical was ahead of its time when it premiered on Broadway in the 70’s to little fanfare. Thankfully its successful stage revival lead to this sensational movie, which single handedly revived the movie musical.  Rob Marshall’s flashy direction evokes Bob Fosse, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.

39. Dan in Real Life (2007)

 

Sometimes a little sweetness goes a long way, as in this gentle and unassuming comedy.  There are no car chases or shocking bombshells, but Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche capture the same undeniable charm as Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman in another overlooked classic, Indiscreet.

38. Love Actually (2003)

Large ensemble pieces often get muddled, but such is not the case in this hysterical and touching opus from writer/director Richard Curtis.  It’s got an eclectic cast of huge stars and virtual unknowns; thankfully, it spends equal time developing all of the characters, and not just those with better marquee value. 

37. Match Point (2005)

Admittedly, this was not the best decade for my favorite auteur, Woody Allen.  However, smack dab in the middle came this beacon of light; a riveting suspense, chock full of rich characters and startling plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat.

36. Elf (2003)

  

This one could be dismissed as being silly, but it’s a modern holiday classic that’s destined to become one of the most beloved of all time.  Young fans of Will Farrell will be happy to find his juvenile humor on full display, but it also packs a surprising emotional punch for the adults.  Plus it’s got Ed Asner and Bob Newhart.  Enough said. 

35. Frost/Nixon (2008)

  

Ron Howard’s thoroughly entertaining adaptation of the Broadway stage hit went tremendously underappreciated by audiences, despite its Oscar nomination for Best Picture.  There is something to be enjoyed by everyone, particularly Frank Langella’s uncanny portrayal of one of America’s most notorious presidents. 

34. Billy Elliot (2000)

 

Jamie Bell gives one of the most rousing performances in any film, ever.  That’s quite something, considering he shares the screen with one of the greatest actresses of our generation, Julie Walters.  From start to finish, this is a film that will have you resisting the urge to jump out of your seat and cheer. 

33. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

  

After a decade long slump in their 2D animation department, Disney returned with guns blazing by bringing to life one of the most joyous, exuberant and creative stories in years.  From the sassy voice talent to the unique locales, this is not just one of the best Disney films of the decade, but of all time. 

32. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

 

Casting Renée Zellweger as a Brit in one of the most popular novels in recent memory could have been a colossal disaster; instead, she managed to breathe new life into the character and audiences around the globe fell madly in love. 

31. Notes on a Scandal (2006)

  

Cate Blanchett and Judy Dench star in this controversial and gripping battle of wits.  Its slow pace lures you in to a lurid love triangle until, without warning, you find yourself riddled with anger and your fists clenched.  It’s a breathtaking thriller with surprises at every turn. 

Top 50 Films of the Decade (#50-#41)

I was challenged by a friend to make a list of my favorite 50 films from the last decade. What started as just a simple list turned into a nostalgic look at the last ten years of my life. A lot has happened to all of us since the new millennium began. While recalling Bridget Jones’s Diary, for instance, I realized as I sat in the darkened theatre that night, the World Trade Center was still standing. Or as I cried during Billy Elliot, my grandmother was still alive and well. It’s amazing how a movie can evoke so many different memories completely unrelated to the films themselves. But this list is about the movies!

Some made me laugh, others made me cry. Some are slight, others monumental. What I will say is how my opinion clearly differs from the general public. Either I’m out of the loop, or they are, but only five on my list were even nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I don’t hold much stock in awards, but looking back I see how way off they were some years. Seriously, how many people love Crash anymore? But I can, however, come up with a list of people a mile long who love Finding Nemo. Oh well, that’s the way it’s gone for years. I mean, who watches The Greatest Show on Earth or The Last Emperor anymore? It’s also very likely that I missed one or two movies along the way. Narrowing ten years of movies into a list of 50 is a daunting task, so you might see me adding one or two forgotten gems along the way.

So, over the next couple of days, sit back and enjoy as I post my picks for the best films of the decade. And feel free to comment as you please. Or better yet, come up with a list of your own. It’s amazing how much you can get to know a person by the movies they love.

Now on with the show...

 50. Pineapple Express (2008)

 

Ridiculous and stupid. Crude and tasteless. Hilarious and clever. Fresh and energetic. I never thought I would like such an idiotic flick, but it’s one of the funniest I’ve seen and I don’t care who knows it. And that’s for two reasons: Seth Rogen and James Franco. 

49. The Contender (2000)

 

Everything about this political drama is pure dynamite. Ten years after its release and we’ve seen women run not only for vice president, but commander-in-chief as well. Fortunately that does not date the film one bit, and perhaps even provides a welcome reason to take another look. 

48. Meet the Fockers (2004)

 

I’m generally opposed to sequels, unless the filmmakers are using them as an opportunity to fix whatever was wrong with the first. Thanks to Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman, the average hi-jinks that took place in Meet the Parents have been righted by this delicious comedy-of-errors that never runs out of gas. 

47. Chicken Run (2000)

 

Only the British could tell a story about a 1950’s chicken farm from the point of view of the chickens and make it so damn funny. Thanks to its dry sense of humor and droll voice talent, this one will have you on the floor in stitches more often than not. 

46. Knocked Up (2007)

 

Judd Apatow ushered in an entirely new genre with The 40 Year Old Virgin; as I see it, romantic comedies for men. Knocked Up takes that idea and perfects it. It’s raunchy in all the right places, just so it can sneak up and tug at the heartstrings of the guys who would otherwise be tossing popcorn at the screen. 

45. Gosford Park (2001)

  

It’s no secret Robert Altman had a knack for shooting large ensemble pieces. Of all his films, this is perhaps the most undeniable proof that he was the very best. With virtually two films happening at once, he never lost sight of the story amongst the swarm of actors dropping in and out of the frame. And what a delicious story it is. 

44. The Matador (2005)

 

A dark comedy about a hitman starring James Bond and an ex-talk show host? True, but don’t let that turn you away. This gem took me by surprise, thanks to some marvelous acting and surprising plot twists. Not to mention Hope Davis in a role perfectly suited to her off-beat sense of humor. 

43. Little Children (2006)

  

There’s nothing funny about this maudlin tale of suburban monotony. However, its morose nature is counterbalanced by breathtaking direction and stunning performances. The screenplay is a marvelous adaptation and one of the few instances that a film surpasses the novel. 

42. Big Fish (2003)

 

Tim Burton made some great films early in his career, but I believe this sentimental outing is his masterpiece. The emotional ending turns me into a quivering heap on the floor, with tears and mucous running down my face. And knowing Burton’s weird ways, I think that’s just how he'd want it. 

41. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

  

The first lesson I learned in screenwriting is that every use of dialogue is a failure. Great movies can have great dialogue, but these are moving pictures so it’s always best to tell the story visually. That makes this feast for the eyes a cinematic treasure.

Smarty Pants

Theatrefolk has just posted a video in their "Spread the Love" series, featuring my latest play, Smarty Pants. This series is one of the many reasons why I am so proud to be a part of this company. Craig and Lindsay give each and every play in their catalogue a chance to shine, and that's because they truly stand behind the work they represent. I am excited to have this new play in their catalogue and hope you will check it out. While you're there, browse around and buy some of the other great scripts they have to offer!

Smarty Pants

I am happy to report that scripts and production rights for Smarty Pants are now available for purchase from Theatrefolk. To read an excerpt, or to order a complete script, click HERE.

Theatrefolk has a fantastic variety of scripts for students, so I encourage you to take a look at all they have to offer. If you are looking for the perfect script to produce with your students, I'm sure somewhere in their catalogue they will have the one!