Best Films Of 2002
This week, I get a chance to present my best films of the past year. Sure there were films that may have made this list, but I was unable to see for one reason or another. Films like The Hours, The Quiet American, Standing In The Shadows of Motown, and others may have made this list had I seen them.
This year gave us a number of really great films. Most of the films released in the month of December alone made for an enjoyable trip to the theater. This is a time to honor the achievements that made for a great year. So let’s get to a couple of films that were close and in many years would make the list…but this year they just get honorable mention.
2002 Honorable Mentions
Catch Me If You Can (This film featured a great director – Spielberg and two great actors – Hanks and DiCaprio. It was a great ride.)
Rabbit Proof Fence (A touching and painful film focusing on 3 Aboriginal girls and their quest to find the home they were taken from.)
The Count of Monte Cristo (A great early 2002 release featuring Jim Caviezel, this movie was a fun swashbuckling surprise)
Ice Age (This was probably one of the most fun animated films of the year, and the DVD release just added yet another fun scene.)
Road to Perdition (A fabulous story, with fabulous actors delivered in the middle of the summer. This one could be in the top 5 a lot of years.)
Frailty (This film scared me inside, as much as it made me squirm.)
The Grey Zone (Was a fabulous and moving film that didn’t see many cities in release. When it hits home video, pick it up.)
Rocks With Wings (A documentary that I fell in love with at the Wisconsin International Film Festival, and truly the best film I saw there. This film tells the story of an African American basketball coach trying to fit in with his American Indian girls basketball team.)
I also have affection for Insomnia, About A Boy, The Bourne Identity, Lilo and Stitch, We Were Soldiers, Big Trouble, Moonlight Mile, The Emperor’s Club, Bowling for Columbine, One Hour Photo, Signs and Comedian. Each film was able to elicit a response from me. But while each film was good, they weren’t good enough to make the final list.
So here is the final list…my choices for the top films of 2002.
10. Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers – Most critics seem to have forgotten this film even though they anointed the first film in the trilogy as one of the best films of 2001. This film was on par with The Fellowship of the Ring, if not better. To not include it on my top 10 would have been a big mistake, so here it is at number 10.
9. Chicago – In many years this film would be in my top three. As I put this list together I toyed with it as high as number 4 but it settles in here at number 9. The film seamlessly moves between the songs and dialogue. Coupled with Moulin Rouge let’s hope these films help to resurrect the musical. When it is done well, it is so much fun. Kudos for some great performances by Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellwegger and Richard Gere both in their singing and acting. One of the most under appreciated roles in this film goes to Queen Latifah.
8. The Pianist – What can be said about this holocaust drama except that it just simply moves the viewer. The story of a man who struggles through one of the toughest times in history will grip the viewer for 2 ½ hours.
7. 25th Hour – Spike Lee’s film that will make every viewer a bit uncomfortable at least once. This is the story of a man facing his last day of freedom before 7 years. Spike Lee takes on issues that most films shy away from, whether it is the hatred that is buried inside an individual or the impact of post 911 on New York.
6. Antwone Fisher – Denzel’s Washington’s directorial debut tackles the story of a young navy man who has issues that drive him to aggressive behavior. Denzel was able to get great a fabulous and award worthy performance out of Derek Luke in his first starring role. Fisher’s story will tug at your heartstring and bring a tear to the eyes of even the strongest individuals.
5. Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind – This one caught me totally by surprise, in a very good way. The story of Chuck Barris, the mind behind The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and The Gong Show among other game shows that we have watched on television. George Clooney directs his first film as we are whisked between someone who is presented as part genius and part madman. Game show host by day, and CIA operative by night, Barris leads a life of intrigue, mystery, and complications.
4. Adaptation – Definitely Nicolas Cage’s best performance onscreen in years. Adaptation takes us through the process of bringing a film to the big screen from the writer’s point of view. Fabulous performances from Chris Cooper, Meryl Streep and a small role for Brian Cox dot this great story film.
3. About Schmidt – Jack Nicholson is such a talented actor that it is almost a crime to give him this role. He brings Warren to life and gives him a face. There is a great supporting cast that includes Kathy Bates and Dermot Mulroney among others. When Warren feels pain, you feel pain. When Warren is confused, you feel his confusion. When Warren feels lonely, you experience his loneliness. A fabulous film from every angle, I recommend this film for everyone.
2. Gangs Of New York – I felt this film. For over 2 ½ hours I was engrossed in one of the finest lead actor performance of the year from Daniel Day-Lewis. I enjoyed seeing Leonardo DiCaprio be willing to take a back seat to Lewis and serve up a solid supporting performance. I found that Cameron Diaz can act well when she is pushed. I was invigorated to see Martin Scorsese’s vision finally find its way to the screen. To think that this film can be even better is almost scary.
1. Minority Report – This was truly one of the toughest years to pick a top film. Almost any film in the top 10 could be number one, but I had to choose one and I chose the one that stuck with me since this summer. Why? Director Steven Spielberg took great pains to give a realistic look at the future and it is a bit scary. While some new conveniences are there to be had, the thought of a department of pre-crime is absolutely frightening. The look of the future is inviting, yet scary. This film has action, a good story, great effects, solid acting, and a great director. For having all of those, I call this film the best film of 2002.
I know there will be an argument on what people think about this list. There are a number of films that I didn’t get a chance to see this year that could be in there as well. It was truly one of the hardest years to narrow done and pick a best film, but it had to be done. I think that anyone who sees any of the films on this list won’t be disappointed. Now go see these films, whether they are still in the theater or in your video store. And if you go to the theater, remember, “Save Me A Seat.”
Paul
© 2003 Paul Hall, All Rights Reserved