Let me take a minute to preface this by saying that I have not nearly seen all of the films that could make this list, and I do reserve the right to update it after I see some of the films that are part of those that qualify for the 1998 list. I will definately keep you posted of any updates that may occur. The other disclaimer I have to put on this is that these are the top 10 that I liked this year. Not every film on here could or should be an award winning film. However, they have made the list here because of a number of reasons but no matter what the bottom line is that I liked all of these films here. You may not. In fact, I don't expect that many of you will agree with me. But that is the fun of the movies, we all have our own tastes. Now go ahead and read on.
1. Saving Private Ryan -- This of course is the popular choice among a good deal of individuals. Speilberg is brilliant once again in crafting a movie whose images will be etched in our mind for many years to come. This is an epic film that lives up to the expectations that were placed upon it. Another Speilberg winner.
2. The Truman Show -- I really liked this movie, but not immediately the second I walked out of the theater. I really had to sit back and think about what I had just seen and I really enjoyed it. Jim Carrey turns in a performance that is easily his best ever and proves to those out there that he is more than just a "funny guy" on screen. What a wonderous glimpse into the what ifs that are out there.
3. There's Something About Mary -- What can I say abou this film? There hasn't been a film to make me laugh this hard in a long time. Cameron Diaz electrifies the screen, and with the Farrelly brothers behind the whole thing, you just can't help but laugh.
4. Prince of Egypt -- Antz and A Bug's Life are stealing all of the thunder for the year, but I really thought this film was an awesome experience in animation as well as a great movie. The interest level is there and it is an intelligent animation film geared towards older kids and adults. It is not a fluffy animated film, though it has it's songs to listen to. Not cuddly, and it deals with some tough subject matter, the film is an experience.
5. The Mask of Zorro -- Swashbuckling good fun that seems to light up the screen. Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones are a great combination on the screen. The film just allowed the viewers a moment to enjoy a courtship in the days of old and a tutoring that is like no other.
6. Pleasantville -- A masterful combination of black and white and color footage that takes us through a variety of emotions. Some good and some bad emotions, but nonetheless a variety of feelings that we feel in society today are exposed in this riveting film. While it has its shortcomings, it is one of the better films of the last year.
7. Living Out Loud -- An unfortunately, little seen film that starred Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito in the tale of a woman whose life is in a transition period. Holly Hunter was brilliant in this film and should get some serious award considerations. Danny DeVito is smart enough to play more of a supporting role to the talented Hunter and they work well together.
8. The Mighty -- Possibly Sharon Stone's best performance in her career. Flanked by two great child performances, Stone and the rest of the cast deliver a poignant tale of a friendship that develops to the benefit of all parties concerned.
9. ANTZ / A Bug's Life -- Why these two together? Well they were both good fun. ANTZ was geared to a more adult crowd with some high brow humor that would go over the heads of most kids and yet be compelling for most adults. A Bug's Life delivers high quality animation geared at the younger crowd but with enough fun that the adults can stay entertained throughout. If these two films are what results from an increased level of competition between Disney and Dreamworks, then I say bring them on...it can only get better.
10. Bulworth -- We always forget about the films released in the spring. Bulworth was a great look at the American political system and how no matter the circumstances, there are certain things that politician can stay to get elected. This was a daring role for Warren Beatty and he delivers, big time.
Well that's it.....again I reserve the right to modify this list depending on my views of the films that I did not see at the end of the year. What's missing you ask? Well there are a large number of art films that I was not privileged enough to attend screenings of here in town (then again I am the Common Guy so I don't know if that would have changed much). Also there are some films that I gave high grades to throughout the year such as Armageddon and Lethal Weapon 4....I really liked these films and I still like them, however in evaluating all that was out there at the end of the year they barely missed my list. But they were in the final cutdown as was the unique remake of the classic comedy Dr. Dolittle and many others. I understand you may not agree with my choices, but my only response would be....give these 10 films from 1998 a chance! I know you won't be disappointed with the majority of them.
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