1999 Common Guy's Top 10

Again, as with last year's list, I must preface this by saying there are still some films that I haven't seen that may have made this list.  As I see more I will definitely update as necessary.  But of the 100+ films that I have seen this past year, here are my top 10 of 1999.




1.  The Green Mile  --  No single film this year pulled me into it at made me care about the characters that were represented onscreen.  When the movie ended, I was truly shocked at how long it was (it didn't feel that long) and all I could say was WOW.  Though most people will immediately give the credit on this film to Tom Hanks, I must say this...his supporting cast made this film what it was.  This film was wonderful and another masterpiece from Frank Darabont, who last brought us The Shawshank Redemption.

2.  Man On The Moon -- This is two straight years now that a Jim Carrey film made #2 on my top 10 list.  Last year he was extremely under appreciated for his role in The Truman Show.  This year as Andy Kaufmann he is incredible.  Now I'm not a big Andy Kaufmann fan, but Carrey's role in this film was truly brilliant.  This film was funny and heartwarming at the same time.  You really wanted to see how this character moved through his life.  Kudos to Jim Carrey, Milos Forman, Danny DeVito and everyone involved with Man On The Moon.

3.  The Hurricane -- Ok, I know the firestorm that is out there with this film.  How close to reality is it?  But let me remind you of my feelings on this.  The producers and directors did not call this film a documentary.  And because of that I view it just like any other film.  I really enjoyed the story line, true or untrue.  The depth of Denzel Washington is just phenomenal.  He is an actor that I would pay to see even in bad movies.  This film evokes a lot of emotions in the viewers, and while I originally thought it was going to be a preachy film, I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

4.  The Insider -- Another one of the "long" films that were released at the tail end of 1999.  This film has a great story to draw off of and excellent performances by Russell Crowe, Al Pacino and Christopher Plummer.  It takes us behind the scenes of the news.  We all know what happens when the cameras are on, but The Insider shows us the story behind what finally shows up on our television screens as news.  The acting and the story make this one of the all around best films of the year.

5.  Toy Story 2 -- Remember this, I am the Common Guy, and because of that animation can be viewed as excellent despite what a lot of other critics and the award givers say.  Toy Story 2 is a fun movie!  This is a film that is fun for both kids and adults alike, so parents don't be afraid of going to see this film.  You may like it just as much if not more so than your kids.  A sequel that can hold its own against the film that preceded it.  This is a true animation achievement.

6.  Three Kings -- One of those films that because of its time of release, may get lost in the shuffle.  I know there are a lot of folks out there that are saying George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube come on Paul get serious.  But this is truly one of those films that takes you inside the mind of soldiers.  It is a stand up and cheer for America type of film that will not disappoint.

7.  The Talented Mr. Ripley -- Different, a very different film for me.  I truly was clueless as I saw this film.  The trailers had me thinking a whole different plot line, and I was pleasantly surprised.  Matt Damon's role in this film is incredible.  If you allow yourself as the viewer to immerse yourself in Tom Ripley you will feel the same way I did about this movie, however if that doesn't happen you may just hate this film.  I was totally captivated, and I loved it.

8.  The Sixth Sense -- What Paul, number 8 for this blockbuster?  This film became number 8 after I really thought about some of the films above it, as well as this film.  No doubt that this is a Grade A movie, but I got to thinking about things and if you take away a couple small aspects of this film would it really be the hit that it is.  The good part about it though is that those plot twists are there, and Haley Joel Osment is fantastic in this film.  And let's not forget a memorable role from Bruce Willis here as well.  If you haven't seen it yet, go out and seen it now.

9.  The Wood -- This became a pet film of my last year.  The camaraderie of these men as one embarks on marriage is fantastic.  We are treated to a story of the lives of the young men that grow up in "the wood".  I was engrossed in this film from the get go, and was so fascinated with the performance of all of the actors in this film from Omar Epps to Taye Diggs.  If you haven't seen this one (and judging from what it did at the box office not many of you did) give it a chance.

10.  Analyze This -- This one came out early in the year and just stuck with me.  Billy Crystal as a straight man to Robert Deniro is a sight to be seen and this was truly one of the funnier comedies of 1999.  Enjoy this film, and laugh a little.  This will have you in stitches.

Though Analyze This was the number 10 film of the year, there could have been a number of different films that snuck in to the number 10 slot of this years list.  I really liked American Pie, Election, Bowfinger and Dick.  These were some very underrated comedies that came out throughout the year with only American Pie doing big dollars at the box office.  I also tried every way I knew how to fit Tarzan in the list, but it barely lost out.  Tarzan was a fantastic animated music filled romp through the jungle.  And I also tried to find a way to fit Bringing Out the Dead in my list, but it barely cracked into the top 15 or so for the year.  Had I seen American Beauty or American Movie, either of these may have made the list, but I didn't see them so I can't pass judgment.  All in all it was a really great year for the movies.  I hope that you all get a chance to go out and enjoy the movies, and if you catch a bad one just go back for more, there is a lot of good movies out there.

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