Here is my list of the 10 best pictures of 2000 to 2009
1. BAADASSSSS! (Van Peebles) 2003
From the opening chorus of "I bled your momma, I bled your papa..." to the final frame of Melvin Van Peebles winking at the camera, Mario Van Peebles' tribute to his father is nothing short of a masterpiece. The story of the first independently produced black film in 1971, is not only a history lesson, it explores what to takes to be an artist and an uncompromising filmmaker. This is an independent film made about what it takes to make an independent film. It is also a compelling story of father and sons. Mario plays Melvin in the film and you can't help but feel that he is working out his own demons of his relationship with his father. Its conclusions are both harsh and heartwarming. Melvin's Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song might have started the revolution but Mario's BAADASSSSS! won the war.
2. Far from Heaven (Haynes) 2002
Todd Hayne's beautifully shot film is not only a tribute to the Douglas Sirk melodramas of the 1950's it tells a haunting story that could only be told in the 21st Century of what life was really like in the Eisenhower America of the 1950's.
Todd Hayne's beautifully shot film is not only a tribute to the Douglas Sirk melodramas of the 1950's it tells a haunting story that could only be told in the 21st Century of what life was really like in the Eisenhower America of the 1950's.
3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Lee) 2000
This is the film that revised the Wuxia martial art film in North America and around the world. Its use of action is like poetry and its story is both a throwback to another time as well as a modern feminist statement that is current now.
This is the film that revised the Wuxia martial art film in North America and around the world. Its use of action is like poetry and its story is both a throwback to another time as well as a modern feminist statement that is current now.
4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Gondry) 2004
A beautiful, sad journey into the fate of memory and love. It technically a journey into the mind but it really is a journey into the soul.
A beautiful, sad journey into the fate of memory and love. It technically a journey into the mind but it really is a journey into the soul.
5. The Dark Knight (Nolan) 2008
The second in the Chris Nolan Batman movies is simply the best comic book film ever created.
The second in the Chris Nolan Batman movies is simply the best comic book film ever created.
6. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Jackson) 2002
This is where the apex of the drama hits its peak. Characters introduced in the Fellowship of the Ring are more fully developed here. It is also a more "human' story than the first film focusing more on the story of Gollum and the people of Rohan. What Empire was for Star Wars, Two Towers is for Lord of the Rings.
7. Sideways (Payne) 2004
What better way to have a boy's weekend: hook up, fall in love, get beaten up and get over your ex...all over a bottle (or two) of wine. This film increased Pinot Noir sales and destroyed Merlot sales forever in California.
What better way to have a boy's weekend: hook up, fall in love, get beaten up and get over your ex...all over a bottle (or two) of wine. This film increased Pinot Noir sales and destroyed Merlot sales forever in California.
8. Grindhouse (Rodriguez/Tarantino) 2007
The double bill of Planet Terror and Death Proof is the most entertaining ride that people skipped when it came out in 2007.
The double bill of Planet Terror and Death Proof is the most entertaining ride that people skipped when it came out in 2007.
9. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Allen) 2008
Best film about threesomes and art ever made.
Best film about threesomes and art ever made.
10. 24 Hour Party People (Winterbottom) 2002
View the Madchester scene in the 1980's with Tony Wilson exactly how he THINKS it all happened.
View the Madchester scene in the 1980's with Tony Wilson exactly how he THINKS it all happened.
Honourable mentions: The Departed, House of Flying Daggers, Pan's Labyrinth, Kill Bill (1 & 2), Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Best in Show, City of God, Nixon/Frost, Sin City, Gosford Park, No Country for Old Men, In the Mood for Love, Being John Malkovich, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Casino Royale, Team America: World Police & Unbreakable.
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