The Best Films of 2005

Although I've procrastinated getting my "Best" on my blog, what better time than posting them just before the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences recognizes its creme de la creme tomorrow night. Here are the ten best films of 2005:

THE BEST FILMS OF 2005

10.) JUNEBUG

Big city ways and small town life clash in JUNEBUG. Director Phil Morrison captures the attitudes, inhibitions and essence of both worlds, in the tale of a prodigal son and his high-fluent wife. Benjamin McKenzie and Embeth Davidtz are good as the conflicted couple, but it’s Amy Adams as the naïve, charming and wonderfully cheerful Ashley that steals the show. I can’t remember a character as refreshing upbeat and authentically original as Ashley, and it’s all to Adams credit.

9.) PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Just when I thought costume-dramas were a lost art, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE renewed my faith in the genre. Director Joe Wright adapts Jane Austen’s classic love story into a gorgeous romance with sharp dialogue and wonderfully filmed dance sequences. Of all the assertive roles we’ve seen Keira Knightley tackle, none has been more convincing, charming or passionate as her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is one of the best romances in the last several years.

8.) MUNICH

Steven Spielberg’s look into the Israeli-Palestian conflict, MUNICH, is a captivating look into a political and religious hotbed. Spielberg has crafted an extremely riveting thriller with intense moments of great danger, a mystery with characters whose motives are not entirely known and a morally complex drama with no distinguishable conclusions. MUNICH has been chastised by both sides, but this should tell you something about the film, that it is a hard, fair and direct look at a conflict that is not easily diagnosed.

7.) BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

Director Ang Lee’s cowboy romance, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN is an emotionally driven picture with much angst. Larry McMurty and Diana Ossana have adapted E. Annie Proulx’s short story into a moving drama that utilizes sentimental items, family ties and last wishes. Lee takes each of these aspects to great emotional heights employing imagery, memories and the scenic Wyoming landscape. Although the cast is uniformly good, Heath Ledger stands out, convincingly depicting a man who internalizes his anger, sadness and fear.

6.) WALLACE AND GROMMIT IN THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT

Aardman’s dynamic duo return to the silver screen was a triumphant one with WALLACE AND GROMMIT IN THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT. Although the film is full of visual delights, rousing action sequences and clever jokes, it’s Wallace and Grommit’s good-hearted nature and camaraderie that make the film something special. The film’s technique of stop-motion animation has a simple and workman like touch that in many ways makes the characters seem more real. WALLACE AND GROMMIT IN THE CURSE OF THE WERERABBIT is a wonderful family film that can be enjoyed by anyone.

5.) WAR OF THE WORLDS

The best of 2005’s blockbusters was the edge-of-your-seat thriller WAR OF THE WORLDS. Steven Speilberg’s awesome imagination substitutes his familiar dream-like sense of exploration and discovery, for a nightmarish scenario of disaster, terror and carnage. Although the visual aesthetic is impressive, we are not invited to be in awe of the majestic showcase, but rather terrified of its affects WAR OF THE WORLDS defines what films should be in terms of spectacle and cinematic experience.

4.) FEVER PITCH

The well thrown romantic-comedy, FEVER PITCH rings true. The script, based on the Nick Hornby novel, is sharp in its dissection of sports obsessed individuals and those who love them. Despite their deliciously disgusting resume, the Farrelly brothers have concocted a sweet film filled with bizarre, yet realistic scenarios, quirky humor and lovable characters. FEVER PITCH really hit home for me, and assuredly has for thousand of sports fans and those who put up with them.

3.) MATCH POINT

Woody Allen returned to form in 2005 with the cunningly clever thriller MATCH POINT. The diabolically written script twists and turns with Allen’s masterful touch, revealing revelations that are natural, yet surprising. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Scarlett Johansson draw us into their web of lust, power and deceit with two attractive and alluring performances. MATCH POINT revels in affairs, greed and worse, but marks another morally compelling drama in Allen’s already impressive cinematic career.

2.) CRASH

Writer-director Paul Haggis’s CRASH is a clever twist on our country’s current cultural climate. This racially infused drama skillfully interweaves several stories of prejudiced Los Angeles residents. CRASH blatantly and subtly shows how racism is manifested, not just in white or black Americans, but also Hispanics, Asian-Americans and those of other ethnicities. Haggis provides an honest, revealing and tough look at several different characters, enables us to emphasize with their situations without excusing their actions. CRASH is a remarkably enriching drama.

1.) MURDERBALL

This awe-inspiring, uncompromising and brilliantly told documentary is a tribute to those who refuse to lose. This tale of the United States wheelchair rugby team shatters preconceived notions of paraplegics as victims, and displays individuals who have a zest and love for life. Competitors Mark Zuppan and Joe Soares are two of the greatest characters to light up the silver screen last year, and their stories would seem like clichés, if they weren’t true. Directors Henry Rubin and Dana Shapiro not only capture the soul of these amazing stories, but they’ve created an electrifying sports film that drains every heart tugging moment. MURDERBALL is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it’s my pick for the best film of 2005.