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Since a majority of entries in the
end-of-the-year Top 10 are released in November and
December, presenting a mid-year list allows me to highlight
some very good movies that will be overlooked in six months'
time. Here's how I see things for the first half of
2006. |
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#8: The Proposition
The Proposition is the kind of "modern" Western that expands and modernizes John
Ford's contributions to the genre. That's to say it's grim and gritty, and
overflowing with nihilism. Despite taking place in Australia, this is a story
that could easily unfold in the more cinematically familiar Old West. There's
some action in The Proposition, but this film is more about moral conundrums
than shoot-outs.
#7: The Notorious
Bettie Page
As bio-pics go, this is one of the better non-epic ones. Although it doesn't
offer anything new or challenging, it's an engaging look at one of the 20th
century's memorable pin-up girls. As played with considerable daring by an
uninhibited Gretchen Moll, Bettie comes across as a mixture of frankness and
naivete - an odd melange considering her job. Well acted and beautifully
photographed, this one is worth a look when it arrives on DVD. (It's currently
in the limbo that exists between theatrical showing and home availability.)
#6 An Inconvenient
Truth
Al Gore gives us not only the years best documentary thus far, but also shows us
a reinvigorated and significantly changed Al Gore. Apparently the events of the
previous election have tempered the mans personality and mindset. Had THIS been
the Gore that ran for the country’s top office, we may have had a different
outcome. Be that as it may, the film is an eye opener and rude awakening for all
of us. One cannot walk away from this film without wanting to make significant
changes to how we live our lives. Global warming is happening and quicker than
we realize. Gore’s rational of it being a moral imperative as opposed to a
political one is on the mark. This film redefines the term action film. In this
case the action is not on the screen. It is a call to action.
#5: Superman Returns
Superman Returns has received its share of mixed reviews, but I stand by my
opinion of it, and that's after seeing it a second time. Unlike others, I don't
think there's a problem with the pacing, because I see it as much a love story
as an action/adventure film. If you want non-stop brainless superhero kick-ass
action, the third X-Men film is still out there. Superman Returns is something
altogether different. It's character-based, not stunt-based, and that makes it a
rarity in the genre. It's may not be in the same league as, Spidey 2 but its
rewards are many.
#4: V for Vendetta
The first 3 1/2-star movie of 2006, this one had me exhaling deeply the moment
the end credits rolled: So studios can still make good films. Entertaining and
intense, V for Vendetta takes viewers along for the ride with a Phantom of the
Opera-inspired vigilante who has something to prove. The story is delivered with
flair and there's some good acting to be found. It was a box office
disappointment, but will probably do well on DVD. Maybe it was too intelligent
for the target teenage audience, or maybe the release strategy was badly
executed.
#3: Hard Candy
With its controversial subject matter, Hard Candy became a love it or hate it
kind of film. Put me in the former category. I like its twisted world view, the
manner in which it turns morality on its head, and the way it makes the audience
squirm. I appreciate movies that push the envelope, and that's what this one
does. Is it perfect? No - the last act drags and there are logical flaws with
the resolution. But watching Hard Candy isn't an experience I'm likely to
forget. It stays with you and, if you're honest, forces you to confront
questions you might prefer not to think about.
#2: A Prairie Home
Companion
Robert Altman’s film version of Garrison Keillor’s long running radio show is a
fictious backstage look at what transpires behind the scenes of the popular
Saturday evening fixture. It is also an incredibly subtle, gently humorous and
very literate film that may very well be the most amiable movie about death I’ve
ever seen. This would imply that it is probably as much about the aging Altman
as it is about Keillor’s radio family. Keillor’s screenplay is a quiet gem that
harbors a wit and intelligence not found in films being made today. At first
glance Prairie may seem as light as a feather. But its easy going nature and
internalized emotions snuck up on me, so that by the end I found myself rather
moved by the film. A bravura cast including Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Tommy Lee
Jones, Woody Harrelson, Virginia Madsen and Kevin Kline. A sweet natured
delight.
#1: United 93
United 93 is a near-perfect retelling of some of the events of September 11,
2001. By using the same pseudo-documentary approach he employed for Bloody
Sunday, Paul Greengrass brought home the intensity of what may have happened on
the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. He also offers a window into the chaos
that enveloped NORAD and flight control towers on that day. In the end, the
picture painted by United 93 has a powerful and lasting impact. Not only does it
bring back events with unexpected force, but it tells a story that is
simultaneously tragic and heroic. The next 6 months will have to bring something
pretty amazing for this film not to finish at the top of my year end list. |
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Article © 2006 Alternate Reality, Inc. |
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