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Sunday, November 27, 2005
I typically don't start writing about movies this far in advance of Oscar season, but as we head into December and the release of many of the films that will be talked about in February and March I thought I would offer a list of my favorites that I have seen through November. Some may garner Oscar buzz, but most will be lost amongst the likes of The Producers, Memoirs of a Geisha, King Kong, All the King's Men, and Walk the Line.
Possum's Favorite Movies of 2005, as of November 27th:
10. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Despite the major plot holes and the cardboard dialogue, the final episode of the Star Wars pre-logy manages to be the most entertaining by a wide margin.
9. Crash
Another wonderful "thinker" from Don Cheadle.
8. Mad Hot Ballroom
Not exactly the type of documentary that sets the cinematic world on fire, but it is certainly an enjoyable journey along with 4 NYC middle schools as they compete for the city ballroom dancing crown.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Johnny Depp never fails in bringing a profound depth to seemingly shallow characters. This performance is even greater than that in Pirates of the Carribean. An all around fun movie.
6. Wallace & Grommit: The Curse of the Wear-Rabbit
I don't usually pay any attention to children or family movies, but here I am recommending two in a row. Watching this movie is a satisfying experience that will have you smiling throughout (my attempt at getting quoted on a dvd trailer).
5. The Constant Gardener
The most intense of any film on this list, The Constant Gardener would certainly be number one if this list were the best films I've seen so far in '05.
4. The Aristocrats
Another documentary, and possibly the most vile movie I've ever seen. It is certainly a guilty pleasure that will have those with a stomach of steel rolling on the floor with laughter. You'll never look at Bob Saget the same way again.
3. RENT
It's no Chicago. It's not exactly a cinematic achievement (come on, it was directed by Chris Columbus!), but even the biggest RENTheads will be satisfied. Starring several members of the original theatrical cast, I was even more impressed by the movie than I was when I saw it on Broadway last spring.
2. Me and You and Everyone We Know
I'm not really sure what to say about this movie other than I loved it. By the end I really wasn't sure whether to laugh or to cry. It is definately comical, but at the same time very depressing. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind movies that are paced a little slowly and leave you searching for meaning.
1. Sin City
Though highly stylized, one must be prepared to see a person eaten by a wolf and another man's testicles ripped out. Now, I am not a fan of comic book movies, but I have watched this film several times already this year. Rodriguez, Miller and Tarantino provide us with the year's greatest cinematic inovation.
Possum's Favorite Movies of 2005, as of November 27th:
10. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Despite the major plot holes and the cardboard dialogue, the final episode of the Star Wars pre-logy manages to be the most entertaining by a wide margin.
9. Crash
Another wonderful "thinker" from Don Cheadle.
8. Mad Hot Ballroom
Not exactly the type of documentary that sets the cinematic world on fire, but it is certainly an enjoyable journey along with 4 NYC middle schools as they compete for the city ballroom dancing crown.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Johnny Depp never fails in bringing a profound depth to seemingly shallow characters. This performance is even greater than that in Pirates of the Carribean. An all around fun movie.
6. Wallace & Grommit: The Curse of the Wear-Rabbit
I don't usually pay any attention to children or family movies, but here I am recommending two in a row. Watching this movie is a satisfying experience that will have you smiling throughout (my attempt at getting quoted on a dvd trailer).
5. The Constant Gardener
The most intense of any film on this list, The Constant Gardener would certainly be number one if this list were the best films I've seen so far in '05.
4. The Aristocrats
Another documentary, and possibly the most vile movie I've ever seen. It is certainly a guilty pleasure that will have those with a stomach of steel rolling on the floor with laughter. You'll never look at Bob Saget the same way again.
3. RENT
It's no Chicago. It's not exactly a cinematic achievement (come on, it was directed by Chris Columbus!), but even the biggest RENTheads will be satisfied. Starring several members of the original theatrical cast, I was even more impressed by the movie than I was when I saw it on Broadway last spring.
2. Me and You and Everyone We Know
I'm not really sure what to say about this movie other than I loved it. By the end I really wasn't sure whether to laugh or to cry. It is definately comical, but at the same time very depressing. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind movies that are paced a little slowly and leave you searching for meaning.
1. Sin City
Though highly stylized, one must be prepared to see a person eaten by a wolf and another man's testicles ripped out. Now, I am not a fan of comic book movies, but I have watched this film several times already this year. Rodriguez, Miller and Tarantino provide us with the year's greatest cinematic inovation.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Ok, so I don't know what I was thinking when I promised a weekly Man of the Week. That was a bad idea. Or maybe it was a good idea poorly executed. We will probably never know.
Anyway. During my extended absence from personal blogging, I have been enjoying the blogging endeavors of some of my friends and thought I would share some of them with you. Despite the fact that many have surpassed me in blogging excellence I must point out that I was blogging before blogging was even a word.......that I had heard.
Cory Cavin is in New York. Entertaining anecdotes from a Carolina boy trying to make a go of it in the Big Apple. Highlights: "I Did it for Tupac," "False Advertising"
Sam Boyd Fans. Created by former MAN oF The WeeK, Matt "Burly" Buehrle, this site is dedicated to THE Sam Boyd. Highlights: "Sam Boyd Knows This Guy," "Angry Sam Boyd Eating Watermelon in 2002," "Just Talked to Phil Keaggy"
The Travis Web Journal. Another former MOW, and MTS frontman, Miles Travis and his wife, Brooklynne discuss their daily struggles working towards a doctorate in history while raising an Airedale Terrier in the rough streets of Manassas, VA. Highlights: "Happy Birthday Harriet," "Happy Birthday Mom," "Congrats Evan and Kelly"
Grown Ass Man. I'm not entirely sure where the inflection belongs in that phrase. In the sub-headline my current roommate and latest blogrival, Benji Cauthren, states, "where the well of knowledge never runs dry." This bold statement is followed by a blank page. When not cracking "your mom" jokes, Benji enjoys taking long walks off of short piers. Highlights: Well, there are no highlights, but give him time, this is the same man who once wrote an entire song about the appearance of Tom Cruise on The Tonight Show...and this was before making fun of Tom Cruise was socially acceptable.
Does blogging about other blogs constitute a blog entry?
Stay tuned, I might write something else one day.
Anyway. During my extended absence from personal blogging, I have been enjoying the blogging endeavors of some of my friends and thought I would share some of them with you. Despite the fact that many have surpassed me in blogging excellence I must point out that I was blogging before blogging was even a word.......that I had heard.
Cory Cavin is in New York. Entertaining anecdotes from a Carolina boy trying to make a go of it in the Big Apple. Highlights: "I Did it for Tupac," "False Advertising"
Sam Boyd Fans. Created by former MAN oF The WeeK, Matt "Burly" Buehrle, this site is dedicated to THE Sam Boyd. Highlights: "Sam Boyd Knows This Guy," "Angry Sam Boyd Eating Watermelon in 2002," "Just Talked to Phil Keaggy"
The Travis Web Journal. Another former MOW, and MTS frontman, Miles Travis and his wife, Brooklynne discuss their daily struggles working towards a doctorate in history while raising an Airedale Terrier in the rough streets of Manassas, VA. Highlights: "Happy Birthday Harriet," "Happy Birthday Mom," "Congrats Evan and Kelly"
Grown Ass Man. I'm not entirely sure where the inflection belongs in that phrase. In the sub-headline my current roommate and latest blogrival, Benji Cauthren, states, "where the well of knowledge never runs dry." This bold statement is followed by a blank page. When not cracking "your mom" jokes, Benji enjoys taking long walks off of short piers. Highlights: Well, there are no highlights, but give him time, this is the same man who once wrote an entire song about the appearance of Tom Cruise on The Tonight Show...and this was before making fun of Tom Cruise was socially acceptable.
Does blogging about other blogs constitute a blog entry?
Stay tuned, I might write something else one day.
