I used to fancy myself something of a film buff. Before Sunny and I had the kids, we saw lots of movies. Most of them, we saw at the theater. Nothing beats the smell of popcorn, the big screen, paying $12 for a ticket. But I digress. Since we’ve had the kids, we don’t see very many films. We watch way more TV than we used to. It’s cheap (relative to the cineplex) and it’s just more convenient.
But as I’m getting together my thoughts for my annual Best Of… post, I realized just how few films we’ve seen at the theater this year. I know I’m probably leaving a few out, but I can only count 5 movies I saw in the theater this year. Two of those were The Santa Clause 3 and Flushed Away. As the kids get older, I guess I’d better get used to celluloid fare like this, eh?
The American Film Institute has selected its Top 10 films for 2006. The nominees: Babel, Borat, The Devil Wears Prada, Dreamgirls, Half Nelson, Happy Feet, Inside Man, Letters from Iwo Jima, Little Miss Sunshine, and United 93. Are you kidding me? I’ve seen one of these (Inside Man) and we rented it. And I wasn’t all that blown away by it.
Is it just me, or do they not make movies like they used to? Any of you seen any of these “great” films?
already & not yet 
I haven’t seen any of those because my movie time is limited like yours. Cars and Flags of Our Fathers were a couple of good ones that I saw this year. I was disappointed with MI3 and Pirates. I’m not interested in any of those Top 10 except Letters from Iwo Jima.
I forgot about MI3. But then again, it was pretty forgettable, right? I guess I saw 6 movies this year.I heard Flags of Our Fathers was pretty good. I’m really looking forward to seeing a few of the Oscar hopefuls this month (Blood Diamond, Rocky Balboa).
Little Miss Sunshine was probably one of the better movies that I’ve ever seen. Not best…but still hilarious in a indie-film way. I recommend it. You just have to be in a quirky/semi dark humor mood to appreciate it!Lucy P.
Is that the one with Kinnear and that girl from War of the Worlds? I saw an article in Entertainment Weekly about it, but it never seemed to generate much buzz.
Little Miss Sunshine was one of the better movies I’ve seen in a long time, perhaps ever. It’s one of the few modern movies that adequately captures both the sadness and humor in life, and blends the two so that you get slightly offended if someone calls it a comedy or a tragedy. The lines are definitely blurred here. If you want a movie about family, about doing what you love, and about what’s really important in life, the Little Miss Sunshine is probably a good choice. Beautiful cinematography, wonderful actors, brilliant script. Rent this movie before you watch any of the others. Borat…well it’s hard to know what to say. It’s revolutionary, for sure. This comedy is the first of a new line of comedy that I’m sure will try to follow. I’ve never laughed so hard at anything in my entire life. This was also the only movie I’ve ever been in where people are convulsing in their seats laughing. You just can’t control it. The media has made it clear that this movie is insulting, degrading, vulgar, etc. but if you can look past that and realize that point of it all, then you’ll appreciate the movie much more. Sacha Baron Cohen didn’t make the movie to offend everyone, but to expose the hidden prejudices of all people, most of whom are too ignorant and short-sighted to be able to understand his message. The Devil Wears Prada was decent, solely because of Meryl Streep, but I would give her a better rating in A Prairie Home Companion. That is a movie you should rent, and should probably be in the top 10 for the year. Look up reviews, and then go rent it. It’s a beautiful film.
LT,Thanks for dropping by. Wow…Little Miss Sunshine is one of the best movies you’ve ever seen? Where have I been? Guess I’ll have to rent it.As for Borat, I thought I wanted to see it when I saw the first preview, but I hear it’s pretty vulgar. Definitely not something I’ll be watching. But I was surprised to see it on AFI’s Top 10 of the year. Like I said, thanks for stopping by. Feel free to come back anytime.
What about the great “Talledega Nights”? I’d actually like to see these films:We are MarshalRocky VIGridiron GangDeja VuFlags of our FathersLady in the WaterKS (I’m not giving in to beta)
I don’t think that they make movies the same as they use to. I tend to get pretty bored with a lot of them. I guess that I would rather be doing something a little more productive with my ‘free” time (when I get it 🙂 ). I think that we have cut back on the tv shows here lately. Now this February will be a different story.
Kenny,Come on, dude. Everybody’s doing it. :)I want to see Deja Vu. I’m not even sure if it’s still in theaters, though. I’d love to see We Are Marshall, too. Are y’all coming up this way sometime during the holiday break? If so, we should go see We Are Marshall or Rocky…I know Sunny won’t care about seeing either of those.
And Kenny, please tell me you’re kidding about Talladega Nights!Sunny, you’re right. We’ve really cut down on both TV and movies lately. But look out come February: Lost returns, American Idol, new Survivor, new Amazing Race. Can’t wait.
And 24 and PRISON BREAK (The best show on TV). BTW: Yul is owning survivor.”The non-beta KS”
I think that Yul will end up winning. Becky might sneak in there too.Did you see that Amazing Race is coming back with an all-stars version? I can’t wait!!!
Amazing Race All-Stars will be awesome. I’m stoked. That’s probably the show I’d most want to be on if I could pick.I’m not sure if Yul will win or not. Ozzie’s pretty tough and he might flip the game tonight. At least they want you to think that way.Kenny, we watched most of Season 1 of Prison Break, but we never fininshed. I doubt we will, too, since I know they escaped and all. I’ll be surprised if they can sustain that momentum now that they’re on the run. And don’t get me started on 24. I used to love that show so much. Now it’s like it’s dead to me.
Best movie I saw this year is a tie between Flags of Our Fathers and World Trade Center.Funniest – Toss up between Cars and Over the Hedge. No, Lawson wasn’t with us I just like these movies. What else can you really watch if you are trying to guard what you take in?
Isn’t Letters from Iwo Jima the companion piece to Flags of our Fathers? Or am I way off here?I thought about seeing WTC, but I never did. Not sure I’d want to re-live all of that, you know? But I’m sure it’s a moving film.Jon, you mean when we watched Deliverance the other night, it didn’t instantly become your favorite of the year? My guts are still clinched….
Still trying to block the images.You’re correct. Letters from Iwo Jima is the Japanesse side of the Iwo Jima battle. Supposed to hit the states in the late winter early spring.
Ok, let me chime in here…United 93 ABSOLUTELY needs to be on that list. It was a phenominal movie. I’ve never felt so emotional in a movie in my life. Every American needs to see that movie. 9.5/10Another great movie from this year: Invincible starring Mark Wahlberg. That was such a great movie. I think all ATHLETES should see it to see what it’s like to play with heart. An absolute GREAT film. 9/10As for Borat… ask me about it another time. I could say so much about it. Absolutely disgusting? Yes, but, and I’m ashamed to say it, absolutley hysterical…And I’m with Kenny… WHERE’S TALLADEGA NIGHTS??
Oh, and by the way… Casino Royale is the BEST Bond film EVER. It is an all around GREAT movie even if you don’t like Bond (which I LOVE Bond, by the way). I give it a 12/10…
My good friend Matt told me United 93 was an excellent film. Again, never got around to seeing it. Is it available on DVD yet? I don’t know anybody who’s seen Casino Royale, other than you, Jake. I guess I’ll have to rent it, too.
The best was the commercial break:”If you’re enjoying Deliverance….then you’re one sick puppy.“
United 93 is available on DVD now, and Casino Royale is still in theaters. It is WELL worth the money to go see it. I’ll buy it the minute it comes out on DVD.
I saw Inside Man, Little Miss Sunshine and United 93 off the top 10 list. Sunshine had moments of greatness, but also some slow parts. Overall very good. Steve Carell is also in it. Inside Man was ok. United 93 was outstanding. I saw Flags of Our Fathers about a month ago and it was great. I saw Casino Royale last week and loved it as well. I really want to see The Departed and also We Are Marshall when it comes out – Dr. Jack Shepard as a football coach can’t miss.Matt W.
The Departed was GREAT. Awfully bloody and violent, but it was a really good movie.
I liked Inside Man OK, but Top 10 of the Year? That’s a stretch.Matt, I actually saw The Departed and I was really disappointed. Nothing but a two hour glorification of violence, IMHO. I’d like to see We Are Marshall. Jake, has there ever been a movie you didn’t like, dude?
Inside Man should definitely NOT be in the top 10. It was a neat idea and all, but lacks what I consider top 10 mustard.United 93, I went to see it by myself when I was still in Memphis. I literally held my breath most of the movie, wondering what was going to happen, even I knew the inevitable. It was told from a non-partisan viewpoint, which was very refreshing. There was no real political agenda involved.I love Steve Carell, and I wanted to see Sunshine. We almost did and then decided not to see it. It’ll be a rental.And I don’t see how a movie with the moral standards like Borat should be allowed to even be thought of for a top 10 flick. There were several lawsuits surrounding the film. That’s like saying Jack A** should be in the top 10.I think Cars should be up there, and seriously, Pirates 2. It might be one of my favorite movies ever. I hated the first one, but the second one was top notch!
Also, Flushed Away? That’s so sad man. That’s like going to see the movie Hook.
I saw the movie Hook.KS
You know me. I’ll see all of these before its over.One glaring omission: The Queen. Absolutely phenomenal film.Tracy’s sister is coming into town today so I think I’m going to sneak off to see Blood Diamond tonight.
I just got back from seeing Blood Diamond. It was really good. Hope you enjoy, Scott.
Lane,I liked Pirates 2, but it was like watching the middle of a movie. Guess that’s why they’re making a 3rd one. Hook — one of the worst movies ever. Especially when viewed at the Martin Triple in Lebanon. Good times…
I think “Facing the Giants” is suprisingly good for an independent film made by a church ministry with amatuer actors.
Of those, I’d like to see Borat, Little Miss Sunshine, and United 93.With two little ones, we hardly make it to the theater either. We saw An Inconvenient Truth and A Prairie Home Companion on a weekend on our own in NYC. Both were worth watching. Ironically, the a/c was malfunctioning in the theater when we saw An Inconvenient Truth.
Roxy, I heard good things re: Facing the Giants, but I never got around to seeing it. I’ll definitely have to rent it. I hear Georgia head coach Mark Richt makes a cameo.
Jonathan,I’d really like to see An Inconvenient Truth. The AC went out…that’s priceless!