2005 Movies: Remembering the Year in Movies

2005 was not a particularly strong year for film making in general around the world, and even less so for Hollywood, but there were some shining moments on the big screen.

“The Best of Youth” by Marco Tullio Giordana was made in Italy and aired there as a television miniseries. You can now get the DVD on Amazon or Netflix and get ready to hunker down because each disc is over three hours long, but it is well worth the time to get to know one of the best 2005 movies made. It tells the story of two brothers who take different paths in life and the women they love, all with the background of sixties radicalism and rioting.

“King Kong” by Peter Jackson is a flawed, overly long effort that is still one of the most incredible movies ever shot and all due to the characterization of the ape by the actor who portrayed him (yes there is an actor, but no monkey suit). This remake of the 1933 black and white classic is fantastic after the first boring hour. This 2005 movie stars Jack Black and Naomi Watts.

“Batman Begins” was great and stars Christian Bale. This movie is dark but fiercely realistic. The Batman here is no superhero, just a man on a mission. Very suspenseful and that made this one of the 2005 movies that you can’t forget. This was also the prequel if you will of 2008’s “The Dark Knight”.

“Sin City” with Mickey Rourke is one of the most visually stunning 2005 movies with its larger than life film noir look and comic book stylizations.

“A History of Violence” directed by David Cronenberg and starring Vigo Mortensen was bloody and vicious, but also suspenseful and full of surprise twists.

“Wallace and Gromit – The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” was best of the 2005 movies to feature animation, and claymation at that. Although suitable for children, the humor is perfect for adults as well. Very funny.

“Kung Fu Hustle” directed and starring the funny and twisted Kwok Kuen Chan still ranks as one of the funniest and weirdest 2005 movies and is well worth renting. This is the same director who brought us the very funny “Shaolin Soccer”.

“War of the Worlds” starring Tom Cruise was notable for great special effects but goes on too long. The end sequence is just plain boring. The first hour though is fantastic and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

These are just some of the best 2005 movies and you will certainly have your favorite. Get the popcorn ready, time for movie night!

2006 Movies: Remembering the Year in Movies

2006 brought us some great independent films as well as some big time Hollywood productions. The following list is in no particular order and is made to highlight some favorite 2006 movies that are worth checking out.

“Volver” directed by Pedro Amodovar and starring Penelope Cruz was certainly by anyone’s standards a terrific movie full of pathos and great acting throughout. It tells the story of a woman who kills her boyfriend to protect her teenaged daughter and then must hide the body while at the same time haunted by the ghost of her dead mother. Original and involving.

“The Illusionist” with Edward Norton starring as an ill-fated magician is one of the most intriguing of the crop of 2006 movies and just one of several about magicians. The story is great but it is the dark and scary mood that will hold your attention.

“Babel” by Alejandro Gonzales Iñárritu and starring Brad Pitt is really engaging and wildly original. Four separate stories blend seamlessly to show what happens during a massive communications breakdown. Tragic and unexpected are words to describe this one of the best 2006 movies.

“Apocalypto” directed by Mel Gibson was not only one of my favorite 2006 movies but also ranks as one of the best adventure films of all time. Starring a bunch of rookies and no-names, this movie shows a period of history that has long been overlooked and never truly depicted faithfully until now. Great flick, go get it!

“The Descent” is a about a group of female cave climbers that get lost deep underground and come upon another world inhabited by freaky albino mutants. Creepy and freaky scary. You will love this one.

“Borat” by Sacha Baron Cohen is quite possibly the most hilarious movie ever made and ranks easily as one of the best of 2006 movies. The title character is a journalist from eastern Europe who comes to the U.S. and sends up and offends just about every institution, race, creed and sex you can imagine.

“Casino Royale” with David Craig as “Bond, James Bond”, became an instant blockbuster and re-vitalized the aging franchise for a whole new generation of 007 buffs. This picture has tremendous stunts and a great plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Eva Green is alluring and seductive as Bond’s love interest. This is definitely one of the best ever of the James Bond films and stands right up there with the Sean Connery vehicles.

You can see from the short list here that 2006 gave us some much needed entertainment in the form of cool movies. See you at the snack bar!