Slumdog Millionaire [2008] 93%Like “Memento”, the thing that sells this movie is it’s amazing storytelling ability. Jumping through history and moments to help us understand a simple quest for love and the downfall of the slums is amazingly done by director Danny Boyle. With an amazing soundtrack provided by A.R. Rahman, there is hardly a dull moment in this suspensefully fun movie that also easily qualifies as the best movie this decade based around a game show.Snatch [2001] 72%From what I have seen so far, this is director Guy Ritchie’s masterpiece. With probably the best casting of a British mobster movie to date, Jason Statham’s narration makes this an even more giddy thrillride for someone looking to experience escapisim with characters just as complex and original as anything Quentin Tarantino has ever done. There should also be a special note that I want to see a spin-off movie about Brad Pitt and his clan of pikeys.
Spider-Man 2 [2004] 94%
One of the best superhero films to come down the pike. This one easily improved on the first one and gave us one of the best fight scenes between Spider-Man and Dr. Octopus. The suspense and action is perfect. This film practically set the blueprint for what superheroes could be able to do on film for years to come.
Superbad [2007] 87%Argued to be the “American Pie” of the decade, all the film managed to do was introduce us to what the writing team of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg could do. The results are very funny and are Michael Cera’s debut as leading man couldn’t be more perfect as they quest for alcohol and girls. After the hype died down, all we have left is a solid effort that will live with those who went to high school during the film’s time.
Super Size Me [2004] 93%
A compelling documentary about why eating excessive fast food can be bad for you. I don’t know that I have been cut from fast food’s chain, but it has helped me realize that there are other options out there. I also think it’s one of the most influential this decade in terms of helping raising obesity and unhealthy awareness. Too bad director Morgan Spurlock has yet to have a movie as moving as this one.
Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street [2007] 85%
I have sat through an amazing amount of musicals this decade. I loathed “Hairspray” and “Mama Mia” (which was odd, since I am an Abba fan). But somehow, this film from director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp took them off my hate list (placed there after “Pirates of the Carribean” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) and onto my friends list once again. I found everything about this musical to be perfect and in no way excruciating. I loved the performances and the dark texture really made this sad sack a shining light for a guy like me, who had only been exposed to sweet toothed musical movies.
Team America: World Police [2004] 78%It is easily the ultimate politically incorrect puppet movie. Directors Trey Parker and Matt Stone would fuck with people on “South Park” and they continue tradition here, leaving few prisoners, but most decapitated. The jokes are juvenile, yet hilarious and while other efforts would try to satirize politics, this movie exceeds more. It also features an anthemic “America, Fuck Yeah”, which can be heard coming out of every young person’s iPod like a patriotic flag.
Thirteen [2003] 82%
I have had trouble revisiting this movie, but somehow it haunts me still. This take on peer pressure and adolescence is amazingly dark. It took me years to actually live life and discover what was fact and fiction about this movie, but sure enough anytime I found a loophole, it made this little story a little bit more scary and a little bit more hard for me to revisit.
13 Going on 30 [2004] 64%
I will admit, this is the greatest “Big” rip off of all time. Jennifer Garner manages to be sold as a sweetheart forced to grow up and live life. The other moments that have sold me include an epic rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the inevitable amount of homages to 1980’s pop culture, which I secretly have a fondness for.
Training Day [2001] 72%
The movie that Denzel Washington won an Oscar for. This look at undercover cops in the ghetto seems a little dark and scary, but Washington’s performance as a confident, street talking officer makes this movie one worth remembering.
Tropic Thunder [2008] 82%Arguably the best politically incorrect satire movie on Hollywood this decade. Ben Stiller leads an amazing cast (OK, with exception to Jack Black) as they take on almost every prisoner imaginable. It manages to help us laugh at ourselve while realizing what’s wrong with our actors. It also features an awesome black face performance from the reinvigorated Robert Downey Jr., who would go on to get an Oscar nomination for playing an Oscar winning actor, go figure.
Up [2009] 98%
Pixar ends this decade with a bang, releasing one of their best since “Monsters, Inc.”. It’s shining light is a talking dog named Dug, whose naïve and canine insticts make every moment he is onscreen some of the most affectionate and adorable moments in children’s movies this decade.
Up in the Air [2009] 89%
Following up “Juno”, director Jason Reitman delivers one of the most breathtaking movies of the decade as he explores the people behind the mask, exposing hired firers for their vulnerable, lonely selves and their quest for something substantial. It also serves as a metanarrative on today’s modern society and makes us reflect on what it is exactly we find significant.
V For Vendetta [2005] 73%
Sure, Natalie Portman got side tracked with paychecks from “Star Wars” rebooting, but redeemed herself with an amazing performance here in another excellent Allan Moore comic book adaptation. The story is superb and the action is very gritty, leaving the audience with a feeling of independence and an understanding to not believe everything you hear.
Waitress [2007] 89%
One of the few movies lead by a southern accented cast that I have managed to not only tolerate, but find a lot of love for. Kerri Russel’s performance as a waitress who makes pies based on her experiences is cooked to perfection.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story [2007] 74%
I went in hoping that this movie would be the “This Is Spinal Tap” of the decade. It’s the closest thing, but is in no way a “This Is Spinal Tap” like movie. The storyline is more slapstick and ridiculous as John C. Reily gives one of his best performances as a legendary country singer. The movie however wouldn’t be anything without the amazing song choices, which go from funny to sappy while never losing the authenticity of actual country songs.
Watchmen [2009] 64%I cannot really find a movie that was ballsier this decade than “Watchmen”. I contemplated putting this movie on the list because it does run long and the book is better. However, there are too many memorable moments to keep it off. Director Zack Snyder’s take on the highly acclaimed comic book may have produced mixed results, but by casting a fairly unknown cast over untalented big names on as big a budget as it had, I give Snyder kudos, even if he never recoups the financial loss.
Wedding Crashers [2005] 74%I think it’s safe to say this was one of the films that paved the way for the return of quality hard R comedies. The tale revolving around Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson was hailed in Rolling Stone as being the best comedic team since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. To some extent, truth rings through it and the endearing heart and a great performance from a very kinky Isla Fischer makes this more than an average sex romp.
What Women Want [2000] 52%
One of Mel Gibson’s last great movies. He may be playing a sleaze you’d expect Matthew McConaughey to play, but it’s done so much better as his ability to read women’s minds makes him the ultimate lover. It’s one of the best romantic comedies of the decade and sadly the last time my mother would find Gibson the least bit attractive.
Whip It [2009] 83%
My pick for the feel good movie of 2009 may also be in the Top 10 Feel Good of the Decade. With the debut of director Drew Barrymore, this tale of roller derby girls is amazingly sugar coated and cute, but manages to spring in some spice as it preaches girl power and independence with one of Ellen Page’s best performances, proving she is possibly one of the biggest forces to be reckoned with as she grows into more mature roles.
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