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COLUMNS
A Year of Tragedy, Comedy, and Bush Bashing: Blake French's Top Ten List of 2004
by Blake French
It's that time of year again. Store those wreaths, wrapping paper, candy canes, and menorahs; ditch those leftovers before they start producing rancid odors; and reflect upon what you've accomplish this past year. Personally, I'd like to erase 2004 from the history books, but this is a film feature, not a memoir, so I'll stick to the point.
 | Kill Bill Vol. 2 is much different than the first, but still packs quite a punch!
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It's also time for film journalists like myself to assess what Hollywood has accomplished over the past year. But we can't forget 2004 was a year in which America reelected George W. Bush as our president for another term...much to Hollywood's dismay. So, although few Bush-bashing films made my top ten list, I'd like to extend my gratitude to all involved for their efforts nonetheless.
10. Team America: World Police
Here's one that doesn't limit itself to bashing Bush, it criticizes the entire internal structure of the United States. Outrageous, offensive, and utterly unique. Fuck yeah!
9. The Girl Next Door
Finally, a teen film that will make you laugh, shed tears, and quietly reminisce. The Girl Next Door avoids stereotypes and relishes in the moments of our youth that define who we become.
8. Sideways
Quirky-of course-but I didn't expect the movie to offer so many funny and engaging moments. Bottoms up!
7. Shrek 2
Yes, it's better than the first. Much better. I don't say this often-because it usually isn't true-but this really is a film for all ages. A roll kicking good time!
6. Shawn of the Dead
Wolfgang Puck can't combine ingredients as well as this movie combines comedy and horror. The humor is obvious and dim-witted, but I haven't laughed this hard in years...seriously!
5. Kill Bill: Vol. 2
The second installment of Quentin Tarantino's masterful saga of revenge is much different than the first, but still packs quite a punch, this time through powerful conversations rather than gallons of blood and gore.
 | Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger deliver the most powerful performances of their careers in The Door in The Floor
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4. Collateral
Michael Mann crafts complex, three-dimension characters and an absorbing atmosphere. The actors-most notably Tom Cruise-fully immerse themselves in their characters, creating unforgettable moments of intensity and violence. Breathtaking.
3. The Door in the Floor
Quietly intense and gracefully haunting. Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger deliver the most powerful performances of their careers and the best performances of the year by far.
2. The Passion of the Christ
Harrowing, controversial depiction of the crucifixion of Christ...so effective, I wouldn't remove the WWJD bracelet from my wrist until months after experiencing it.
1. Imaginary Heroes
Perhaps an unlikely choice for the best of the year...Imaginary Heroes brings us back to the Ordinary People days of human despair and unfathomable grief. An unforgettable slice of life.
Honorable Mention: Fahrenheit 9/11, Saw, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Manchurian Candidate, I Robot, Saved!
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About Blake French:
You can read more of Blake's reviews at Filmcritic.com.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of SellAScript.com
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