MY FAVORITE FILM EXPERIENCES OF THE LAST DECADE! By Adam Mast

Notice the title says "My Favorite Film Experiences of the Decade" and not "Best Films of the Decade". If I called this the "Best Films of the Decade" I would have felt compelled to limit the list. As the title stands, I can get a little more ambitious (and self indulgent) with the films I've selected. I didn't want to do a miniscule top ten list because I think that sort of discredits all the other great movies that I fell in love with in the last ten years. After all, I'm hoping that you readers out there take a chance on something you might not have heard of. That's what these lists are really all about. Sharing your love of film with others. Truth be told, this list doesn't even really scratch the surface. Not only were there countless titles that I left off, but there were thousands of films I didn't even get a chance to see. This article just represents a list of films that are really close to my heart. It was a great decade for movies. So great in fact that it was near impossible to put this article together. Between my standard plethora of movie theater screenings, film festival screenings, and DVD releases, I've probably seen in the neighborhood of 2000 movies since the year 2000. THAT'S A LOT! In the end though, it isn't even a fraction of the films viewed by the numerous writers I respect online, on television, and in print. Narrowing this list down to fifty or so titles was an absolute nightmare. Keep in mind that these titles are not in order of importance. This list is alphabetical. One last point of interest. Readers of the site will probably notice that there are titles on this list that were either towards the bottom of yearly best of lists or not included at all. That's because some films have affected me differently with repeated viewings. That's what's so special about a truly great film. Like all art, it might mean something different when taking another long look. Without further adieu, here's a list of several remarkable films that moved me through the course of a truly memorable decade;

ALMOST FAMOUS (R) (2000)
Cameron Crowe delivered Say Anything in the 80's and Jerry Maguire in the 90's. This decade, he gave us Almost Famous, a sweet love letter to rock n' roll fueled by outstanding performances from Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, and delightful newcomer Patrick Fugit. Another Crowe masterwork.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Almost-Famous-208.html

AMELIE (R) (2001)
Two words sum up the pure magic that is Amelie; Audrey Tautou! This wonderful film from Jean-Pierre Jeunet features the sublime Tautou as the title character, a well intentioned do-gooder who finds love when she least expects it. A visually sumptuous treat fueled by an unforgettable star in Tautou.

ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY (PG-13) (2004)
Anchorman is a classic comedy of epic proportions and it goes far beyond Will Ferrell's perfectly beguiling man child shtick. Ferrell gets a major assist from Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, and David Koechner. Adam McKay's improvisational style laugh fest is one of the most instantly quotable films of the decade.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Anchorman-908.html

THE AVIATOR (PG-13) (2004)
The Departed appears to be the popular Martin Scorsese pick on most best of the decade lists but as much as I enjoyed that movie, I prefer the The Aviator for its insightful look into the eccentric mind of the reclusive Howard Hughes. Leonardo DiCaprio was fantastic in the lead as was Cate Blanchett who proved to be a dead ringer for Katharine Hepburn. Scorsese at the top of his game.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/The-Aviator-1041.html

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (R) (2005)
Ang Lee's tale of forbiddon love isn't merely an outstanding gay love story. Its a great love story, PERIOD! Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal are positively stellar as the two cattle hands at the very heart of this heartbreaking tragedy.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Brokeback-Mountain-1264.html

CHICKEN RUN (G) (2000)
This energetic stop motion animation effort from Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park (and Peter Lord) is a lively Great Escape inspired romp about a bunch of chickens who decide it's time to fly the coup. The animation is stellar and so is the vocal work (headed by a charismatic Mel Gibson).

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Chicken-Run-293.html

CHILDREN OF MEN (R) (2006)
Alfonso Cuaron's haunting portrait of a future in which woman are unable to re-produce also emerges as a technical masterwork featuring two extended tracking shots that you'll never forget. Clive Owen is outstanding as the film's reluctant hero.

Click for original review by Victoria Alexander; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Children-of-Men-20774.html

CINDERELLA MAN (PG-13) (2005)
Russell Crowe soars as boxer Jim Braddock in this slice of Depression era Americana. Ron Howard crafted a rousing heartfelt tale of a man not only fighting to provide for his family but to restore the spirit of a broken down nation as well. This is one of Howard's best.

Click for original review by The Boneman and Adam Mast; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Cinderella-Man-1149.html

CITY OF GOD (R) (2002)
This masterful tale of Brazilian slum lords has the scope of The Godfather and Goodfellas, but its technical approach is decidedly different. Directors Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund used hand held cameras and cast virtual unknowns (some who actually reside in the area the film was shot) to bring an authenticity to the proceedings. The end result is a terrifying (and intimate) portrait of youth gone bad. Thankfully, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/City-of-God-740.html

CRASH (R) (2005)
Despite a Best Picture Oscar, Crash received a lot of backlash. For me, this sprawling tale of racism in Los Angeles hit all the right notes. This provocative film made heroes out of flawed individuals and had its most rational characters doing things you'd never expect. Crash has its flaws (what film doesn't?), but Paul Haggis' much discussed film is totally worthy of discussion.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Crash-1129.html

THE DARK KNIGHT (PG-13) (2008)
Christopher Nolan topped his own Batman Begins by a country mile with this epic crime thriller. Led by a super charged turn by the late Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight is second only to Richard Donner's Superman as my favorite super hero adaptation of all time.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/The-Dark-Knight-21567.html

THE DESCENT (R) (2006)
There were several terrific horror pictures in the last ten years but none of them terrified me as much as Neil Marshall's tension filled tale about a team of female spelunkers who not only battle the element while exploring an uncharted cave, but come face to face with something much, much worse.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Descent-1178.html

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS (R) (2003)
Steven Frears' Hitchockian style thriller stars a brilliant Chiwetel Ejiofor as a Nigerian doctor who moonlights as a hotel clerk in West London. While going about his nightly routine, he comes across a sinister plot that leads him to the aid of co-worker Audrey Tautou. An unforgettable display of powerhouse acting (particularly by Ejiofor).

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Dirty-Pretty-Things-653.html

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (R) (2004)
Sometimes, the things that bring a couple together are the same things that drive them apart. A lesson learned in this imaginative but ultimately heartbreaking tale from director Michel Gondry and innovative screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. Jim Carrey gives one of his very best performances as a man so hurt by his estranged lover, that he opts to have her memory erased from his head. Kate Winslet is a revelation as the woman of Carrey's affection.

Click for origial review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Eternal-Sunshine-of-The-Spotless-Mind-776.html

FINDING NEMO (G) (2003)
The sweet, charming, and breathtaking underwater adventure Finding Nemo is my favorite effort from Pixar in the last ten years. I know that's a bold statement given the release of The Incredibles, Up, and, well...pretty much every other film the animation staple put out, but this one really worked me over.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Finding-Nemo-98.html

(500) DAYS OF SUMMER (PG-13) (2009)
This creative effort from director Marc Webb and writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber takes the romantic comedy formula and turns it on its ear. (500) Days of Summer is bittersweet to be sure but its also a refreshingly honest take on relationships. Leads Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are engaging every step of the way.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/500-Days-of-Summer-Cinevegas-21751.html

GONE BABY GONE (R) (2007)
Ben Affleck's directorial debut proves that his true calling is behind the camera. Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane (Mystic River), Gone Baby Gone is a thought provoking story about a team of private investigators (played by Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) who set out to find a missing child in a seedy Boston neighborhood. If this movie proves anything, its that making the right choice is not always an easy thing to do.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Gone-Baby-Gone-21295.html

HAIRSPRAY (PG) (2007)
Who'd a thought that a re-do of a little seen John Waters film could pack such an energetic (and joyful) punch? Not I. Director Adam Shankman hasn't had a particularly good track record (The Pacifier, Bringing Down the House) but between the wonderfully lively Hairspray and his judging stint on So You Think You Can Dance, I'm starting to become a believer. Here's to hoping this affable fellow continues to make musicals.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Hairspray-21158.html

HIGH FIDELITY (R) (2000)
Those close to me know me not only as a movie snob (I use that term lightly) but as an avid lover of music as well. In fact, much of my working life was spent in the world of music retail, and I can't think of a film that better captures the joy, snobbery, and hipster attitude of the independent record business than Stephen Frears' hilarious High Fidelity. Featuring knock out performances by John Cusack, Tim Robbins, and scene stealer Jack Black, this outstanding adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel is a must for anyone whose ever worked in a record store.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/High-Fidelity-280.html

THE HURT LOCKER (R) (2009)
The art of war is a drug. A sweet, intoxicating, adrenalin pumping drug. This theme is at the very heart of Kathryn Bigelow's unforgettable look at a team of explosive disarmers in the Middle East. Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty are superb but Jeremy Renner emerges as the true star as a cocksure military man whose hunger for danger bewilders the men he works with. Bigelow is an outstanding film maker (Strange Days, Near Dark, Point Break), but she's always sort of been under the radar. Not anymore. With The Hurt Locker she's created a breathtaking piece that works both as a character driven drama and a high octane action thriller.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/The-Hurt-Locker-21750.html

IN AMERICA (PG-13) (2002)

While attending Showest back in 2002, I was lucky enough to hear director Jim Sheridan speak on the art of film making. Man this guy can talk. He's the sort of dude you'd want to chat with in a pub till the wee hours of the morning. As it happens, Sheridan also knows how to make movies and In America is one of his best. A simple, touching story about a family of Irish immigrants who move to New York City to start a new life. A heartfelt family portrait featuring brilliant performances from Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, and young siblings Sarah and Emma Bolger.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/in-America-109.html

THE INCREDIBLES (PG) (2004)
Pixar scored yet again with this action packed saga of aging superheroes who find themselves nostalgic for the good old days. While The Incredibles offers up all the thrills you'd expect from a superhero film, it also finds time to tell the humorous tale of a somewhat dysfunctional family of super beings who must ban together in effort to defeat the bad guy.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/The-Incredibles-1016.html

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (R) (2009)
Inglourious Basterds is history re-written--Tarantino style! While this outstanding movie offers up Quentin's trademark bursts of poetic violence and clever word play, it also represents a certain level of maturity for the iconic auteur. Inglorious Basterds is not only creative in terms of execution, but it also represents the true power of movies. In Tarantino's crazed universe, movies actually save lives.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Inglorious-Basterds-21784.html

INTERMISSION (R) (2004)
This independent gem from director John Crowley is one of the best films of the decade that most folks have never even heard of. Featuring entertaining turns by the likes of Colm Meany, Colin Farrell, and Cillian Murphy, this slice of Dublin life is one part Love, Actually, and one part Pulp Fiction. The end result is an energetic fusion of intersecting storylines that deal with that funny thing called love.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Intermission-799.html

IRREVERSIBLE (NR) (2002)
While I really liked Memento, Gaspar Noe's use of reverse storytelling in Irreversible was more profound. This is a very disturbing movie with nausea inducing sequences at every turn and while Irreversible isn't necessarily an entertaining experience , it is a tour de force of remarkable and provocative movie making. What did I take away from this film? In short, life is fragile. A great movie but not for the faint of heart.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Irreversible-107.html

KILL BILL: THE WHOLE BLOODY AFFAIR (R) (03-04)
Quentin Tarantino's wildly energetic homage to all things kung fu features breathtaking action, unforgettable dialogue, a plethora of colorful characters, and a tone that could be best described as vintage Tarantino. Three and a half hours of cinematic bliss.

Click for original review(s); http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Kill-Bill-Volume-1-663.html
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THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (PG-13) (01-03)
Peter Jackson pulled off the near impossible with his breathtaking adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic trilogy. Had I put this list in order of importance, this glorious epic would have been number one. What's most striking about this masterpiece, is Jackson's ability to keep the characters the primary focus. The spectacular effects never take over this unforgettable motion picture experience. They merely enhance it.

Click for original review(s); http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Lord-of-The-Rings-Fellowship-of-The-Ring-167.html

http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Lord-of-The-Rings-The-Two-Towers-37.html

http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Lord-of-The-Rings-Return-of-The-King-684.html

LOST IN TRANSLATION (R)
After taking quite a critical beating due to a less than stellar turn in The Godfather Part 3, Sophia Coppola has come into her own as a director. While The Virgin Suicides is somewhat overrated, her Lost in Translation is absolute bliss. Featuring a solid turn by Scarlet Johansson and a career defining performance by Bill Murray, this quiet little movie is punctuated by a sublime ending. An ending in which an unheard whisper speaks of a thousand words.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Lost-in-Translation-660.html

MINORITY REPORT (PG-13) (2002)
The legendary Steven Spielberg teamed with Tom Cruise to deliver this provocative fusion of futuristic sci fi and classic film noir. Unforgettable thrills and a provocative look at the future propel this Philip K. Dick story about a world where criminals are arrested before they commit a crime.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Minority-Report-42.html

MOULIN ROUGE (PG-13) (2001)
Baz Luhrman's dizzying spectacle is one of the most risk taking musicals of all time. Not only does it include some of the strangest (but perfectly fitting) song medley compositions I've ever heard, but Luhrman wisely allows his all star cast (including Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor) to do all their own singing--even the ones who aren't particularly good at it. A wonderfully vibrant movie from a true visionary.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Moulin-Rouge-247.html

MUNICH (R) (2005)
Steven Spielberg's Munich is yet another masterwork from our most celebrated director. Using the tragic massacre at the 1972 Olympic games as a backdrop, Munich is an uneasy look at the business of vengeance. As the protagonists in this film set off to fulfill a most controversial mission, Munich not only reveals itself as a provocative character study, but an unmatched exercise in nail biting tension as well.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Munich-1263.html

NEW YORK DOLL (PG-13) (2005)
Tracing the roots of New York Dolls bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane, director Greg Whitelely brought to life my favorite documentary of the decade. A beautiful, inspirational, and funny tribute to a most unique musician whose life would ultimately be saved by the LDS church. A sensational film about the power of faith.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/New-York-Doll-1232.html

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (R) (2007)
This Coen Brothers adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel is their best picture since Fargo. Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, and Javier Bardem are sensational in this contemporary crime/western and the much debated ending is more fitting than some would have you believe.

ONCE (R) (2007)
Once is a magical experience. With a miniscule budget, director John Carney and songsters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova fashioned this charming, bittersweet musical about a passionate street musician and the lovely (and equally talented) muse who would inspire him. Beautiful performances, beautiful songs, beautiful movie.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Once-21064.html

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (R) (2004)
One of the most controversial films of the decade was also one of the best. Mel Gibson's brutal depiction of the last days of Christ, is an intensely passionate work of art. Gibson would also go on to fashion the grossly underrated Apocalypto.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/The-Passion-of-The-Christ-752.html

PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) (2007)
Guillermo del Toro crafted this mesmerizing tale of a girl who slips into a fantasy land to escape the horrors of the real world only to discover that things aren't much different in the land of imagination. A stunning balance of fantasy and gut wrenching realism. Del Toro's masterpiece.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Pans-Labyrinth-20754.html

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (R) (2000)
Darren Aronofsky's gritty, nightmarish glimpse into the power of addiction is another one of those films that provokes debate amongst those who see it. Some look at it is a pointless glamorization of drug use, but for me, its a brutally honest morality tale about how addiction affects those who open their arms to it and those who are completely blind sided by it (such as the lonely Sara Goldfarb, brilliantly played by Ellen Burstyn).

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Requiem-for-A-Dream-233.html

RETURN TO ME (PG) (2000)
For some readers, Return to Me will probably be the most glaring title on this list. The fact is, I positively adore this movie. Bonnie Hunt brings the same likable spirit to her directing debut that she brings to her performances (see Jerry Maguire or The Green Mile). David Duchovny and Minnie Driver have wonderful chemistry in this charming, old fashioned romance about a recently widowed man who finds new love in the form of a sweet natured woman with a heart condition.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Return-To-Me-299.html

ROAD TO PERDITION (R) (2002)
When I first reviewed this movie, I suggested it was more of a film to admire than to love. Through the years, my opinion has changed. I do still admire the picture, but I've come to love it as well. Sam Mendes crafted his finest work with this tale of an in over his head gangster (played by a subtle Tom Hanks)who embarks on a road trip of discovery with his son. The cinematography by Conrad Hall is positively breathtaking.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Road-To-Perdition-490.html

SIDEWAYS (R) (2004)
Alexander Payne's bittersweet but engaging road movie features an outstanding Paul Giamatti as a lovable schlub of a man who tries to put his life back together after the dissipation of his marriage. His healing process takes him on road trip to wine country with his soon to be married best friend (played by a hilarious Thomas Haden Church). Their adventure leads Giamatti to a potential new love in a luminous Virginia Madsen.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Sideways-1032.html

SIN CITY (R) (2005)
300 and Avatar might have been bigger box office hits, but maverick film maker Robert Rodriguez fashioned his masterpiece with this wildly inventive (and energetic) take on Frank Miller's pulpy graphic novel. Rather than adapting the source material, Rodriguez used Miller's book as a virtual story board. The end result is a vibrant, violent, breathtaking piece of entertainment with lively performances from Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Benicio Del Toro, Rosario Dawson, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood, and Nick Stahl.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Sin-City-1106.html

SIN NOMBRE (R) (2009)
This stunning film from director Cary Fukanaga revolves around a gang banger from Honduras and his unexpected bond with a young girl trying to make it to the American border. What starts as a rather bleak look at gang culture switches gears and becomes a surprisingly poignant tale of redemption and compassion.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Sin-Nombre-21735.html

SPIDER-MAN 2 (PG-13) (2004)
Spider-Man 2 is everything a sequel should be. In fact, its actually considerably stronger than its predecessor. The special effects are vastly superior, the kinetic action sequences are far more breathtaking, and even the dramatic moments hit in a way I wasn't entirely prepared for. What's more, director Sam Raimi is permitted to showcase some of the techniques he displayed back in the good old days (Doc Ock's hospital escape has a distinct Evil Dead ring to it). It all makes for one of the great super hero adaptations of all time. Not quite in the same league as Donner's Superman and Nolan's The Dark Knight, but definitely in the same ball park.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Spiderman-2-903.html

THERE WILL BE BLOOD (R) (2007)
There is no question that There Will Be Blood is Paul Thomas Anderson's strongest film. I've seen it several times and each time I watch it I notice something a little bit different. Daniel Day Lewis' towering performance is an unforgettable tour de force, and while this is a character driven piece, its also a visually striking film. This tale of greed, family, oil, and religion isn't easy to wrap you head around, but that's the one of the things I so admire about it.

Click for Victoria Alexander's original review; http://zboneman.com/movies/There-Will-Be-Blood-21411.html

TRAFFIC (R) (2000)
Steven Soderbergh's sprawling epic deals with our intense war against drugs. Through intricately intersecting story lines, the film just about covers every side of the issue but offers up no fluffy, Hollywoodized solutions. A powerfully complex expose on a really serious topic. Masterful storytelling.

Click for original review; http://www.zboneman.com/movies/Traffic-232.html

UNBREAKABLE (PG-13) (2000)
I had a strange reaction to Unbreakable the first time I saw it. Actually, I hated it. Then a funny thing happened. I went to watch it again and saw a completely different film. Upon reflection, I think the reason I had a problem with it during the first viewing was because I expected a totally different movie. M. Night Shyamalan's ode to comic book mythology is a unique take on the super hero film. If super heroes really existed on this planet, they'd probably be just like Bruce Willis' David Dunn. Shyamalan's career has taken a nasty detour, but at least I'll always be able to go back and re-visit Unbreakable. This is certainly his best film.

Click for original review; http://zboneman.com/movies/Unbreakable-234.html

UNITED 93 (R) (2006)
A harrowing and tragic look at the final hours of United 93. Paul Greengrass managed to create an almost unbearably intense portrait of citizens of all walks of life banning together to try and put a stop to one of the darkest moments in American history. This film never exploits or sensationalizes the events that ocurred on 9/11, but rather takes a compassionate approach to the proceedings. Not an entertaining movie to sit through by any means but an undeniably powerful one.

Click for original review; http://zboneman.com/movies/United-93-1359.html

UP (G) (2009)
This magical tale of an elderly man who flies to South America by way of thousands of helium filled balloons is a classic. Look no further then the first fifteen minutes of the picture. If the perfectly executed opening doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then you're probably not human.

Click for original review; http://zboneman.com/movies/Up-21732.html

ZODIAC (R) (2007)
David Fincher's sprawling procedural drama about the infamous zodiac killer is a monumental achievement. Rather than simply focusing on the the killer's unsuspecting victims, Fincher delves into the shattered lives of the various folks who were trying to bring this psychotic to justice. This is a stunning movie with a meticulous eye to detail and Fincher's use of digital effects are positively seamless. An underappreciated masterpiece.

Click for original review; http://zboneman.com/movies/Zodiac-20862.html

FILMS THAT MISSED THE TOP 50 BUT I FELT COMPELLED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANYWAY (in no particular order);
Wall-E, Seabiscuit, Ghost World, Far From Heaven, Amores Perros, Iron Man, Apocalypto, Mulholland Drive, Whale Rider, Stranger Than Fiction, The Fly Boys (2008-Rocco DeVilliers), Thank You For Smoking, The Fountain, Monster House, Hotel Rwanda, The Pianist, Things You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her, Wonder Boys, Chopper, The Royal Tenenbaums, A Beautiful Mind, Memento, Collateral, Touching the Void, The Departed, Match Point, Star Trek, District 9, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

MOVIES THAT TICKLED THE FUNNY BONE

IN THE LOOP (R) (2009)
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (PG) (2004)
BORAT (R) (2006)
SUPERBAD (R) (2007)
KNOCKED UP (R) (2007)
ROLE MODLES (R) (2008)
40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN (R) (2005)
JACKASS 1 AND 2 (R) (2002, 2006)
SCHOOL OF ROCK (PG) (2003)
KISS KISS BANG BANG (R) (2005)
HOT FUZZ (R) (2007)
TROPIC THUNDER (R) (2008)
ELF (PG) (2003)
OLD SCHOOL (R) (2003)
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (R) (2004)

TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE (R) (2004)
There's something inherently funny about hearing a puppet drop an F-bomb, and there's a lot of that going on Team America: World Police, an irreverent but righteously funny actioneer headlined by...puppets. Trey Parker and Matt Stone skewer both sides of the political spectrum, but Team America is really a send up of over the top action films.

MOVIES THAT SENT SHIVERS DOWN THE SPINE

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (PG-13) (2005)
THE RING (PG-13) (2002)
DRAG ME TO HELL (PG-13) (2009)
GRACE (R) (2009)
TRICK 'R TREAT (R) (2009)
SLITHER (R) (2006)
FRAILTY (R) (2001)
1406 (PG-13) (2007)
HAUTE TENSION (R) (2005)
28 DAYS LATER (R) (2002)
OPEN WATER (R) (2003)
THE MIST (R) (2007)

HOSTEL (R) (2005)
I often find myself defending Eli Roth's Hostel (I'm sure I'll be doing more of that after folks see this title on the list). For my money, it was easily the strongest entry in the increasingly tired torture porn genre (yes, this includes Saw). While sickly perverse, it should be noted that Hostel is a horror film and there's just about nothing more horrific than the idea that a person so bored with their own life, would pay top dollar for the opportunity to torture and kill another human being. Wrong as it may be and as cynical as the notion is, Roth's film is eerily effective.

MUST SEE DOCUMENTARIES

BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE (R) (2002)
SICKO (PG-13) (2007)
MAN ON WIRE (PG-13) (2008)
DIG! (R) (2004)
OVERNIGHT (R) (2003)
LOST IN LAMANCHA (R) (2002)
ROMAN POLANSKI: WANTED AND DESIRED (R) (2008)
SUPER SIZE ME (PG-13) (2004)
U2 3-D (G) (2007)
YOUNG @ HEART (PG-13) (2008)
MY FLESH AND BLOOD (NR) (2003)
THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK (R) (2007)

THE COVE (PG-13) (2009)
Louie Psihoyos' brilliant documentary The Cove traces one time dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry's crusade as he attempts to put a stop to a horrible poaching operation going on in Taijii, Japan. Eye opening and inspirational, The Cove also emerges as a taut exercise in undeniable tension. This provocative documentary unfolds just like a thriller and I loved every second of it.

Here's to hoping the next decade is just as exciting as the last!