I decided with all these new Top tier lists being made, that I'll try to make my own for CBM. But, Instead try to name some of the memorable ones that made me think differently about movies and keep an opened mind on how good a movie can be. So, to review this decade from 2000-2009 I'll start out with one that everyone knows...
10. Gladiator(2000) (Won 5 Oscars)
When I just a 14 year old when I first saw this on HBO, I thought it was going to be boring A$$ Sh**. But, turned out to be a slow paced & very violent movie about revenge and honor. This alone was worth the watch cause of the realistic combat that was choreographed for the gladiator battles. And it had one of the most emotional moving songs I ever heard. The Battle with Tigers was a memorable action scene. And all in all, this was just and extraordinary film..
9. Batman Begins(2005) (Nominated for Oscar)
Alright, The Dark Knight was great but, before anybody gets any ideas and says, "Batman Begins? What was that again?" My god most of you yanks like to climb aboard the bandwagon and ride that sucker like their is no tomorrow! But I guess some idiots like the term "not my cup of tea" I guess? But, anyways this flick was everything that a Batman should of been to ME. It had a great story, plot, and a well rounded cast! (Gary Oldman is awesome) And to say it ain't in the same league as TDK is ridiculous. I loved this one more just for the fact I like movies about Redemption. And this one is up there as the best in that category.
8. Oldboy(2003) (Won 17 Awards with 10 Nominations)
After seeing this movie all I got to say is... WOW. The last 20 minutes of this film is enough to push you toward the breaking point and I was just down right shocked. It makes you feel disgusted while still being interested. (eating a live octopus is one of the bravest stunts I've seen in a film)
7. Wo hu cang long(2000) (Won 4 Oscars)
I love martial arts movies, and there where alot this decade for me to pick from, like Ong Bak, The Protector, Flash Point, Hero, Equilibrium, Rebelt, and Never Back Down.. But this one is Asia's best.(along with ETD) It is a beautifully story integrated with some of the best choreography I've ever seen(Next to Iron Monkey & Hero). Along with excellent performances by Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zing Ziyi..
6. V for Vendetta(2006) (Won 2 Awards with 16 Nominations)
"Remember, remember the 5th of November, the gun powder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gun powder treason should ever be forgot. That just rolls of the tongue, doesn't it? I could of put one of the Matrix sequals on here, but decided to go with the Wachowskis best this decade. What made this movie for me was Hugo Weavings acting. I know he was behind a mask the whole movie, and still he made it fun to watch him.
5. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith(2005) (Nominated for Oscar)
I'm a big Star Wars guy. I like Star Wars since the mid-90's. Empire Strikes Back as dark as it was, was my favorite growing up!(and I was only 8 at the time) And when Episode One came out, I was beginning on a new chapter in the series and I was thrilled. Then until now, Revenge of the Sith was for me to realize that it was the end of it all. Knowing that no more could be made after this,(probably) So Revenge of the Sith when I first seen it, it was a damn good movie. And everything about especially the tremendous amount of Lighsaber battles made this memorable for me out of all the prequels.. One of my favorites..
4. Casino Royale(2006) (Won BAFTA Film Award. Won 15 Awards with 25 Nominations)
I'm a big bond fanatic. He is one of my favorite characters. And when Die Another Day disappointed me with one of the worst of the Pierce Bronson Series and the worst opening credits for a bond film. And it didn't look to bright for the Bond franchise, with the rising of Bourne and it's gritty trilogy. I also thought who in the hell can replace my favorite bond Pierce? I heard this guy named Daniel Craig was up, and I was like "A blond bond?" But, the movie was impressive and one the best since Sean Connery's.. Great Action. Story. And Plot, (Who escapes death, then decides the Poker game should commence?) Bond.
3. Avatar(2009) (Won TBA)
Everyone knows this one. I know, I've rode this bandwagon like no other, and seen it 4 1/2 times.. I am getting tired of talking about, but I guess one more time isn't going to hurt. I had to put a Sci-Fi flick in here. There where alot I could of chosen, like AOTC, Revenge of the Sith, Equilibrium, District 9, Star Trek, Sunshine, more comic book movies. But, this one I ate the cake. It amazed me. It was exhilarating. And I couldn't care less about the plot, or rehashed story cause this movie was to make an experience for you and open your eyes. Pretty much what I did..
2. No Country For Old Men(2007) (Won 4 Oscars)
I like movies that have slow pacing. With attention to acting, with less dialogue. This movie was it. It had a great cast. A good story. Only movie I seen in a while that used no CGI. It was original in film direction, with some of the best shots I've seen in a wide format(When Llewellyn Moss was investigating the massacre of the Mexicans in the open plain) It was wonderful. Anton Chigurh made a memorable killer for me which gained him the best supporting actor for Javier.
1. Lord of the Rings: Trilogy (Won 17 Oscars Combined)
This may be cheating, but the Lord of the Rings is by far the best trilogy we seen in the past 25 years. The movies where outstanding and deserve a place in everybodies list of favorites and the Rings all should go together..
And the battles made the rings for me. And The Two Towers whole plot was the build up to the battle of Helm's Deep. This is my favorite of the three and always will be. Great score. Great story. Amazing visuals. probably the greatest performance by a CG actor(golum) And all in all, this movie was amazing and left a mark on me at a young age of 14. Truly a magical movie of the trilogy this decade, and made in one of my favorite years this decade...
Well that is my list. Most of it is questionable, but some will like it.
And another decade comes and hopefully bring some new ideas and great movies that will even top this list.. ;)