90- Superbad- 2007
“Well I’m sorry Evan, but the Cohen Brother’s don’t direct the porn I watch. They’re hard to get a hold of, Okay?”
It was with this line near the beginning of the film that I realized I was in for quite a treat. Superbad tells the tale of two high school seniors during one of their last days of school and the shenanigans they get into.
Superbad is not only darn funny film from start to finish, but it also is carried by two strong performances by its leads: Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. And though this film may be filled with phallic humor, it’s all pushed forward by its witty screenplay (one critic called it “the Shakespeare of dick jokes”).
Key moment- The drawing montage/flashback. This moment seriously challenges the notion that intelligence and crudeness can’t go hand in hand.
89.- The Isle- 2000
The Isle is a sadly undiscovered gem from one of the most talented directors working in South Korea today- Kim Ki-duk. Its story is simple- it’s about a young woman who rents out small floating cottages for fishing.
It’s the characters here, that are anything but simple. The Isle focuses on themes of loneliness, depression, and despair. It is also shot beautifully taking place entirely within this realm of floating cottages.
The Isle is a challenging film to watch because it is so unflinching in the way it shows its characters’ pain. But being able to stick through it all to the end, makes all the pain that came before it that much more rewarding.
Key moment- Fishing hooks. That’s really all I should say, but trust me- it will stick with you.
88. – Sugar- 2009
When is a sports movie not a sports movie? Sugar takes what could be a fairly conventional plot- following the story of a young Dominican Republic baseball player chasing his dream of one day playing at the top of the major league- and makes it a story about immigration, culture clashes, faith, uncertainty, and the American Dream.
Sugar stars Algenis Perez Soto in his first film role and he perfectly captures a person out of his element. It’s his down-to-earth portrayal that makes him such a likeable and relatable character.
Key moment- A walk to the bowling alley. Tracking shots may seem like an overused device these days, but when used properly- can convey something powerful and unique to film.
87.- The Departed – 2006
I’m normally against remakes, especially ones based off of great source material. If most remakes were made at the level of The Departed while bringing something new to the table, I would gladly welcome most of them with open arms.
That being said, there’s a reason why this isn’t cracking my top 50 of the decade. It’s still pretty by the numbers. Also in ranking of Scorsese films, this doesn’t get into my top five for the man. Finally, it’s still a remake, and that word still holds a stigma for me.
Key moment- texting. Few movies have known has to use cell phone well. The Departed has some great usage of the devices and one particularly memorable one when it comes to the modern act of texting.
86. – The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters- 2007
It’s an epic battle. A struggle of good vs. evil. A testament to the human spirit rising above the odds. It’s a documentary about a man going for the world record in Donkey Kong.
That great dichotomy between sports movie cliché and something a little less grand is what makes King of Kong such an amusing and entertaining doc.
Key moment- Leonard Cohen’s Everybody Knows. It plays over a great end of the film montage and greatly captures through its cynicism much of the spirit of the movie.
85- Lust, Caution- 2007
Who can we afford to get close to in this world? When does acting lead to a reality? How far will we go for basic needs and necessities? Ang Lee tackles these tough questions and more in Lust, Caution.
A highly sexual film, Lust, Caution looks at a romantic relationship between a spy and her unknowing target. Knowing the stakes and costs that will come with error- makes this an effectively tense period thriller.
Key moment- The Last scene. Seeing how everything plays out literally brings the film to its emotional climax.
84- Catch Me if you Can- 2002
Spielberg doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Most directors at some point show their age; however, Spielberg manages to create a tight, funny, fast paced- con movie that remains a delight to watch.
Leonardo Dicaprio plays a charming con man whose just not happy standing still with his life, and thankfully, this movie refuses to stand still either.
Key moment- Christopher Walken’s “two mice” speech. It’s a solid performance that relays both courage and weakness.
83- Amelie – 2001
I can’t help myself, this is a charming film. The colors are charming, the soundtrack is charming, and Audrey Tautou- charming as well. Ultimately, there’s not a lot of depth here, but as a great film character once said- personality goes a long way.
In world full of grim comic book films and raunchy R- rated comedy hijinks – I wouldn’t mind seeing more of France’s answer to the manic pixie dream girl.
Key moment- The original roaming gnome. It’s a very heartwarming little plot about a daughter trying to help her father out of a funk (of course all served in the film’s quirky manner).
82- Spiderman 2- 2004
Maybe it’s Alfred Molina’s performance as Doc Oc. Maybe it’s Aunt May’s speech about heroes. Or maybe it’s James Franco’s obsessive portrayal as Harry Osborne. I can’t quite place my finger, but not only do I find this to be an enjoyable comic film- I find this to be a fine piece of cinema from Sam Raimi.
Even this film’s cheese factors (‘Rain Drops Fallin’ on my Head’ comes to mind) somehow contribute to the overall strengths of this film. It’s everything the summer blockbuster should be.
Key moment- catching a train. This scene shows just how far a hero will go to protect the people he cares no matter the personal cost.
81- Tsotsi- 2005
The antihero is a tough character to portray well. Too nice, and he loses all his edges and credibility as an antihero. Too sociopathic, and he can become irredeemable.
Tsotsi, thankfully walks this line with grace. A thug who after stealing a car discovers a baby in back of the stolen vehicle must figure out the direction of his life. Set in South Africa, the film also looks at the division between the haves and have nots in its society.
Key moment- Getting some milk. A great scene that begins to hint at the promise of redemption in its films titular character.
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