This entry took me longer to write for a couple of reasons. First, I rewatched "Fulltime Killer," a film I thought was definitely going to make the list. Yes, the film has great action, but I wanted more. The action scenes are too short, and there's too much talking. Hence, "Fulltime Killer" didn't make the list, and I needed a replacement. Second, I watched three acclaimed 2009 films and wanted to take a breather in case they warranted inclusion. And I'm happy to say one of them made a lasting impression on me.
So the bottom 25 is over with this entry. Again, these choices are negotiable in their placement. I am far more concerned with the ordering for the top 25.
No. 30 – “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters” (2007)
Yeah, yeah, it’s a documentary involving video games, but “The King of Kong” gets on the list because it lets us laugh at losers. I can appreciate the appeal of having The High Score on a video game, but professional gamer Billy Mitchell suggests he’s just as controversial as the abortion issue, and Steve Wiebe cries during one scene when he fails to beat Mitchell’s high score on “Donkey Kong.” The characters in this film gave me so much joy that I considered visiting them and writing my own story, but I have abandoned the idea.
Is the movie factual? For the most part it is, but a few people who appear in the documentary, Mitchell and Wiebe among them, dispute certain claims of the film. You could put yourself through many headaches trying to pinpoint lies. I’m sure these nerds are willing to say anything after being exposed for the crazy lads they are, but they might have a decent point or two. Honestly, I don’t give a shit because the movie is funny and well-directed.
No. 29 – “Amélie” (2001)
I always want to watch this movie again immediately after I finish it, a rather attractive quality for a romantic comedy considering that I usually find films in this genre unfunny and unromantic. “Amélie” is bloated with creativity, much like Woody Allen’s masterpiece, “Annie Hall.” Director/writer Jean-Pierre Jeunet is much more positive than Allen, though, and actress Audrey Tautou leads the march with her unique smile and penchant for mischief. The film basically tells you it is scripted, but unlike “Slumdog Millionaire,” it never takes itself too seriously. Admittedly, I wish the reference to Princess Diana’s death could have been traded for another equally ridiculous plot device, but you can’t have everything in a movie this wild.
No. 28 – “Ratatouille” (2007)
“Great art may come from anywhere—not everywhere.” Has the world of art and art criticism ever been summarized so well? Not to my knowledge. I don’t have much to write about this film other than it lives up to what it says. But yes, its voice-over narration is Shitty.
No. 27 – “The Fountain” (2006)
Many people like Darren Aronofsky because of “Requiem for a Dream,” but I didn’t appreciate his direction until I finished “The Fountain.” The film received mixed reviews, though, and I turned it off the first time I tried to watch it.
My second attempt to watch “The Fountain” was different. I completed it in one sitting, and the film’s three stories interlocked beautifully. Despite the film’s uncomfortable focus on death, the movie had a peaceful effect on me.
Going back to the mixed reviews, there was some common ground. No could deny the visual artistry of the film, and many noted the good intentions of Aronofsky. But some dismissed the film as pretentious and confusing with no emotional power.
Whereas I found it a mature take on life and death that doesn’t discredit emotion or intellect.
No. 26 – “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007)
Good luck guessing the ending to this one!
But it’s not that simple, and thank Christ. The relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford is downright strange, but the movie works because of Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. Pitt makes a great upscale redneck, and Affleck is a disturbing little bastard. Neither one is that likeable, but their interplay is a subtle breed of film magic.
If Pitt and Affleck make the movie worthwhile, director/writer Andres Dominik makes it a work of art. His script is an apt blend of the western and psychological thriller, and his use of hazy images gives the film a spooky quality that matches the story.
By the way, I briefly considered putting this sucker in my top 25, but it happens to feature annoying voice-over narration every once in while, so there you go. Don’t tell me what the fuck’s happening when it’s obvious, especially when you’re making a slow-paced film in the first place.
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