For all the horrible films that came out in 2005 (see this list) there were also some really enjoyable film going experiences as well.
As you read The Movie Blog’s Top 10 Best Films of 2005, there are 2 very important things to keep in mind. FIRST, this list is subjective. There is no scientific formula for measuring how good or bad a film is.
Second, This list does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Richard, Doug, Brad or anyone else for that matter. But since I am The Movie Blog, only my opinion really matters! (insert egotistical maniacal power hungry laugh here. MMWWWUUAAAAHHHHH HAHAHAHA).
So now, without further ado, I now present to you THE MOVIE BLOG’S TOP 10 BEST FILMS OF 2005!
10) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
I haven’t seen anything divide a country like this since George W. Bush. People either totally LOVED this film… or totally hated it. There’s not much middle ground and an argument can be made for either side. For me, watching Revenge of the Sith was a fantastic experience. It recaptured that “awe and wonder” sensation you’re supposed to have when watching a fantasy film. Great action, the best visual effects ever produced for a movie and wonderful adventure. Did it have it’s weaknesses? You bet it did. But even with those weakness I had a hell of a fun time watching this flick.9) Sin City
Yeah it was violent, yeah it was stylized, but the the thing that made Sin City a great film to watch was the human story behind it all. 3 broken and self hating characters who have seen nothing but garbage in the world, each catch just the slightest glimpse of something beautiful (letters from a little girl, a night with a prositute, and the love of an ex-flame) and it totally captivates them to the point where nothing else matters in the whole world. That’s what finding something beautiful in the world can do to you… and I loved the way they told that story. An element of this film that is always really sadly overlooked.8) The Wedding Crashers
Easily the most “laughs per minute” film I’ve ever seen. I don’t think I ever went more than 30 seconds in this film without laughing out loud. The frat pack is here to stay for a long long time my friends.7) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I thought the first two Harry Potter films were “ok” at the very best. The third Potter film was total crap. And then all of a sudden Goblet of Fire comes right out of left field and really impresses me. I suddenly have hope for the Harry Potter franchise again.6) King Kong
Yes it was too long. Yes it had some horrible visual effects. Yes it was a little over hyped. But putting all that aside, the last 2 hours of this 3+ hour long film was some of the best fun I’ve had in watching a movie in a long time. My knuckles were white from gripping the arms in my seat. Best film of the year? Not a chance in hell. But having said that, King Kong is a fun fun film to watch.5) The Producers
I originally had this at #10 and Sith at #5… but upon further reflection I has to switch the two around. I don’t use the word “delightful” very often, but that’s exactly what this movie is. Pure delight! It’s funny, fun, and in caches you almost immediately. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick were both amazing in this adaptation of an adaptation. Make sure you see this one.4) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Many people make the mistake of thinking this is a Lord of the Rings type of film. It’s not. It’s a child’s fantasy film and one of the best I’ve seen since the original Wizard of Oz. Pure wonder and magic, story telling at it’s best and just the right amount of action and visual effects to assist the plot in moving along. I LOVED this film and wish I could rank it higher on this list.3) Batman Begins
For my money this is hands down the very best comic adaptation film ever made. Erasing from our tortured memories the awful images of Batman and Robin and the dreadful Neon gangs, Batman begins gets back to the darker side of the “Dark Knight” while still making us laugh and grin along the way. Take out the horrible horrible horrilbe performance and miscasting of Katie Holmes (who made the film scretch to a halt everytime she was on screen), and this film could have come in at #2 on this list.2) The 40 Year Old Virgin
I was so happy to see the AFI put this film on their 10 best films of 2005 list. Not only is this one of the funniest films of all time (you didn’t laugh quite as often as you did in The Wedding Crashers… but when you laughed it made you laugh HARD), but it actually had wonderful chemistry between the four lead characters and it made you CARE about them (something most comedies fail at doing). You actually really like Andy and his friends and care about what happens. A fantastic film.1) Cinderella Man
It’s not popular to say you like a Russell Crowe film these days. But even though I think the man is an egotistical jerk (much like myself), I firmly believe he is the most talented actor breathing on the planet earth today. This movie was just amazing, and it breaks my heart that overrated politically correct films are getting so much more Oscar buzz than this film is. For my money, this is easily the best film of the year.
So there you have it folks. My favorite films of 2005. I’m sure some of you agree and many many of you disagree. So give your thoughts in the comments section below. Here’s looking forward to some great cinema in 2006!
