Let's jump right into the best episodes of Lost Season 2
LOST SEASON 2 BEST EPISODES
Season Two picked up right where Season 1 had left off.The opening scene is one of the best of the series.I think Season Two is the best overall season.It provides this raw suspense, you really want to know what is happening next, but there are still great flashbacks and character development. I see it almost being split into three parts, or three main story arcs or themes.First would be the discovering of the hatch coupled with Michael, Jin, and Sawyer getting back with everyone, culminating in the death of Shannon.The second is a set of very good episodes exploring a single character and developing them.The third arc is about Henry Gale aka Ben, leading to the betrayal by Michael and the capture of Kate, Jack, and Sawyer.The longer story arcs really, really make you watch and want to know what will happen next.The single character shows are the ones that are more enjoyable when watching a second or third time.It doesn’t seem like much happens, but oh, it does.
New Characters: Ben, Eko, Bernard, Libby, Desmond, Alex, Tom, Penny, Charles Widmore, DHARMA
I have to give honorable mention to What Kate Did, The Hunting Party, and One of Them
6. Season 2 Episode 13 – The Long Con
Island: The crew has finally met the "others" and Jack wants to attack them. But no one else is really on board.Sun is attacked in the jungle and this fires everyone up to go after the "Others".Locke has Sawyer hide the guns, but Sawyer ends up taking them.
Flashback: Sawyer does a Long Con with a woman named Cassidy.He ends up falling for her, but ends up still betraying her in the end.
This is definitely the best Sawyer episode.This is Sawyer at his best, or worst, but we also see signs of some redeeming qualities in him.The episode is so much more layered than my little summary.There is the further rift between Locke and Jack and much of the idea about the long con – having someone else think what you want them to do is there idea – has a lot to do with Ben, the "others", and even Jacob.
5. Episode 10 – The 23rd Psalm
Island: Charlie takes Eko to the plane and Eko finds his dead brother Yemi, tells Charlie he is a priest.
Flashback: Great flashback of Mr. Eko as a child, then a brutal gangster, then Yemi saving Eko.
This is definitely also in the category of single character episode.Nothing really has too big of an impact on the rest of the series, but it give you what you want, more information about Mr. Eko. Reciting the 23rd psalm was a bit melodramatic. The flashbacks are really the best part of the episode here. Oh, and Eko confronts the Smoke Monster. Yes!
4. Episode 3 – Orientation
Island: Jack and Locke learn more about the Hatch in the DHARMA Initiative video.Desmond flees.
Flashback: Locke meets Helen and tries to get over what his father did to him.
Orientation just builds off the steam of the first two episodes.You really, really want to know what the island is, what the hatch is, why they have to push the button.What you get is this awesome, grainy orientation film, which, like any good piece of Lost, raises more questions than are answers.Great scenes with Locke and Jack and Desmond and Jack.This one really continues to get you hooked. Would you push the button?
3. Episode 7 – The other 48 Days
Island: Shannon has just been killed
Flashback: Pretty much the entire episode is the flashbacks of the tail section survivors.
Watching this episode seems to happen in 10 minutes.So much is happening.You really want to take in every single piece.I think it was brilliant to introduce the tail section people slowly over 4 or 5 episodes and then give them this feature. You again have all the intensity and chaos of the first episode of the series. You have many similar things that happened over the course of season one happening in this 45 minutes episode. We see how Eko got his stick, we see our first glimpses of the others, see some redeeming qualities in Ana Lucia, and we see where the fear that these people have has come from.The best bits are Ana thinking this guy is an "other" but being wrong and then finally confronting Goodwin and killing him.Yes.Action packed!
2. Episode 1 – Man of Science. Man of Faith
Island: Jack, Kate, and Locke enter the hatch.
Flashback: Jack saving Sarah and the miracle that heals her.Oh and a great scene with Jack and Christian and Jack and Desmond?
Well, starting the season with a bang indeed.This was one of those episodes that you did not want to end.You wanted to learn as much as possible.And I have to mention the awesome beginning sequence, one of the best scenes of the series – check it out. I love the camera scan up the hatch mirroring the camera scan down the in season one's finale.
You are really in the same position as the characters.You want to know what this hatch is, what this place is, who his weird dude is.There is so much suspense, you don't even care that the fate of the raft is not addressed.So much suspense!It was pretty much a toss up between this ep and the my choice for #1.Oh, and even the title is great.Is it referring to John and Jack, Desmond and Jack, Desmond and John, Jack and his father, all of them?Very nice.And the song "Make your own kind of music" applies to Locke and Desmond, maybe Charles and Ben.
1. Episode 23 – Live Together, Die Alone
Island: Wow, just watch it.
Flashback: Pretty much everything you need to know about Desmond – how he got to the island and why, what he did on the island and in the hatch, and what happened the day of the plane crash
Seriously, this episode is full of action, too full of action to summarize.You have a "breaking of the fellowship" of sorts. (I could really extend this metaphor, but will hold back)Everyone is off doing their own thing – getting Walt, stopping the button from being pushed, finding weird statues.One thing I remember from watching it the first time, is that even though it was a trap, I really thought Jack and Sayid would save the day.Then all of a sudden they are tasered and caught.The hatch/button scene was great as well, lots of emotion and action. Great flashbacks! One drawback was that the final scene was Claire kissing Charlie – lame.But what put it over #2 on our list was the awesomeness that happened right before and right after Desmond turned the key. Especially love all the magnetic stuff and Desmond's leap of faith.
Best Season Two Scenes:
Obviously the first scene of episode one and the climax of the final episode
Crazy raw emotion from Mr. Eko when he finds his brother
There are loads of intense Jack scenes, but I'm not sure if anything is as emotional as when he learns Sarah is leaving him in The Hunting Party
Locke's finding the crazy map in Lockedown
Adrift – Michael and Sawyer finding Jin escaping and when the ask him what is – "Others"
What Kate Did – Scene with her adopted father, another great layered episode
Abandoned – Shannon getting shot by Ana-Lucia, Michael asking the Tailies "What happened to you people?" and Ana telling shedding a bit of light on their story
Collision – the reunion of Jin and Sun and Rose and Bernard – one of the best scenes of the series
Two for the Road – Michael shooting Ana Lucia and Libby
All of Ben's Crazy manipulation of Locke
Orientation:
Jack: Don't. It's not real. Look, you want to push the button, you do it yourself. Locke: If it's not real, then what are you doing here, Jack? Why did you come back? Why do you find it so hard to believe? Jack: Why do you find it so easy? Locke: It's never been easy!
The Long Con: Music on the radio with Sayid and Hurley - foreshadowing season 5 time travel?
Live Together – Michael: "Who are you people?"
Ben:"We’re the good guys"
Unnecessary Connections and reveals:
Locke being Nadia's home inspector
Libby at the mental institution with Hurley
Libby giving Desmond her husband's boat
The US military guy getting Sayid to torture his fellow prisoner being Desmond's Hatch mate, though it was cool when it was revealed he spoke Arabic.
Kate's Mom as Sawyer's waitress in The Long Con
I'm sure there are more.
Characters Stock Market:
Jin: Moving up quickly
Desmond: Buy now, sharp rise coming soon
Jack: Slowly decreasing
Sawyer: Slowly increasing
Kate: Steady
Locke: Steady
Ana Lucia: volatile
Sayid: Steady
Charlie: Up and Down
Hurley: Stagnant
I would advise you to watch Live Together and Man of Science before the next season starts.
Time for an exciting topic. I preparation for the final season of LOST, I have been rewatching the entire series. I set out to put together my list of best episodes, but due to time constraints and the fact that I feel I would be selling lots of great episodes and moments short, I decided to go season by season, listing my favorite episodes (which I think are the best episodes) and then end with the final list of the best episodes of the series. You know, build the suspense. Exciting stuff. A daunting task, but a fun task, and definitely not as difficult as the Simpsons countdown.
Criteria: There is no real point system or anything but things I look for other than the obvious entertainment factor are quality of flashback, how it relates to the entire series, how it develops character, what questions it answers/raises, flow of episode and flow of series.
Lost Season 1 Best Episodes:
Things were very different in season one than they are now. Season 1 was much simpler. And I think that is a good thing. You are learning about the island along with the characters. You are sort of in the same position as them. Upon watching this episodes for the second or third time, I was much more drawn to the flashbacks than when first viewed. They are not only additional information and introduction, but great stories in themselves.
6. Episode 4 - Walkabout - Island: Locke's hunting prowess is shown. Memorial Service for the dead Flashback: Locke's life before the crash - job where no one respects him, his "girlfriend" is a phone sex girl, he goes to Australia for a walkabout
This is in the top 3 ever for some people, but I think it is a bit over rated. The best thing about it is the big reveal - that Locke was in a wheelchair before the crash and can now walk. The flashbacks are the best part of this episode, though, which usually isn't a good sign. There is also a good scene with Jack and Rose, but momentum was definitely slowed in the episodes following the Pilot.
5. Episode 17 - In Translation - Island: Someone burns the raft. Michael thinks it is Jin and confronts him in front of everybody. Flashback: Jin is working for Sun's father and has to send a message to one of his employees. Jin doesn't do it effectively and Sun's father sends a hit man. Jin intervenes and beats the mess out of this guy. Jin visits his father and decides to leave his job and go to the US.
I'm not usually a big fan of Jin/Sun centered episodes, I mean we get it, she is rich, he is poor, and she was going to leave him, but upon rewatching this episode it is a very strong, flowing episode. The highlight is Jin learning that Sun speaks English when Michael was seemingly about to kill him after thinking Jin burned down the raft. That is followed by Locke coming in and telling everyone that they are not the only people on the island, the first real acknowledgment of the "Others". The Jin flashbacks are great - the contrast of him with Sun's father and doing his enforcer work with the very touching scene with his own father was very well done. Then there is the reveal at the end that Walt burned the raft. This ep marks distinct changes in the relationships of Michael/Jin, Michael/Walt, and sets the ground work for the dynamic change of the Jin/Sun relationship.
4. Episode 13 - Hearts and Minds - Island: Boone is going to tell Shannon about the hatch. Locke knocks him out and ties him up so he cannot do it. Boone wakes up, gets out, saves Shannon, then the Smoke Monster gets Shannon. We do not know until the end that is was a test for Boone and a hallucination. Flashback: Shannon tricks Boone into coming to Australia to save her from an abusive relationship. She cons Boone out of the money, but then her man leaves her anyways. Boone and Shannon hook up. It's revealed that Boone loves Shannon.
The Boone/Shannon flashback episode. This episode loses some steam after Boone and Shannon are both dead within a season, but it was very entertaining, edge of your seat stuff. It reveals a lot of the Shannon/Boone relationship, but also begins to hint at other key story ideas like letting go, choosing sides, Locke possibly being crazy, and a Locke/Jack feud. Also, even though it was a hallucination, it was tight to see the Smoke Monster in action.
3. Episode 1 and 2 - Pilot - I don't think I need to say much about this one. Lost had us hooked from the start, and the intensity and the questions already risen in the first episode have a lot to do with that.
2. Episode 5 - White Rabbit - Island: Running out of water. Jack sees his dead father and heads out into the jungle to find him and his casket and stumbles upon a water source. Flashback: Jack as a child with this father, Jack and his mother, Jack going to get his father's body.
I once remember someone asking me if I was a "Jack Person" or a "Sawyer Person". I am obviously a Jack Person, and usually like Jack-centric episodes the best, especially in season one. The question evolved more into a Jack or Locke person, which is a totally different story. Anyways, Jack flashbacks are usually the best. This one spans his childhood to his getting his Dad's casket on the plane, the first of many very intense Jack scenes, which could be its own entire list. Aside from Jack, this episode introduces a lot of keep ideas and motifs that will last the entire series - magic, the power of the island, fate, and introduces a key piece of Lostology from Jack "But if we can't, live together... we're gonna die alone." There is also a great example of the season 1 technique, the episode ending montage with music in the background and almost a steady cam shot panning through many of the characters.
1. Episode 11 - All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues - Island: Jack, Kate, Boone, and Locke go off to find Claire and Charlie. Jack finds Ethan and eventually Charlie. Boone and Locke find the hatch. Flashback: Jack's father works on a patient when he is under the influence of alcohol. After much internal debate, Jack narcs on his father.
This is where Lost really raises the stakes. I'm talking obviously about Ethan here. At the time we did not know about the Others, but just that Ethan wasn't on the plane. He really kicked the shit out of Jack and left Charlie to die. We see Jack almost insane with desire to save Charlie and Claire, something that will rear its head again many times. You have Jack not giving up and saving Charlie. On the other side, which might be even better, you have the beginning of the Locke/Boone bromance and the discovery of the Hatch. And I have not even mentioned the great Jack/Christian flashback or the show's title which obviously refers to Jack as seen in the flashback, but also Sawyer, Kate, Locke, Walt, and Claire. Man, a great Lost episode, has it all.
Best scenes of Season 1: Jin with his Father "Live together or die alone" Ethan vs. Jack Ep 23 and 24 Exodus - A great scene where Walt gives Vincent to Shannon, then Vincent chases after the raft when it sets sail, very touching And the first view of the hatch, the camera panning down, which will be used in the opposite way in the premier the next season Pilot - Kate sutures Jack Ep 12 Whatever the Case May Be - Great scene between Rose and Charlie, basically she tells him he can't just sit and mope because he lost Claire. Everyone has lost someone and is in a horrible situation and they are doing work, so he has to too. Ep 15 Homecoming - a real short, real great scene here when they are about to go into the jungle to find Claire, Jack gives Locke a gun and says I'm guessing you know how to use this. Locke loads it, chambers the round at just gives Jack a great smile. Nice. Ep 19 Deus Ex Machina - This one just missed the top 6, great scene after Locke realizes what his father has done, but the classic scene where Locke is questioning all that has happened and why Boone died and then the hatch lights up - ok just watch it And my favorite scene of the season, again pretty simple - from "All the Best Cowboys..." I could not find a video, so I'll give you the rundown. Boone and Locke are out in the Jungle looking for Claire. Boone has already asked Locke about his past and where he learned all this stuff. Locke tells Boone it will start raining in one minute. A minute later it starts to pour. Boone: You learned this at a BOX company?!! Great delivery, great build up, and it ends with Locke standing triumphantly in the Rain. Love it. And if you can't tell by now, I have a severe man crush on Boone
Favorite Characters: Jack, Boone, Sayid Most Intriguing: Locke, Rousseau Most Hated: Sawyer - dude was a straight jerk for most of the first season Most Annoying - Claire Most Attractive: Shannon, Kate Things you want to know more about: Well, everything - the hatch, who took Walt, the polar bear, Ethan, Claire's baby, why Locke was in a wheelchair, the numbers, Rousseau's story
There you go, season one in a nutshell. More to come over the next few weeks.
Not sure how to start this post. Wow Damn Shit What?
Of course I am talking about the Packers game yesterday. It was a pretty amazing game. We just ended up on the wrong side of it. We'll have to add this one to the Wisconsin Sports Despair post. It could've been perfect. It was a weird game. Did the Packers blitz once? What happened to the defense? Rodgers hasn't forced a pass like that all season, yet he does on the first play. Some great emotional highs at the end - Rackers missing the kick, winning the coin toss, but then it was all over. So much went wrong but we still had a chance to win. 1st Play of overtime, man. That was it. Should've won it. Also, apparently Fitzgerald can just knock Woodson down as much as he wants and Cardinals can hit Rodgers helmet first in the head (second play of overtime) and grab his facemask (last play of overtime). But, like I said, we still had a chance, and that's all you can ask for. A Sad night in Green Bay. But next year we will win the Super Bowl. I am confident in that. Young team, starting to hit stride. I can't even think of a need that must be addressed in the off season - I guess offensive line and special teams. Only reason left to watch the playoffs? To see Favre lose. I guess I will root for the Saints and Chargers.
Great Badgers Basketball game Saturday beating the undefeated Purdue. Wisconsin pretty much handled Purdue in the second half. Jordan Taylor was the man again. Jason Bohannon actually stepped up. He made 3 pointers and a few drives! We won even when Leuer was off his game. And Nankivil barely played for the second straight game. Ryan Evans must've been feeling confident after getting a shout-out from Big Dunc, as he contributed well all game. This team is really a contender for the Big 10. They have a great inside and outside game. I thought that lack of frontcourt depth could really hurt them, but winning with Leuer having such a poor game was great to see. The key as I said, is Jordan Taylor's ability to play the point and let Hughes be the off guard. This game not only icreased my hope for this season, but the future as well. The young kids played well, and can a Bo Ryan team really ever be bad?
I also realized a change in my sporting preferences, or moreso my dedication to teams. Badger basketball has really been moving up the list. Speaking of lists, here's the list, in order, or teams I an most interested in, or teams I most root for.
1. Everton - English football. I guess waking up early almost every Saturday or Sunday proves my dedication. Everton's winning or losing can actually effect my mood. They haven't won a trophy since I've been a fan, but something about my personality makes me like them even more because of that. 2. Badger Basketball - My love for Badger basketball has increased pretty steadily since I left campus. Something about Bo Ryan basketball is great too watch. I've found myself changing around my schedule so I can watch games. And I watch the entire game, no channel flipping. It is great! 3. Packers - I am a huge Packers fan, but games are long. I've found myself missing a few and often flip through channels during games to watch movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and The Sum of All Fears. My dedication is not where it used to be. 4. Brewers - I am definitely not a fair weather Brewer fan. If I do not see the game or listen to it, I definitely look for the score. I still root for the Brewers no matter how far out of the playoff chase they are. There are 162 games, so it's good to always know that the Brewers will be playing, but it's a bad thing because if you miss one game, it doesn't really matter 5. Badgers Football - I probably only saw about half the games this year. College football is too long. Games take over 3.5 hours. And we always play at 11:00am. I might be classified as a fair weather Badger football fan because I am excited about next year. 6. Southampton - Southampton is the city I studied in while in England. I saw many games and have a personal tie to the team. The have moved down two divisions since I left, so there is no conflict with Everton. 7. Bucks - I like the Bucks and root for them, but really don't care much. Sometimes I don't even know that they played. I would rather watch Man vs. Food than a close 4th quarter of a Bucks game.
I'm sure by now you have all seen the return of the Brandon Jennings' tight flat top fade. He sported it during the McDonald's All-American game, but probably got rid of it in Italy. For most of this Bucks career he had little puff braids, but starting with Tuesday's game against the Nets, Jennings is back to the beloved flat top. In honor of Jennings (below), I thought I'd give you a sampling of some of the best flat tops in recent memory. Ryan Evans for the Badgers has more of a classic flat top.
And of course you can't talk about the high flat top fade without mentioning Kid n' Play
I couldn't find a picture, but I know Mike Anderson from Channel 12 News rocked the flat top for many years, and I think an afro before that.
I remember Jack Sikma having a flat top, but it appears to be some flat top/mullet amalgamation.
Chris Mullin flat top sporting, alcoholic, gambling addict - even his bobble head has the flat top
Kurt Russell in Stargate - military version
Guile from Street Fighter 2 - Look at that thing. A Family of 4 could have an entire meal on that thing. Flatness!
And, of course, Ivan Drago. Yes." I must break you (with my flat top)."
New Year, whoo! Time for more predictions. In the year 2010....... Well, check back on my 2008 predictions, I think about 4% of them came true. Hopefully this time I'll be a little closer to the mark.
In the year 2010..... -the Milwaukee Brewers will make the playoffs (starting out bold) - the Lost finale with disappoint (staying bold) - Brandon Jennings will not be Rookie of the Year - Everton will not win any trophies - Wisconsin Badgers basketball will win either the Big 10 regular season or Big 10 tournament - Wisconsin Football will make a BSC Bowl - The Republican Party will gain lots of seats in the House but only 2 seats in the Senate - The Olympics will be somewhat interesting - Tron, Robin Hood, Priest, and Toy Story 3 will be tight - The A-Team, The Karate Kid, and Little Fockers will suck - I will begin writing the Great American Graphic Novel - I will go on a date - I will get a real job or get into a great masters program - I will get into great shape - I will be on Survivor - The US will make the Quarterfinals of the World Cup - Three celebrities that might die - Lil Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Winona Ryder - chances of me leaving Milwaukee 45% - purple will be the hot fashion color - Alicia Keys will still be super hot
There you go. Looks like 2010 will be an exciting year. I'm ready. Are you.
One more prediction In the year 2011....... The Green Bay Packers will win the Superbowl
I believe I have twice on this blog professed my love for Rowlf the Dog and John Denver's rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" so I guess this is the third time.
The song got me thinking back to one of my favorite Christmas TV episodes - the X-Files Season Six "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas. Incidentally, I believe this is the first time I've mentioned the X-Files on this blog. The episode is classic X-Files, a bit lighter than most, especially for this late in the series. It is a great case study of Mulder and Scully (Skulder?). The ghosts are played by Ed Asner (he loves Christmas) and Lily Tomlin. The part I remember most is the super eerie scene when Mulder and Scully shoot each other and are pretty much dying of gunshot wounds with Bing Crosby's classic version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" playing in the background. A very well done episode, full of loads dramatic irony, a great ending. Nothing says Christmas like The X-Files. If you got time check out the entire episode, I don't think that website will crash your computer, or watch the youtube summary, with the scene I mentioned at the 8 minute mark.
Christmas has faced many assaults over the years - people not believing, blizzards, Tim Allen, martians, vampires, Muslims, naughty children, the Grinch, Uncle Scrooge, Albert Mouse, commercialism - threatening the very existence of this great holiday. Despite these numerous obstacles, Santa and the Christmas Spirit has always prevailed. But now Christmas is facing its deadliest potential crisis - GLOBAL WARMING!! Dun-Dun Yes as you know, Santa is based at the North Pole, and the polar ice caps are melting at an alarmingly high rate. Check out this report And the Arctic ice caps at the North Pole are entirely over the ocean. They have no land mass like the South Pole, thus Santa's workshop and and Christmasland will cease to exist. No more elves, toys, and presents all because our because our massive use of fossil fuels and Chlorofluorocarbons are speeding up the greenhouse effect and depleting the ozone layer. I saw one report that some scientists are predicting the northern ice caps will be completely gone by 2017. Uh-oh. Bye Bye Santa. Bye Bye Christmas.
Time for another guest blogger. I wanted to make a list of the best Christmas movie, but then I realized I really don't like Christmas movies and I was so exhausted after writing my epic movies of the decade post, so I went back to my friend Amy, who has previously graciously supplied us with best horror movies and best vampire movies lists. Here is her list of Best Christmas Movies, and I have to say this is a tough task because there are so many horrible Christmas movies. Enjoy. (My comments will be in italics)
Ok. So here goes.After much debate with nick I think that I have come up with a list for you.
Honorable Mention: The Polar Express: The animation irritates me in some parts of the film which is why it's not on the list. It is a good holiday movie. But that hot chocolate song is soooo annoying Black Christmas: The original mind you, not that shitty remake. It's a creppy horror film. Enough said. The Santa Claus: Tim Allen is funny. The movie is Funny. The sequels are not White Christmas: I wanted to put this on the list but the Boyfriend insists that is not a Christmas film. I digress.
10. A Christmas Story: Here is the reason why this one is number 10. OVEREXPOSURE!!! This IS a really great Christmas movie but it is played to death around the week of and on Christmas Day. Leg Lamp
9. Bad Santa: Ok, ok I know that this may not be considered a Christmas movie to some but I think that it is one of the funniest movies out there that happens to be about a Bad Santa (pun intended) who has a heart of gold (well kinda).
8. Muppet Christmas Carol: Muppets + Michael Caine = Holiday classic gold. I too love the Muppets and enjoy Michael Caine, but I feel the use of Muppets is kinda poor here. They aren't as funny as they could be. For classic Muppets Christmas, look no further than The Muppets and John Denver Christmas Special - the best ones here and here
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Based on the popular song, this animated classic from the sixties is an original that has withstood the test of time. An Elf that wants to be a dentist, Yukon Cornelius, a squirt gun that shoots Jelly, Yeti, I love it
6. Miracle On 34th Street: A little girl is raised to believe there is no Santa Clause. This charming film brings out the child in everyone and makes us believe that maybe there still is a Santa Clause
5. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation:My favorite scene is when they bring back the tree and cut in open and it breaks every freaking window in the living room. Oh and when they turn on the Christmas lights and blind the neighbors. Chevy Chase at the top of his game. This is probably the only one that is Christmas tradition. It will be watched every year.
4. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Sold Christmas: No not that crap movie with Jim Carey. I'm talking about the animated one that comes on Cartoon Network every year. What better way to teach us about the real meaning of Christmas then a Dr. Seuss story?
3. Elf: Oh god do I love this movie. Will Ferrell is at his comedic best. Funny, cute, and happy this movie is a must to put you in the holiday spirit. Pretty Great - SANTA! OH MY GOD! SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!
2. It's a Wonderful Life: Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart at his best. A film that shows us how important we are to people around us.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas: What can I say that hasn't already been said about this made for tv classic. With an awesome soundtrack and a great message who doesn't love them some Charlie Brown?
Thanks Amy, quality list. I would definitely include Home Alone, and another family favorite A Garfield Christmas
Quite an ambitious post here, but you know, go big or go home.
There have been lots of Best of the Decade lists coming out recently. Check out Time, or SI, or the AV club if you want some. They are pretty fun to look at. This is the first decade that is truly in the Internet Age, so lists like this lend themselves pretty well to blogs and other forms of online media.Also, it was quite a decade for me – last years of high school, college, Philadelphia, Montana, months on a bus.
I decided to compose my own. It is my list of favorite movies of the decade, not necessarily the best movies of the decade. Enjoy.
Purposeful omissions: I wanted to start off with a few movies very high on most people's list, but which will be missing from mine.
25th Hour - I liked it, but didn't love it. Spike Lee too full of himself and his craft
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - wasn't really blown away by this film, not something I want to see again.
Lost in Translation - I liked this one, but couldn't identify with anyone or anything
Honorable Mention: A.I. - interesting composition, almost 3 separate movies. Beautiful and thought provoking, though part Kubrick, Spielberg's best work of the decade.
City of God - great, powerful. I know lots of people that love it much more than me.
Requiem for a Dream - Man, depressing, but greatly acted and made, ditto to other people loving it more than me
Return of the King - Loved the Speech by Theoden, amazing special effects, and some awesome parts, but I just didn't like it as much as the other two
Collateral - just a great entertaining movie
Training Day- seems to be a movie people forget about, maybe it loses allure after seeing it the first time, but it holds up for me
Role Models - Hilarious. See it if you haven't already. Better than Knocked up and Superbad, but those and Forgetting Sarah Marshall are great too.
Hustle & Flow - Whomp that Trick!
Love Actually - number one chick flick
The Dark Knight Spider-Man 2 - This is THE comic book movie. It stays true to the character as well as creating new visual elements. Great special effects, but what makes the movie stand out is the Peter Parker/Spider-Man dynamic
Top 20
20a: Capturing the Friedmans - I don't really want to say that this is one of my favorite movies, but I think it was more captivating than anything else on the list. I could not take my eyes off it.
20. Billy Elliot - Showing my varied tastes right off the bat here. I remember seeing this movie in high school at the Oriental back when I used to go on dates, so maybe that's why it holds a high place for me. It is a great, fun, uplifting movie. I'm not much for ballet, but I'm not ashamed to have this in my top 20.
19. No Country for Old Men - One of two best picture winners on the list. Quality from start to finish.
18. 21 Grams - I have only seen this movie once, but it was pretty intense. It's weird movies people remember and forget. I feel this movie is awesome and super dramatic and amazingly acted, but it is rarely mentioned when talking about great movies of the decade. Maybe it is over shadowed by other similar intense, lifelike dramas like Mystic River and Traffic and Crash.
17. Spirited Away - This is probably my most pretentious pick on the list, but at least I didn't call it Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi. Not really my genre, and I'm sure there were things I didn't totally get, but it was pretty addictive.
15. Spellbound - Yes, a spelling bee documentary. Love it! You cannot make this shit up. It is hilarious. You got the super hard immigrant parents driving their kids to succeed, the rural shy kid, the black girl from DC, and a few others who are beyond intense about spelling words. A great movie.
14. Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers: Why is this movie better than The Return of the King? Ents. Why is this movie #14? Angry Ents. Lots of great visual elements here - Helm's Deep, the transformation of Theoden, Gollum vs. Smegol, Uruk-hai vs. Orcs, and of course the Storming of Orthanc. Surprisingly, this was the only LOTRs movie I saw in the theater.
13. Casino Royale -If this isn't the best Bond movie it is sure very close. A great combination of the classic dramatic, spy thriller Bond and the newer special effects, crazy action Bond. This movie is awesome starting from the beginning foot chase scene (I forget what that is called despite Dwight's love for it in The Office) to the meeting of Bond and Eva Green to the Casino scenes (Hold 'em instead of Baccarat) to the epic betrayal ending. Couldn't ask for more from a Bond movie.
12. Kill Bill - Ok this might be cheating, but I'm not choosing between vol 1 or vol 2. If I could choose the second half of vol 1 and the first half of vol 2, that could be a top 5 movie, but as a whole we'll go with 12. Highlights - the cartoon about O-Ren, the wedding flashbacks, Hattori Hanzo, any scene with Michael Madsen (who was also the father in Free Willie and according to IMDB has 26 movies filming, in post-production, or in pre-production. Wow), and the Pei Mai scene. Already planning on my next Halloween Costume to either be Pei Mai or the Shower from Karate Kid
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - This is the movie that made me get into Harry Potter. I was very intrigued by the tournament and the other wizarding schools. My favorite book among the 7 by far and my favorite HP movie. Everything builds upon everything else. The action and mystery builds to a great conclusion. Even the stuff that is not part of the main story line, like Harry trying to get a date for the Ball and Rita Skeeter is excellent. Also, my favorite part of the series may be Dumbledore's speech after Cedric Diggory has been killed. 10. Batman Begins - Might have a little controversy here by having this and not Dark Knight on the list, and though I really like Dark Knight, I like this one a little better. It's a more simple movie. The background with Ra's Al Ghul is incredible. Plus it helps that I love Ra's and Liam Neeson. Katie Holmes is a much better Rachel than Maggie Gllynehaal. The origin is great. I guess I just love all the beginnings of Batman Begins. It stays true to the character, updates the story and makes Dark Knight possible. This movie is more about who is Bruce Wayne than who is Batman.
Bruce: Rachel, all of….All this...It's... It's not me.
Inside, I am...I am more.
Racehl: Bruce......deep down you may still be
that same great kid you used to be.
But it's not who you are underneath...
...it's what you do that defines you.
9. Little Miss Sunshine - This is probably the most unlikely movie on the list. I think I saw it on HBO randomly. I knew people were touting it as a real good movie, but it didn't really attract me as something I would enjoy. But then I saw it and realized I was wrong. I think it is the amazingly complex, varied characters that make this movie so great. Again, it is like Garden State, making the most of what we are given. The actual premise of the movie is pretty ridiculous, as is the dance scene which most people remember the movie by. But I love the combination of the poignant with the inappropriate, the sad with the funny, much like The World According to Garp, Little Miss Sunshine has lots of that.
8. Gladiator - "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
I had a friend in high school who would always recite this speech. He continued to do so in college and after. It is a pretty bad ass speech. The entire movie is pretty bad-ass for that matter. Even the beginning war scenes are great, as well as the performance of Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius. The meat of the movie though is obviously the Coliseum fight scenes, especially the first one with the recreation of the 2nd battle of Carthage. Yes. You got Russell Crowe, Djimon Hounsou, and the big German guy. And Commadus (Joaquin Phoenix) is a pretty great bad guy. He is pretty messed up and you pretty much hate him strongly by the end of the movie. Oh, and the Jay-Z What More Can I Say? sample "Are you not entertained?" gets me going too. One of two Oscar Best Picture winner's on the list.
7. Gangs of New York - Speaking of Best Picture winners, Chicago is better than this movie? Shit. Besides the great acting and directing, this movie has a very cool visual element. Bill the Butcher looks giant and intimidating. The city looks great too. I even wanted to read more about the Five Points, so if a movie makes you want to read, it must be good.
6. King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters -Wow, I really can't impart to you how much I love this movie. Like my other documentaries on the list, this movie shows that truth is much stranger than fiction, that some stuff is so crazy you can't make it up. This movie is about someone trying to break the Donkey Kong record and it is super addictive! I think I watched twice in two days. That is how good it is.
Steve Wiebe vs. Billy Mitchell. Humilty vs. Pride David vs. Goliath Good vs. Evil I feel that these are not hyperbole. Watch the movie and see if you disagree. So much great stuff in this movie. You got the video game dorks that worship Billy Mitchell. You got the video game record establishment that Steve Wiebe is up against. You have the official scorer who insists on wearing a referee jersey to ever event. You have Steve's wife crying because he can never catch a break. You have a video game player with the self proclaimed name of Mr. Awesome. You have Steve's kid literally popping his pants while Steve is breaking the top score. Wow. When I was looking for a picture to include here there was so much I wanted to include. Watch this movie if you have not already seen it!
5. The 40 Year Old Virgin - This is the movie that all comedies since try to emulate. It started an entire genre. I think it is better than the other Apatow movies because the story is better. Despite the subject and sometimes extreme raunchiness, there is a cuteness to the plot. You really want Andy to succeed and in the right way. It is also more simple than the later ones. The dialogue seems much less forced, though it is a bit too much at times. Oh, and you got Steve Carrel, comic genius. Plus Paul Rudd and Seth Rogan, the funny Indian guy and my first introductions to Elizabeth Banks, Jonah Hill, and Jane Lynch.
You know what? I respect women! I love women! I respect them so much that I completely stay away from them!
All you got to do is use your instincts. How do you think a lion knows to tackle a gazelle? It's written, it's a code written in his DNA, says, "Tackle the gazelle." And believe it or not, in every man there's a code written that says, "Tackle drunk bitches."
Oh man, Friday, I really wanted an egg salad sandwich and I was just obsessing about it and I was like, 'Man, I'm gonna make one of those.' So Saturday, I went out and got, like, a dozen eggs and then I boiled them all and I just, I spent, I dunno, probably three hours, like three and a half hours making, you know, the mayonnaise, and the onions and paprika and, you know, the necessary accoutrement. And then, by the time I was done, I didn't really feel like eating it.
[cuts to Andy painting one of his soldier toy figures] Now, I'm going to make your silver pants, blue!
Paula: Andy. Have you ever heard of the term... 'Fuck Buddy?'
Andy Stitzer: No... What's that?
Paula: Well, it's a special... friend... who you fuck.
You know what my problem is? I am not interesting. What am I supposed to say? I went to magic camp? That I'm an accomplished ventriloquist? Oh, I *am* the Seventh Degree Imperial Yo-Yo Master. "Ooh, do me, Yo-Yo Master, I want you to do me cause you're the yo-yo guy!"
I dated this girl for a while. She was really a... nasty freak. She just loved to get down with sex all the time. It was like... anytime of day, she was like, "Yeah, let's go! I'm so nasty!" And I'd be nailing her and she'd be like, "Oh, you're nailing me! Cool!"
Wow. This is graphic.
4. Amelie -Here is my token foreign film, but seriously, I really like this movie. Some may think it is too quirky and too positive and has too neat of an ending, but not me. There are two types of love story movie people - the optimists who identify with Amelie, believing that love on conquer all and the right people will get together in the end and the pessimists - people who identify with Closer, believing that pretty much everyone is selfish and wants to use everything they have against someone else and hurt them as much as possible. I'm definitely glad to be the Amelie type and not the jaded Closer type. I like the humor as well and the great color of the film.
3. Memento - Another one that goes back to high school. This was before the internet days. I think I read about this movie in Entertainment Weekly or something like that and knew I needed to see it. I'm pretty sure it was another of those Oriental or Downer movies, back when it was cool to go to the indie theaters. Quite a novel concept, which isn't just a gage, but a clever story telling device. If it wasn't done well, it would have sucked, but Christopher Nolan makes it work. So much is unveiled in just the right way at just the right time. Great acting. Great ending (or beginning?). Oh, and Guy Pearce's character would actually be my ultimate Halloween costume. I just need to get ripped and find a fake tattoo artist.
Remember Sammy Jankis
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Much like the original Star Wars, I like the first movie the best. It just introduces so much - characters, story, magic, motifs, and possibilities. This is why I like Fellowship best out of the three LOTR movies. It opens up an amazing world. This actually the first DVD I ever purchased. Pretty much you need not look past the opening origin of the rings scene when talking about the greatness of this movie. Plus loads of amazing scenes - The Council of Elrond, Gandalf vs. Saruman, the flight to the Ford, the Mines of Moria, Lothlorian, the giant statues on the River, the Final Battle scene, the Death of Boromir, and the amazing Bridge of Khazad-Dum. This one sets up more greatness to come.
Boromir: [holding the ring after Frodo has lost it] It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing.
I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise. "Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee." And I don't mean to. I don't mean to.
"One Ring to Rule Them All. One Ring to Find Them. One Ring to Bring Them All and In The Darkness Bind Them."
Our people, our people. I would have would have followed you, my brother... my captain... my king
Boromir: What is this new devilry?
Gandalf: A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!
Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.
They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes, drums... drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow lurks in the dark. We cannot get out... they are coming
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.
You cannot pass! I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun! Go back to the shadow. You shall not pass!
1. In America - This may be a surprising pick, but it is definitely number one for me. It may not have action like Gladiator, great quotes like The 40 Year Old Virgin, or amaze like Fellowship. What makes it so great for me is that it just feels so real. I don't have kids, I'm not an immigrant, I don't have AIDS, I don't live in Hell's Kitchen, but this movie still really speaks to me. It is about America. It is about making the most of what we have. It's about what pain does to our lives, how it makes us miss out on it. The two girls are great as is my man Djimon Hounsou and a great performance by Paddy Considine. Incidentally, director Jim Sheridan's next movie was Get Rich or Die Tryin'
Pretty much every scene evokes some emotion and empathy for the characters - from the arrival at the border to the air conditioner scene to the ET ball game scene to the Halloween scene to the snowball fight to the final saying goodbye to Frankie. And my favorite is Christy's speech in the hospital.
Maybe a surprise choice for number one, but I find the movie seamless.
Johnny: Are you in love with her?
Mateo: No... I'm in love with you. And I'm in love with your beautiful woman. And I'm in love with your kids. And I'm even in love with your unborn child. I'm even in love with your anger! I'm in love with anything that lives!
Ariel: Cool!
Christy: Cool? Where'd you hear that?
Ariel: I don't know, I just heard it.
Christy: Ugh, you're already American, it's disgusting!
Ariel: What are transvestites?
Christy: A man who dresses up as a woman.
Ariel: For Halloween?
Christy: No, all the time. All the time.
Ariel: Why?
Christy: It's just what they do here, OK?
And here is the scene I mentioned earlier.
Johnny: Are you okay little girl?
Christy: Don't "little girl" me. I've been carrying this family on my back for over a year, ever since Frankie died. He was my brother too. It's not my fault that he's dead. It's not my fault that I'm still alive.
Johnny: Ah, Christy.
Christy: Mom was always crying because he was her son. But he was my brother too. I cried too... when no one was looking. I talked to him every night.
Ariel: She did, Dad.
Christy: I talked to him every night, until...
Johnny: ...until when?
Christy: Until I realized I was talking to myself.
There you go. A pretty nice list if I say so myself.
According to this, my favorite actors (multiple appearances on the list) are everyone from Lord of the Rings, Steve Carell, Liam Neeson, and a bit of a surprise Brendan Gleeson.
Hope you enjoyed. A fun decade. Let me know any picks you got.
I'm pretty much ballin' an all accounts- unemployed, live with my sister, I read comic books and Harry Potter, and wake up at 5:30 AM on the weekends to watch English football. Yes! Pretty much anything I have to say is the truth.
And the Arctic ice caps at the North Pole are entirely over the ocean. They have no land mass like the South Pole, thus Santa's workshop and and Christmasland will cease to exist. No more elves, toys, and presents all because our because our massive use of fossil fuels and Chlorofluorocarbons are speeding up the greenhouse effect and depleting the ozone layer. I saw one report that some scientists are predicting the northern ice caps will be completely gone by 2017. Uh-oh. Bye Bye Santa. Bye Bye Christmas.
