Listmania!
My favorite movies of the 2000's
By an Amazon.com customer
The New World - The Extended Cut (+ Digital Copy)The New World - The Extended Cut (+ Digital Copy)
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $9.88
This film was beautiful spiritually. The scenery, the dialogue, and the music put me in what I might call spiritual bliss. A film has never emotionally attached me to God's beautiful world before like The New World did. It's almost indescribable.The cinematrography, camerawork, and lighting are beautiful. Never has a director been more masterful at making EVERY shot perfect. 10+/10
George Washington - Criterion CollectionGeorge Washington - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $35.99 / Used from: $16.95
This film was beautiful from acting to dialogue to cinematography. The movie felt very real, and that was the only mood that would work. The actors even stumbled on their words and talked over each other, adding to the mood. The cinematography was also brilliant. The shots were beautiful, almost mesmerizing. Accompanying many of the shots was a nice score and poetic voice-overs. 10/10
CleanClean
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $1.57
This is a fantastic tale of redemption that doesn't dip into the realm of cliché. Nick Nolte is absolutely amazing in this movie. He freaking steals the show. His A+ performance accompanied by Chueng's great effort and some fantastic cinematography make this movie amazing. I say all of this and I still don't think I've correctly expressed what I found to be so good about this film. 10/10
All the Real GirlsAll the Real Girls
Buy new: $16.49 / Used from: $6.32
David Gordon Green's strength is making 'real' movies. The characters stutter, stop in mid-sentence, and say very strange things at times. I found myself recognizing some of the actions in this movie as some of my own. I felt a connection with the main characters' love. I really enjoyed how non-Hollywood this movie felt. 10/10
Code 46Code 46
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $0.25
Although this film is science fiction, it really has very little plot and focuses almost entirely on its characters. Very similar to Tarkovsky's Solaris, Code 46 is more about a relationship than anything. Both Robbins and Morton are great in this film. Also excellent was the cinematography. There were many numerous shots that were great to look at. 10/10
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert FordThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Buy new: $8.49 / Used from: $1.99
This movie is full of visual awesomeness and great performances. Also, let me mention Nick Cave's phenomenal score. The two scenes that stood out the most are the train robbery scene from the start of the film and the assassination scene itself. Both were two of the best scenes I've ever seen in film - ever. Both were in great thanks to Cave's music as well as the visuals, mood, and tension. 10/10
Police BeatPolice Beat
Buy new: $20.49 / Used from: $4.53
Police Beat features, perhaps, one of the most interesting main characters I've ever seen on film. Watching Z as he deals with the everyday affairs of being a cop, yet knowing the inner turmoil he is also experiencing makes for a fantastic character study, not much different than any one of us. Combine this aspect with the fantastic cinematography and this is a film I really, really liked. 10/10
5 Standard Black 1-4 Quantity DVD Empty Replacement Duo "Ace Cases" with Wrap Around Sleeve #DVBR154X (15mm)5 Standard Black 1-4 Quantity DVD Empty Replacement Duo "Ace Cases" with Wrap Around Sleeve #DVBR154X (15mm)
This acts as a placeholder for movies not available at Amazon. Su-ki-da (Hiroshi Ishikawa, 2005) 10/10
Children of Men (Widescreen Edition)Children of Men (Widescreen Edition)
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $1.20
The direction of this movie is near perfect. It was strong in cinematography and pace, two things I consider crucial in a film. Clive Owen was also stellar, giving us a character that we most definitely cared about. Lastly, I was truly moved by some of the movie's nativity story parrelels. Many were obvious, some not as much, but they all did great things for the movie. 10/10
5 Slim Black Single DVD Empty Replacement Boxes with Wrap Around Sleeve #DVBR07BK (7mm)5 Slim Black Single DVD Empty Replacement Boxes with Wrap Around Sleeve #DVBR07BK (7mm)
Falkenberg Farewell (Jesper Ganslandt, 2006) 10/10
Werckmeister HarmoniesWerckmeister Harmonies
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $15.99
First, the cinematography is basically flawless. It's shot in black and white and is a photographer's dream. I found myself envious of every shot, mostly the contrast and attention to detail. Second, it had the best, and most beautiful score I have ever heard. Amazing movie. 10/10
Punch-Drunk Love (Two Disc Special Edition) (Superbit Collection)Punch-Drunk Love (Two Disc Special Edition) (Superbit Collection)
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $2.00
Why doesn't Sandler choose these types of movies more often? He was surprisingly good in this role and the movie was excellent. The story was flowing, dream-like, and sweet. The cinematography was well above-average and a pleasure to watch. Also, the direction was near perfect. 10/10
The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)
Buy new: $14.49 / Used from: $1.55
This is here because of my faith. This is the best 'Jesus' movie I have seen and I think Gibson's work to make this as accurate as possible was very well-done. Great cinematography to boot; some of the most beautiful scenes I've seen. 10/10
Paranoid ParkParanoid Park
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $3.44
Stay tuned for a short review. 10/10
Donnie Darko (Widescreen Edition)Donnie Darko (Widescreen Edition)
Buy used from: $2.97
I believe this is one of those you'll either love or hate. I'd recommend the non-director's cut version. It leaves much more up to the viewer to interpret. That's where I find personal meaning in it. I believe it's a story of fate and 'all things happening for a reason'. 10/10
20462046
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $3.66
First, WKW's visual prowess goes without saying. I also enjoyed the main character's exploration through different facets of 'love' as he tried to find his way back to the feelings he had once experienced. Even though this film feels all over the place at times, I felt it stayed within reach of a common theme, allowing it to work fantastically. 9/10
The PropositionThe Proposition
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $1.15
The Proposition was tight, evenly paced, and well shot. The cinematography was above average, using many beautiful shots of the Australian outback, and a very nice use of camera movement. Also, the use of music and sound were perfect. It was chilling. All in all, this movie is well worth a watch. 9/10
SolarisSolaris
Buy new: $9.49 / Used from: $0.99
The way this movie was shot combined with the narration (although more sparse) reminded me of The New World, only set inside. This is a beautiful film both in the way the relationship is presented and in the way majority of it was shot. Although Soderbergh allows some very 'Hollywood-esque' scenes to slip in, majority of the film breaks that mould. 9/10
All About Lily Chou-ChouAll About Lily Chou-Chou
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $9.96
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
Iraq in FragmentsIraq in Fragments
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $14.45
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
NoiNoi
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $3.01
This is one of the best sad films ever. What is most important about this film is that it features a character that nearly everyone can relate to. His relationship with Iris was a key strength, making the end even more gut-wrenching. If the film had a weakness it was that their relationship wasn't further explored. This movie is definitely worth seeing for any coming-of-age film fans. 9/10
No Country for Old MenNo Country for Old Men
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $2.15
The first hour is perfect- everything from the suspense to the humor to the unbelievable cinematography was brilliant. The second half of the film is a bit more 'normal', but still excellent. The characters aren't quite as interesting and the scenery becomes a bit more bland. Fortunately, the last 20 minutes or so make up for this. Though many didn't like the end, I thought it was great. 9/10
Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set)Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set)
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $15.97
This film was beautiful. First of all, many of the shots were fantastic. Groning used natural lighting and found ways to capture many darkly-lit scenes in ways that were incredible. Second, this film was spirituality beautiful. Knowing that these men have willingly chosen this path for their lives and seeing their passion (in a very relaxed and focused way) unfold on-screen was powerful. 9/10
The Girlfriend ExperienceThe Girlfriend Experience
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $5.50
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
Lorna's Silence (2008) ( Le silence de Lorna ) ( Il matrimonio di Lorna ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]Lorna's Silence (2008) ( Le silence de Lorna ) ( Il matrimonio di Lorna ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]
Buy used from: $37.99
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
The Go-GetterThe Go-Getter
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $4.88
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
35 Shots of Rum - Movie Poster - 27 x 4035 Shots of Rum - Movie Poster - 27 x 40
Buy new: $19.99
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
Shotgun StoriesShotgun Stories
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $4.36
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
SugarSugar
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $5.24
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
UndertowUndertow
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $1.65
The acting, tension in mood, and symbolism were what drove this movie. It wasn't sweet and poetic like DGG's first two films, but much grittier and in-your-face instead. I also enjoyed the religious symbolism throughout the film from the piercing of Chris' foot to the many river references. If you like DGG's style, you will probably enjoy this film even though it's a bit different for him. 9/10
The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection)The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection)
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $6.25
Wes Anderson did a fantastic job putting this all together. One of my favorite techniques of his is the ability to change mood with the snap of a finger. At one moment the mood is very light and subtly funny, but then viewers are hit with a very heavy, emotional tone (an example being that of the attempted suicide). 9/10
There Will Be Blood (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)There Will Be Blood (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)
Buy new: $21.49 / Used from: $3.01
Even though I saw this because of the PTA, I left most impressed with DDL. The excellence of his performance is not exaggerated. Accompanying him was what I considered a terrifying story. Business and religion are shown at their absolute worst here and I felt (strangely enough) frightened at times. Combine all of this with a well above average visual presentation, and you have a great movie. 9/10
Snow AngelsSnow Angels
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $1.62
DGG's latest effort is his weakest, but that doesn't really mean much. I really enjoyed the two teenager's relationship, as it show again that Green has the ability to show new love in a way like no other. The poetry there, and in other parts of this film is top notch. And one of my favorite aspects of the film is the theme of forgiveness, including both our ability and inability to forgive. 9/10
The White DiamondThe White Diamond
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $12.58
The White Diamond was a character study in form of a documentary of the man in charge of an expedition - and he had quite the interesting tale. Mixed in throughout the movie were some breathtaking shots of the forest. With all of that, I recommend this movie as it's a great example of a successful and captivating documentary. This should not disappoint. 9/10
Three TimesThree Times
Buy new: $15.49 / Used from: $2.93
Three Times is a fantastic movie that starts out incredibly and nearly holds on throughout. The three segment format works well, although starting with the best segment does lead for a bit more of an anti-climatic viewing experience. I absolutely loved the 1966 segment. The characters, pace, lingering effect on scenes - all perfect. The second and third segments are both very good as well. 9/10
The ReturnThe Return
Buy new: $27.49 / Used from: $9.74
Despite its simple story, this film gives us very complex characters. The youngest son is a little less complex, but the father and oldest son are very well written and acted. Never are we able to figure them out as characters. They are people with unknown and sometimes confusing wants. In addition the cinematography is fascinating. 9/10
GerryGerry
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $2.78
This film was an experience more than it was a movie. I had a glass of water next to me and I felt thirsty watching this. I will say, if I have to be perfectly honest, some scenes felt like they were long for the sake of being long, but besides a couple, I truly liked a majority of them. Nearly everything this movie did put me right there in the desert with those two guys. 9/10
Boarding GateBoarding Gate
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $1.40
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
Half NelsonHalf Nelson
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $0.01
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10
Miami Vice (Widescreen Edition)Miami Vice (Widescreen Edition)
Buy new: $4.99 / Used from: $0.01
Stay tuned for a short review. 9/10