9. The Hangover. The Hangover could just as easily become a series of SNL or MadTV sketches, which only exist to get to the next scene. Rather than taking the easy route, we get a script that is written rather than pieced together from the leftovers of other films. It grows and develops as we move along. The plot develops organically, much like the comedy which is allowed to develop organically. This is a seriously funny movie, something I was hoping for but not expecting. I did not see this one coming, and that only works in its favor. This is a very funny film with some good writing and strong performances. It really stands out from the crowd.
10. Is Anybody There? This is a delightful movie. There is a strong sense of reality and it does not feel trapped by the conventions of the formula. Then there are the performances — this is definitely a film to savor. It centers on a young boy whose outlook has been warped by his proximity to the old and dying who finds life in an elderly man who does not see the point in going on. They learn from each other and find a new way to move through their life properly. Michael Caine puts on an absolute acting clinic.
And now, because you didn't ask for it, a peek at what ranked at the bottom of the cinematic pile.
Worst 5:
1. The Informers. Here is the worst movie of the year so far. The characters are all in search of fame, power, wealth, and sex, seemingly valuing greed over all else. Issues arise early when the characters reveal themselves as dull. I had no reason to care. Nothing interesting happened, all of the characters are interchangeable, and forget about trying to keep who is who straight, I couldn't. The Informers almost challenges me not to write about it. Writing about it just may give it more attention than it deserves. As I left the theater I felt nothing, I had no reaction to the content, it wasn't shocking or eye-opening, it was just there serving no purpose.
2. Land of the Lost. This movie has so many problems, the first of which is Will Ferrell, who is utterly annoying throughout. This is a movie based on a Saturday morning children's show re-imagined as fodder for the young teen crowd filled with innuendo and bodily fluid humor. It is uncalled for, not funny, and poorly executed.
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