I felt like I should compile a list of my favorites for 2006. So, if you missed them last year, now would be a good time to go ahead and rent or buy them on DVD because the following just should not be missed.
Top five for 2006 (In no particular order)
The Departed: Albeit bloody and violent, this was an awesome film with an all-star cast (Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Martin Sheen, and Mark Wahlberg) under the stellar direction of Martin Scorsese. The manifold plot was clever, however I didn't fancy the ending much. Anyhow, my conclusion is that the ending actually moves away from the stereotype of a black and white, good-triumphs-over-evil ending and focuses on the reality of the grey.
Acting-wise, DiCaprio, Nicholson, and Damon were brilliant! A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, the film serves as a dark exposé of the Boston mob scene entwined with the personal conflicts of Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan and Matt Damon as Collin Sullivan revolving around the mob boss Frank Costello, terrifically portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Sets a whole new perspective on loyalties, good cop/bad cop stereotyping and the psychological interplay of relationships and trust. Note: idealists will not like the ending, which is slightly anti-climactic.
The Prestige: I positively loved The Prestige although I missed the first five minutes of it. The movie is slightly unrealistic if you really think about it, but the plot was very clever and if you are fantasy buff like I am you will find this "Friendship That Became a Rivalry... A Rivalry That Became a Battle" riveting and absolutely astonishing, to be honest. Putting aside the romantic comedy characteristics, it was slightly reminiscent of Kate and Leopold in terms of the sci-fi/fantasy elements.
I loved Kate and Leopold (I reserve the right to like the occasional chick flick). Dashing Hugh Jackman as Robert Angier abandons his gruff, rugged Wolverinesque mannerism in favor of the suave Leopoldish charisma. To be honest Christian Bale creeps me out in this movie, but that must mean that his performance as Alfred Borden was so good, it was unsettling. The combination of sci-fi with Victorian England wasn't entirely convincing but considering the awe that accompanied electricity at the time, the connections are believable. Watch it—love it—definitely in the top three of '06. The storyline is cleverly constructed and is guaranteed to surprise you.
Children of Men: Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic films intrigue me very much, highlighting our ever-present obsession with end. I am not sure what the intention of Children of Men was, but to be honest, this movie left me thinking and most importantly it left in my mind an impression that was unsettling and disturbing. Set in 2027, it's a post-apocalyptic drama/adventure that traces the journey of Clive Owen as Theodore Faron to help a miraculously pregnant girl, in an age where humans are sterile, to sanctuary. The film is both emotionally and intellectually evocative and left me thinking "that could be us" as it deals with the near future, making it very nearly frightening, engaging and certainly moving.
It might leave you flinching in your chair or drive you to tears, yet, as far as I'm concerned, the best characteristic of the film is that it feels real and is a portrayal of a future that could happen, a future we can avoid. A MUST watch!
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Hold off on The Departed until they get a Scorsese commentary track.
I thought The Prestige was pretty fantastic.
2 - geeves
I both agree and disagree with you.
*I have not seen Children of Men, but it certainly SEEMS silly. First, it's set 20 years in the future, and the world is already in ruins, ala Mad Max? Doubtful. Secondly, it sounds like a bad acting class,"ok...you're twenty years in the future...and the whole world is sterile! noone can have babies! no reason, that's just how it is. go with it!"
* I have seen just about every Bond movie, and I think I would have to put Daniel Craig in a tie with Pierce Brosnan in the category of "Impressive, but noone will ever be Connery." Though, if you watch it again, the plot unravels at the end (when you find out the fateful femme's true involvement, a lot of her behaviors cease to make sense).
*Little Miss Sunshine is in my top 5 of this decade, let alone 2006. Steve Carell is really making a name for himself (one I'm afraid he might ruin with "Evan Almighty")
3 - Vindi
My thoughts on children of men was that it represented an alternative future;one that is possible. Give the film a chance- it honestly was very good. Definitely not an all-time favourite like Little Miss Sunshine (I agree with you on that one) but considering the films released in 06- it was good.
Noone can replace Sean Connery I'm sure.
4 - Fred
I am very picky as to what my daughters watch. I produced this great new DVD called The Berries "Friends Like You and Me". This DVD is very catchy and it teaches my girls about different things like Friendship, Colors, and Senses. Please help this great programming by spreading the word about The Berries You will not be disappointed.
Fred
Concerned Father.