Top 10 Movies of 2006

As 2006 draws to a close, thousands of websites devote column space to their top ten films of the year. Most of these lists are fairly predictable, they list “deep” movies and independent films garnering Oscar buzz as the best of the best. Now while this list is solely the opinion of the author, you will find a film for you. So happy New Year and enjoy a great year of new movies.

10. Thank You for Smoking-This dark comedy from first time director Jason Reitman, son of acclaimed director Ivan, shows the inner workings of the tobacco industry. As the film follows the trials and tribulations of a tobacco lobbyist played brilliantly by Aaron Eckhart, you see that not only is this incredibly smart but has an amazing story to go with it. Amazing performance notwithstanding, probably one of the most intelligent films all year.

9. Mini’s First Time-A very little known dark comedy, this film came and went without any fanfare. Starring Nikki Reed of the indie drama “Thirteen,” Reed plays teenager Mini living with her drugged out mother and new stepfather (Alec Baldwin). When Mini turns to prostitution for fun and ends up seducing her stepfather they conspire to murder her mother. It’s an extremely funny movie with a rare amazing performance from Baldwin. Definitely a great revenge comedy.

8. Brick-The crime noir is alive and well, expertly captured in the indie film “Brick.” A crime drama/film noir set in a high school setting is nothing short of brilliant. A twist and turn thriller involving drugs, murder, and Joseph Gorden Levitt all brought to a wonderful conclusion. The movie is worth a viewing just for the great 50’s dialogue alone.

7. The Departed-So far “The Departed” has shown up on every best of list this year, this list is no exception. This film holds you on the edge of your seat until the very last minute. I’m not one who considers myself a Scorsese fan by nature, but this film definitely made me want to take a look at more of his films. Wonderful performances abound by Matt Damon, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jack Nicholsen, and Mark Wahlberg.

6. The Prestige-The first appearance on this list by Australian actor Hugh Jackman, I adored “The Prestige.” While the second film of the year about magicians, the first being “The Illusionist,” this was definitely the better of the two. Featuring great performances from Jackman and Christian Bale, playing rival magicians, they exuded amazing chemistry. A compelling story involving one of the more ingenious twists in recent years, I personally can’t wait for the DVD.

5. Hollywoodland-As a follower of the George Reeve murder/suicide story, I waited almost two years for this movie to be made. Told in flashback and showing all the different theories surrounding George Reeves death, this is a very tight true crime thriller. Diane Lane steals the show though as Toni Mannix, the jilted studio girlfriend and Ben Affleck walks away with his comeback. The film itself is ironic in the fact that Ben Affleck’s career is revived from playing an actor who supposedly killed himself after losing his career. Some call this film melodramatic, I call it Oscar gold.

4. United 93-The film-going public was divided between whether it was the appropriate time to show a film like this or not. Watching “United 93” makes you cringe, cry, and get angry all in one film. This film is so powerful it’s almost too much. Depicting the final moments of the final plane involved in 9/11 is enough to take you back to where you were when that fateful day was shown. With unknown actors in the roles and improve throughout, it is probably one of the most realistic film of the last five years.

3. The Fountain-I feel like I’m in the minority by saying this is one of the top three movies of the year, but I have never thought about a movie almost a month after I saw it. Another film starring Hugh Jackman, the film calls for him to play three separate characters all trying to save the love of their lives (Rachel Weisz). I could talk about this movie all day, but I sadly don’t expect a lot of Oscar buzz for this since not a lot of people understand the plot and the twist. But this film has so much going for it, an innovate story, beautiful imagery, haunting score, all of it. When the film comes to DVD, this is one that comes highly recommended.

2. Happy Feet-Who has seen this movie and hasn’t loved it, I mean “Happy Feet” is probably one of the most creative animated film ever, and fun for adults and kids to boot. Revolving around a little penguin with a special talent for dancing, it featured great vocal work from Brittany Murphy, Nicole Kidman, and Hugh Jackman (yes him again, but the last time I promise). The animation is top-notch, so much so you can’t always differentiate between what’s animation and what’s live action. Robin Williams is one of the main highlights of the film, especially as Latin penguin Ramon, whoever doesn’t laugh during his rendition of “My Way” is heartless in my book.

1. Half Nelson-The number one film of my 2006 was the little indie film “Half Nelson.” Starring Ryan Gosling as an inner city teacher addicted to cocaine, this film has a lot of heart and a truly touching story. Watching Gosling’s character Dan Dunne spiral out of control due to not only his drug addiction, but his idea that he can’t make a difference, is a performance worthy of an Oscar. Newcomer Shareeka Epps is also brilliant as the student who discovers Dunne’s addiction. As the two become connected by this secret, the line between teacher and student becomes blurred, and comes together to make a film that everybody should see.

So yes “Half Nelson” is the must see film of 2006. But there were five movies worthy of an honorable mention, they were: “Down in the Valley,” “Scoop,” “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” “The Quiet,” “The Libertine.”

Links
Thank You for Smoking
Mini’s First Time
The Departed
Hollywoodland
Happy Feet
Half Nelson