I've been digging through my old collections of writings from college. It's a lot of fun in most cases and a little embarrassing in others to see how my brain worked from 1998-2003. So, I think I will post the poems I've found, some stories I've written and maybe even an academic paper or two over the next few weeks.
Some will be bad.
Some will be mushy.
A few will be pretentious.
Some will be pushy.
But maybe one or two will touch me again. Make me think. Maybe some of it will be enjoyed by you. In all cases, let me know what your thoughts are. I love hearing from you.
Who knows? Maybe doing this will inspire me to write more in the present about all the things my brain is focussed on.
February 9, 2010
January 7, 2010
My Decade of Music: 2000-2009
Here is a breakdown of my favorite and/or most influential music from the past decade. I think there are close to 80 albums listed but only ranked the first 25. After that, I ordered them within their individual sections.
When I look at this list I am amazed at how each album really did have an effect on me over the years. I can look at one title and start playing it in my head and remember specific places and people and feelings and events.
For example, I remember how comforted I felt listening to Ryan Adam's "New York" from "Gold" just weeks after 9/11.
I remember listening to Radiohead's "Kid A" in headphones for the first time and having my mind blown that a band could change so drastically and still have me in the palm of their hands.
How I just kept smiling and smiling as I put The Shins' "Chutes Too Narrow" on repeat and tried to sing at the top of my lungs with James Mercer.
My jaw dropping the first time I listened to "Funeral" by Arcade fire all the way through then sharing it with everyone I knew for the next three years.
How I was getting tired of Death Cab until I heard the title track from "Transatlanticism" and then how I wanted to cry with sadness and joy at the same time. Epic.
Then there is Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." Say what you want (overrated, don't get it, etc.) But it shaped me as a music fan, consumer, student, poet, writer and artist like no other album I can recollect. It was a huge deal for me. I am still amazed by it.
I could go on and on. If you want me too I will. But let's just say that music has been a huge part of my decade, my life. It's there through depression, heartbreak, trials and love, success and adventure. I hope I have another great music decade ahead of me.
The Game Changers:
1. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" Wilco
2. "Kid A" Radiohead
3. "Chutes Too Narrow" The Shins
4. "Funeral" Arcade Fire
5. "Illinois" Sufjan Stevens
6. "Transatlanticism" Death Cab for Cutie
7. "Oh, Inverted World" The Shins
8. "Trials of Van Occupanther" Midlake
9. "Feels" Animal Collective
10. "Give Up" Postal Service
11. "Apologies to the Queen Mary" Wolf Parade
12. "Sunlandic Twins" Of Montreal
13. "In Rainbows" Radiohead
14. "Everything All the Time" Band of Horses
15. "Emblems" Matt Pond PA
16. "Lifted ... " Bright Eyes
17. "Several Arrows Later" Matt Pond PA
18. "Rainy Day Music" The Jayhawks
19. "Spelled in Bones" Fruit Bats
20. "It Still Moves" My Morning Jacket
21. "Writer's Block" Peter, Bjorn and John
22. "Misery is a Butterfly" Blonde Redhead
23. "Gold" Ryan Adams
24. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" Flaming Lips
25. "No More Stories ..." Mew
Repetition Addiction
"Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" Phoenix
"Vampire Weekend" Vampire Weekend
"Violence in the Snowy Fields" Dolorean
"Is This It" The Strokes
"The Mysterious Production of Eggs" Andrew Bird
"Destroyer's Rubies" Destroyer
"Want One" Rufus Wainwright
"Logic Will Break your Heart" The Stills
"Ghosts of the Great Highway" Sun Kil Moon
"Loneliness Knows My Name" Patrick Park
"Begin to Hope" Regina Spektor
"You Could Have It So Much Better" Franz Ferdinand
"Let It Die" Feist
"All Day" Mates of State
"Not Going Anywhere" Keren Ann
"The Con" Tegan and Sara
Entertain Me
"Gimme Fiction" Spoon
"The Green Album" Weezer
"Twin Cinema" The New Pornographers
"Silent Alarm" Bloc Party
"Clap Your Hands Say Yeah" Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
"LCD Soundsystem" LCD Soundsystem
"Late Registration" Kanye West
"The Weight is a Gift" Nada Surf
"Life on Other Planets" Supergrass
"Anniemal" Annie
"Daisies of the Galaxy" Eels
"American Idiot" Green Day
"Summer in Abaddon" Pinback
Odd but Oh So Good
"You Forgot It in People" Broken Social Scene
"Hail to the Thief" Radiohead
"The Flying Club Cup" Beirut
"The Secret Migration" Mercury Rev
"Strawberry Jam" Animal Collective
"Amnesiac" Radiohead
"Dear Science" TV On The Radio
"The Stage Names" Okkervil River
"The Runners Four" Deerhoof
"Advisory Committee" Mirah
Nostalgia
"Rockin' the Suburbs" Ben Folds
"The Last Broadcast" Doves
"Ancient Melodies of the Future" Built to Spill
"Sebastopol" Jay Farrar
"Figure 8" Elliot Smith
"Sea Change" Beck
"Set Yourself on Fire" Stars
"Life in Slow Motion" David Gray
"A Rush of Blood to the Head" Coldplay
"The Rising" Bruce Springsteen
"More Adventurous" Rilo Kiley
"Riot on an Empty Street" Kings of Convenience
"Turn On the Bright Lights" Interpol
"Us" Mull Historical Society
The list groups should be self-explanatory but if you need further clarification, please comment. Also please leave a comment if you think the list is awesome or if you think I forgot something or if you think my taste is crazy or stupid.
As always, thanks for reading.
When I look at this list I am amazed at how each album really did have an effect on me over the years. I can look at one title and start playing it in my head and remember specific places and people and feelings and events.
For example, I remember how comforted I felt listening to Ryan Adam's "New York" from "Gold" just weeks after 9/11.
I remember listening to Radiohead's "Kid A" in headphones for the first time and having my mind blown that a band could change so drastically and still have me in the palm of their hands.
How I just kept smiling and smiling as I put The Shins' "Chutes Too Narrow" on repeat and tried to sing at the top of my lungs with James Mercer.
My jaw dropping the first time I listened to "Funeral" by Arcade fire all the way through then sharing it with everyone I knew for the next three years.
How I was getting tired of Death Cab until I heard the title track from "Transatlanticism" and then how I wanted to cry with sadness and joy at the same time. Epic.
Then there is Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." Say what you want (overrated, don't get it, etc.) But it shaped me as a music fan, consumer, student, poet, writer and artist like no other album I can recollect. It was a huge deal for me. I am still amazed by it.
I could go on and on. If you want me too I will. But let's just say that music has been a huge part of my decade, my life. It's there through depression, heartbreak, trials and love, success and adventure. I hope I have another great music decade ahead of me.
The Game Changers:
1. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" Wilco
2. "Kid A" Radiohead
3. "Chutes Too Narrow" The Shins
4. "Funeral" Arcade Fire
5. "Illinois" Sufjan Stevens
6. "Transatlanticism" Death Cab for Cutie
7. "Oh, Inverted World" The Shins
8. "Trials of Van Occupanther" Midlake
9. "Feels" Animal Collective
10. "Give Up" Postal Service
11. "Apologies to the Queen Mary" Wolf Parade
12. "Sunlandic Twins" Of Montreal
13. "In Rainbows" Radiohead
14. "Everything All the Time" Band of Horses
15. "Emblems" Matt Pond PA
16. "Lifted ... " Bright Eyes
17. "Several Arrows Later" Matt Pond PA
18. "Rainy Day Music" The Jayhawks
19. "Spelled in Bones" Fruit Bats
20. "It Still Moves" My Morning Jacket
21. "Writer's Block" Peter, Bjorn and John
22. "Misery is a Butterfly" Blonde Redhead
23. "Gold" Ryan Adams
24. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" Flaming Lips
25. "No More Stories ..." Mew
Repetition Addiction
"Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" Phoenix
"Vampire Weekend" Vampire Weekend
"Violence in the Snowy Fields" Dolorean
"Is This It" The Strokes
"The Mysterious Production of Eggs" Andrew Bird
"Destroyer's Rubies" Destroyer
"Want One" Rufus Wainwright
"Logic Will Break your Heart" The Stills
"Ghosts of the Great Highway" Sun Kil Moon
"Loneliness Knows My Name" Patrick Park
"Begin to Hope" Regina Spektor
"You Could Have It So Much Better" Franz Ferdinand
"Let It Die" Feist
"All Day" Mates of State
"Not Going Anywhere" Keren Ann
"The Con" Tegan and Sara
Entertain Me
"Gimme Fiction" Spoon
"The Green Album" Weezer
"Twin Cinema" The New Pornographers
"Silent Alarm" Bloc Party
"Clap Your Hands Say Yeah" Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
"LCD Soundsystem" LCD Soundsystem
"Late Registration" Kanye West
"The Weight is a Gift" Nada Surf
"Life on Other Planets" Supergrass
"Anniemal" Annie
"Daisies of the Galaxy" Eels
"American Idiot" Green Day
"Summer in Abaddon" Pinback
Odd but Oh So Good
"You Forgot It in People" Broken Social Scene
"Hail to the Thief" Radiohead
"The Flying Club Cup" Beirut
"The Secret Migration" Mercury Rev
"Strawberry Jam" Animal Collective
"Amnesiac" Radiohead
"Dear Science" TV On The Radio
"The Stage Names" Okkervil River
"The Runners Four" Deerhoof
"Advisory Committee" Mirah
Nostalgia
"Rockin' the Suburbs" Ben Folds
"The Last Broadcast" Doves
"Ancient Melodies of the Future" Built to Spill
"Sebastopol" Jay Farrar
"Figure 8" Elliot Smith
"Sea Change" Beck
"Set Yourself on Fire" Stars
"Life in Slow Motion" David Gray
"A Rush of Blood to the Head" Coldplay
"The Rising" Bruce Springsteen
"More Adventurous" Rilo Kiley
"Riot on an Empty Street" Kings of Convenience
"Turn On the Bright Lights" Interpol
"Us" Mull Historical Society
The list groups should be self-explanatory but if you need further clarification, please comment. Also please leave a comment if you think the list is awesome or if you think I forgot something or if you think my taste is crazy or stupid.
As always, thanks for reading.
January 4, 2010
Music! 2009
Here is a pretty complete list of all the music I bought (or downloaded) in 2009. It was an off year for me musically as I usually buy (or dowload) a lot more stuff. But "with the economy the way it is" and what with me trying not to steal music, I have been more conservative. So, take a look then sample the song I feature from each album and tell me what you think.
Hospice by The Antlers
Rating: ****
Probably the "find" I am most pleased in, well, finding. I nominate "Kettering" as my favorite song of the year. Give it a try.
Logos by Atlas Sound
Rating: ***
Has a few gems on it but I get bored with it after a bit. "Walkabout" is the song to sample.
Ambivalence Avenue by Bibio
Rating: ***
I just blindly decided to try this out. I forget where I heard of it. For a stab in the dark, it was pretty good. Try "Lovers Carvings" or "S'Vive."
Noble Beast by Andrew Bird
Rating: ****
He just keeps getting better and better, doesn't he? "Oh No" is the best song here, in my opinion.
Union by Boxer Rebellion
Rating: ****
Reminds me of James and Coldplay in parts (in a good way). Try "These Walls Are Thin."
There is No Enemy by Built to Spill
Rating: ***
In traditional BTS fashion, the songs feel like (and sometimes are) nine minutes long. That is either a good thing or not depending on how you feel about "jam" bands. Still "Hindsight" is one of my favorite songs of the year.
Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Rating: ****
"Two Doves" is wow. This is one of those albums I can have on play all day and not want for anything.
Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Rating: *
I am trying to pretend I never heard any of this.
Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Rating: ****
A little inaccessible for most, I would think. But I enjoy their complexities. Be brave and check out "Two Weeks." Chances are it'll get to you.
Spark Large by Marching Band (released Dec. 2008)
Rating: *****
It was technically released in very late 2008 but it still dominated my iTunes in 2009. This and the Phoenix album easily win the Most Repeat Listening Potential award. Try "68."
No More Stories ... by Mew
Rating: *****
Epic and amazing. Try any song from the album or EP and prepare to have your mind blown. Or if you are scared give "Beach" a listen.
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
Rating: *****
Probably my top album of the year because of its funness, high-quality and re-listenability. I may have just made up most of those descriptive words. Go for "Lasso."
Real Estate by Real Estate
Rating: ***
I wanted this to be better. It's dreamy beach pop-ish but it runs out of fun for me. "Green River" is my favorite song from it.
Actor by St. Vincent
Rating: **
"I know! I'll make my sophomore effort really odd, confusing and boring!" Success.
Dark Was the Night by Various Artists
Rating: ***
Songs from Grizzly Bear, New Pornographers, Decemberists, Bon Iver and Arcade Fire make this a decent collection if you are into those bands. Wikipedia says proceeds benefit "the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS."
Warm Heart of Africa by The Very Best
Rating: ****
To be honest, I have only heard the title track. But I plan on buying the rest when I can. It is a perfect song to cheer a person up during these months of winter blah bleh mehs.
Wilco (the album) by Wilco
Rating: ***
Wanted more from them. Have since "Ghost is Born." Never even bought "Sky Blue Sky." Am I missing something? Or are they? Again, from a mediocre album comes one of my favorite songs by Wilco and of the year: "You and I"
Thanks for reading. Let me know what your faves were and if you agree or disagree with me. Happy music listening in 2010.
Fall Be Kind EP and Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Rating: EP ***** / MerriPostPav ****
I love song "Graze" so much. It's worth the price of the EP all by itself. I was expecting more from MerriPostPav. Some say it's AC's best and most accessible. I don't agree. It's good but nowhere as good as Feels or even Strawberry Jam for me. Try "Lion in a Coma."Hospice by The Antlers
Rating: ****
Probably the "find" I am most pleased in, well, finding. I nominate "Kettering" as my favorite song of the year. Give it a try.
Logos by Atlas Sound
Rating: ***
Has a few gems on it but I get bored with it after a bit. "Walkabout" is the song to sample.
Ambivalence Avenue by Bibio
Rating: ***
I just blindly decided to try this out. I forget where I heard of it. For a stab in the dark, it was pretty good. Try "Lovers Carvings" or "S'Vive."
Noble Beast by Andrew Bird
Rating: ****
He just keeps getting better and better, doesn't he? "Oh No" is the best song here, in my opinion.
Union by Boxer Rebellion
Rating: ****
Reminds me of James and Coldplay in parts (in a good way). Try "These Walls Are Thin."
There is No Enemy by Built to Spill
Rating: ***
In traditional BTS fashion, the songs feel like (and sometimes are) nine minutes long. That is either a good thing or not depending on how you feel about "jam" bands. Still "Hindsight" is one of my favorite songs of the year.
Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Rating: ****
"Two Doves" is wow. This is one of those albums I can have on play all day and not want for anything.
Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Rating: *
I am trying to pretend I never heard any of this.
Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Rating: ****
A little inaccessible for most, I would think. But I enjoy their complexities. Be brave and check out "Two Weeks." Chances are it'll get to you.
Spark Large by Marching Band (released Dec. 2008)
Rating: *****
It was technically released in very late 2008 but it still dominated my iTunes in 2009. This and the Phoenix album easily win the Most Repeat Listening Potential award. Try "68."
No More Stories ... by Mew
Rating: *****
Epic and amazing. Try any song from the album or EP and prepare to have your mind blown. Or if you are scared give "Beach" a listen.
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
Rating: *****
Probably my top album of the year because of its funness, high-quality and re-listenability. I may have just made up most of those descriptive words. Go for "Lasso."
Real Estate by Real Estate
Rating: ***
I wanted this to be better. It's dreamy beach pop-ish but it runs out of fun for me. "Green River" is my favorite song from it.
Actor by St. Vincent
Rating: **
"I know! I'll make my sophomore effort really odd, confusing and boring!" Success.
Dark Was the Night by Various Artists
Rating: ***
Songs from Grizzly Bear, New Pornographers, Decemberists, Bon Iver and Arcade Fire make this a decent collection if you are into those bands. Wikipedia says proceeds benefit "the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS."
Warm Heart of Africa by The Very Best
Rating: ****
To be honest, I have only heard the title track. But I plan on buying the rest when I can. It is a perfect song to cheer a person up during these months of winter blah bleh mehs.
Wilco (the album) by Wilco
Rating: ***
Wanted more from them. Have since "Ghost is Born." Never even bought "Sky Blue Sky." Am I missing something? Or are they? Again, from a mediocre album comes one of my favorite songs by Wilco and of the year: "You and I"
Thanks for reading. Let me know what your faves were and if you agree or disagree with me. Happy music listening in 2010.
December 31, 2009
Favorite Movies from 2000 - 2009
There are 30 movies here. I trimmed it down from 40 but it's hard for me to cut any more. I tried to make it using the following criteria:
a. I have to think the movie is great. Even today.
b. I had to remember watching it and how I felt when I watched it.
c. I have to have a desire to see the movie again. Must have potential to hold up to repeat viewings. For example, I loved "Brokeback Mountain" but I don't think I could watch it again.
d. It had to influence me artistically or personally in some way.
1. Children of Men (2006) - In the top 5 of the best movies I have ever seen in my life. The cinematography blew me away. The acting and story engaged me completely. I still speak of this movie with awe and reverence, almost in a whisper.
2. Amélie (2001) - This movie opened my eyes to so much ... how movies could be made and how movies could make me feel. There have been many movies since that have tried to capture everything this film was but none have succeeded.
3. Finding Neverland (2004) - Broke my heart, sewed it up and broke it again. It's a gorgeous film and the script is impeccable to me.
4. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - Wes Anderson is an artist in every sense of the word. Made me wish I owned a track suit and liked the Rolling Stones. Also made me want to write movies.
5. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-03) - Epic. Especially Return of the King. You can't do fantasy better than this. Sorry, boy wizard.
6. Dark Knight (2008) - The only movie I've seen on IMAX and the best "comic book" film ever made. It's fun, scary, exciting, sad and beautiful. It's bottled chaos.
7. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (2004) - Heart wrenching and funny and visually amazing. Michel Gondry knows how to create a world where anything can happen at any time and still make it seem like real life.
8. Kill Bill 1 and 2 (2003-04) - A bloody good time. This super badass heroine cuts through equally badass villains blocking her from achieving one clear goal. A pair of visual and technical masterpieces.
9. Up (2009) - Perfect. As it goes along, it just keeps getting better and better. It's such a simple message: "It's less about where you end up and more about how you get there and who you get there with." It's also really funny.
10. Shaun of the Dead (2004) - Comedy and horror and romance have never been done so well together. It made me want to write witty horror movies. I think it influenced the horror genre immensely. I could watch this movie once a week for 5 years in a row.
11. Casino Royale (2006) - The best Bond movie ever made. The opening 10 minutes leave my jaw-dropped open every time. It is amazingly shot and full of action and, for once, James seems more vulnerable which I think makes him more dangerous.
12. Memento (2000) - One of the most unique movies ever made. Great noir with a great device. Blew me away. Still does.
13. No Country for Old Men (2007) - Going to this movie felt special. Like an event. I ate up every frame of film and replayed it in my head for days. Love it or hate it, it has one of the best villains ever. I happen to be someone who loves it and gets it. Jealous?
14. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - Made me like Matt Damon. The best one of the three and one of the best-directed action movies ever. Strangely, watching this makes me want to be a better prepared actor.
15. 3:10 to Yuma (2007) - There's not a better modern Western. A Western should make you feel like you want to be a cowboy. "Yuma" does this. "Unforgiven" can suck it.
16. United 93 (2006) - If you haven't seen this, you need to rent it. It's important, well-done, reverent, cathartic and heartbreaking.
17. Hot Fuzz (2007) - Yes it was hilarious and I smiled the whole time but I couldn't stop being amazed at how exact Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright got the buddy cop genre. I kept looking at Amelia like, "Huuuhh? Right?"
18. 28 Days Later (2002) - Two words: fast zombies. This is the mother of all modern horror movies. A game changer.
19. Once (2006) - I knew I was in love with this movie within the first five minutes. We still sing that song a cappella around our house when the urge strikes.
20. Half Nelson (2006) - I don't exaggerate when I say Ryan Gosling's performance in this movie could be the best male lead performance of the decade.
21. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) - The comedy that defined the 00s and brought absurd comedy into the mainstream. Probably the most quoted movie of the decade.
22. About a Boy (2002) - Ok, I admit it. This made me cry like a baby. It probably prepared me, however slightly, to take on a role as instant dad when the time came.
23. Incredibles (2004) - Splentacular. I think Ratatouille may be "better" but this movie is here because of the awe it gave me when I watched it at the time. It showed what was possible with animated movies (again) and it happened right before my eyes. I watch it every chance I get when it comes on TV. I never tire of it.
24. Hamlet 2/Tropic Thunder (2008) - I cheated. But I loved these movies so much for the same reason. They made me pee myself with laughter and they both feature Steve Coogan. In "Hamlet 2" there is a moment that was the most brilliant acting I think I have ever seen in a comedy in my lifetime.
25. The Hours (2002) - Crushed my soul and filled me with hope at the same time.
26. History of Violence (2005) - This is how you protect your family. (If you are a former mobster, that is.) I still can't quite put my finger on why I love this movie so much. But I do.
27. Almost Famous (2000) - Full of delightful characters, one-liners and the right amount of drama. Just so you know, music journalism isn't like this anymore.
28. Road to Perdition (2002) - My favorite gangster movie of the past 20 years. The cinematography, editing, direction, acting and score are all perfect.
29. Minority Report (2002) - One of Spielberg's minor efforts for some but this was my favorite action/sci-fi movie for quite a few years ... at least until "Children of Men" came out. It holds up too.
30. King Kong (2005) - Knock it if you want but this was a pretty darn good movie. It pushes a few others off the list (Spiderman 2, Star Trek, Batman Begins) because it was the first movie I saw with Amelia. Walking through the parking lot to get our tickets I was hoping and praying she thought I was as funny and cool as I knew she was beautiful and strong. I held her hand through the whole thing and my life has been better ever since.
Late additions: Signs (2002), Mouin Rouge! (2001), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Before Sunset (2004), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Do you have any that you think I forgot? What are your lists?
a. I have to think the movie is great. Even today.
b. I had to remember watching it and how I felt when I watched it.
c. I have to have a desire to see the movie again. Must have potential to hold up to repeat viewings. For example, I loved "Brokeback Mountain" but I don't think I could watch it again.
d. It had to influence me artistically or personally in some way.
1. Children of Men (2006) - In the top 5 of the best movies I have ever seen in my life. The cinematography blew me away. The acting and story engaged me completely. I still speak of this movie with awe and reverence, almost in a whisper.
2. Amélie (2001) - This movie opened my eyes to so much ... how movies could be made and how movies could make me feel. There have been many movies since that have tried to capture everything this film was but none have succeeded.
3. Finding Neverland (2004) - Broke my heart, sewed it up and broke it again. It's a gorgeous film and the script is impeccable to me.
4. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - Wes Anderson is an artist in every sense of the word. Made me wish I owned a track suit and liked the Rolling Stones. Also made me want to write movies.
5. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-03) - Epic. Especially Return of the King. You can't do fantasy better than this. Sorry, boy wizard.
6. Dark Knight (2008) - The only movie I've seen on IMAX and the best "comic book" film ever made. It's fun, scary, exciting, sad and beautiful. It's bottled chaos.
7. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (2004) - Heart wrenching and funny and visually amazing. Michel Gondry knows how to create a world where anything can happen at any time and still make it seem like real life.
8. Kill Bill 1 and 2 (2003-04) - A bloody good time. This super badass heroine cuts through equally badass villains blocking her from achieving one clear goal. A pair of visual and technical masterpieces.
9. Up (2009) - Perfect. As it goes along, it just keeps getting better and better. It's such a simple message: "It's less about where you end up and more about how you get there and who you get there with." It's also really funny.
10. Shaun of the Dead (2004) - Comedy and horror and romance have never been done so well together. It made me want to write witty horror movies. I think it influenced the horror genre immensely. I could watch this movie once a week for 5 years in a row.
11. Casino Royale (2006) - The best Bond movie ever made. The opening 10 minutes leave my jaw-dropped open every time. It is amazingly shot and full of action and, for once, James seems more vulnerable which I think makes him more dangerous.
12. Memento (2000) - One of the most unique movies ever made. Great noir with a great device. Blew me away. Still does.
13. No Country for Old Men (2007) - Going to this movie felt special. Like an event. I ate up every frame of film and replayed it in my head for days. Love it or hate it, it has one of the best villains ever. I happen to be someone who loves it and gets it. Jealous?
14. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - Made me like Matt Damon. The best one of the three and one of the best-directed action movies ever. Strangely, watching this makes me want to be a better prepared actor.
15. 3:10 to Yuma (2007) - There's not a better modern Western. A Western should make you feel like you want to be a cowboy. "Yuma" does this. "Unforgiven" can suck it.
16. United 93 (2006) - If you haven't seen this, you need to rent it. It's important, well-done, reverent, cathartic and heartbreaking.
17. Hot Fuzz (2007) - Yes it was hilarious and I smiled the whole time but I couldn't stop being amazed at how exact Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright got the buddy cop genre. I kept looking at Amelia like, "Huuuhh? Right?"
18. 28 Days Later (2002) - Two words: fast zombies. This is the mother of all modern horror movies. A game changer.
19. Once (2006) - I knew I was in love with this movie within the first five minutes. We still sing that song a cappella around our house when the urge strikes.
20. Half Nelson (2006) - I don't exaggerate when I say Ryan Gosling's performance in this movie could be the best male lead performance of the decade.
21. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) - The comedy that defined the 00s and brought absurd comedy into the mainstream. Probably the most quoted movie of the decade.
22. About a Boy (2002) - Ok, I admit it. This made me cry like a baby. It probably prepared me, however slightly, to take on a role as instant dad when the time came.
23. Incredibles (2004) - Splentacular. I think Ratatouille may be "better" but this movie is here because of the awe it gave me when I watched it at the time. It showed what was possible with animated movies (again) and it happened right before my eyes. I watch it every chance I get when it comes on TV. I never tire of it.
24. Hamlet 2/Tropic Thunder (2008) - I cheated. But I loved these movies so much for the same reason. They made me pee myself with laughter and they both feature Steve Coogan. In "Hamlet 2" there is a moment that was the most brilliant acting I think I have ever seen in a comedy in my lifetime.
25. The Hours (2002) - Crushed my soul and filled me with hope at the same time.
26. History of Violence (2005) - This is how you protect your family. (If you are a former mobster, that is.) I still can't quite put my finger on why I love this movie so much. But I do.
27. Almost Famous (2000) - Full of delightful characters, one-liners and the right amount of drama. Just so you know, music journalism isn't like this anymore.
28. Road to Perdition (2002) - My favorite gangster movie of the past 20 years. The cinematography, editing, direction, acting and score are all perfect.
29. Minority Report (2002) - One of Spielberg's minor efforts for some but this was my favorite action/sci-fi movie for quite a few years ... at least until "Children of Men" came out. It holds up too.
30. King Kong (2005) - Knock it if you want but this was a pretty darn good movie. It pushes a few others off the list (Spiderman 2, Star Trek, Batman Begins) because it was the first movie I saw with Amelia. Walking through the parking lot to get our tickets I was hoping and praying she thought I was as funny and cool as I knew she was beautiful and strong. I held her hand through the whole thing and my life has been better ever since.
Late additions: Signs (2002), Mouin Rouge! (2001), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Before Sunset (2004), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Do you have any that you think I forgot? What are your lists?
December 29, 2009
My Top Movies of 2009
I see a lot of movies. Now that I have children, I see even more. Ones that I would normally skip. It's a good thing that 2009 was such a great year for animated films. Now, you may find a few omissions here. It may be because I have yet to see some of the movies on many other Top 10 lists (The Hurt Locker). Or it may be that I didn't think certain movies were as good as everyone else thought they were (A Serious Man). And, I still haven't seen Blue Pocahontas. But whatever the case, these are the movies I did see and enjoyed thoroughly. I hope you get something out of it.
The Ones that Amazed:
1. Up - A near perfect film in every way. Great story, well-acted, exciting, tender and a joy to behold in each frame.
2. Inglorious Basterds - There may have not been a better first 15 minutes of any film this year. The rest of it is pretty damn good as well.
3. Star Trek - If you must "reboot" a series, this is how it is done. I hope there are at least two more of these so I can sink my eyes into them. The action was exhilarating. The dialogue was witty. The characters were perfect. I love J.J. Abrams.
4. Drag Me to Hell - I don't think I've ever grabbed the arm of a chair so hard in any movie in my life. Definitely scary and genuinely funny too. (I assumed because I liked it that Amelia would too. We rented it on DVD. I think she was with me until the ending. Then she almost divorced me.)
These Were Great:
5. District 9 - Proved that originality still exists in Hollywood (via South Africa).
6. (500) Days of Summer - Proved that great romantic movies don't have to just be full of silly jokes and fat best friends or end the way you think you want them to.
7. The Hangover - Proved that what happens in Vegas should never stay there if it is this funny. Just don't watch the credits.
8. Taken - Proved that dads with military training should never be f---ed with. A fantastic surprise at the movies this year and a technically great film as well.
Better than Most:
9. Sherlock Holmes - I had problems with the length and the ending but everything else was delightful: acting, direction, costumes and the action/fights.
10. Zombieland - Best cameo ... ever. This movie is splendid exercise in horror-comedy-road-trip movies. After the success of "Shaun of the Dead" it's hard to be original with the horror-comedy genre but this movie is.
11. Fantastic Mr. Fox - I still like most of Wes Anderson's movies better but this was entertaining from start to finish. I had more fun than my kids. Why didn't more people see it?
Very Good Indeed:
12. I Love You, Man - Say what you want about Paul Rudd. But don't say anything negative around me. I love him, man. It's nice to see a raunchy comedy explore brotherhood instead of machismo.
13. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - I was surprised how good this movie was. Great to look at, funny in all the right places and a great moral without being heavy-handed.
14. The Blind Side - I kind of wanted to hate this movie. I did. But I can't. It is really, really, really good, ya'll. I wish Sandra Bullock would pursue these types of films instead of trying too hard to make us laugh and failing.
Honorable Mentions
Better than I Thought They Would Be: G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Land of the Lost
Animation is King: Coraline, Ponyo, Astro Boy, The Princess and the Frog
Found Myself Completely Immersed: The Informant!, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, Food, Inc.
There you have it. If I get enough courage I may attempt to figure out what my favorite movies of the decade were (like Chris did) as well as share my favorite music of the year (and decade).
What were your favorite films?
Note: I have now rearranged this list twice. I reserve the right to reorder it again if I see fit. This isn't the Times.
1. Up - A near perfect film in every way. Great story, well-acted, exciting, tender and a joy to behold in each frame.
2. Inglorious Basterds - There may have not been a better first 15 minutes of any film this year. The rest of it is pretty damn good as well.
3. Star Trek - If you must "reboot" a series, this is how it is done. I hope there are at least two more of these so I can sink my eyes into them. The action was exhilarating. The dialogue was witty. The characters were perfect. I love J.J. Abrams.
4. Drag Me to Hell - I don't think I've ever grabbed the arm of a chair so hard in any movie in my life. Definitely scary and genuinely funny too. (I assumed because I liked it that Amelia would too. We rented it on DVD. I think she was with me until the ending. Then she almost divorced me.)
5. District 9 - Proved that originality still exists in Hollywood (via South Africa).
6. (500) Days of Summer - Proved that great romantic movies don't have to just be full of silly jokes and fat best friends or end the way you think you want them to.
7. The Hangover - Proved that what happens in Vegas should never stay there if it is this funny. Just don't watch the credits.
8. Taken - Proved that dads with military training should never be f---ed with. A fantastic surprise at the movies this year and a technically great film as well.
9. Sherlock Holmes - I had problems with the length and the ending but everything else was delightful: acting, direction, costumes and the action/fights.
10. Zombieland - Best cameo ... ever. This movie is splendid exercise in horror-comedy-road-trip movies. After the success of "Shaun of the Dead" it's hard to be original with the horror-comedy genre but this movie is.
11. Fantastic Mr. Fox - I still like most of Wes Anderson's movies better but this was entertaining from start to finish. I had more fun than my kids. Why didn't more people see it?
12. I Love You, Man - Say what you want about Paul Rudd. But don't say anything negative around me. I love him, man. It's nice to see a raunchy comedy explore brotherhood instead of machismo.
13. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - I was surprised how good this movie was. Great to look at, funny in all the right places and a great moral without being heavy-handed.
14. The Blind Side - I kind of wanted to hate this movie. I did. But I can't. It is really, really, really good, ya'll. I wish Sandra Bullock would pursue these types of films instead of trying too hard to make us laugh and failing.
Honorable Mentions
Better than I Thought They Would Be: G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Land of the Lost
Animation is King: Coraline, Ponyo, Astro Boy, The Princess and the Frog
Found Myself Completely Immersed: The Informant!, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, Food, Inc.
There you have it. If I get enough courage I may attempt to figure out what my favorite movies of the decade were (like Chris did) as well as share my favorite music of the year (and decade).
What were your favorite films?
Note: I have now rearranged this list twice. I reserve the right to reorder it again if I see fit. This isn't the Times.
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