Top Ten Films of 2000 [ Top Ten Index ]

10. Unbreakable: The Shyamalan/Willis team seems to prove more than capable. As they reprise their collaboration following the surprising success of "The Sixth Sense," Shyamalan paints a striking picture with quite a jolting conclusion while Willis opens up his heart and mind to color one of the most multi-faceted characters he has ever portrayed. The writing in this film is quite clever as the story's secrets unfold. This is a good one to watch more than once.

9. Erin Brokovich: Julia Roberts may be back to her hosebag run in this critically heralded vehicle. But juxtaposed to Albert Finney's bull-headed character, she gloriously tackles this down-to-earth chick who will do anything it takes to right a wrong. Although Roberts' portrayal is a strong one, this is one of the few films of the year that is carried entirely by it's screenplay.

8. The Contender: There's always a moral affirmation when you see a powerful story that is enforced on mere principle. Joan Allen maintains her fire throughout the film as her character is run through the political wringer. Gary Oldman is pure evil as the bastard Republican, Shelley Runyon. But the bone has to be thrown to Jeff Bridges who carries off the modern, egotistical President with poise and charm.

7. The Cell: A fantastically illustrated tale of dark worlds and creepy characters. Only a demented world such as this can be punctuated by a chilling performance by Vincent D'onofrio. This is probably the only work of Jennifer Lopez's filmography to date that is actually palatable. It's disturbing atmosphere echoes a lot of "Silence of the Lambs" and not because its paralleled story of a person trying to crack a psychotic serial killer but more because you find yourself holding your breath when you are finally presented in full with the image of the killer. I still get chills when I think about those rings. Oy!

6. The Tao of Steve: I suppose it's a sign of things to come when you see Donal Logue in a Fox-TV Sitcom ("Grounded for Life") after giving a brilliant performance in "The Tao of Steve." Here is a hidden jewel just waiting to be plucked and shined up. Although, it's his rugged edges that help to frame this comedic performance. Eloquent dialog and colorful performances from Logue as well as Greer Goodman usher along the riotous story. If you missed it's brief, quiet run in the theaters, do yourself a favor and rent it. You won't be disappointed.

5. You Can Count on Me: The Independent Darling of the year. And I mean the movie as well as Laura Linney. Although I have yet to see her much acclaimed performance in "House of Mirth," I can easily conclude that she is truly an underrated actress. She plays the heroine with such grace while she undergoes such moral conflict between her and her brother who is good for nothing but has good intentions. This story wraps your heart up all cozy at the end and tops it with a little bow despite the tumultuous events during the films course.

4. Almost Famous: Despite great performances by Jason Lee, Billy Crudup and Frances McDormand, I find myself looking forward to future great performances by Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit based on their wonderful work in this film. Cameron Crowe's autobiographical account of his early days as a freelancer for Rolling Stone is fun, goofy and satisfying. The all-too-familiar soundtrack helps transport you back to the seventies with such popular odes as "Tiny Dancer" and "America."

3. Chicken Run: Two words...Aardman Animation. Only Nick Park and Peter Lord can pull off "The Great Escape" set in a chicken coop. As I am already a fan of their work having owned the Wallace and Gromit trilogy on tape, this flick makes me anxious for the next Aardman installment. The animation is smooth as er, chicken broth, right down to its tiniest detail. Each character's personality is so distinct that you can see the actors' actions in each chicken. Jane Horrocks is a darling as the bimbette, Babs. "I don't want to be a pie...I don't like gravy!"

2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Once you get used to reading the subtitles with the quick dialog in this movie, you realize quickly that the basic story of this movie is fairly simple. But it's that simplicity that is beautifully complimented by the quick events that constantly flash out at you. The martial arts are like watching ballet but far more interesting. The emotional repression between Michelle Yeoh's character and that of Chow Yun Fat tear your insides apart but gracefully resolve during its emotional finale.

1. Gladiator: I'll admit that I am easily swept away by its stunning cinematography and inspirational art direction. But, it is Russell Crowe's dynamic acting that tells the story. The thing that gets me the most is that Crowe can so speak volumes with his eyes and actions with so little dialogue that he could have taught a few things to twice-awarded Oscar winner, Tom Hanks in "Cast Away. (Never mind the fact that Crowe was denied the Oscar in 1999 for "The Insider" and denied even a much deserved nomination for "L.A. Confidential" in 1997.)"

Honorable Mention
Nurse Betty, The House of Mirth, Disney's The Kid

Jury still out:
State and Main, Billy Elliot