Top Ten Films of 2001 [ Top Ten Index ]

10. Ocean's Eleven
Director Steven Soderbergh pulls out all the stops in his best cinematic effort yet. Although he proves himself worthy with past films like "Traffic" and "Erin Brokovich," he melts together a fabulous cast with an exciting story and sheer entertainment for an unforgettable film experience. This film packs a ton of energy keeping its pace completely accelerated. Despite its larger cast, this film is punctuated with great performances by George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt (in one of his best performances to date). One of the year's great pick-me-ups!

9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Director Chris Columbus certainly got this franchise off to a good start. With several more installments in the queue, Harry and his friends will have quite a lot to live up to, spilling an endless array of adventures in its inaugural episode. At a 2&1/2 hour length it is slightly long for the kiddies but nary a dull moment. The cast is an inventive marriage of legendary veteran actors (Maggie Smith and Richard Harris) and some radiantly fresh new faces (Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson). Columbus, under the supervision of author J.K. Rowlings, manages to create an entire underworld where dragons, trolls and invisible objects are quite the ordinary compared to the "muggle" world. Can't wait for the next episode!

8. Memento
What I love most about Guy Pearce is that he doesn't tread on the mainstream too often and here's a perfect example. A quiet little "independent film that could" with a refreshingly unique chronology (starting from the end and moving its way backward in bits and pieces). Pearce makes Leonard into a complex wanderer as we witness him try to piece together evidence of his wife's murder under the constraints of no short-term memory. "Memento" is a twisted mind game that although most critics have fiercely applauded seemed to go completely unnoticed during the 2001-2002 awards season so far.

7. In the Bedroom
Another deep little independent film in 2001 that rocked cinema just in time for Oscar consideration. A delicate story is brought to life by chilling performances by Sissy Spacek, Marisa Tomei and Tom Wilkinson. Although Spacek has received the bulk of the recognition for this film, it is the amazingly strong performance of Wilkinson who is the pillar of this film. Hopefully, the Academy will remember this one when selecting their Best Actor nominations.

6. Ghost World
"Ghost World" is a delightful but nevertheless deep film that gives you likable characters and hysterical cynicism. We are presented a world that is quirky but Enid (Thora Birch) regards as downright absurd. While witnessing her peculiar attraction to Simon (Steve Buscemi) we quickly learn that her cynicism is deeply rooted in fear of adulthood because most of the adults around her are messed up in different ways. Based on the comic book series, "Ghost World" is a terrific character study highlighted by a simple plot. Bucemi and Birch are excellent in this film along with Illeana Douglas, who has a small but nonetheless enchanting character.

5. Moulin Rouge
"Moulin Rouge" is a lavishly dark film that is wildly erratic but draws you in by the thin line of its love story. It is a beautiful fusion of music and visual spectacle spotlighting the striking performances of Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor. What I think of most is literally the color of this film. All of Paris is shrouded by dark, drab grays until you pass the gates of Moulin Rouge where vibrant reds and golds peer out at you in luminous contrast. You don't need to be into musicals to appreciate this film but I will admit, for those who are turned off by the bizarre, this film might require a little patience for the first half hour. But what is brilliant about this film is after that, you are entirely mesmerized. Nicole and Ewan show off their amazing voices and terrific acting talent. Baz Luhrman's genius is evident throughout the film giving just the right window dressing to set off the composition.

4. Shrek
When I first saw a trailer for "Shrek," I will admit that I was slightly freaked out by the rendering of these characters, who looked a little too TeleTubby-ish for my liking. But then again, I was so easily captured by the warm and fuzzy characters of Pixar's "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" that I realized I had become a little too discriminating. Then I saw the film and realized that I was a lot too discriminating. Dreamworks gives the animated experience that Disney/Pixar didn't have the balls to present. This film gives far more to the adults than to the kids, but it provides enough entertainment that 100% of the audience can appreciate. The dialog is hilarious and Mike Myers' Scottish brogue-to this day-still floats around in my head ("Dead broad off the table!"). This is must own film!

3. Lord of the Rings
What a ride this film is! I'm still exhausted from my viewing back in December! Peter Jackson turns the legendary J.R.R. Tolkien novel into a grand vision. There are abbreviated but unforgettable appearances by Cate Blanchett and Liv Tyler. Viggo Mortensen does his best work here beside Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood. The art direction is some of the most superb I've seen since "What Dreams May Come" and the storyline is as inventive as "Star Wars." Beware: there is an adventure lurking around every dark corner so turn your pacemakers on overdrive.

2. Bridget Jones' Diary
"Gidget on G&T's and smokes" is how I like to characterize our frumpy heroine. Renée Zelleweger gives a fabulous (and Oscar worthy) performance as Britain's answer to Mary Tyler Moore (complete with shot of the overly confident character walking amongst the crowd of drab working professionals at rush hour). Hugh Grant finally plays a seedy, sexaholic to contrast the clean cut, nice guy roles he seems to be typecast in. Despite that this story is as romantically frustrating as "Sense and Sensibility," every element of it is captivating and entertaining. What makes this story stand out from most is that our main character is a normal, ordinary human being. She doesn't get the Hollywood gloss-over and created to be a stand out. She's a loser but with-dare I say it-a heart of gold.

1. A Beautiful Mind
This film is without a doubt the most moving of the year. Witnessing the brilliance and frustration of John Nash (Russell Crowe) as he dealt with schizophrenia brings a tear to your eye at the mere thought of it. Crowe's performance makes the film and Howard's direction makes the film gorgeous and accessible. With twists and turns and unexpected humor, this film introduces you to one of the most brilliant human beings but reminds you that he is as vulnerable as the rest of us. Jennifer Connelly is stunning as Nash's wife, Alicia and will no doubt join the rest of the cast and crew as they horde all the Academy's nominations.

Honorable Mention
Monsters, Inc., Hearts in Atlantis

Jury still out:
Monster's Ball, Gosford Park

Top 5 Worst Films of the Year

5. Vanilla Sky
4. Spy Game
3. The Anniversary Party
2. Mulholland Drive
1. 3000 Miles to Graceland

Just barely making the passing grade:

Black Hawk Down, Someone Like You, The Pledge