Movies: The Best of 2002 so far...

Cafe Society
1

Discussing films that first received their American distribution in 2002. My top 10 so far this year are:

Sunshine State
Y Tu Mama Tambien
Monsoon Wedding
In July
The Emperor’s New Clothes
The Lady and the Duke
Read My Lips
Late Marriage
Insomnia
What to Do in Case of Fire?
2 from France, 2 from Germany, and 1 each from Mexico, India, and Israel leave 3 english-language films remaining. Pretty typical for me it seems. Though there were some other more mainstream films I liked quite a bit (About a Boy, Spider-Man), I’ve been largely underwhelmed by the films coming from the USA thus far, particularly the ones embraced by the critics (first & foremost, the tedious and derivative Road to Perdition). Still, the last 1/4 of the year always comes up with surprises, so hope springs eternal.

What are the best films you’ve seen this year?

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I haven’t seen as many as I would have liked, but here goes:[ul][li]Minority Report–We all know Spielberg can do action/SF/FX but who would have guessed that he could do dark satire so well?[/li][li]Changing Lanes–A wonderful character drama, definitely not the stupid action/thriller the trailors made it out to be.[/li][li]Lantana–Sort of a mystery, but not really. Reminded me of Lynch at times.[/li][li]Insomnia–Al Pacino’s understated :eek: performance made this smart thriller really stand out (although I still prefer the 1997 Norwegian original).[/li][li]Lilo & Stitch–I admit it. I’ve been dissing Disney’s output since their high water-mark, The Lion King but this one is one of their best. I’d forgotten how beautiful hand-drawn animation can be.[/li]Spider-man–Best comic-book movie ever.[/ul]I agree with AG that most Hollywood output has been lacklustre this year and I wish I had the opportunity to see more foreign movies on the big screen. However, I live in a multiplex wasteland and mostly have to wait for DVD. I’m bitterly dissapointed that, barring a miracle, I won’t be able to see Spirited Away on the big screen.

3

Thanks Hodge and AG. I couln’t agree more about “Changing Lanes” and “Sunshine State”

4

Frailty with (and by) Bill Paxton is one of my favorites so far. I agree with all your choices Hodge, and with Y Tu Mama Tambien (haven’t seen the others, sigh).

Good ones in theaters now are Possession, One Hour Photo and The Good Girl.

The next 3 months will see an avalanche of good to great films. Chin up!