# Movies: The Best of 2002 so far... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 20, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-the-best-of-2002-so-far/128875 "2002-09-20T20:45:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-the-best-of-2002-so-far/128875/1 "2002-09-20T20:45:37Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![Hodge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Hodge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hodge)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2002, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-the-best-of-2002-so-far/128875/2 "2002-09-21T01:26:32Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![kevja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/aeb1de/32.png) [@kevja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevja)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2002, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-the-best-of-2002-so-far/128875/3 "2002-09-21T01:39:29Z")
Thanks Hodge and AG. I couln’t agree more about “Changing Lanes” and “Sunshine State” ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2002, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-the-best-of-2002-so-far/128875/4 "2002-09-21T17:04:26Z")
**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!