Trumpy Productions Critical Nonsense

Starting off this Top 10 list of 2005, I must preface it with the disturbing news that I didn't see half the films on most critics' lists (Broken Flowers, Cinderella Man, etc). That's pretty typical, but it's especially bad this year. Ah well, consider this the semi-mainstream Top 10 list of 2005. After taking a look back over the year I realized how weak the year was in my opinion.

I find my final list unbalanced. It's got some films I wouldn't normally have on my top list, but I didn't see much that out did those films. Or maybe I'm just forgetting something I loved this year. Either way, here we go.

10. Serenity- Okay, this is a very Rob specific pick. It's the film that Joss Whedon got to make to continue his 'Firefly' story, since the show was killed. The show is mad brilliant and the movie does it justice. As a stand alone it's good too. I know, because I saw it before seeing the TV show. Unique sci-fi with memorable characters. Captain Reynolds is better than Han Solo.

9. Wedding Crashers- Maybe this will fall off my list on a second viewing but for now, it holds a place. Many people said '40 Year Old Virgin' was better. Nope. The charm of these guys can't be matched. I laughed from moment one, which is just people talking at a table.

8. Jarhead- A great movie that I didn't take anything from. I appreciate the craft more than the actual film. I had no complaints but I forgot about the film after seeing it. Well crafted but a bit empty.

7. 39 Pounds of Love- This hip little documentary is about a guy in his early 30s (I can't remember the age) that weighs 39 pounds. He has a disease that keeps him from growing. It's hard to describe. He has a small, skinny body, but a normal sized head. His muscles are nearly non-existent. The story follows him and his loved ones on a road trip to confront the doctor that told him he wouldn't last until 6 years old. He travels to the US and treks across it in an RV. This film is hilarious because the main guy has an awesome sense of humor, despite his problem. It's well constructed so you laugh and cry.

6. The Devil's Miner- This is probably one of the best documentaries I've seen. It's about this 12(?) year old kid in Bolivia who works in the mines and supports his mom, brother and sister. It's a shocking film that kept my attention the whole way through, despite my lack of interest in the synopsis. Well crafted and a unique subject carry this up on my list.

5. Ordinary Heroes- I hadn't heard of this one until DVD. Sigorney Weaver is a mom in a broken home. It sounds generic but I can't really describe it. This one is all about the characters. They are unique and real. One of the best scripts I've seen on film in a long time.

4. King Kong- I had a special bond with this film since I followed the web log videos through it's entire production. It's simply amazing as a spectacle film. It won't make you smarter but it will entertain the pants off of you for 3 hours. On a repeat viewing it held up well.

3. Crash- Again, didn't catch this until DVD. This is on most critics' list. Probably because it's so damn good. An all-star cast and a thought provoking story, shot really well. A 2nd viewing might move a little slow, but it's top notch. And.. and... independent (basically).

2. Sin City- My boy, Rodriguez. This is one of the most beautiful films to date. He pioneered a style, and all to be true to source material. This film is great, stylish fun, and Rodriguez broke boundaries doing it. Aside from the look, he quit the guild to have Frank Miller be co-director, and had Tarantino come in as a guest director for a scene. Parts 2 and 3 are on the way because he can shoot them so fast. He's just waiting on Miller.

1. Batman Begins- Call me a dork, but this film is the bat's pajamas. The best interpretation of Batman on-screen, plus a story motivated in reality. Seeing the Bat-Signal have a real original is the perfect example. It wasn't a random decision, "Hey let's shine a bat in the sky." It came from somewhere. All that plus it was adequately dark, and the film was shot beautifully. The only thing Chris Nolan doesn't know how to shoot is a fight sequence. That said, it doesn't matter since this film was about the story.

I really didn't want to put 'Batman' as number 1, but nothing I remember can top it. I really wanted 'Rent' to blow me out of the water so it could be on the list. It was good but nothing compared to the Broadway production. If I hadn't seen it on Broadway I'd think it wasn't so great. One more thing... 'Revenge of the Sith'.... yyyeah. Maybe next time George.