10. “Live Free or Die Hard”
Two words: John McClane. Is there really any other reason to see this? The fourth in the franchise, “Live Free” is a great, over-the-top action flick that’s sure to please even the most hardcore “Die Hard” fans. And getting a chance to see Bruce Willis reprise the role of cynical hero John McClane is always a treat. The witty one-liners never stop, and neither do the gun fights and explosions.
9. “Breach”
Chris Cooper may be the most underrated actor in Hollywood . ever. No matter how amazing his performances are, he never seems to get the attention he deserves. “Breach” is yet another role where Cooper shows his top-notch skills in front of the camera, delivering a haunting performance that still stands out as one of the best of the year. Add to that an intense story based off recent, factual events, a great supporting cast and you have yourself one great film.
8. “American Gangster”
Although it didn’t live up to its hype as film of the year, “American Gangster” is by no means a bad film. Denzel Washington’s portrayal of real life crime lord Frank Lucas was an excellent performance, and I won’t be surprised to see him nominated for an Oscar. Director Ridley Scott did a good job, but in the hands of a more talented director this would have been film of the year.
7. “In The Valley of Elah”
It’s been years since Tommy Lee Jones delivered an award-worthy performance, but “Valley of Elah” ends that drought with quite possibly the best of his career. And if Charlize Theron isn’t nominated for Best Actress, I’ll probably yell a stream of obscenities at my television. But “Elah” has more than great acting going for it — it was the only film released this year that dealt with terrorism of the war in Iraq that was entertaining.
6. “Zodiac”
Director David Fincher, best known for “Se7en” and “Fight Club,” proved he could ditch the hyper-violent, over-stylized tone and still make one of the best films of the year. “Zodiac” is definitely a film that requires a great amount of patience, but the rewards more than make up for it. Offering an insight into one of America’s most notorious serial killers, “Zodiac” will stay with you long after seeing it and offers more scares than any film since “Se7en.”
5. “3:10 to Yuma”
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always wondered what would happen if Russell Crowe from “Gladiator” fought Christian Bale’s Batman. It would probably end up being something like “3:10 to Yuma.” This proves that Westerns can still be fun and entertaining, even without the John Waynes and Clint Eastwoods of Hollywood’s past. Full of great shootouts and amazing characters, “Yuma” is a good old fashioned Western from start to finish.
4. “Ratatouille”
“Ratatouille” is a reminder of just how great Pixar is at crafting a story and that they are deserving of every ounce of praise they receive. Remy, a rat living in Paris with a penchant for gourmet cuisine, just might be the most likeable character seen in a film all year. His only competition: Alfredo Linguine, who happens to the bumbling, wannabe chef Remy helps guide to stardom. If you have a heart, you will love this movie.
3. “Grindhouse”
It seems really unfair to put the whole “Grindhouse” experience as one entry on this list. Not only do you get the amazing “Planet Terror,” which could be the best zombie film since the original “Dawn of the Dead,” but you get the incredible “Death Proof” as well. Never did I think watching people talk could be so entertaining. But the best part of the double-feature? The fake trailers in-between films. Seriously, I would pay good money to see “Werewolf Women of the S.S.”
2. “Hot Fuzz”
Not only did director Edgar Wright top his previous film, the hilarious “Shaun of the Dead,” but he succeeded in delivering the best satirical film of the last decade. But he didn’t stop there. “Hot Fuzz” also happens to be one of the best action films in recent memory, as well as one of the best comedies. And if that doesn’t seem like enough, it also has the best death scenes I’ve seen since those terrible “Final Destination” movies.
1. “Gone Baby Gone”
Not only is Ben Affleck’s directorial debut my pick for film of the year, it’s simultaneously my biggest surprise of the year. If you would have told me that Mr. Daredevil himself was going to direct a movie that could (and should) garner plenty of Oscars, I would have laughed in your face. But I’m not laughing now; in fact I’m actually still stunned. Based off a novel by Dennis Lehane, “Gone Baby Gone” is one of those crime dramas that grabs you from the start and never lets go. This is the must-see film of the year.
