10. Big Fish- Tim Burton has created some of the most bizarre films ever made. Although “bizarreness” is not absent from “Big Fish”, Burton’s film is extraordinary, a work that turns out to be much more than it starts out to be. Somewhere in there, it finds a heart.
9. In America- This is a breath of fresh air: simplistic, engrossing, and remarkably well-acted. Jim Sheridan’s film focuses on the negative, while somehow managing to lift our spirits by the end. This is a grand film for our times.
8. Seabiscuit- Of the best films made about events in the 20th century, Depression era films hold title to many of them. That time had a look and a feel that is unmistakable on film. “Seabiscuit” is a subtle epic, ready to blaze our eyes with large race scenes, but also at attention when our emotions are with the characters. John Schwartzman’s cinematography is particularly notable.
7. Kill Bill, Volume 1- Quentin Tarantino remains one of the business’ most successful oddball filmmakers, and with “Kill Bill”, it’s not very hard to see why. This is a film reminiscent of the kung fu pictures of the 60s and 70s, but Tarantino has exaggerated it; highly staging each sword fight and action scene. This “Kill Bill” series is going to be something we’ve never seen before.
6. Open Range- One of the best westerns in recent years. Kevin Costner’s film is beautifully photographed, but is extremely careful not to exploit its scenery. Told in the way of classic filmmaking, Costner unravels a spool of masterful storytelling accented with splendid performances by Costner himself, Annette Bening, and especially Robert Duvall.
5. The Last Samurai- Edward Zwick’s shimmering epic is violent and reverent; a film that always knows its place and never oversteps a boundary. Tom Cruise, in one of his best performances, forcefully makes us believe his character and ultimately sells the period. Also, Ken Watanabe is something quite special.
4. City of God- This is truly heartbreaking. Fernando Meirelles’ filmmaking is a huge rush of jaw-dropping drama and action, mixed with a force that’s beyond that of normal filmmaking.
3. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World- Peter Weir is one of the cinema’s most overlooked directors. His films are always top notch material, and “Master and Commander” is no different. Here, Weir creates a convincingly detailed rendition of 19th century sea warfare. Russell Crowe is also very good, as one would expect.
2. Mystic River- Of Clint Eastwood’s directorial efforts, this is one of his finest hours. In telling one of the most powerful and uncomfortable stories of 2003, Eastwood manages to have us on the edge of our seats at one moment, and intently listening the next. Both Sean Penn and Tim Robbins give excruciating performances
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King- There’s really nothing I can say to describe what an intense and humble ride this is, without falling short of giving it justice. Peter Jackson ends Tolkien’s epic trilogy with full force, throwing us into every battle, every conflict, every dramatic conversation. These shots will forever be engrained in my memory. “The Return of the King” is quite simply one of the best films I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.
Honorable Mention
School of Rock, Matchstick Men, & Pirates of the Caribbean
Biggest Surprise
School of Rock & 28 Days Later
Biggest Disappointment
The Missing & The Hulk