Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Movies worth seeing (or why the Oscars don't matter anymore)

Since the Oscars don't actually bother to celebrate that, here's a list of movies that should really win some awards (not in any particular order):

The Incredibles - This is probably my pick for Best Picture. It's a perfect mix of action and drama. If you've read Alan Moore's Watchmen, you'll understand where some of the inspiration for Brad Bird's wonderful film came from. I could have watched this movie all over again right after I saw it, it's that good.

National Treasure - This should win an award for being an action movie with a brain. Any movie that celebrates intelligence over physical prowess should be cherished.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - This one needs to win Best Original Screenplay. A long, hard look at romance and relationships, this movie is a treat on many levels. Visually stunning, Eternal Sunshine offers us a look into the mind of a man losing his memories of a failed relationship - only to discover that it wasn't really the failure he thought it was. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.

Garden State - Zach Braff is a wonderful story teller. This is another one that should win a screenplay award. As well as a couple awards for its actors. And it's music. Look into a mind dulled by prescribed medication as it slowly becomes aware and alive again. A great piece with an absolutely wonderful soundtrack.

Shaun of the Dead - Any movie that can be a comedy and a zombie movie all at once needs to win something. I'd probably pick this for best horror film and best comedy both. Excellent casting and a truly wonderful script. And the editing is a treat too.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - My favorite Harry Potter movie so far. Excellent cinematography and direction. Cuaron really nailed the world that Harry and crew live in.

I'm sure there are others, but this is a good start...

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