Best and worst films of 2004
Jessica Moyse
Issue date: 1/11/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
6) Man on Fire (Dir: Tony Scott)
This movie really slipped under the radar. I rented it simply because I had seen everything else. I was surprised at how good this movie was, as I felt I had seen everything that Denzel could do. This is a great film for guys and girls, as there's tons of action, the film technique was phenomenal, and the ending was so emotional I actually cried. It is rare in this MTV age that movies move people to tears, and therefore this film fully deserves to be here.
5) Elf (Dir: Jon Favreau)
I am well aware that this movie was released in late 2003, but since most of its box office revenue and all of its DVD sales are from 2004, I think it deserves to be on this list. Will Ferrell is endearing as a man who thinks he is an elf. This movie is going to become one of the Christmas classics that, in 10 years, you will see alongside White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life in the Boxing Day bargain bin at Wal-Mart. And I mean that in a good way.
4) Collateral (Dir: Michael Mann)
Every so often, I just like a good action flick. I was skeptical about this one, but I am not afraid to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Jamie Foxx's performance. The film was rich with subtext and was highly stylistic. The whole thing kept me hooked from beginning to end.
3) The Incredibles (Dir: Brad Bird)
Why do I love Disney/Pixar so much? Why does everybody love Disney/Pixar so much? Many people recommended I put this movie on my list, and I think it's well deserved if not for the bubble gum chewing neighbour kid alone.
2) Kill Bill Vol. 2 (Dir: Quentin Tarantino)
A lot of people didn't like Kill Bill Vol. 2 simply because to them it was 'not as good' as Vol. 1.
(And by 'not as good' they usually mean 'not as much blood') I beg to differ, as I found Vol. 2 to be even more of homage to the old kung fu genre then the first, and didn't rely as much on violence for shock value sake. The characters and situations were both described more in depth, and the anti-climactic ending was tasteful and fitting. It is rumoured that a sequel will be made about Nikki (Vernita Green's daughter) seeking revenge on The Bride. I can't wait.
This movie really slipped under the radar. I rented it simply because I had seen everything else. I was surprised at how good this movie was, as I felt I had seen everything that Denzel could do. This is a great film for guys and girls, as there's tons of action, the film technique was phenomenal, and the ending was so emotional I actually cried. It is rare in this MTV age that movies move people to tears, and therefore this film fully deserves to be here.
5) Elf (Dir: Jon Favreau)
I am well aware that this movie was released in late 2003, but since most of its box office revenue and all of its DVD sales are from 2004, I think it deserves to be on this list. Will Ferrell is endearing as a man who thinks he is an elf. This movie is going to become one of the Christmas classics that, in 10 years, you will see alongside White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life in the Boxing Day bargain bin at Wal-Mart. And I mean that in a good way.
4) Collateral (Dir: Michael Mann)
Every so often, I just like a good action flick. I was skeptical about this one, but I am not afraid to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Jamie Foxx's performance. The film was rich with subtext and was highly stylistic. The whole thing kept me hooked from beginning to end.
3) The Incredibles (Dir: Brad Bird)
Why do I love Disney/Pixar so much? Why does everybody love Disney/Pixar so much? Many people recommended I put this movie on my list, and I think it's well deserved if not for the bubble gum chewing neighbour kid alone.
2) Kill Bill Vol. 2 (Dir: Quentin Tarantino)
A lot of people didn't like Kill Bill Vol. 2 simply because to them it was 'not as good' as Vol. 1.
(And by 'not as good' they usually mean 'not as much blood') I beg to differ, as I found Vol. 2 to be even more of homage to the old kung fu genre then the first, and didn't rely as much on violence for shock value sake. The characters and situations were both described more in depth, and the anti-climactic ending was tasteful and fitting. It is rumoured that a sequel will be made about Nikki (Vernita Green's daughter) seeking revenge on The Bride. I can't wait.
