Best and worst films of 2004
Jessica Moyse
Issue date: 1/11/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
I have compiled a list of films released in 2004 that I think have either significantly helped or hindered the film industry in general. I have not included independent films in my lists, as I think they deserve a whole other category, so instead I've put them at the end. If you don't agree with any of my choices, feel free to write a letter to the editor, because if you send one to me, I'll tell you where to shove it. Happy New Year.
Best Movies of 2004
10) Dawn of the Dead (Dir: Zack Snyder)
I have a soft spot for zombie movies, and although this one doesn't hold a candle to 28 Days Later, it was still a great movie. It took the subtext that Romero was trying to convey in the original (being a commentary on consumerism) and kept it rampant, while throwing in a lot of suspense and horror that I really thought was missing in the original.
9) The Stepford Wives (Dir: Frank Oz)
This film was intended to be a satire of both uber-feminists and 1950s homemakers. I was relieved that I could finally see a movie that was funny, but not in a toilet/slapstick humour kind of way. These types of films are a rarity in mainstream Hollywood cinema, and it was nice to see one sandwiched between slapstick comedies like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and White Chicks.
8) The Grudge (Dir: Takashi Shimizu)
This movie was made for one purpose; to shock and amaze you. There was no nudity, gratuitous gore or swearing, just a lot of suspense and scariness. It creeped me right out, as the focus was on the suspense, as opposed to those common horror film ingredients. This film stands out from the rest in its genre, which is a feat in itself.
7) Mean Girls (Dir: Mark S. Waters)
Tina Fey cracks me up. This movie was so much more then simply a girly teen film. It was, underneath the surface a shrewd commentary concerning teenage girls and how they interact with each other. The film itself is based on a self-help book for parents of teenagers, and was adapted for the screen by Fey. Although I don't really like Lindsay Lohan as an actress/singer or whatever the hell she is this week, Rachel McAdams' performance more than makes up for Lohan's lack of acting ability.
Best Movies of 2004
10) Dawn of the Dead (Dir: Zack Snyder)
I have a soft spot for zombie movies, and although this one doesn't hold a candle to 28 Days Later, it was still a great movie. It took the subtext that Romero was trying to convey in the original (being a commentary on consumerism) and kept it rampant, while throwing in a lot of suspense and horror that I really thought was missing in the original.
9) The Stepford Wives (Dir: Frank Oz)
This film was intended to be a satire of both uber-feminists and 1950s homemakers. I was relieved that I could finally see a movie that was funny, but not in a toilet/slapstick humour kind of way. These types of films are a rarity in mainstream Hollywood cinema, and it was nice to see one sandwiched between slapstick comedies like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and White Chicks.
8) The Grudge (Dir: Takashi Shimizu)
This movie was made for one purpose; to shock and amaze you. There was no nudity, gratuitous gore or swearing, just a lot of suspense and scariness. It creeped me right out, as the focus was on the suspense, as opposed to those common horror film ingredients. This film stands out from the rest in its genre, which is a feat in itself.
7) Mean Girls (Dir: Mark S. Waters)
Tina Fey cracks me up. This movie was so much more then simply a girly teen film. It was, underneath the surface a shrewd commentary concerning teenage girls and how they interact with each other. The film itself is based on a self-help book for parents of teenagers, and was adapted for the screen by Fey. Although I don't really like Lindsay Lohan as an actress/singer or whatever the hell she is this week, Rachel McAdams' performance more than makes up for Lohan's lack of acting ability.
