Originally posted on January 1, 2006
It’s the 1st of the year and time for me to send out my 2006 best films of the year lists. My movie-going habits plunged a bit this year and I only saw 85 films in the theater and 25 on DVD. I believe this is attributed to coordinating mutual schedules with friends to see a movie that caused me sometimes to suffer movie withdrawal for a few weeks. One lesson I’m taking with me in 2007 is that it’s ok to not have a wingman for every film I want to see.
My Top 10 Best Films of the Year List
1.THE DEPARTED
The most entertaining and riveting film of the year. All of the performances were top notch but Leonardo DiCaprio was the stand out with his searing portrayal of a conflicted soul.
2. HALF NELSON
Ryan Gosling was so extraordinary in this film that I saw it twice just to watch his heartbreaking and flawless performance all over again. All of the facial nuances and little things that he did with his hands reminded me of how I felt the first time I watched Marlon Brando in ON THE WATERFRONT. Gosling deserves the Oscar. A wonderful story with a knock out performance by Shareeka Epps made this film a cinematic treasure.
3. BUBBLE
A quiet American film that was simply a masterpiece.
4. NIGHT WATCH
This Russian Sci-Fi film is the first in a trilogy with the second film due out in 2007. I loved this film so much that I saw it twice. It contains jaw-dropping special effects, subtitles that at times viscerally respond to dialogue and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hands down the coolest film to hit theaters since KILL BILL.
5. THE FOUNTAIN
This may have been the most beautiful film I’ve ever seen.
6. ROCKY BALBOA
It’s a perfect bookend to the franchise and every bit as good as the original. This movie was jam packed with rousing scenes that were completely unexpected and reminded me why I love this boxer. Most notably, a great, genuine scene where Rocky tell his son that life is what you make of it. It
7. UNITED 93
Very powerful and highly emotional experience. Nicely paced.
8. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Wonderfully written smart comedy with a lot of heart. Preston Sturges would have been proud.
9. LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD
This film proved that Brooks is still a genius and can still make me laugh so hard that I can barely breathe.
10. CHILDREN OF MEN
A Sci-Fi film that is dark and intelligent and completely overwhelming.
Honorable Mentions: Reincarnation, Stranger than Fiction, The Omen, The Illusionist, Hard Candy, The Queen