So obviously, I don't see enough movies. I have tried every
way I can, and I can only come up with 9 films that I feel truly deserve to be
honored.
When I watch a movie, I'm looking to have a good time, so I
judge a movie based on how entertained I was. I tend to steer clear of the
serious drama type stuff. And I love many kid's movies. As a result, you are
going to find some films on this list that are on no one else's list. But I
loved them and would watch them again in a heartbeat.
9. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Yes, you read that right. This is on my best of 2005 list
when most people put it on their worst. So why did I include it here? Because
the movie got a bum rap based on faulty expectations. It wasn't an action
flick. It was a dark comedy. And my friends and I laughed our way through the
film. I think if you give it a chance as a comedy, you'll see the wit used in
putting the script together and appreciate it on a whole different level. Brad
Pitt and Angelina Jolie have fun playing a married couple who don't know each
other's secret - they are both top notch assassins. But once the truth comes
out and the gloves are off as they both try to kill the other.
8. Lord of the Beans
The VeggieTales direct to video kids' series has been a
favorite of mine for years. Lord of the Rings, on the other hand, hasn't. But
this spoof of the story for kids is absolutely the best thing these guys have
done in years. Even people who didn't know the Tolkien story laugh. Throw in a
good moral and a great silly song and these computer animated veggies deserve a
place on the list.
7. Herbie: Fully Loaded
This attempt by Disney to reinvent this franchise works.
Lindsay Lohan buys Herbie from a junk yard, never imaging that the beat up old
clunker of a VW Bug is a racing winner. Against her better judgment, she finds
herself being pulled into the racing world and facing a NASCAR showdown. I grew
up watching the first four movies and found this latest captures the spirit of
the films perfectly with a couple nods to those of us who love the old films.
6. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
This sci-fi comedy starts when Earth ends. Only Arthur Dent
makes it out alive and is thrown into a wild adventure racing across the galaxy
trying to find the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. With bad
puns, dry humor, and absurd situations abounding, this movie isn't for
everyone. But those who enjoy that humor and are willing to give it a shot will
die laughing.
5. Fun with Dick and Jane
I'm not a Jim Carrey fan. The only reason I wanted to see it
was because they filmed a scene near my house. Am I ever glad I did. This movie
was funny and unpredictable with great performances by the entire cast. Dick
and Jane are living the American dream until Dick's company goes bankrupt. Not
able to get another job, they become desperate for a way to pay their bills.
Another case of dark humor that works and works well.
4. Sky High
Talk about your teen angst. This movie manages to embrace
and mock all the cliches about high school. Set at a high school for super
heroes, it is entirely charming. Will Stronghold must deal with his lack of
super powers while facing the bullies and an arch nemesis. Predictable, yes,
but also thoroughly entertaining.
3. Batman Begins
I've never been much of a Batman fan. This movie changed
that for me by giving the character depth and making him someone I could care
about and root for. Bruce Wayne is at a cross roads in his life, not sure what
do to. Trying to overcome his hurt from a sad childhood, he sets out on a quest
to find himself, and finds a desire to right wrong in the world. Which is
perfect timing since his home town of Gotham City
is facing incredible danger.
2. Chicken Little
Let's face it, the last few Disney animated movies have been
lousy. And it has nothing to do with the 2-D animation and everything to do
with the story. With this movie they not only made the leap to computer
animation like everyone else is doing, they also created a great story again.
Poor Chicken Little was sure the sky was falling, but when he couldn't prove
it, he becomes a laughing stalk. After working hard and finally putting it
behind him, it happens again. Now what does he do? The character's punny names
were great and the action in the last third was wonderful. Maybe not a classic
on the level of Beauty and the Beast or Snow White, but certainly something to
entertain the entire family.
1. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe
Based on the classic by C.S. Lewis, this story tells the
story of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy who find that a Wardrobe is the entry
to a magical world. Once there, they must join the fight against evil to
fulfill prophecy. Since I love the book, my expectations were high going into
this film. They were met or exceeded on every level. While not a page by page
adaptation, they expertly captured the heart of the story and put it on screen
with special effects that amaze. The human performances matched the excellent
script. This movie had no competition for the top spot on my list.
See, I told you there was some different stuff in here. Even
though not the critics picks, I still stand behind these movies as well worth
your time.
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