Film Faves 2004

I get a lot of flack from friends, both online and off, about my taste in film.  More accurately, I get verbally beaten around for having opinions that differ from the general consensus (i.e.  Revenge of the Sith was a great Star Wars film, X-Men 3 is the worst of the X-flicks, etc).  I find it strange that other people would care whether or not I like a film that they enjoyed or didn't care for one that they found worthy of praise.  Personally, I've never much cared whether or not someone shares my taste in film (or comics, or books, or breakfast ceareal, etc).  I know what I like and don't expect others to feel the same.  I also enjoy reading other people's opinions about movies I've seen, no matter if they differ from or reflect my own views.

So, in an effort to clear up some questions about my particular taste in movies, I've decided to start writing posts about my favorite films of yesteryear.   Note that I do not say "the best films", as there are no best films, just the ones that entertained or moved you the most.  Film citics who tell you that a particular movie was the "best of the year" is full of horse-pocky, as are any friends or family who try to tell you the same.  These people are speaking only for themselves, even if they don't realize it.

Since I've already covered 2005 in this post, I'll start with '04 and keep going back in time.  I thought 2005 was actually a fairly weak year, as far as movie-going was concerned.  The five films I chose as my personal favorites would not have been there in years like 1994 or 1999, when theaters were full of top-notch cinema fare.  This year doesn't look much better.  Six months into 2006 and I only have one movie on my list.

But enough about the present, lets talk about the past.

Here we go . . .

Bridget Jones:  The Edge of Reason - The original Bridget Jones is one of my favorite romantic comedies in recent years.  I saw the sequel in the theater and at the time I didn't think it measured up to the original.  But subsequent viewings on DVD have changed my mind.  It definitely plays better on the small screen and is a worthy companion to BJ1.  The rematch between Colin Firth and Hugh Grant is the best fight scene of the year.

The Day After Tomorrow - If you turn off your brain and ignore the ridiculously blatant political swipes, what you have here is a fun and visually amazing disaster film.  This is a return to form for director Roland Emmerich after the horrible Godzilla update in 1998 and the sleep-inducing Mel Gibson actioner The Patriot in 2000.

The Incredibles - My favorite film of 2004.  Pixar's best film to date.  Can't wait for Brad Bird's next project.  'Nuff said.

The Notebook - For me, the biggest surprise of 2004.  I actually didn't even see it until it was on DVD.  I was walking through Blockbuster and the wall of "Notebook" DVDs got the best of me, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I knew nothing about it and didn't expect much out of an impulse rental.  But I was amazed to discover a wonderful, moving gem of a romance here and I find I'm not alone in my admiration for this film.  Although The Incredibles was my favorite film of 2004, I find myself recommending this film to people more than any other in recent years.

Shrek 2 - Funnier, smarter and better looking that the original Shrek by a mile.  Puss In Boots is the funniest animated character I've ever seen on film.  Bring on Shrek The Third.

-Otis

Previous Film Fave Entries:

• 2005

Comments

[SkyWookiee]

You're completely opposite of me! I'm always afraid of readin some book or seeing some movie in case I'll like it while others won't. It's not that I'm afraid that they'll think I'm shallow and have no taste for liking something they don't, I'm afraid they might be right and I really do have no taste. I sometimes get really stupid ideas about myself and worry about things I shouldn't. I wish I could just relax and get a life.

[Grant Gould]

I agree with you on The Notebook.. I loved that movie. And I agree that Shrek 2 was better than the first one. :)

And I agree with you on Sith.. well, I didn't think it was the best one, or even in my top 3. Episodes 1 and 3 are the only two SW movies I was disappointed by... but since then I've come to love Episode 1.. so who knows, maybe I'll come to love Ep3 too.

I guess really the only movie you and I (as far as I know) really disagree on is X-men 3.

Though, if you hate Willow (Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer) then I may have to stop speaking to you altogether.

[Otis Frampton]

It's all about personal taste and respect, guys. As long as you can explain your views and respect other people's opinions without resorting to personal attacks, I love discussing this subject.

It's when the personal attacks come into play that I get turned off to message boards and discussion forums, and not just on the light subject like film or comics. Some people seem to think that smearing people for thinking differently is swell. It's the "American Idol" way of life, I suppose.

But I digress . . .

As for "Willow", Mr. Gould . . . it's on my 1988 list, so no worries. ;)

-Otis

[Lori_K]

Yeah, and thanks to you I was suckered into watching The Notebook and I cried my eyes out with three other women over fondu and reminded once again I have a heart. That's not nice Mr. Frampton, not nice at all.