Christopher Jones' Top Ten List

What a year to have to choose a top ten in film! Last year not only brought us a glorious abundance of excellent films, but a crop of quality films remarkable in their diversity. How do you compare Toy Story 2 to Being John Malkovich? I don't know. I am struck by the number of entries in my top ten were brought to the screen by a single writer/director (or in the case of the Wachowski brothers, a writer/director team). There's something to be said for an auteur's artistic vision.

Here's my list that reflects my feelings on this particular hour of this particular day.

1. The Matrix
   Great story, great action, great effects, and great performances from 3 of the 4 leads. I could go on and on about what I love about this movie, but it's position at #1 is secured for me by it's impact on my own personal pop-culture sphere of existence. I can't wait for the next installment in the Matrix trilogy.
   
   
2. The Sixth Sense
   Brilliant story and direction by M. Night Shyamalan and powerful, moving performances by Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment highlight this film. I had already found this a satisfying and moving film BEFORE the twist ending, which for me elevated this from a really good film to a truly great one. And it's a twist ending that truly enhances the entire story rather than just delivering a shock late in the film.
   
   
3. The Iron Giant
   I've already reviewed this film, and gone on about its merits. I'll just say again that it's a wonderful story beautifully told that smashes the Disney mold of what an American animated feature has to be.
   
   
4. Toy Story 2
   It's the Godfather 2 of animated films! A sequel that surpasses the original! This wonderful fantasy boasts a story at least as good as its predecessor's, and animation that is clearly superior. Pixar proves once again that they are the current masters of the animated feature for reliable quality.
   
   
5. Man On The Moon
   Jim Carry's Oscar-worthy channeling of Andy Kaufman is the centerpiece of this entertaining film. Man On The Moon sheds some light on the behind-the-scenes life of Kaufman, but the inner-workings of Andy's mind remain a mystery, which is perhaps the greatest truth that existed for the film to deliver.
   
   
6. Magnolia
   I'm still digesting this complex, surreal, and multi-faceted film. P. T. Anderson's filmmaking is masterful, but not everyone will enjoy the effect this film purposely has on you at times. The moments in Magnolia aren't always fun, but they do AFFECT you. Kind of like life.
   
   
7. Being John Malkovich
   One of the most original films of the year. Always surreal and disturbing, the humor can apparently be lost on some audiences. I found it hysterical, with great performances by Malkovich, John Cusack, and an almost unrecognizably unglamorous Cameron Diaz who proves she can actually act!
   
   
8. Run Lola Run
   The idea of alternate realities certainly isn't a new one, but its still a novelty as the subject of a movie. Run Lola Run not only delivers a thrice-told tale of 20 minutes of desperation (and running), but writer/director Tom Tykwer delivers it with fresh and stylish storytelling that makes this a ride not to be missed.
   
   
9. Topsy Turvy
   This late addition to my list could be mistaken for a biography of Gilbert and Sullivan, but its really the story of the making of "The Mikado", and there IS a difference. This movie is about the creative process, and how the lives of everyone involved in the production influenced its creation and evolution. If you love theater, this is a must-see.
   
   
10. Galaxy Quest
    I almost feel guilty having this on my Top Ten list. I don't consider it an "achievement" in filmmaking or even particularly innovative. But a smart and clever script, strong performances, and excellent production values combined to make one of the most fun movies of the year. br>
    

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

The Hurricane

Brilliant performance by Denzel Washington, I found his characters emotional evolution and learning process throughout the film engaging and moving.

Three Kings

Fun, original, and effective storytelling highlight this tale of the Gulf War soldiers (plus one hanger-on) who's post-war adventure is analogous to the entire conflict in microcosm.

Green Mile

Brilliant performances and masterful filmmaking, but somehow it didn't engage me emotionally as much as I would have expected, and as much as it did for others.

Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace

Jar Jar Binks aside, while I found the long-awaited Episode One a movie with spectacular effects and a disappointing story, I felt I was judging act one of a three act play without having yet seen acts two and three. My appreciation of this one may increase as the trilogy unfolds.

The Blair Witch Project

Looking past the hype, I find this a hugely original film, and a revolution in film making and film promotion. Oh, and I enjoyed watching it, too.

Austin Powers 2: The Spy who Shagged me

A solid sequel that thoroughly entertained me. The only thing that kept this film off my top ten list was the sense that we'd seen it before. Mini-Me almost pulled it back on, though...

Princess Mononoke

A beautiful, breathtaking film. It pains me that this one got bumped from my top 10.