FAVES OF 2003: The Movies

While trying to come up with a top ten list, I realized what a truly awful year this was for movies. The spring had few notable releases, the summer was filled with disappointments and this fall just hasn't produced anything that's made me want to run to the theater. I don't think there's a single 2003 movie that I would buy on DVD. So rather than a top ten that includes good-but-not-so-great films like Seabiscuit, Bend It Like Beckham and X2, I'll narrow it down to a top 5.

5. Love Actually
As I've written previously, I thought that this movie had the cleverness, wit and sharpness that you just don't get in American comedies. There were several standout performances and Love Actually successfully balanced nine different storylines without underdeveloping its characters.

4. Lost In Translation
A charming, thoughtful character study featuring a pair great performances. It manages to be funny without telling jokes and it's powerful without spouting any lessons. A breath of fresh air.

3. Better Luck Tomorrow
Some indies are considered "small movies," but this one was tiny. Made for just $250,000, BTL is the story of a group of Asian-American teens as they battle disillusionment in suburbia. Despite some plot-points that push the limits of believability, the movie remains startlingly honest as we see a group of smart boys caught in a downward spiral of recklessness.

2. Mystic River
Basically, everything you've read about this movie is true: it's dark, haunting, tragic, beautifully acted, and really damn good.

1. 21 Grams
Sean Penn's second movie of the year is also his second in my top two. This movie is so heavy that after watching it you just want to lie in your bed, stare at the ceiling and contemplate the meaning of life. All three lead performances are Oscar-worthy and Naomi Watts is just heart wrenchingly good. After this and Mulholland Drive, its safe to say that as an actress, Watts is in a class by herself.