Hey-ho, it's that time of year again when I decide to bore all lurkers out there with my opinions on the best popular culture offerings I've seen this year (BTW, listing the sight of that lovely neighbour in the altogether almost counted as my favourite art installation but I've resisted the temptation to include it). Anyhoo, I'm kicking off with my favourite films of the year - it could have been a top fifty given that I'm in there every bloody week but seeing as I'm not being paid for this shit, let's press on with a top five. Disappointingly mainstream list this year as well but the indies did absolutely zip for me so fully deserve the dustbin of historical ignominy (Little Miss Sunshine, The Squid and the Whale for just two of 'em - double order of meh with meh on the side). Anyhoo, let's get on with it. The best five. Erm, that I can remember at any rate. Not in any order either.
1. Casino Royale - If Dan Craig actually had a face like a welders bench, it would be better than the one he's got now. That's a good thing, BTW. He looks like a proper hard bastard and it wasn't a stretch to see him seriously knock seven shades out of generic heavies the way it was with old Remington Steele in the tux. And they binned the invisible f***ing Aston as well, thank Geezer.
2. Enron : The Smartest Guys in the Room - Don't know if this was a 2006 movie but I saw it this year so it's going in. Sensational documentary, among the best I've ever seen. Not much else to say. Beautifully made, funny and very frightening.
3. Pan's Labyrinth - As good as everyone says it is. Bizarre, glorious shotgun wedding of, erm, Hellboy and Land and Freedom. But better, much better, than that sounds. Words don't do it justice so I'll STFU save for recommending it wholeheartedly.
4. Superman Returns - Yup, I did like this one. The lad Routh did a good job channelling the great Mr Reeve, it was all put together with a grand, old school look about it, and it genuinely felt like a real Superman movie. Hope this re-starts the franchise. Please.
5. A Scanner Darkly - Probably the most faithful PKD adaptation ever to make the cut (though I'd still like to see that Gilliam Ubik fanboy fantasy come to life). Jeez, I think Keanu is finally getting the message. Minimalism. Don't act, you can't. Play it all down. Just be yourself as a starter. If you've got nothing else in the locker (news just in, no you haven't) stick with the simplicity. Given that old Bob Arctor is a total stoner, that ain't a stretch for you Bill so don't sweat it. Following Constantine, that's two in a row of his I've managed to sit through without wanting to fly over to LA and gouge his f***ing eyes out. Good work fella.
Oh, and BTW the sainted Noni is in this as well and is obviously gorgeous, wonderful and worthy of some kind of award - I'd certainly give her one (oh dear, have I said something wrong ?)
Right, that's enough from me. City of God is about to come on telly. Anyways, joy of joys, my favourite albums list for 2006 will be right up shortly! Yes, be still your beating f***king hearts.
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2 comments:
Hey Mex,
Long time!
I was sent in your direction by our mutual old friend ikon, although that isn't what I usually call him...
Having been a lurker for a week or so I thought was high time I said hello.
I guess I'm supposed to make really witty and incisive comments about your blog now? Erm...maybe next time cos I've only seen Superman Returns and although Routh does make a good attempt at filling Reeve's red boots, I thought there were too many "chick flick" elements to give it 5 stars.
I'll make a point of seeing the others though as long as you can assure me none them are French art films?
Anyway, I think this is comment has bored you long enough. Hopefully ikon can help me get in touch.
All the best for 2007
Your long lost pal, Rick.
Ricardo!
Long time no see old china! Glad you dropped by. Jeez, ain't seen you in donkeys, we'll defo have to get together with old iKon at some point for an alcoholic refreshment or seven.
As for the movies, yup, old Supes was probs the weakest one of the list but I applauded their approach in making it more than anything - good effort all round. The Departed was originally going to be in its place but the JFK Boston Oirish accents of the entire f***ing cast made me want to garrote the lot of them - and it wasn't a patch on the original Infernal Affairs anyway.
Do have a wee look at some of the others, not a French art movie in sight I promise - tho' I hope to be filming one with the lovely neighbour in the new year :-P
Anyhoo, happy new year to ya!
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