Steve Magnum's Top Ten for 2006
Hey Gang, with the conclusion of 2006 approaching fast, the Shaolin Abbotts of Genrebusters (that would be D_Davis and D.S.) have once again asked us to compile our Top Ten films for the year. Like last year, this list includes not only films that came out this year, but also older films that we watched for the first time this year.
First up are a few of the films that I was considering, but didn’t quite make it on the list. Call them the "Honorable Mention" films. In no particular order, they are: Superman Returns, His Girl Friday, Crank, Cars, and Monster House. I enjoyed all of them, but I just didn’t have enough room on the list. Having said that, let’s get on with the countdown and see what DID make the list.
10) Game 6 (2006) – A captivating performance by Micheal Keaton is the driving force behind this film. As it chronicled the events of one befuddling, chaotic, and ultimately endearing day in the life of Nicky Rogan (Keaton). It made me laugh, it made me wince, and it almost made me cry. But through it all was Keaton’s magnetic portrayal of Rogan, which revealed both his faults and his strengths. It’s one of Keaton’s best performances and definitely worth watching.
9) Rocky Balboa (2006) – As Rocky says to his opponent in this film, “It ain’t over till it’s over”. And writer/director/actor Sylvester Stallone proved it by delivering one of the best films he’s ever made. It’s an honest and heartfelt tale, and it really felt like Stallone made this film because he truly had something to say. Not only did it send the Italian Stallion out in a blaze of glory, but (much like Joss Whedon’s Serenity) the film was also a thank you letter to Rocky’s fans while providing them with some closure. It was a fitting farewell to one of cinema’s greatest icons.
8) Inside Man (2006) – I’m not a fan of Spike Lee’s films. I never have been. That’s not to say that he makes bad films. Far from it. I just never "got" them. But this one is the exception. Lee gives viewers an Ocean’s 11 type of heist flick that mentally keeps you on your toes by showing you everything except what the thieves are doing and half the time, keeps you as confused as the hostages. Yet no one is killed in the film and it ends like an old school detective flick from the fifties. How can you not like that?
7) Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2006) – A pure adrenaline rush. Action sequence after visually spectacular action sequence lit up the screen on this direct to DVD film from the Land of the Rising Sun. Set two years after the original Final Fantasy VII game ended, it presented a new crisis for Cloud, Tifa, Vincent, and the gang to deal with. But honestly, the story isn’t its strongest feature. No, that would be the sheer beauty of the animation and the magnificently choreographed and animated action sequences. There were so many moments where I was in pure awe at the crisp splendor of it all. In fact, I may need to go watch it again once I’m finished compiling this list. Moving on…
6) Christmas in the Clouds (2005) – Granted, I viewed this on Christmas Day 2005, but I had already submitted my top ten list for 2005 at that point. As a result, it was put into Top Ten consideration for this year. It’s a fun and funny comedy of errors (with a bit of romance) that’s set in a Native American community. Think Northern Exposure with a little more emphasis on the Native American culture and you should have a pretty good feel for the film. It’s an entertaining story that the whole family can and should watch.
5) Good Night, and Good Luck. (2006) – George Clooney’s film about one man standing up for what was right during a time of fear was told in a quiet and dignified manner, and yet it captivated and enthralled me with its approach to the story and its striking visual style. Filmed with crisp black and white look, and filled with the music and simplistic styles of 1950’s America, it captured the atmosphere of a time gone by. A time in which America was facing a political dilemma that was very similar to the political climate of today. Love it or hate it, agree or disagree, you have to admire the manner in which Edward R. Murrow handled the situation. And I admire Clooney for having the temerity to present this account in the manner that he did.
4) Clerks II (2006) – This was, without a doubt, the greatest film that Kevin Smith has ever made. Not only was he able to re-open (and then re-seal) the Askewniverse after closing it up at the end of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, but he was also able to give Dante and Randall, the two characters who started it all some closure in a very fitting and honest story. What’s more is that the story struck a chord with me (and I’m sure with other members of my generation) with regard to where we are and where we want to go in life. And the geek humor was pretty funny too.
3) Magnificent Seven (1960) – Yes, I’m aware that it came out in 1960. But I had never seen it until early this year. After viewing it, I’m a fan for life. This is one of my all time favorite films. And I have to thank Akira Kurosawa for making The Seven Samurai, which was a wonderful film on its own merits. But to see it remade as a western by John Sturges with Steve McQueen and Yul Brynner just made Kurosawa’s original that much more impressive to me. I’ve expressed my appreciation for this film in both a podcast and a written "thank you" so I’ll just say "sit down and watch it." It’s well worth your time.
2) Casino Royale (2006) – Craig, Daniel Craig. The latest performer to don the signature tuxedo and request his martini "shaken, not stirred" did what no other performer since Sean Connery (with the possible exception of Timothy Dalton) could do and that’s make Bond into a believable spy. Not some playboy who pretends to be a spy (Pierce Brosnan, I’m looking at you), but an honest-to-goodness, kill-if-he-has-to spy. It also helped that the producers chose to get back to basics and stick much closer to the mood and intent of the original Ian Fleming novel. It was definitely a few steps in the right direction. Let’s hope that the filmmakers continue down this path for the next Bond film.
And that brings me to my favorite film of the year 2006...
1) Stranger Than Fiction (2006) – Without a doubt, this was the best film that I’ve seen all year. Intelligent, funny, tragic, honest, and highly unusual, but completely captivating. Will Ferrell turns in the greatest performance of his career (and I hope to see him take on more roles like this) as Harold Crick an auditor for the IRS who begins to hear a voice narrating the events of his life. Not only is Ferrell a joy to watch, but the supporting cast (which included Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson) shines as well. Everyone in this film gave their all. The result is a thoroughly amazing movie that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. It speaks to the viewer on many levels and provides some much-needed food for thought. If you’d like to know more, I suggest that you check out my review or, better yet, go see it for yourself. It’ll take two hours of your life, but it’ll be worth every minute.
And that wraps up another top ten list. If you have any comments or questions or complaints about my selections, feel free to e-mail me. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you next time.
