I heard an interesting discussion on the radio this morning, "Best movies of the 2000's". With this decade coming to a close this is a valid topic. And it got me to thinking about it, so I figured I'd throw in my own top 10 list. I always find it interesting to hear other peoples take on movies. Critics usually lean towards the more 'meaningful' or 'artistic' movies to be labeled as the best movies. I don't agree with this philosophy. I go to the movies for one purpose: to be entertained. That can be in the format of drama, comedy, horror, historic, whatever. Depends on my mood. My list is based on the pure entertainment factor. If you disagree with me, I want to hear your opinion. Note that I am right and you are wrong. But it's always cute to hear otherwise.

10. Training Day. Denzel Washington is a bona fide bad ass in this movie. I wish he would do more bad guys movies because he plays it so well. And Ethan Hawke plays the role of the wide-eyed narcotic rookie to perfection. Just a good story and good acting. This movie kind of made me wonder how of this type of thing actually happens within the police force. I wouldn't doubt that some is this happens. I guess I don't want to really know. If you haven't seen this movie, you have to check it out.

9. Seabiscuit. This was a really inspiring movie. It takes place during the depression era. It's a true story about a beaten down horse jockey (Tobey McGuire) who got teamed up with an even more broken down horse (Seabiscuit) in a depressed era who were both given a second chance by Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges). All pulling together they were able to achieve greatness against all odds. This movie was quite moving. I definitely had more respect for the sport of horse racing after watching this movie.

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I recently saw the movie The Hangover with Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms (The Office), and newcomer Zach Galifianakis (well, new to me anyway). This movie made me laugh pretty hard just from the previews. If a trailer can make me crack a smile then the actual movie can't be half bad. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but these types of zany movies with thirty somethings (Wedding Crashers, Old School, Most any Ben Stiller movie, etc...) seem to be the trend these days. I credit this movement to the aging of this generation. When I was a teenager the more memorable comedies were the old John Hughes flicks (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, etc...). Those teenagers from that genre are the present day thirty-somethings (including myself). So the teenage comedies that were popular in the 80's have now been replaced by such films as Meet the Parents and Old School. It's just a shift in genres with the same audience. We've just grown up a bit now. But the inner Ferris Bueller inside of all of us is still there and craves the wacky day-off scenario where we let go of reality and get a bit crazy. But I digress...

The basic premise of The Hangover is pretty self explanatory from the previews. Bachelor party in Vegas party gone over the edge. We are just left to fill in the pieces. Without giving too much of the movie away I can tell you that this movie is hilarious! It's a good cast of characters with the a good balance of physical, smack you in the face funny mixed in with more subtle humor. Galifianakis (that would be the little bearded guy in the movie) actually stole the show. His character is this freakish little quirky guy who we all come to embrace as a little brother figure. Yes, there is a Mike Tyson cameo which is actually kind of funny too. I would give this movie a high recommendation. Don't take your kids (lol). It's definitely for adults. Definitely worth seeing if you want some hearty laughs.

-Jim

Not much explanation needed here. Although I will remark that this seems to be more of a stupid man-thing than something girls care about. I am a huge movie lover, and I (like most dudes) latch on to any stupid catch phrase that cracks us up. Men refuse to talk about relationships, feelings or gossip, but we will have a 2 hour quotefest spouting out random movie quotes and ridiculing the other guys if they don't happen to know which movie it's from. Anyway, I'm sure there will be much spirited debate on this topic. I'm listing what I consider the most quotable movies ever (in no particular order).

Caddyshack
Pulp Fiction
Top Gun
40 Year Old Virgin
Ferris Bueller's Day off
Breakfast Club
Happy Gilmore
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Swingers

.... and of course: Office Space

I want to know YOUR opinion!

-Jim

Last night I saw the new Clint Eastwood movie "Gran Torino". Eastwood both directed and starred in this movie which is rumored to be the 78 year old's last film. He plays the leading role of Walt Kowalski - a grizzled war Veteran who is a product of the Korean war. I typically enjoy Eastwood's movies including The Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. I would say this movie is as good or better than either of those moves. It was truly outstanding. After a year full of action packed movies enhanced by CGI (Batman, Ironman, Wanted) it is really refreshing to see a movie that simply relies on a good story and good acting. Eastwood gives a spectacular performance. I will give one warning, this movie has strong racial tones. If that type of thing offends you, I wouldn't recommend it. I could see where this movie would offend some people who are hyper-sensitive to racial slurs. I am guessing that accounts for the few negative criticisms that the movie has received. Gran Torino is a social commentary on modern racial issues. It addresses several very real urban struggles including diversity, tolerance and gang problems. I should note that typical of Eastwoods other moives don't expect to be blown away from the first scene. There is some time taken to develop the characters which is key to the plot. Some people could percieve chunks of this movie as slow; but every scene and set of dialogue has a purpose. Make no mistake, if you take Eastwood out of this movie, you don't have a movie. If this is indeed Eastwood's last performance, I'd say he coulnd't go out on a higher note. I would be surprised if this movie didn't win at least a couple of academy awards including best actor. I would highly recommend this movie. 9.5 out of 10.

-Jim