Top 10 Films of the Decade

Have you ever wished that you had never seen a movie, just so you could see it for the first time again? That is the experience I had with Memento. A groundbreaking piece of writing, Christopher Nolan's 2001 mind-bending revenge flick Memento is a shining testament to the fact that great movies still exist among the dreck of remakes, sequels, and spoofs. Leonard, played by Guy Pearce, suffers from memory loss as a result of brain damage occurring during an attack on his family in which his wife was raped and killed. He has no short-term memory of anything after the attack. In fact, he is unable to create new memories at all, only able to remember anything for a few minutes. He has dedicated his life to vengeance, relentlessly hunting the man who destroyed his life. To cope with his disability, keeps meticulous notes and tattoos the most important clues he uncovers all over his body, a permanent way to store them, so he can continue his quest.

Revenge movies are not exactly original, but it's the way Nolan tells this story that makes it stand out. Throughout the entire movie, viewers feel just as disoriented as Leonard. The attention to detail in the story-telling is amazing. I won't give away the concept, because I think it is so much more fun to watch it when you don't know, but this movie is worth more than a handful of views.

This was Nolan's first major film, and he has proven to be one of the better directors and writers of this decade, cranking out at least two other flicks that could easily have made this list. Memento stands out though as Nolan's best work and it is a movie that too few people have seen. This is the movie that made me love movies.

Other Christopher Nolan Films: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, the Prestige, Insomnia

2. There Will Be Blood (2007)

P. T. Anderson firmly established himself as the director to watch for the next decade with this epic film. Contrary to the title, this film is not gushing with violence. In fact, save for one final scene (where Anderson demonstrates his flair for shocking us), there is very little blood in this movie. The story centers on the life and times of a self-made "oil man". This film is inspired by the novel "Oil!" by Upton Sinclair and is set in the early 20^th century. This film is an examination of capitalism and the effect that the unabashed pursuit of wealth can have on one's spirit.

While Anderson directorial and screenwriting skills are top-notch, it is the performances by Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano that really cement this film as one of the best of the decade. The violent chemistry the two share in this film is something you can only capture once in a lifetime. Their relationship is funny, sad, and tragic. This is a must watch for movie fans and will undoubtedly go down at Anderson's defining work, at least until his next film is released.

Other P.T. Anderson Films: Boogie Nights, Punch Drunk Love, Magnolia

3. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

This is easily one of the most polarizing films of this decade. There is no demilitarized zone when it comes to this Clooney directed piece of black comedy. Obviously, I fell into the camp that loved this. Based on Chuck Barris' auto-biography of the same title, this is the supposedly true story of Barris' life as a television game show host and secret government assassin. Yes, you read that correctly,

As a game show innovator, Barris is responsible for creating the popular 60's and 70's game shows theDating Game, the Newlywed Game, and the Gong Show. However, it is the life he claims to have led in his 1984 published book that intrigues so many. Barris claims to have been a hired killer for the CIA, responsible for 33 assassinations. The CIA wholeheartedly denies this (but what would you expect them to do?), but Barris again backed up his claims in the sequel to his auto-biography, Bad Grass Never Dies, published in 2004.

Such a great story needed a fresh an exciting film to fully capture it, and this movie didn't disappoint. Charlie Kaufmann wrote this screenplay, and as usual, Kaufman delivers his quirky, fun sense of humor to this dark action bio-pic. Sam Rockwell as Barris gives an immersive performance, fully diving into this tortured man. Clooney, who also co-stars, gives this film an edgy direction that never gets old or boring. The character study of Barris truly makes you feel sorry for him, a man who has seemingly lost his place in the world.

This movie is defiantly not for everyone, but those who it is for will undoubtedly rank this as one of their favorites.

Other George Clooney Films: Leatherheads, Goodnight and Good Luck

4. Children of Men (2006)

The post-apocalyptic sub-genre of sci-fi and action has always fascinated us. I believe that we are all interested in seeing different ways that our world will fall apart, and we are all equally inspired by seeing the different ways we will rebuild it. Children of Men seeks to connect all mankind in a post-apocalyptic world through the one universal treasure, human life.

Set in the year 2027, Children of Men draws us into a world where every woman on the planet has become infertile, and no one knows why. The last child was born in 2009, and he is approaching adulthood. Humanity has collapsed in on itself, and is ending much as T.S. Eliot prophesied, with a whimper. The entire world is in a riotous state of panic, afraid for the impending end of mankind. Clive Owen plays Theo and he is drawn into a secret group with a precious mission; to escort a pregnant woman to safety so she can deliver the first new child in 18 years.

This is not a drama however. This is an action-packed thriller with amazing cinematography and stellar performances. This is a truly gripping movie with the unique ability to blow you off the couch with action, and bring you to tears by the conclusion. Coming out of nowhere in 2006, Spanish director Alfonso Cuaron has delivered one of the best movies of the decade and some of the best post-apocalyptic action of all time.

Other Alfonso Cuaron Films: Great Expectations

5. Donnie Darko (2001)

Richard Kelly's imaginative debut is the very definition of "cult classic". Its horror, fantasy, comedy, coming of age, and glam-80's cornballiness all wrapped into one enthralling story.

The film centers on Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager who is questioning the world around him. Donnie begins having delusions about a demonic bunny rabbit (that's right) named Frank, who is warning Donnie of impending doom. As Donnie further separates himself from reality and delves further into theories about what it happening to him, centering on time travel, he starts to discover his ultimate destiny in life.

My pathetic description of this film doesn't do it justice, you simply have to watch it for yourself, and watch it more than a few times. Is Donnie a modern day superhero, or a paranoid schizophrenic? You are left with so many great questions that you have to watch it more than once to draw your own conclusion.

Richard Kelly did a fantastic job on this story and the soundtrack is equally amazing. This is a completely daring and original movie, worthy of a much larger audience than it reached.

Other Richard Kelly Films: The Box, Southland Tales

6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

We've all had that night we wish we could forget. That thing we said that we wish never left our mouth. That relationship or person we wish we would wipe from our memory. In this Charlie Kaufman written film, that very possibility is explored. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes us into a world where a company is selling the service of wiping your memory of a person, a relationship, virtually any regret you have. Interesting huh?

Jim Carey plays Joel, a man who decides to have his ex-girlfriend (played by Kate Winslet) erased from his memory after discovering that she has done the same to him. However, midway through the procedure, Joel decides he wants to abort and he struggles to hold on to the memories.

As most Kaufman movies are, this is hilarious and quirky, but asks deeper questions. Where would we all be in life if it weren't for our mistakes or regrets? In reality, no one will know how different their life would have been without them, but Joel has the chance to find out and discovers that he would rather have the pain of losing his girlfriend than have the emptiness of never knowing her at all. A very touching, and seriously funny movie, Kaufman again strikes gold.

That's not to say that director Michael Gondry is chopped-liver. The direction of this movie is fantastic, and never over-bearing, always allowing the story to take center stage. This is truly one of the most intelligent comedies of this decade, and perhaps of all time.

Other Michael Gondry Films: Be Kind, Rewind, the Science of Sleep, Human Nature

7. Kill Bill (2003/2004)

Part old Clint Eastwood western, part Jet Li stylized martial arts, part Charles Bronson in Death Wish, Kill Bill is just plain cool. Writer/director Quentin Tarantino has firmly established himself as the hippest director in the game for his witty, face paced dialogue and his over the top violence and brilliant cinematography. What I like the most about Tarantino's films is his fantastic use of the soundtrack, and Kill Bill doesn't disappoint. The modern sense of nostalgia present is most of his films is also very strong here, paying homage to great filmmakers before him in clever and cool ways.

The story is simple, the Bride, played by Uma Thurman, is seeking revenge on a group of assassins who killed her husband and entire wedding party on her wedding day. The Bride was nearly killed herself, but awakes from a coma a few years later. The Bride was once a member of this group of assassins and uses all her training to hunt down and ultimately exact her revenge.

I was disappointed this film was released as a two part (an excuse to charge us twice), because as a single film, this is an epic kung fu western revenge flick. As two movies, neither film stands on its own.

Despite all the hype surrounding Inglorious Basterds, Kill Bill is Tarantino's best film this decade and it might just be the best film he's done to this point.

Other Quentin Tarantino Films: Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown, Death Proof, Inglorious Basterds.

8. District 9 (2009)

Equal parts mockumentary, sci-fi action, and social commentary, Neill Bloomkamp's 2009 centers on contact with an alien race, and this time it hasn't gone so well. An alien race, disrespectfully referred to as prawns, has landed on Earth and has been confined to Johannesburg. The alien race is segregated from the rest of the plant in District 9 (a throwback to District 6 from the apartheid days in the 60s). This area has become a slum; poverty rules while aliens are forced to live sleeper hit District 9 caught many people off guard.

A government task force, headed by goofy scapegoat Wikus van de Merwe (played by Sharlto Copley) is sent to relocate the alien population in an attempt to regain control of Johannesburg. These forced evictions don't go obviously don't go over very well.

I won't give away the story, but this film is the biggest surprise of 2009. I went into this expecting an airheaded popcorn flick but instead, this film is intelligent, sarcastic, and biting. Most of the film is shot in a documentary style, with the real action elements coming into play towards the end. This film serves more as a commentary on racism and segregation. I found it interesting that Bloomkamp grew up in Johannesburg himself, as apartheid in South Africa seemed to be a theme of this film. That's not to downplay the action parts though. This film packs a ton of punch and it looks fantastic (the alien weaponry is worth the price of admission alone).

A total surprise hit with immense staying power. Bloomkamp serves up a fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what he offers next.

9. The Departed (2006)

Martin Scorsese is the undisputed king of the gangster drama, and 2006's epic The Departed will undoubtedly satisfy old fans and gain new ones alike. Loosely based on the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, this story centers on Billy Costigan and Colin Sullivan, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon. Costigan is an undercover policeman, charged with infiltrating the local mob, run by Frank Costello, played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson. Sullivan is Frank's mentor in the underground world, and is assigned to infiltrate the New York police department to give Frank eyes and ears on the inside.

This is an intense film, taunt and gripping. All the performance are outstanding, and Scorsese did his usual fantastic job of directing. Nicholson as a borderline insane mob boss is the standout here. He always carries an air of brutality, keeping his rage just barely under control at all times until it erupts.

For those who have followed Scorsese's long and brilliant career, this is another gem of a film to all to the pile. For those who haven't, what are you waiting for?

Other Martin Scorsese Films: Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Cape Fear, Casino, Gangs of New York, the Aviator, the Color of Money, and many more

10. 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

Before you roll your eyes at this choice let's be clear about one thing; you can't judge comedy with the same standards you judge drama, action, or any other genre. Comedy directing isn't about getting that perfect shot, or composing the perfect score. It's about getting your audience to laugh, and no film did a better job of that this decade than the awesome raunch-fest that is 40 Year-Old Virgin.

Steve Carrell plays Andy and the title of the film leaves little to the imagination as to what Andy's "problem" is and what is going to happen over the next 2 hours. At first, Andy is ridiculed mercilessly, and then he is thrust into a myriad of embarrassing situations intending to help him get over this "issue", only to find his true love in the end and be happy that he waited. Yawn; wake me up when it's over.

If it wasn't for Carrells' performance and the witty, clever, intelligent, and hilarious writing, this movie would have been another American Pie dumpster fire to add to the pile. The casting of the film is superb; each character is fleshed out and funny in their own ways. The movie, while filled with language and nudity, never enters into that "Nasty for the hell of it" zone that seemingly all R-rated comedies fall prey to (see every Dane Cook movie).

Perhaps the most impressing thing about this movie is the film-tree that it spawned. Judd Apatow, Steve Carrell, and Seth Rogen literally owned this decade, and it all started with this movie. Without the 40 Year Old Virgin, we would all be stuck watching the latest National Lampoons disaster for some adult comedy. This film makes the top 10 because it's fresh, charming, clever, ground-breaking, and just downright funny.

Other Carrell/Apatow/Rogen Films: Knocked Up, Superbad, Funny People

Very Honorable Mention

No Country for Old Men
Kung Fu Hustle
The Dark Knight
Pan's Labrynith
Slumdog Millionaire