Top Ten Drama Movies of the Last Decade

Picking a top ten list of movies for the last decade is a task not for the faint-hearted. Every decade has a few shining gems, but the quality of movies between the years 2000 and 2009 seems unprecedented. Hollywood has issued a challenge to top ten reviewers and I am up for the challenge.

Star Trek (2009)

Star Trek movies of recent memory did not hold the same charm and delight that I found as a young viewer of the original series. I had low hopes for the latest installment of the Star Trek legacy left to us by Gene Roddenberry. By the end of the movie, I was hoping there was even more. I left my seat in the theater with renewed hope that there is indeed justice in the universe. The characters in Star Trek were not all big name stars, but judging by their performance upon the USS Enterprise, they soon will be.

Lord of the Rings (Trilogy)

There is simply no way to review one of these wonderful movies without mentioning the others, so it is essential that these are grouped, and watched, together. No movie can do complete justice to the books they represent, but the Lord of the Rings theatrical release come about as close as is practical. The characterizations are true to the story and the effects bring the complete story to life before the viewer's eyes.

Blood Diamond (2006)

The struggles upon the land and among the people of Africa continue to highlight how far we as a people still have to go. Blood Diamond clearly and strongly illustrates how the demand of the West for sparkling diamonds adversely affects an untold number of fellow human beings. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance in Blood Diamond was outstanding as was that of every other member of the cast. The story was real and gripping. So much so that when I bought a wedding ring for my new bride, I opted for sapphires rather than diamonds.

Finding Neverland (2004)

Peter Pan and Captain Hook, the quintessential good-guy and bad-guy. The story itself has played out in many different formats, but who would have thought that the story behind the story was just as captivating? The producer and director of Finding Neverland, that's who. This entertaining and dramatic tale has few equals and the replay value is tremendous.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Yes, Leonardo DiCaprio again, but teamed up with superstar Tom Hanks, this enormously popular acting duo is a force to be reckoned with. Cloak and dagger stories often become mundane. Typically the viewer sympathizes with either the pursued or the pursuer. In Catch Me If You Can, viewers become torn upon which character to root for.

Gladiator (2000)

Gladiator starts out like an action film with swords, flames, screams and plenty of bloody violence. Once the battle plays out, however, the story takes a turn for the dramatic. Characters of every flavor abound and present themselves from scene to captivating scene. Not to spoil the ending for those few who have never seen Gladiator, but the death of the hero was never more right.

Fireproof (2008)

Fireproof is an unlikely top 10 contender for many reviewers, because quite frankly, as a religious film they didn't watch it. The story that takes place in Fireproof is more likely to take place in anyone's living room than most silver screen productions. The viewer is drawn into the characters lives and hope is born. Along the way there is plenty of suspense and action to keep anyone's attention and the comedy sketches interspersed can bring tears of joy and laughter

State of Play (2009)

State of Play is a smart and entertaining drama that isn't necessarily as much a crime drama as it is a political thriller. Just when the viewer thinks they have the case solved, the evidence turns down another dark alley. Only the greatest crime sleuth will figure out the ending before the credits roll in State of Play.

The Prestige (2006)

Viewers of The Prestige begin not knowing exactly what kind of film they are watching. By the middle of the film, most still aren't quite sure how to peg this film. The historic backdrop of The Prestige lends an air of mystery and drama to what might otherwise be a typical who-done-it production.

Pay It Forward (2000)

Nearly a full decade later, people are still invoking the title of this wonderful film. Pay It Forward takes the viewer inside themselves to examine their own motives and selfish desires. As events unfold, moviegoers become tempted to leave their seats and begin their own Pay It Forward campaign. By the end, few viewers can resist the urge to rise in a defiant shout.