(In no specific order)
Napoleon Dynamite
One of the best movies of 04 doesn't include sex, swearing, or violence in its plotline (unless you count a steak to the face as violence.) In fact, Napoleon Dynamite doesn't have much of a plot line at all. Jon Heder's perfectly nerdy and lovable portrayal of Napoleon is the center of this quirky film, which contains some very unique and hilarious characters. Kip is the ultimate skinny white guy until his internet girlfriend LaFawduh brings out his inner gangsta, Uncle Rico is so obsessed with his past he'll try electrocuting his crotch as a method of time travel, and Deb, Pedro and the kids at school are just trying to get by and be themselves without getting beat up by the popular crowd. There's something for everyone here, which is perhaps why it was the hit comedy of the summer. I mean, GOSH, who the flip can't help but cheer Napoleon on - he's got sweet skills.
Kill Bill Volume 2
Film lovers across the country groaned when the release date for second volume of Quentin Tarantino's latest endeavor got pushed back to April - but the wait was worth it. The Bride came back to deal out more carnage (as if there wasn't enough in Vol. 1), and Tarantino returned to fill us in on the much anticipated full story. Solid acting all around, in both parts big (Michael Madsen as washed-up Bud) and small (Michael Parks as ex-pimp Esteban), kept this slower-paced film from dragging, as did the consciously spaced-out episodes of fighting, violence, and mayhem. Like its predecessor, Volume 2 boasted an excellent soundtrack, witty dialogue and storytelling, exciting cinematography, and plenty of twists and turns: overall, great filmmaking, as is generally Tarantino's style.
Garden State
TV to silver screen isn't always a successful jump for actors, writers, or directors, but Zach Braff just said "whatever" to that trend and went ahead and performed all three roles for his movie Garden State. Somehow he convinced the enchanting Natalie Portman to jump on board with him, and together they birthed one of the best films of the year. Braff's story of a young man overcoming his desensitization to the world because of a heavy dose of drugs prescribed by his father/psychologist struck home for many viewers living in our 'Prozac Nation.' The film is like a well baked cake: sweet, carefully constructed, and with plenty of layers to dig through. The killer soundtrack and supporting acting are icing, but it's Portman and Braff (in all his roles) who drive this film, and make it as good as it is, which is absolutely great.
The Incredibles
But it's for kids! But it's animated! I know, I know, but screw it, this was one of my most enjoyable theater experiences this year. Pixar knows how to make me laugh, both at something cute and at something downright funny. They also know how to dazzle. The digital environments in this movie are, well, incredible - dynamic, lifelike and cartoonish at the same time, and (even though this is a superhero movie) always with a touch of flair that reminds me of old James Bond movies. The storyline reaches both adults and kids, because dealing with family problems is something we all do every day of our lives. As usual, the 'I'm different' element that Disney loves to push is there, but at least it isn't so heavy-handed that you can't just enjoy the visuals and jokes. The voice acting is top notch, as it should be when you involve Samuel L Jackson and Jason Lee. In the end, this movie's all about fun; I don't know if it was fun to spend tedious hours creating such beautiful digital worlds and characters, but it sure is fun to watch the finished product.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Some actors, especially comedic ones, end up doing the same movies over and over again and never seem to break out of the rut. Ben Stiller is a shining example of this tendency to stick with the familiar and (eventually) unfunny and boring. Jim Carrey is not. He must have realized that at some point he would get too old for intensely face stretching antics and decided to take on a few more serious, I daresay challenging, roles. Not everyone likes Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the latest from eccentric screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation), but then again, not everyone liked Carrey to begin with. Nonetheless, he holds his own next to Kate Winslet, who, as precocious and fallable Clementine, sets the bar high. Nothing's simple in this movie - in fact it gets incredibly complicated - but that doesn't mean it's not touching and relevant for anyone who has ever been in a relationship. Kirsten Dunst is memorable and Elijah wood humorous in supporting roles, but it's especially Carrey's performance and Kaufman's writing that make the film remarkable.
-Melanie
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