Sam's Best of the 2000s

1. You Can Count On Me (2000)

This is a wonderful character-driven story of two siblings in their 30s who are emotionally scarred from the accidental death of their parents during their childhood. This movie was my first introduction to Mark Ruffalo. He is an excellent actor, who gives thoughtful and compelling performances, even when in the dopiest romantic comedy or the silliest thriller. But this is still his best role, full of pain and humor and heart. I think Laura Linney has the same mannerisms and line-deliveries in all of her roles, but she is very good in this film as she tries to put up a front of complete control while her life is in chaos. The Culkin factory spit out another little boy for this movie, Rory, and he is strong as Linney’s son.

2. Memento (2000)

I am a huge fan of films that play with narrative structure, and I remember the excitement of watching this film for the first time. Christopher Nolan did a great job of making the audience an active participant in deciphering the story, interweaving the forward moving phone conversation with the reverse-progressing narrative. Guy Pearce and Joe Pantoliono are clearly having fun with their roles.

3. Donnie Darko (2001)

An exceptional first feature from writer/director Richard Kelly. There is a disturbing atmosphere that pervades the world of the film. The movie remains mysterious while providing humor, drama, and science fiction. Jake Gyllenhaal carries the story as the hyper-cerebral Donnie, and his performance ranges from timid to an insanity reminiscent of Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”.

4. Punch Drunk Love (2002)

Romantic comedies are so often stale and predictable, yet this film by Paul Thomas Anderson is anything but. A primary reason is that Anderson clearly cares so much about his characters, creating his conflict and attraction from their psychology and not from superficial situational episodes. Also, there is so much for the senses to take in. The visual structure is highly controlled. Sound is made crucial to propel the story forward as well as inform the audience about the state of the characters. Adam Sandler is surprising in his restraint, Emily Watson is great as an assertive yet vulnerable romantic interest, but Philip Seymour Hoffman steals the show.

5. 25th Hour (2002)

Spike Lee is probably still best know for “Do the Right Thing”, and thought of by many as a heavy-handed filmmaker regarding race. But when race is not the central focus of the story, I think Lee is actually freed up to be more playful and entertaining. This film has the premise of a man who is going through his few remaining free hours before going to prison. Lee makes this situation relatable, and the dread is tangible. Ed Norton is a favorite actor, and this is a great role for him. Philip Seymour Hoffman again gives a great performance, and his mostly dialogue-free scene where he tries to seduce his teenage student to Cyamande’s song “Bra” is the best in the film.

6. 28 Days Later (2003)

After “The Beach”, there was every reason to be nervous to see writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle reunite. But “28 Days Later” grabs you early on and keeps you on edge. Cillian Murphy is a charismatic and believable protagonist. The visuals of a completely empty London are beautiful and disturbing. And making the zombies fast moving was a great decision. The movie completely shifts gears with the soldiers who were promised women, but I enjoyed the complication for the team of survivors.

7. Collateral (2004)

A textbook high-concept movie, with a hit man commandeering a taxi and its driver so he can carry out a string of murders. This is one of my favorite recent popcorn movies, and also one of my favorite screen depictions of Los Angeles. The city looks both menacing and beautiful. There are fresh performances from both Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. Mark Ruffalo has a nice small role against type as a smooth and confident detective.

8. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

I don’t think all the self-conscious storytelling works, but I admire and enjoy the playfulness of this film nevertheless. Robert Downey Jr. is one of the greatest living actors, and he has so much fun with this role. Shane Black’s script is smart and funny, as well as joyfully overloaded with plot as homage to Raymond Chandler. This movie is intelligent, sexy, humorous, suspenseful, and exciting.

9. United 93 (2006)

I was really worried about this film. I had trouble imagining how a mainstream film addressing 9/11 would not be painfully sentimental or simplistic in structuring its narrative. What floored me most about this film is the quality of the ensemble cast, that all the characters are well rounded and realistic. There are no simple good or bad guys, and there are many examples of heroism as well as tragic errors in judgment. Paul Greengrass makes the entire film not only compelling but suspenseful, which is especially impressive because of how the audience already knows so much of the story before the picture begins.

10. Beerfest (2006)

This movie is hilarious. It gets funnier every time you see it. Best seen with a group of friends, and it doesn’t hurt to have a beer or two as well.