Steve Herrick's movie list

My list of my favorite films of 2004

I thought the following, in no particular order, were fantastic films that made me care about the characters (yes, even cartoon characters), and made me laugh or cry or left a really strong impression on me when all was said and done...

The Incredibles
Sideways
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Million Dollar Baby
Spider Man 2
Before Sunset

These were very good films that presented their political point of view in a way that was very effective and entertaining:

Fahrenheit 9/11
Maria Full Of Grace
Vera Drake
Super Size Me

 

2 films that weren't very believable yet won me over somehow.

50 First Dates 
    (The premise was a little like "Groundhog Day", and another film that escapes me now, but I let myself be roped into it, damn it)

The Manchurian Candidate
    (I won't try to describe this film, it's got so many twists and turns, and if you pull on the thread the whole thing unravels, but it was pretty darn good)

 

The telegraph award goes to this film:

Le Choriste (The Chorus)
    Actually, I liked this film a lot despite the fact that I knew exactly where it was going.  I guess I'm a sucker for sentimental teacher-student films, especially when there's a homoerotic subtext, and when the teacher is kinda woofy.  George Bush would have hated it because it was French and kinda gay.  So, I guess he and John can agree on one thing at least :)  

Films that seemed absolutely pointless and not nearly as clever as they thought they were being:

The Saddest Music in the World 
    (I love Isabella Rosalini so why did I hate this film?  Maybe because it was so pretentious, and the premise wore thin real fast... or maybe I was just tired)

Stepford Wives
    ( I would have walked out on this but I was with my friend in Nicaragua, and so my gringo ass stayed put out of fear for my own physical safety)

BONUS!!!

Steve Herrick’s music list

My favorite 10 cd's of 2004, although there are many artists I just haven't gotten around to listening to who could end up bumping some of these off the list if I gave them a chance.  

1.  Morrissey, "You Are The Quarry"
2.  Interpol, "Antics"
3.  The Killers, "Hot Fuss"
4.  Arcade Fire, "Funeral"
5.  U2, "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb"
6.  Keane, "Hopes and Fears"
7.  Scissor Sisters, "Scissor Sisters"
8.  Rufus Wainwright, "Want Two"
9.  Prince, "Musicology"
10.  Modest Mouse, "Good News For People Who Love Bad News"
 

Favorite compilation: 

Guided By Voices, "Human Amusements At Hourly Rates"  The Best of Guided by Voices