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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

    A movie-lover’s dream year

    We haven’t seen every movie this year, but collectively we’ve seen a few, er, at least 10. The following movies we considered our top 10 movies of the year after rigorous trials and extensive research. Well, that’s a lie. We simply tried to base our decision on whether or not the movies were innovative, well-directed, thought-provoking but most of all whether or not they were entertaining.

    1. “”300″”

    This movie is a given. Packed with more Spartan action than you could shake your sword at, “”300″” is a solid film any way you look at it. Director Zack Snyder (“”Dawn of the Dead””) triumphed in revolutionizing computer graphics, creating hordes of outlandish creatures and visualizing epic battles in a truly unique way. The storyline, created by graphic novelist Frank Miller, is an imaginative twist on the historical battle of Thermopylae that is both imaginative and loosely accurate. On top of the eye candy and exciting plot, “”300″” provided something much more important: Internet spoofs for months to come.

    2. “”Superbad””

    “”Superbad”” is essentially a coming-of-age story, one that addresses the apprehension of two best friends as they part for college. But it’s also somewhat of a nerd’s wet dream, complete with both “”Star Wars”” and “”Star Trek”” references, three nerdy heroes and more homoeroticism than “”Lord of the Rings.”” It’s “”Revenge of the Nerds”” meets “”American Pie,”” with a little bit of “”Super Troopers”” thrown into the mix. Add the quotability of “”Napoleon Dynamite,”” and the result is one of the funniest movies we’ve ever seen.

    3. “”Across the Universe””

    Julie Taymor’s “”Across the Universe”” is a musical that follows a group of youngsters as they roar their way through the wild and unpredictable time period of the ’60s. With the majority of the dialogue being artistic deviations of Beatles songs, it was hard not to like the film. While some of the renditions may have seemed a bit outlandish, they were undeniably interesting and original. Overall, “”Across the Universe,”” was a fun yet diverse look at the ’60s told in the words of those who knew the time best.

    4. “”3:10 to Yuma””

    “”3:10 to Yuma”” is first-rate, in every area in which a movie should be, through acting, writing, cinematography and entertainment value. It is rare to see a film that entertains you as much as it engages you, and when such a movie does come along, it deserves some recognition.

    5. “”Into the Wild””

    Based on the book by Jon Krakauer and directed by Sean Penn, “”Into the Wild”” follows the true story of Chris McCandless, a young man who left his life of luxury in exchange for the open road and ultimately his great Alaskan adventure. What makes this film great is quite simply the story. It is not often that we hear of men who seem to be running away from the “”American Dream”” of comfort and financial stability. Among the ranks of Jack Kerouac and Woody Guthrie, Chris McCandless left his stable life for one of adventure and self-discovery. Penn does a great job of cutting to the core of the story and integrating diverse cinematography as well as a great cast of actors to produce an excellent film.

    6. “”Rendition””

    “”Rendition”” is a rare find. It calls to attention a previously unacknowledged truth about the war on terror, but simultaneously keeps you watching because you care about the characters, not the politics. It is both relevant and rousing, and overall the film is fantastic.

    7. “”The Bourne Ultimatum””

    Matt Damon, recently deemed the “”sexiest man alive,”” is at it again in the groundbreaking spy thriller, “”The Bourne Ultimatum.”” The final film in the Bourne trilogy, “”Ultimatum”” does an excellent job wrapping up loose ends and finishing the trilogy in the strong and solid way it was started. The unrelenting action and quick pace of the film keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the film. Unlike “”The Matrix”” trilogy, the “”Bourne’s”” finale is a triumphant success.

    8. “”Zodiac””

    One of David Fincher’s (“”Se7en,”” “”Fight Club””) more subtle films, but nonetheless amazing. Technically flawless, spanning almost twenty years, “”Zodiac”” is a chilling story of a series of unsolved murders in Northern California. Rich with outstanding acting, intricate dialogue and a double shot of realism, the film is a perfectly crafted portrait of a horrific tragedy.

    9. “”Paris Je T’aime””

    No place says love like Paris. “”Paris Je T’aime”” is a collection of creative shorts, all filmed in the city of love itself. “”Je T’aime”” gives a comprehensive look at all the many ordinary and unusual ways, we as humans come together. Bound to have something that will touch everyone’s heart, “”Je T’aime”” is a refreshing and exceptional film.

    10. “”Knocked Up””

    As raunchy as it is loveable, “”Knocked Up”” is a surprisingly insightful look at the mishaps and delights of being in a relationship. An expertly crafted tale from Judd Apatow, an emerging force in the comedy genre, “”Knocked Up”” is a sarcastic, sweet treat for men and women alike.

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