Best movies of 2003
Submitted by darktremor on Wed, 01/14/2004 - 13:31
- I disagree with this list now, my taste has changed greatly since then, but I'll leave it anyway...
- Considered by many to be the worst movie year ever, but I disagree, especially with the advances in technology, making the action in movies more interesting than ever before. I will agree, plots were not as good, due to too much reliance on it, but it was still a good year, for action fans at least. Still, there were a lot of disappointments (ie the two new matrixes, The Hulk) and crap movies (ie Gigli, Spy Kids 3D), but many gems shone out of the mass of crap. (BTW I like movies like most people do ie action, comedy - I don't like most slow character movies that critics love, except a few fantastic ones like Forrest Gump or A Beautiful Mind) Here they are (the gems, not the crap). (Please name any I missed): (list goes best to worst - still, all are very good)
- Lord of the Rings (trilogy)
- Big Fish (I'm pretty sure it was released 2003)
- Kill Bill Volume 1
- The Last Samurai
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Finding Nemo
- Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines
- X2 - X-Men United
- Scary Movie 3 (if you've seen a lot of recent horror and fantasy movies, you'll love this, if you didn't, you'll hate it)
- Anger Management
- Bruce Almighty
- Daredevil
- Cold Mountain
- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
- The School of Rock
- The Italian Job
- Underworld
- Once Upon a Time in Mexico
- Avoid these like the PLAGUE:
- Dumb and Dumberer (I didn't laugh even ONCE)
- Spy Kids 3D
- Hulk
- Gigli
- Uptown Girls (a serious humourless comedy)
- See the Matrix sequels, but only for the action and special effects. Don't expect an incredible movie like the first. The plot is not as engrossing or interesting., and the acting gets worse.
I must disagree about the quality of films this year...2003 is, by far, the worst year for films in this decade so far.
I agree with quite a few films on your list (Kill Bill, Pirates, Return of the King, Master and Commander) but I must step in to defend Hulk. As far as fascinatingly experimental movies go, Hulk deserves a LOT more credit than it gets.
Oh, and good job giving the underrated Scary Movie 3 credit.
Nice list. I don't think 2003 was a complete washout, but it does pale in comparison to the other years of this youngish decade. I really didn't care for Daredevil, but we're pretty much in agreement on the other movies (of those I've seen, anyway). I also liked a couple you don't have listed: Seabiscuit and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, namely. Finally, LBangs is compiling a Listology Top 10, which might be good for some recommendations for you.
It's hard to say. I haven't seen either (haven't had time - I saw everything on my list though), but I'll add Once Upon a Time in Mexico, since I heard very good things, it sounds like a good movie, it's directed by a good director, and it has Johnny Depp in it, who is quickly turning into my favorite modern actor (as in specifically for acting talent - Jackie Chan wins in general just because of his hilarious and original fighting, even though he's not a great actor).
I would add Seabiscuit, but it doesn't interest me at all. Also, I've heard bad things from people I know who've seen (heard it called boring). Plus the premise doesn't sound very good. Not saying it's a bad movie, it's probably very good, but until I see it, I won't add it.
Seabiscuit was good but not great, and represents the annual unworthy Best Picture Oscar nomination. William H. Macy was wonderful in his very small supporting role, though, and the story can't be beat, even if you have no interest in horses whatsoever. It's the sort of story that has to be true because it's too unbelievable for fiction. But regardless of those kudos for the movie, you're better off reading the Seasbiscuit Hillenbrand book, which is excellent.
Italian job was poor IMHO, and also the fact that Norton only did it because he had a deal with Paramount with contract hardly shows his enthusiasm for it. Also, Mark Wahlberg is so much better in The Departed, it's a stain to both of these great actor's careers.
I agree. My taste has greatly changed since 2003.
hehe, glad to hear it! Any chance of you making a fav movies of all years list? Would love to see one from you (:
I have one actually! It's in my "Must See Movie List" at the bottom.