The Top 10 of 2002

This week, movie reviewers all over the country will be releasing their "Top 10" lists for the best movies of the year. The past few years, however, Hollywood has started releasing their "Oscar-worthy" films at the very end of the year (presumably so they will be fresh in the voters minds when the ballots come around). The deadline states that a film must be in release in New York and Los Angeles before the end of the year to be considered for that year's Academy Awards. Unfortunately, this means that many films with some of the biggest end-of-the-year buzz have yet to be released in the Heartland.

As of this writing, Chicago has been released to a paltry 77 theaters nationwide. The Jack Nicholson film About Schmidt is at less than 30 theaters. The Hours is in 11 theaters. The Holocaust drama The Pianist is on only six screens.

Robert W. Butler of The Kansas City Star listed five films among his Top 10 that won't reach Kansas City until January. To me, this hardly seems fair. How can anyone agree or disagree with his picks if the films aren't in release yet? Are earlier films (like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Road to Perdition) being forgotten because reviewers are overwhelmed by the recent flock of good movies?

As I have often warned, I'm still doing movie reviews from an "amateur standing" (and, as a result, I still qualify for the Olympics, should movie reviewing ever become an Olympic event). Without the same resources as the pros, I am forced to pick my Top 10 from the measly 35 films I have seen in 2002. You won't find The Hours, About Schmidt, Adaptation, Chicago, Talk to Her, or 25th Hour (or a host of other potentially good films) because I haven't had the chance to see them yet. Nevertheless, I think my list includes some noteworthy films that are bound to be overlooked by other reviewers.

FilmGuru's Top 10

	10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets In the number 10 position is the sequel to last year's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Even though much of the "magic" was introduced in the first movie, Chamber of Secrets offers a few surprises. As a children's movie it may be a bit too scary, but the film is quite wonderful. Filled with magic, humor, and excitement, this one is sure to please. Read the full review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
	9. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, The IMAX Experience While Episode II was better than the last one, the IMAX version of the film was even better. Seeing any Star Wars on an IMAX screen would be a treat, but the arena scene in Episode II was made for a giant screen. And besides, there's nothing like seeing Yoda kick butt when he's eight stories tall. Read the full review of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, The IMAX Experience.
	8. Gangs of New York A last-minute addition, this one is a contender for some Oscars. Scorsese has an eye for violence and style that makes him the perfect director for this film. Daniel Day-Lewis is outstanding. Even Leonardo DiCaprio turns in a good performance. The only thing holding this film back is a flawed script. Epic and engaging. Worth seeing in the theater! Read the full review of Gangs of New York.
	7. Signs While I agree with science fiction fans that this story is seriously flawed, the story isn't about aliens as much as it is about humans. Mel Gibson gives a powerful performance that is gripping. M. Night Shyamalan directs this frightening tale with an eye for isolation and fear. After The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, Signs marks him as an established director. Read the full review of Signs.
	6. Road to Perdition This film is doubly-blessed with top notch performances by Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. There is a lot of violence here too. Hanks proves he is an actor by taking a heavy role, one that doesn't show him as a nice guy. Dark and powerful, this is an excellent film. Read the full review of Road to Perdition.
	5. Catch Me If You Can Another holiday release, this film is wry and interesting. Directed by Steven Spielberg and co-starring Tom Hanks, the film seems like money in the bank. But it is a solid lead peformance by Leonardo DiCaprio that puts this film over the top. His convincing portrayal makes for a sympathetic character and a believable movie. Read the full review of Catch Me If You Can.
	4. Minority Report In a country where any film more than 15 minutes old is forgotten, this summer movie may be known as the "other" film Spielberg directed this year. Starring Tom Cruise, this movie is a thrill ride with enough meat in the story to be satisfying. Some people may balk at the science fiction storyline, but it's worthy of note. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick. Read the full review of Minority Report.
	3. Spider-Man Not since Tim Burton did Batman has a comic-book character been brought to life with such style and perfection. One of the big summer blockbusters, this film has action, suspense, romance, comedy and everyone's favorite web-slinger. Sam Raimi's direction is fantastic and Tobey Maguire is Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
	2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding The surprise hit of the year, this small-budget independent film just won't stop making money. A touching, funny story, it is rich with memorable characters. The acting is terrific, due in no small part to Nia Vardalos. This great movie does so many things well, it should not be forgotten come Oscar time. Read the full review of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
	1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers This is the best movie of the year, and possibly the best movie I have seen in the past several years. While almost three hours long, it never bogs down. The film tells the second chapter in the series flawlessly. Even without a conventional beginning or end, it manages to tell a complete story. The final 45 minutes is the most amazing battle sequence since Saving Private Ryan. I've seen it twice already! Read the full review of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.