The Top 10 of 2003

This week, movie reviewers all over the country will be releasing their "Top 10" lists for the best movies of the year. Now, I feel obligated to give the same speech that I gave last year at this time:

The past few years, 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.

Without the same resources as the pros, I am forced to pick my Top 10 from the paltry few films I have seen this year. Therefore, please keep an open mind and realize that if my list seems a bit skewed to the action or science fiction genre it's be cause that's what I tend to see. I'm sure there are a number of films that would easily make this list if only I had a chance to see them.

So, Mr. Ebert, if you're reading this, I could use a full-time job as a film reviewer to give me an excuse to see more movies.

Before I get into the Top 10, I'd like to note a few Honorable Mentions:

• Kill Bill Vol 1. - For fans of Quentin Tarantino, this film marks a long-awaited return. So violent it makes his other films seem tame by comparison. Even though it ends abruptly, demanding the follow-up due next February, it is ultimately satisfying. A must for the Tarantino DVD collector.
• Love Actually - Although the film never completely gelled for me, I thought this was a cute, funny movie with a great cast. For adults, it's a nice "holiday" love story. Make no mistake, it's not a family picture. Worth seeing again on DVD.
• A Mighty Wind - An essential addition to the Christopher Guest DVD collection. Every bit as good as Best in Show, in my opinion. Moreover, the soundtrack is excellent in its parody of folk music, but worthy of being folk music too.

FilmGuru's Top 10

	10. Open Range How many times do I have to say it? Kevin Costner is a great filmmaker! The western is in serious need of revival, and Costner does a dang fine job of making a film that should help that goal. This is a wonderfully constructed film that is beautiful to watch. Robert Duvall is excellent. Costner is excellent. Even Annette Benning is great. If you haven't seen this movie, you should. Read the full review of Open Range.
	9. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl I was skeptical about a movie based on a Disney theme park ride. But the stellar cast of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Geoffrey Rush made a compelling argument that it could work. It did! This is a fun, swashbuckling movie with some real flair. Plenty of quotable lines may make it The Princess Bride of a new generation. Read the full review of Pirates of the Caribbean.
	8. The Matrix Reloaded / Revolutions Two movies that need to be viewed as one, the sequels to The Matrix were unsatisfying individually, but together make an interesting conclusion to the storyline. One is too heavy on unanswered questions, the other is too focused on a special-effects laden war. But for fans of the original, the two films were worth seeing more than once. Read the full reviews of Reloaded and Revolutions.
	7. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Although I'm not a big fan of Russell Crowe, I do admire his ability to make a role his own. While this film relied on some astounding effects and supporting performances to make it complete, Crowe commands (no pun intended) a certain presence that makes the lead character likeable despite his ego. Read the full review of Master and Commander.
	6. Elf While many "Saturday Night Live" alums never make it in the movies, Will Farrell has proven his comedic worth with this little gem that will undoubtedly be a holiday classic for years to come. Farrell plays the title character with such innocence and sincerity that no one can remain cynical about Christmas spirit. Read the full review of Elf.
	5. X2 Fans of the mutant superhero film X-Men were so overwhelmed by the original that it seemed director Bryan Singer had no way to improve on it. But where X-Men only began, X2 takes over with a bigger cast, more heroes, more villains, and a knock-out story. Comic book geeks everywhere rejoiced to see their favorite band of mutants take on a new foe, and the success of the second film guarantees a future for this franchise. Read the full review of X2.
	4. Cold Mountain Although this romantic story is a little too "chick flick" for me, it is an excellent cast who performs amazingly well. There is not a bad bit of acting in the film. Leads, Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renée Zellweger are incredible. Violent scenes of the Civil War are countered by the personal narrative of hope and loss. Read the full review of Cold Mountain.
	3. The Last Samurai Tom Cruise furthers his credentials as a serious actor in this wonderfully powerful story of war and honor set in Japan in the late 1800s. While Cruise is a surprise, the best performance in the film is Ken Watanabe as the samurai leader Katsumoto. The film is beautiful in its scope, and in the amazing story it tells. Read the full review of The Last Samurai.
	2. Finding Nemo The good folks at Pixar once again prove that computer animation is the future of the biz. Finding Nemo is not only a beautifully rendered visual treat, but it also assembles great vocal talent including Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres. Every bit as good as Toy Story 2. Read the full review of Finding Nemo.
	1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Following the hugely successful second installment, The Two Towers, it seemed as if Return of the King could never be better. Director Peter Jackson and company prove there's never too much of a good thing. It just gets better and better, creating the first perfect film trilogy. Read the full review of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.