Growing up, I was the happiest kid. I say that because I was a 1990's kid. Everyone gloats on the 90's as if they were "Heavenly" and I tend to agree. I loved the 90's and it was my favorite decade so far(which could be due to nostalgia purposes.) I see people talk about the "Big Hair 80's", "Sexual Revolution of the 60's/70's" and good old "values" of the 1950's. Since we're currently living in the 2010's, there is no reason to mention the 2010's just yet.
But what about the 2000's? I never hear ANYONE "miss" or even mention this decade. I think this could be the most underrated decade in history. We're four and a half years in the new decade and people seem to forget the 00's existed. It EMERGED the internet in ways we could never think of and some of the most unique music, video games, and movies came with it. I know one thing for sure, I liked the 00's a heck of a lot better than the 10's so far(Which could be another nostalgia flashback.)
To celebrate my tenth career "myTake" here on GAG, instead of doing the best "90's/80's movies list"(Which I probably will eventually), I'm going to do the top ten movies of the 2000's, because that decade needs a little love.
Before I write this list, the movie genres I generally don't like are Romance(Romantic Comedies don't count here), "Chick-Flicks"(Stereotypical but you get the jist), and Action movies(My absolute worst). This doesn't mean there aren't EXCEPTIONS. Keep in mind, I've lived in the United States of America my ENTIRE life, so I may not know many movies from other countries(although I have one foreign film on this list, which may seem surprising.)
So, here is my top ten favorite movies from this overlooked decade.
Honorable Mention: Elf (December, 2003, starring Will Ferrell. This is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time.
10. Jeepers Creepers 2 (Debuted August, 2003)
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Starring: Ray Wise, Jonathon Breck
There isn't too many times I will rank a sequel better than the first, since I tend to have a major problem with sequels in the first place. I'm also not the type where I rank a movie high with actors who are "cheap" and virtually unknown, which is every actor/actress in this movie pretty much. However, this movie was a masterpiece, despite the fact it wasn't the most popular movie of the decade.
The movie is set 23 years later than the first movie, because as we learned in the first Jeepers Creepers, "IT gets to eat once every 23 Springs for 23 days", so really, you don't even need to watch the first film, despite the fact it does tie in with the older storyline. The film follows a high school male basktball team and the cheerleaders, going to a crucial tournament game via schoolbus. Out in the middle of the rural area, nobody is around either. One day, the infamous, nameless winged creature throws a weapon from a distance and it blows out the bus tire. Stranded, they can't find a way to repair the tire......and the winged creature has a little fun with the high schoolers. I'll leave it at that.
My favorite aspect of the movie is the build-up of suspense, which is something the first Jeepers Creepers film didn't do as well. You sit there, just waiting for the creature's nex attack. I also thought the acting was authentic, despite the fact the cast isn't the most well-known. I also thought the ending had an exciting climax. If you're a fan of suspense, horror or thriller-style movies, this movie is sure to please.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: Speaking of the devil, Jeepers Creepers 3 was an ongoing sequel slated to be released in 2015, but due to financial constraints, it is delayed at the moment(and may never be finished.)
9. Saw 2 (Debuted October, 2005)
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Franky G, Glenn Plummer, Beverly Mitchell, Dina Meyer, Emmanuell Vaugier, Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell.
Yes, I know, another sequel. But the Saw series is my favorite movie series of all time and this is clearly my favorite Saw sequel. The Saw series also doesn't have the most well-known cast as well.
While it didn't match with the first movie of the series, Saw 2 surprised many people and I think it kick-started the series to turn out to be an epic series indeed. It's hard to give a synopsis of this movie without spoiling it, since the first movie IS crucial for watching this one(and every other movie in the series), but basically, it's about a group of people kidnapped by the infamous mind-gamer known as Jigsaw and they "play his game"(as they did in every other movie in this series.) I'll leave it at that.
This movie is gory, bloody, suspensful and has another clever surprise ending(which is prevalent in the series.) It also has some of the most bizarre ways to die(again, prevalent in the series.) If you happened to see other Saw movies and somehow failed to see this one, I would recommend watching it. It's ALL Saw and more, and I think it was one of the most clever games of the whole series. If you've never seen a Saw movie in the first place, if you like suspense, horror, and thriller movies, as well as plot-twists, you'll love the series.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: There ended up being seven Saw movies, where the final one concluded the story in 2010. It was an epic series.
8. Cloverfield(Debuted: January, 2008)
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Science-Fiction
Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman
This is by far the most underrated movie on my list. It received terrible critical reception, most people I've talked to didn't like it, the cast is virtually unknown, despite it's large size, and there is a big issue some people have with the "found footage" filming style. Sure, this wasn't the first "found-footage" film, nor was it my first one, but I do think it is the best "found footage" film of all time and it emerged the "found-footage" trend which really took off in the 2010's.
The movie is a found tape which the United States government found and it takes place in the point of view of a man named Rob, who films his entire experience one night in Manhatten, New York. At one point, we see a ruckus going on in town.....and we found it it's because of a giant, unidentified monster coming from the water, looking to destroy New York City in its entirety. The film shows the point of view of Rob and his friends fleeing from the monster.
Ok, fine, maybe this is a slight rip off of other monster movies, but this one was by far the most creative I've seen. Since it's from Rob's point of view, it's more freaky for us because we imagine ourselves in his situation. It made it so much more thrilling and there are so many plot twists and suspenseful moments as well. It's also interesting to see the special effects used and it almost seems like there was a real life attack on Mahatten. Unfortunately, the origin of the monster is never explained but there is speculation of where it came from after watching a small scene after the credits(which sorta blew my mind.....but I won't spoil it ;) If you're a fan of thrillers, horror movies, suspense, "found-footage" style, or monster movies, you'll certainly love this film(at least I hope so.)
Other movies/Prequels/Sequels: There have still been no prequels or sequels to this film(not even a beginning of one.) The most similar movie I can think of to this movie is the Godzilla series.
7. Dead End(Debuted: December, 2003)
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Comedy-Horror
Starring: Alexandra Holden, Ray Wise, Lin Shaye, Mick Cain, Billy Asher, Amber Smith
First of all, this movie has nothing to do with the 1937 movie with the same title, they are so different, it's not even funny(all I had to do is read the Wikipedia description of the 1937 film.) This is the only non-American film on my list and it is bizarre in more ways I thought was possible. But I absolutely loved it.
For some reason, virtually every actor in the movie is American, despite the fact the movie is French and filmed in France(which is odd in itself, but that's just the icing on the cake with how odd it is.) Some of the actors/actressses are well-known as well, which is even more odd. The first time I saw this movie was back in 2010 when I was bored in the middle of the night and flipped this on Netflix, not having high expectations. Boy oh boy....was I wrong.
The movie is about a family and the daughter's boyfriend going to a Christmas family reunion but they suffer a flat tire in the middle of a deserted road. I can't tell you any more from here.
First of all, the movie actually shifts from comedy to horror. A comedy-horror is consisntely a comedy horror through the whole movie(in a way, this movie does but it doesn't at the same time.) But this movie will have periods of freaky, horror scenes(which I thought were scary) but then there are times I cracked up laughing because of how funny it was. There is so much confusion at the time, it's not even funny, but everything is eventually explained. The movie is a "Jack-of-all-trades" film but I still love it. If you like comedy-horror(or both seperately), odd, zany films, you'll want to take a peak at this.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: I doubt there will ever be a sequel or prequel to this movie, because I don't see how that is possible. But think of Rob Zombie movies, except even stranger.
6. Cast Away(Debuted: December, 2000)
Genre: Adventure, Drama,
Starring: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt
This is the first movie on my list which has no horror-aspect at all in the movie. This movie was at the very beginning of the decade, which people still like to call a "90's movie" for whatever reason. This is everyone's favorite "What would you do?" situation movie.
The movie follows a man named Chuck and his wife Kelly. Chuck is a systems engineer for FedEx and always has a busy schedule, and often time is forced to fly in planes. On one of his plane trips, he crashes and lands in he ocean, as well as washes up on shore on a remote island. Needless to say, he's stranded and left to survive until he can get help....if he can ever get help.
The movie is everything I would like to see in a scenario such as this. Tom Hanks is arguably the best actor of all time and he does another stellar role as a man who gradually loses his mind in isolation. There are even points where you pity the man. Overall, if you like Tom Hanks, or adventure-drama movies, I would recommend watching this one.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: There are no prequels/sequels yet, but it could be a possibility. One movie this reminded me of(which is also a book) is Lord of the Flies(although this is a stretch.)
5. Finding Nemo(Debuted: May, 2003)
Genre: Animated, Comedy, Family
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
This is the only animated movie on my list, but come on, it's a Pixar film! Not to mention it has a solid cast as well! As a matter of fact, it's one of the best Pixar films of all time in my opinion.
The plot follows a single-father Clownfish named Marvin and his son Nemo, as they explore the sea every day. One day, on a school field trip, Nemo breaks the rules and finds himself being "kidnapped" via fishing net and taken in the outside world. Now, Marvin must find a way to get to Nemo before his son is killed. What will happen? Will he find Nemo? You need to watch the find out.
People can call this a "kid's movie" all they want, this is a work of art(literally.) It's funny, nostalgic, and reminds you of your childhood with an overprotective adult. It's also a somewhat adventure movie and is sure to please. Trust me, it's a Pixar movie: If you haven't seen it, you'll fall in love with it when you do.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: As many people know, the seque to this movie known as Finding Dory is slated to be released sometime in 2016. I'm so excited!
4. Anger Management(April, 2003)
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Adam Sandler, Jack Nicholson
This is the best Adam Sandler movie of the decade, hands down, although I will say Jack Nicholson takes the "cake" in this movie. This movie is fantastic from beginning to end.
The plot is a man named Dave gets slightly irritated with an airline attendant one day and due to everyone's overreaction, he barely lays his hand on her. After going to court for the "assault" charge, he is sentenced to 30 days in an anger management session with therapist named Buddy. However, Dave is a calm man and is mis-placed, yet, his so-called therapist is a nut-case. Dave dreads every day in his session, which just leads to more comedy. If you like Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson, you'll no doubt love this movie. It's slap-stick comedy at its best.(It also has a surprise ending.)
Other movies/prequels/sequels: There are currently no prequels/sequels(Adam Sandler has only been in ONE sequel in his entire acting career, and that was the atrocious Grown Ups 2.)
3. Mean Girls(Debuted: May, 2004)
Genre: Comedy, Teen, debatably "Chick-Flick"(although I think it's a parody of such)
Starring: Lindsay Lohan(pre-cocaine), Rachael McAdams,
Yes, I'm a guy and I'm obsessed with this movie. I've seen it well over 30 times now. This is still a unique movie to me, in the sense it's the splendid blend of parody and an actual teen movie. While many people coin this a "Chick-Flick", I think that is the aspect of this movie which is the parody part.
The movie is about a "white" girl from South Africa who is an exchange student in the United States of America. Her name is Cady and she is just now starting a public high school, as a freshman, for the first time in her life, since she was previously home-schooled. Needless to say, this is such a culture shock, she is an outcast. To make matters even worse, the entire school is ran by three very "mean" girls and they take advantage of her immediately. The movie goes on about her life, trying to adjust to a public high school.
This movie is comedy gold! It's the perfect blend of dry and slapstick humor! It's still the movie quotable movie of all time and is the perfect "slap in the face" to "Chick-flicks." The plot does have its twists and turns, but it all comes down to the way a movie should end. For some odd reason, even being a guy, I could watch this movie over and over again and never get sick of it.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: The sequel Mean Girls 2 came out as a "Made-for-TV" movie in 2011, but it's an entire different cast with different characters, so I don't think it would be worth watching(I've never seen it.) I also heard from people it is terrible.
2. Saw(Debuted: October, 2004)
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Starring: Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter, Michael Emerson, Ken Leung, Leigh Whannell, and Tobin Bell.
The first saw movie is a movie no other horror/thriller movie can compare to in the past 15 years(although the first Insidious and the first Sinister come close.) This is the movie that spurred up arguably the horror movie series of all time. The first movie was a bit of a risk, because nobody knew what the movie would be about, since the previews were so vague.
The plot to the first movie of this epic series begins with Dr. Lawrence Gordon and a man named Adam waking up in a dark room, chained to a wall, with a saw next to them. They find a recorder and are told on a tape they are "playing a game", which they later find out the guy distributing the game is a psychotic nut who goes by Jigsaw. They must kill one another to survive. The survivor wins. Of course, panic induces and they are clueless to what is going on.
This movie was a shocker, due to the twists and such. The reasons I loved it are very similar to the reasons why I loved Saw 2(and the rest of the movies in this series for that matter.) However, this movie still has one of the greatest surprise endings of all time. I'll stop there.
Other movies/prequels/sequels: As I stated earlier on this list, there were seven total movies, with the final one concluding the plot in 2010.
AND NUMBER ONE IS...
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(Debuted: December, 2008)
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Starring: Brad Pitt
This is it! The absolute best movie I ever saw which debuted spanning from 2000-2009. I'll never see another like it. Most people don't know this is based off a short story wrote by F. Scott Fitzgerald(I never read it though.)
The movie is a long one, it's three hours long. While I am no fan of romance(as I stated), Brad Pitt does a fantastic job in this. The story follows a man known as Benjamin Button, who has a strange complex. As he gets mentally and chronologically older, his physical body gets younger. When he is born, he has wrinkles and catarects, such as an old man. His body progressively gets younger as he gets older, despite the fact he thinks like his actual age. When he is ten years old, he meets a girl and their romance takes off from there......
The movie may have you in tears at parts. The special effects will have you mindblown and Brad is an outstanding actor here. There is nothing about this movie that is flawed, literally every bit of it is worth watching. It's a unqiue story in the sense they were able to blend fantasy and romance, yet, it wasn't too sappy. I still want to read the short story to see if it matches up with this fantastic film.
So, what did you think about my life? Comment below and tell me what you think.
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