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According to Mantz, “This year was especially hard because I had to leave a number of terrific films off my list that would have made the grade in any other year (especially this decade).” He added: “But ultimately, I chose films that resonated with me long after I left the theatre—whether it was a gritty Western like ‘3:10 to Yuma’ or a politically themed satire like ‘Charlie Wilson’s War,’ or the adrenaline-filled espionage thriller ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ each of these movies was a showstopper and deserve their spot on this year’s very competitive list.”
The top ten MovieMantz List is as follows:
1) “3:10 to Yuma” – Now that’s what I call a movie – one that may even top “Unforgiven,” since it’s a Western for people who don’t like Westerns. Great performances, a terrific screenplay and gritty direction all came together for a spectacular remake that expanded on the 1957 original in every way. And don’t hold the remake factor against it, since that sure didn’t stop “The Departed” from going the distance at the Oscars last year!
2) “Juno” – It would be easy to refer to “Juno” as this year’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” but it’s actually much more than that. What started off as another example in indie chic quickly turned into a funny, heartfelt and very smart dramedy about the trials and tribulations of teenage pregnancy. Diablo Cody’s catchy screenplay was one for the books, and Ellen Page stole the show with an outstanding star-making performance.
3) “The Bourne Ultimatum” – Movie franchises have a tendency to taper off by the third film, but “Ultimatum” turned out to be the best “Bourne” yet – and then some, since it raised the bar for how great action movies can really be. Matt Damon’s indestructible super-spy was at the top of his game, as was director Paul Greengrass, whose adrenaline-fueled camerawork kept moviegoers hanging on to the edge of their seats from start to finish.
4) “Charlie Wilson’s War” – Oscar-winners Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman together in a film written by Emmy-winner Aaron Sorkin and directed by Oscar-winner Mike Nichols? What could possibly go wrong? Not much, it seems, judging by the results of this highly-entertaining, super-smart political satire that doesn’t beat you over the head with its message. (Politically themed drama)
5) “Ratatouille” – A computer-animated comedy about a rat in the kitchen? Um…really? Talk about a tough sell, but those clever folks at Disney/Pixar pulled it off, as usual. Director Brad Bird miraculously followed up “The Incredibles” with what may just be the best Pixar flick yet, thanks to a touching, funny and original story that had all the ingredients of delectable family recipe.
6) “Enchanted” – By sending up other classic fairy tales in its stable, “Enchanted” wound up being another classic Disney fairy tale in its own right. This clever blend of traditional animation and live action was absurdly funny, but the real magic lies with Amy Adams, whose delightful, irresistible, star-making performance made her a princess for the ages.
7) “Once” – A movie this good should be seen twice – in the same week. Despite its shoestring budget, “Once” was a deeply engaging, heartfelt love story that featured beautiful music and terrific chemistry between its unknown leads. It doesn’t go where you want it to go, but that’s the beauty of it – it goes where it needs to, which is why it stays with you long after you leave the theater.
8) “Away from Her” – Sarah Polley’s directorial debut is nothing short of a revelation, since she guides the story along with the confidence and skill of a seasoned veteran. Julie Christie gives the performance of a lifetime as a woman who slides deeper into the throes of Alzheimer’s, while Gordon Pinsent is quietly heartbreaking as the devoted husband who has to let her go. But what starts off as her movie gradually turns into his, and the results are, well, unforgettable.
9) “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” – Fifty years after making his directorial debut (with “12 Angry Men”), Sidney Lumet proves that he’s still at the top of his game with this mesmerizing Greek tragedy. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing desperate characters dig their own grave (especially when they deserve it), but thanks to top-notch performances and a challenging non-linear story, “Before the Devil” turned out to be a helluva great movie.
10) “In the Shadow of the Moon” – It’s truly amazing what you can accomplish on a soundstage in North Hollywood! All kidding aside, this fascinating documentary about the space race does the unthinkable – it brings a human element to the technological achievement of walking on the moon.
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