Al's Top Rated Films: 2004
My favorites from 2004. I'll keep this list updated as I see more movies.
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- DirectorTaylor HackfordStarsJamie FoxxRegina KingKerry WashingtonThe story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.Outstanding music biography from Taylor Hackford on the life of legendary R&B, soul, blues, gospel, country, jazz, and rock and roll singer and musician, Ray Charles (1930–2004). The story starts in the early 1930s with Ray growing up in a poverty-stricken Florida community with his single-mother, struggling to cope with the tragic death of his younger brother, going blind at the age of 7, to becoming as independent as a blind black man can be in a turbulent time for civil rights. After a rocky start and being taken advantage of in his first music gig, he finally lands a deal with Atlantic Records in 1952, which leads to massive early success, and also finds Ray falling into a serious drug addiction which spills into a troubled marriage and personal life. After gaining massive popularity, he moves on to bigger a better things at ABC Records in 1959, where his genre crossover mastery garnered him worldwide fame and respect, and earns him the nickname "The Genius". The story was outstanding, the production design and music/sound was done perfectly, and the casting was spot on. I became a much bigger Ray Charles fan after seeing this film. Jamie Foxx blew me away with his incredible lead performance. He transformed into Ray Charles in every way I could have imagined. Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Larenz Tate, Curtis Armstrong, Denise Dowse, Terrence Howard, Wendell Pierce, David Krumholtz, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Warwick Davis, Kurt Fuller, and others also had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsUma ThurmanDavid CarradineMichael MadsenThe Bride continues her quest of vengeance against her former boss and lover Bill, the reclusive bouncer Budd, and the treacherous, one-eyed Elle.Extraordinary sequel to Quentin Tarantino's action-packed crime thriller classic. I absolutely loved the first film, and I'd have to say the story, characters, and plot is even more developed, and makes this film even better than its predecessor. The story kicks off as a prequel and shows how the wedding chapel massacre from the first film took place, and answers questions about Bill and The Bride's complex relationship. The story then jumps forward and follows The Bride's relentless pursuit of revenge as she tracks down surviving Deadly Viper Assassination Squad members Budd (Bill's younger brother) and the one-eyed Elle Driver, before going after Bill once and for all. Complex acting from all the major players really sets this apart from the first film. Uma Thurman delivers a more layered and dramatic lead performance throughout the film. It's arguably her best performance of all time. It's also the best performance I've ever seen from David Carradine. Michael Madsen and Daryl Hannah also deliver a couple of the best starring roles of their careers. All in all, I couldn't imagine a better sequel, especially when sequels are rarely better or equal to their predecessors. Chia-Hui Liu, Michael Bowen, Jun Kunimura, Michael Parks, James Parks, Bo Svenson, Samuel L. Jackson, Larry Bishop, Helen Kim, Perla Haney-Jardine, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAdam McKayStarsWill FerrellChristina ApplegateSteve CarellIn the 1970s, an anchorman's stint as San Diego's top-rated newsreader is challenged when an ambitious newswoman becomes his co-anchor.Hilarious comedy from Adam McKay and Will Ferrell about San Diego's top-rated news anchor—Ron Burgundy. The story is set in the 1970s when men dominated broadcasting. When they hire on the station's first female anchor—Veronica Corningstone—it more than ruffles a few feathers with all the men at the station. When Ron and Veronica fall in love with each other, added conflict and competition arises when they have to compete for the lead anchor position. I love the 1970s themes and stereotypes throughout the film. Superbly written and acted. It's also easily my favorite leading performances from both Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate. Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Fred Willard, Chris Parnell, Kathryn Hahn, Danny Trejo, Jack Black, Luke Wilson, and Ben Stiller all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioCate BlanchettKate BeckinsaleA biopic depicting the early years of legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes' career from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s.Excellent biopic from Martin Scorsese on billionaire Howard Hughes' early years as a legendary film director and aviator from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s. Much of the film is dedicated to his obsession with building experimental and ground-breaking aircraft built for speed, starting a major airline to compete with Pan Am, perfecting and completing his epic colossal-budgeted film "Hell's Angels (1930)", his relationship with Katharine Hepburn, and his struggles with germophobia and other psychological challenges. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his all-time best performances as Howard Hughes. He was excellent throughout. Cate Blanchett was also superb as Katharine Hepburn—nailing her wit and mannerisms beautifully. John C. Reilly, Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Jude Law, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTerry GeorgeStarsDon CheadleSophie OkonedoJoaquin PhoenixPaul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda, Africa.Incredible biopic from Terry George that follows a dedicated hotel manager named Paul Rusesabagina. The story is set in Rwandan (East Africa) in 1994, which falls during the horrific civil war between the Hutu and Tutsi peoples, coupled with a country and government that is equally corrupt. Paul is Hutu and his wife Tatiana is Tutsi, and is very smart about running his luxurious hotel and catering to mostly wealthy white people. After an incident breaks the brief peace between the Hutu and Tutsi people, war breaks out and threatens the lives of his family, and over 1,300 Tutsi refugees that's housing in then hotel and attempting to make it a sanctuary. Very powerful and tension-filled writing and acting throughout. Don Cheadle arguably delivers his greatest lead performance of his career. Sophie Okonedo also delivered a fantastic starring role. Desmond Dube, Nick Nolte, Lebo Mashile, Ofentse Modiselle, Joaquin Phoenix, and plenty others had very nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsTom CruiseJamie FoxxJada Pinkett SmithA cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles.Fantastic crime drama/thriller from Michael Mann that follows a knowledgeable Los Angeles cab driver named Max who's been working late nights for 12 years, and dreams of starting his own deluxe limo service. His uneventful life is in for a rude awakening when a man named Vincent steps into his taxi, and insists Max accept $600 to be his personal taxi driver for the evening after seeing how well he knows the city. The business deal soon turns into a kidnapping when Max finds out Vincent is ruthless contract killer, and is now being forced to help him complete the task of stopping at 5 different places, and killing 5 different people he was paid to take out. Tom Cruise delivers one of his all-time best lead performances. His energetic and intense personality fit perfectly. Jamie Foxx's Oscar-nominated role was also fantastic, and also ranks among his very best. Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem, Bruce McGill, Barry Shabaka Henley, Irma P. Hall, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsHilary SwankClint EastwoodMorgan FreemanFrankie, an ill-tempered old coach, reluctantly agrees to train aspiring boxer Maggie. Impressed with her determination and talent, he helps her become the best and the two soon form a close bond.Powerful sports drama from Clint Eastwood about a highly determined 32-year-old waitress from a poor and uncaring family that becomes one of the best professional female boxers in her class when she persuades an ill-tempered veteran boxing trainer to coach and manage her. This is definitely my favorite performance from Hilary Swank. She put on an incredible performance. Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman also deliver some of their finest lead roles. Lucia Rijker, Jay Baruchel, Mike Colter, Brían F. O'Byrne, Anthony Mackie, Margo Martindale, and many others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsEthan HawkeJulie DelpyVernon DobtcheffNine years after Jesse and Celine first met, they encounter each other again on the French leg of Jesse's book tour.Fantastic sequel to Richard Linklater's beloved drama/romance classic Before Sunrise (1995) and my favorite entry in the trilogy. It's been 9 years since they said their heartbreaking goodbyes in Vienna, and Jesse has now become a New York Times best-selling author after writing a novel about their one magical night together in Vienna. The last stop on his book signing tour is in Paris. Celine hears of the news and surprises him at the book shop he's giving a talk at, which immediately takes his breath away. We quickly find out the Jesse is married with kids and Celine is also in a serious relationship. However, neither of them are actually happy, and neither have ever stopped thinking about their otherworldly night and their undeniable connection with each other. The setup to this sequel was absolutely perfect, and the film really felt like one running camera shot without any breaks. The dialogue was even better and more thought-provoking than the first. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy both arguably deliver their all-time best lead performances, and also received the writing credits they deserved this time around. The minimal supporting was also great once again.
- DirectorPaul HaggisStarsDon CheadleSandra BullockThandiwe NewtonLos Angeles citizens with vastly separate lives collide in interweaving stories of race, loss and redemption.Great crime/drama/thriller from Paul Haggis that compiles several interweaving stories of unique Los Angeles citizens over a 36-hour period. Many issues come to light; like racial profiling among car-jackers and victims, rights being violated by a crooked and racist and sexist cop, drug addiction and depression, and many other thing among a car accident that ties much of the story together. Superbly shot and very easy to follow for this style of film. Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Ludacris, Larenz Tate, Thandiwe Newton, Terrence Howard, and Michael Peña had the best performances among a super solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJoseph SargentStarsCliff McMullenYasiin BeyLuray CooperA dramatization of the relationship between heart surgery pioneers Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas.Outstanding biopic from Joseph Sargent set in 1930 during the Great Depression in Nashville, Tennessee. The story follows the 34-year partnership between a boastful and idealistic doctor and medical researcher named Alfred Blalock, and a former carpenter and extremely skilled and intelligent lab technician named Vivien Thomas. They begin by experimenting on dogs to find a way to prevent death by shock. After much success, they start tackling a challenge concerning "blue babies", which is a deadly condition babies are born with when they don't have enough oxygen in their blood. Through hard work and perseverance, they make medical history by successfully performing the first modern heart surgery. However, it's a hard road for Vivien Thomas being a black man in the 1930s, as he faces plenty of discrimination, lack of respect, inadequate pay most of his career, and isn't recognized for his contribution until years later. It's a fantastic and beautifully done film overall. There's no wonder why it won 3 Emmy's and was nominated for several others. Alan Rickman and Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) both deliver their all-time best lead performances, and were plenty worthy of winning the Emmy's they were nominated for. Gabrielle Union, Mary Stuart Masterson, Irene Ziegler, Clayton LeBouef, Kyra Sedgwick, Charles S. Dutton, Bolton Marsh, and many others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDanny LeinerStarsJohn ChoKal PennEthan EmbryA Korean-American office worker and his Indian-American stoner friend embark on a quest to satisfy their desire for White Castle burgers.Hilarious comedy and a weed-smoking classic. Great story about two spliff-smoking best friends who get some serious munchies after smoking some high grade ganja, and decide White Castle is the perfect food they need to satisfy their urge after seeing a commercial on TV. It's a long drive, and several hilarious characters, situations, and obstacles threaten to keep them from fulfilling their food dreams. Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg (Cobra Kai creators) delivered a great script. John Cho and Kal Penn deliver fantastic lead performances. One of the best buddy duos I've seen in among the genre. Neil Patrick Harris, David Krumholtz, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Christopher Meloni, Malin Akerman, Paula Garcés, Fred Willard, Ethan Embry, Rob Tinkler, Anthony Anderson, Kate Kelton, Brooke D'Orsay, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGavin O'ConnorStarsKurt RussellPatricia ClarksonNathan WestThe true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet squad.Excellent history sports biopic that follows player-turned-coach Herb Brooks, who miraculously led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team against a legendary battle against the seemingly unstoppable Soviet Union team, in what could be called one of the biggest upsets in the history of sports. Awesome story with great writing and acting. Kurt Russell arguably delivers his best performance as the ruthless and dedicated Herb Brooks. Noah Emmerich, Patricia Clarkson, Sean McCann, Eddie Cahill, Patrick O'Brien Demsey, Michael Mantenuto, Kenneth Mitchell, and many others had great supporting roles. Likely my favorite hockey film of all time.
- DirectorBrad AndersonStarsChristian BaleJennifer Jason LeighAitana Sánchez-GijónAn industrial worker who hasn't slept in a year begins to doubt his own sanity.Fascinating and powerful drama/thriller about a dreadfully skinny man who hasn't slept in a year. When he's not working as a machinist, he spends his free time with his favorite prostitute and waitress at the airport cafe. When life-altering events occur, tragic details from his past are uncovered as he loses grip of his own sanity. Excellent psychological thriller with a superb plot twist near the end. Christian Bale lost 60 pounds for this role, and puts his entire self into his performance as usual—he was excellent. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, and Michael Ironside all had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksCatherine Zeta-JonesChi McBrideAn Eastern European tourist unexpectedly finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there.Hilarious and unique comedy about an Eastern European tourist who is stranded at JFK airport in New York after the collapse of government in the politically unstable country of Krakozhia, and is forced to take up temporary residence at the airport until the war settles. He makes plenty of interesting friends and encounters many comical situations along the way. Tom Hanks delivered a fantastic performance. One of his best. Stanley Tucci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Diego Luna, Chi McBride, Barry Shabaka Henley, Kumar Pallana, and Zoe Saldana also had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorNicole KassellStarsKevin BaconKyra SedgwickYasiin BeyA child molester returns to his hometown after 12 years in prison and attempts to start a new life.Excellent and powerful drama man who return to his hometown after spending 12 years in prison for molesting little girls. While he attempts to keep to himself and live a quiet life, issues strike when he starts dating a woman from work. Old feelings start creeping back into his mind when he sees a girls from age 10–12, as he strives to live a "normal" life where he can stand close to a girl and not have those "feelings" through therapy and self-evaluation. The plot takes an interesting turn when he starts tracking a predator that's taking advantage of kids at the Elementary school he lives across the street from. Kevin Bacon delivers a very complex and realistic lead performance. It's arguably the best of his career. Kyra Sedgwick, Benjamin Bratt, Michael Shannon, Mos Def, David Alan Grier, Eve, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsDenzel WashingtonChristopher WalkenDakota FanningIn Mexico City, a former CIA operative swears vengeance on those who committed an unspeakable act against the family he was hired to protect.Excellent action-packed crime drama from Tony Scott that follows a troubled former CIA operative and alcoholic who travels to Mexico City to visit his friend, who lands him a job as a bodyguard to protect a 9-year-old girl in an area where kidnapping is brutally rampant. While he's very depressed with his life, he and the girl form an unlikely close bond and friendship. When a group of corrupt cops and criminals kidnap the girl and nearly kill him, he plans his bloody vengeance against every person involved in the sting. Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning both delivered excellent lead performances. Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, Mickey Rourke, Rachel Ticotin, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostKate AshfieldThe uneventful, aimless lives of a London electronics salesman and his layabout roommate are disrupted by the zombie apocalypse.Hilarious and unique comedy/horror flick about a couple of routine-ridden best friends named Shaun and Ed who are London electronics salesman, and encounter a zombie apocalypse. There's also a funny side story about how Shaun is trying to protect his ex-girlfriend Liz while simultaneously mending their relationship. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost make a superb duo. They both deliver excellent and hysterical lead performances. Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, and plenty others have great roles among s solid supporting cast.
- DirectorNick CassavetesStarsGena RowlandsJames GarnerRachel McAdamsAn elderly man reads to a woman with dementia the story of two young lovers whose romance is threatened by the difference in their respective social classes.Excellent drama romance from Nick Cassavetes that follows an elderly man named Noah who lives in a nursing home with his wife Allie after dementia has taken control of her mind. From an old leather-bound book, he reads to her the epic and unlikely love story of their past lives. The story is set in 1940 South Carolina, and follows a simple lumber mill worker named Noah who instantly falls in love with a gorgeous and sophisticated woman named Allie. Allie comes from a wealthy family, and her mother especially disapproves of working-class "trash" like Noah. When the summer is over, she must move away, and their relationship breaks after a fight, overwhelming miscommunication, and the disapproval of her parents. Life moves on for Allie, but Noah never gets over his love for Allie, and dedicates his life to her memory until the heavenly day when they meet again. The only problem is, now she's engaged to be married to another man. Fantastic love story all around with a superb cast. Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, James Garner, and Gena Rowlands all delivered some of their best and most memorable lead performances to date. Joan Allen, Kevin Connolly, Sam Shepard, James Marsden, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsBen CrowleyKen LeungAnthony MackieSucker-Free City, or S.F.C., revolves around the conflicts among white, black, Latino and Asian street gangs in San Francisco.Underrated crime drama from Spike Lee set in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Hunter's Point, San Francisco, and follows a black man named K-Luv who's part of the ruthless and turf controlling V-Dub gang. It also follows a poor white family that mainly follows their son Nick Wade, who lose their home and are forced to move in next door the the V-Dub's main hangout, where they are frequently terrorized. The final story revolves around a troubled young Chinese man named Lincoln Ma, who's from Chinatown, runs deep with the Chinese Mafia, and frequently collides with the V-Dub gang. All in all, it's a troubling a bleak look at conflict between several gangs in one of the most turbulent times in San Francisco's history. If you can look past the fact that this is a TV movie, you will find all the top-notch quality of your standard Spike Lee crime drama. Great film that has his signature touches all over it. Anthony Mackie is one of my favorite actors, and I thought he delivered arguably his best lead performance. Ben Crowley and Ken Leung also delivered powerful and excellent lead roles. Omari Hardwick, Darris Love, Laura Allen, T.V. Carpio, John Savage, Kathy Baker, James Hong, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsMatt DamonFranka PotenteJoan AllenWhen Jason Bourne is framed for a CIA operation gone awry, he is forced to resume his former life as a trained assassin to survive.The second installment in the Bourne series is just as good as the first. Great story which takes place 2 years after The Bourne Identity (2002), finding Jason Borne living in India when he is framed by a Russian assassin for stealing millions of dollars from the CIA, and is forced to continue his life as a trained assassin as he works to survive and protect his girlfriend Marie. Matt Damon delivered an excellent lead performance once again. Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, Marton Csokas, Karl Urban, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJared HessStarsJon HederEfren RamirezJon GriesA listless and alienated teenager decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home.Excellent high school comedy about an outcast teen with a hilarious amount of social short-comings decides to help his new friend Pedro (who has a personality similar to his) to win class president, as he deals with his 32-year-old brother who spends his days on internet dating chat rooms, and his bum of a moocher, Uncle Rico. The characters are all hilarious and so well developed. Very slow moving and excellent shot storyline. Jon Heder will forever be known as Napoleon Dynamite...his performance was superb. Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Shondrella Avery, Emily Kennard Dunn, Haylie Duff, Trevor Snarr, Diedrich Bader, and Sandy Martin all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorNiels MuellerStarsSean PennNaomi WattsDon CheadleBased on real life events, Assassination is set in 1974 and centers on a businessman who decides to take extreme measures to achieve his American dream.Excellent biography on the 1974 true life events of Samuel Byck—a troubled furniture salesman who desperately wants to get back together with his wife and children who he's separated from, even though his wife has moved on. He hates his boss, and generally gets hung up on people who lie and are dishonest. After quitting his job, being denied for a loan to start a new business, stealing from his brother, and alienating himself from his family and friends, he breaks down mentally as he becomes obsessed with watching Richard Nixon on TV, and the lies he believes he's delivering to the public. And therefore desperately devises a plot to destroy the White House and everyone inside. Before he goes through with it, he records the details of his plan, and sends it to a famous musical composer he admires—Leonard Bernstein. Sean Penn delivers one of his best and most complex lead performances. Naomi Watts, Don Cheadle, Jack Thompson, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsJim CarreyKate WinsletTom WilkinsonWhen their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.Excellent sci-fi drama/romance about a couple who goes through a medical procedure to erase their memories of each other when their clashing personalities become too much to bare. When they meet each other after the procedure, a new romance blossoms, and they know deep down there is a history between the two they cannot remember. Very nice story and great acting throughout. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet both deliver excellent lead performances. Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Wilkinson had great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsNatalie PortmanJude LawClive OwenThe relationships of two couples become complicated and deceitful when the man from one couple meets the woman of the other.Great romance/sex-driven drama that follows the relationships of two couples, and becomes very complicated when one of the more malicious men ends up meeting and pursuing the woman of the other relationship. There are several crazy twists and turns to the story, along with plenty of shocking and filthy dialogue. Great script throughout. Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Jude Law, and Clive Owen all give fantastic and some of their most memorable lead performances. All the screen time is devoted to them, since there really isn't much of a supporting cast to speak of. Great drama throughout.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsSarah PolleyVing RhamesMekhi PhiferA nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.Great action-packed horror flick from Zack Snyder, and a solid remake of George A. Romero's 1978 classic of the same name. The story follows a nurse, a policeman, a young man with his very pregnant wife, and other survivors that pool together and take refuge in a Milwaukee shopping mall after the world is devastatingly attacked by a massive population of flesh-eating zombies. While George A. Romero's film had a better story and better acting, Snyder's take has excellent cinematography and fantastic action throughout. While not as a great as the original, it definitely delivers in many ways. Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Inna Korobkina, Ty Burrell, Michael Kelly, Kevin Zegers, Michael Barry, Lindy Booth, Jayne Eastwood, and many others had very nice performances.