Paul's Top 25 Movies of the Decade

 Alright, so just up front, this is a top 25 movies of the decade list from someone who is so completely unqualified to make a top 25 list, it's almost laughable. I haven't seen nearly enough movies from this decade to call this a legitimate list, but in truth, I don't much care because this was thoroughly enjoyable to make. And if I see a movie from this decade that I haven't previously seen, and I feel it deserves to be put on this list, on the list it will go. But until then, this is my definitive top 25. These movies are, plain and simple, movies that I love, and I can only hope these directors, writers, and actors go on to make many more movies that I love. 

In the paragraph that I wrote about each film, which doesn't do any of these much justice, I didn't so much try to persuade anyone into liking the movie, or going to see it if they already haven't, but basically just praised everything that was great about the movie. If you ever wonder why I didn't write so much about one particular film vs. another, it's probably due to the fact that some don't need much explanation as to why I loved it, and I felt it was best to leave it to the movie to explain its own greatness to the viewer. It was tough to cut some movies from this list, and I contemplated making the list longer, but Evan suggested 25, and that seemed like a pretty solid number. 

Anyways, that's pretty much all I have to say about the list. If you don't completely agree with the it, you have a terrible taste in movies and should never have another opinion about a film ever. Seriously though, feel free to bash me all you want about any choices you don't agree with. You probably won't convince me that I'm wrong, but I'll appreciate your feedback and respect your opinion. Also, one last thing, I have included a "Just Missed List" after the top 25. As you might be inclined to think, those movies just missed the top 25. So without further delay, here are my top 25 movies of the decade. Enjoy.

Review: Antichrist (2009)

by Evan A. Salazar

For me to even attempt to describe or explain Lars von Trier's Antichrist would rob you of the experience of drowning fearfully in this nightmarish masterpiece. It'd also prove useless, as this movie defies explanation and convention. I mean, there certainly is a story, but it's implications and symbols are complex, and it's philosophy is daunting (but decipherable). I legitimately left the movie not able to formulate words.

I refuse to review this movie, so consider this a recommendation with a strong disclaimer. And by strong disclaimer, I mean strong. This film is not for the faint of heart. It is as shocking as you've heard, possibly more so. It's depraved, it's fascinating, it's as grotesque and as unafraid as a movie could possibly be. I left the theatre shaken and disturbed, and the more I think about it the more it unsettles me. The film at first seems very typically dynamic, but you soon realize after viewing it that it was constantly at crescendo, one that is dissonant and haunting. It's beautiful to look at and horrifying enough to cover your eyes at the same time.

This is an explicit and graphic film. Should that bar you from seeing it? I personally do not think so. This is an important film with merit. But I know for many it's graphic content will be the deciding factor, and for those that worry about such things, know that this movie does not shy away from being as gruesome and button-pushing as it possibly can be.

You have been warned.

NEW. PT ANDERSON. FILM.

I'm going to let this news speak for itself via the article over at /Film.

All you need to know is: New P.T. Anderson movie. Stars Philip Seymour Hoffman. About a man who creates a belief system that gets away from him and he starts to doubt. Starts filming in 2010.

HELL.

FUCKING.

YES.

Trailer: Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "Micmacs A Tire-Larigot"

You might not know him by name, but you've probably seen his masterpiece Amelie. Jean Pierre-Jeunet is a wonderful director who incorporates lavish visuals with his wild stories, and this film, titled Micmacs La Tire-Larigot,  looks like no exception. While I have no idea what they're saying, I'm certainly excited nonetheless.

Possibly the greatest ending shot ever.

Paul and I watched the genius film The Third Man tonight, and we felt the need to share this incredible piece of filmmaking. This ending shot doesn't spoil much if anything and it's resonance and power is something that you can't pass up watching. No ifs, ands, or buts: this may be the most perfect ending shot ever.

Welcome to the worst movie of 2010.

I saw the trailer for the movie To Save a Life when I saw Fantastic Mr. Fox tonight (review forthcoming) and I just had to share it with everyone. The following trailer looks like the absolute most godawful piece of tripe ever committed to celluloid. Doing some extra digging brings up the fact that this is a movie with a strong Christian agenda and backing which, well, isn't surprising. From what I can tell, the basic story is everyone hates a highschool hot shot because he befriends a "lame" Asian kid, and then God is in there too, or something. I don't really know. It's unclear what the story is but everything is there for you to understand how miserable it would be to sit through this movie. It looks below even Lifetime channel standards.

Anyhow, feast your eyes on To Save a Life.

Review: Paris (2009)

by Evan A. Salazar

The worst thing that can be said about Paris is that it's uneven. Not uneven in all regards, but uneven where it counts. You see, Paris is a film of vignettes, all loosely tied together. In movies with no central story or main character, each story we're presented has to be strong, and it has to stay strong throughout the film. We, as an audience, have to be invested in each current story but also we must anticipate the progression of the other stories, thus keeping us interested in the movie throughout. Stories can't falter and become boring for a scene, and certainly the story itself can't be boring to begin with. It's only it's story telling that Paris trips on itself - not horribly, mind you - and we're left with moments thinking, "couldn't this time be used with another character?"

Phil Villarreal's Top 100 Movies (Which are as misguided as you'd expect)

How Phil Villarreal somehow tricked the Arizona Daily Star into thinking his opinions on film are valid will forever be a perplexing thing. Movies that take a bit of work to enjoy are of no use to him, he defends insipid movies because of that fact, and sheepishly gives four star reviews to movies that critics with actual clout give four star ratings to because he doesn't want to seem like a dolt.

And now, I have come across the worst best (or best worst?) list ever, Phil Villarreal's favorite 100 movies ever. It's filled with movies that have no place on best of lists, movies that again Phil feels the need to like, and movies that are actually quite good that he raises to biblical proportions (just wait till you get to his top 10. There are certainly some good movies in there, but top 10 ever?).  You get the impression from reading the list that Phil only likes movies that came out from the time he started reviewing movies, and anything else before is again something that Phil feels the need to like, which I only base on his taste from more recent movies. Not only is the main list itself offensive, but Phil very cheekily put in some dumb lists on the sidebar with such condescending titles such as "Good Films with Bad Titles" and "Movies to Use as Sleeping Pills," to show how much better he is than you.

So, without further ado, Phil Villarreal's Favorite 100 Movies of all Time.

"Don't you want to be a part of the experience?"

As I posted earlier, I watched Hannah and Her Sisters tonight, which is one of Woody Allen's finest films. I'd only seen it once before, and on this second viewing I was really blown away by it. One scene in particular is quite affecting, and I thought I'd share it with you all.

Be warned, this is a scene that happens almost at the end of the movie so it is a spoiler-heavy scene. I'd be wary of watching it if you intend on seeing the film (which I highly recommend you do), but if you have no intention to or have already seen it, relish in this wonderful scene that is one of the most life-affirming things ever set to film.

Holy Shit! Tauntaun Sleeping Bag!

Wow. The people over at ThinkGeek have crafted this amazing Tauntaun sleeping bag, which you'll obviously recognize as an homage to the warm intestines of one Tauntaun in The Empire Strikes Back. If this shit wasn't $100, I'd buy one like that.