Let’s travel back Twenty-Five Years ago … the year was 1999, it was the end of a millennium, with the 2000’s on their way, and at this time, I was in my early stages of Elementary School, but I was also branching out, discovering new things, and as far as movies are concerned, I feel confident in saying that 1999 was the year I really discovered my love and appreciation toward film.
Disclaimer … this was not an easy list to assemble, as there’s so many big titles that came out from this year, including “Eyes Wide Shut”, “American Pie”, “The Blair Witch Project”, “Office Space”, and of course “American Beauty”, which won Best Picture that year. As such, this isn’t a list of the objective best or most significant movies to come out, just the ones the mean the most to me.
#10 “Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace”
Even though this isn’t one of my absolute favorites of the series, it’s still one I take a good deal of comfort and enjoyment from, and I’d only be kidding myself if I didn’t call it one of my favorite movie-going experiences from back in 1999.
#9 “The Green Mile”
This time, it’s a hybrid approach, of an emotionally grounded prison drama, but also a fantasy, with supernatural elements. Thanks to the solid direction, and first-rate performances from the cast, the two styles complement each-other quiet well, and of course, the late Michael Clarke Duncan leaves an unforgettable impression in his Oscar nominated performance as the lead prisoner John Coffey.
#8 “Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in general is one of the most classic ghost stories of all time, and has been retold in several new ways throughout the ages. The 1999 version directed by Tim Burton probably has the least to do with Washington Irving’s novel, but it’s the first one that comes to mind whenever I think of the Headless Horseman. This version plays like a supernatural detective case, and has the personality of an R-Rated Scooby-Doo mystery. For an extremely over-the-top and violent film, it sure has all the stuff I love in a good thriller. Every time I watch it, I’m blown away by its haunting atmosphere, and it’s visually a marvel to look at.
Tim Burton’s
direction gives it a creepy yet magical dreamlike quality. The cast fill their
respected roles very well, and the Headless Horseman thrills when he’s on
screen. While this obviously isn’t a movie for everyone, I personally think
it’s one of Tim Burton’s best films, and it’s one I make a tradition of
re-watching around Halloween.
#7 “Galaxy Quest”
Both a clever satire of “Star Trek”, and a loving tribute to fan-culture, this was one of those rare decade events that managed to find a life outside of its target audience. The cast is wonderful, each perfectly capturing the charm of their respected archetypes, while also adding subtle layers, and the group has great chemistry. Everything else from the Sci-Fi adventure, action and comedy on display all hit the right notes without going too far. In short, what could have simply been a one-note spoof of a popular franchise went an extra step further in reminding viewers why we love our favorite genre’s or long running series, and to keep that love going.
Many fans even place it among the
best “Star Trek” movies, even though it isn’t officially part of the
series … and that’s when you know a movie did something right.
#6 Disney’s “Tarzan”
The 1990’s marked the age of the great, animated Disney renaissance, and the studios final offering of the time has always had a secure spot among my personal favorites of their collected animated works. For a generation of kids, this was our introduction to the character of Tarzan, whose been an established icon in both novels and movies beforehand. Disney’s take on the character is just as exciting as an animated jungle adventure can get, as it’s fast paced and full of riveting action sequences, but it’s not devoid of the heart and substance of other Disney offerings.
This film also marks the next big
step in Disney animation, with memorable tree surfing sequences, and larger
digital terrain to cover. Throw in a memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins, and “Tarzan”
remains a suitably nostalgic peace of late 90’s animation, and took it’s time-tested story to an exciting new level.
#5 “Run Lola Run”
If you were to remake “Groundhog Day” as a pulpy crime thriller, you wouldn’t be too far off from describing the brilliance that is “Run Lola Run”. With events set to a rousing musical score, we explore the multiple “what if Scenario’s” of how our female lead Lola will respond to a situation in which her boyfriend is desperate for money, and willing to cross the line in committing a bank heist.
It’s a simple premise that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome … clocking in at eighty minuets … yet, the execution is so tight and engaging to watch, that it feels kind of perfect in it’s own simple way. With brilliant editing, style, imagery and a relentlessly engaging music tempo at the helm … you can almost call this a feature length music video, but one that can still be counted as one of the great crime movie pictures of the decade.
#4 “The Sixth Sense”
My favorite movie of the year to be nominated for Best Picture, and still one of my favorite horror movies that came out of the decade. It’s a very different kind of spooky feature, as it can scare you, while also pulling some emotional cords along the way. While there are ghosts present, they’re also presented as victims who need help to move on, and it’s through the selfless courage of one boy that it can be done. It’s a movie that covers issues of pain, remorse, sorrow, regret, loss, and things that are generally more grounded, which has always landed this film as a step above traditional spooky house pictures.
“The
Sixth Sense” has all the markings and tones of a dramatic picture, yet it’s
packed with all the chills and atmosphere of a modern horror movie. With
standout performances, and a tight screenplay, this was a ghost story for the
ages, and one that’s every bit as haunting as it is poetic.
#3 “The Mummy”
While not a traditional Horror movie, this was nevertheless the childhood experience that got me interested in viewing classic scary films like “Poltergeist” and “Jaws”. As corny as it is to say, I view the 1999 remake of “The Mummy” as my own personal horror fountain of youth ... as it's the one that started it all ... and all these years later, it's still just as enjoyable as when I was a kid. It embraces its own corny adventure elements without being either too silly or too serious, the characters are all memorable, the scary material is more fun than scarring, and there’s no shortage of general entertainment.
Just like how the 90’s was a transition
period, I always look at “The Mummy” as the big film that ended the 90’s,
and began the 2000’s. Personally, I think this film as aged in just the right
ways, as it’s dated in parts to be sure, but it still holds up as one of my all-around
favorite entertainment movies. It’s modern, but also has this enchanting
old-fashioned innocence that makes it perfect Saturday afternoon fodder.
#2 “Toy Story 2”
If you were to go back in time and ask childhood me what my favorite movie was, I would have said “Toy Story 2” without hesitation. The first “Toy Story” was already a favorite of mine, and a big game changer in terms of animation, and is a timeless classic for both its story, and well-rounded characters … how could you possibly top that? Well, surprisingly, you get a sequel that’s not only as good, but in many ways improves on the first. It one-up’s the entertainment, with funnier jokes, dazzling animation, yet also adds new layers to the characters, along with some surprising emotional backstories, and you have a near perfect film.
Still to this day, “Toy
Story 2” remains not only my favorite movie on Pixar’s roaster, but also
one of my top 20 ... oh heck ... top 10 favorite films in general. The original
characters are better than before, and joining them is arguably my favorite
roundup of new characters from any of these instalments. It’s a movie I adored as a
kid, and it’s stuck with me well into my adult years.
Before I
reveal my Number One favorite movie of the year, here are some quick Honorable
Mentions that just couldn’t fit on the list …
“Fight Club”
“The
World is Not Enough”
“Austun
Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”
“The Iron
Giant”
“Deep
Blue Sea”
"Mystery Men"
#1 “The Matrix”
For some, this movie was a classic for its time, for others it’s a dated or even overrated product, but for me … “The Matrix” is one of my most important viewing experiences at a young age, as it propelled my overall love for movies, as well as the creativity and imagination that comes along with them. On the surface, it was a fun action movie with guns, cool black glasses, lots of combat, and awesome special effects.
Beyond those tropes, if you like philosophy, superhero stories, Japanese Anime, Fantasy tails with a modern spin, martial arts cinema, or intriguing Sci-Fi, then this film might have something extra for you. I can’t pretend that "The Matrix" is a perfect film, or that the characters hold-up, but it is an experience that was more meaningful to me than most other movies I grew up with. To put it simply, “The Matrix” is a film that reminds me why I love movies, why I love to analyze and review them, and it’s inspired me to be imaginative. It’s still one of my favorite movies years later, and it’s personally my favorite movie of 1999.
Thanks for
reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!
No comments:
Post a Comment