15 Favorite Summer Films of the 2000's

The 2000’s were a time where I went from adolescent to a teenager, where my taste in film began to grow. The summer movies of the 2000’s were different from the 90’s as we begin to see a shift at the multiplex. Ranging from superheroes, an amnesic spy, comedies and pirates, here are my top 15 summer films of the 2000’s. Honorable mentions that did not make the list: Pineapple Express, Mission Impossible 2 & 3, Superbad, Gladiator, Collateral, Signs and Step Brothers.

15. The Hangover (2009)

After a wild night out that they barely remember, three friends must find their friend to be married as they encounter shenanigans and chaos. All before a big wedding that they plan on attending.

One of many raunchy R rated comedies released during the decade, I caught this one at the end of my senior year in high school. The film’s humor had me laughing throughout and the three leads (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis) are all great in their roles. 

14. Bruce Almighty (2003)

Disgruntled TV weatherman Bruce (Jim Carrey) inherits the powers of God (Morgan Freeman) when he complains that he’s not doing his job right. This leaves Bruce to grant people their prayers, use it for personal gain and impress his girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston).

Jim Carrey is one of my favorite comic actors and these types of comedy films rarely get made today. Reminiscent of comedy films infused with fantasy like “Groundhog Day” and Carrey’s own “Liar Liar” that imagine what ifs. 

13. Wanted (2008)

An ordinary office worker (James McAvoy) gets recruited to join a secret society of assassins when he discovers his father is a high ranked member. He becomes the protege of a veteran (Angelina Jolie) who guides him. 

 Based on the Mark Millar comic of the same name, Kazakh film director TImur Bekmambetov makes his Hollywood debut combining John Woo like action with fantasy. Also starring Morgan Freeman, Common, Terrence Stamp and in a small role, Chris Pratt. McAvoy is believable as an action star and Jolie also gives a great performance and has amazing action scenes.

12. Iron Man (2008)

Billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) is captured by terrorists and escapes by making an armored suit. Later, he develops the tech and becomes the hero he never thought he would be. 

Prior to the film, the character was a lesser known Marvel Comics hero and Robert Downey Jr’s troubled past made him a household name for all the wrong reasons. Nonetheless, Jon Favreau's film is an entertaining film about a jerk changing his behavior and becoming a protector. It revived Downey Jr’s career (personally for me, it was David Fincher’s “Zodiac”) and is the first entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  

11. Transformers (2007)

A high school boy (Shia LaBeouf) gets caught up in a conflict between two alien robot factions: the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons. The two groups try to get an artifact that can rebuild their home. 

Based on the popular toy line that launched a cartoon, this big screen adaptation from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg craft an entertaining popcorn flick, thanks to its visual effects and action sequences. As Bay describes the film, it’s “Seven Samurai” meets “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”.    

10. Tropic Thunder (2008)

A bunch of actors, ranging from a has been action star, troubled comedic actor, thespian, rapper and newbie, are making a Vietnam War film when they are dropped in a remote jungle area in Asia. There, they run into actual conflict and must use their wits when they must rescue one of their own. 

Seeing this in the theater, I laughed my ass off the entire time. Director and star Ben Stiller crafts a brilliant Hollywood satire and the entire cast is excellent in it from Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr, Tom Cruise (in makeup) and many more. 

9. The Italian Job (2003)

A group of thieves plan to steal gold from a former member who betrayed them after a successful heist in Venice. 

Inspired by the 1969 film of the same name. F. Gary Gray makes an “Ocean’s 11” type film mixed with thrilling chase scenes featuring boats and cars. The cast is excellent with Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Jason Statham, Seth Green and Mos Def. 

8. District 9 (2009)

In an alternate reality where aliens (prawns as they are called) land in Johannesburg, South Africa, the government puts them in internment camps. An alien and his son plan to escape to return home, with the assistance of a bureaucrat.

Made on a small budget, Neill Blomkamp’s film debut is a great science fiction film with social commentary, similar to Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi films (Robocop, Total Recall, Starship Troopers). From the action, visuals, story and performances, it was a film where I was rooting for the aliens. 

7. The Bourne Trilogy (2002, 2004, 2007)

Amnesic spy Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) wakes up not knowing who he is and throughout the three films released during the decade, goes through different locations to discover who he really is. 

Matt Damon is beyond great in the role as the titular spy. An excellent spy thriller with a gritty realism like “The French Connection” and “Three Days of the Condor”. In all three films, there is always a car chase that has me glued to the screen.  

6. Star Trek (2009)

The beginning origins for the crew of the Enterprise and their journey to the final frontier. It establishes the partnership of James T. Kirk and Spock as they first butt heads.

While I am not a Star Trek fan, I am a lover of science fiction. Director J.J. Abrams imbues the film with action, humor, thrills and character work. All of the main cast excel in the roles and a story I found to be compelling. 

5. Minority Report (2002)

In the future, all crime is prevented by a special police department using three psychics, “Precogs”, that can predict individuals committing crime. When precrime police chief John Anderton (Tom Cruise) is accused of a crime he has not committed, he must go on the run to clear his name.    

Director Steven Spielberg teams with Tom Cruise for a futuristic sci-fi thriller with visual appeal and a murder mystery plot. I enjoyed the action and later saw some of the philosophy of freewill. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, whose stories have been turned into films like “Blade Runner” and “Total Recall”. Like Anderton, Dick’s characters tend to question their reality.

4. X-Men/ X2: X-Men United (2000, 2003)

Based on the popular Marvel Comics characters, their big screen adaptation features two factions of Mutants. One led by Charles Xavier/ Professor X, who owns a school for those with special gifts and wants to help humanity accept them. His team, the X-Men, protect humanity from evil. While Erik Lehnsher/Magneto, hardened by his experiences in the holocaust, vows to fight humanity. Both had a friendship but were divided on their relationship with humanity. Popular mutant Wolverine is also a protagonist throughout the series as well as other mutants. 

When the first film came out in 2000, I was so excited since I read the comics and watched the cartoon growing up. The first two films capture the visuals, action, humor and themes of the comics. Hugh Jackman had his breakout role as Wolverine. 

3. Spider-Man (2002, 2004)

High schooler Peter Parker (Tobey Magurie) gets bitten by a radioactive spider that gives him superhuman abilities. He uses his power for good and battles villainous foes while tackling his life. 

Being a Spider–Man fan, it was a massive event when the first movie was released during my preteen days. Director Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead franchise) captures the spirit of the comic books into cinema. Magurie and Kristen Dunst had some great chemistry. 

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Charming roguish pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) helps blacksmith Will Turner to rescue Elizabeth Swann from a gang of supernatural pirates.  

I do enjoy an entertaining swashbuckling adventure in the vein of Raiders of the Lost Ark and this film is one of them. Famed producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, The Rock) and director Gore Verbinski, coming off the horror hit “The Ring”, make an entertaining high seas adventure for all ages. Depp cemented his status here as an A lister. 

1.  Batman Begins/ The Dark Knight (2005, 2008)

After his parents are murdered in front of him, billionaire Bruce Wayne devotes his life and resources to fight crime and corruption in the city of Gotham. He battles The Scarecrow, Ra’s Al Ghul, Two Face and famously, The Joker. 

Being a massive Batman fan, these were my most anticipated films upon release. Prior to Begins, the franchise was stalled after the disaster that was “Batman and Robin”. Director Christopher Nolan, known for his indie hit “Memento”, successfully reinvigorates the franchise. Begins is a great origin story with Bale giving a great performance as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. With The Dark Knight, Nolan the perfect sequel that eclipses the first and Heath Ledger’s Joker is a tour de force performance.       

10 Favorite Summer Blockbusters of the 90's.

The summer movie season was a cherished moment in my life as I was away from school and enjoyed a film that would capture the attention of others as well. Being young in the 90’s and 2000’s. I got to experience what the summer movie season has to offer. The 90’s was a time that I remembered fondly. Studios would bet it all on extravaganza with big stars attached to it. Here is a list of films that are my personal choices and ones that I have in my collection. Honorable mentions that didn’t make the list include: Armageddon, the “Batman” franchise, The Lion King, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart.

10. Mission Impossible (1996)

Based on the 1960’s spy series, IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) goes on the run after a mission gone wrong and tries to clear his name while on the lam.  

Tom Cruise's first foray into producing films launched a franchise that is still going to this day. The first one hails from director Brian DePalma (Blow Out, The Untouchables, Scarface, Carrie), who brings his signature flair and style to create a taunt white knuckle thriller from beginning to end. Plus the theme song will be playing in your head long after the film is done.  

9. Face/Off (1997)

An FBI agent (John Travolta) and international terrorist (Nicolas Cage) assumes each other’s identities in order to foil a terror plot.

Hong Kong film director John Woo brings his trademark heroic bloodshed from his earlier films, like The Killer and Hard Boiled, to a Hollywood film. Both Travolta and Cage are at the top of their game in their performances as they play off each other. 

8. Men in Black (1997) 

A young NYPD cop (Will Smith) gets recruited by a veteran government agent (Tommy Lee Jones) and introduces him to a world of extraterrestrials living among us. Some of whom are peaceful while others seek chaos.

After making a name for himself in works like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bad Boys and Independence Day, Will Smith cemented his status with this film and Tommy Lee Jones’ performance is also memorable. Director Barry Sonnenfeld along with executive producer Steven Spielberg blends science fiction with comedy. Special shoutout to makeup designer Rick Baker, whose alien makeup designs were perfectly crafted.  

7. Speed (1994)

LAPD SWAT officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) must stop a madman’s plot of blowing up a bus if it reaches 50 MPH. Along with passenger Annie (Sandra Bullock), the pair are in the ride of their lives. 

Cinematographer Jan De Bont, who did Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, Basic Instinct, makes his directorial debut with this Die Hard inspired plot. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock have excellent chemistry and Dennis Hopper is great as the madman who rigs the bus with explosions. 

6. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

In this sequel, the cyborg Terminator is sent to the past to protect future resistance leader John Connor, along with his mother Sarah, from another cyborg, who intends on killing Connor.

Director James Cameron's follow up to The Terminator is vastly different, where the original was more of a sci-fi thriller and the second one is action oriented, This is also Arnold Schwarzenegger’s finest performance in his signature role as well as Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor. The film also pioneered visual effects, which still hold up to this day.     

5. The Rock (1996)

A goofy chemist (Nicolas Cage) teams with a former spy (Sean Connery) to rescue hostages at Alcatraz after a group of rouge soldiers led by a grief stricken General (Ed Harris). 

Though he gets a lot of flak in his films, director Michael Bay strikes gold here thanks to great action set pieces, good story and the performance from all three main actors. Especially Connery and Cage’s chemistry and quips. 

4. Twister (1996)

A pair of divorced storm chasers (Helen Hunt & Bill Paxton) set out to deploy a tornado research device during a severe outbreak of tornadoes.

“Speed” director Jan De Bont teams up with executive producer Steven Spielberg and “Jurassic Park” writer Michael Crichton for this thrilling disaster film. Seeing this in the theater gave me chills but I was in awe of the spectacle. Hunt and Paxton are great in their roles as bickering exes that ultimately come together. Great supporting role by the great late Philip Seymour Hoffman. 

3. The Mask of Zorro (1998)

Former Zorro Don Diego De La Vega (Sir Anthony Hopkins) gets imprisoned for 20 years and escapes to seek revenge on the person that sent him to prison and took his daughter (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Along the way, he recruits a protege (Antonio Banderas) to train and take up the mask. 

An entertaining swashbuckling adventure romp that harkens back to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and watching the sword fights as a kid was exciting in the theater. Banderas made an excellent hero, and was the first Hispanic actor to portray the swordsman. 

2. The Mummy (1999)

When an Egyptian high priest gets brought back to life, it’s up to an adventurer (Brendan Fraser), a librarian (Rachel Weiz) and a rag tag group to put a stop before he takes over. The titular creature also see’s the librarian as his lost love reincarnated. 

At the end of the 90’s, director Stephen Sommers creates a fun blend of supernatural horror with Indiana Jones style action and adventure. 25 years later, the film still holds up , thanks to its thrilling action, visual effects, humor and chemistry between Fraser and Weiz. 

1. Jurassic Park (1993)

A group of scientists and experts get invited to an island where dinosaurs are brought back to life. Then the dinosaurs get loose, terrorizing the guests. 

Legendary director Steven Spielberg made a film that defined my childhood and was on instant replay of VHS. Sam Neil, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum are a perfect trio, Goldblum in particular as chaos theory expert Dr. Ian Malcolm. Seeing the dinosaurs come to life onscreen had an impact on me and would rank this highly alongside Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark as perfect Spielberg blockbusters. 

Ex Machina: An Appreciation

I would like to thank my friend Ellen for the artwork she has provided. To see more of her work, check out www.ellengiaigianettto.com.

Science Fiction is one of my favorite film genres because of the ideas explored. The genre has been around since 1902 with Georges Melies’ “A Trip to the Moon” and Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” in 1927. In the years that has followed, the genre became a staple to B movies but other films like the original "The Day the Earth Stood Still" turned the genre into a social commentary of the ongoing Cold War. The year 1968 brought us two science fiction films with Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”  and Franklin J. Schaffner’s “Planet of the Apes” that wowed audiences with the visuals and storytelling. The genre has explored intergalactic space battles (Star Wars), time travel (Back to the Future), the horror (Alien, The Thing), Artificial Intelligence (The Terminator films, A.I.) and others.

“Ex Machina” tells the story of computer programmer, Caleb, who is the lucky winner of a lottery at work and gets to spend a week with his company’s CEO Nathan. At his giant estate, Nathan has Caleb run a series of tests with humanoid robot Ava, his newest creation. The film marks the debut of “28 Days Later” screenwriter Alex Garland and while low budget, the story and visuals are what I really like about this film. Also are the performances by Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and especially Alicia Vikander. I first saw the film came out on Redbox and it exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed it so much, I bought the movie and now sits in my personal collection. I like how they show the relationship between man and machine, which I think is relevant in the present. As I would talk about the film in detail, there will be spoilers. If you have not seen the film, I highly recommend it.

With the film’s low budget, Alex Garland is allowed to be creative with the setting and number of characters. Since it takes place at an isolated estate, this allows us to focus just on the three characters. The place is half private residence and half research facility, giving it a modern day look with a futuristic twist. When Caleb first arrives, the helicopter drops him off and he has to walk to the house. The place looks peaceful and a perfect vacation spot to get away from the outside world. The exterior scenes is an actual hotel in Norway but most of the interiors was shot in a studio.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSesH2hUY0o

Caleb is the outsider that is brought in to observe and he is us, the audience. We know everything from him, like his tests with Ava or talking to Nathan. His interactions with Ava seem to bring him a sense of wonder. He is fascinated with her intelligence and the way she is designed. As he spends more time at the place, he becomes paranoid about whether or not he is a robot. In a graphic scene, he cuts himself with a razor to see. Seeing how Ava lives and controlling Nathan is, he comes up with a plan for her escape.   

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb0O0Vt39jE

Nathan lives in this secluded estate, away from everyone else. His character comes across as lonely and a bit arrogant. Isaac based the character on Bobby Fischer and director Stanley Kubrick, right down to his beard. In his conversations with Caleb, he has him refrain from talking about work and more like if they were buddies. He is also shown to binge drink alone and treats his Japanese maid like dirt. This shows his isolation has been getting to him and his obsession with his work. In one my of favorite scenes as is many others, Nathan shows Caleb the maid dancing to music and he joins in while Caleb watches. The rest of the film’s tone is a slow burn but this scene just comes out of nowhere. The dance moves from the two is what makes the scene. The character is also reminiscent of Dr. Frankenstein when it is revealed that he has made other prototypes of humanoid robots before Ava.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvYPCNCGEK8

Ava spends a majority of the film in a private room. She longs to go outside and while testing with Caleb, warns him of Nathan and not to trust him. The former treats her well while the latter keeps her locked up and tears up her drawings. Her character has a sense of wonder and curiosity similar to a developing child. One of my favorite scenes with her is when she tries on clothes for Caleb because she looks happy and warms up to him, leading to her escape. By the end, she gets her revenge on Nathan by stabbing him but leaves Caleb locked up and heads to the outside world. This all happens in the last fifteen minutes and the music added to the tension. This ending could be seen in two ways, either Ava will live a peaceful life or she can rule the world.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Aq2GEig4R8 - 1st Session

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=god-9smfGHs - Clothes

“Ex Machina” was one of my favorites films of 2015, along with “Sicario”, “The Hateful Eight”, “Mad Max: Fury Road” and many others. It is a brilliant debut from Garland and I still have to watch his latest film from earlier this year, “Annihilation”, is on my list to watch. There are many films I have that I will watch more than once and this is one of them.

Once Upon a Time in the West: An Appreciation

Before I get started, I would like to thank again my friend Ellen Giai Gianetto for providing some of the artwork. www.ellengiaigianetto.com 

For me, the western genre is one of my favorite genres in film. It could be the action, characters, historical setting and the way a director shoots it. Since the days of silent cinema, the genre was seen as low brow or “B” movie material. It wasn’t until the release of John Ford’s classic “Stagecoach” that the genre elevated with seven Oscar nominations, including two wins. In the years that followed, “Red River”, “The Searchers”, “Shane”, “High Noon”, “Johnny Guitar” and many others featured A-list actors and are still regarded as some of the best westerns. During the decline of American westerns in the early 60’s, Italian director Sergio Leone introduced audience to a then unknown Clint Eastwood in “A Fistful of Dollars”, which itself was an unofficial remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo”. Two more films followed featuring Eastwood’s The Man with No Name, “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. After the success of the latter film, Leone was said to have been done with the western genre. Then Paramount Pictures however offered him a big budget and the chance to work with one of his favorite stars, Henry Fonda. Along with then film critics Bernardo Bertolucci and Dario Argento, the trio constructed a story based on their admiration for American Westerns. Released in 1968, “Once Upon a Time in the West” is not only my favorite western but it's in my personal top ten. The film tells the story of a recent widow (Claudia Cardinale) whose family is slain when her property interferes with railroad plans. She also runs into mysterious characters, like outlaw Cheyenne (Jason Robards), the near silent Harmonica (Charles Bronson) and the cold blooded Frank (Henry Fonda). Famed composer Ennio Morricone returns to score in which he uses music to identify the four characters very creatively. For it's 50th anniversary, I think it is timely to discuss my love for this film. Some of the facts I have I pulled from the IMDB trivia page, which has some fun anecdotes. (Warning: some spoilers ahead.)

  While Leone’s Dollars Trilogy were known to be over the top, quirky and fast paced, this film was serious but with bits of dark humor and slowly paced. The opening fourteen minutes of the film is nearly dialogue free as three gunmen wait for a train. Sound is a factor in the scene to illustrate what the characters surroundings are like. Then the sound of a harmonica introduces us to Charles Bronson’s character and after a few words of exchange, he opens fire on them. Bronson had starred in ensemble films like “The Magnificent Seven”, “The Great Escape” and “The Dirty Dozen” and here, he is given the chance to being a main character with on a mission of vengeance. Though at times, he does not show heroic characteristics but then you begin to understand his actions. He is also tough when Frank slaps him multiple times on the train. The reason I really like this film is because of it's characters, whether they are good or evil.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QML28YQBvyc -Opening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XkHsinz7oU - Harmonica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6BQKFs3-VM - Hamonica's theme

After that, we are introduced to a family preparing for the arrival of the father’s wife. They are then gunned down by the cold blooded Frank. Up to this point, Henry Fonda was known for playing warm hearted and sincere characters. Leone had always wanted to work with Fonda as he was the original choice for “A Fistful of Dollars” but he was too expensive. Though he turned down the role, Leone flew to New York to convince him to take on the role. He wanted to shock audiences, much like Hitchcock with Psycho, of Fonda killing an entire family.   In the end, Fonda has stated that it was a favorite film performance. His character’s choice of clothing, all back, reflects his own soul. His theme has a sinister feel to it. Some of his line delivery in certain scenes sends chills to viewers. Later in the film, Frank is betrayed by his men and he shoots them with the assistance of Harmonica, who really wants to kill him himself.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YopB9-vIqyY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdPo_Ww6Dag - Frank's theme

Another lead character in the film is Jill, a former prostitute who gets caught up in a land battle when her husband and family are slained. Jill’s theme is light and elegant and it captures her beauty and innocence. Known for having a deep voice, Claudia Cardinale’s voice was dubbed by another actress. Her character interacts with all three of the male protagonists and she handle her own. It is refreshing to see a female character in a western not be a damsel in distress or love interest. She reminds me of Claire Trevor's character in "Stagecoach" of a woman escaping her past and having to navigate her new life.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdL__zuZvpA 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXPwj4Mmno - Jill's theme

Then there is Cheyenne, an outlaw who is framed for murdering the family. When his character teams up with Harmonica, it becomes something of a buddy film. Jason Robards plays the character with a wicked sense of humor and also gentleman like when he interacts with Jill. His theme that plays has a comedic beat to it. One day on the set, Robards got intoxicated which infuriated Leone. He told the actor to never do it again and Robards apologized.  One of my favorite scenes in the film is when he is on top of the moving train and takes out Frank’s men.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2gKcLkygI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5IpN3grKDI - Cheyenne's theme

Clocking in at two hours and forty five minutes, “Once Upon a Time in the West” is worth checking out if you are a fan of westerns. Though the film did not do well financially in America, it was a huge hit in Europe. A year later, Sam Peckinpah releases his masterpiece, “The Wild Bunch”, with a grittier tone and violence. The film has also influence many film directors like Quentin Tarantino, John Carpenter, George Lucas, and Baz Luhrmann. Leone would go on to make two more films before his untimely death in 1989, the underrated “Duck, You Sucker” and his epic crime drama “Once Upon a Time in America”. The western genre continues to be revisited from time to time, often times a mixed success. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw-Av9BpC-w