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The Best Films of 2006
You’ve seen the worst films of the year (or hopefully not), so now’s the time for the flip side. Here are the best films of 2006.
But first, a quick explanation. To be eligible for this list, a film has to have played in the Dayton area (my home base) in 2006. That’s why you won’t find the likes of “Letters from Iwo Jima” or “Children of Men” here. I don’t want to write, “Hey, here’s this great film! Too bad you can’t see it, and I have no idea when you can!” Such are the perils of the smaller movie market here.
With that in mind, the films’ availability in theaters or on DVD is after each entry in parentheses, along with Netflix links. However, if films are in theaters, I urge you to see them that way if at all possible. These movies in particular deserve to be seen on the big screen.
Here are the runners up, ranked alphabetically because ranking the first 10 is hard enough:
Babel: Its multiple stories may seem disjointed, but they’re all about our ability/unwillingness to listen and they’re all powerful. (TBA)
Cars: Pixar’s weakest film can only make my runners-up list. Good problem to have, no? (Available)
The Illusionist: There were two great movies about magicians this year. This is the lighter of the two, but still very entertaining. (Jan. 9)
The Last Kiss: The Movie that Got Away in 2006 is, after a fashion, about the one that got away. (Available)
Little Miss Sunshine: It may be a little self-consciously quirky at times, but it’s often moving and original in the process. (Available)
Match Point: Woody Allen’s best in years. (Available)
Monster House: Someone beat Pixar at their own game in this delightfully zippy romp. (Available)
The Queen: There’s a reason Helen Mirren has been winning every acting award under the sun. She deserves them. (TBA)
Superman Returns: It was the Superman III we should have gotten decades ago. (Available)
Thank You for Smoking: This vicious satire must go over really well in Ohio these days with the passage of the anti-smoking law. (Available)
And now, the ten best:
10) Apocalypto: Say what you want about Mel Gibson, but the man can direct. This was an adventure that was like nothing else I saw this year. (In theaters now, but on its way out)
9) Inside Man: This crackling, whip-smart thriller had Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster and Spike Lee all in top form. Talk about a cumulative effect. (Available)
8) Shut Up and Sing: A documentary that amazes not so much for its political stance as its personal one. We get to see who the Dixie Chicks are, something that got lost in all the blather. (Now playing at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. On DVD Feb. 20)
7) Dreamgirls: Deserves placement on this list for Jennifer Hudson’s “And I’m Telling You I’m not Going” alone. Luckily, the rest is pretty darn good too. (In theaters)
6) Casino Royale: In only one film, Daniel Craig became the second best Bond after Sean Connery. Suddenly I wish they could make 007 movies once a year like they used to. (In theaters)
5) Brokeback Mountain: It wasn’t better than “Munich” - but it was certainly better than “Crash.” (Available)
4) The Prestige: This film was the one that most rewarded repeat viewings. Just as the story was about magic, the movie itself was like one giant magic trick. Abracadabra indeed. (At the dollar-plexes; on DVD Feb. 20)
3) World Trade Center: Oliver Stone’s 9-11 film has gotten overlooked in most year-end lists, which is disappointing. His chronicle of two police officers buried under the rubble of the Twin Towers was deeply moving, and a bracing reminder of what a strong visual filmmaker he is. (Available)
2) The Departed: Most people called this movie Martin Scorsese’s “return to form.” Honestly, I didn’t think he’d been out of form, so I’ll just say he was even better than usual. The cast is perfection. (Might be back in theaters when Oscar nominations are announced. On DVD Feb. 13)
1) United 93: Yes, it is tough to watch, but it makes me sad that so many people are leery of watching this masterpiece. Much as I understand a reluctance to watch it, I feel that goes against the spirit of what the passengers did. I found the film intense but surprisingly uplifting. When director Paul Greengrass put me on that doomed plane with those brave souls, I felt their courage swell up within me. I think that’s the legacy they would very much like to have. (Available)
Now you get to chime in. What were the best films of the year for you?
Permalink | Comments (9) | Categories: Lists
Comments
By SRCputt
January 2, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
According to Box Office Mojo, both The Departed and The Queen get wide re-releases January 19.By efice32
December 31, 2006 4:14 AM | Link to this
back for more commenting fun after seeing casino royale, I completely agree…excellent film and Criag IS the 2nd best bond already. I really enjoyed watching this one. Thanks for the tip!By Lauren
December 29, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Um…Brokeback better than Crash…naw…By efice32
December 29, 2006 5:43 PM | Link to this
Thank You For Smoking was a good film…glad to see it included in you runner up list. To be honest, I haven’t seen any of the movie on your top 10 list :( but I’ll definitely be checking them out soon now that they come highly recommended. Thanks for the lists.By Allie D.
December 29, 2006 3:59 PM | Link to this
And yeah, I guess you’re right to include Brokeback on the list since it didn’t release wide until January… But yeah, I suppose if I was doing local eligibility I’d definitely have it on the list. What a haunting film… I saw it for the second time recently and it hit me just as hard.By Zack
December 29, 2006 2:36 PM | Link to this
P.S. “Shut Up & Sing” is at the Little Art this week.By Zack
December 29, 2006 2:34 PM | Link to this
Good list. The only one I haven’t seen is World Trade Center, because I know it’s not my style — but I’ll get around to watching it soon anyway, I hope. I’m glad to see you using Dayton-based eligibility. That’s awesome!By Allie D.
December 29, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Great list, Eric!! And it makes me feel good that I’ve seen most of those! hehehehe I’m working on mine as we speak. ;)By ME
December 29, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
Wow. I’ve seen just one of your best - Brokeback and although it was beautifully shot and although I did’t care about the subject matter - I felt like this was a private life we were peeping in on. It was painful and sad. Maybe that was the purpose of the director, but I wouldn’t watch it a second time ever! As for the 9/11 and 93. I won’t watch either of them. I don’t need to relive those days. I’m sure they are great, but I’m not ready I guess. The rest … Netflix here I come. Thanks for keeping us informed!