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2004! My first year of college and you sure did have a ton of movies that came out. Damn, there were a lot of movies that came out and trying to pick my top ten was difficult. I got the first seven and the last three were painful. I had to put several superheroes and a wizard on the list because they were great movies. I can already tell that the 2000s and beyond are going to be the death of me with this series. Well, here you go. MY list of the best films of 2004.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In the third installment of the franchise, this is honestly one of the best films in the series. Coming back for Harry’s third year at Hogwarts, we are introduced to Sirius Black, who has recently escaped and has a major connection to Harry and his deceased parents. This film is a little darker than the first two but the emotional depth in the characters is starting to show more. This is a must watch for 2004.
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 is one of the best superhero films and sequels ever made. Peter battles against Dr. Octavius to save the city. The reason this film is so good is that it goes into the emotional side of being a superhero. It shows the emotional toll Peter takes with being Spider-Man and having a life. This film laid the groundwork of adding more emotional depth to the heroes and their personal struggles of saving people repeatedly.
The Incredibles
“Honey, where’s my super suit?” Pixar has the Midas touch when it comes to making animated movies. This one follows Bob and Helen Parr who are Mr. Incredible and Elastgirl and their lives as they must hide their superpowers in the 1960s. The film is amazing and beyond hilarious. While it introduces a slew of new characters, the one and only Edna Mode steals every scene that she is in. Great work Pixar.
Hellboy
Guillermo del Toro brought the red demon hero to the big screen while writing and directing this film. Behind the great performance of Ron Perlman in the title role, the film is a mini-origin story of the demon turned investigator for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense while battling things that go bump in the night. Toro made a freaking excellent film that is enjoyable, dark, funny and makes you look at a hero in a different way. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with a red demon and his stone-like hand that loves cats, smokes cigars and has witty humor.
The Bourne Supremacy
I don’t care what anyone says, The Bourne Supremacy is an awesome and thrilling film. I read the book, and the movie is NOTHING like it but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a quality sequel. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat as the CIA continue their search for the world-famous assassin.
Saw
“Do you want to play a game?” The film that started a freaking long ass franchise. I think we are up to 12 movies now. It is crazy to think but this film is thrilling and intense. Introducing the killer, Jigsaw, he challenges his victims with horrifying traps. The film is great as it is a mystery with two men locked in a bathroom. The ending is great and how about that music?
Kill Bill: Volume 2
The first Kill Bill was awesome and the anticipation for the sequel was high. Quentin Tarantino delivered with the return of the Bride, starring Uma Thurman, as she continues her epic campaign for revenge against the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and her ultimate target of killing Bill. In this film, we get more background on the Bride’s training and her hatred of Elle. This film is AWESOME as Tarantino manages to mix martial arts films, samurai cinema, blaxploitation, and spaghetti westerns all in one.
Collateral
Collateral is a MUST-watch film. It is thrilling, with a great story about a cab driver and a hitman. The performances are excellent, with Cruise playing a villain and Foxx playing the simple cab driver. Foxx was nominated for an Oscar in this role. Mann did a phenomenal job directing this film and keeping you entertained. You will not be disappointed with watching this film.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.” Dodgeball is a hilarious film starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, and Rip Torn. When a group of misfits train and enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in hopes of saving their gym. Stiller is particularly funny as someone who bleeds his own blood and is the owner of a popular gym chain. The film is responsible for launching the Ocho network for ESPN.
Finding Neverland
I really enjoyed this film. It is the story of how J.M. Barrie came up with Peter Pan. Starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, the film goes into detail of how Barrie meets a family that helps him write the story of the famous character who can fly and never wants to grow up. I love this film as it takes the seriousness out of things, and has you look through the eyes of children and what they laugh at. The scene where Barrie brings kids from the orphanage to watch the play, and they start laughing will have you smiling.
