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Must See Movies for 2004*
*List will update as the movie season progresses

While these movies are not necessarily our picks for Oscar consideration, we do think they are the ones you've gotta see for 2004.

More Reel Rants
Sideways – Like a fine pinot noir whose grapes ripen in the cool California nights, Sideways is a near perfect specimen of filmmaking that gets finer as it ages.

Million Dollar Baby - Tells a story that will truly move your soul and leave a lasting impression. If you go see one movie in 2004, make sure it's Million Dollar Baby. You won't be disappointed.

Finding Neverland - You don't get to experience a movie like this very often.

Kinsey – Neeson's ability to reflect all the intricacies of Kinsey's psyche is phenomenal.

Ray – Not only does the film introduce a younger generation to the genius of Ray Charles' music, conversely it introduces an older generation to the genius of Jamie Foxx's acting abilities.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow – There's so much style, delicious atmosphere and captivating story in Sky Captain that anyone is sure to find something intriguing.

A Very Long Engagement – Although we've been told the same love story numerous times, never before has it been so well crafted and so perfectly executed.

Miracle – An inspirational event that will touch everyone. Although we know the outcome of the game, and we understand the significance of the achievement, Miracle still promises to entertain, educate and to never let us forget how a ragtag bunch of kids made America stop and feel proud again.

The Incredibles – Despite its unprecedented PG rating for a Pixar film, The Incredibles is not only appropriate for youngsters; it also promises to entertain 6 to 60.

Spanglish – little slice-of-reality...where every one-liner's a real zinger and where every disdainful human trait is exposed like a raw nerve.

The Sea Inside – Extremely powerful human drama that doesn't shy away from the tough issues.

Maria Full of Grace – One of those movies that brings to the forefront something we knew existed but the impact of which we didn't really understand.

Two Brothers – As good as all the technical aspects are and as illuminating as the story is, it's the regal majesty of the cats that gives the film its roar.

The Polar Express – For the most part the story's original charm and heartfelt warmth are conveyed in the movie.

Door in the Floor – A perfectly acted melodrama that excels in the use of cinematic metaphors.

The Passion of the Christ – Regardless of what people may be saying, The Passion of the Christ is certainly not a life-altering experience. It is quite simply an artist's interpretation, of writers' interpretations, of ancient stories.

Napoleon Dynamite – dud or plenty of bang for your buck, you decide. Either way you see it, Napoleon Dynamite is bound to be a cult-classic before long, due to the vivid characters and memorable quotes that Director Jared Hess has laid out for us.

A Love Song for Bobby Long – As the story ran its course, I could almost smell the fishy mustiness of the Delta heartland hanging in the sweltering air of "Nawlins."

Fahrenheit 9/11 – Hate it or love it, it's still a must see. One of the most polarizing films in quite some time.

Birth - If for no other reason, see it for the performance of Nicole Kidman.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – This is a better film in every sense of the word and a truly memorable outing from this franchise. It’s so good, in fact, that I’m sad that Cuaron is not returning for the fourth film.

Friday Night Lights – Where it experiences most of its success is in its disturbing depiction of adults living vicariously through their children.

Shrek 2 – Combines the first installment's magical formula with clever storytelling and state-of-the-art animation to create the year's funniest and most entertaining film.

Collateral – Makes the high marks for its interesting and well developed story, its complex characters, and thematic focus.

Garden State – A pleasant reminder that there is beauty in the breakdown! Garden State is as charming and deprecating as it is amusing and gentle, and the taste of visual puns that first time writer/director Zach Braff floats throughout the film are deliciously original.

Valentin – I challenge you to watch Valentin yet not fall in love with the charming Rodrigo Noya

The Girl Next Door – Attention all teen romantic comedy films. You've just been one-upped!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – The year's first great film, and a welcome haven for any filmgoer who has gotten tired of the B and C level movies that inhabit the theatres following Oscar season

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events - deliciously quirky piece of filmmaking with a brooding little tale at its heart and a family of charmingly industrious children at its soul.

Kill Bill Vol. 2 – Take five, ten, or 15 steps to see Kill Bill: Volume 2. It's is a Five-Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique caliber rush of pure adrenaline and fun.

The Phantom of the Opera – Bad movie, but see it for Emmy Rossum. She lights up every scene with her large soulful eyes and her beautiful voice.

Touching the Void – Gripping documentary about two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. I still have to ask the question: "why?"

The Village – The Village is a thoughtful, provocative, yet somewhat unsatisfying film that proves M. Night Shyamalan is an effective filmmaker and ambitious storyteller who succeeds in scaring, but falters a bit with The Village's conclusions.

The Terminal – In all, The Terminal is a delightful film that benefits from its solid cast, its inoffensiveness, and its charming and approachable themes.

Having listed the "Must Sees" for 2004, following is Frank's List of the Ten Best Movies for 2004:
1. Million Dollar Baby
2. Sideways
3. Finding Neverland
4. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
5. Ray
6. Miracle
7. The Incredibles
8. Two Brothers
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
10. Maria Full of Grace

Now for the List of the Worst Movies of 2004:
5. Alexander
4. Team America: World Police
3. Van Helsing
2. Garfield: The Movie
1. Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Movie

© 2004 Frank's Reel Reviews. All rights reserved




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©2002, Frank's Reel Reviews. All rights reserved.