Man, this is a really lame thing to do at the last minute (and past deadline), but I've got to make a revision to my "Favorite Films" list of the decade.
Before some crazy squad of New Year's Police comes smashing through my windows and doors because I've broken the "2009 is over" law... I'm taking a stand on this one.
(500) Days of Summer.
I have no damn clue how this one escaped me in 2009. I'm throwing my opinion out at you like a deadly razor-blade frisbee... this movie is one of my favorites of the decade.
Here's how this is going to break down:
1. I'm booting Cameron Crowe off the list at #25. Elizabethtown served its purpose, did its time, and now it's free to go.
2. I'm moving everything up a notch.
3. I'm inserting (500) Days of Summer in spot #9.
"But Matt," you're probably asking, "Really? You're going to put this movie in front of all the other awesome films on your list and you've just now seen it?"
You might also ask, "Also, what will you be having for breakfast in the morning?"
Never fear readers, I've got the answers you've been looking for. First of all, I'll more than likely make myself a delicious bacon, egg and cheese sandwich for breakfast. I like the egg over-medium, so that after your first bite, that delicious yellow yolk erupts all over your face and hands and totally makes you feel like you're four years old again. If you're an egg fan. Or a fan of feeling like a messy kid again. If not, then go to hell.
Anyway, your next answer: because it was incredible.
I guess it's weird that I could talk more about an egg sandwich than a movie that just wrecked my whole life, but it's one of those "left me speechless" scenarios.
You know the ones, right? You watch some awesome speech, you meet someone who rips your perceptions to pieces, you listen to The Flaming Lips for the first time... etc. etc. That kind of thing happened with this movie, and I'll more than likely walk back into my living room in a second and watch the damn thing again.
That YouTube trailer up there? That's the cute, cuddly version of the film. Those marketing guys are kinda genius on that one. You think you're walking into a super trendy film about two people falling helplessly in love, but like the narrator clearly states: This is NOT a love story. And it's sure as hell not. This trailer is ten times more cool and masterfully edited:
I can draw comparisons to my life for miles and miles and miles... talk about how much I love The Smiths and what an integral part they play in the film... talk about how beautifully shot it is... talk about the unbelievably fun and interesting art that sneaks its way into frame after frame... discuss the pitch-perfect wardrobe and amazing style & look of every character... talk about how wonderfully three-dimensional every character is and how much I was invested in their emotions and accomplishments... or just say how badass Chloe Moretz is in general... but I totally digress.
This movie is my bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. Except this time machine doesn't go back to kindergarten, it goes back to most of my adult life.
I confidently put this film in my Top 10 of the decade without a hint of hesitation.
Now excuse me while I go take another bite.
-M
P.S. Chloe Moretz, you ask? Mark my words... you're going to fall in love with this chick this April when a little film called, "Kick-Ass" drops a nuclear bomb of awesome on your brains.
P.P.S. One of my most favorite sequences of the entire decade:
3 Comments:
I always wondered if this was going to be a slightly more refined Juno (you know, quirky indie/hipster music video masquerading as a movie; and I generally enjoyed Juno, but that was mostly for jason Bateman).
Judging by the trailers it seemed that it was just that and as a general rule I kinda ignored it, much as I did Where The Wild Things Are. Well I saw Wild Things and I loved it and based on The Tirade seal of approval I will have to give Summer a chance. Video store here I come....
Oh yeah dude, please check that thing out. I f'n HATED Juno. That movie sucked massive amounts of hipster/music video balls, and I LOATHE the script.
That trailer is waaaaayyyy off. This movie is a gut punch. If you've ever been through a gross breakup with some girl, you will connect to this movie like two legos.
For me, the ending was tear-jerking and full of wonderful optimism.
Also... the opening title card for the film is a disclaimer. And it's one of the funniest damn openings to a film I've ever seen.
Go get it!!!!
yeah i'd like to add a couple movies into the 20's on my list: Spike Lee's Inside Man (every time i catch it on BET i have to finish it)and Elephant by Gus Van Sant. totally forgot about these two. i saw Basterds and it would come in at about 30 and District 9 totally blew. i do not understand the massive amounts of critical praise. everything about it was vague and i hated the main character. the 6 minute short film he did was better. Summer is in the queue and coming up soon. --tf
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