Best film of 2005?

Red Kooga

Harry Potter and King Kong aside I cant think of anything else on the calender thats a major release - so what's your fav of the year?

Id have to go with "Its All Gone Pete Tong" till I see a full list of the year's releases, I cant remember alot of them

ObeyGiant

Almost time to kick off the second annual Boards.ie Film Awards!

Hugh Hefner

Aye, I was about to say that too.

Can't remember many of the year's releases myself. Serenity perhaps.

TerrorFirmer

Hmmm.

Devils Rejects, Corpse Bride, History of Violence, War of the Worlds, Star Wars Episode III, need I say more? There were loads of quality films this year.

youcancallmeal

Probably 'Downfall' for me but Cinderella Man and SW episode 3 get a mention aswell.

Buck Owens

Batman Begins and Sin City would be the best of the blockbuster films

The Machinst and Dig! would be the best of the smaller more low key films.

Setun

Red Kooga wrote:

Harry Potter and King Kong aside I cant think of anything else on the calender thats a major release - so what's your fav of the year?

Id have to go with "Its All Gone Pete Tong" till I see a full list of the year's releases, I cant remember alot of them

Are you NUTS?!

What about Napolean Dynamite, Sideways, The Life Aquatic???

Were they this year actually? Time is so weird I don't know, apologies if im incorrect.

Karl Hungus

You know, I really can't think of anything this year that I could call best film. Land Of The Dead was great, but film of the year? Probably not. There's also a hell of a lot of films I just didn't watch in the cinema, such as A History Of Violence, The Devil's Rejects, Howl's Moving Castle, The Corpse Bride... So I'm kinda at a loss, I really don't go to the cinema that much.

Batman Begins, Downfall and Star Wars Episode III were pretty standout aswell. But then again, nothing jumps out as "Best" for me.

maquiladora

As enjoyable and entertaining as Sin City, War Of The Worlds, Revenge Of The Sith and Batman Begins were, the title "best film of 2005" doesn't really feel right....

Me? I'm pinning my hopes on my signature And I'm not talking about Built To Spill....

PixelTrawler

Best movie Ive seen in the cinema this year has been The Downfall

Red Kooga

Daddio wrote:

Are you NUTS?!

What about Napolean Dynamite, Sideways, The Life Aquatic???

Overrated shíte of the highest order, every one of them (and I was a huge fan of The Royal Tenenbaums). "Aquatic" had its visual moments but overall a disapointment for me. I couldnt sit through all of Napolean Dynamite and, even though I bought it on DVD after reading so much about it, Sideways isnt a film I'll watch again sober - ok but not great.

Batman Begins is one that would be up there for me but, again, not outstanding - Christopher Nolan's purposeful move away from CGI might have left the diehards happy but the fanboy in me wanted more special effects.


I've yet to see all of War Of The Worlds but the first half that I did see had me hooked. Not a standout year for cinema methinks.

Pigman II

1. Downfall
2. Lemony Snickets
3. Unleashed
4. Batman Begins

OfflerCrocGod

Hugh Hefner wrote:

Serenity perhaps.

Judging by the series you obviously haven't seen anything else this year; can't see how the film could be that much better then the dull series.

qz

Lemony Snicket was released in 2004 iirc.

I'd say Batman Begins or Episode 3. I do have high hopes for The Chronicles of Narnia though...

leesong

Loads of choice:

1) Downfall - one of the best films ever.
2) Batman begins - better than all the previous batman movies combined.
3) Sin City - bar for the stereotypical irish hit people.

Serenity wasn't bad, enjoyed the evening out to see it.
War of the worlds - OK, not as good as the book.

Sauron

Batman Begins, or War of the Worlds for me.

can't think of anymore..

ixoy

OfflerCrocGod wrote:

Judging by the series you obviously haven't seen anything else this year; can't see how the film could be that much better then the dull series.

Or - gasp - maybe he just liked it. I'd say "Serenity" is one of the most enjoyable movies I've seen in the cinema this year and I've seen, on average, 2 a week.

Nothing really stands out this year. I defintely enjoyed "Batman Begins" from the big blockbuster ones, and "Sin City". I didn't care much for "Episode III" at the time and, in retrospect, I still don't. Other ones were all grand but nothing stood head and shoulders above the rest.

On the smaller independent front, I did enjoy "Downfall" alright, although "The Machinist" is slightly over-rated. I'll have to trawl through my ticket stubs to refresh my memory of what else I've seen..

ObeyGiant wrote:

Almost time to kick off the second annual Boards.ie Film Awards!

Almost, but not quite I don't see myself doing it until January when we've had a chance to see all the year's films. I'm hoping, probably unwisely, that we'll get some of the better pieces towards years end, such as "Brokeback Mountain" (it comes out in limited release on Dec 30th...).

Thing is I don't think it's a particularly bad year for movies. There's been a larger than average number of flicks that have been quite good or good, particularly in the big budget department. It's just none have really blown me away.

Rcuomo

yea twasnt a great year, some entertaining films but no standouts like 2004, with the motorcycle diaries, oldboy, closer, spiderman 2, the best of youth!

the ones that entertained - episode 3, batman begins, wotw, etc.

here's hoping the constant gardener will be a good one...

Laguna

It illustrates the slim pickings for film of the year when Episode III keeps getting mentioned.

I vote for Sin City.

qz

I thought Sin City was cringe-worthy.

"Kill him Marv. Kill him good".

Karl Hungus

Oh yes, I forgot Serenity. Quite a good film, but again, can't say it's best of the year either.

Draupnir

I would have to say "Cinderella Man" was fantastic, enthralled me from start to finish, Crowe must get a best actor nomination in my opinion.

PixelTrawler

ixoy wrote:

although "The Machinist" is slightly over-rated. .

true, it would have been so much better if they had left a bit more mystery in it. Slightly off topic, did Christian Bale lose all that weight or was it makeup or a bit of both?

ixoy

Joebloggs4817 wrote:

true, it would have been so much better if they had left a bit more mystery in it. Slightly off topic, did Christian Bale lose all that weight or was it makeup or a bit of both?

From the IMDB trivia section:

The producers of the film claim that Christian Bale dropped from about 180 pounds in weight down to about 120 pounds in weight to make this film. They also claim that Bale actually wanted to drop down to 100 pounds, but that they would not let him go below 120 out of fear that his health could be in too much danger if he did. His diet consisted of one can of tuna and an apple per day. His 63-pound weight loss is said to be a record for any actor for a movie role. He since gained the weight back for his role in Batman Begins (2005).

ObeyGiant

To be honest, most of the movies I've enjoyed this year have been the low-brow 'dumb' movies. Harold and Kumar ranks as one of the best teen/stoner comedies I've seen in a long time, and Sahara was a near-perfect action movie that gave me the same feeling as when I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time. And the 40-Year Old Virgin was definitely the sweetest (without being overly schmaltzy).

But note, I did say that these were the films I enjoyed the most. I can tell the difference between 'best' and 'enjoyed most'.

PS - Without meaning to put even more work on the mods... for the film awards, can we throw in a few new categories, like "Best DVD" and "Biggest Contribution to the boards.ie Film Board" (being the actor/actress that was most talked about here on the film board).

qz

And that's one of the reasons why Christian Bale is one of my favourite actors.

(re: ixoy's post)

TerrorFirmer

I mean now that I think of it 2005 has been a fantastic year for movies.

Added to my original list, how did I forget Downfall, Sin City, Land of the Dead, 40 Year Old Virgin? There are just so many great movies out there from this year...can't believe someone actually genuinely believes there were no good movies released this year

I don't think there's really ever such an eventuality of a year without a least a big handful of great movies.

Anyway. Anyones who's seen it can verify that Deuce Bigalow European Gigalo is worst film of the year if not worst film ever.

Le Rack

This wasn't released in 2005 but I only seen it a few weeks ago so it's my best film of 2005, The Green Mile.

ixoy

ObeyGiant wrote:

PS - Without meaning to put even more work on the mods... for the film awards, can we throw in a few new categories, like "Best DVD" and "Biggest Contribution to the boards.ie Film Board" (being the actor/actress that was most talked about here on the film board).

I think Best DVD is a pretty fair one. I haven't got many DVDs lately, but if there's a lot of effort put into one, it should get a bit of recognition here.

Interesting idea about the biggest contribution too.... Reckon I'll kick off the Film Awards forum in December with suggestions for categories beyond the usual Best/Worst Film/Actor/Director/Documentaries types..

Karl Hungus

Le Rack wrote:

This wasn't released in 2005 but I only seen it a few weeks ago so it's my best film of 2005, The Green Mile.

You know, call me unfair, but I really don't think that counts.

Tusky

ObeyGiant wrote:

To be honest, most of the movies I've enjoyed this year have been the low-brow 'dumb' movies. Harold and Kumar ranks as one of the best teen/stoner comedies I've seen in a long time, and Sahara was a near-perfect action movie that gave me the same feeling as when I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time. And the 40-Year Old Virgin was definitely the sweetest (without being overly schmaltzy).

But note, I did say that these were the films I enjoyed the most. I can tell the difference between 'best' and 'enjoyed most'.

PS - Without meaning to put even more work on the mods... for the film awards, can we throw in a few new categories, like "Best DVD" and "Biggest Contribution to the boards.ie Film Board" (being the actor/actress that was most talked about here on the film board).

I have to say, I went to see Sahara expecting a great no brainer action movie and I thought it was absolutely dreadful. The action wasnt even entertaining.

Pigman II

qz wrote:

Lemony Snicket was released in 2004 iirc.

You're right, it came out in December here but was still in cinemas up to Feb2005. I saw it in Jan2005 and that's why I included it.

Pepe LeFrits

Hmm, Episode 3 and Pride and Prejudice are the only films I can recall seeing in the cinema this year, and Episode 3 was fúcking shíte so P&P wins by default!

Vikings

As far as best film goes, I have not seen enough of them this year to judge fairly. If I was to asked what the best comedies were, then The 40 year old virgin and The Wedding Crashers are the top two.

koneko

There were a lot of movies I enjoyed this year, all mentioned above, but nothing that stands out as a truly great movie. It's been a "fun" year for movies, but not a "good" one.

Worst film of the year though is always easier. I saw Flight Of The Phoenix the other day. Wow. So bad.

Vokes

ObeyGiant wrote:

and Sahara was a near-perfect action movie that gave me the same feeling as when I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time.

Me too! FAR from being the greatest movie this year, it was definitely the best lighthearted piece of fluff ive seen this year

I would nominate Cinderella Man or Lord of War or Batman Begins. Not sure if they're the best, but they're definitely the ones i enjoyed the most.

Creature

All I've seen this year are Land of the Dead, Sin City, War Of The Worlds, SW Episode 3 and Batman Begins so I'm gonna say Batman Begins.

Le Rack

Karl Hungus wrote:

You know, call me unfair, but I really don't think that counts.

yeah but but but

jcoote

sin city wins it hands down for me...so so cool !!!

jonnybadd

I'd have to nominate Lord of War or Wallace and Gromit two films i have immensely enjoyed at the pictures this year

BlitzKrieg

hmmm best film of 2005, gee i dont know...i saw so many classics of old (all that jazz, Day of the locusts) this year side by side with the current crop of big hits that i found it difficult to name one greatest of the year.


Few surprises though.


March of the Penguins rocked beyond belief.

batman Begins was great.

War of the worlds slipped due to dreadful ending.

Spongebob film was 2004 which is a pity as it is a work of art.


i guess its too difficult to name a best of 2005 without at least a list of all the releases to pick through.


Worse though. IS a bit easier.

Stealth, closely followed by Episode 3 and Dukes of Hazard.

Kingp35

My personal favourite of the year would have to be Batman Begins. Brilliant movie in every way I thought. Downfall would come a close second especially because of how well Bruno Ban portrayed Hitler. Tremendous performance.

Worst film Ive seen would have to be either Episode III or the Brothers Grimm. Thankfully I didnt go see the likes of Stealth or Dukes of Hazzard

orangerooster

For me The Downfall, War of the Worlds and Sin City were some of my favourites from this year. Overall I would have to say that Downfall is for me the best film this year.

Top 5:
Devils Rejects
Land of the Dead
Cinderella man
Batman
Sin City


To say Serenity or War of the Worlds are the best of the year is beyond madness. fair enough to like them but film was an art the last time i looked

garred

Crash is the only film I've really enjoyed this year. Oh the Woodsman was good aswell. There were plenty of blockbusters but not a big fan of those comic book type films. Must check out Downfall.

Retr0gamer

Thought the woodsman was terrible tbh. I think Spongebob was released here in January.

For me my favourite was Downfall.

bringitdown

Downfall was tagged in 2004, but I guess most saw it in 2005.

I'd take Mean Creek (2004), Crash, A History of Violence, Batman Begins, Sin City, so far.

Looking forward to the following 2005 releases: The Constant Gardener, Walk the Line, Jarhead, Syriana, Aeon Flux, Memoirs of a Geisha, Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong.

What a great run in to the end of the year!

Karl Hungus

Retr0gamer wrote:

For me my favourite was Downfall.

Downfall was definetly a masterpeice worthy of film of the year. I enjoyed it so much, simply because it depicted a very, very realistic Hitler, rather than this larger-than-life inhuman monster, depicted by films from the Splielberg and the like. It was an incredible breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the more schmaltzy films about WWII.

joe_chicken

Batman... didnt like it too much when i saw it in the cinema...

watched it again last week...

i kept going to myself: "o yeah this is the cool bit where..." and by the end of it i'd realised i'd done it for every scene...

bit smalchy in parts... but hey its a comic book character, it has to be

Sin City was OK... bit too much at times
Crash was good... clever, maybe too clever
Star Wars was very good... if only the other 2 were as good i'd rate it higher (that does make sense in my head)
and WOTW was good for about an hour

o yeah and Dig!... hahaha... forgot about that... that was funny

"you broke my f*cking sitar, man!"

TheStrandRoads

The Jacket and The Devils Rejects were my personal favourites of this year.

John

Hugh Hefner

Deleted User wrote:

To say Serenity or War of the Worlds are the best of the year is beyond madness. fair enough to like them but film was an art the last time i looked

Oh don't be so rigid. And besides, did you hear the score in Serenity? It was brilliant. It's stylised use of light and it's oh-so-Whendon humour. Great film. Didn't like War Of The Worlds at all, though it was better than I expected.