2001 Movies In Review

Breeze film critics dish out their 2001 picks

Sophomore Zak Salih

Best: "The Man Who Wasn't There" (Coen Brothers)

Quite possibly the best work in the Coen Brothers' canon thus far, "The Man Who Wasn't There" is a somber, depressing, honest portrait of American loneliness and happenstance. Billy Bob Thornton's Ed Crane, the ambivalent, gravel-voiced barber who wanders through a world of noir (shot gorgeously by cinematographer Roger Deakins) gives one of the best performances of the year, not to mention the supporting cast of flawed characters ranging from Frances McDormand to Tony Shalhoub. This is a film that manages to astound and amaze with its quietness and subtlety.

Runner-up: "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" (Steven Speilberg)

More that just a futuristic "E.T.," "A.I." represents a unique amalgamation of two of contemporary cinema's most contradictory auteurs: Steven Speilberg and the late Stanely Kubrick. The story of a boy robot programmed to love was wrongly mistreated by critics for its transcendental themes, its mix of lightness and darkness and its burdening moral questions. These, however, are what make "A.I" a unique, futuristic fairytale and an underestimated masterpiece.

Worst: "Scary Movie 2"

The scariest part about this shameless sequel to the half-way decent "Scary Movie" is that people actually went to see it. How anyone could pay $7.50 to sit through a cornucopia of tasteless, raunchy jokes is beyond comprehension. Perhaps in "Scary Movie 3" (because you just know a trilogy is in the works) they can parody how ridiculous film parodies have become. Where's Leslie Nielsen when you need him?

Senior Liza Bacerra

Best: "Fellowship of the Ring" (Peter Jackson)

It is often a risky gamble to adapt a novel into a film, especially a novel that not only garners the praise of being the best fantasy literature ever written but has an international cult following as well. However, director Peter Jackson creates a Middle Earth worthy of Tolkien, with vast panoramic shots, epic battle sequences and treks over untamed countryside. Moreover, themes of friendship, loyalty and love bestow depth to this unrivaled piece of eye-candy.

Runner-up: "Shrek" (Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson)

This movie is a delightfully amusing satire dressed up as a kiddie flick. Although its witty dialogue only adults can fully appreciate, allusions to fairytales, nursery rhymes and Disney classics charm those even vaguely familiar with pop culture.

Worst: "Tomcats" (Gregory Poirer)

In the tradition of the "American Pie" movies and "Dude, Where's My Car?," "Tomcats" subscribes to the same slapstick physical humor, with sex (innuendo or otherwise) sprinkled throughout — a comedy for the sake of entertainment alone. But "Tomcats" shoots past sheer entertainment to being pointlessly offensive and crude. Factor in its lack of plot and likable characters and the film most deservedly ranks as one of the worst movies of the year.

Sophomore Scott King

Best: "Fellowship of the Ring" (Peter Jackson)

It was just a matter of time before technology allowed someone to make a feature adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's books. "Fellowship of the Ring" is amazing due to a superb cast and the director's ability to stay as close as possible to the original story.

Runner-up: "A Beautiful Mind" (Ron Howard)

Russell Crowe's amazing range of character portrayals is evident in this film as he again goes the extra mile in bringing his character to life. Jennifer Connelly shines in her role as the devoted wife whose love for Crowe's character sustains the film. "A Beautiful Mind"'s perfect pace and Ron Howard's abilities as a director also contribute to its success in balancing emotion and the challenging material of mental illness.

Worst: "Pootie Tang" (Louis C.K.)

This spin-off of "The Chris Rock Show" makes all those "Saturday Night Live" movies look good. "Pootie Tang" proves the dynamic that works in small skits just doesn't transfer over to movies.

Junior Chris Kulik

Best: "Enemy at the Gates" (Jean-Jacques Annaud)

One of the few mainstream World War II films that doesn't involve Americans, this exquisitely detailed and powerful film is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Stalingrad. Based on a true story, it portrays a young Russian sharpshooter (played by Jude Law), who becomes a symbol of hope for a country on the edge of defeat and destruction. The film also offers riveting performances by Law, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz and Bob Hoskins. Ed Harris is both frightening and believable as the German sniper sent to stop Law.

Runner-up: "Fellowship of the Ring" (Peter Jackson)

This mesmerizing adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels focuses on a young hobbit (Elijah Wood) who must make a dangerous journey across mountains to protect a sacred ring from falling into the hands of a powerful sorcerer. The film is filled with eye-popping visuals, but is also manages to involve sorcery and not become ridiculous. This is director Jackson's finest work to date.

Worst: "Glitter" (Vondie Curtis-Hall)

"Glitter" is the so-called story of a pop star who faces many mostly unbelievable obstacles in her life … who really cares? Mariah Carey should keep her day job after her film debut in this amateur mess of a movie.