My 10 Movies of the Decade

It's the end of the decade. Already. But before embarking on another 10 years in this little story called Time, we must/need/have to reflect on all the great pop culture achievements/chicanery of the past 10 years. So I'll be posting my countdowns on this blog. First up: my top 10 films.

10. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The middle act of any story is crucial in setting the drama and conflict for the conclusion. Peter Jackson orchestrates this purpose masterfully in Two Towers by placing the characters in uncertain situations - most notably the epic Helm's Deep battle. Though we were certain Frodo, Aragorn, and the Fellowship would succeed in the end, Two Towers shows us the anguish and sacrifice it took to achieve victory.

9. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

How would you cope in a horror movie? In Edgar Wright’s existential satire, two couch potatoes find themselves in the middle of a zombie attack. Their choice of weapon? Old Prince and Sade records. Their hideout? A pub. It's funny, unique, and the perfect parody of the droll, mundane lifestyle.

8. Elephant (2003)

It's the typical high school with the typical characters: jocks, princesses, bookworms and slackers. But as director Gus Van Sant's cold, voyeuristic style moves from person to person, two students begin to stand out. We see them buying guns and formulating a plan. Like the students and staff of Columbine High School on the morning of April 20, 1999, we're unable to fully comprehend the situation until it's too late.

7. Children of Men (2006)

Imagine a world without hope. Alfonso Cuaron's sci-fi fable (adapted from a P.D. James novel) is set in a restless 2027 society where humans are no longer able to breed and war, terrorism and corruption are commonplace. Then a "miracle" occurs: a pregnant woman is found and its up to an emotionally wounded Clive Owen to escort her to safety. The film mirrors our own present plagues of war and disease and reminds us of the charity, sacrifice, and faith necessary in these tough times.

6. WALL-E

Sci-fi critiques of our modern times seemed to be popular this decade. This Pixar film turns the robot-human dichotomy upside down by portraying a lonely robot as the symbol of thoughtfulness and empathy while humans are shown as detached and cold. It's smart but also endearing, humorous, and hopeful. The film's success, despite its lack of A-list actors and even human language, is also a testament to the power of strong cinematic storytelling.

5. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

A modern "Moby Dick" with Bill Murrary as a sarcastic, uber-eccentric Captain Ahab. Murray's Steve Zissou is a burned-out tv oceanographer on an ambitious mission to avenge his friend who was eaten by a shark. The ensuing journey is hilarious but also poignant as Zissou struggles between reviving his faltering career and establishing closer ties with his friends and family members. The film reminds us that redemption can often be found in the places we least expect.

4. The Lives of Others (2006)

Set in 1984 East Berlin, this film is a chilling meditation on social conformity and lack of free will. Secret police agent Wiesler, assigned to conduct surveillance on a couple, symbolizes the cold, soulless government hegemony. The free spirit couple are glimmers of freedom yearning to exist. Naturally, Wiesler is unwillingly changed and we're reminded that human empathy can exist in even the darkest of places.

3. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Good, evil, and everything in between clash in the Coen Brothers' adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel. Though the three main characters have their delineated roles, their motives become muddled as the film progresses. Josh Brolin's character is a thief, but he merely wants to provide for his wife. Javier Bardem is a cold-blooded killer, but he operates on a fairness system based on fate and proper dues. Tommy Lee Jones is the honest sheriff, though he doubts his role in protecting society. The film's conclusion is left open-ended as is our understanding of right, wrong, and the law.

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

We've all been there: wishing we could go back and fix something in our pasts. Michel Gondry's film puts this wish to the test but with the obvious unexpected consequences. What isn't initially obvious to first-time viewers is the intimacy to which we relate to Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet's characters. It makes us wish we could take back our long-lost significant others...while reminding us that sometimes its better to leave well enough alone.

1. There Will Be Blood (2007)

A searing allegory for American capitalism, P.T Anderson's saga portrays oil man Daniel Plainview as he builds a million-dollar empire from scratch. Daniel Day Lewis' enthralling portrayal of Plainview shows every facet of this journey - every sense of ambition, heartache and ruthlessness. The title truly says it all -this is the cruel reality of what it took to build America's wealth and power.