Film 2006

Decided to start the year by setting up a blog where I can jot down my thoughts on the films I see. May also include any DVDs, books, music, etc that I also feel worthy of a mention.

Before posting about new films I've seen, I thought I'd start of with a list of the films I enjoyed last year. In no particular order they were:

Grizzly Man - Documentary meets the darkest of humour. Parts of me suspects (hopes?) we may have been part of an elaborate joke.

United 93 - A film that was utterly moving and realistic. Had to keep reminding myself I wasn't watching a documentary.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - Not a great film, but I saw it three times which means I either enjoyed it or I'm a masochist! (Oh yeah, it had pirates in it!)

Thank You For Smoking - A close run with some of the other films that didn't make the cut, but I enjoyed the ensemble cast and the film's sentiments.

Miami Vice - It's a Michael Mann film, and they always have a special place in my heart.

Children Of Men - A great vision of a dystopian future. The single shot combat sequence at the end was the cherry on the icing.

The Departed - Feels strange picking a remake in a year of strong films, but the strength of all the performances ensured its place in my Top 10.

The Prestige - An engaging movie that managed to hide some of its secrets till the end, a rarity for me.

Casino Royale - Bond the way I like it; gritty, realistic, fewer gadgets and less reliance on the sort of CGI that marred 'Die Another Day'. Just hope that the franchise follows this vein.

Pan's Labyrinth - Violent and enchanting in equal measures. At times I wish I was an optimist by nature. Films that involve a twist on the fairy story always piqué my interest.

Films that almost made the list:
- A Scanner Darkly
- Inside Man
- Lady Vengeance
- Little Miss Sunshine
- Slither
- The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada