All 2004 Films Seen and Reviewed
August 10
Nae meorisokui jiwoogae (A Moment to Remember) (2004) - Setting aside the inevitable comparisons with The Notebook, this is a sweet story about a young Korean couple’s enduring love. Yes, it’s clearly designed to work the heartstrings, but there are a lot of rough edges that give it a more genuine and sincere feel. If you absolutely must watch a romantic tear-jerker then check it out with Korean cinematic stylings - you might be surprised by the way it grabs hold of you.
Recommended October 09
Gegen die Wand (Head-On) (2004) - The first German film in 17 years to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Birol Ünel (the Turkish Klaus Kinski) plays a man who has given up on life after the death of his wife. An unlikely connection with a young German Turk strikes up - leading to a tumultuous marriage of convenience that culminates in a cathartic resolution for them both. A powerful and intense study of cultural identity, love and self destruction.
Essential June 09
Machuca (2004) - I’ve seen my share of failed ‘coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of [insert war/political struggle]’ films, so it’s refreshing when you see it done well. This is a sincere effort to draw attention to Chile’s bloody history through the eyes of two children. It may even be the best film to come out of Chile. The performances, the historical realism, and the human aspect are spot on.
Essential
Ha-Ushpizin (Ushpizin) (2004) - This is one of those quaint foreign films that critics love to call ‘delightful’. A devout couple in one of Jerusalem’s orthodox neighborhoods are broke and pray for a miracle. Two escaped convicts enter the scene and while the miracle arrives, their faith and tolerance is tested. It’s a beautiful story and lot of fun.
Recommended
La mala educación (Bad Education) (2004) - Pedro Almodóvar deals with the subject of sexual abuse in the church in this mystery crime drama story starring Gael García Bernal. It’s not the writer/director’s best film but features many of his signature trademarks - fans will not be disappointed.
Recommended
Matando Cabos (2004) - A dark, offbeat comedy set in Mexico City about a kidnapping-gone-wrong. While not as cleverly executed as a Guy Ritchie or Tarantino film in the same genre - it does share the comedic style and makes for entertaining viewing.
Recommended May 09
Bin-jip (3-iron) (2004) - A young man breaks into the homes of people while they are on vacation and lives in secret. Another endlessly inventive, original, and thought provoking classic from Korean arthouse favourite Kim Ki-duk. Like all his films, the dialgoue is scant and the plot is equally sparse and left to your own interpretation. More essential World cinema.
Essential March 09
Millions (2004) - I'm really not sure what type of film Danny Boyle was trying to make here. While there is a well written plot line, the delivery is inconsistent and loose. Maybe the problem is that it goes over the top to deliver a feel-good mood. Or more likely, I don't believe in the magic that he was selling.
Average
Choristes, Les (The Chorus) (2004) - Beautifully made inspirational teacher story set in post-war France. This was a hit in its native country and I'm not surprised as it's a delicious dose of heartwarming nostalgia. I'm sure the formula has been done better elsewhere but perhaps the times we are living in mean I am more receptive to believing this kind of story can exist.
Recommended
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - This was really the only Potter film I was interesting in seeing - primarily to see what Alfonso Cuarón would do with the source material. Visually this is superior (it actually has something called atmosphere) to the previous episodes and there is not as much superfluous distractions. Ultimately though this is not a fantasy world I'm interested in - but I'm sure the kids loved it.
Average
Saved! (2004) - A few too many stereotypical jabs and lame obvious jokes ruin what could have been a very well executed satire about a girl from a strict evangelical Christian high school who becomes pregnant. It's good natured stuff but it left me wondering why I bothered? Oh that's right, Mandy Moore.
Average November 08
Vera Drake (2004) - Mike Leigh captures a realistic portrait of 1950s Britain through the life of abortionist Vera Drake. The film avoids the perils of weighing in too deep on the political and moral debate and instead opts to make this about the human aspect.
Recommended
Appurushîdo (Appleseed) (2004) - You shouldn't be coming to me for an opinion on anime. This was the first feature length anime film I have seen in the 3D format - the story was engaging enough, but it was more of a visual curiosity than anything else.
Average October 08
Confidences trop intimes (Intimate Stangers) (2004) - Nice plot concept - a women with marriage problems mistakes a financial adviser for a psychiatrist and over time shares the secrets of her life. The problem is it doesn't go anywhere - it's just two lonely people who concede they live boring lives.
Average September 08
ScaredSacred (2004) - A documentary in which a Canadian filmmaker sets out to visit the historic 'Ground Zeros' of the planet. The focus is on how communities have both reacted and adapted to these events.
Recommended May 08
Exils (2004) - A road movie from French writer/director Tony Gatlif captuiring a couple returning to their parents birthplace in Algeria. Nicely shot, but not enough to keep me fully engaged.
Average April 08
Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids (2004) - The story of Zana Briski's attempt to both document and help some of the children in Calcutta's red light district. I feel bad saying this because everyone was better off for her efforts, but I frequently had the uncomfortable feeling that she was taking advantage of these children.
Average March 08
5x2 (2004) - François Ozon creates another masterpiece with this look into five stages in the romance between a woman and a man. The twist is that the stages are played in reverse.
Recommended
A State of Mind (2004) - A rare insight into life in North Korea as British documentarians follow two young girls as they prepare for the Mass Games, the world's largest choreographed gymnastics performance.
Recommended
The Notebook (2004) - No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. NO. NO. NO. NO! NO! NO!
Avoid October 07
Nochnoy Dozor (Nightwatch) (2004) - Russias #1 box-office movie of all time. Visually this is a must see fantasy/horror event even if the story doesn't captivate in the same way.
Recommended
August 07
Mar adentro (The Sea Inside) (2004) - Why would you want to put yourself through the emotional anguish of a real-life inspired film about a man's struggle for euthanasia? I've been putting off seeing this for a couple of years for this reason, but this Alejandro Amenabar, Oscar winning foreign film is simply brilliant.
Essential July 07
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) - The poetic journey of a young Che Guevara discovering himself as he ventures across South America. Superbly acted and directed.
Recommended February 07
Primer (2004) - A sci-fi thriller that is low on budget but super high on delivering a smart and realistic time travel premise that will probably out smart you, but intrigue and challenge you long after it is over.
Recommended January 07
Kinsey (2004) - Biopic about Alfred Kinsey, a pioneer in the area of human sexuality research. I was interested in learning about Kinsey, but got bored by the smug tone of the film.
Average December 06
National Treasure (2004) - I would have loved this all-action adventure film 20 odd years ago. Is it wrong to mark it down because I wasn't entertained as an adult? At least it was better than the similarly themed Da Vinci Code.
Average November 06
Daai si gin (Breaking News) (2004) - Hong Kong film about a TV news crew doing a live broadcast of police trying to bust a gang of thieves. As far as action films go, it was enjoyable and thoroughly watchable - but by the end it really wasn't interesting enough.
Average
The Bourne Supremecy (2004) - This time around in the Bourne series the incessant short-cut editing is a distraction leaving the film muddled in places. It's entertaining, but not doesn't reach the same level as the first.
Average October 06
2046 (2004) - Richly visualised sequel to Wong Kar Wai's equally great In the Mood for Love. The story can be difficult to follow at times, but the stylistic direction and atmosphere propel it forward.
Recommended
Brotherhood of War (2004) - I don't think it is an insult to suggest this is Korea's answer to Saving Private Ryan (but even heavier on combat violence). A little bit melodramatic in places, but I have to recommend it because it's the only attempt at a realistic portrayal of the Korean War film I have seen (I'm not counting M*A*S*H!).
Recommended
Mysterious Skin (2004) - Thought provoking and challenging look at the effects of child abuse. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is outstanding. And a great shoegazing soundtrack to boot!
Recommended
36 Quai des Orfevres (Department 36) (2004) - Legends of French cinema Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil are paired together again, this time for a crime drama heavily styled on Michael Mann's action film Heat (1995). With a touch of film noir and solid perfomances, it's a winning formula.
Recommended September 06
Der Untergang (Downfall) (2004) - An accurate and moving historical portrayal of the Nazi dictator's final days in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII. Captures the spirit and atmosphere of the time with painful realism.
Essential August 06
Kaikohe Demolition (2004) - This is a fantastic little documentary about the people of Kaikohe centred around the local demolition derby. The DVD commentary is also worth a listen with the good humored stars giving their take on activities.
Recommended
In Good Company (2004) - Formulaic but watchable chick flick with Topher Grace and Scarlett Johansson as love interests. Great indie soundtrack is just about the best thing going here.
Average
Crash (2004) - I get it - we are all a little bit racist, but using manipulative and simplistic emotions isn't really breaking new ground in cinema. Best Picture Winner 2006.
Average July 06
Maria Full of Grace (2004) - The story of Maria, a Colombian teenager who agrees to be a drug mule and the outcome of this decision. Great performance and realism.
Recommended
It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004) - The Legend of Frankie Wilde an Ibiza DJ who goes deaf. Film has a great sense of humour and mixes fiction and documentary (like Michael Moore but funnier).
Recommended
The Passion of the Christ (2004) - Whatever people may say about the meaning of this film, what is presented to the viewer is a powerful and important piece of cinema. Its attempt at atmospheric authenticity is admirable and rarely this good from Hollywood.
Recommended
Palindromes (2004) - Todd Solondz's twisted fairy tale continues where 'Welcome to the Dollshouse' leaves off. It's an emotional ride that challenges in typical Solondz style!
Recommended June 06
Hauru no ugoku shiro (Howl's Moving Castle) (2004) - For me, this was Hayao Miyazaki's most accessable film (I watched the English language version with Christian Bale as Howl). Less of the bizarre stuff like Spirited Away, and more of the traditional fantasy themes.
Recommended May 06
Voices of Iraq (2004) - Filmed and directed by the Iraqi people themselves this revealing documentary will open your eyes to what is really going on in this country in turmoil.
Recommended April 06
The Stepford Wives (2004) - I had one of those moments where I knew it was going to be a bomb but went ahead and watched it anyway. Tedious and boring.
Avoid
Melinda & Melinda (2004) - There is no denying I'm a Woody Allen fan, and with Will Ferrell thrown in it made for a fun comic tragedy. But still probably only recommended for Woody fans.
Recommended
Hotel Rwanda (2004) - How bizarre that this film is currently #49 on the IMDB top 250 list. Either I was watching a different film or I am wrong and this isn't a boring, simplistic, and most of all - low quality TV grade bomb. I thought we were rating the films, not stories.
Avoid
I, Robot (2004) - There are times that I wish I was 12 again so that I could enjoy movies like this. But I no more 12 than this is a good movie.
Avoid March 06
Dare mo shiranai (Nobody Knows) (2004) - Japanese film about four children who are abandoned by their mother and forced to look after themselves. A great film, but not enough to recommend.
Average February 06
Layer Cake (2004) - Directorial debut for Guy Ritchie collaborator Matthew Vaughn. I personally feel this is better than any of Ritchie's crime gangster films. The real success is Vaughn's ability to make a fairly worn out genre look fresh.
Essential January 06
Finding Neverland (2004) - I'll state upfront that I'm not a fan of Kate Winslet. But while I am a fan of Depp, I didn't like his character portrayal here, or the story in general. It just wasn't for me - but I do appreciate how other may find it charming.
Average
In My Father's Den (2004) - Essential viewing for fans of New Zealand film or dysfunctional families. Borrowing from the Blue Velvet/Twin Peaks vibe that David Lynch mastered - the exposed and seedy underbelly of a small rural town.
Recommended December 05
Saw (2004) - While suffering from a lack of consistency, this low budget but high thrill value film is a sure fire winner for horror/gore fans.
Recommended November 05
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) - It was a close call in places, but Independence Day still holds number one in the "worst movie I have ever seen" category.
Avoid
The Machinist (2004) - Psychological suspense thriller made memorable by a tense atmosphere and a strong performance by Christian Bale.
Recommended October 05
I Heart Huckabees (2004) - Existential detectives, over-the-top performances and Naomi Watts. All the elements for a fantastic film.
Recommended
Spartan (2004) - Similar to David Mamets previous effort, Heist, with all the twists and smart dialogue to match.
Recommended
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) - Clearly all out of ideas and attempting to replace the cleverness of the first with a clumsy script that is dishonest with the characters.
Avoid
Million Dollar Baby (2004) - Once again Clint Eastwood excels in every area - deserving of its four Oscars including Best Picture and Director.
Essential
Closer (2004) - Julia Roberts once again irritates me onscreen. I think I passed out after Natalie Portman took her clothes off, but otherwise it was an interesting look at self destructive relationships, from veteren director Mike Nichols.
Recommended
Mean Girls (2004) - Brilliantly funny "best of genre" teen comedy starring Lindsay Lohan. A lot of fun delivered in a clever and stylish way.
Recommended
Dawn of the Dead (2004) - I'm always going to be hard on the horror/zombie genre. This was an entirely watchable film, but was horribly miscast and some of the scenes were just silly.
Average
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) - The premise of a 70's newsroom was ripe for clever satire, however despire many laugh-out-loud moments it never reaches the next level of intellegent comedy.
Average
Spanglish (2004) - James L. Brooks overcooked the human relationship aspects just a little in this romantic comedy. But regardless this is still one of the better pictures in its genre.
Recommended
The Aviator (2004) - Great Scorsese directed biopic on the early years of director and aviator Howard Hughes. Well worth a look.
Recommended September 05
Napoleon Dynamite (2004) - With barely a hint of a storyline, and not much below the surface, this film succeeds through absurd character comedy.
Recommended
Team America: World Police (2004) - The creators of Southpark take shots at over-the-top Bruckheimer action style films with some creative use of Marionettes and politically incorrect comedy.
Recommended
Collateral (2004) - Fantastically engaging thriller with great performances from Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. One of the best of its kind in recent years.
Recommended
Man On Fire (2004) - Enjoyable Tony Scott action thriller about a former assassin who seeks revenge for a kidnapping/ransom that went wrong. A little predictable, but very well crafted.
Recommended
The Ladykillers (2004) - Plenty of style, but no substance in this below par Coen brothers remake of the 1955 classic.
Average
Super Size Me (2004) - A fairly basic documentary outlining obesity in America. Seriously overrated and somewhat devoid of a point.
Average August 05
Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004) - It may very well be above average the teen comedy genre, but it could have been more consistently funny and a LOT more original.
Average June 05
50 First Dates (2004) - I have tagged this as recommended simply because it surprised me with it's depth, clever humour, and it doesn't cheat at the end (not because it starred Rob Schneider!).
Recommended May 05
The Incredibles (2004) - Brad Bird continues to develop children characters with anger issues, and attention deficit disorder. You don't get the same connection with the characters as you do in other Pixar features - but solid entertainment nonetheless.
Recommended
Secret Window (2004) - Depp and Tuturro turn in great performances. But overall a very disappointing and unexceptional film - not as dark and twisty as it promised to be.
Average
Shaun of the Dead (2004) - Only the British could make a film like this. A zombie film spoof that is consistently funny and more substantial and quirky than its Hollywood alternatives.
Recommended April 05
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) - Every trip through Wes Anderson's world is an existential journey. This one was no exception - capped off with an inventive soundtrack laden with Bowie covers.
Recommended March 05
Along Came Polly (2004) - Showed a lot of promise, but sadly over predictable and below average comedy.
Average
Meet the Fockers (2004) - A pretty weak and by-the-numbers script when compared to the original, but nonetheless entertaining enough to warrant a look.
Average February 05
Sideways (2004) - Absolutely the best new film I have seen in a long time - I couldn't take my eyes away. Blends comedy and drama, without going all silly and Hollywood about it.
Essential January 05
Ocean's Twelve (2004) - More substance and humour than the first remake, which I disliked immensely due to its smugness and weak plot. This time around the heist concept has enough twists to hold my attention.
Average December 04
Garden State (2004) - Zach Braff's Graduatesque existential comedy drama.
Essential November 04
Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) - Quentin Tarantino builds on the momentum of the first part by adding adding character, background detail, and more cult trash film influenced dialogue.
Essential September 04
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) - Not the A grade comedy we have come to expect from a film with Ben Stiller, but an entertaining popcorn flick nonetheless.
Average July 04
Spiderman 2 (2004) - As a blockbuster action flick I feel this sequel has been overrated, and wholly predictable when compared to the first episode.
Recommended
Shrek 2 (2004) - The animation is flawless, and the script more entertaining the the original Shrek, but Toy Story remains my favourite animated series.
Recommended
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) - The biggest surprise for me was Moore's failure to both entertain, and provide any new hard facts against Bush.
Average June 04
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - At the very least it is an original and well crafted escapist pleasure. IMHO Jim Carrey's finest career performance, and currently the only film of 2004 to crack the IMDB top 100.
Essential May 04
Live Forever (2004) - This affectionate autopsy of the Brit Pop phenonmenon in the 90's is rendered highly amusing thanks to some frank and bizarre interviews with the major players of the era.
Average