The Top 20 Movies of 2002
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Written by: Ryan McNally
All in all, 2002 wasn't such a bad year for films (click here for a list of 2001's best films). Sure, there were plenty of stinkers. But spread throughout the year were a number of very good films spanning a wide variety of genres. Keeping in mind that there are a handful of acclaimed 2002 flicks that I still haven't viewed, here is my Top 20 list (in alphabetical order) from this past year. |
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| 1. |
About A Boy
I'll admit it: I hate Hugh Grant and think he's a sniveling wussy boy. But damned if Grant doesn't deliver by far his best performance to date in this very funny, often surprising film based on the book by Nick Hornsby (High Fidelity).
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| 2. |
About Schmidt
Jack Nicholson gives one of the finest performances of his illustrious career as a retired old man trying to come to grips with his life in this Alexander Payne (Election) film that's alternately funny and heartbreaking. (Click here for a full review of this film).
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| 3. |
Antwone Fisher
While the script has its flaws, this film (directed by Denzel Washington) about a young African American male (promising newsomer Derek Luke) battling the scars of a horrific childhood should move even the most jaded cynic.
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| 4. |
Bowling For Columbine
Michael Moore delivers another masterful documentary with this thought-provoking flick about gun culture in America. Funny one minute, devastating the next, this is a definite must-see. (Click here for a full review of this film).
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| 5. |
The Bourne Identity
Matt Damon stars in this unusually intelligent action flick. Though it ultimately plays by the rules, the great international cast, interesting twists and solid direction mark this one a cut above the rest. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 6. |
Catch Me If You Can
Steven Spielberg directed this breezy, thoroughly entertaining pic about a young con man (Leonardo DiCaprio, in top form) on the run from a straight-laced FBI man (Tom Hanks). (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 7. |
Chicago
The revival of the musical continues with this fine film. Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere and especially Catherine Zeta Jones surprise with their singing and dancing skills, and the excellent cinematography and editing make the film's transition from stage to screen a breeze.
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| 8. |
Far From Heaven
Although generally overrated, this carefully crafted film boasts the year's most surprising performance (Dennis Quaid), solid work from Julianne Moore, and tackles some tough social issues with intelligence.
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| 9. |
Gangs Of New York
The script is all over the place, and DiCaprio is miscast as a man from the mean streets out for revenge. But Daniel Day-Lewis' towering performance and Martin Scorsese's bold direction combine to make this one of year's best.
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| 10. |
The Hours
Director Stephan Daldry (Billy Elliott) does a nice job of weaving together the stories of three desperate women living in separate times and places. Meryl Streep, Ed Harris and a barely recognizable Nicole Kidman all shine.
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| 11. |
Kissing Jessica Stein
This fresh, hilarious girl-meets-girl romantic comedy shames the tripe being churned out by studios. Co-stars and writers Heather Juergensen &
Jennifer Westfeldt are two talented young women to watch. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 12. |
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
Though it's too inconsistent to rank in the class of The Fellowship Of The Ring, this film still delivers plenty of breathtaking images and unforgettable scenes. And Gollum, brilliantly voiced by Andy Serkis, proves one of the year's most mesmerizing characters.
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| 13. |
Minority Report
After botching A.I., Steven Spielberg rebounds strongly with this eye-popping look at crime prevention in the future. Intelligent, suspenseful and featuring another strong turn by Tom Cruise, this one's a winner. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 14. |
One Hour Photo
This criminally underrated thriller stars Robin Williams as a lonely film developer obsessed with the perfect family. Williams nails the performance, and director Mark Romanek combines unique ideas & visuals and a great score to get under your skin. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 15. |
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Philip Noyce's drama tells the true story of three aboriginal children living in Australia who are ("legally") kidnapped from their parents by the government in an effort to "civilize" them. Simply heartbreaking.
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| 16. |
Red Dragon
Critics and audiences, turned off by the woeful Hannibal, didn't give this excellent film the respect it deserved. Solid writing and direction combine with an outstanding cast to deliver a worthy entry in the "Hannibal the Cannibal" film series. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 17. |
The Ring
This terrifying remake of the Japenese film Ringu was a surprising Halloween treat. An interesting story, super-scary imagery and a solid performance by Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive) make for a great horror flick. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 18. |
Road To Perdition
Director Sam Mendes follows up his Oscar-winning work on American Beauty) with this powerful tale of a hitman (an excellent Tom Hanks) trying to protect his son from his former boss (a superb Paul Newman). (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 19. |
Roger Dodger
In this highly amusing comedy, Campbell Scott (Singles) delivers a charismatic, unforgettable performance as a cynical womanizer instructing his nephew on the art of picking up chicks. Dark, funny, and entertaining, this one is destined to be a cult favorite. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 20. |
Talk To Her
Legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar delivers an intense new film about two men in love with separate comatose women at the same hospital. It sounds dull, but Almodovar keeps you on your toes by delivering one surprising moment after another.
Don't forget to check out Film Frat's Best Of 2002 Poster Store, filled with cool posters from the year's best movies. Did we overlook your one of your favorite 2002 films? Drop us a line and tell us which of our picks you agreed with, and which movies you think we missed. You can pick up any of these movies by clicking on the corresponding film image above. |
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