BEST OF THE BEST in 2006

THE BEST OF FILM in 2006

305 Proudly Invites You to another year of the best in film!

TOP TEN FILMS OF 2006

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#10 HARD CANDY

An independent film kicks off our Year in Review list and a controversial one at that. Critics were mixed with feelings on how to attack this movie, whether with praise or shocking distaste. I, for one, found the story well drawn and acting superb. Films in which only two actors share more than 95% of the entire movie have to show strong performances and Hard Candy was no disappointment. Rather unknown Ellen Page portrays an innocent, young teenager who literally turns the tables on "would be or would not be" pedophile and the shocking revelations carry on from the confides of the guy's house. Strong movie and pleasing surprises puts this film at the beginning of this years best. Not necessarily a can't miss, b/c obviously some people may not take kindly to the film's raunchy plot. However, a different film that wasn't widely popularized in 2006 and deserves at the very least, a look by film buffs.

#9 RUNNING SCARED

Paul Walker fines himself in a situation he isn't too used to. Not just a gritty, dark, nose-bleed, gorefest of an action-thriller, but actually a solid movie where he acts, for the very first time (go figure). I didn't have much expectations going into Running Scared. For one, its an action movie and two, its tag line was something along the lines of "if you thought kill bill was bloody, wait till you see this" or something like that I remember reading. So I'm like, here we go, I'm ready for anything. I actually snuck into a midnight showing for this movie after paying to see something else b/c I didnt quite expect this film to satisfy. Turns out the free ticket was to one of the 9 best films of the year. Walker is like an atomic bomb waiting to go off in this vulgar-driven, action thrill ride. There's actually a solid story to backup the nonsense action, but that's besides the point. This was an action movie that was not only fun as hell to watch, but gave me my first ounce of respect to Walker as an actor. He showed me there's more to him that driving a car 150mph, petting a pack of wolves and making out with half naked Jessica Alba. More to come, let's hope.

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#8 BLOOD DIAMOND

The first of two Leonardo DiCaprio films to grace this list. Leo has been all over the place the last couple months of 2006. With The Departed and Blood Diamond less than a couple months separated, DiCaprio has shown his hardwork and it paid off. Blood Diamond is one of those vehicle-driven film where it goes as far as its top star takes it. Where in The Departed he is part of a greater cast, just a piece of the pie, in Blood Diamond he IS the pie! A riveting story behind the director who gave us Courage Under Fire, DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou (Amistad, Gladiator) portray two men on different sides of the world fighting for different reasons. DiCaprio is a coniving, heartless, money hungry diamond hunter who is seeking a way out of "this god forsaking continent" as he calls it. Hounsou just happens to be the guy who has "that diamond", which he buries to use as a bargaining chip if need be. DiCaprio uses him at first, but as the movie progresses with his compelling story based on some real issues that continent is facing, it becomes more than an action piece as the previews portray the film. Its much more grounded and deeper. The two leads performances catipult the story into another level and bring Blood Diamond into one of the best movies to hit 2006.

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#7 CASINO ROYALE

I never thought I'd see the day that I would put a 007 picture into my top ten. Never was a big fanboy over the franchise. And every since Brosnan took over the franchise, not one better-than-average film came about. Not due to Brosnan, he was well placed in the role, just bad writing and directing. However, the studio/s behind the series had to have noticed this trend as well, thus went "Batman Begins" on the whole thing. Great idea, Great result! For once, it isn't who plays 007 that made Casino Royale so great (it could have been top 5 worthy if Brosnan had a story like this to sell), but the story that dives into how Bond became...007. A prequel to pretty much the entire story of James Bond. A darker film than most recent, flashy Bond films, as well. Casino Royale had everything from fine set pieces, well drawn action sequences, even a dramtic poker showdown (better than anything ESPN can show) and well finished 3rd act. A problem amongst most recent Bond movies. Casino Royale shows promise for where the Bond films are headed.

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#6 The DEVIL WEARS PRADA

Okay...finished with your "Ohh-Face." Good. Because unless you haven't seen this so called "chick flick" you don't know what you're missing. This movie is more than just a chick-flick, actually I don't even like putting it in that phrase. There is a romantic subplot in the story, but it's not even the 2nd or 3rd most important subplot in the movie, and it has very very little meaning to the entire film. Devil Wears Prada is a fine example of a person put into a place they know nothing about and get caught up in the limelight before they know they were even there. Whats more is Meryl Streep deserves the Oscar this year for her protrayel of the most evil, sinister boss lady there can be. Her charisma on camera is so cunning and cold, that you HAVE to root for this lady as much as you hate her. It's just amazing how well she pulls it off. The rest of the supporting cast fine-tunes the rest of the picture well. Stanely Tucci plays scene stealer behind Anne Hathaways safe performance. He gives the film the best punch lines and heartfelt moments, as well as make you like that 'looks-gay, but really just dresses too fashionably' guy we all know. Movies like this don't catch you that often b/c their predestined into forbidden categories such as the "chick flick" but Devil Wears Prada is no Notebook. Infact, its Better!!

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#5 MIAMI VICE

Maybe the most hyped movie I was excited for of 2006. And honestly, it exceeded those expectations. Miami Vice is not Bad Boys 3. It's not Rush Hour meets Cops. And that's the knock some people had going into this movie that I think led to many disappointments. This film is a dark, gritty look at the not so glamour side of Miami. There isn't a scene taken from south beach (the beginning club scene is a south beach club shot somewhere else, not on Ocean Drive). Many shots taken around the Port of Miami, the river, and Columbian cities that look down right scary in their ghett0-fab. The story centers around two partners our parents would know all too well in Rico and Sonny (Foxx and Farrell). The plot is something out of a dark, CSI episode, if given two and a half hours and R-rating material. Vice displays the depths of going undercover and the weight it carries not only on these officers lives, but the families that stay behind but are put in harms way if they are ever made by the enemy. Despite popular belief, Farrell does some of his best work since I first remember seeing him in Minority Report. I was worried about the casting of Farrell as Sonny, but after watching I can't imagine anyone else doing the role. Fabulous picture, maybe a little biased, but its still one of the best cop films of this young century.

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#4The PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

There's a line Will Smith's character says in the movie that always stays with me. In the declaration of independence, the part where it says "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Smith's character asks, how did they know? How did they know to put in the pursuit part, that it wasn't guaranteed and some people would not ever be happy. This movie is the feel-good, inspirational movie of the year. But that is nothing to rip it for. Smith gives us his BEST, by far BEST performance to date of his acting career. Playing Chris Gardner, the true story of a father who losses everything and hits rock bottom with his young son on the streets of San Francisco, Smith gives life to a story that is so heart wrenching, its hard for me to phathom anyone not to feel for this man. Sure Hollywood has its tendancies to spice sad stories up to emphasize the emotional side, but the majority of the story to what I've read is true. And there wasn't a better actor suited for the role than Will Smith. Who better to bring people's attention to a story like this than America's fresh prince. Even his real son plays his son in the film. And by God if he doesn't already display some of his fathers charisma and charm, watch out. Pursuit is an excellent movie that is the first MUST-SEE on this list...!

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#3 LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN

Every year there is a number of hyped movies, high expectation pieces that appear to make buzz or a wave. There is always those pleasant surprises that come through, but they are more rare and few. Lucky Number Slevin was this year's "Others" I like to say. A movie that seem nothing more than an average B-movie, but came off as something totally different. Like Paul Walker and Colin Farrell, this is the first Josh Hartnett movie that showed me for the first time some light on an otherwise dime acting career. And then of course, the superior cast of Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, Lucy Lui and Bruce Willis made it all the more appealing. The plot is something hard to tangle without giving away too much. So I would only say to those who don't know much about it, check it out, period! Like Pursuit and the remainder of the films on this list, this is also a MUST-SEE.

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#2 AND #1

A TIE

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LETTERS OF IWO JIMA and THE DEPARTED

I couldn't pick one over the other. Over the 40 to 50 some odd movies I counted that I saw that was released in 2006, these last two I couldn't pick over one. Maybe the fact that I just saw Iwo Jima two nights ago and it's fresh in my mind has to due with it. However, I watched The Departed twice in theaters and enjoyed it immensely during the second viewing. These are the only two films in my top ten that are both nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars and I don't know which one I rather see win. For Scorsese, I want The Departed to win. Eastwood has two already (Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby).

Letters from Iwo Jima is a spell-binding portrayel of the Japanese point of view on the battle that made the infamous flag raising moment. Unlike his American portrayel in Flags of our Fathers, which spans over decades, Iwo Jima never really leaves the confides of the island that which the US invade by water. We see the Japanese dig trenches, strategize techniques, hide in caves, and wait....for their death. It's an unspeakable film to say the least, as watching how the Japanese fought bravely when they were heavily undermaned, and taught to kill themselves in honor of dieing for their country, rather than be captured or surrendered. In all subtitles, I didn't once flinch while watching and reading the story. An astounding achievement in filmmaking, Eastwood continuely shows his range in directing now that his acting is near its end. More than most directors, I can't think of any other that knows how to make the smallest scene feel so emotional and heart wrenching than Eastwood. He can literally bring tears to an audience without even a breath of dialouge. Letters of Iwo Jima is one of the greatest war movies in a world where war movies are made 10 times a year, only Eastwood could revolutionize it in the 21st century.

As for The Departed. Nothing like Iwo Jima. An all star cast of actors, A-list director. It's more of an echo of what I had just said about Eastwood's WWII epic. When dealing with a film with so many Hollywood A-list studs like Nicholson, Dicaprio, Damon, Sheen and Baldwin you have to find the diamond in the rough of diamonds. For me, it was Mark Whalberg's character. I guess b/c Whalberg is the one who isn't at the pedistal as the other actors, his acting may have stole the show. He is what propelled Departed into top form to me, b/c his character could have either held it down or lifted it into classic territory, which is where The Departed lies. A MUST-SEE, and MUST-BUY on dvd, a day of release purchase for most movie buffs. The Departed brings back the gangster-crime stories that made the late 80s, early 90s so much fun to remember (Goodfellas, Heat) and now we have one for the 2000s. You can go either way with these two. For me, I couldn't decide. You have two movies that deserve the top spot this year, and maybe the Oscars will agree with me!

honarable mentions: V for Vendetta, Inside Man, Mission Impossible 3, Dreamgirls and The Prestige

Best of 2005: Music

Welcome to Part II of the "Best of the Best" series in 2005.

This week we continue with the Top Ten Lists with the 10 best albums of 2005. Now granted, this list only goes as far as the albums I have bought or d/l the majority of online. So there won't be as open of players as in Movies, and there won't be no Emancipation of Mimi (aka the sweet story of Mariah's return to Glory crap), no U2 glory here (runaway winners from the Grammys) and no Steely Dan upsets.

So, without further ado, I bring to you what will surely be the most lopsided, comical top 10 albums list youll find, but MY list nonetheless:


#10 GET LIFTED: John Legend

John Legend broke the mold for the term "Rhythm and Blues" with his debut album "Get Lifted." He recently won Best New Artist and Best Rn'B Album at the Grammys the other night and deservingly so. His opening single, "Ordinary People," rushed through the BillBoard singles charts over the summer and poeple quickly began raising their eyebrows to the piano-gifted singer. His stint with Kayne West, a big name in the rap game, helped get those in Hip Hop fashion to rub up to him more and the two's catchy single "Number One" was one of the more pleasant suprises of the year and should have been nominated for Best Song by Duo or Group in the Grammys. Look forward to this guy's next album in 06 and I doubt Mr. Legend has to worry about any sophmore slumps. Were looking at the male version of Alicia Keys on the piano keys and vocals. AMEN!

#9 CERTIFIED: David Banner

"David Banner, David Banner"
The man has been around dishing hot beats to rap artists long before he debut his album in the rap game a couple years back. His newest album, "Certified", recently dropped this winter, is easily his best work to date. He dropped the HOT commercial radio success hit "Play," (if you havent heard the un-edited version, you haven't heard the real track), has many duets with some of Hip Hops finest artists (tracks with Jagged Edge, Twista, Jadakiss, Case, Three 6 Mafia and Talib Kwali) and really broke out his range in this album. The tracks "My Life" and "Crossroads" brings depth to his talent we have yet to see from his gangsta-driven songs of past albums. And he still gives audiences those hot joints with tracks like "X'd" and "Lost Souls." Banner, unlike most rap artists, is getting better with each album. That is a promising sign that we don't see often in rap music these days.


#8 BREAKAWAY: Kelly Clarkson
Everyone's favorite American Idol has made it. She was the first Idol winner 4 years ago and we still hear her name, but we haven't heard much from the likes of Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. The recent Carrie Underwood has just gotten started. Clarkson is lightyears ahead of the other Idol winners and she has all the reason to have died out by now. She had 3 number one singles and her fourth "Because of You" is going to make it also. The girl can sing and has tremendous appeal. Young or old, guy or girl, this chick is causing people to turn heads and makes pop music cool again. However, if anyone is more primed for a down album it might be her. It's going be hard to top this album in a genre where one hit wonders "wonder" the most. Then again, she has already reversed the odds against her so far...who's to say she doesn't have more to show than we ever expected. Behind Those Hazle Eyes....we can only hope and pray that Kelly can keep this going. I aint afraid to put her on this list...you go girl!


#7 CONFESSIONS: Usher

These were his confessions: 1.2 million units sold in his first week of release. A solo RnB record. Usher continues to pour out his heart n soul into his albums and has solidified himself as one of the genre's elite artists. Although to me, 8701 (his previous album) was much too underrated and his best album by far, nevertheless Confessions was a terrific album. He dished out the club hit of the year "Yeah" and slow-jam successes like "Burn" and "Confessions," which is when Usher is at his best when it comes to songs of the heart. He is one of the few RnB artists that can run both angles of the game and still be able to sit atop. Hip Hop, rap, slow jams that utilize his incredible vocal ability. The guy is on a rampage and despite record numbers can still find ways to compete amongst his fellow singers. Just recently, an article was released that hearing Chris Brown all over the radio got Usher calling Jermaine Dupri to tell him "I think its about that time." Were waiting Raymond....YEAH!

#6 RENT: Movie Sountrack

Yup...it's back. For those that read the list below on the Top Ten Movies of 2005 know this was a MAJOR reason why...the music. This soundtrack falls at Number 6 only b/c the Broadway version of the same music is ten times better, however not to take away anything from the actors who sang well on the movie version. It was the movie that caught my attention so the soundtrack isn't at all a knock-off. From the opening title track "Seasons of Love" it hits you the harmony of these voices coming as one, not more than a song or two of the 27 tracks aren't harmony songs. As I posted in the Movie List, if you don't enjoy Larson's style of music in the film, it'll be hard to enjoy the movie. Thus you must have a taste for the alternative/poppy themed beat that is ran throughout the sountrack. I can't even list one or two that stand above the others, it's a terrific soundtrack along with an excellent film that deserved more credit than it received.

#5 DA CARTER II: Lil Wayne

Weezy Baby, Please save the Baby

Say what ya want about this list, itll continue to get on your nerves. But Yes you can have a top 10 list with John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, a musical and Weezy Baby. Oh yes you can. This album came into my lap luckily b/c a friend paid me 5 dollars to d/l and burn it for him. I found it in like half an hour and made myself a copy too. What an LP. It made me want to d/l more Lil Wayne stuff. So I can't really compare this album to the first Carter LP or his albums before, however I find it hard to believe they top this. From what I hear, it's his best album to date and I can believe it. The "Fireman" has got to be, hands down, the hottest rap song Ive heard, radio-play wise, since Lloyd Bank's "On Fire." This jam will never grow old, it's up there wit In Da Club! Weezy, keep banging out the hits, you've grown a new fan outta me.

#4 URBAN LEGEND: TI

"You might have seen me in the streets, but nigga you don't know me"

The only track hotter than "Fireman" on this list (rap wise) in 2005 was "U Don't Know Me." I'm still trying to find the ringtone for my phone. This jam alone would have probably put this album on the list. TI made his breakthrough on this sophmore album. After turning things out with "Trap Muzik" album with hits like "24s" he pulled out all the stops on "Urban Legend." From his opening single "Rubberband Man" (produced by David Banner) he made noise after noise in 2005. Tracks like "ASAP" and "Motivation" elaborated his rhyming skills to more than just hot beats and a catchy chorus. Along with songs like "Dont Hate Me Shawty" displaying a side of emotion we didn't hear out of TI from his first LP. But no single put this album over the top more than "U Don't Know Me" did. If I found the time and patience to make a top single list of 2005, it just might have been number 1. "Don't make me bring the chevy to a real slow creep."

#3 LATE REGISTRATION: Kayne West

What can I say about the roc's finest and brightest young star that hasn't been repeated a dozen times during his last album. The guy got mad squabbles son. "Diamonds" may have been one of the smoothes singles to open an album with. That Sierre Leon beat was genius, I wonder sometimes the lengths rappers will go to find the next hot beat. However, when your second single is "Golddigger," you start asking questions as a fan like why on earth did Kayne NOT choose this song first. Jamie Foxx erupts on the chorus and Kayne's lyrics just roll out his mouth as smooth as any rapper can. It's like the man doesn't even try to force the lyrics to sound "hard" or "painful." I can totally picture Kayne sounding the same when he first ran the lyrics to himself before lacing the track. He's a gifted artist that brings so much diversity in his albums than most rappers dare. Late Registration had a lot of Blues type feel to it. It followed up an album that was almost impossible to top in "College Dropout." So he only put out a sophmore album that was a couple bonus tracks too much to coming close.

#2 GAME: the Documentary

The best thing to ever happen to G-Unit just as it was becoming repetative and sounding the same. Was it any surprise he left because he didn't want to fall into that circle of recycle and re-produce. Game literally put the entire West Coast rap regime on his back and like a whirlwind slammed the door hinges down and welcomed the coast back. The hurricane has a voice resembling the likes of DMX when he puts his emotion and heart into his tracks. Tracks like the Swizz Beats produced "Church for Thugs" and "No More Fun and Games" are perfect examples of how Game's pain can be distinguished through his vocals and rhymes. This is one of those special albums where I can say top to bottom there isn't a single track that's unbareable. If there's anything that keeps this album from reaching number one it's the obvious change in demeanor and voice when 50 cent appears on a few of the tracks. Even so, songs like the incredibly catchy "Hate it or Love it" and "Westside Story" are still great songs, but you take out the Fiddy Invested tracks and listen to the rest, you get a totally different experience in "the game." This is one rap artist that is sure to stir more controversy with his beef against G-Unit and a sophmore album that can only be better because of the jumpship.

# 1 Album of 2005

AMERICAN IDIOT: Green Day

Shocking I'm sure for those that know me best, but when I jotted down the 20 or so albums I had in their entirity for 2005, no album had me bobbin my head, repeating the songs and blasted their CD more so than Green Day's "American Idiot." Sure half of the album is politically aimed by a certain band's opinion on our president and our country's poor state. However, I didn't allow someone's opinion on our country to dismay what a great and downright Classic Album this was. Green Day has been around since early 90s. For any artist/band of any genre to have that sort of longevity says something. Whats even more astounding is to be around that long and still be able to put out your Best Work! Green Day's smash single "Blvd. of Broken Dreams" was one of those perfect songs. It can relate to almost anyone who listens to music, send shear chills down one's spine and make even some cry. The entire album is enjoyable, not a single track worthy of skipping. Not many albums exist in this day and age like that, in a generation where commercial success is having two hit singles and you can go platinum. Green Day did it top to bottom and are still growing as a band. They alone can still make people (like myself) who mostly listen to one or two types of genres that are polar opposites of rock and still find appeal to it! Then again, that's how this entire lists ended up didn't it....

Just Outta Humor, here is a list of a few of the albums I had that DIDNT make the list: Eminem's "Encore," Lil Jon's "Crunk Juice," Tony Yayo's "Thoughts of a Predicate Felon," 112's "Pain and Pleasure" and 50 Cent's "The Massacre"

Coming Up: the Best in Video Games in 2005

Best of the Best 2005: Movies

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Welcome everyone to the annual Best of the Best Awards

Pretty much my top ten lists in the world of music and film. In years past I never have made this quite as dramatic and flashy, however with the art of technology and the ever aging internet, I hope to meet the standards of the new age in light of this tremendous occassion.

Most people that know me are aware of my vehiment passion for film and has been for as long as I can imagine. I remember back when I was in middle school I began to write down all the movies I could remember seeing and kept updating it well into high school. I had over 1000 films on close to 15 sheets of paper, front and back, covered. I finally loss track due to maturity, but my heart never loss a beat.

Like Basketball, my passion for film will remain in my blood till the day I die. When I can't play ball, there will always be movies to keep me going. And this year was no different. To be frank, this year's films were not up to par with my expectations to say the least. I only had 3 four-star films (which is the highest rating I give a film) this year and although I cant keep up exactly how many I had in years pass, I tend to be more rating friendly in my old age. So either I am getting less leniant or movies are losing its edge.

Either way, enough small talk, yall didnt come here for me, you came for the Lists, so let us begin with the TOP TEN FILMS of the year 2005:

10: GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN'


Yea FIDDY made the list. Some of you are already thinking "I can see where this crackaz list is going." But don't hate until you catch it for yourself. If this movie came out in the past 5 years it wouldn't graze my top 15 of the year, however it just so happen to come out during four seasons of popcorn movie after popcorn movie. In giving credit where credit is due, Fiddy (Curtis Jackson) held up his own playing himself in a semi-biopic (a la' his mentor Eminem in 8 Mile, which was way better and had much more depth involved with its story and characters). However, Get Rich was a good movie that was well worth an opening nights ticket purchase and possibly a DVD purchase depending on who you are.

#9 Coach Carter

Samuel L.'s portrayel of the real-life Richmond Coach Ken Carter was one of his best performances he's given as an actor. Surely not on the level of Jules in Pulp Fiction, however film's like "Coach Carter" simply do not work without strong actors able to levitate the characters beyond the timid true story behind it (just look at "Glory Road" for example, then look at how well people remember...well "Remember the Titans" basically b/c of Denzel's powerful role). This movie also holds sentimental value b/c its a basketball movie, but one done truly "Hoosier"-isc, and that can not be faultered.








#8 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
A yes yes yall, your eyes do not deceive. First time one of the four Harry Potter movies has found its way into my top ten list. And to give due credit, this one is well deserving to be here. The first couple of installments were anything but riveting or gripping (in my opinion anyway, possibly b/c starting with the 3rd movie, Warner decided NOT to continue filming the Potter movies page by page from the book). So by tweaking the last two films a bit, it has definitely showed improvement and this one was no less. By far the best of the four films, Goblet of Fire adds suspense, darkness and astounding visual effects to lift the Potter series to another level. And whats best (or worse maybe) is that for the first time...i am DIEING for the next part!

#7 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

The final installment to the never ending Star Wars saga came to a close this past summer. And like Harry Potter (again, this is just my opinion) it finally was the movie I expected 5 years ago when they started making these new episodes. "Revenge of the Sith" is the only one of the new trilogy even remotely close to being in the same breath as the classic trilogy of years past. Haden Christensan finally came into his own as the dark one, Anakin, and watching his transition into Lord Vadar after seeing his poppish performance in the previous two was not only fun to watch but saved the new trilogy from ruining the whole kit and kabootle. However, without the first two, you couldn't have what was brought to the table in Episode 3. Just wish good ole George could have put forth the effort into making the stories more edgy and dramatic the way people were DIEING for each of the orginal sequels to open; these just felt like passing time. It was as if George was only doing what he must until Episode 3, which lets be honest, everyone wanted to see. How did Anakin morph into the hideous and dark Darth Vadar? Well Lucas doesn't disappoint and the end product (finally) doesn't either.

#6 Munich

Finally a movie that you'll actually find on national critics top ten lists. "Munich" is Steven Spielberg filmmaking at its highlight. When he isn't making supernatural adventures that herold blockbuster classics (Indiana Jones, Close Encounters, Jurassic Park) he displays a wonderful array of imagination in his fictitious takes on actual events (Shindler's List, Munich). Munich touches on the Israelies revenge attacks on the Munich events, which in itself, brings controversy between them and the Palestinians. If those that find offense will take a minute to remove their politically correct hats, there is a wonderful "opinionative" film to be seen that ranks among Speilbergs best. On a personal note, the whole tragedy in Munich 72 olympics was always a story that I was intrigued in. So when I heard Spielberg was doing a rendition of the story I was in way before any trailer or review could sway me. And the result was indeed, riveting, as only Spielberg knows!

The Fab Five of O-Five

#5 BATMAN BEGINS

Perhaps the single most hyped movie I put up all year. I was ready and waiting for this one the way I was about Xmen and T3 when they were released. Unlike those, Batman exceeded expectations. After Joel Schumaker ruined the franchise making Batman a flashy superhero with his last 2 installments, Warner went and got the perfect director in Christopher Nolan to bring back the dark side of the Dark Knight. Brought depth to the character Bruce Wayne none of the other 4 every attempted and did it well. Unlike King Kong this year, the 30 to 45 minute wait for the main star was worth the wait. You don't see Bruce Wayne become Batman himself until almost 45 minutes in, but at least this film gave us reason to wait. A reason worthwhile. And with a terrific finale, A-list actors galore (Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson) and a promising future, the Dark Knight looks good to go for another franchise run...lets just hope Warner remembers not to call Schumakers number for any sequels!

#4 HUSTLE n' FLOW

Welcome Terrance Howard. You have arrived. Nominated for a Golden Globe and now an Oscar for his role as the southern pimp from Memphis D-Jay (not DJ). Howard is one of those actors that has been under the radar, performing well in mediocre projects, just hoping for a chance to prove he can pull a film as a top bill lead actor. He got his chance and pulled it off with nothing short of a standing-ovation performance in this film. Hustle n' Flow is more than just a quote/unquote "rap movie." It shows the other side of 8 Mile-type coming out of nowhere to somehwere, underdog type build. Coming up in the hood, seeing an idol who made it on tv (played by Ludacris) and find it in his mind that he has gotta do something else other than live his pimp lifestyle. A raw and edgy picture that isn't easy to watch for the faint of heart. Its an emotional roller coaster that even in its finale shows, you don't know how far some will go when they are so close to reaching their dream...a MUST SEE for all film buffs.

#3 CRASH

Here's the hardest film to put into words that made the list. Racism is like a running fluid in this film to the point where I thought it was killing the story in Crash. However, midway through, I was seeing where the director was trying to go. And by the the third act of the film and the closing 20 minutes, it was made aware why the film pushed the race card so hard. It's a triumph in acting because there is NO special effects. There are no computer generated images. There is the story and the ensombled cast that put that story into motion. And don't get it twisted, these actors MADE the movie(ranging from Sandra Bullock, Brendan Frasier, and Don Cheadle to Matt Dillon, Ryan Phillippe, Terrance Howard and Ludacris). And yes that is Terrance Howard's name you saw there, this is the third movie on the list he's been a part of (he co stars with 50 cent in "Get Rich or Die Tryin"). I said watch out for this guy, he's on Jamie Foxx type of blowing up status for 06 and 07. Back to the point, "Crash" is an achievement in filmmaking on an emotional level....hard to swallow and even harder to show those that may have mindframes that limit their ability to enjoy a motion picture. This movie deserves any credit it gets in the Oscar race and my hopeful pick to upset the gay cowboy movie for Best Picture!

#2 SIN CITY

These last two films could NOT be more opposites of one another. "Sin City" achieves the same kind of shock treatment as "Crash" gave dramas, but this time for the action movie genre that is quickly dieing and losing any form of respect it ever had. Director Robert Rodriguez is one of the few filmmakers that is capable of pulling this genre back to life. Fresh off small commercial success with "From Dusk till Dawn", "Desperado" and "The Faculty," he finally got a chance to put up the big actors with a big budget to work with. And showed what he can do when given that extra support. Terrific filmmaking and style, with a little bit of Tarintino jazz (he directed a 5 minute car sequence in the film), and you got the best action movie we've seen in the past five, maybe even ten years. Is it any surprise its based on a cult classic comic strip. Comics are making a killing these days, and the two already-in-the-making sequels are sure signs that Rodriguez is coming on strong as an upcoming director in the bizz.

#1 Movie of 2005

RENT

What I have come to realize in going into certain movies with certain expectations, hype or whatever....what I have come to realize is the BEST movies I have ever enjoyed watching, were the ones that caught me by surprise and TOTALLY blew me away beyond what I had intended. Movies like my last year's Number 1 ("Million Dollar Baby") I had envisioned being one of the best films I would see that year. I expected it out of the class of actors and director. However, "Rent" is in a whole different ballpark. First: its a musical, perhaps right next to westerns as the least of my favorite genres (but doesn't mean I don't give them a chance, I try to open as best I can). Second: it doesn't have a top-bill actor (Taye Diggs and "that guy from Law n Order" may be the only recognizable actors).

I feel that may be part of the reason this musical did not get the hype and buzz its predecessors "Chicago" and "The Producers" got. I saw "Chicago" and outside of the list of huge actors, don't see how "Rent" isn't as good, if not far more enjoyable. It couldn't get at the very least a nomination for Best Musical or Comedy at the Globes. Nevertheless, "Rent" caught me with its alternative/poppy themed music and then by its compelling theme: Live for today, forget regret, your life is yours to live, NO DAY BUT TODAY! These are words we don't need a movie to remind us about, but we should embrace movies brave enough to still find a way to remind us of the small things in life we take for granted. Honestly, if you don't like Johnation Larson's style of music you won't enjoy the movie, obviously. However, if you can, the story is a sinch to catapult the viewer into not taking their eyes off the film. And like "The Others" was a few years back, I totally wouldn't expect going into the theater with my roommates to have enjoyed more than my tickets worth of this movie. Now, I am what I hear is called a "renthead." You should be too!

Honarable Mentions: Syriana, Red Eye, King Kong, Four Brothers, Just Like Heaven

Coming Next Week: The Best of the Best in Music