Best of the Decade: Horror Movies

First, I must address something my sister brought up about last night's posts on the Best TV Shows of the Decade by saying she was shocked that I hadn't included "Fringe" on the list. While I do believe it is currently one of the best shows on TV, and should have at least been given an 'Honorable Mention' (something I'm adding to tonight's list), in a Top Ten list, there should only be 10. And while I could have placed it in a tie with another show, I don't think that would have been fair to either one. Of course, my sister has yet to actually comment here, rather than send me an email so maybe we'll wait to share her thoughts until she shares them herself...

Anyway, as promised, below are my picks for the Best Horror Movies of the Decade. That's not to say that all of them scared me. It takes an awful lot to actually scare Uncle P, and that hasn't happened in a very long time. But many of them either disturbed or unnerved me. All of them were exceptionally entertaining, for any number of reasons.

I know I have lots of Horror Fan readers. I hope you agree (but won't be in the least slighted if you don't). Here we go:

10: Saw (2004)

Yes, Saw. The franchise may have devolved into ridiculously convoluted parodies of itself, but the original from Australian writers James Wan and Leigh Whannell was exceptionally well-done and featured a twist ending that actually surprised yours truly, something M. Knight Shamalamdingdong has never been able to do. Directed by Wan and featuring a truly diverse cast which includes Cary Elwes; Danny Glover; Dina Myer; Monica Potter; Shawnee Smith and "Lost" alums Ken Leung and Michael Emmerson, Saw deserved all the attention it got at Sundance. Sadly, it didn't deserve any of its increasingly lame sequels.

9: Zombieland (2009)

While hardly the the first comedy to take on the genre, Zombieland gets extra points for its out-and-out ballsiness.   Jesse Eisenberg; Woody Harrelson; Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin are having a ball as a group of survivors in search of a fabled "Zombie-Free Zone" at an amusement park in southern California. And I won't even get into the gut-bustingly funny cameo by Bill Murray.Warning: Here there be 'Evil You Know Whats' that sent Dear D into a fetal position in the corner of his seat. "Nut up or shut up!"

8: Slither (2006)

So many reasons to love this movie: gorgeous Nathan Fillion ("Castle;" "Firefly"); hot Elizabeth Banks (almosy every thing her husband Judd Apatow, directed); hilarious Gregg Henry ("The Gilmore Girls" and who should totally play Chance's father on "Human Target") and Michael Rooker ("The Walking Dead"); bad 80's horror homage; a billion and four jokes and the best line since Dead Alive* - "Somethin's wrong with me..." When a slug-like alien invades a small Southern town, the resulting zombie/alien/gross-out fun is as over-the-top as it gets. Writer/Director James Gunn wrote the screenplay to Zack Snyder's 2004 excellent remake of Dawn of the Dead.

7: The Devil's Rejects (2005)

Rocker turned director Rob Zombie's sequel to his debut film, House of 1000 Corpses, is as brutal and nasty as they come.  An homage to 70's horror, The Devil's Rejects is a tale of revenge more than anything; has some of the most disturbing scenes in any movie; an amazing performance from Leslie Easterbrook and lunatics as only Sid Haig and Bill Mosely could portray them. Oh, yeah. it will forever change what you think about when you hear "Freebird."

6: The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont has been one of the very directors to right by Stephen King. His versions of The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile are nearly flawless (I can't watch The Green Mile without bawling like a baby, no matter how many times I've seen it), so it's no wonder his adaptation of my favorite King short story is on this list. After an "incident" takes place at a military facility, a strange mist envelops the small town below, trapping a group of neighbors in the local grocery as unimaginable creatures roam outside, mostly unseen. Creepy and fun, The Mist features hottie Thomas Jane, Darabont favorites Laurie Holder and Jeffrey DeMunn (both in "The Walking Dead") and Marcia Gay Harden in a performance that would have been nominated if it wasn't in a horror movie. And Darabont's disturbing ending is actually far more effective than King's, which was completely ambiguous. 

5: The Descent (2005)

Claustrophobic; terrifying; original... just a few words that describe British director Neil Marshall's Sophomore effort. A group of adventure-loving gals gather a year after a tragedy to continue their annual rite, this time caving in West Virginia. A cave-in leaves them trapped in an unexplored system where they soon find out that they are not alone. Grim, gory and tension-filled, The Descent should be seen in its original version, rather than the U.S. theatrical cut.

4: The Others (2001)

Taking a cue from classics like the original version of The Haunting and The Innocents, Spanish writer/director Alejandro Amenabar creates an atmospheric and creepy ghost tale about a war-widow (Nicole Kidman in an exceptional performance) and her photosensitive children. I may have figured out the movie's twist long before the reveal, but the reveal itself was so well done that I forgave its transparency. Creepy and unnerving without a single drop of blood or CGI demon, The Others is the kind of horror movie directors should aspire to make. 

3: Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Michael Dougherty's massively entertaining  anthology interweaves four stories that take place during a Midwestern town's Halloween celebration. Urban legends; werewolves; vampires; serial killers and a particularly nasty little fellow called Peeping Tommy all add up to one of a fun movie. The movie garnered festival raves, but never saw a theatrical release, making many genre fans (myself included) rabid to see it. When it finally came out on DVD in 2008, we weren't disappointed in the least. Word is, Dougherty is peparing a sequel, which will actually in theaters. I, for one, can't wait.

2: Let the Right One In (2008)

The Swedish adaptation of John Alvide Lyndqvist's novel about a vampire in sheep's clothing is both stylish and atmospheric. Like Matt Reeve's American take (Number 2 on my Best of 2010), it's a quiet film that lets the evil ooze through its cracks, while creating sympathetic characters with whom we can relate. A stunner.

1: Drag Me to Hell (2009)

I'll admit I may be prejudiced by the circumstances under which I first saw this film (shared with a group of people whom I love dearly and who all had such a good time together that night), but Sam Raimi's return to the genre that made him the director he is today is an outrageous, disgusting, hilarious and relentless rollercoaster of a movie that holds up (and actually gets better) after multiple viewings. Gorgeous Allison Loman and adorable Justin Long are the young couple beset by forces beyond their control and character actress Lorna Raver is the disgusting hag who sets things in motion. Raimi pulls out all the stops and delivers what is certainly the most entertaining horror movie of the decade. 

Honorable Mentions:

Grace; 30 Days of Night; Let Me In; 28 Days Later; Shaun of the Dead; May; Cabin Fever; Planet Terror; Dawn of the Dead (2004); High Tension.

*Which still holds the title for Best Line in a Horror Movie with: "Your mother ate my dog!"

So, what do you think? Give me your picks in a comment. I always love hearing from you!

More, anon.

Prospero

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Best of the Decade: TV

Wow, it's been a long time since I watched TV on a set like the one on your right.

I had one of these in my bedroom for many years, though these days TV viewing is limited to my living room on my Vizio 32" LCD HD flatscreen. It's a good TV with excellent picture and sound. I can't imagine what my grandparents would have thought of a TV that weighed less than ten pounds and delivered movies On Demand or recorded shows without setting the timer on a VCR.

I'll admit that I love TV, especially now. For as much crap as the networks put out (Survivor; The Bachelor/Bachelorette; Two and a Half Men), there is often enough good stuff to counterbalance it. So, for my first big post of the new year, here are my picks for the best TV shows of the past decade:

10. 24

24 was the show that almost wasn't. Debuting not long after 9/11, it was a story of a terrorists plotting the assassination of the first viable black candidate for President, and only our hero Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) could stop it. Oh - and it was told in real time. Each episode equaled one hour in time, giving us one day in a 24 episode season. The plots were ridiculous (Kim and the cougar?); Jack's survival was preposterous and the story lines were often recycled (how many moles could CTU have?), but there was nothing like it before or since, and it was the best action show since Mission Impossible.

9. Modern Family

The family sitcom had almost been officially declared dead  when ABC premiered it's faux-documentary Modern Family, featuring three branches of the family, including a gay couple raising their adopted daughter. Brilliant writing combined with an astounding ensemble cast give is one of the best sitcoms since Friends.

8. Psych

USA continues to provide funny, interesting shows, and Psych is the best since Monk. When Sean Spencer (James Roday) returns to his hometown of Santa Barbara, he teams up with his childhood friend Gus (Dule Hill) and uses the observational techniques taught to him by is father (Corbin Bernsen) to establish himself as a "psychic" detective. Irreverent and often downright silly, Psych is one of TV's most enjoyable hours.



7. How I Met Your Mother

CBS may have the worst sitcom on TV (the repulsively unfunny Two and a Half Men), but it also has one of the best. Terrific writing and ensemble acting (not to mention stand-out Neil Patrick Harris) once again combine to make this tale of a rather unlikeable architect's search for the girl of his dreams, so likable. 

6. Arrested Development

This Fox sitcom, produced and narrated by  Ron Howard, told the story of the Bluth family, whose father was imprisoned for selling housing that didn't exist (or existed only in Iraq). The show gave rise to the career of Michael Cera, resurrected the career of Jason Bateman and lent a whole new meaning to the term "frozen banana." Sadly, the show was too smart for the average TV viewer and was cancelled after only 3 brilliant seasons.

5. The Closer

Kyra Sedgwick finally won an Emmy last year for her role as Los Angeles Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson, a woman with fierce determination and the ability to elicit a confession from the most cynical of murderers. Her struggles to gain acceptance among her peers; her tenacity when working a case and her love for her FBI agent husband all add up to one of the most endearing characters in a procedural drama in a long time. It helps that Sedgwick is joined by one of the best casts on TV, including J.K. Simmons and hottie Jon Tenney.

4. Six Feet Under

The story of the Fisher Family and their mortuary business was an instant hit for HBO, and producer Alan Ball made sure each episode was filled with black humor and human drama. An amazing cast, terrific writing and a fearless producer gave us a TV classic. Of course, it helped that it had the single best series finale of all time. As Claire made her way East to New York, we got to see just what happened to every character. Only one series finale ever made me cry more... Brilliant.

   

3. The Walking Dead

Envelope pusher AMC took a huge gamble in producing a very graphic series based in Robert Kirkman's graphic novel about a group of people trying to survive in a world gone mad. Produced by Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd, The Walking Dead is the rare modern zombie story that's more about the living than the dead. And boy, is it good!

2. Pushing Daisies

Series creator Bryan Fuller has had several quirky, funny series, none of which have lasted beyond a season or two. And the best of these was one of TV's best shows ever. In Pushing Daisies, adorable Lee Pace plays Ned, a fellow who can revive the dead with a single touch. The catch? If he touches them again, they die for good. Hilarious, touching, romantic and oh so dark, Pushing Daisies was probably a little too quirky for mainstream America, but it pushed all the right buttons with me.

1. Lost

ABC caught America's collective  imaginations with the J.J. Abrams series about a group of plane crash survivors marooned on a mysterious island. The show, with its complicated mythology, time-jumping plot lines and characters that blurred the lines between hero and villain was at once the most fascinating and aggravating series, ever. And it's Season Six finale is still the cause of debate, 6 months after it aired.

I'll be back tomorrow with my Top Ten Horror Movies of the Decade.

More, anon.
Prospero

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Salon's "Best Movie Scene of the Year"

I was going to start the New Year with my picks for the 10 Best of the Decade, in Movies, TV and Theatre until I came across this article (via) calling a scene I found particularly brilliant the Best Movie Scene of the Year, from Matt Reeves 'cover version" of 2008's Let the Right One in.

Let Me In isn't exactly a remake of that particular film, as Salon columnist Matt Zoller Seitz points out, but just Reeve's personal take on the same material. Let Me In was my #2 pick (so far) for 2010 and I was actually sad that it didn't receive the box office it deserved. I briefly mentioned the scene in my original review, but after seeing the clip embedded below, I have become even more enamored of its composition and cinematography. As Seitz points out, Reeve does indeed have "the patience of a spider." He takes his time throughout the film to develop character, atmosphere and suspense and doesn't cheapen the material with "cat jump" scares and gore just for the sake of gore.

In the scene, Abby's (Chloe Moretz) 'father' (Richard Jenkins) sets out to find food for his charge. His plans are sent awry with the addition of an unexpected character, leading up to an event which explains the film's opening sequence. Like Hitchcock's "bomb under the table" scenario, Reeve lingers over the 'bomb' (Jenkins) while we hear the other characters' nonchalant and unknowing conversation. Reeve masterfully builds tension while working toward a startlingly thrilling stunt sequence.  Here, see for yourselves:

Now that's some prime filmmaking, my friends. I'm looking forward to see what Reeve still has up his sleeve (and had no intention of making a rhyme). And just as a spoilery side note: while Seitz mentions the song on the radio, he (maybe deliberately) fails to mention how appropriate it is for what happens after the clip ends.

I hope you  had a wonderful time last night and no hangover this morning; I hope you all find yourselves that much closer to your hearts' desires and I hope we all get to see better movies than 2010 gave us.

More, anon.

Prospero

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My 10 Favorite Actors of 2009

How's that for a promo shot of a handsome, up and coming Fantasy/Sci-Fi star ready to break into other genres? That's Karl Urban, if you aren't familiar. I love the monochromatic, poet shirted, barefoot Harlequin Romance pirate Urban's handlers are trying to sell with this image. Not that its a bad one, just cliched. Especially for someone who has appeared in two of the three best films of the past decade (Ooh! What a give-away!).

Anyway, Mr. Urban made my list this year (you'll have to skip ahead to see where or be patient and read a few more paragraphs or so -- just know that if you do skip ahead, Santa is making a mark in your naughty column; a black spot appears on the milk bottle that is your soul and Baby Jesus cries).

There may have been many better performances by men in film this year, but I didn't see those. I certainly saw many, many, many worse performances than the 10 on my list (Crap! - what does that say about Uncle Prospero's taste in film?).

The 10 gentlemen listed below may have been either a leading or supporting player, but they were the stand-outs in their respective films and deserve to be recognized as such. And please remember, lust plays no factor in these choices. If it did, You Know Who would win in every category. In any event, these were My 10 Favorite Actors of 2009:

10 - Karl Urban in Star Trek:

Wow - what a shock, eh? I bet because his picture was up there, you thought I might have placed him a little higher on the list. But honestly, I just like that picture of him. Anyway, as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Urban practically channels the late DeForrest Kelly in a comedic tribute performance lets us know for certain that these are, indeed, the characters we all know and love.

9 - Woody Harrelson in Zombieland:

Much like his bro-mantic partner, Harrelson often takes on roles that bear strong resemblances to what we imagine Harrelson is actually like. And in Zombieland he takes full advantage of that persona, turning it another ten notches and having the time of his life. So what if he attacked a reported and later claimed that because he had just finished shooting and thought the reporter was a zombie? I still thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

8 - Zachary Quinto in Star Trek:

It was much more than Quinto's remarkable resemblance to a young Leonard Nimoy that made me love his performance so much. (Spoilers ahead; if you haven't seen the movie, skip ahead to the green "Go"). Quinto accesses Spock's human side much more readily than Nimoy ever did, and we find ourselves even more connected to the pointy-eared logistician. His affair with another crew-member and the loss of his mother are just human enough to love Spock all over again.

7 - Sharlto Copley in District 9

My friend K hated this film, but then she never does well with stories about man's inhumanity. But Copely's first performance is both hilarious and poignant. His character Wikus undergoes a physical, emotional and spiritual transformation that even the most experienced of actors would have had a difficult time pulling off. And it is for good reason I compare his performance to Jeff Goldblum's in The Fly - The character arc on the page is so strongly written, only an exceptionally talented actor would be able to pull it off believably.

He's so much cuter we're led to believe.

6 - Bill Murray in Zombieland:

Yes, I just spoiled the big secret celebrity cameo in Zombieland. Well, tough. If you don't know by now, shame on you. Playing himself, dressed as a zombie so he can wander about Hollywood unnoticed and playing a totally idiotic stoner's prank, Murray is nothing less than everything audiences have come to love about him in less than 10 minutes on screen. The scene may have been written with the late Patrick Swayze in mind (which might have been a whole different sort of hilariousness), but Murray commits himself 1000 percent.

5 - Justin Long in Drag Me to Hell:

I know, I know... But just look at his face in the films final shot. I've been fan of Long's ever since Jeeper's Creepers and his performance as the confused, non-believing but incredibly supportive boyfriend just adds to the effectiveness of Sam Raimi's terrifically fun horror movie.

4 - Jackie Earl Haley in Watchmen:

As part of an amazing comeback, Haley plays Alan Moore's victim of childhood abuse who would grow into the enigmatic superhero, Rorschach. Haley's cynical, gravel-voiced performance is the best of the film's many attributes.

Haley will next be seen as another iconic character in the re-boot of A Nightmare on Elm Street.

3 - Robert Downey, Jr. in Sherlock Holmes:

Talk about taking a role and making it your own. The movie was a most pleasant surprise, and the more I thought about it, the more I enjoyed and appreciated Downey's performance in what had all the earmarks of a cinematic disaster.

2 - George Clooney in Up In the Air:

Clooney has come quite a way since his days in Return of the Killer Tomatoes and The Facts of Life. I have said it several times now, but Clooney is very much a Cary Grant of our age.

1 - Sam Rockwell in Moon:

Rockell is consistently good, no matter what kind of role he is playing. And he's certainly no stranger to Genre Films, having appeared in The Green Mile; Galaxy Quest and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. But there's his also brilliant and underrated turn as game-show producer Chuck Barris in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. But in this quiet and introspective film, Rockwell is simply astounding as an astronaut/miner who discovers an awful truth about his three year-contract. Moving, compelling and heartbreaking, Rockwell's interpretation of the character is overwhelming in its complexity and subtlety. This is the kind of performance every actor aspires to achieve.

My 10 Favorite Actresses of 2009, next.

More, anon.
Prospero

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