Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
At last, Charlie Kaufmann does a film that is as emotionally involving as it is twisted and original. I dearly loved “Being John Malkovich”, but ESotSM is even better. I’m continually surprised to recall that Jim Carrey is the lead character in this role – his performance effortlessly submits to the character, introverted and suspicious but yearning, a nicely judged balance of compassionate and prickly. Kate Winslet is even better. But it’s the small details that make the film – “Is there any risk of brain damage?” – “Well, technically speaking, the operation *is* brain damage” – and the (of course) dreamlogic tone. A really wonderful film.

Holes
I had heard enough good reviews of this to seek it out on DVD, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was, however, surprised. The film is an effective mystery of many pieces, and they fit together far more elegantly than they have any right to. I had four or five “Oh, that’s *clever*!” moments throughout the film. Also notable is the treatment of juvenile bullying. Even when the main character is accepted, it doesn’t automatically mean he’s at the top of the pecking order, or that everyone suddenly becomes nice and friends all the time. Unusually hard-nosed for a disney-like film.

Bad Santa
Speaking of well-earned catharsis, I’ve never seen a film work so hard for its redemption. I chuckle even thinking about this film. He really is a very, very bad santa. Every time you think he’s about to redeem himself, he gets worse. It’s glorious, and because he’s so unrepentant in his moments of humiliation, it’s not even embarrassing – a true rarity, as I get embarrassed extremely easily by such films or TV (I still can’t watch “The Office” or “Extras”.) Oh, also extraordinarily funny. And the role Billy Bob Thornton was born to play.

Wimbledon
Ah, yes, I am embarassed (a little) at really liking what many other people regard as a middling romantic comedy chick flick, especially when it’s about the problems of people who have no real problems. But they’re charming and the dialogue zings along, and I can easily watch it any number of times. Comfort viewing (shut up) at its finest.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
This year was a good one for quirky. I can happily report that I can watch this many times despite the embarassing comedy moments that prevent me from watching (or owning) one of my favorite films, Rushmore. It’s the details again: the matter of factness of their outrageously larger than life antics. The big romantic gestures that are half parody, half sincere.

Touching the Void
Shaun of the Dead
I Heart Huckabees
Belleville Rendezvous
The Station Agent

Also excellent:

Spider-man 2
Matchstick Men
Cypher
The Incredibles