January 22, 2007
I feel guilty writing a top ten list. The truth is I don't watch nearly enough movies to really justify doing it. For example, I haven't watched Dreamgirls, Babel, Half-Nelson, Little Children, Notes on a Scandal, The Queen, Blood Diamond, Inland Empire, Scanner Darkly and Pan's Labyrinth among others.
I suppose that having access to free DVD rentals, and being a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I'm obligated to be up to date with the going's on in the film industry. But I'm not. The truth is.... I'm too much of a sports fan. A fiercely loyal, die hard Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Los Angeles Lakers fan.
I also, in the past year and a half, find myself watching more television than ever before. I've been hooked like a drug fiend on Rome, L Word, Dexter, Battlestar Galactica, Sopranos, Deadwood, and Extras. That's a full TV schedule I'm working around—as well as writing for this blog, and spending time with my wife, child, and little dog.
But for posterity's sake, I should make a list. I'm thinking years from now it will be fun to look back and relive what films inspired me during this time. I realized I never posted a list for 2005, so for the record, here was that group:
The 2005 Favorites List
- Batman Begins
- The New World
- Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang
- Broken Flowers
- Match Point
- Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith
- Munich
- Me, You, and Everyone you Know
- Grizzly Man
- Frank Miller's Sin City
I'm disappointed there are no foreign films on my list. In previous years, films like City of God or Oldboy would've easily made it. Making matters worse, there's not a foreign film on this year's list either. Oh well.
In any case, here we go with my favorite movies of 2006.... (that I've seen.... so far.)
#10: Edmond
Directed by Stuart Gordon (2006)
Official Synopsis
Based on the 1982 play by David Mamet, Edmond follows a mundane businessman (William H. Macy) who, after a visit to a fortune teller, abruptly leaves his wife and dives headlong into the seedy, dangerous underworld of New York City. His search for meaning and authentic connection quickly spirals into a provocative, violent, and nihilistic odyssey through the urban night.
The Ensemble
- William H. Macy: Edmond Burke
- Julia Stiles: Glenna
- Joe Mantegna: Man in Bar
- Denise Richards: B-Girl
- Mena Suvari: Whore
- Dylan Walsh: Interrogator
The Architects
- Director: Stuart Gordon
- Writer: David Mamet (Play & Screenplay)
- Cinematography: Denis Maloney
- Music: Bobby Johnston
- Producer: Roger Kass, William H. Macy
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $10 Million (Estimated) |
| Shooting Locations | Los Angeles, California (doubling for New York City) |
| Global Box Office | $165,000 (Limited release) |
| Production Intel | Director Stuart Gordon, known for horror classics like Re-Animator, worked closely with Mamet to preserve the play's rhythmic, "staccato" dialogue while stylizing the urban decay of the setting. |
Original Review
This one's cheating. I didn't even write a review for this film on the blog. I'm a big David Mamet fan. Really big. Huge. So the truth is, even if this were a bad movie.....which it isn't, I would have probably loved it.
I was familiar with the play after reading it over a decade ago. It's extremely fascinating, and provocative material, and it was exciting to see it finally realized dramatically on film. My dog..... is named Mamet. Seriously. So, for the record, I admit that I can't objectively comment on the merits of this film. Even though it's pretty freaking great.
I love the dialogue. Love it. I love the economy, through-line, purpose and thought Mamet puts into each, and every one of the scenes. The rhythms, the tones, the dialogue, and scene arcs, it all works for me. Throw in a great performance by W.H. Macy and the movie is an instant classic.....admitedly.... probably to only me.
#9: Rocky Balboa
Directed by Sylvester Stallone (2006)
Official Synopsis
Years after his retirement from the ring, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) lives a quiet life running a small restaurant in South Philly, still mourning the death of his beloved Adrian. When a computer-simulated fight sparks a debate about who would win between Rocky and the current heavyweight champion, Mason "The Line" Dixon, the aging Italian Stallion feels the "beast inside" one last time. He decides to step back into the ring for an exhibition match that becomes a quest for personal closure and a final stand for respect.
The Ensemble
- Sylvester Stallone: Rocky Balboa
- Burt Young: Paulie Pennino
- Milo Ventimiglia: Robert Balboa Jr.
- Geraldine Hughes: Marie
- Antonio Tarver: Mason 'The Line' Dixon
- Tony Burton: Duke
The Architects
- Director: Sylvester Stallone
- Writer: Sylvester Stallone
- Cinematography: J. Clark Mathis
- Music: Bill Conti
- Editing: Sean Albertson
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $24 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Global Box Office | $156.2 Million |
| Production Intel | The final fight was filmed during an actual HBO Boxing event in Las Vegas to capture the authentic atmosphere of a heavyweight bout. It famously revitalized the franchise, leading to the successful Creed spin-offs. |
Original Review
Not surprisingly, I haven't seen this film on too many top ten lists. The funny thing is I can't find anyone who didn't like it. In fact most people who've seen..... loved it. LOVED IT. Doesn't matter who they are...young...old...woman...man.
They loved it. They even will admit that they were emotionally moved, and touched by the film. Really. By a Rocky film......seriously. As proof, the first Rocky is renting like crazy at the store. People want to relive the memories. The movie just lingers with people.
Yet, for some reason... as far as top ten lists....no love. I'm guessing that people are embarrassed to admit they loved the film. I'm not.
#8: Inside Man
Directed by Spike Lee (2006)
Official Synopsis
A tough detective (Denzel Washington), a clever bank robber (Clive Owen), and a high-stakes power broker (Jodie Foster) enter a high-tension negotiation after a brilliant heist spirals into a hostage situation at a Manhattan bank. As the police surround the building, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary robbery—and that the thief may be looking for something far more valuable than the money in the vault. A stylish, "perfect crime" thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very last frame.
The Ensemble
- Denzel Washington: Detective Keith Frazier
- Clive Owen: Dalton Russell
- Jodie Foster: Madeleine White
- Christopher Plummer: Arthur Case
- Willem Dafoe: Captain John Darius
- Chiwetel Ejiofor: Detective Bill Mitchell
The Architects
- Director: Spike Lee
- Writer: Russell Gewirtz
- Cinematography: Matthew Libatique
- Music: Terence Blanchard
- Editing: Barry Alexander Brown
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $45 Million |
| Shooting Locations | New York City, New York (Wall Street, Brooklyn) |
| Global Box Office | $184.4 Million |
| Production Intel | This remains Spike Lee's highest-grossing film to date. The production actually filmed inside a real former bank at 20 Exchange Place in Manhattan to achieve the massive scale and authentic "echo" of the lobby. |
Original Review
It's nice to see Spike Lee having fun. The truth is, he's a great filmmaker that can sometimes get sidetracked by his political views. I thought his last film 25th Hour was amazing. But, honestly the subject matter is extremely dark, depressing, and at times hard to watch.
I've always wondered what a commercial Spike Lee film would look like. Which is exactly what Inside Man is. It's refreshing, and actually exciting to see him direct a fun, mystery/suspense heist thriller. Scarcely a trace of a political or social agenda. Just good old fashioned fun.
However, the movie is by no means perfect. I think the main Grift in the film reminds me a little too much of Bill Murray's Quick Change. But it's a fun, suspenseful, popcorn crowd pleaser, with a dramatic edge. Definitely one of the best movies of the year.
#7: The Prestige
Directed by Christopher Nolan (2006)
Official Synopsis
In Victorian London, two rival magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), become obsessed with outperforming one another in a deadly game of one-upmanship. Their competition centers on a groundbreaking trick known as "The Transported Man." As they descend into a dark spiral of sabotage, sacrifice, and scientific experimentation with the help of Nikola Tesla, the line between illusion and reality blurs, leading to a haunting revelation about the true cost of their obsession.
The Ensemble
- Hugh Jackman: Robert Angier
- Christian Bale: Alfred Borden
- Michael Caine: John Cutter
- Scarlett Johansson: Olivia Wenscombe
- Rebecca Hall: Sarah Borden
- David Bowie: Nikola Tesla
- Andy Serkis: Alley
The Architects
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writers: Jonathan Nolan & Christopher Nolan (based on Christopher Priest's novel)
- Cinematography: Wally Pfister
- Music: David Julyan
- Editing: Lee Smith
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $40 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Los Angeles (Universal Studios, Greystone Mansion, various historic theaters) and Colorado Springs |
| Global Box Office | $109.7 Million |
| Production Intel | To maintain the theme of illusion, Nolan structure the film's narrative itself to mirror the three stages of a magic trick: The Setup, The Performance, and The Prestige. The film famously utilized David Bowie for the role of Nikola Tesla, a casting choice Nolan insisted on for Bowie's "otherworldly" presence. |
Original Review
A lot of people get caught up with trying to figure out the twist in the film. Which really isn't that hard to figure out. The truth is this movie isn't about the twist or illusion, or the surprise ending.
It's a character study about runaway ambition, greed, competition, and the damaging affects of the quest for fame and power. It's a character exploration into the dark side of the human psyche.
The fact that it stars two incredibly likable and affable movie stars like Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman makes the film even more fascinating, and multi-dimensional.
#6: Miami Vice
Directed by Michael Mann (2006)
Official Synopsis
In this gritty, high-stakes update of the 1980s television classic, vice detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) go deep undercover to infiltrate a global drug trafficking network. Their professional and personal lives become dangerously intertwined as they navigate a treacherous world of international cartels, high-speed chases, and lethal double-crosses. Michael Mann delivers a visceral, hyper-realistic crime drama that trades 80s neon for modern digital shadows.
The Ensemble
- Colin Farrell: Sonny Crockett
- Jamie Foxx: Ricardo Tubbs
- Gong Li: Isabella
- Naomie Harris: Trudy Joplin
- Ciar谩n Hinds: FBI Agent Fujima
- Justin Theroux: Zito
- Barry Shabaka Henley: Lt. Castillo
The Architects
- Director: Michael Mann
- Writer: Michael Mann (based on the series by Anthony Yerkovich)
- Cinematography: Dion Beebe
- Music: John Murphy
- Editing: William Goldenberg & Paul Rubell
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $135 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Miami, Florida; Dominican Republic; Uruguay; Paraguay; Brazil |
| Global Box Office | $164.2 Million |
| Production Intel | Director Michael Mann utilized the Thomson Viper Filmstream Camera for a distinct digital aesthetic. To ensure realism, Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx trained with real-world undercover agents and even observed actual sting operations. |
Original Review
Lots of people had problems with this film. I'm not exactly sure why. I keep hearing about how the film should have been more like the show. Seriously?
That they should have played the theme song, that the film didn't have the same 80's cool feeling, that it needed more neon, more sex appeal, that Sonny needed a pet alligator. Blah..blah..blah. Get over it. The show is on DVD...and the truth is.... it doesn't age well. At all.
Michael Mann refused a parody approach and took the film in a different, more realistic, and dramatic direction in the same vein as his crime classics Heat and Collateral. It worked. The film has some of the best action sequences of the year. Attractive, affable characters in sticky, exciting situations. What more does one want in a film?
#5: Casino Royale
Directed by Martin Campbell (2006)
Official Synopsis
After earning his 00 status and a license to kill, secret agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) sets out on his first mission as 007. Bond must defeat a private banker to terrorists, Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), in a high-stakes game of poker at Casino Royale in Montenegro. Assisted by Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a British Treasury agent sent to safeguard the government's money, Bond embarks on a mission that will forever change him and redefine the legendary spy for a new generation.
The Ensemble
- Daniel Craig: James Bond
- Eva Green: Vesper Lynd
- Mads Mikkelsen: Le Chiffre
- Judi Dench: M
- Jeffrey Wright: Felix Leiter
- Giancarlo Giannini: Rene Mathis
The Architects
- Director: Martin Campbell
- Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis
- Cinematography: Phil M茅heux
- Music: David Arnold
- Editing: Stuart Baird
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $150 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Bahamas; Czech Republic (Prague, Karlovy Vary); Italy (Lake Como, Venice); UK |
| Global Box Office | $606.1 Million |
| Production Intel | To prepare for the role's physicality, Daniel Craig underwent intense training, doing many of his own stunts—including the high-altitude parkour chase. The film famously holds the Guinness World Record for the most barrel rolls in a car (seven), achieved with the Aston Martin DBS during the pivotal chase scene. |
Original Review
This one was a surprise. To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to this film. But it easily makes my top ten list. Excellent story, exotic locales, it's funny, moving, breathtaking.
I like the serious approach the franchise is taking, yet it keeps the original mystique alive. Daniel Craig is fantastic. I know it's blasphemy, but I think he's going to be the best Bond.....ever.
#4: The Departed
Directed by Martin Scorsese (2006)
Official Synopsis
In South Boston, the state police force is waging war on an Irish-American organized crime syndicate. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to infiltrate the mob run by gangland chief Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). While Billy quickly gains Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the state police as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by their double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations they have penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the mob and the police that there's a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy—and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself.
The Ensemble
- Leonardo DiCaprio: Billy Costigan
- Matt Damon: Colin Sullivan
- Jack Nicholson: Frank Costello
- Mark Wahlberg: Staff Sergeant Dignam
- Martin Sheen: Captain Queenan
- Alec Baldwin: Captain Ellerby
- Vera Farmiga: Madolyn
The Architects
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writer: William Monahan (based on Infernal Affairs)
- Cinematography: Michael Ballhaus
- Music: Howard Shore
- Editing: Thelma Schoonmaker
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $90 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Boston, Massachusetts and New York City |
| Global Box Office | $291.5 Million |
| Production Intel | This film finally earned Martin Scorsese his long-awaited Oscar for Best Director. While set in Boston, much of the filming took place in New York City due to tax incentives. Jack Nicholson famously improvised many of his scenes to keep the other actors genuinely on edge, heightening the tension on set. |
Original Review
The only reason why this movie isn't number one is because it's a remake. A remake of a good film that I happened to watch several times, over a year before watching this film.
So the movie, and more importantly the last 30 minutes of the film for me didn't feel fresh, or innovative, or exciting. It felt like Deja Vu. I'm aware this film is better than the original. But the reality is, I knew what was going to happen before it happened. So that took away a lot of the fun, and suspense of the movie going experience for me.
That being said, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, it's still an amazing film. Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin are fantastic, and Scorsese's direction is amazing.....as always. This is a fantastic film that will surely become a classic.
#3: Borat
Directed by Larry Charles (2006)
Official Synopsis
Sacha Baron Cohen brings his Kazakh journalist character Borat Sagdiyev to the big screen for a fish-out-of-water "mockumentary." Dispatched to the United States to film a documentary about the "greatest country in the world," Borat travels across the nation in an ice cream truck with his producer, Azamat. Along the way, he interacts with real-life Americans in unscripted situations, exposing cultural prejudices and absurdities through shocking, subversive, and undeniably hysterical comedy.
The Ensemble
- Sacha Baron Cohen: Borat Sagdiyev
- Ken Davitian: Azamat Bagatov
- Luenell: Luenell (The Escort)
- Pamela Anderson: Herself
- Various: Unsuspecting Americans
The Architects
- Director: Larry Charles
- Writers: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Peter Baynham, Dan Mazer
- Producer: Sacha Baron Cohen, Jay Roach
- Cinematography: Anthony Hardwick, Luke Geissbuhler
- Music: Erran Baron Cohen
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $18 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Kazakhstan (Intro); Various U.S. locations (New York, Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, California) |
| Global Box Office | $262.6 Million |
| Production Intel | To maintain the ruse, the production team often told participants they were filming for a foreign television network. Sacha Baron Cohen remained in character nearly 24/7 during the shoot, leading to several real-life police interventions and numerous lawsuits filed by unsuspecting participants post-release. |
Original Review
One of the funniest movies..... ever. It's the only movie on my list that I actually watched twice in the theatre. It was the most fun I had in a movie theatre in years.
It reminded me why I even go to the movie theatre in the first place: to experience something amazing in a group atmosphere while following an excellent story. I can't remember laughing harder, and being in a crowd that felt exactly the same way. People were standing and applauding in my screening. No joke. A standing ovation.... for flickering lights.
Sacha Baron Cohen is a genius. He's in the same mold as Peter Sellers and Andy Kaufman. Simply Brilliant. 2006 will forever be remembered as the year of Borat. It was a movie going experience that I'll never forget.
#2: V for Vendetta
Directed by James McTeigue (2006)
Official Synopsis
In a future British tyranny, a shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" (Hugo Weaving) uses terrorist tactics to fight his oppressive society. After rescuing a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) from the secret police, he finds an unlikely ally in his quest to bring down the fascist government and spark a revolution. Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, the film is a visceral exploration of the struggle between personal freedom and state-mandated security.
The Ensemble
- Natalie Portman: Evey Hammond
- Hugo Weaving: V
- Stephen Rea: Inspector Eric Finch
- Stephen Fry: Dietrich
- John Hurt: Adam Sutler
- Tim Pigott-Smith: Creedy
The Architects
- Director: James McTeigue
- Writers: The Wachowskis (Screenplay)
- Cinematography: Adrian Biddle
- Music: Dario Marianelli
- Editing: Martin Walsh
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $54 Million |
| Shooting Locations | Berlin, Germany (Babelsberg Studio) and London, UK (Whitehall, Parliament Square) |
| Global Box Office | $132.5 Million |
| Production Intel | The production was granted rare permission to film in London's Whitehall from midnight to 5:00 AM for three consecutive nights. To ensure the revolutionary imagery felt authentic, Hugo Weaving never removed his mask on screen, relying entirely on physical performance and voice to convey emotion. |
Original Review
Amazing. It boggles my mind that this movie isn't being recognized more during awards season. The movie represents everything that is great about movies....and art. Exciting action, thought-provoking storyline, excellent acting, wonderful suspense, and profound themes relevant to the times.
Natalie Portman has never been more impressive, and Stephen Rea and Hugo Weaving are remarkable. This movie challenges and inspires us to make a difference in the world, to stand up and make one's voice heard, to stand up to corruption and fight.
In some ways, it's the One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest of our generation.
#1: Children of Men
Directed by Alfonso Cuar贸n (2006)
Official Synopsis
In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have become somehow infertile, a former activist, Theo (Clive Owen), agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to a sanctuary at sea. Amidst a collapsing society plagued by nationalism and civil unrest, their journey becomes a desperate race for survival and a final beacon of hope for a dying humanity. Alfonso Cuar贸n’s visceral masterpiece is famous for its groundbreaking, long-take cinematography and hauntingly relevant social commentary.
The Ensemble
- Clive Owen: Theo Faron
- Julianne Moore: Julian Taylor
- Michael Caine: Jasper Palmer
- Chiwetel Ejiofor: Luke
- Charlie Hunnam: Patric
- Clare-Hope Ashitey: Kee
- Pam Ferris: Miriam
The Architects
- Director: Alfonso Cuar贸n
- Writers: Alfonso Cuar贸n, Timothy J. Sexton (based on P.D. James)
- Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki
- Music: John Tavener
- Editing: Alfonso Cuar贸n, Alex Rodr铆guez
The Ledger: Production Data
| Production Budget | $76 Million |
| Shooting Locations | UK (London, Battersea Power Station, Kent); Uruguay (Stock footage) |
| Global Box Office | $70.6 Million |
| Production Intel | Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki utilized a specially designed camera rig to film the famous "car ambush" scene, which is one continuous 4-minute shot. The film utilized "Invisible CGI" to enhance the gritty realism without breaking the immersion of the long takes. |
Original Review
It's been several weeks, and this film still haunts me. There are scenes and action sequences that must be seen to be believed. The production design is amazing, and the cinematography is jaw-dropping. The performances are all excellent... across the board. This is the best-directed film of the year.
The movie is fantastic in every way—the writing, music, and themes. At times it's touching, other times funny; it's also moving, heart-poundingly suspenseful, and visually exciting. It has everything, and in time will probably be recognized as one of the best films of the decade.
It's interesting to me that the themes and ideas in this film echo that of V for Vendetta. Although I try very hard not to comment on my political position, it's obvious that by having these two films at the top of my list, it represents my frame of mind about the current administration and the dark path the country is on. It's a reflection and representation of my political and artistic feelings during this past year.
Which is..... ironically..... exactly what I want when documenting my opinions for posterity. These were my favorite movies of 2006.
Check Out the Complete Definitive List
From the Clone Wars to the height of the Galactic Empire, see where your favorite films landed.
Read the Full 13-Movie Ranking