We enter the warehouse panning slowly from an expansive room closer to the desk of Barry Egan (Adam Sandler). He is pushed up against the corner speaking timidly to a line operator regarding airline miles--the currency of the future. Sandler scans the newspaper ad as if he were Indiana Jones in the proverbial Lost Ark. The isolation of the warehouse is soon to be contrasted by dreams of Hawaii. Escape is near and he'll be damned if it gets away from him this time.
Over the last ten years, the cinema has given us a great deal to be thankful for: a rebirth of the Batman franchise, a series of examinations of what it means to live in this particular decade, and a mass of character studies whether they be animated or popcorn thrillers. As much as I have enjoyed the offerings, a list must be culled together for the end of the year. Except this year is different, this year ten films must be selected from hundreds. Below are some of the best of the aughts. Enjoy! 10) There Will Be Blood Paul Thomas Anderson's magnum opus, a scathing look at extremism in America and the evils of greed and profiteering from religion. It also features the best performance of the decade with Daniel Day-Lewis as oil-man Daniel Plainview. 9) Up A beautiful tale that entrances all ages, Up managed to captivate children and tell a tale that adults cherish as well. 8) The Dark Knight Maybe just a comic book film, but it is the best comic book film