Top 5 movies of the summer
Issue date: 8/26/05 Section: Features
In case you haven't seen the news lately, this summer was one of the worst-ever for box-office performances. Almost every weekend brought numbers that were lower than they had been for the last several years, and few blockbusters came out of the bunch. I've selected the five best from the summer, so you've got something to look forward to on DVD, or possibly at the $1 theater.
'Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'
Of the three "Star Wars" prequels, this is by far the best of the bunch. From beginning to end, this film is full of exciting action scenes and the best acting in any of the six of the series, courtesy of Ewan McGregor and Ian McDiarmid. It's an excellent wrap-up, and also the darkest of the films - it features a mass killing of Jedi Knights and children in training. The only downsides? Horrible dialogue ("I won't die in childbirth Anakin, I promise you." "No, I promise you!"), and a wooden performance from Natalie Portman.
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
Johnny Depp takes his Willy Wonka to another level. After being denied candy as a child by his dentist father, Wonka sets out to become the greatest chocolatier in the history of the world, creating his famous factory. Freddie Highmore ("Finding Neverland") plays Charlie, the film's titular character and protagonist. The visuals and acting are superior in this updated version, but the Oompa Loompas are a little too over the top with their singing and dancing. Danny Elfman's score is a fantastic addition.
'The Aristocrats'
This is mainly a movie for fans of stand-up comedy. Producer Penn Jillete came up with the idea when discussing the improvisation aspects of comedy. The premise is simple: 100 comedians each tell the same joke over and over again, demonstrating the differences. The joke is "the aristocrats" - one comedians have been telling each other since vaudeville days but have rarely shared with the audience. It is the dirtiest, most vile thing ever, so I certainly can't share it with you here.
'Wedding Crashers'
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson share an onscreen chemistry rarely displayed these days. They do an excellent job of playing off each other while keeping the comedy going strong.
Forget any lessons and cheesy romance - see it strictly for the comedy, as it's possibly the best of the "frat pack" movie.
'Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room'
Another documentary. Based on the 2003 book of the same name, this is a multifaceted study of the biggest corporate scandal in American history.
We all know the results of the scandal, but this film gives a fascinating look at why it happened, how it happened and the toll it took on the thousands of employees who lost their jobs and their savings in the process.
'Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'
Of the three "Star Wars" prequels, this is by far the best of the bunch. From beginning to end, this film is full of exciting action scenes and the best acting in any of the six of the series, courtesy of Ewan McGregor and Ian McDiarmid. It's an excellent wrap-up, and also the darkest of the films - it features a mass killing of Jedi Knights and children in training. The only downsides? Horrible dialogue ("I won't die in childbirth Anakin, I promise you." "No, I promise you!"), and a wooden performance from Natalie Portman.
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
Johnny Depp takes his Willy Wonka to another level. After being denied candy as a child by his dentist father, Wonka sets out to become the greatest chocolatier in the history of the world, creating his famous factory. Freddie Highmore ("Finding Neverland") plays Charlie, the film's titular character and protagonist. The visuals and acting are superior in this updated version, but the Oompa Loompas are a little too over the top with their singing and dancing. Danny Elfman's score is a fantastic addition.
'The Aristocrats'
This is mainly a movie for fans of stand-up comedy. Producer Penn Jillete came up with the idea when discussing the improvisation aspects of comedy. The premise is simple: 100 comedians each tell the same joke over and over again, demonstrating the differences. The joke is "the aristocrats" - one comedians have been telling each other since vaudeville days but have rarely shared with the audience. It is the dirtiest, most vile thing ever, so I certainly can't share it with you here.
'Wedding Crashers'
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson share an onscreen chemistry rarely displayed these days. They do an excellent job of playing off each other while keeping the comedy going strong.
Forget any lessons and cheesy romance - see it strictly for the comedy, as it's possibly the best of the "frat pack" movie.
'Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room'
Another documentary. Based on the 2003 book of the same name, this is a multifaceted study of the biggest corporate scandal in American history.
We all know the results of the scandal, but this film gives a fascinating look at why it happened, how it happened and the toll it took on the thousands of employees who lost their jobs and their savings in the process.