Paul's TOP 20 of the 21st Century

There are definitely a few moments in There Will Be Blood where I felt Paul Dano's performance felt forced or flat or unrefined - never enough to disrupt my entire take on the movie but noticeably sufficient that I never found myself asking, "how come no Supporting Actor nom?" Perceptible or not, the reason I bring it up is because I can; my criticism of this or any other movie won't make global headlines, but even if it did, I don't think anyone should be holding back on the possibility of a frank and constructive assessment of any artwork just to be "polite". I think there are troubling elements in nearly all the movies I've seen -- statistically, most of the movies I've seen in my lifetime I've found to be mostly shitty, and the reason I feel that is because the passion I have for the movies I love is strong. Since the beginning of this century, my expectations have lowered and my interest has waned considerably, but clearly I still can't let it go. If I didn't love Cinema as much as I do then I wouldn't care enough to complain. But I do. And so I do. But not today - today I'm here to celebrate the highest points of the past 25 years with a list that will no doubt be unsurprising to anyone who knows me because, despite my opening remarks, I don't complain nearly as much as I commend, and I've only ever seized every outlet the Internet has ever given me to make sure everyone knows what I like (and sometimes what I don't). I encourage everyone to do the same, without compromise. 

- Paul

1. No Country For Old Men (2007)

I've always been a sucker for Suspense, and it wasn't till this movie that I realized how rarely it's done right. A string of long, procedural sequences with sparse editing and minimal camera movement that are empty of dialogue and score, but the pace feels relentless. How'd they do that?

2. The Revenant (2015)

There were very few Action Movies of this scale in the past couple decades that didn't involve aliens or dragons or superheroes -- it's Man vs. Nature, and Nature isn't a green screen. Low key Leo is deserving of awards (and so is Tom Hardy at any speed) and Iñárritu proving once again that he's utilizing modern tools better than any other mainstream filmmaker working today. 

3. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Batman's only ever as fun as his villains for me, and I was pretty burnt out on most of them, so a fresh take on a less colorful character from the rogue gallery was an exhilarating surprise. Actually every angle of this underappreciated entry was a surprise to me, particularly the fact that this was the first (and still only) time I felt the weight of true peril in a Comic Book Movie. 

4. Phantom Thread (2017)

I'm not the first to point out the potential Kubrick correlation - I will say that, like a Kubrick film, it becomes richer with each viewing; the superficial simplicity of each second is just fancy dress, a costume covering rich detail and subtext that creates its enigmatic mood. 

5. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

It's not unheard of for a documentary to have a dramatic story arc, but this rises way above the traditional Sports Movie model and plays out more like a Hero's Journey with a truly despicable villain. It doesn't matter if it's ever fabricated or manipulative or overdramatized, the facts and the cast of characters involved are too bizarre and unique to ignore. 

6. INLAND EMPIRE (2006)

I've talked about it many times before, but this is the first time that I'm to point out that this is it - this is the last theatrically released David Lynch movie, and I find it to be entirely fitting. I've seen it countless times now, but the journey is so twisted and immense that its wonder and terror and melancholy will continue to be fresh and relevant to me. 

7. The Neon Demon (2016)

I'd seen Drive and thought it was cute. Then came Only God Forgives and I thought, "Alright you're almost there..." Neon Demon hit every single note that I'd been craving (and expecting) from this filmmaker: the pace, the compositions, the music, even the plot were all part of this perfectly pretentious package that felt like a gift given specifically to me. 

8. Halloween II (2009)

It took a while to warm up to it but only a short time to love it. One of the few entries in this decades-long franchise that doesn't feel like Springtime in Santa Monica, and the only entry with an interesting take on the story/mythology thread that every other Halloween movie fumbled over and over again (including the original). 

9. Death Proof (2007)

Quentin has only created bonafide Epics since 2003 - except for this, which makes it clear to me that I enjoy him most in the context of this tone and scale. Pulp Fiction is my favorite of his: intimate locations, small scope, contemporary setting, and most importantly, little to no "plot". Death Proof is the only other movie of his that checks all of those boxes, and I have a good feeling that his last movie will do the same. 

10. A History of Violence (2005)

Cronenberg's only ever as fun as his makeup FX and oddball scenarios - or so I thought. Source material aside, this is one of his few movies where I found the characters to be interesting without having to transform into a bologna sandwich in the second act. Instead we have a straightforward Mystery that unfolds and blooms like a putrid rotting flower. 

11. Mandy (2018)

The second half is standard Revenge Flick stuff (though it's all the better with Nic off the leash) but it still carries the vibe of its dreamy/horrifying first half that thematically and visually combines the best and the worst side effects of psychotropic medications. It's self aware, but that just means it never holds back. 

12. Prisoners (2013)

For better or worse this century has been big on Whodunnits and plot twists and Psychological Thrillers -- this one's for the better. It marks my introduction to Villeneuve and also my realization and lament that Hugh Jackman has been (and continues to be) largely underutilized in Cinema. 

13. Miami Vice (2006)

This came out shortly after I got way into the TV series, and it just about surpassed my hopes. Truly all of us are blessed that the rights weren't in the wrong hands - this was shortly after the Dukes or Hazzard and Starsky & Hutch movies came out, and we could've gotten something very different than a sexy, violent Michael Mann Crime Adventure. 

14. American Hustle (2013)

I'll always be a little unfair to this movie for being part of the parade of transparent revamps of peak Scorsese - but even to do that right takes a trunk full of talent, and it's here. Dolly shots and voiceovers aside, it's a stellar cast that made me that much more aware of Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jeremy Renner. Phew!

15. Zodiac (2007)

After decades of Thrillers "in the mind of the killer", there was a freshness in focusing on the victims, the law enforcement, and the press. Mark Ruffalo's performance still ranks high for me as one of the best of this century. 

16. Poor Things (2023)

I'd also nominate Ruffalo's performance in this, only to be completely outdone by Emma Stone's fearless and hilarious portrayal of a grownup child who proves to be smarter than everyone else. This is the kinda material Tim Burton or Terry Gilliam could've tackled expertly had they continued to mature. 

17. Eddington (2025)

How to be topical without favoritism? Show everyone in the worst possible light to level the field. If Ari Aster presents an unbroken theme, it's depicting the horrors of a community with a common belief or goal, and how terrible it is when it's put into action. 

18. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

Not since Pulp Fiction has the three-act structure been reinvented in such a compelling way; when I think back on moments from this movie I have to remind myself that they're part of the same title. Speaking in larger terms, any innovations in traditional storytelling is a miracle. 

19. Unbreakable (2000)

I've talked about it on here maybe a dozen times so far, and that's probably because in The Age of Comic Book Movie Perdition it both satirizes and honors the medium in a more creative way than all that's come after (up to and including the franchise it eventually became a part of). 

20. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

It employs the deadpan delivery and family dysfunction that we're all way too familiar with now, but it's served with equal portions of humanity and pathos. Frankly, his material only ever needs Gene Hackman to cut through the bullshit. 

Babes's TOP 20 of the 21st Century

   Upon revisiting previous lists detailing my Top films of the 2010s and my Top 100 of all time (and then 200), I've come to realize that some that I once held in high regard have since come to pass. Films that initially made me ooh and ahh on their first viewing, and maybe even dug in their heels for a second watch, just didn't hold up. There are varying reasons for this and I'm not ashamed to say. Some were viewed under the influence, and things can often be more forgivable in those circumstance, while sobriety definitely changes how you interpret art. Others were initially forgiven for their dreadful bleakness, and the person I am now, can simply not overlook that. 

  I can beat a dead horse and remind you that this art medium has run dry after 1999, but it's been said, argued, and the point has been made. Instead I will highlight the shiny gems. These are forever rewatchable, which should really be the only reason to grant it permission to be on any list. I'm sure you've seen em, but if for some reason you missed one, add it to your queue. 

- Babes

20. Little Children (2006)

While the book was better, the film moves me to pieces. The adults all act like babies, ignore their offspring, and make terrible choices. It hurts so good.

19. Mud (2012)

As a boy's life is falling apart on a southern river bed, he finds hope in working to reunite an escaped convict with his long lost love. If he can bring them back together, then love can exist, even if his parents have failed at it. Your heart breaks with him through the entirety of the feature. 

18. The Wailing (2016)

This movie scared the shit out of me when nothing really can anymore. Enough said.  

17. A History of Violence (2005)

I can agree that Cronenberg isn't a great director, but he can get some incredible performances. While you don't remember the direction of this movie, you certainly remember every singe interaction between characters. 

16. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This is arguably the defining hipster movie of this generation, with Kate Winslet specifically creating a character that every young woman of that time identified with. 

15. Birth (2004)

This movie gets better and asks more questions every single time you watch it. Expertly made, mysterious, and awe-inspiring.

14. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Fewer movies make me laugh harder than this one. While over the years I've come to dislike this filmmaker's style, it works for this movie; adding to it even.

13. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

A modern twist on the classic story of how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. No matter how much you try to protect your kids, and shield them from who you are and don't want them to become, it's gonna happen anyway. History has a funny way of repeating itself. 

12. Red Rocket (2021)

Nothing has come close to shining such a bright light on a such a pathetic loser than this. You love to hate him, but hope he wins so bad. 

11. Catch Me if You Can (2002)

This is the last best Spielberg movie. He does his family thing that he does so well, but without the eye wincing CGI. Bonus points that it's a Christmas movie. 

10. American Hustle (2013)

I loves me a big ensemble cast. Throw in some disco, comedy, and high class theft, and you've got an A+.

9. A Serious Man (2009)

This is epitome of existential dread, but funny haha. If you're ever in a crisis and need a movie for the mood, this is the one for you.

8. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

I will defend this one forever as truly one of the most genuinely romantic movies of all time. 

7. Drive (2011)

Even revisiting this one I have to hold my breath in several places. The intensity is overwhelming. 

6. Zodiac (2007)

This is less about the Zodiac killer and more about Robert Graysmith's problems. Mostly with obsession. Literally going down the rabbit hole and possibly staring evil in the face does not deter him from pressing on.

5. The Lords of Salem (2012)

Of the many movies about witches out there, this one feels the most original and authentic to me. The entire viewing experience feels like a delve into the occult and you come out of it marked by the devil.

4. Prisoners (2013)

Every time I watch this I think it's about something else. I love something new about it. Everyone is great in it. Even though you know the outcome, you are white knuckled throughout, wondering if everything will turn out alright.

3. It Follows (2014)

Watch it a few times in a row and realize that there is so much more going on here than surface terror. 

2.  Inglourious Basterds (2009)

We all wish there was some singular Jewish heroine that blew away the bad guys of World War II. Quentin just actualized it in the most explosive and fucking amazing way you can possibly comprehend.

1. Phantom Thread (2017)

Not only the best film of the 2000s but my favorite movie. Its beauty is only stolen by its intelligence. 

NAME THAT MOVIE!

Welcome back from the break! Hope everyone enjoyed their bright copper kettles and cream colored ponies and so on, but now it's time to punch the clock and embrace the cold sunshine. In other words, a return to the grind. And what better way to welcome back the monotony of meat and pudding than with this obligation? The last set proved to be messy fun, and presented further proof that hardcore Braveheart fandom didn't last too long past the 1990s. Whatever, we don't have to go on celebrating every avenue of the culture, some things can just have their moment. 

As for this, the midpoint between "way too easy" and "way too hard" is always a moving target, and there's always the possibility we'll miss the mark. Differently put, sorry if we've insulted your intelligence/broke your brain. Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it. 

EASY

FAIR

DIFFICULT

GROOVE APPROVED