Best of 2002

Written by Dan Hudak |

From a talking mouse (“Stuart Little 2”) to fire-breathing dragons (“Reign of Fire”), there was a little bit of everything at the movies in 2002. Here are the ten best of the year:

1. “Thirteen Conversations about One Thing” The stories of five New Yorkers are brilliantly intertwined in this modern masterpiece, directed by the relatively unknown Jill Sprecher. What she does so convincingly (and elegantly) is convey the idea that life, with all its ups and downs, is only moderately controlled by our actions. The other influence, that which cannot be accounted for, rests in the minds and hearts of our closest friends, greatest enemies, and unknown strangers. After you see it once, watch it again and really absorb everything the film is saying about something that’s inevitable for everyone: life, and what it means and takes to be happy in a world where emotions can fluctuate like night and day. Currently available on VHS/DVD.

2. “Adaptation” Whether it’s the unavoidable humanity of its characters, the quirky, funny dialogue, or the fantastic performances (particularly by Nicolas Cage in a dual role), there’s more than plenty to marvel at here. It’s easily the most innovative and self-reflexive film of the year, and ends with a sequence that may inspire debate for years to come. Opens wide Jan. 10.

3. “Spirited Away” With most animation these days moving toward computer-generated images, Japanese anime master Hayao Miyazaki gives us (thanks to Disney, who picked up the film for U.S. distribution) this blissful story about a young girl whisked away into a dream world after her parents disappear. Heart, imagination, warmth, and morals make this a modern classic to be treasured. Release date not set for VHS/DVD.

4. “Far From Heaven” Julianne Moore’s star-studded turn as an afflicted ‘50s housewife could earn her an Oscar, and rightfully so. Watch and revel in director Todd Haynes’ methodical depiction of her caustic torture as her world unravels, and don’t overlook great supporting performances by Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, and Patricia Clarkson. In theaters now.

5. “Gangs of New York” Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited return to the silver screen is just about everything you’d hope for: great visuals, beautiful sets, and arguably the best performances of the year, particularly Daniel Day-Lewis as the power-hungry Bill the Butcher. In theaters now.

6. “Lovely and Amazing” By virtue of dealing with women’s insecurities, a place many films don’t dare to go so honestly, Nicole Holofcener’s film rises above the ordinary realm of our film-going psyche. Add in some sardonic wit, touching moments, and genuine feelings for the afflicted women, and it’s the best film made by women for women in a long time. Currently available on VHS/DVD.

7. “The Kid Stays in the Picture” Incredibly insightful documentary about the life of producer Robert Evans is also a crash course in Hollywood lore. A must-see for anyone who loves personal triumphs, great stories, and/or considers himself a movie buff. Release date not set for VHS/DVD.

8. “Narc” Bursting with raw, kinetic energy, director Joe Carnahan’s drama follows two cops (played by Jason Patric and Ray Liotta) as they investigate the murder of a fellow officer. It’s anything but your standard buddy-cop flick, with a number of intense images challenging the conventions of big-screen sensibility. Liotta gained twenty pounds and a bad attitude for the role, and is unlike any character he’s ever played before. Opens wide Jan. 10.

9. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” The sleeper hit of the year, which recently passed the $200 million mark at the box office (it cost $5 million to make). They may be Greek, but that doesn’t stop them from appealing to the zaniness of most families. Available on VHS/DVD Feb. 11.

10. “Unfaithful” For the first time, director Adrian Lyne (“Fatal Attraction,” “Indecent Proposal”) deals as honestly as possible with infidelity, and does so by making a goat out of “American Gigolo” Richard Gere. But the film really belongs to Diane Lane as Gere’s adulterous wife, whose passionate indiscretion and pleasure from the affair contradict everything else in the world that she holds dear. Currently available on VHS/DVD.

Honorable mention:
Minority Report, Changing Lanes, Punch-Drunk Love, One-Hour Photo, Moonlight Mile, Frida, Spy Kids 2, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.