Review for

Homer's Favorite Films of 2002 2002 was a year to hail. There were more releases this year than in previous others. And while I saw/reviewed over 60 films, that merely accounted for one-third of all the films that were released. So, there were certainly plenty to choose from and many that you might have missed. You likely overlooked a few ambitious adventures, soul-stirring love stories, meaning-of-life comedies, and a film that inspires you to tap your feet and snap your fingers. But while all these impressive offerings showcased the present and even the past, the best one of all gave us a peek into the future.

#1: Minority Report This is a futuristic thriller that can do no wrong as it sparks the imagination and inspires us with child-like awe. In the future, beings called "pre-cogs" can see into the future, allowing police, headed by Captain John Anderton (Tom Cruise), to prevent the crime from ever taking place. But in a strange twist, it is our heroic Captain that may commit a future murder. And now he has to avoid capture while using his resources to change his destiny.

This sci-fi thriller is an orgy of plot, action, and ideas. It has the sustained feel of a clever whodunit; it showcases stellar action sequences that are tense and sublime; and it offers a peek into a possible future that stretches the imagination without feeling improbable. You would be hard pressed to find a more complete movie in 2002.

#2: Chicago To miss "Chicago" would be to miss an opportunity to experience the feel of filmdom some decades ago when the dance, music and story blended seamlessly together. Based on the popular stage production, "Chicago" tells the story of two death row inmates (Renee Zelwegger and Catherine Zeta-Jones who vie for the attention of silver-tongued attorney Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), who has never lost a case.

There's a grand sense of kinetic energy and fiery charisma that descends upon this film in its very first few minutes and stays with it throughout. It's a campy, rollicking presentation that swings with effervescence and gaiety. You'll want to applaud after each number and certainly after the film.

#3 Igby Goes Down "Igby Goes Down" is a refreshingly edgy story that is both serious and comedic about one of the toughest things in life – just figuring it out. It features an array of skewed yet lovable characters. It offers breakout performances of Kieran Culkin and Amanda Peete, who will no doubtedly deserve increased exposure as a result of their performances. And the dialogue is constantly witty.

There's something marvelously original about "Igby" that's just impossible to put your finger on. It's a quirky yet marvelously affecting story of a young boy with all the advantages of wealth but the agony of emptiness. As he struggles to figure it out, there is no doubt that you'll warmly embrace "Igby" and his journey.

#4: We Were Soldiers We Were Soldiers" is the true story of 450 U.S. soldiers who, at the outset of the Vietnam conflict, was ordered to take the Ia Drang Valley, known as the Valley of Death. Lacking accurate military intelligence, the troops trained as best they could. They executed precision maneuvers and utilized the latest military equipment. However, American forces found themselves surrounded and outnumbered by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers.

Seemingly familiar to "Black Hawk Down," Mel Gibson plays the key leader as he orchestrates his troops into battle against a fierce enemy. The battle sequences and the human drama create a very potent story of leadership and sacrifice. But the message is clear. War gives us nothing to cheer about; it only makes us sad.

#5: Punch Drunk Love "I have so much love in me that you have no idea how strong I am," proclaims the once-confidence-deprived Barry (Adam Sandler). This film is the best love story of 2002.

Largely unappreciated by the moviegoing masses, this film tells a great story about the power of love using a character that Sandler knows how to play best. Again, we see him as the vaguely familiar sardonic jerk and dimwitted boob. But, this time, there is purpose and depth, and this film has found a way to focus and to sustain it.

#6: Insomnia Gloomy yet stylish, this film is much more than just slick police work and people that make things go. It's about the psychology behind the police work. Moreover, it's about the dilemma that is sometimes shouldered by these brave and good-natured men who succumb to questionable tactics because the end may justify the means.

"Insomnia" is a character study as much as it is a detective story. But the emphasis is on character. Pacino is a true joy to watch, who turns in an Oscar-worthy performance. He does all the little things right, and makes every scene count as if sleep depended on it. "Insomnia" may be the best of this genre since the 1995 police/action/drama "Heat."

#7: Spiderman "Spiderman" may be the name of a superhero, but the story is really about an ordinary kid. He just happens to have extraordinary powers. Compared to other superhero films about Batman or the X-Men, this film certainly doesn't have their otherworldly feel. For example, when Tobey Maguire in costume says, "I'm your friendly, neighborhood Spiderman," he sounds like a total geek.

Yet, in many ways, our favorite web-slinger is the most powerful of the lot because it is about human nature rather than colorful villains and their mad schemes. Thus, comparatively, "Spiderman" seems fresher, with a more human perspective. That's something that we can all appreciate.

#8: About Schmidt This is the movingly poignant and quietly powerful story of a man who has nothing, and when he finally summons enough curiosity to find meaning, he horrifically discovers that it is too late to do anything. It is quite a sorrowful tale.

There are two measured rewards that one gets from seeing this film. If you see many films yearly and find that a majority of them seem blandly homogenous, this one is a real triumph in that the premise of the film seems so ordinary and the pace is slow, but the result inspires. Also, Jack Nicholson delivers a rich performance that allows us to empathize with a man who really isn't even anybody at all. That's quite an incredible feat.

#9: My Big Fat Greek Wedding MBFGW is the comical look at a traditional family when their daughter wants to marry a non-traditional man. There's a feeling of authenticity that is evoked by the array of family members (immediate and extended) that seem like real people as opposed to some Hollywood conjuration. Each one is all too willing to speak their mind because in a Greek family, you're never alone.

MBFGW will make you smile from beginning to end, the pace is brisk, the unfolding of the story is lucid, and the story is amazingly uncomplicated. And not only is the film genuinely funny in an innocent, sitcom kind of manner, but it has a terrific sense of charm too. Afterwards, you'll exclaim, "Oh-Pah!"

#10 Spirited Away While "Spirited Away" may go largely unnoticed in the USA, this visually remarkable Japanese animated offering has caught the attention of the international filmgoing community. It was bestowed Best Picture honors at the 2002 Japanese Academy Awards and the 2002 Berlin Film Festival. And writer/director Hayao Miyazaki has received unanimous praise for his story and illustrations.

"Spirited Away" is about a sullen 10-year old girl who finds herself trying to cope within a Wonderland of bizarre monsters and illogical rules. While the themes are not wholly obvious and may run the gamut from greed to prostitution to ecological awareness, you'll be impressed with the animation, the colors, and whimsical ideas that are brought to life.

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