10) "The Polar Express" (IMAX 3D Version)
Seeing "The Polar Express" in a regular theater is fine, it's a good movie, but seeing it in an IMAX 3D theater is truly a phenomenal experience. Incidentally, the decision to release the film in the IMAX 3D format wasn't made until after the movie was completed. Maybe that's why it doesn't seem like such a gimmick. There aren't a lot of IMAX 3D theaters around the country, but if you have one near you (or even if it's a drive that might take several hours), I highly recommend seeing "The Polar Express" in that format.

9) "Ray"
Jamie Foxx gives an incredible performance as Ray Charles, and that alone makes the movie worth watching. Despite a lot of liberties being taken in telling the story of the blues legend, "Ray" is a very entertaining movie, and he was a fascinating human being.

8) "The Incredibles"
Over the last few years, there have been several movies (and comic books) that have spoofed superheroes, but few are as good as "The Incredibles." The movie is very creative, very funny, and very entertaining. This is a movie that's great for kids AND adults. Good stuff.

7) "Kill Bill: Volume 2"
This movie isn't as fun as "Kill Bill: Volume 1," but it kicks ass nevertheless. Even though it's obvious that this film won't win any Oscars, Quentin Tarantino is an extremely talented filmmaker, and his "Kill Bill" movies are a great ride.

6) "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
The darkest "Harry Potter" film also happens to be, for better or worse, the most loosely adapted. It also happens to be, in my opinion, the best film in the series so far. Director Alfonso Cuarón has raised the bar, and I think that this third "Harry Potter" film will be the one by which the future films should be measured.

5) "The Passion of the Christ"
I'm far from a religious man, but I still think that "The Passion of the Christ" is an incredibly moving, powerful film. Mel Gibson took a huge risk making this movie, but it was a gamble that paid off immensely, even if he's still taking a lotta heat for the extreme violence and supposed anti-Semitism (which I personally didn't find in the film). An amazing movie.

4) "The Aviator"
Martin Scorsese's film about Howard Hughes is almost three hours long, but sitting in the theater watching it, I wasn't bored for a second. "The Aviator" is beautifully shot, and it has some incredible acting. Hopefully this is the movie that will give Scorsese his first Oscar for Best Director.

3) "The Girl Next Door"
I have a feeling that my having this movie on this list will have a lotta people lose respect for me, especially since it ranked so high. The best I can tell you is that I love this movie. It appeals to who I am, and I make no apologies for it. If you haven't seen it, try not to judge. It's not nearly as trashy as the marketing would have you believe. Watch the movie, then lemmie know whatcha think. Me personally, I say it's one of the best movies of the year.

2) "Spider-Man 2"
I thought that the first "Spider-Man" was really good, but "Spider-Man 2" is even better. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it may be the best comic book movie ever made. In this second "Spider-Man" movie, the story is better, the special effects have improved dramatically, and it's a more entertaining film. Sam Raimi is doing a fantastic job with the "Spider-Man" movies, and I can't wait for the third one.

1) "Garden State"
Not since "Beautiful Girls" has Natalie Portman been so perfect in a movie. It's an unforgettable performance. Also, it's an very impressive debut for writer/director Zach Braff, who also stars in the film. I love this quirky little movie, and everyone I know who has seen it feels the same way. Oh, and the music is also quite good. "Garden State" is sharp, clever, funny, and sweet (but not in a lame chick flick sorta way). I didn't expect to like this movie as much as I did. It was a pleasant surprise, and my favorite movie of 2004.

My Top 10 Films of 2005

My Top 10 Films of 2003

My Top 10 Films of 2002

My Top 10 Films of 2001