25. Waking Life (2001)

Not just a great technological breakthrough but also a film that is incredibly thought provoking. In the wake of 9/11, this film brings up numerous questions and concerns that we have as human beings. Where we belong? Where do I fit in? What will become of me? It also shows younger filmmakers a way to make constructive and creative films cheap. A film for the philosopher's of the world.

24. Elizabethtown (2005)

Cameron Crowe's breathtaking film about self examination and family received lukewarm responses when released in 2005. I haven't a clue why as it's a touching and truthful film about what it's like to be in your 20's when you're not sure what your next step in life should be. We all too often find ourselves working so hard that we overlook the important things in life. Crowe's film cuts to the core of what it feels like to be lost and disillusioned with a soundtrack that is as important to the story as the script or any of the actors. I saw this film when I really needed it and when I watched it again; it comforted me as much as the initial viewing. Years from now people will go back and look at this film and realize it was unfairly criticized upon its initial release.

23. The Visitor (2008)

Every year there is one film that changes my life, for 2008, it was �The Visitor', a small film written and directed by Thomas McCarthy who had also directed �The Station Agent', one of the decade's best. He has a way of instilling a sense of familiarity to his characters. The greatest compliment I can ever give his films is that they are never long enough. I always walking away wishing I had more time with his characters. Richard Jenkins (best known as the dead father from �Six Feet Under') is a widower who is sleep walking through life until a series of events, people and circumstances change his course. He comes to realize what's important in life. He comes alive through a friendship where he discovers a love for music. Just when you think the film is going to take you one way, it twists and turns and points you in a different direction, just like life. If there is one film you see this year on this list, this is it.

22. The Aviator (2004)

Martin Scorsese's epic masterpiece, filmed in the vein of "Citizen Kane", may not have the expressive punch of �Raging Bull' or �Taxi Driver' but it's still tour de force filmmaking demonstrating the fragility of the human condition and how all of the money in the world cannot overcome inner obstacles. Leonardo DiCaprio gives the performance of a lifetime playing the eccentric Howard Hughes, a powerful man whose rise to the top is as famous as his fall from grace. Cate Blanchett also delivers a dead on impersonation of Katherine Hepburn in a film in which every frame is perfect; from the story to the acting to the masterful direction of our greatest living director, Martin Scorsese.

21. Adaptation (2002)

We are what we love, not what loves us -Donald Kaufmann
One of the most absorbing films I have ever seen with a script unlike any other. Nicolas Cage takes on a double role playing two brothers, Donald and Charlie Kaufman, who are both writers. Donald is laid back and wants to write a by the numbers action thriller. Charlie is the man behind �Being John Malkovich' and is adapting the best seller �The Orchid Thief' . One problem: A film on orchids is mind-numbing. He cannot adapt the book and his confusion falls over into his real life, which he winds up adding to the story. Somehow, the author Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) and the man she wrote about, John Laroche (Chris Cooper), all become involved in the movie with Charlie tracking them down. The movie is a film within a film. Confused? Well, when you see it you won't be. I don't want to give too much away to those who have not seen it and others who have seen it, know exactly what I'm writing about. The screenplay is a combination of the two brothers so you get a serious film, with a big action scene, which I won't reveal. I can ensure that many people might be turned off by the finale of the third act, but there is where the irony is at its best. I was sitting up in my seat when the film finished, I was smiling and I could feel that happiness move throughout my body as I walked to my car, drove home and wrote four paragraphs on the film before I went to bed that night. You may not grab everything on one viewing, so make sure you see it twice. It's a heartfelt film about love, passion, writing and most importantly life and how art and inspiration can help us embrace it. The hybrid of these two writers (Donald and Charlie) comes together in this brilliant, truthful, loving and mesmerizing film.

20. Amelie (2001)

Everyone who saw this film at film festivals would tell me to rush out and see it. I waited and waited until one day I gave in and found myself completely enchanted by its freshness, charm and sincerity. Amelie is a French girl who wonders what would happen if she meddles in people's lives for good reasons, whether it be for love, rediscovery of childhood joy or just learning to love life. This is definitely one of the most charming films I have ever seen.

19. Once (2007)

This film made me smile for close to two hours. This is a wonderfully warm and endearing film of two musicians who first find a common connection through music and later through each other. Music opens doors and worlds to us and what this wonderfully independent film showcases is how provocative it can be and the connections we make through the music

18. Anvil: The Story of Anvil (2009)

I've always been a junkie for documentary films, but I'm especially partial to ones involving music. Seeing a filmmaker dissect and let us into the world of talented musicians reveals much about their personalities and their art. However, the definition of a music documentary has been shattered this past year with the release of' Anvil! The Story of Anvil' an epic look inside a highly influential Canadian metal band whose has endured more struggle than success. In a day and age of extreme pessimism, this is a film is a reminder that anything is possible. However, instead of placing your hopes and dreams in some fictional world of make believe, Lips, Robb and Anvil are very real and ultimately, it is what makes the film so remarkable because it reinforces the hope.

17. The Station Agent (2003)

This is a wonderfully quirky film with some of the richest characters to ever appear on celluloid. The story does not matter because the characters of this film are so rich and deep that I was disappointed when the movie was over. I felt like I was leaving the party too early. It's a simple film of a dwarf (Peter Dinklage) who loves trains and inherits property next to a station in a small New Jersey town. Here he reluctantly befriends hot dog stand owner Joe (Bobby Cannavale) and an emotionally distant Olivia (Patricia Clarkson). It's a simple story in which we get to see all of the characters show wearing different emotions on their sleeves. Every frame of this movie is genuine. The emotion is so real that you feel like you are sitting there right next to them while they discuss their lives. These three main characters are so distinctive that I could watch them do almost anything and it would be compelling.

16. Wonder Boys (2000)

Michael Douglas delivers one of the best performances as a college professor who wrote one brilliant novel and has been unable to follow it up ever since. Curtis Hanson's direction is delicate and as is the pacing, the characters and the sharp script. Full of rich supporting performances (Katie Holmes, Tobey Maguire, Robert Downey Jr) and a story that was continually unfolding, I lost myself in this film, numerous times. Faced with a few game changing situation, Douglas' character (Grady Tripp) has to make some tough life altering decisions. But ultimately, by choosing an alternate path, he finally lives.

15. Before The Devil Knows Your Dead (2008)

This film can be summed up in two words; pure perfection. Every scene and moment in this Sidney Lumet directed film is beyond luminous with career defining performances from Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marissa Tomei. Albert Finney is a tour de force in this thriller that is more about karma than about bad luck; a top to bottom masterpiece about a crime gone terribly wrong.

14. Up (2009)

If your eyes don't well up in the opening fifteen minute prelude to this film, you have no soul. Only in a Pixar film could a senior citizen be the hero of the film that involves adventure, life lessons and love. There's a reason Pixar has had ten huge hits in a row. Beneath the eye popping animation are stories with soul and �Up' is one of their best.

13. Brick (2006)

The biggest surprise of 2006, a highly intellectual film based around a high school murder is so much more than meets the eye. The rich dialogue in this film owes a debt of gratitude to Quentin Tarantino and David Mamet, but surprisingly, instead of attempting to sound like those two, the characters have their own distinctive voice. The world and characters he created was one I didn't want to leave. While the drama is elevated, in truth, is that high school is dramatic and challenging and this is what makes this world so fascinating. Rian Johnson is a director to watch in the future.

12. Munich (2005)

Steven Spielberg's last few films left me without strong feelings towards them one way or the other "("War of the Worlds" and "The Terminal")�this film moved me profoundly. It's a difficult subject matter as it showcases the search of those in charge of the approving the murders of eleven Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics. Spielberg's film showcases the moral struggles of those with the given task to track down the men behind the murders of the eleven athletes. Where does their loyalty lie; with their families or their country? Spielberg accurately showcases both sides of the story with grace and even though this film has not lit up the box office, it too will be viewed in a better light as time goes on.

11. In America (2003)

The most emotionally exhausting film I saw in 2003 in which we follow a young Irish immigrant family's struggle to get through daily life as foreigners in New York City. However, overshadowing the entire story is the death of a child. Jim Sheridan made the picture perfect home movie by writing the screenplay with his two daughters. The real life sisters (Sarah and Emma Bolger) take the film to another level, as their performances are where the heart and soul of the movie lie. In a supporting role, Djimon Honsou rightfully received an Oscar nomination, which he should have received six years ago for �Amistad'. The oldest daughter narrates the film and speaks of how, before her brother died, he gave her three wishes to use in her time of need. The third wish hit me so hard that it brought tears to my eyes. The final ten minutes allow you, along with the main characters, to release all of the built up emotion you have carried with you throughout the film.

10. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

The greatest compliment I can ever give a movie is that I smiled from beginning to end. Just a wonderful set of eccentric characters placed into an almost dream world by writer's Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. Yet, the film is also bittersweet and heart breaking in the way it shows the connections between parent and child and family and forgiveness. It also gives great meaning to the phrase "You can't make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved; the rest is up to the person to realize your worth." Gene Hackman's character learns this in the film, in what may be one of Hackman's greatest performances since �The Conversation'. Nobody demonstrates quirkiness; comedy and charm better than Wes Anderson does.

9. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)

2004's best documentary is also its paramount film. No other film in recent memory better exhibits the human condition better than Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky's (the directors behind �Paradise Lost' and �Brother's Keeper') document of the metal band Metallica falling apart over a two-and-a-half year period, while recording the album �St. Anger". The struggle of a band coming to terms with each other, and their inner demons, was the ultimate fly on the wall experience. It also showcases a hero who comes out of darkness into the light and completely transforming himself in the process. Movies make us want to believe that people can change, when in reality, they don't. We always root for the character that has fallen from grace hoping they can pick the pieces back up and start again. This is a fascinating study of a band coming to terms with each other as friends and collaborators. What occurs in this film is one of the most profound and beautiful things one can ever witness; the resurrection and rebirth of a human who was lost but now is found. Therein lays the beauty and magic of this film. Metallica has yet to break even on the money they put into this film, however, none of that should matter as they have a document that will last for generations of people to watch, make them look inward and hopefully make them better people. No other film, in the last decade, has made me reevaluate my life more as this one did.

8. The Departed (2006)

Let's clear something up right from the get go, Martin Scorsese is always in top form. The last film he made in which he was lacking focus was 1977's �New York, New York'. Every film he has touched since then has been first-rate whether it has been deeply personal (�Raging Bull'), small budget (�After Hours'), epic (�Gangs of New York') or just flat out sprawling (�Casino'). �The Departed' is no different as he delves into the pulverizing underworld of the Boston mob. Sure this is territory he has explored before but when a player hits his 500th home run does it mean it's any less important than their first? Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg all give Oscar worthy performances in what truly is a first rate crime thriller based deeply on internal conflict. The complex characters, engaging script and riveting direction make �The Departed' an example of a Hollywood mainstream film at its best.

7. The Prestige (2006)

Chris Nolan's tale of two magicians flat out wrapped itself around me. "The Illusionist" was a very good film but at its core was a love story, whereas the stakes are infinitely higher in �The Prestige'. Every frame of this film is essential to the story they act like building blocks and if one is removed the whole tower falls. However, one does not fully realize this until the final scene of the film. This is a magical (excuse the pun) tale that twisted my mind more than any other film has since �Memento'. Nolan's direction is subtle but speedy and the magnificent splendid script (done with his brother Jonathan) should have been nominated for an Oscar. The acting across the board is exceptional and each and every scene binds the overall scope of this picture together. Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and the ghostly David Bowie give extraordinary performances in this masterpiece. For some unknown reason, many critics overlooked this film when compiling their year-end lists. All I can say is that the second it was over I wanted to see it again.

6. Lost In Translation (2003)

This film sent chills up and down my spine. Sophia Coppola's tale of two lost souls in a foreign land is a thought provoking one which I've revisited time and time again. I love each and every inch of this film. Bill Murray gives one of his best performances as a B-list actor in Japan to shoot a commercial. He is comical, charismatic, conflicted and reserved. There is so much he says with his eyes, always a sign of a truly great performance. He has money but not happiness. Scarlett Johansson is equally adrift and her performance ranges from contentment to seclusion to disillusionment to a smile and tears at the end. People so often obey the code of silence when in relationships, yet when these two strangers find each other in a strange land, they are able to shatter that silence through laughter, honesty and even karaoke. They open up to each other with such crystal clear honesty and tenderness, it is impossible not to fall in love with these characters. They admire each other and never do they lead the other on. There is a great scene where Johansson asks Murray if married life gets any easier as time goes on and he simply says "No", but along with the downside he tells her about the highs one can get from other things in life like children. Sofia Coppola gets definitive retribution against those who vilified her for her role in �Godfather III'. While she may have been hesitant in that film, as a director and writer she is confident and willing to push the envelope through her words and in her ingenious direction. I have seen this film three times and each time, the final scene gives me goose bumps. I was talking about this dialogue free scene with someone and goose bumps appeared all up and down my arm. There is something so incredibly authentic and unique about this astonishing film. It's a film for those who feel lost and can't find their way home. Somehow, these two characters find their way through their week of bonding. There is no lust here, just pure veneration and love. Through each other, they are able to take a step back and see themselves for who they are and they see the cracks in the sidewalk they need to repair in their lives.

5. Millions (2005)

Danny Boyle made his mark almost a decade ago with �Trainspotting'. Ever since then I've admired his films more than I loved them. Regardless of what I felt about them, I always loved the style with which he would paint his canvas. With �Millions' he found middle ground mixing his manic style with an incredibly sweet and surreal story. Two brothers in England have recently lost their mother. Their father moves them to a new neighborhood and the youngest, Damien (played brilliantly by Alex Etel), is fascinated by the lives and deaths of the Saints, so much so they guide him through life. Add on a lost baggage of money and you have the plot point that drives the story. When I saw this movie last spring, it had me in near tears as the story is essentially one of faith. Through the good times, the bad ones and the times where we are searching, it is faith that will pull you through. If you don't like this film, I'll refund your money, that's how strong I feel about it.

4. Batman Begins (2005)/ The Dark Knight (2008)

I can't separate these two films no matter how hard I try. I view them as extensions of one another the same way �The Lord of the Rings' and �Godfather' films were. I was awestruck at �Batman Begins' in 2005. I love genesis stories and the way director Christopher Nolan and writer David Goyer guided the caped crusader was dark, surreal and revitalizing. It's better than �Spiderman', �X-Men' or any of Burton's �Batman' films. After the dreadful �Batman & Robin', the franchise went into hibernation for eight years and a reboot need to be a masterstroke in order for it to work. The direction, pacing, script and top notch casting made this film the greatest comic to ever grace the silver screen. �The Dark Knight' followed three years later, a true noir masterpiece that evolves beyond a simple comic book film. Let's leave the fact that Heath Ledger passed before the film premiered to the side. Chris Nolan is one of the best directors working today and he created a world so intriguing and potent, it's impossible to not let it overtake you. For my money, this film and Batman Begins are the pinnacle of comic book films.

3. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Peter Jackson did the near impossible, being a 40+ year old book to the screen with very little backlash. While the special effects are mesmerizing, all three films are enhanced by the presence of the great Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf. Peter Jackson has made a masterpiece that will not only stand the test of time, but will be cherished by film lovers forever. He has taken the unfeasible job of constructing these three books onto film and made a magnum opus that will be viewed for all time. The elation of the filmmaking involved with the process is evident and yet effortless at the same time in what many consider the finest trilogy ever constructed. It also has done something that no other big budget film has been able to do: master CGI. None of the special effects look like they are computer generated. You watch all three of these films in awe of their sheer beauty. However, what takes these films to another level is the incredible humanity and heart behind the story. We live and love these characters. At the end of this film you are exhausted, relieved and heartbroken that your journey with these characters has ended. Sean Astin, as Sam, gives the performance of a lifetime as he carries his friend through the depths of hell. These films have it all: great directing, pacing and storytelling in the best fantasy epic since �Star Wars'.

2. Memento (2001)

2001 was the year of the non-linear film. �Mulholland Drive' and �Vanilla Sky' took us on journeys at the cinema and more importantly, that journey did not end when the lights went on in the Movie Theater. It followed us home and haunted us for weeks as we put pieces of the puzzle together. It is rare to have a film that is so completely original that it stands above all the other "puzzle" films that came out this year. Chris Nolan made a film that will be studied for decades to come. A film so brilliant, that a dozen screenings of it will not do it justice. Guy Pearce plays a man whose suffering from short-term memory loss tries to uncover who murdered his wife. But the film's masterstroke is the method in which the story is told; backwards. You might not understand the film in your initial listen, but no other film spun the concept of filmmaking and storytelling on its head like this one.

1. Almost Famous (2000)

This seems like a no-brainer, but I purposely tried to choose a different film for the top position but ultimately couldn't justify choosing anything other than Cameron Crowe's autobiographical film about music, journalism and adventure and ultimately�family. Following the success of the Oscar winning �Jerry Maguire', Crowe wasn't sure what his next film would be when Lawrence Kasdan encouraged him to do �Almost Famous', something Crowe had been talking about for years but was scared to do, because when someone writes something so revealing and personal, it opens criticisms from the real world. Dreamworks bought the film and Steven Spielberg told him "Film every page". Crowe pulls no punches, showing the loneliness and awkwardness he experienced as child and the drama within his internal family. His mother, played to perfection by Frances McDormand, is the linchpin that holds the film together. As the film's lead character William Miller (played with wide eyed innocence by Patrick Fugit) leaves his high school to follow a band on tour for Rolling Stone magazine, Crowe puts the viewer in Miller's seat and as a result, it's a tour de force roller coaster ride not just through the winding wheels and roads of rock n' roll but life as well. The road seems to be glamorous and glorious, but when one gets up close, they see a world full of scars hidden by make-up and distorted guitar chords. Beneath the passionate love one may have for something, you have to open your eyes to the flaws and choose to accept them or run away from them. The characters are powerfully real and full of life that even the director's cut (titled �Untitled' which runs forty-minutes longer) isn't enough. You get lost in this world and wish you didn't have to leave because for a few short hours, Cameron Crowe made us all feel "cool" You don't have to love rock n' roll to love this film, you just have to be open enough to acknowledge love.