Preamble: Every decade has something associated with it. The 80's was the era of the action hero and synthesizer. The 90's was the era of experimentation. That leaves us the 00's, which we haven't really even bestowed a universal name for yet much less something that really defines it. Besides overtly being a list like so many best-of-the-decade lists that people hastily put together towards the end of a decade, I think of this list as a look back at what happened during the 00's in the public conscience. There are films on here that range from awkward comedies to bleak, post-9/11 dramas from around the globe. However, if you are looking for a look back at the events that shaped the decade, this isn't the list for you.
These are the type lists that give a meaning to the previous decade while illuminating what we considered a good film. We can look back on this time to see how we developed as a society and as a time capsule of what we felt these years. It could also show where we're going. As the years progressed, CGI became more realistic eventually culminating in "Avatar". Film stories began to compete with television and vice versa as each became more advanced. Independent films eventually decayed as their most talented directors got co-opted by Hollywood. Yet it will probably take years to sift through all the films that came out until we can put a real stamp on what the overall aesthetic change to cinema that occurred. Hopefully this list will start to illuminate on common themes and threads that were present in the films of the decade.
75) Man On Wire
"If I die, what a beautiful death!"
A tense documentary on an incredible artist, "Man on Wire" had me on the edge even though you see said man on wire throughout the documentary as an interviewee in the present. It really shows how amazing this film works together.
76) Howl's Moving Castle
"You're wearing that hat? After all the magic I used to make your dress pretty?"
Another beautiful fairy tale from the master, Miyazaki. The man can do no wrong.
77) Gladiator
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
The original creator of the "Bad-ass Greek/Roman historical picture", "Gladiator" may not stand up as well as it did. Nonetheless, the bad-assness remains. Epic and enthralling, it's the perfect film just to watch and turn your brain off.
78) Deliver Us From Evil
Moving from corporations to religious organizations, this documentary is the most damning film about the Catholic priest scandal in the 00's. Seeing how high-level officials moved pedophiliacs from parish to parish without excommunicating them, it's a wonder to see how the Church rebounded from such a publicity nightmare. It's a tough film to watch, especially if you are Catholic, but it is essential for the documentary head.
79) Michael Clayton
"I'm not the guy you kill. I'm the guy you buy! Are you so fucking blind that you don't even see what I am?"
George Clooney is not exactly a great actor. What he is, really, is a great leading man. White-collar crime was a common thread in the 00's. Corrupt corporations knowing that something they are doing is clearly evil while covering the truth was pretty much the archetype. By taking the film inside the corporation itself, it gives a different perspective to the costs of high profits.
80) Letters From Iwo Jima
"We soldiers dig. We dig all day. This is the hole that we will fight and die in. Am I digging my own grave?"
The 00's will forever be Clint Eastwood's best decade. Not because he made a ton of good films (a lot of them were pretty forgettable on hindsight) but because he became the go-to Oscar man. With "Letters From Iwo Jima" the second part of his two-part films based on the Battle of Iwo Jima, Eastwood made a film that actually stood up on multiple viewings. Instead of going for cheap emotional kicks, he really created a genuine portrayal of war.
81) Seabiscuit
"You don't throw away a whole life just 'cause it's banged up a little."
"Seabiscuit" is the reason why "Cinderella Man" sucked so much. "Cinderella Man" was about a man trying to pick himself up from the Great Depression and becomes an uber-hero. However, it all comes off incredibly fake, as if everyone involved was thinking it was destined to win Best Picture. "Seabiscuit" is the somewhat little film that could. It's all about how a nation rallied upon an unexpected winner. And what an unexpected winner this movie was. Truth be told, I have yet to rewatch it since the banking bust, but I bet it's as relevant as ever.
82) Sweeney Todd
"You're in a merry mood today, Mr. Todd."
The 00's were mostly lousy for Tim Burton. To start it off, he had to go and make "Planet of the Apes", which is perhaps the most forgettable and worthless remake ever made. Then he had to remake "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and make it all creepy. Nevertheless, Burton made a few apologies for these disasters. "Sweeney Todd" just happens to be the best of the lot. You're welcome, Tim Burton. You're welcome.
83) The Lives of Others
"The state office for statistics on Hans-Beimler street counts everything; knows everything: how many pairs of shoes I buy a year: 2.3, how many books I read a year: 3.2 and how many students graduate with perfect marks: 6,347. But there's one statistic that isn't collected there, perhaps because such numbers cause even paper-pushers pain: and that is the suicide rate."
In most film, East Germany and Nazi Germany are synonymous. One can always be exchanged for the other. "The Lives of Others", however, is clearly a film about what East Germany was from the inside. An amusing and, mostly, sad film about the effects of totalitarianism on the individual from the perspectives of the watcher and the watchee, it explores the bizarre connection that both these lives share. It's as if the watcher is merely seeing a television drama, but he becomes so involved that he leaps into the television screen to assist the main characters in the direction he feels the show should take.
84) The Counterfeiters
"I'm myself. Everyone else is everyone else."
Many of the best foreign films of the decade deal with compliance. Would you be able to do something for a country that you know is actively doing something evil? Even if it is to your own people? The main character of "The Counterfeiters" is a curious case. He's mostly looking to save his own skin but, in a way, tries to save more lives with the more people he employs. However, what worth is it if it's aiding the enemy?
85) Paprika
"Don't you think dreams and the Internet are similar? They are both areas where the repressed conscious mind vents."
"Paprika" could've been renamed "Mind-Fuck: The Movie" and it would've still made as much sense. Imagine David Lynch given the chance to direct an anime. Now imagine that film being made. It has something to do with a dream machine or it may not. Who knows? That's what makes the film so dreamlike in how little sense it makes but the meaning still comes together by the end.
86) A Serious Man
"The Uncertainty Principle. It proves we can't ever really know... what's going on. So it shouldn't bother you. Not being able to figure anything out. Although you will be responsible for this on the mid-term."
This film is as if the Coen Bros. read Victor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" closed it and said "No." This is the antithesis to "Dear Zachary." It is a nihilistic film that boldly declares that there is no meaning to the universe and dwells on what we can make about what little meaning our lives can mean. It's a bleak message but it's something only the Coens really know how to juggle without us trying to kill ourselves afterwards.
87) Spider-Man 2
"You have a train to catch."
This is what a Spidey film should be about. It shouldn't be about the super-heroics but the roots to what make the comics special. This is and has always been the story of a man balancing his life as a superhero and all the other things in life. Dating, money, etc. Plus, come on, Doc Ock was pretty awesome.
88) Dear Zachary
If you ever thought "Well, perhaps, I am too happy of a person" this film is for you. Wow. This is one of the films that can break a full grown, steroid laden man to tears. It also is noteworthy because it really shows the value in people. Even if they aren't famous or seem to not have contributed anything great to mankind, they leave behind a legacy for all those that remembered them.
89) The King of Kong
If there was any film to put petty squabbles in perspective, "King of Kong" is the documentary for you. It's the David and Goliath story even if Goliath only thinks he's Goliath but, really, he's pretty much a smaller man in Goliath's clothing. It's also a fascinating look into the human psyche and how far people will go to keep even the smallest thing that gives them meaning. Even if it is just the high score for Donkey Kong Jr.
90) Iron Man
"Yeah. I can fly."
With all the angsty superheroes going around cinemas (I'm looking at you Spider-Man), it was a pleasure to find one with depth, charisma, and just plain fun. It's also fascinating to see how it made a once conservative comic book character (yes, Steve Ditko, one of the creators of Iron Man, was a huge conservative) into an actively liberal one that tries to take on the military-industrial complex single handingly. Of course, Tony Stark has his flaws but they make him one of the most complex main characters to come out of these film adaptations. Also, Robert Downey Jr.=win.
91) Serenity
"Can I make a suggestion that doesn't involve violence, or is this the wrong crowd for that?"
Showing what TV really can do, Joss Whedon made the greatest jump from screen to projector than any TV series really has. Finishing up the loose plot threads from his classic series "Firefly", "Serenity" gives things for fans and newbies really to enjoy. However, if you want to really get the full effect of the film, watch "Firefly" first. You'll thank me later.
91) Downfall
"The war is lost... But if you think that I'll leave Berlin for that, you are sadly mistaken. I'd prefer to put a bullet in my head."
Going back to monsters, this film examines, perhaps, the most monstrous man that ever lived: Hitler. In no ways does the film ever let you sympathize with him. Him and his entire cabinet are portrayed exactly who they were: monsters. However, this film deconstructs them to the point that they aren't the monsters that they themselves wanted to be portrayed as in history. They are miserable, petty, self-destructive people. If the film doesn't hammer that home enough, check out the YouTube spoofs of the scene when Hitler finds out that his army is finished. I highly recommend the Avatar trailer one.
92) Bowling for Columbine
Like von Trier, some may be turned off by Michael Moore's politics but, damn, if he isn't a great filmmaker. The film may be slanted towards his point of view but it doesn't force you to follow him. He allows you to make up your own mind by the end. The film's message isn't simply "guns are bad" but "why is America so fascinated with guns"? When you're finished, it asks more questions than it answers.
93) Chicken Run
"Now, the most important thing is, we have to work as a team, which means: you do everything I tell you."
Aardman may have had to be the best thing about Dreamworks Animation. Who knew that a spoof of "The Great Escape" and "Stalag 17" starring chickens would be so darn entertaining?
94) Manderlay
"You made us."
Some may be turned off by Lars von Trier's anti-American politics or the film's bare minimalist sets but, underneath, is a story really worth telling. Sure, it may be anti-American, but I view it more as a film that's anti-humanity. When the slaves are no worse off than the masters, it really says something about what von Trier thinks of what humanity is capable of.
95) Grindhouse
"I never miss."
Bad-ass. There is no other words really to describe this film. A bomb on its initial release and never re-released in its true 3-hour form, this is a film that was made for theaters. With new competition from better quality TV and the internet, film revenues did decline in the 00's with numerous films trying to find ways to fill the void. Grindhouse tried and spectacularly failed for the mainstream...but for those that actually went to see it, it has to be one of the most priceless theater experiences in years.
96) Monster
"I'm not a bad person. I'm a real good person."
What is a monster? The 00's tried numerous times to answer this question. Some see this film as a sympathetic portrayal of a notorious serial killer. Indeed, it tries to put a human face on it but that would still be too simplistic. The film never allows us to sympathize with her actions. By all accounts, the title is true about her. It only shows that monsters cry too.
97) The 25th Hour
"No. No, fuck you, Montgomery Brogan. You had it all, and you threw it away, you dumb fuck!"
A lot of the 00's can be defined as post-9/11. Indeed, a great swarth of most films aesthetics seemed to have evolved because of it. "The 25th Hour" has been considered by many as the first true post-9/11 film. Well, yes, but that would really simplify a film that works on so many levels. A tale of redemption without the redemption part, "The 25th Hour" is a sad journey of a man doomed to spend years away from the people he loves the most.
98) The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
"Can you put a price on your dreams?"
Terry Gilliam has to be the unluckiest director in showbiz. With his lead actor dying halfway through the production, many thought this film would end up the way "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." Nonetheless, from tragedy, came art. Lucky for Gilliam, the film's mirror device allowed numerous actors to fill in for Heath Ledger. Heck, I was even surprise at the amount of material Ledger already completed. Nevertheless, what would've become a piecemeal film became a whole. This might as well be considered the true ending to his Dreams trilogy.
99) V For Vendetta
"Today, however, is a day, sadly, no longer remembered. So, I thought we could mark this November the 5th by taking some time out of our daily lives to sit down and have a little chat. Of course, there are those who do not want us to speak. I suspect, even now, orders are being shouted into telephones and men with guns are racing to this station. But regardless of what weapons they try to use to effect silence, words will always retain their power. Words are the means to meaning, and for some, the annunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country."
After 9/11, it was nearly a crime to criticize the president. Even during the Iraq War, a lot of pundits and government officials kept trying to pull this card to shut down the opposition. V for Vendetta was one of the loudest democratic responses. Originally a fantastic graphic novel by Alan Moore about 1984 with a superhero, this film helped patch together the fears of over half of the Americans that didn't vote for Bush into a succient, terrifying, fun film. It's also worth noting that this is probably the only great adaptation of an Alan Moore book. This includes the new Watchman movie.
100) Shrek
"Eat me!"
If the 00's was the beginning of a post-modern trend in traditional film genres and established film series, then Shrek has to be one of the first to shoot. Sure, it also opened the door up to a ton of miserable clones by other studios *cough*Fox*cough* but, for what it was, Shrek was a fantastic critique on Disneyfication. Of course, some of it comes off as none too subtle because of ex-Disney honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg's guiding hand but a lot of those jokes hit home. Some don't but, hey, at least the story is sound.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
All Hail The Glorious Return of Disney
To sum up my thoughts on Disney's latest "The Princess and the Frog" in as few words as possible: It's 'bout time. Yes. Classic cell-animated pictures are alive and well again. Gone are the days of "Lilo of Stitch" and hello the brand new day that the new Pixar-infused Disney animation department has brought us. From the beginning where we see Disney Animation's new company logo of the first shot of "Steamboat Willy" to the end, this is classic Disney at its finest. Not racist Disney but the Disney with a song in its heart.
Before I dive in, I want to bring up something that has possibly troubled people from seeing this movie: good old-fashioned Disney racism. It's true that a lot of the film feels more like a mythical version of New Orleans than what it was historically. However, surprisingly, the racism of the era (around the 1920's/30's) in South is brought up albeit passingly. It really doesn't fit in the film's overall feel but it's not washed away from the picture entirely.
It's interesting how the film really doesn't dwell on sadness. The entire film is just one big, giant happy sopository. And it is beautiful. Oh G-d is it beautiful. From the swamps to the city, everything is rendered in such minute detail that it will probably take a few more viewings just to see more of what the animators left around. Sticking around after the end credits, I found it fascinating that the animators on the project were broken up by character. It really shows on the screen. A special kudos is in order for the team that brought Charlotte to life. Charlotte's character in particular wouldn't be as memorable if it weren't for the team behind her. She moves so fast yet so fluid that it would make The Flash do a double take.
Speaking of the animation, the musical sequences in this are some of the most extravagant and mind-blowing pieces of work I have seen in a long while. At the end of every sequence, I just wanted to stand up and applaud. Of course, I didn't, I don't want to look like a crazy person. Some of this applause has to go to Randy Newman, the sometimes unsung hero of Pixar. Returning to the territory of his greatest album "Good Old Boys", Newman brings an energy and wit to the songs and lyrics that really brings all of the latest Disney crap to shame. You know who I'm talking about *cough*HannahMontana*. Heck, it even brings a lot of musicals now out on Broadway to shame *cough*Shrek*cough*.
Look, if I didn't convince you to see this movie after gushing all about it, then do yourself a favor and pay good money for it so it can prove to Disney that cell-animated films aren't dead. They're tanned, rested, and ready for a new wave of golden age goodies that we haven't seen since the beginning of the 90's. The musical animated film is back for better or worse. Hopefully Dreamworks doesn't get their hands on it *shudders*.
Rating: 9/10
Before I dive in, I want to bring up something that has possibly troubled people from seeing this movie: good old-fashioned Disney racism. It's true that a lot of the film feels more like a mythical version of New Orleans than what it was historically. However, surprisingly, the racism of the era (around the 1920's/30's) in South is brought up albeit passingly. It really doesn't fit in the film's overall feel but it's not washed away from the picture entirely.
It's interesting how the film really doesn't dwell on sadness. The entire film is just one big, giant happy sopository. And it is beautiful. Oh G-d is it beautiful. From the swamps to the city, everything is rendered in such minute detail that it will probably take a few more viewings just to see more of what the animators left around. Sticking around after the end credits, I found it fascinating that the animators on the project were broken up by character. It really shows on the screen. A special kudos is in order for the team that brought Charlotte to life. Charlotte's character in particular wouldn't be as memorable if it weren't for the team behind her. She moves so fast yet so fluid that it would make The Flash do a double take.
Speaking of the animation, the musical sequences in this are some of the most extravagant and mind-blowing pieces of work I have seen in a long while. At the end of every sequence, I just wanted to stand up and applaud. Of course, I didn't, I don't want to look like a crazy person. Some of this applause has to go to Randy Newman, the sometimes unsung hero of Pixar. Returning to the territory of his greatest album "Good Old Boys", Newman brings an energy and wit to the songs and lyrics that really brings all of the latest Disney crap to shame. You know who I'm talking about *cough*HannahMontana*. Heck, it even brings a lot of musicals now out on Broadway to shame *cough*Shrek*cough*.
Look, if I didn't convince you to see this movie after gushing all about it, then do yourself a favor and pay good money for it so it can prove to Disney that cell-animated films aren't dead. They're tanned, rested, and ready for a new wave of golden age goodies that we haven't seen since the beginning of the 90's. The musical animated film is back for better or worse. Hopefully Dreamworks doesn't get their hands on it *shudders*.
Rating: 9/10
Sunday, December 6, 2009
List Whoring: Top 20 TV Shows off the 00's
Top 20 Shows of the 00's
Yup. It's that time of the year again. Or, well, decade as it may be. The one thing that really defined the decade in terms of film was something blown off by many a skeptic through the years: TV. When the history books are written about the dead art of TV (which will be replaced by the Super-Internet), it will be noted that the 00's was possibly the greatest decade of television. Yes, even eclipsing the late 1950's and early 60's, the time of such classics as "The Twilight Zone" and "Studio One". To look at the 00's in perspective, the groundwork was laid in the '90s with a lot of serialized dramas on HBO and Fox/WB/UPN basically giving a blank check to a lot of original creations like "The Simpsons" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Some ground rules first. Actually, just one rule to level the playing field. Sadly, shows that ended their run in the 00's will not be included. Shows like Buffy, Angel, Futurama, Freaks and Geeks, etc. However, these should be especially noted on how these shows really changed the landscape of television. Okay, note over. Now on to the good stuff. A controversial list that everyone can yell at me about later.
Honorable Mentions: Dead Like Me, Dexter, The Office (US), Chappelle's Show, Kitchen Nightmares, How I Met Your Mother, Sealab 2021, Samurai Jack, 24 (pre-Season 6), Extras, Frisky Dingo
20) Spectacular Spider-Man
As I said in a previous column, this is THE Spider-Man show. If you want to know who Spider-Man is and what makes him such an indelible character, look no further than here. It's also a very brave show. It tackles with a lot of difficult issues like drug addiction and, yet, it still plays every Saturday morning for an audience much younger than what the producers of the shows intend. This is truly the mark of a lot of the animated shows that will come up on the list. Not only that, but this show actually puts every Spider-Man reboot to shame. Ultimate Spider-Man, the films, every last one of them.
19) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The theme of most great comedy shows of the 00's is that mean people are awesome. This is no different. In fact, one of the great attributes of this show is that it deals with real, controversial issues like abortion and the mortgage crisis and basically says "Why so fucking serious?"
18) Curb Your Enthusiasm
Again, mean people=awesome. If "It's Always Sunny..." deals with the big issues, Curb deals with the little ones. Those little awkward social fopas that are so common place that, when Larry David puts a magnifying glass to them, they become even more insignificant.
17) Jericho
Great sci-fi comes from social commentary. I'll elaborate more later-on but one of the genres that flourished in the 00's was the post-apocalypse genre. Spearheaded most likely from 9/11, this once niche genre has come into its own with the 00's. Though Jericho ended up failing, it did inspire a helluva fan uprising each time it got canceled. It even gave it a great second season. What starts out as "Battlestar Galactica" on the American frontier really, just like the genre itself, comes into its own as the episodes go on.
16) Dollhouse
Yeah, it kinda started off crappily but we really can't blame Whedon for that (*cough*Fox*cough*). After episode 6, the show really picked up and showed where it could go with its fascinating if frustrating-at-times concept. However, unlike some other shows on this list, even though this show got canceled, at least Fox gave it some time to end things. Here's hoping the series finale cements this show's legacy.
15) Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Adult Swim ushered in a new era of surrealistic comedy. Too long has the fascist chains of the sitcom burdened the televised comedy. With Aqua Teen Hunger Force, it broke those chains...with a glorious chainsaw of the proletariat. Yeah, a bit of a Marxist reading but, what the hell. It's a show so weird that you just have to see it to believe it. It even created an amazing niche genre: the surreal horror comedy. Check out the movie when you have a chance, especially the opening sequence.
14) Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law
Colbert. Cole. Black. What are all these sublime comedians doing on an Adult Swim show? Because. A show that got better like a fine wine and ended just as well, "Harvey Birdman" is what parodies should do nowadays. Instead of just showing pre-existing characters in a scene like some other shows do (*cough*Family Guy*cough*), it actually expands and skews them so much that it's hard to watch the originals ever again.
13) Veronica Mars
The only detective show on television that has, by far, the best twists I have ever seen on television or film. Though the third season ended up being a bit predictable, Seasons 1 and 2 are the gold standard of what a procedural show can do. It's sad to think that this show got canceled in favor of "Gossip Girl" but it's great to relive the memories on DVD. Hell, sometimes the show still surprises me in how well structured it is.
12) Doctor Who
Maybe it's my love of Brits or maybe it's my love of good TV, but Doctor Who has it all. Adventure. High-Stakes. Characterization. Frankly, it's refreshing to find a series where the protagonist is actually the character you want to see on screen every week. It's so often the case with hour-longs that the protagonist is dull and tries too hard to be the every man. Not so with the Doctor. The only downside to this show has got to be the trailers or it can be an upside. Though they make every episode look boring, it's actually very strategic. None of them giveaway what actually happens in the episode, which makes the more surprising when things do happen. The only real low point of this series would have to be its Daleks in New York episodes. If you just ignore those two, you have one fantastic series.
11) American Dad
Though the final nail in the traditional sitcom coffin will have to wait a little longer (stupid "How I Met Your Mother"), there's at least "American Dad" to parody what has become a rather stale genre. This show goes places where a normal sitcom would say "Wait, wait I think we've gone too far" and it just rolls with it. Not only that, it has become the greatest show on what was once one of the greatest nights on TV: Sunday. It's sad to watch "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" (though this is somewhat on the rebound as of late) go down the tubes, but at least I know that "American Dad" will be there to consistently bring the funny every week.
10) Avatar
If you judged this show based on its art style, you'll be missing out. Big time. It's faux-anime look presumes that this is just going to be another goofy series much like "Teen Titans" or "The Jackie Chan Adventures." What we have here is an epic three season long series that becomes the television equivalent of "Star Wars" (the original trilogy). Everything in this series feels right and incredibly well planned as if the showrunners planned, specifically, that this will last three seasons and no more. If you don't believe me, watch the second season and tell me that nothing got you.
9) The Venture Bros.
On the surface, the show could be considered a parody of old cartoon shows just like "Harvey Birdman". As the series progressed, it became increasingly clear that these characters are by no means mere caricatures of older creations just for shits and giggles. This is an incredibly astute look into failure. Almost every character has failed in life somehow and it really builds into an incredible tragic comedy about how dreams may never come true. Oh, and the Scooby-Doo parody episode is awesome.
8) The Office (UK)
Speaking of failure, this is possibly the bleakest "sitcom" ever and it's amazing for doing that. Where the American version is mostly smiles and sunshine, the UK version is set in a place where there is no hope. The series finale gives it but the entire series is about how many times it can be dashed away. David Brent has got to be one of the funniest characters ever created for television because of how not funny he is.
7) Firefly
Space-western. No wonder it was canceled in its first season. However, like "Avatar" and "The Venture Bros.", it's all in the details. This show defines "Bad-Ass." I think the show can speak for itself. Not because I'm lazy and I don't want to write a short write-up of it (yeah, also that) but what hasn't been said about this series?
6) Lost
After sputtering around in its second season, the third season cemented this show in #6. Heck, even parts of the second season were just incredible. Taking the best of the minds of Whedon and HBO series, what makes this show isn't the crazy ass island but the characters. The brilliant concoction of the dueling plots in each episode, where the B-plot explains something concerning the A-plot, is what makes this series shoot up so high on the list. It's crazy to think that no one thought of this sooner.
5) Supernatural
The award for this program is: the show that you should be watching but aren't. Bed Edlund, creator of "The Tick" and writer of a couple of episodes of "The Venture Bros.", is a godsend to television. He didn't create the series but, ever since he's been a part of it, it has sent the show flying off the radar. The mythology may not be as deep as "Lost" or "Battlestar Galactica" but every episode has something that shows sometimes forget to include: fun. It doesn't take itself so seriously even if deals with incredibly bleak issues. It looks like everyone is having a blast making these episodes and it shows on the screen.
4) Justice League
Bruce Timm's magnum opus, this show is what all of his previous shows lead up to. It may not be as good as "Batman" but what it lacks in grit it makes up in epic. The second season finale is at times heart-wrenching yet also gigantic. The ongoing Cadmus storyline just ties everything in the Timm-verse in a nice little bow. What's interesting about this series is that Bruce Timm (rightly) thought that each season would be the show's last. So every season ends with the appropriate fireworks.
3) Battlestar Galactica
A lot of people may say they were disappointed in the finale (I was, slightly) but if you take the whole instead of the sum of its parts, "Battlestar Galactica" is THE way to make a post-apocalyptic drama. From the mini-series on, the show feels like a roller-coaster that never lets go. And, like every great sci-fi piece, its social commentary is never laid on thick but hits you right in the gut.
2) Arrested Development
Could there have been a funnier series than "The Simpsons" in its glory days? No, but this show comes pretty darn close. Even with a cast of the most unlikeable characters ever, there is something that makes you want to watch what crazy thing they're going to get into next. Not only is each episode a testament to brilliant episode writing, but the running gags from episode-to-episode only get funnier the more times you watch them.
1) The Wire
When anyone talks about the platinum standard of television, "The Wire" is usually up there. There's a reason for that. HBO was still going strong with its Tiffany line of series well into the 00's but its "The Wire" that really showed what these shows can do. No bones about it, this show is angry. It's angry about how unfair life can be and how a lot of things in society will never be fixed. Like most of the shows on this list, it rewards the viewer for paying attention. However, this show says "Well, maybe you weren't paying close enough attention." From beginning to end, "The Wire" will go down in the history books as a show as grand as many of the classics told today. Think that's hyperbole? Just watch and prove me wrong. I dare ya.
Yup. It's that time of the year again. Or, well, decade as it may be. The one thing that really defined the decade in terms of film was something blown off by many a skeptic through the years: TV. When the history books are written about the dead art of TV (which will be replaced by the Super-Internet), it will be noted that the 00's was possibly the greatest decade of television. Yes, even eclipsing the late 1950's and early 60's, the time of such classics as "The Twilight Zone" and "Studio One". To look at the 00's in perspective, the groundwork was laid in the '90s with a lot of serialized dramas on HBO and Fox/WB/UPN basically giving a blank check to a lot of original creations like "The Simpsons" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Some ground rules first. Actually, just one rule to level the playing field. Sadly, shows that ended their run in the 00's will not be included. Shows like Buffy, Angel, Futurama, Freaks and Geeks, etc. However, these should be especially noted on how these shows really changed the landscape of television. Okay, note over. Now on to the good stuff. A controversial list that everyone can yell at me about later.
Honorable Mentions: Dead Like Me, Dexter, The Office (US), Chappelle's Show, Kitchen Nightmares, How I Met Your Mother, Sealab 2021, Samurai Jack, 24 (pre-Season 6), Extras, Frisky Dingo
20) Spectacular Spider-Man
As I said in a previous column, this is THE Spider-Man show. If you want to know who Spider-Man is and what makes him such an indelible character, look no further than here. It's also a very brave show. It tackles with a lot of difficult issues like drug addiction and, yet, it still plays every Saturday morning for an audience much younger than what the producers of the shows intend. This is truly the mark of a lot of the animated shows that will come up on the list. Not only that, but this show actually puts every Spider-Man reboot to shame. Ultimate Spider-Man, the films, every last one of them.
19) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The theme of most great comedy shows of the 00's is that mean people are awesome. This is no different. In fact, one of the great attributes of this show is that it deals with real, controversial issues like abortion and the mortgage crisis and basically says "Why so fucking serious?"
18) Curb Your Enthusiasm
Again, mean people=awesome. If "It's Always Sunny..." deals with the big issues, Curb deals with the little ones. Those little awkward social fopas that are so common place that, when Larry David puts a magnifying glass to them, they become even more insignificant.
17) Jericho
Great sci-fi comes from social commentary. I'll elaborate more later-on but one of the genres that flourished in the 00's was the post-apocalypse genre. Spearheaded most likely from 9/11, this once niche genre has come into its own with the 00's. Though Jericho ended up failing, it did inspire a helluva fan uprising each time it got canceled. It even gave it a great second season. What starts out as "Battlestar Galactica" on the American frontier really, just like the genre itself, comes into its own as the episodes go on.
16) Dollhouse
Yeah, it kinda started off crappily but we really can't blame Whedon for that (*cough*Fox*cough*). After episode 6, the show really picked up and showed where it could go with its fascinating if frustrating-at-times concept. However, unlike some other shows on this list, even though this show got canceled, at least Fox gave it some time to end things. Here's hoping the series finale cements this show's legacy.
15) Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Adult Swim ushered in a new era of surrealistic comedy. Too long has the fascist chains of the sitcom burdened the televised comedy. With Aqua Teen Hunger Force, it broke those chains...with a glorious chainsaw of the proletariat. Yeah, a bit of a Marxist reading but, what the hell. It's a show so weird that you just have to see it to believe it. It even created an amazing niche genre: the surreal horror comedy. Check out the movie when you have a chance, especially the opening sequence.
14) Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law
Colbert. Cole. Black. What are all these sublime comedians doing on an Adult Swim show? Because. A show that got better like a fine wine and ended just as well, "Harvey Birdman" is what parodies should do nowadays. Instead of just showing pre-existing characters in a scene like some other shows do (*cough*Family Guy*cough*), it actually expands and skews them so much that it's hard to watch the originals ever again.
13) Veronica Mars
The only detective show on television that has, by far, the best twists I have ever seen on television or film. Though the third season ended up being a bit predictable, Seasons 1 and 2 are the gold standard of what a procedural show can do. It's sad to think that this show got canceled in favor of "Gossip Girl" but it's great to relive the memories on DVD. Hell, sometimes the show still surprises me in how well structured it is.
12) Doctor Who
Maybe it's my love of Brits or maybe it's my love of good TV, but Doctor Who has it all. Adventure. High-Stakes. Characterization. Frankly, it's refreshing to find a series where the protagonist is actually the character you want to see on screen every week. It's so often the case with hour-longs that the protagonist is dull and tries too hard to be the every man. Not so with the Doctor. The only downside to this show has got to be the trailers or it can be an upside. Though they make every episode look boring, it's actually very strategic. None of them giveaway what actually happens in the episode, which makes the more surprising when things do happen. The only real low point of this series would have to be its Daleks in New York episodes. If you just ignore those two, you have one fantastic series.
11) American Dad
Though the final nail in the traditional sitcom coffin will have to wait a little longer (stupid "How I Met Your Mother"), there's at least "American Dad" to parody what has become a rather stale genre. This show goes places where a normal sitcom would say "Wait, wait I think we've gone too far" and it just rolls with it. Not only that, it has become the greatest show on what was once one of the greatest nights on TV: Sunday. It's sad to watch "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" (though this is somewhat on the rebound as of late) go down the tubes, but at least I know that "American Dad" will be there to consistently bring the funny every week.
10) Avatar
If you judged this show based on its art style, you'll be missing out. Big time. It's faux-anime look presumes that this is just going to be another goofy series much like "Teen Titans" or "The Jackie Chan Adventures." What we have here is an epic three season long series that becomes the television equivalent of "Star Wars" (the original trilogy). Everything in this series feels right and incredibly well planned as if the showrunners planned, specifically, that this will last three seasons and no more. If you don't believe me, watch the second season and tell me that nothing got you.
9) The Venture Bros.
On the surface, the show could be considered a parody of old cartoon shows just like "Harvey Birdman". As the series progressed, it became increasingly clear that these characters are by no means mere caricatures of older creations just for shits and giggles. This is an incredibly astute look into failure. Almost every character has failed in life somehow and it really builds into an incredible tragic comedy about how dreams may never come true. Oh, and the Scooby-Doo parody episode is awesome.
8) The Office (UK)
Speaking of failure, this is possibly the bleakest "sitcom" ever and it's amazing for doing that. Where the American version is mostly smiles and sunshine, the UK version is set in a place where there is no hope. The series finale gives it but the entire series is about how many times it can be dashed away. David Brent has got to be one of the funniest characters ever created for television because of how not funny he is.
7) Firefly
Space-western. No wonder it was canceled in its first season. However, like "Avatar" and "The Venture Bros.", it's all in the details. This show defines "Bad-Ass." I think the show can speak for itself. Not because I'm lazy and I don't want to write a short write-up of it (yeah, also that) but what hasn't been said about this series?
6) Lost
After sputtering around in its second season, the third season cemented this show in #6. Heck, even parts of the second season were just incredible. Taking the best of the minds of Whedon and HBO series, what makes this show isn't the crazy ass island but the characters. The brilliant concoction of the dueling plots in each episode, where the B-plot explains something concerning the A-plot, is what makes this series shoot up so high on the list. It's crazy to think that no one thought of this sooner.
5) Supernatural
The award for this program is: the show that you should be watching but aren't. Bed Edlund, creator of "The Tick" and writer of a couple of episodes of "The Venture Bros.", is a godsend to television. He didn't create the series but, ever since he's been a part of it, it has sent the show flying off the radar. The mythology may not be as deep as "Lost" or "Battlestar Galactica" but every episode has something that shows sometimes forget to include: fun. It doesn't take itself so seriously even if deals with incredibly bleak issues. It looks like everyone is having a blast making these episodes and it shows on the screen.
4) Justice League
Bruce Timm's magnum opus, this show is what all of his previous shows lead up to. It may not be as good as "Batman" but what it lacks in grit it makes up in epic. The second season finale is at times heart-wrenching yet also gigantic. The ongoing Cadmus storyline just ties everything in the Timm-verse in a nice little bow. What's interesting about this series is that Bruce Timm (rightly) thought that each season would be the show's last. So every season ends with the appropriate fireworks.
3) Battlestar Galactica
A lot of people may say they were disappointed in the finale (I was, slightly) but if you take the whole instead of the sum of its parts, "Battlestar Galactica" is THE way to make a post-apocalyptic drama. From the mini-series on, the show feels like a roller-coaster that never lets go. And, like every great sci-fi piece, its social commentary is never laid on thick but hits you right in the gut.
2) Arrested Development
Could there have been a funnier series than "The Simpsons" in its glory days? No, but this show comes pretty darn close. Even with a cast of the most unlikeable characters ever, there is something that makes you want to watch what crazy thing they're going to get into next. Not only is each episode a testament to brilliant episode writing, but the running gags from episode-to-episode only get funnier the more times you watch them.
1) The Wire
When anyone talks about the platinum standard of television, "The Wire" is usually up there. There's a reason for that. HBO was still going strong with its Tiffany line of series well into the 00's but its "The Wire" that really showed what these shows can do. No bones about it, this show is angry. It's angry about how unfair life can be and how a lot of things in society will never be fixed. Like most of the shows on this list, it rewards the viewer for paying attention. However, this show says "Well, maybe you weren't paying close enough attention." From beginning to end, "The Wire" will go down in the history books as a show as grand as many of the classics told today. Think that's hyperbole? Just watch and prove me wrong. I dare ya.
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