Favorite Films of 1999

It's the time of year for everyones favorite activity, list-making! Lets face it list making is just too much fun the one followed by the two, followed by the three, its a positively numerically delightful. Also like many of you I watch a lot of movies, way too many movies. So, to make use of a wasted youth, I present you with a list of my 11 favorite films of 1999. Why 1999? Why not! Why eleven? You ask too many questions you know.

11. The Sixth Sense- Bruce Willis is great in this movie and the story itself is scary and interesting. There is a big twist, but it doesn't fell forced or out of left field. It fits the horror vibe of the story and makes sense on repeat viewings.

10. Dogma- This movie may not be for everyone, particularly those easily offended or without a sense of humor. This movie is brutal in its satirization of religion and it is also brutally funny. The movie is not without heart however as it offers many positive messages and even seems to praise belief in spirituality over belief in a codified religion.

9. The Iron Giant- There are three great animated movies on this list and it is difficult to choose between them as they are all so excellent and so different. "The Iron Giant" is the more kid friendly of the three, but that is not to say it isn't mature or there is nothing for adults. Much like the Pixar films there is much to love as an adult in this movie based around the friendship of a kid and a giant robot voiced by Vin Diesel! The best role of his career!

8. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut- The third animated movie on the list. This movie is just funny and filled with a lot of the humor and messages that the TV show is famous for. This is one show that made the transition to the big screen just fine.

7. Office Space- One of the funniest movies of this year or any year. This workplace comedy will have you laughing from beginning to end. Filled with great and quirky characters the world feels very real and finds humor in the ridiculousness of everyday life.


6. Princess Mononoke- Ok, maybe I'm cheating a little bit with this one as it was originally released in 1997 in Japan, but it was released in America in 1999, and well this is my blog I can make the rules up as I go along. I just had to include this movie because it is so excellent. This is another animated movie either the most mature or in the middle depending on your point of view. While it has less foul language than South Park it also has a very mature and complicated story. This might be the least well known movie on the list and I urge you to check it out.

5. Three Kings-An excellent war/political/heist movie starring George Clooney, Mark Whalberg, and Ice Cube as the titular three kings. This movie takes place after (the first) Gulf War and takes on special resonance after the start of (the second) Gulf War with the references to President Bush and Saddam Hussein. 

4. American Beauty- Yeah predictable I know, but American Beauty really is a great film. It's beautiful (... I'm sorry about that) and well acted with a story that resonated then and still resonates now. A great insight into the underbelly of suburban, middle-class, white America. The perfect first world problems movie.


3. The Boondock Saints- Initially a bomb upon release, partly because it was released the same weekend as Star Wars Episode 1. This movie became a cult hit on DVD that nearly every college age person has seen or should see. It's just a wildly fun ride that is both funny and action packed.


2. The Matrix- If you know only one movie on this list it is likely this movie or "Fight Club." Both movies are similar in that they combine some kick-ass action sequences with mature philosophy. This movie is just excellent and lets just ignore the two action-packed, but intellectually sparse sequels.

1.Fight Club- If I had to pick I'd probably say my favorite movie of 1999. If you haven't seen it you really should. This movie is just excellent. Well acted by the leads Edward Norton and Brad Pitt with plenty of action, philosophy, some humor, and an excellent twist at the end.

Honorable Mentions: American Pie, Detroit Rock City, Galaxy Quest, Man on the Moon, Mystery Alaska, Ravenous, Summer of Sam, Toy Story 2, and True Crime.