I don't think I saw very many movies in 2004, as far as I remember, but I'll still drop some opinions into this thread.
I completely agree that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was one of the best movies of the year. The concept was very original, and the movie was amazingly executed. I was finally and happilly impressed by Charlie Kaufman in this one, being as I didn't care for both Being John Malcovich and Adaptation. Also, this is
the movie that makes me think highly of Jim Carrey as an actor (it's so easy for him to do physical or gimmicky comedy, and he's good at it, but
real acting is different (cf. The Truman Show)). I really loved this movie. Mindjob / lovestory. Highly recommended.
Another favorite of 2004 was Closer. Yeah, yeah, Natalie Portman in a g-string, whatever. Beyond that, it's a story of relationships between four troubled and troubling people. The insecurities and other such personality flaws of each character begin as miniscule cuts, but are eventually torn open, spewing jealousy and spite all over the audience. All in all, even though it doesn't sound like it would be, it was one of the most interesting and moving movies of the year, in my opinion.
On the lighter side, there was Finding Neverland. I love Johnny Depp (who doesn't?), and his choice to take the role of Barrie only raises my opinion of him. I'm ashamed to say I knew practically nothing of Barrie before seeing this movie, and I never thought very highly of Peter Pan, but I'm very glad I saw this movie. It's a unique story, and worth knowing, along with being a well-crafted movie.
The Chronicles of Riddick gets an honorable mention.
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Originally Posted by Koko Ed
So what has piqued my interest this year?
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I have to agree about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The trailer has some nice visuals and Johnny Depp in one of the most eerie shots I've ever seen in a movie. I loved the original (but I haven't read the book since primary school), and I'm looking forward to this version, despite my dislike of Tim Burton. I'll admit that he's a visionary artist, and he's consistent in his work, but I just don't like his art. Still, I'm definitely seeing this in theaters.
About Batman Begins and The Watchmen, I am very interested in both of these movies. However, when they were first announced, Darren Aronofsky was attached to both of them as director, but has since pulled out of both. I
love both Pi and Requiem for a Dream, and I have enormous respect for Aronofsky's style, so I was incredibly excited when these two movies were announced with him attached, and disappointed when I learned he'd left. David Hayter (writer for X-Men and X2, and the voice of Solid Snake) is writing The Watchmen (and Iron Man and The Black Widow movies due in 2006).
About movies' directors being moved to my dismay, there's the story of Terry Gilliam (The Brothers Grimm, as mentioned above) being attached to direct the movie of
Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I was disappointed when I heard this movie was scrapped.
And finally, there's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy! The unknown director has me slightly worried, and the cast has me a little more worried (Mos Def as Ford? Hmm), but I'm still definitely seeing this movie. How could any reasonable geek not?
P.S.
I'm not seeing Episode 3 unless I hear, post-release, that it's as good as Episodes 4 through 6 (highly unlikely). The real George Lucas should be spinning in his grave, because I'm sure he's dead, and the man we know as George Lucas is an evil imposter.