I still say that I don't have to have the last word, but there's enough new for me to respond. In chronological order:

1} Not being a big Adam Sandler fan, I can easily say that "The Wedding Singer" is his best, and definitely more romantic than "Spotless Mind." (HAHA,etc.) Whether that makes it a better love story, you can decide, but I'm guessing that some people NEVER change their minds (including our "fearless leader.")

2) The scenes at the beginning of "Spotless Mind" are filmed all grey with a very quiet Jim Carrey narrating everything with almost nothing on the soundtrack except his voice. If you think this is poignant, fine. I think it was the director's intention to open the film in an oppressively dour and boring manner to enhance the craziness of the plot which follows. It was also a loud cry to tell you that you are watching something "serious." I admit some of what Carrey says may be poignant, but I think it was overdone and overlong which takes away from its effectiveness. Also, the musical score was by Jon Brion, whom I admire in the rock arena, but did you notice how when Carrey and Winslet are on the train, the music starts sounding "cutesy" even though all the visuals are still oppressive. I thought it was too-blatant a transition, although I guess you could argue that the music is just an itch in Carrey's mind (I wouldn't argue that, but there, I gave an out for somebody else.)

3) Eccentro, maybe you better keep a large cup near your computer into which you can spit the water. It's a lot simpler than having to replace your shorted-out monitor(s).

Eccentro needs to shut up with his opinion of a movie he hasnt seen!

Should I rephrase that to...with his opinion of a movie he hadnt seen at the time of the post! Because, my friends, I decided last night to run out to Blockbuster (yes, Blockbuster -sigh- Im a pathetic conformist) and rent "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Everyone disregard everything I have ever said ever! This movie is wonderful!! The acting, suberb; directing, brilliant; the story, nice----hell, it was the best f***ing story Ive ever heard in my entire f***ing life!! Thaaaaaat's better! Eccentro, you really need to stop with the cutesy references!! Anyways, to say that "The Wedding Singer" has a better, truer, more romantic story that ESOTSM is to say that you do not know great, true, romantic stories. If you had said "Punch Drunk-Love" I wouldnt be able to argue for that is a great film. But, the whole reason for loving "Eternal Sunshine" is for the core romantic story. The script that Charlie Kauffman bounds across everything he has written before. In the past, his films have been zany live-action cartoons with the characters being walking talking caricatures. In "Eternal Sunshine" it was as if I knew Joel and Clementine because as limited as my relationship experience is I have felt what Joel is feeling in the film. Regret, guilt, loneliness. If you can not connect with Joel Barish you are not human! Mark, are you a Spielberg loving robot with an extremely high level of literacy?! How about you zapjones? "Amelie", "Edward Scissorhands", and "A Princess Bride" are all favorites films of mine but theyre are just favorite FILMS. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" felt like it existed organically---the central love story does exist in every human's mind. Even if you didnt like the story or the script you would have to appreciate the style of which the story was told. The fact that this film used NO special effects is something that should be appreciated.

I loved this movie. Its definately the best Kaufman script. Also, the best thing Carrey has ever done. It's the best movie of 2004 hands-down, no questions asked! If you watched this film and didnt AT LEAST develop a HUGE little-boy crush on Kate Winslet something is wrong with you!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eccentro: Mark, are you a Spielberg loving robot with an extremely high level of literacy?! If you watched this film and didnt AT LEAST develop a HUGE little-boy crush on Kate Winslet something is wrong with you!

---

"That does not compute! That does not compute!"
Bang to my metal head from my Master.
"Yes, Master!"
"Eccentro, Mr. Spielberg wants me to tell you that, in answer to your question...yes, I am."
"He also says that he loves "Eternal Sunshine", so he's going to give me a new, improved brain. Any donors out there?"
"Oh, Eccentro, before my Master made me a eunuch robot, I used to get crushes on Kate Winslet all the time. Maybe it's my loss that causes me to discuss things in less-than-pure black and white all the time."
Bang to my metal groin from my Master.
"Master, you forgot...that doesn't hurt anymore."
"My Master wants to know if anyone out there would like to donate something else to me. Maybe it will make life and love easier on you than erasing your mind."

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eccentro:
Eccentro needs to shut up with his opinion of a movie he hasnt seen!

Should I rephrase that to...with his opinion of a movie he hadnt seen at the time of the post! Because, my friends, I decided last night to run out to Blockbuster (yes, Blockbuster -sigh- Im a pathetic conformist) and rent "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Everyone disregard everything I have ever said ever! This movie is wonderful!! The acting, suberb; directing, brilliant; the story, nice----hell, it was the best f***ing story Ive ever heard in my entire f***ing life!! Thaaaaaat's better! Eccentro, you really need to stop with the cutesy references!! Anyways, to say that "The Wedding Singer" has a better, truer, more romantic story that ESOTSM is to say that you do not know great, true, romantic stories. If you had said "Punch Drunk-Love" I wouldnt be able to argue for that is a great film. But, the whole reason for loving "Eternal Sunshine" is for the core romantic story. The script that Charlie Kauffman bounds across everything he has written before. In the past, his films have been zany live-action cartoons with the characters being walking talking caricatures. In "Eternal Sunshine" it was as if I knew Joel and Clementine because as limited as my relationship experience is I have felt what Joel is feeling in the film. Regret, guilt, loneliness. If you can not connect with Joel Barish you are not human! Mark, are you a Spielberg loving robot with an extremely high level of literacy?! How about you zapjones? "Amelie", "Edward Scissorhands", and "A Princess Bride" are all favorites films of mine but theyre are just favorite FILMS. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" felt like it existed organically---the central love story does exist in every human's mind. Even if you didnt like the story or the script you would have to appreciate the style of which the story was told. The fact that this film used NO special effects is something that should be appreciated.

I loved this movie. Its definately the best Kaufman script. Also, the best thing Carrey has ever done. It's the best movie of 2004 hands-down, no questions asked! If you watched this film and didnt AT LEAST develop a HUGE little-boy crush on Kate Winslet something is wrong with you!

---

Ahh... Thank you!
Good Boy Eccentro...Good boy. Heres a biscuit!

Here's another...

1. Kill Bill Vol. 2
2. Garden State
3. The Village
4. Fahrenheit 9/11
5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I can't say one is better than any others but...I am going to say Shrek Two. Because it was entertaining for both kids and adults. I don't really rate movies but I watch about two a month.

Shrek 2 was funny. I wont disagree with you on that. Shrek 1 was a great idea, new thinking ect. But shrek 2 just goes on with it, nothing that new. Yes, I think it was funny but I dont think it was great and dont think it should win the oscars over so many other contenders.

I guess your right. But I can't really think of a movie that I have seen this year that I think should get it. Didn't See eternal sunshine. But of Resident evil 2, Shrek 2, Harry potter 3, spiderman 2, collateral, Open Water, and a couple others I just didn't see any real good movies this year...wow now that I think about it maybe I should cut back on the movies.

"The Incredibles."

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mark f,

The Incredibles. In my opinion, it's hands down the best of 2004.

I've seen two new movies in 2004; Kill Bill Vol 2 and Team America. Both kicked massive ass. I also plan on seeing the Spongebob Squarepants movie.

I guess Team America is movie of the year. After watching it several times (I have a bootleg of it downloaded, and have seen it in theater once), it has revealed itself to be as rewarding with repeated viewings as when you see it the first time, much like the Big Lebowski. If the South Park movie was Trey and Matt's "leftist, anti-censorship" movie, this (in the end) is their "conservative, patriotic, pro-war on terrorism" movie. But fuck all the analytical stuff; it's just a funny funny movie with tons of trademark South Park humor.

"Let me explain to you how this works: The corporations finance Team America. And then Team America goes out, and the corporations sit there... in their corporation buildings. And they're all corporationy. And they make money."

I don't see very many movies in theatres, so I'm not quite caught up. I haven't seen "Eternal Sunshine" yet and I have high hopes for the new Wes Anderson flick.

What I've really liked this year:

1. Mean Girls
2. Saved!
3. Dawn of the Dead
4. Open Water
5. Super Size Me (bonus points for being something I can use when teaching my Business Ethics course...I already assigned parts of Schlosser's Fast Food Nation!)
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner

Was Waking Life a 2004? If so, add it to the list.

I still need to see Shrek 2 and Spiderman 2, and the Incredibles looks pretty good, too. I still need to see Napolean Dynamite, Garden State, and Kill Bill 2

Looking at some of your other post posts PE, I wouldnt think you would like mean girls as much as you did. I just saw it recently, and even though I did find it very funny, I wouldnt consider it one of the best movies of 2004.

quote:

---

Originally posted by know_it_all:
Looking at some of your other post posts PE, I wouldnt think you would like mean girls as much as you did. I just saw it recently, and even though I did find it very funny, I wouldnt consider it one of the best movies of 2004.

---

Interesting..what about my other posts made it seem an odd choice? I'm curious.

I thought it was smart, funny, and well-written. It was one of the few laugh out loud movies I've seen this year, although I saw it at home. It reminded me of one of my favorite other social satires, "Heathers". Not nearly as bleak, but the same kind of social satire.

Im not saying that its not a good movie. Its just that by other posts, you are sophisticated and maybe somewhat arty. I would just think that you would like an independent film or art film of some sort more. Maybe I got the wrong impression.

quote:

---

Originally posted by E.M.:
Im not saying that its not a good movie. Its just that by other posts, you are sophisticated and maybe somewhat arty. I would just think that you would like an independent film or art film of some sort more. Maybe I got the wrong impression.

---

No offense taken. I was just curious.

I'd like to think I might be a little sophisticated. I'm not sure how "arty" I am...but I do like a fair amount of arty/indie films.

I teach college students, so I try to stay caught up with the pop culture. I watched Chappelle's Show on the recommendation of my students, and saw Mean Girls on the same recommendation.

My list wasn't ordered, by the way. I'm not sure which one was my flat-out fave...I'd be inclined to say Dawn of the Dead.

My dirty little secrets? I LOVE zombie movies and teen comedies.

So much for being sophisticated and arty.

I checked on Waking Life. I can't believe that came out in 2001. I didn't see it until this year. I might use it in my Intro to Philosophy class.

I haven't seen much this year as I don't watch movies in the theater that much.

but I've seen

"The Passion"
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
"Collateral"
and
"Ray"

So far I think "Collateral" was the best.

I thought "Garden State" was really good..did that come out this year, i think it did!...it was a unique movie, but didn't get a lot of recognition around my town...

hmmm, best movie of 2004 so far??
Its hard to say...Shrek 2 was good...the new Harry Potter was good..Incredibles was really good (and funny)...Passion of the Christ, good one too...i can't think of what movie should get best of '04...

i'll continue to ponder over the subject...

quote:

---

Originally posted by philosopherEric:
I don't see very many movies in theatres, so I'm not quite caught up. I haven't seen "Eternal Sunshine" yet and I have high hopes for the new Wes Anderson flick.

What I've really liked this year:

1. Mean Girls
2. Saved!
3. Dawn of the Dead
4. Open Water
5. Super Size Me (bonus points for being something I can use when teaching my Business Ethics course...I already assigned parts of Schlosser's _Fast Food Nation_!)
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner

Was Waking Life a 2004? If so, add it to the list.

I still need to see Shrek 2 and Spiderman 2, and the Incredibles looks pretty good, too. I still need to see Napolean Dynamite, Garden State, and Kill Bill 2

---

OK, I can add Shrek 2 and Eternal Sunshine to my list of faves, after renting them this weekend. Particularly the latter. I REALLY enjoyed it.