Poll Results.

Weekly Poll: 9/12/2004: Best Film of the Summer:

• Spider-Man 2 0% 0
• Collateral 16.7% 1
• Hero 33.3% 2
• Garden State 16.7% 1
• Open Water 0% 0
• Manchurian Candidate 16.7% 1
• The Terminal 16.7% 1
• Fahrenheit 9/11 0% 0
• Other 0% 0
• All of them 0% 0
• total votes: 6

There were a lot of good movies out this summer, but only a few stepped ahead of the rest. I think most of the above did that. I have seen all of the candidates here. I voted for Hero which was an incredible experience and currently sits at number 2 on my best of the year list. Now I'd just like to give a few comments on the nominees.

Spider-Man 2. Sam Raimi nailed this movie, making it bigger and more exciting, yet more personal at the same time. I felt that he translated the characters perfectly, not exactly as the comic version, but true to nature. This is one of the best comic book based films ever made. Currently number 6 on my best of the year list.

Collateral. Michael Mann delivers us an excellent character driven action film. Cruise plays the bad guy perfectly, and Jamie Foxx, what can I say, the best performance of his career. Foxx's portrayal here was an eye opener to the ability he has, I hope to see more of his work int he future. Currently number 11 on my best of the year list.

Hero. Granted, the movie is 2 years old, and I already owned it on DVD, the opportunity to see it on the big screen upon it's US release was not to be missed. This was a beauty to behold ont he big screen. Epic battles, great storytelling, and magnificent use of the visual medium, using colors and textures to add to the story. Simply brilliant. Currently number 2 on my best of the year list.

Garden State. Wow, this one floored me, a great character story of a man waking up and rejoining the world. Words escape me. Zach Braff, of televisions Scrubs, wrote, directed, and starred in this amazing work. I love it in a similar way to Lost in Translation. Currently number 5 on my best of the year list.

Open Water. Not quite as good as I had hoped, but still a good film. The last third was fantastic, but there were parts that were just a bit on the dull side. Currently number 34 on my best of the year list.

Manchurian Candidate. Excellent remake, different enough to stand apart from the original. A good performance from Denzel anchors the film. The main problem is the plot does get a little muddy. Currently number 26 on my best of the year list.

The Terminal. Masterful, Tom Hanks puts on another acting clinic reminiscent of Castaway. Spielberg brings a lot to the material, great shots, interesting characters. Almost wish I could have seen more of the supporting cast. Currently number 9 on my best of the year list.

Fahrenheit 9/11. Rather incendiary piece from Michael Moore. I don't agree with his politics, and also hope that no one takes his works at face value, but at the same time he is excellent for getting you to think about the issues. Whatever you think of Moore, this film is worth your time. Currently number 14 on my best of the year list.

And now, just in time for this Tuesday's release of Star Wars, is a Star Wars related poll. Be sure to make your voice heard!