1. American Beauty
In one of the best years for film in history, this one takes the prize for best of them all. It is unique in every way with innovative filmmaking, incredible acting and strong message. It is an eccentric yet engaging movie that one must see with others in order to have someone to discuss with afterwards.
2. The Sixth Sense
The little film that could, did. A bonified sleeper hit of 1999, no one knew just how it would grab American moviegoers with these simple words: "I see dead people."
3. Being John Malkovich
In a year of original movies, this one is the best example. The most unusual plot I've ever heard of or seen, and takes us on a ride through the mind of every character, not just Malkovich's.
4. Election
Wickedly funny comedy with the best uses for foul language in any film this decade. Finally, a movie in high school that doesn't have a climax at a party or prom!
5. Run Lola Run
A frenetic German film that I proudly dub the "coolest" picture of 1999, one that gives us three go-rounds at watching the red-head bundle of energy try to come up with 100 marks while using every style of filmmaking imaginable.
6. The Green Mile
A miracle with a talented ensemble cast that is powerful throughout the short three hours.
7. The Matrix
The biggest virtual surprise of the year involved some awe-inspiring action sequences and actually invoked some deep thoughts while you picked up that jaw drooping on the floor.
8. The Insider
Despite the subject and length, this film manages to engage the viewer, keep up the suspense and delivers some of the best acting all year.
9. Man on the Moon
Sure, I would have liked for this film to be longer in order to explore the depth of Andy Kauffman, but I was having too good a time to complain.
10. Fight Club
Perhaps the most controversial motion picture of 1999 is also a great example of how far filmmaking has come in the last decade. Despite not relating with the mental and emotional level as the men in the movie, I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Toy Story 2, Tarzan, The Straight Story, The Red Violin, The Blair Witch Project, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, Magnolia.
| THE BEST INDIVIDUALS |
|
|---|
| Best Actor |
Best Actress |
| 1. Kevin Spacey, American Beauty |
1. Reese Witherspoon, Election |
| 2. Richard Farnsworth, The Straight Story |
2. Annette Bening, American Beauty |
| 3. Jim Carrey, Man on the Moon |
3. Franka Potente, Run Lola Run |
| 4. Russell Crowe, The Insider |
4. Julia Roberts, Notting Hill |
| 5. Matt Damon, The Talented Mr. Ripley |
5. Julianne Moore, An Ideal Husband |
|
| Best Supporting Actor |
Best Supporting Actress |
| 1. Tom Cruise, Magnolia |
1. Catherine Keener, Being John Malkovich |
| 2. Haley Joel Osment, The Sixth Sense |
2. Cameron Diaz, Being John Malkovich |
| 3. John Malkovich, Being John Malkovich |
3. Melora Walters, Magnolia |
| 4. Samuel L. Jackson, The Red Violin |
4. Sarah Polley, Go! |
| 5. John C. Reilly, Magnolia |
5. Gwyneth Paltrow, The Talented Mr. Ripley |
THE WORST
One must remember that with so many good films out there, I didn't have to take a risk with a questionable movie. Therefore many that I'm sure would make this list aren't here.
1. Wild Wild West
The dullest blockbuster ever. This film had boring action, boring acting, horrible special effects and boring music.
2. Mystery Men
No mystery here, it was not funny nor was it interesting in the least bit.
3. Dick
I'm a political junkie. I got it. I still didn't like it. Besides being sleep-inducing, the main characters are annoying.
4. 200 Cigarettes
Didn't like the characters, didn't like the script, didn't like the movie.
5. Big Daddy
I did not laugh because I was disturbed that Adam Sandler's character would ever be even near a child, let alone have one of his own.
6. Wing Commander
Hilariously bad special effects. There is no suspense, no characters to care about and the aliens could have been designed by kindergartners.
7. Summer of Sam
Long, uninteresting and I hated almost every character. Other than that, it was still not worth seeing.
8. The General's Daughter
Watching this picture was like being the Agony of Defeat guy from ABC's Wide World of Sports intro: Going downhill from the start and careening out of control before ending awkwardly and painfully, nearly taking out those around you along the way.
9. Pushing Tin
A two hour pissing contest that crashes and burns soon after takeoff.
10. Entrapment
It's not as if the movie were that bad, but seeing Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones plod along in it made it worse.
| THE WORST INDIVIDUALS |
|
|---|
| Worst Actor |
Worst Actress |
| 1. John Travolta, The General's Daughter |
1. Drew Barrymore, Never Been Kissed |
| 2. Will Smith, Wild Wild West |
2. Kelly Preston, For Love of the Game |
| 3. Kevin Kline, Wild Wild West |
3. Michelle Williams, Dick |
| 4. Freddie Prinze, Jr., Wing Commander |
4. Kirsten Dunst, Dick |
| 5. Ryan Phillipe, Cruel Intentions |
5. Julianne Moore, Magnolia |
|
| Worst Supporting Actor |
Worst Supporting Actress |
| 1. Spike Lee, Summer of Sam |
1. Christina Ricci, 200 Cigarettes |
| 2. Kenneth Branagh, Wild Wild West |
2. Patricia Arquette, Bringing Out the Dead |
| 3. Paul Reubens, Mystery Men |
3. Cate Blanchett, Pushing Tin |
| 4. Hank Azaria, Mystery Men |
4. Salma Hayek, Wild Wild West |
| 5. Cole and Dylan Sprouse, Big Daddy |
5. Selma Blair, Cruel Intentions |
|