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Ten Best List for the Year 2001
- A Beautiful Mind -- Absorbing biography of mathematical genius John Forbes Nash, Jr. (Russell Crowe) who was afflicted with schizophrenia, but eventually triumphed over the disease with the help of his devoted wife (Jennifer Connelly), going on to win the Nobel Prize. Elegantly weaving scenes from a fine script, director Ron Howard presents a very human story of brilliance, insanity and marital love, despite the familiar trappings of an inspirational story. Intense, mature theme dealing with mental illness, a few sexual references, a scene of violence and minimal crass language and profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III -- adults. (PG-13) 2001
- The Dish -- Set in 1969 Australia, the delightful comedy relates the story of a small team, with Sam Neill as their fatherly leader, in charge of a local satellite dish whose efforts were key to transmitting the now familiar pictures and sounds from the historic mission to the moon. Based on a true story, director Rob Sitch's feel-good movie recalls Australia's role in the Apollo 11 mission with both humor and awe. An instance of rough language, some crass words and fleeting profanity. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (PG-13) 2001
- The Face: Jesus in Art -- Exquisite documentary explores artistic representations of Christ through the ages and around the world, detailing how art attempts to comprehend and touch the divine by depicting the human Jesus. Visually stunning and further enhanced by remarkable special effects, a glorious music track and insightful narration, director Craig MacGowan's superb film allows the viewer to experience both great art and spiritual uplift. A few strong images of suffering and the Crucifixion. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America) 2001
- Faithless -- Disturbing Swedish drama about a happily married woman (Lena Endre) who impetuously enters into an affair with her husband's friend (Krister Henriksson), irreparably damaging not only her marriage, but her 9-year-old daughter (Michelle Gylemo) as well. As directed by Liv Ullmann from Ingmar Bergman's autobiographical screenplay, the film's remorseful tone exposes the destructive effects of thoughtless sexual misbehavior and the results of living a selfish life void of morality. Subtitles. A few sexual encounters, brief frontal nudity, an abortion, a suicide and some rough language. A-IV -- adults, with reservations. (Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America) 2001
- Gosford Park -- Splendid murder-mystery set in 1930s England where an aristocratic couple (Michael Gambon and Kristen Scott Thomas) host a hunting weekend party at which someone is killed, implicating guests (including Maggie Smith and Jeremy Northam) and servants (including Emily Watson and Clive Owens) alike. The airy yet biting study of the English class system is a classy ensemble production that employs director Robert Altman's roving, inquisitive style with acumen and flair. A few sexual encounters and brief rough language. A-III -- adults. (R) 2001
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Visually splendid adventure tale set in the mythical realm of Middle-earth where a humble Hobbit (Elijah Wood), assisted by eight faithful companions (including Ian McKellen), embarks on a perilous quest to destroy a ring which possess the ultimate source of dark power. Based on the first book of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy, director Peter Jackson's fantasy is true to the epic struggle of good versus evil and uses magnificent effects and location shots. Yet its myriad characters prove daunting and the narrative grows repetitive. Many scenes of battle violence with several frightening images. A-III -- adults. (PG-13) 2001
- Monsters, Inc. -- Delightful animated comedy about a furry, spotted beast (voiced by John Goodman) and his green, one_eyed friend (voiced by Billy Crystal) who gather the screams of young children to power their monster world and accidentally transport a little girl (voiced by Mary Gibbs) back to their realm. As directed by Pete Docter, the animation is superb but the story, though imaginative, doesn't take full advantage of the concept of things that go bump in the night. A-I -- general patronage. (G) 2001
- The Road Home -- A modern-day businessman (Sun Honglei) returns to his remote North China village for his father's funeral and recalls the heartwarming story of his parents' courtship. Director Zhang Yimou's alternately touching and cloying drama juxtaposes brilliant hues representing the freshness of youth and love from the past with black & white for the monochromatic, sorrowful present. Subtitles. Themes of love, marriage and death. A-I -- general patronage. (G) 2001
- Shrek -- Captivating animated film in which a cynical ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) and his smart-alecky donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) agree to save the princess bride (voiced by Cameron Diaz) of a nasty lord (voiced by John Lithgow) in exchange for the return of the ogre's swamp home. As directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, the sweet but conventional story of self-acceptance reaches new levels of excellence in its animation and a fine cast of voices further bolsters the film's appeal. Mild crass language ans some crude humor. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (PG) 2001
- Spy Kids -- Terrific fantasy-action film in which two children (Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara) become spies to save their former-spy parents (Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino) and the world from a mad genius (Alan Cumming). Not only does writer-director Robert Rodriquez's flick synthesize a winning adventure story and cool special effects, it also underscores the importance of family. Some menace and several mild action sequences. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (PG) 2001
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