These ‘best of’ lists are always a bit of a pain to write and to read.  You usually start out scanning the list for stuff you’ve seen and loved, and then you probably count the number of movies you’ve seen.  Sometimes you finish the list feeling like you’ve seen the right things, and sometimes you end up feeling like the person who put the list together was just showing off the obscure crap that they’ve seen.

So, when I was asked to put together a ‘best of the decade,’ list, I was hesitant.  Surely I was going to forget something that I loved.  And I would probably give in to the temptation to pick stuff that looked good on a list like this.  I’m trying not to do either, but am sure I am.  So, let’s not consider this the complete, best of list.  Instead, let’s consider it a look at some of the movies from the past 10 years that I love.  (Also, there is no order, so, don’t look for one.)

Zodiac-  It runs 2 ½ hours and it could’ve run for two hours more.  Incredibly fascinating and everything about it is impressive.

Amelie-  In the fall of 2001, I found myself looking for something happy and life affirming.  This movie was everything I was seeking.  I found myself looking at the world differently after leaving the theater.

Man on Wire-  Phillippe Petit sees the world in a unique and original way.  To see the world from his eyes for an hour and a half is an exciting, thrilling and touching journey.

Up-  Picking a movie so recently released as the best of the decade is usually a terrible idea.  However, I’ve seen this movie three times and each time it has touched and moved me immensely.

Once-  This is a completely personal choice and I love it for reasons that have nothing to do with the movie.  Everyone has a movie like this and this one is mine.  (That said, everything about it is wonderful.)

The Magdalene Sisters-  Yes, I know it’s not a horror movie, but it’s one of the scariest movies I’ve seen in the past 10 years.

Children of Men-  I have always loved the work of Alfonso Cuaron, but it was during “Children of Men,” that I found myself saying over and over, “I will happily watch anything this man makes.  Movies, credit card commercials, anything.”

There Will Be Blood-  I think I will forever be telling people, “I drink your milkshake.”