A CURE FOR THE END OF SUMMER MOVIE SEASON

The end of the 2005 summer movie season is approaching a welcomed end. On the horizon I see only one movie that we can look forward to seeing...RED EYE starring Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. Historically, when I look forward to seeing a movie...it usually blows chunks. RED EYE will be an exception to that rule. Because August isn't supplying us with much to hold our interest (I don't care how high Jessica Simpson wears her shorts...I'm not interested in the DUKES remake), I'm supplying my loyal readers to my Best of 2003 list. You need to see these movies immediately. Without further ado...the TOP TEN BEST MOVIES OF 2003.
1. OPEN RANGE was my favorite movie of 2003. I love westerns and it has the best (and longest) gun battle in any western I've seen. If I'm wrong...let me know.

2. FINDING NEMO: I hate to agree with the masses...but FN was a great movie. It also proves the impossible...Ellen DeGeneres can be funny (as long as someone else writes her material).

3. KILL BILL: KB may be the third best movie of 2003, but its the best kung fu movie ever made. FYI...I love Uma Thurman.

4. OWNING MAHOWNY: My wife thinks I have a gambling problem? Check out this true story of a banker who issues fake business loans to himself so he can play craps in Atlantic City.

5. TEARS OF THE SUN: Bruce Willis is best at playing characters who are under great pressure. In this movie he delivers again. The movie has great action, great suspense, and great drama. I also thought it was a good commentary on why and how terrorists of the world need to be dealt with.

6. MATCHSTICK MEN: Nick Cage is in way too may movies, but this is one I'm glad he participated in. A con-artist movie directed by Ridley Scott...its hard to fail when you have that combination.

7. SOMETHING"S GOTTA GIVE: Yes, another "masses" movie. It always kills me to like/love a simple masses movie but I cared for all of the characters involved. This would have been the 4th best movie of the year, but fell to 7 because of the Diane Keaton's nude scene...no thank you.

8. PHONE BOOTH: This was released in February of 2003...it got decent reviews but no one went to see it. The flick is less than 90 minutes long and is extremely suspenseful.

9. LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING was a great movie but I found myself thinking during the movie..."thank god this series is over".

10. THE RUNDOWN: I still have hope for THE ROCK. This is a great action movie which can be compared to ROMANCING THE STONE.

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Shattered Glass (Why most Americans trust used car salesmen more than journalists)
Dark Blue (Kurt Russell as a bad guy?...it worked!)
Cold Mountain (liked the movie although the ending stunk)
City of God (you think your neighborhood has a crime problem?)
American Splendor(proof that a talentless hack can become successful)
The School of Rock (Jack Black...enough said)