My Top 11 (because 12 would be too many, and 10 too few)

Evaluating as we get toward the end of the year at the movies, since we're rapidly approaching award season and I wanna know where I stand. (Keeping in mind that I'm really looking forward to seeing "Finding Neverland," "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Aviator," as well.) This was, in retrospect, a pretty average year for films - so many came out, so few worth remembering. I can't say I really ever had a flat-out BAD experience at the movies this year, but I had so few truly great ones, as well. Here are, in alphabetical order, 11 flicks I saw this year that I won't soon forget:

"Before Sunset" - A wonderful sequel to a wonderful movie, this picks up 9 years after the original "Before Sunrise," revisiting the characters created by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. A tremendously insightful and moving film, with terrific dialogue and performances.

"Collateral" - Heck of a year for Jamie Foxx, on this list twice. In addition, those who say that Tom Cruise is a poor actor have simply been ignoring all information to the contrary, such as this, his steely-eyed portrayal of a man who debates his warped morals with the equally-excellent Foxx.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" - The year's single most daring and creative film, written by the awesome Charlie Kaufman (who else?). Remarkably entertaining and insightful about relationships, with a great cast and effects, to boot.

"Fahrenheit 9/11" - You can say whatever you want about Michael Moore - there can be little doubt that this was THE most debated film of the year, which means it did its job. And lost in the political shuffle is just how ENTERTAINING a movie this is - funny, moving, and in an odd way, inspiring.

"The Incredibles" - Pixar is just plain awesome, and Disney is losing their biggest current asset with its departure. A wonderfully entertaining adventure that is also surprisingly serious about its story.

"Kill Bill, Volume 2" - If Volume 1 was all kinetic action, Volume 2 is all story and characters. I was able to see both volumes in one night on the big screen - twice - and as a whole it stands among the most entertaining of movie enterprises ever made. Exciting, entertaining, and fun, yet deep and intelligent, too. In an era of easy-listening moviemaking, Quentin Tarantino is playing rock 'n roll.

"Open Water" - Horror is not a mad slasher killing teenagers. True horror lies within - a sense of hopelessness, the dread of being caught in an inescapable situation, and not only not finding help, but being ignored and forgotten. That's what this movie is all about, a low-budget horror flick that goes deeper into the human psyche than a hundred gore-fests can ever hope to go.

"Ray" - A wonderful performance in a wonderful film about a legendary man. If Jamie Foxx had been off, even a millimeter, in his portrayal, the whole thing would have tumbled like a house of cards. But he's a rock, masterfully capturing the physical and emotional presence of the great artist, and gives the film its emotional anchor.

"Shaolin Soccer" - Yes, I said "Shaolin Soccer." The year's most flat-out fun movie, a Chinese import that lampoons the conventions of both Kung Fu action flicks and underdog sports stories, while somehow generating some genuinely warm moments of human comedy. And the effects are terrifically entertaining. If you missed out on this one, please give it a shot - it's well worth the rental.

"Sideways" - A wonderfully warm, human comedy, about two men at a crossroads in life and have no idea which way to go. If you're hesitant, don't let its status as an "art film" keep you away - I laughed more at this film than any other this year. It's still playing up at Super Cinemas in Toledo - catch it while you can!

"Spider-Man 2" - I liked it the first time I saw it, but didn't REALLY like it. Then I saw it again. And again and again and again. And it's standing up to the ultimate test of all great movies - it improves with each subsequent viewing. Great story and performances, plus tremendous action sequences, and one of the single most remarkable special effects creations ever - Doc Ock's tentacles.