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10. Batman Begins  
Finally, the Batman story we've been waiting to see - one that shows Bruce
Wayne's spiral into darkness and his emergence into a legendary superhero. And one that invigorates the
franchise with a much-needed dose of reality. Directed by Christopher Nolan of "Memento" fame and featuring
some brilliant brooding by newcomer, Christian Bale, "Batman Begins" explores the inner demons of Bruce
Wayne's past and present as well as his future struggle between justice and vengeance. Certainly, one of
the year's most entertaining and enjoyable action adventures, it's the amazing story of the man behind the
mask.
9. Syriana
A political potboiler of the most pressing kind, Stephen Gaghan's "Syriana" wraps itself unabashedly around the politics
of the Middle East without passing judgment or standing on a soap box. A brilliant supposition with a brilliant
ensemble, the film examines many different and surprisingly interrelated stories from a CIA agent to a Gulf country
prince to an energy analyst, an oil tycoon, and a Washington attorney. And it makes a point to show that in the world's
constant struggle for more and more oil, no side is completely free from corruption or compromise. Or unwilling to
engage in cutthroat tactics to gain the upper hand. Boldly original and thought provoking, "Syriana" is a game in
which no one really wins because everyone has so much to lose.
8. Cinderella Man
Everyone loves a Cinderella story. And in Ron Howard's heartfelt historical drama,
"Cinderella Man," the glass slipper is worn by Depression Era boxer, James J. Braddock. What separates Braddock from
others in the ring is his nobility, his pride, and his sheer determination - a willingness to slug it out simply to put
milk on the table for his family. Driven by love and honor, courage and fortitude, he achieves the impossible, defeating
legions of foes on his way to the heavyweight championship of the world. In the title role is Russell Crowe, an actor so
savvy at portraying the everyman that he is virtually undistinguishable. Alongside him, on the under card, is Paul
Giamatti, a character actor who earns every bit of praise for his zest and encouragement. With some of the most
realistic, thrilling boxing sequences ever captured on film, "Cinderella Man" remains a humbling and stirring account
of an upstanding American hero.
7. Munich
Violence begets violence. Or so it goes in Stephen Spielberg's most recent heavy handed
docudrama about the tragic consequences following the massacre of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972. In
the aftermath, in an act of revenge, Israel calls upon a special task force to track down the eleven killers and
assassinate every last one of them. Avner, the young Mossad leader of the team, played splendidly by Eric Bana, comes
close to losing his sanity, his morality, and his own family. In fact, with quiet confidence and restraint, it has to
be the most underrated performance of the year. Powerfully dramatic and politically thrilling, "Munich" has the proper
sense to question, suggest, and provoke without attempting to pass moral judgment or blame.
6. The Squid and the Whale
Quirky, painful, and insightfully true, Noah Baumbach's "The Squid and the Whale" is a
biting comedy drama about the effects of divorce. And it doesn't seem like anyone is spared from the emotional and
psychological wreckage. As Bernard and Joan grow apart and go their separate ways, their two sons Walt and Frank are
forced to grow up and come to terms with the demise of their happy childhood. Witty and sincere, Baumbach's script is
a gem, focusing on each character individually and giving them the right amount of sensitivity, care, and
fallibility. With Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney as parents and outstanding support from Jesse Eisenberg and Owen
Kline, "The Squid and the Whale" has one of the best ensemble performances and one of the best original screenplays
of 2005.
5. Brokeback Mountain
The year's most controversial and courageous film stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger
as two young cowboys hired to herd sheep up Brokeback Mountain, but who wind up forming an unorthodox relationship
instead - one that is especially difficult to shake once they return home and go their separate ways. Directed with
perfect pacing and subtlety by Ang Lee, the film is beautifully cinematic and simple, profoundly engaging the emotions
associated with unrequited love. And it features a poetically hypnotic score by Gustavo Santaolalla. With
passion, conflict, and gritty determination, "Brokeback Mountain" magnificently explores a new frontier.
4. The Constant Gardener
Director Fernando Meirelles created an international phenomenon with his gritty depiction of life in the Brazilian ghettos, a film simply
known as "City of God." And he hits it out of the park once more, this time with his English language debut, "The Constant Gardener." In the
film, a British diplomat named Justin (played by Ralph Fiennes) discovers that his wife has been viciously murdered while
investigating a misuse of corporate sponsored drug testing in Kenya. And after a series of colorful flashbacks, he
decides to investigate her murder on his own terms. Filled with pulsating energy and charm, the film goes backward and
forward through time without missing a beat. And both Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz give heroic performances, perfectly
opposite in every way.
3. Millions
One of the year's most unexpected joys - a child's fantasy full of magic, miracles,
and saints. And to think that it was directed by Danny Boyle, the same Danny Boyle responsible for such adult laden
projects as "Trainspotting" and "28 Days Later" makes it all the more fascinating. The film follows the adventures
of two young boys from Liverpool, who stumble upon a suitcase full of money, just as England is about to replace the
British Pound with the Euro. And they must quickly determine what to do with all the money before it's too
late! Maintaining a child's perspective and enthusiasm, "Millions" is imaginative and vibrant. And it's easily
the year's most lovable, family friendly indulgence.
2. Walk the Line
"Walk the Line" is the music biopic that "Ray" struggled to be. It's biographical,
musical, and undeniably focused. The film also features two of the year's best performances from Joaquin Phoenix and
Reese Witherspoon, two actors who go the extra mile, acting and singing and playing music throughout. In fact, their
chemistry is simply magic. Based on Man in Black and Cash: The Autobiography , "Walk the Line" chronicles Cash's early
struggles, from his childhood days in Kingsland, Arkansas to his first big break at Sun Records to the gradual rise to
fame and fortune on the country music scene, culminating in the famous concert at Folsom Prison. Depicting a beautiful
love story and filled with plenty of great music, "Walk the Line" is nothing short of a stirring, straightforward
musical masterpiece.
1. Crash
If there's one movie from 2005 that simply outshines the rest, "Crash" is it. Written and directed by Paul Haggis, the Academy Award winning writer of "Million Dollar Baby," "Crash" relays a handful
of stories, each with a different spin on racial tolerance in today's world. In fact, it's the kind of film that makes the moviegoing experience worthwhile - it literally can change the way you think and feel. Featuring an all-star cast and some of
the finest, realistic writing you'll ever see, "Crash" dares to go where few films have gone before, openly flirting between lines of race, color, and ethnicity. After all, in today's world, it's not just about black and white. It's
about the many, many shades of gray. Poignant, powerful, and provocative, "Crash" is the best written and best executed film of the year - a masterful morality tale with a lot of guts.
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