| The Top 10 Movies of 2002 |
| By Anthony |
| 1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers The second movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a continuation of the masterful story-telling, epic grandeur, and incredible visual artistry begun in The Fellowship of the Ring. Tolkien's "Catholic work" successfully brought to life emerges far above the rest as the #1 film of the year. 2. The Count of Monte Cristo The most under-rated movie of the year finally gets its just desserts. Yes, the movie takes many liberties from Alexander Dumas' classic; but that doesn't stop it from being a great adventure movie while simultaneously delivering themes of faith in God and of the fruitlessness of revenge. 3. Minority Report Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg team up to give us an exciting and ingenius sci-fi action movie. The story is entertaining, clever, and thrilling. The setting is creative and visually interesting. Alongside all this is a moral question about justice. 4. We Were Soldiers The war film of the year tells the story of the courageous men who fought in the first battle of the Vietnam War and of their families back home. Mel Gibson stars as Gen. Lt. Moore, a devout Catholic man who bravely takes on the responsibility of the lives of his men. 5. Nicholas Nickleby Charles Dickens' novel of inhumane school teachers, unfeeling villains, and amiable protaginists is wonderfully adapted for the screen. Throughout the movie is a sense of dignity and honor, a message about the love and joy that comes with family, and a presence of a Christian influence. 6. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones The continuation of the story of Anakin Skywalker and his fall into the Dark Side is at times a little slow-moving; but George Lucas still delivers impressive visuals and special effects along with exciting action sequences, not the least of which is Yoda's lightsaber dual. 7. Spider-Man What would a movie year be without a good, fun popcorn flick? The story of the famous comic-book hero makes for enjoyable, action-packed, and even heartfelt entertainment. The movie also contains admirable themes of responsibility and sacrificial love. 8. The Rookie Dennis Quaid stars as Jim Morris, a baseball player who threw his arm out while still young but after many years can still throw a 98-mile-per-hour ball. The Rookie is an inspiring, true-story family film that, besides offering the often cliched theme of following your dreams, presents the intercession of a saint (St. Rita, patroness of the impossible) in a prominent position. 9. Lilo & Stitch One of Disney's better animated films in a while, Lilo & Stitch is not only funny and enjoyable; but it is also more mature than most Disney flicks in its treatment of family life. The movie explores the problems and emotional tensions of a broken family while simultaneously showing the need for family life and the love that comes with it. 10. My Big Fat Greek Wedding The #1 romantic comedy of all time (at least, that's what the commercial claims) humorously depicts a story of cultural clashes and ethnic quirks. It also emerges as yet another family-affirming movie for the year. |