My Fav Movies of 2002 - Hilath's Home Page

I have ranked them according to my personal taste--depending on how they played to my senses. However, I have rated them with a degree of professionalism--with a critical view. Hence, the conflicts, i.e. some of my personally top-ranking movies may have fewer stars while some of the bottom-ranking movies may have more stars. Note: Ranking is subject to change, until the end of this year, and as I am able to see more new releases.

1) Spider-Man

Director: Sam Raimi

Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, J.K. Simmons

My Review: Director Sam Raimi has superbly handled a complicated web of conflicting emotions and sophisticated relationships. Even without Spider-Man or the visual effects-ridden action, the film would work with its sheer story-telling power (from a script written by Mission Impossible and Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp). In fact, what transpires on the ground seems more involving than the high-speed action atop the skyscrapers (excellently photographed to give us that dizzying feel of heights). With every ingredient and twist of plot in the right place, and great acting by an excellent cast, Spider-Man is a supremely woven web of love, heroism, honor and duty.

3) Lilo & Stitch

Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

Voices of: Tia Carrere, David Ogden Stiers, Zoe Caldwell, Kevin Michael Richardson, Daveigh Chase

My Review: The character Stitch is downright funny, hilarious and totally adorable. A welcome departure from Disney's typical fairy tales.

2) Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Directors: Kelly Asbury, Lorna Cook

Voices of: James Cromwell, Matt Damon, Daniel Studi

My Review: A touching and extremely moving tale of a free spirited wild horse's journey through cruelty and loss of innocence. Poetic and lyrical. Watch out for the breathtaking cinematography and Hans Zimmer's haunting score, not to mention Bryan Adam's rendition of the heart-wrenching numbers Here I am and You Can't Take Me.