During the summer of 2005, I saw him for the first time EVER at Coors Field where he wasn’t supposed to play, but came out in the top of the 9th and destroyed a ball into center field.  I knew this was the beginning of the end for him, mainly because it was 16 years into his career and I had finally seen him do this.

When thinking about retiring, I’m so glad that he’s fading away into the sunset and not burning out like so many sports stars these days.

No other MLB player will ever compare.

Instead, I’ve decided to create my top 32 movies of the 00′s.  “Why 32?”, you ask? Simple.  Because I wanted a lot.  I can’t choose which is number one, but these movies, in absofruitely no specific order, are my top 32 movies of this decade and have become a big deal to me.

The Departed

“The Departed” is one of the best mafia movies of all time!  If you throw in the fact that I went to Boston shortly after it was filmed, it becomes a favorite. It may not be the Italian mafia, but the Irish can still kick some ass.  This is all not to mention that it was incorporated in to “The Sopranos” last few episodes.

There Will Be Blood

If there’s a movie that can be explained with just its soundtrack, this would be it.  The plot, the twist, the ending and the meaning of oil in our country’s history… all of it is beautifully honest.  The relationship between the father and son is stretched and then broken because of the main characters ego.  Just a magnificent movie.

No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy at his best!  “No Country” gives the confusing story justice through blood, manipulation and sanity.  The real “good” in this story takes a backseat to the vile chase between a white trash fool and a professional killer.

Sunshine

There’s a reason why ancient cultures and religions have related their gods to the sun. Watch this movie with no one else present with you in a dark room… and enjoy life.

Unbreakable

Literally a fantasy film, “Unbreakable” is a story  of the frailty of life and the moral argument that C.S. Lewis would be proud to see on the screen.  Super heroes actually exist in the life of those who are in this movie… and they don’t realize that one of them is it.

Saving Silverman

Again I say, DO NOT think that these are in any particular order… only because this one had me LMAO when I first saw it, does not mean it’s the funniest movie of  decade.  Jack Black captured my heart with his crude and un-cooth look at women and being gay. Watch this one with your best friend.

The Pianist

While being a history nerd, I find this story (true, by the way) to be aesthetically pleasing.  Not too many movies can give you a story about music that intertwines the Holocaust.  The last scene with Adrien Brody walking into the dank, grey life of a broken Europe give a real sense that the Jews weren’t the only ones that lost life in WWII.

The Fog of War

Robert McNamara gives an honest truthful assessment of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam in this documentary.  At one point, he breaks down cries out of sorrow when realizing that lives could’ve been saved… American, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean.

Casino Royale

Ah James Bond!! How could you not want to be like James Bond?!  In this very old Ian Fleming story, you FINALLY have some Bond context as to why he who he is and why he operates like he does. The death of the love of his life spurs on his life as a spy and gives me chills with his poker playing.

Match Point

My first Woody Allen film on the list gives the Russian author, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, praise by redoing the book “Crime and Punishment” in his own way.  Obviously, Scarlett Johansson is in it and makes a perfect clueless vixen in the movie.

28 Days Later

Gosh… where to begin…….. art.

Step Brothers

The one liners are worth every minute of this movie… alone.  Playing dorks, Will Farrell and John C. Reilly, build a life together that some men can only dream of.  Again, with your best friend.

I Love You, Man

Again, another guy/best friend movie. What makes this one special? RUSH!!!! No, not fast paced music, but the Canadian band.  Any movie that praises Rush would make my top 32!

Knocked Up

You’ll laugh… you’ll cry… you’ll be grossed out… just don’t see this with your in-laws.

Anchorman

Classic and introductory to so many great “Frat-Pack” members. Like any other guy movie, the plot seems useless and the one-liners are absolutely perfect! Timing is perfect in this movie…. Stay classy.

Kill Bill 1 & 2

I thought I had Tarantino’s reasoning as to WHY he made this film, but I talked to a nerdy, movie friend… and I’m wrong.  But there’s no doubt that this film (yes, both are one film) is a masterpiece in production. The story is intriguing and beautifully directed.

Friday Night Lights

The soundtrack… is literally… inspiring.

Jackass

Tricks, stunts, and pranks… FINALLY brought to the limelight!!

Persepolis

This French film gives insight into Iran’s would be “Generation X”.  The experience for the girl in this story is completely different than big hair and Nirvana, but rather hiding alcohol and hijabs. Highly recommended.

Nacho Libre

Quasi-indi film and very smart comedy.  Very smart. The intensity of Jack Black’s character is proof of a top-notch performer.

Juno

I don’t know if the story is that great, but the actors play their characters better than they were written.  Michael Cera makes me as awkward as he feels, when playing Polly.  An out of the ordinary dramity.

Superbad

This may bring some controversy, but I don’t care.  The very smart antics of Michael Cera and Jonah Hill bring to light the true thoughts of high school boys.  The dichotomy of the two boys bring them both to a crossroad of civility and rudeness in which they find some real sense of humanity in themselves.

The Hangover

Again, a guy’s movie, but still heart-warming.  Zach Galifianakis = genius.

Inglourious Basterds

Again, Tarantino brings one of the most beautiful action films I’ve ever seen. Also, I’d like to mention that I saw this movie at Cine-bar… a must!! Beer and movies!!!

Millions

Another Danny Boyle film that crushes real life events.  The concept of the Golden Rule being taken to an extreme and done with religious martyrs (never before seen on the big screen). Literally, a tear jerker for those in love with cinematography.

Little Miss Sunshine

Independent film of the decade. Done.

The Road

O, good god! Where to begin. Another father-son story, but with a “28 Days Later” twist.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

An extremely personal movie. Watching it was like being a part of one of the most difficult decisions of a woman’s life… let alone it being in the USSR.

Funny People

Stand-up comedians that have feelings and they’re not afraid to show them.

Whatever Works

It’s LD in his prime! Who could not like him!?!

The Cave of the Yellow Dog

This German indi-film takes a look at a Mongolian, farm family that must survive a tough life and the good intentions of little girl and her dog.  Probably the most obscure indi-film I’ve ever seen.

The Namesake

Kal Pen takes a different route in his acting career and gives an amazing, transformative performance that can make you appreciate Russian literature and the Indian experience.

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Ok, there you go… My fav movies of this decade!

One piece of GREAT news, is that I’ve completed another project using WordPress!  Deer Hill Expeditions is officially up and running.  After nearly THREE months, Rick and I are finally done with the site.  The site has a plethora of page templates and so many plugins it’s spinning my head.  From navigation php to a distinct look and feel that is top notch and very 3.0. The functionality of the site gives the owners of the site a larger landscape in communicating with their potential clients.

Lastly, here’s a video just for kicks… (I’m writing this on a snow day )