The Best and Worst Movies of 2004: #1

The Worst Movie of 2004

Open Water



Synopsis
A couple go on vacation in the tropics and are left behind in the ocean after a scuba diving expedition.

Why I Chose It
Open Water was the worst movie I have ever seen. I thoroughly want to go through why this is.

To begin, the acting was terrible. I ever recall saying during the film that the actors seemed like they had been taken from a porn film and given a shot in real feature length films, as they could not give any emotion in their lines or facial expressions. The lack of interest you actually develop for their problems and character is unbelievable.

The camera used throughout the entire film was a small digital camera that you could buy at Radio Shack. I understand that was for "effect" (somehow) because it seems less like a movie and more like you're actually there. But when I look around, wherever I actually am, I don't see a fuzzy blur or static or anything out-of-focus. I see clearly, just like a film taken with a more expensive camera. Low budget cameras only work for Blair Witch, and I'm not going to go into how bad that was.

The only thing good about this film is that it's only 79 minutes long, although while watching this, I wished it was over after the first five minutes. Notice that at the top of the movie poster it says "Prepare to jump out of your skin!"? That's because you will do anything to get away from this movie.

When directors want to be original and different let's remember a small equation, shall we?

No plot + no acting abilities + a bad script + a cheap camera + bad camera angles does not = a movie that people will consider a classic. Like Blair Witch, it was an easy buck. Congrats for making one more film that was a disgrace to the entire industry.


The Best Movie of 2004

Garden State



Synopsis
A man in his 20's returns to his hometown for the death of his mother and realizes while there that the things holding him back may be the same things that he needs for self-discovery.

Why I Chose It
Behind Memento (2001), Garden State is the second best movie I have ever seen, and, like Open Water, I would like to explain the reasoning.

First of all, the storyline is fascinating. The self-discovery of Andrew Largeman, played by more-or-less newcomer Zach Braff, is imaginative, humourous, and provacative at the same time.

The acting was remarkable, utilizing small-town mentality at every turn, and making it seem like you too are visiting a lower-middle class town (and we don't need fuzzy cameras to do so). Natalie Portman delivers a unique and very real performance of a girl who is not perfect, but is still the main love interest. The simple fact that these characters are very human in itself puts this film on the top five.

The camera shots are what puts Garden State as one of the best films of all time. During most of the film, it is so visually appealing that you could turn off the sound and simply watch the imagery and still enjoy it.

This was Zach Braff's first time acting in the main role of a major motion picture and his first time directing a film. It is easy to say that he has a lot to live up to for his second movie, as this one was fantastic. Garden State is a creative masterpiece and if you have not seen this film, you're missing out on a great piece of art.

Possible Oscar Nods
Natalie Portman, Best Actress: Sam
Jean Smart, Best Supporting Actress: Carol
Frou Frou, Best Original Song: Let Go
Best Original Score
Best Cinematography
Best Original Screenplay
Best Picture