The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #5

The Best Movies of 2006: #5

Lady in the Water



Story
When a mythical creature arrives from the pool in an apartment building, the tenants are quickly involved in her elaborate quest to return home.

Merit
This film is a complete original, which is part of the reason it made it on the list this year. In a sea of forumlaic movies, Lady in the Water dares to be different, as a modern, adult fairy tale. It allows for the viewer to be immersed in a story that is obviously fiction but that in all circumstances could be (and is wanted to be, possibly) true. Many people will dislike this film simply for the fact that they cannot imagine a world that is ours, but that is different than ours (if that makes sense).

Apart from the story, the cinematography is off-the-charts-amazing, providing shot after shot of beautiful, captivating imagery. A brilliant film, due to be a classic.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
Best Original Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan


The Worst Movies of 2006: #5

The Da Vinci Code



Story
Do I really need to go through this one? You should know this story - go read the book. Museum, murder, symbols, Jesus, bla bla bla.

Fault
Possibly the most hyped and most disappointing film of the year, The Da Vinci Code was a disaster. The best-selling novel developed an intricate and controversial, (anti-)religious chronicle; the film does anything but. It is full of car-chases and "action" in order to appeal to the masses, yet still tries to develop the story through long, extraordinarily boring descriptions. Even though I am a fan of Audrey Tautou, the acting was pathetic and contrived by the greater portion of the cast. All-in-all, the novel should be read to know the interesting story Dan Brown has created, but the film should be ignored.