Article: Johnathan Pritchett's Top and Bottom Ten of 1998

Hello all! Here is my top and bottom picks of this past year. Instead of listing them all and rehashing a review, I have decided to list them and only make a few short comments regarding each. Remember, this list is not the definitive standard, so please, do not treat it as such. Agree, or disagree, it is your choice.

My Top Ten:

1. Out of Sight
My personal favorite of 1998. This film screams out in coolness. Mr. Clooney has more than redeemed himself from the 'Batman and Robin' disaster. The entire cast is great. The story is great. The direction is great. Everything about this movie is, well, great.

2. Bulworth
This movie was so close to being my #1. It was a tough call. This was a highly entertaining, original masterpiece. One of the most brave films I have seen in a long time. This is Warren Beatty's big middle finger to the Hollywood and political establishment. I couldn't help but be mesmerized during the entire film. It is funny, thought provoking, and wonderfully crafted.

3. Dark City
What can a person say. This film is incredible. How the movie going public let films like this (and the aforementioned 'Out of Sight') get past them: I'll never know. Stunning little movie with great acting, great effects, and an un-conventional story line that will blow your mind.

4. What Dreams May Come
To me, this movie deserved so much more praise than it got. I know that this film is a love it or hate it film, but I wish more people would have gotten into it. Whew, it just got to me in a way no other film this year could. It was the only tear-jerker I saw in 1998...And you people flocked to 'Stepmom', such a pity.

5. Pleasantville
Wow! Go watch it if you missed it.

6. Snake Eyes
This movie was ripped to shreds by all those damn critics. But guess what? I loved it. Maybe I am not one of the elite film critics, but I know a good film when I see one. I thought the direction and Nicolas Cage's performance was outstanding. Also, the script didn't bother me one bit the way it unfolded at the halfway point. So there.

7. Blade
Maybe not a cinematic masterpiece like 'Citizen Kane', but it was a hell of a ride. I had the one of the most enjoyable theater-going experiences of my life while in attendance to this movie.

8. The Prince of Egypt
Not bad for a cartoon movie. For me, it blew out most non animated films this year. I also (obviously) enjoyed it better than 'Mulan' (which I also liked).

9. Saving Private Ryan
No, not my #1, but definitely on the list. Perhaps I liked this movie more than I let on, but #9 is where I am putting it. I loved it. I was moved (didn't cry though). The beginning and end sequences kept it from climbing up the list though. Still, one of the year's best. I guess I am ready for some non-feely movies from Spielberg.

9 ½. The Thin Red Line
I'm telling you, go see this movie!!!

10. He Got Game
If this movie had been made by anyone else, it would have been boring, and un-inspired. However, Spike Lee wrote and directed this movie almost flawlessly. Not the most original story, but Lee and company delivered a power-packed drama with some of the best acting I've seen from Denzel Washington that places him as one of the top five actors working in Hollywood today, IMHO. Spike Lee and Denzel, in a perfect and fair world, should both get Oscar nominations this year.

10. Senseless
What a stupid movie.

9. Desperate Measures
An even more stupid movie. With talented actors, no less!

8. Species II
This gives sci-fi a bad name. Bombs like these prevent a greenlight for much better films within the genre.

7. The Big Hit
Not really...

6. Avengers
Another bad movie with a great cast. What is wrong with these people?!?!?!

5. Ever After
Sorry to offend some of you, but I really didn't like this movie. I expected better. I got a terrible movie, Ahem. Excuse me.

4. Knock Off
Uh...I hope Van Damme kicks butt in 'Universal Soldier II. His career needs a jump-start. This movie is so much like most of his others...Crap! I really do like him though.

3. Almost Heroes
I love Chris Farley. I hate this movie. I hate it that this was his last film. Why? Because it was stupid and unfunny and I think Chris Farley is brilliant and funny.

2. Soldier
Well, you know.

And now ladies and gentlemen, the absolute worst movie of the year...

1. I Got the Hook Up
There is 'No Limit' to how bad Master P makes movies. He should quit now before...Well, actually I should quit ranting now before I get shot. Oh well, Master P is an okay guy, I guess, but damn, his movies just plain suck. He's the worst thing that happened to cinema since he was the worst thing to happen to rap. Yeah buddy, you made me say uhhhhhhhh, all right. Please, just go away...

Well, there you have it, my friends. My opinion on the best and worst of the previous year. Please feel free to e-mail me your opinions, thoughts, complaints, flames, or your own top/bottom lists. I'd love to hear from you.

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