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2006 has been an interesting year at the movies to say the least. It has had its share of highs and lows as far as quality and box office numbers. It's easy to tear apart a year at the movies, but let's focus on the great films of 2006. I have put together the best films of 2006 as I see them. My goal is to provide you with many different styles and tastes on my list. I will praise horror films done right, dramas that moved me, and animation done properly. You won't see your typical top 10 films on my list. I believe movies are enjoyed most when everyone goes home happy. If you think any films were left out on my list, feel free to get in touch with me at my personal e-mail of tonyf169@yahoo.com. Thanks for another fun year at the movies!
10) HOSTEL
Eli Roth opened up 2006 with a film that split audiences right down the middle. A lot of people claimed the film was simply torture porn with no rhyme or reason behind it. I have seen torture porn with films like WOLF CREEK and SAW 3, but HOSTEL was a lot smarter than people gave it credit for. It was like a David Lynch film with themes of morality, sex, and decisions. If you can look past the mountains of blood and gimmicks, you'll find an intelligent, well-made, intense, and dramatic horror film. I only hope HOSTEL 2 is not going to become another unnecessary and overdone sequel.
9) CARS
Disney hit a home-run with their sweet, colorful, and easy-going animated hit CARS. Owen Wilson and Paul Newman added pitch-perfect voices in a story about family, friendship, and being true to yourself. I never thought a film about animated cars talking could get me choked up, but you learn something new everyday. While the film is not on the level of other Pixar fare like FINDING NEMO or TOY STORY, it is still a very worth addition to the Pixar library.
8) THE LAKE HOUSE
THE LAKE HOUSE was one of the biggest surprises of the movie year in my mind. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock star in a film that mixes time travel with true love to make a 
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moving, different, and sweet film. It was also filmed in Chicago and this film shows off all the gorgeous scenery of Chicago. I think this is a film that will only grow with time and will become a timeless romance in the vein of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.
7) AKEELAH AND THE BEE
I've always said that movies are quite simple. All you have to do is give us a good story, a person to cheer for, good actors, and we will go home happy. You don't have to complicate things with special effects and noise on screen. AKEELAH AND THE BEE is living proof of that as we see a predictable story told effectively with top flight acting by Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, and Keke Palmer. A story that shows despite race, color, and situation, you can make it happen.
6) A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION
Robert Altman's farewell project is one we will remember for many years to come. Altman directs an all-star cast in a sweet, funny, and whimsical tale about a radio show saying goodbye. We didn't expect this to be Altman's last film, but it sure felt like it. Maybe he knew something that we didn't know. I highly recommend picking up the DVD as Altman adds a commentary track with Kevin Kline. Little did we know, it would be his final commentary track ever. R.I.P.
5) ROCKY BALBOA
Stallone really went from a zero to a hero in a matter of two hours with this film. Before this film, we couldn't help but think of Stallone in films like ROCKY 5, OVER THE TOP, STOP OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT!, and DRIVEN. Now we have a whole new image, memory, and outlook on Mr. Stallone. ROCKY BALBOA shows Stallone down on his luck and an underdog once again, which is just the way we like him. The most fun I had at the movies in a long time was had watching ROCKY BALBOA on opening night.
4) THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
The funniest film of the year or maybe even the past decade was THANK YOU FOR SMOKING. Aaron Eckhart rebounded nicely from the god-awful SUSPECT ZERO to give one of the best performances of his career as the 
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fast-talking, swift, and smooth Nick Naylor. This film proved that anything can be used for comedy or spun in a humorous light. I know comedy is not often awarded Oscars, but Aaron Eckhart should definitely be acknowledged for his tremendous performance in this film. It's one of the best comedic performances I have seen in quite some time.
3) THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Everyone knows I'm a sucker for a good cry and a good human drama. This film provided me with all of the above and then some. Will Smith tries on his dramatic shoes and brings along his cute little son for the ride in a film about decisions, responsibility, and family. If you don't break out in tears near the end of this movie, you don't have a soul or a heart. This film is last years IN HER SHOES for me. A film that affected me strongly and left me thoughtful for hours after it was over.
2) THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA
Tommy Lee Jones directs and acts in the best film from last year that nobody and I mean NOBODY saw. It was released in early January and it faded away into obscurity shortly after its release. I sure as hell didn't forget about this quiet, dark, and effective western that deals with remorse, regret, and revenge. Tommy Lee Jones is a tremendous actor when he gets the right part and this film is living proof of that fact. I highly encourage you to seek this film out right now. I promise you that you won't regret it.
1) UNITED 93
UNITED 93 is the best film of the year without question. No big name actors or special effects for this film. We are simply provided with a documentary-style look inside the plane during that tragic day. You get to see how they found out, how it went down, and how they all came together to attempt to stop them from going through with their plans. It is often hard to watch, but I think the best films are also the films that are the hardest to watch. A truly moving experience that I won't forget anytime soon. My only regret is that I wish I had seen the film a lot sooner.
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Every other Tuesday
Expect the unexpected from Tony as he'll give you his columns on the way movies used to be, the way movies are, and the way they should be.
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| Tony Farinella |
Tony is an Oak Lawn, IL based film reviewer and columnist looking to have fun and share his unique views on film with everyone. Tony also has an unhealthy obsession with Vanessa Lengies, but that is neither here nor there.
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