Forget about the Academy Awards. Time to select some of the greatest films – and biggest flops – of 2002. From the gorgeous to the grotesque, the sensational to the stupid, we’ve got the year’s best and worst right here.
Funniest Release: “Barbershop.” Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer are both hilarious. The star-studded cast (which included Eve, Sean P. Thomas and Anthony Anderson) drives a heartwarming story while delivering a whole lot of laughs. Very nicely done. Rating: B +
Most Wicked Stunts: “xXx.” Vin Diesel makes this one, although it doesn’t have much else going for it. Counted were five explosions, four bike stunts, three car chases, two air jumps, at least one avalanche and a partridge in a pear tree. Gotta love it. Rating: A –
Best Fight Scenes: “Brotherhood of the Wolf.” The amazing choreography and superb timing featured in this French import is greater than that of any American release this year. If its audience can forgive the overdubs, it’ll keep them on the edge of their seats right up to the final climactic battle. Rating: A –
Worst Story: “Feardotcom.” A “patchwork” movie if ever there was one, the writers steal ideas and scenes from older, much better movies. Perhaps it’s so convoluted and full of holes so as to distract us from the cliches and bad acting. Rating: D –
Best Adventure: “LOTR: The Two Towers” / “Spiderman.” It’s a tie! Both are solid, enjoyable films with a healthy mix of comedy and tragedy, not to mention some very well done stunts and fighting. Both are also viable candidates for Film of the Year. Rating: A +
Biggest Disappointment: “Star Wars” Episode II. Horrid acting. The plot seems strained and contrived in a couple of places. And what’s up with Yoda’s fight scene? Excellent visuals, but it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Rating: C +
Best Drama: “8-Mile.” Gotta give it up for Eminem. Love him or hate him, you have to admit that the storyline, in and of itself, is a good one. Very well paced and well written. And it doesn’t hurt to have heavyweights like Kim Basinger and Mekhi Pfiefer in your corner. Rating: A +
Best Special Effects: “Star Trek: Nemesis.” In sheer spectacle alone, this tenth film of the “Star Trek” franchise surpasses even its own predecessors. And that’s saying a lot. Combine that with a compelling story and a superb performance from its cast, and you have one of the greatest science fiction fantasies of all time. Rating: A +
Biggest Waste of Time: “Eight Crazy Nights.” C’mon, seriously, folks. It’s Adam Sandler. Animated. Which somehow allows him to seem more obnoxious than he is in live action. Why oh why did I waste my time seeing this? Rating: F
Most Potential: “Sweet Home Alabama.” This one’s a mixed bag. A so-so story with a formula resolution, but Reese Witherspoon’s charm and Candace Bergen’s wit keep it from being a total wash. It could’ve been better, but then again, it could’ve been much worse. Rating: C +
2002 Film of the Year: “City by the Sea. Robert DeNiro outdoes himself. And for a performer with his credentials, that’s a tough thing to do. This movie is as powerful as it is believable. Excellent timing, excellent writing, excellent cast. Simply…excellent. Rating: A ++
