The Top Ten Movies of 2002
According to Dave Flapan

10) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Similar (maybe better than) its predecessor, The Two Towers depicts the journey of the Hobbits. As in the previous film, the story is an epic with mind-blowing special effects, scenery, art, and all the other production values. Not especially a fan of the trilogy, I am a fan of these films, as the timeless story is related as a classic fantasy.

America Ferrara is a new talent who plays an 18-year-old Mexican high school graduate. The film takes place in the summer between graduation and her hopeful entry to college. While the theme of parents inflicting their old-school values on their children is not original, this film injects a fresh angle into that story, with America's character showing how she is liberated and empowered. While she loves her family, she dreads placing her own future on hold. Thoughtful and positive, especially for teens.

Spiderman, the biggest blockbuster of the year, tells the story of Peter Parker. He is a less-than-average high school student who gets bitten by a radioactive spider, granting him spider-like powers (spin webs, walk on walls, strength, etc.). Toby McGuire, as the title character, fits the role better than most of us expected. Very little thinking is required in this grand, effects-laden, popcorn spectacular.

The first collaboration between Leo, Tom, and Steven naturally produces a comedy that is fun, thoughtful, involving, and yet, based on a true story. Leo is a young man who fakes his way through life with lies, counterfeits, and forgeries. Steven gets us to root for him, despite his crimes. Exceeded my expectations.

Is some knowledge of the entertainment industry required to enjoy this film? I would not go so far as to say required, but it does make the movie much more enjoyable. Nicolas Cage plays Charlie (and his fictional twin Donald) Kaufman, a Hollywood screenwriter. He is attempting to adapt his next book project for the screen. We can all identify with writer's block, identifying with characters, which are all depicted here humorously. But it is the many references to Hollywood, and especially the films of Charlie Kaufman, that are especially entertaining. Nic Cage's acting is icing, as the same actor creates two distinct characters.

The production values on this picture are so supreme that one can hardly tell that this was made last year, not in 1957, when it takes place. Julianne Moore turns in another Oscar-caliber performance as a housewife, she can double for the Beaver's mom, she is amazing to watch. The way the issues of the film are handled (emerging homosexuality, race relations) is surprising now, but standard back then, so we get a little history also. While us in the younger set may barely fathom how it used to be, it is a tribute to how far we have come.

The director of "A Little Princess" and the third Harry Potter film turns in this tale of two Mexican young men who embark on a road trip with a slightly older woman. The guys have been friends for a long time, but come from different class backgrounds. The dialogue often revolves around class, relationships, and are frequently graphic, but also honest.

Tom Cruise is an officer who, with psychic help, can see upcoming homicides, and acts to prevent them. Around 50 years in the future, this technology is highly developed, and privacy is scarce. Another Spielberg film, so naturally, the special effects are high, and the story is intelligent with few flaws.

Michael Moore, the Everyman dude in jeans and cap, attempts to show the impact of guns, violence, media, and gun control on society. Through interviews with celebrites (Charlton Heston, Dick Clark), citizens (from Columbine, Detroit, and Canada), and corporations (K-Mart), Moore paints a surprisingly convincing picture of what might be wrong with America. Admittedly not trying to offer solutions, Moore provokes thought and discussion on his depictions, and even his unique methods.

The accomplishment of bringing Frida to the screen could be a drama in itself for producer/star Salma Hayek. This biography stays largely faithful to the Herrera book on which it is based. The 1920s and 30s of Mexico are recreated beautifully, and the now-classic artwork of Frida Kahlo is placed into fulfilling context. Salma, breathtaking as usual, eloquently conveys Frida's heartache and torture, but also her beauty and talent.