Well, I started this post a while ago, but it kind of got away from me. It’s not even July any more, so I figured I’d rush through this so you could at least see my pics. Did I do my research? No, I didn’t. Am I very tired? Yes, I am.
Top 10 Films of 2003
10. Elf
Edging out the haunting Elephant and somewhat amusing Old School is one of the better Christmas movies, Elf. In fact, this seems to be the go-to Christmas movie in my family these days.
9. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Just a grand adventure on the high seas. It all hinges on the strength of the relationship between Russel Crowe and Paul Bettany, and those guys nail it.
8. Finding Nemo
Another great movie from Pixar. Not my favorite, but certainly enjoyable for all ages.
7. X2: X-Men United
This sequel gave us more of everything we wanted, but in a cohesive, enjoyable story, unlike The Last Stand, which was content to throw as many characters and action set pieces at you as it could.
6. A Mighty Wind
What I found surprising about this film was just how much heart it had. Sure, it has that great Christopher Guest humor, but there are also a few tender moments too, I guess. I don’t really know, because I’m so tough.
5. Big Fish
Definitely one of my favorites from Tim Burton. Just a really neat film.
4. The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
So here was a movie that was just a lot of fun. A simple enough story, wonderful characters, some tasty special effects. Why’d the sequels have to get so convoluted?
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
A movie just as epic as it predecessors, and a damn satisfying conclusion to the franchise, but it loses points for being really long.
2. Lost in Translation
Sometimes it seems like this movie was just made for me, it play on a lot of my favorite things. I understand if it wouldn’t make your list, or if you even straight up don’t like it, but Lost in Translation really works for me.
1. Kill Bill, Vol. I
The first Quentin Tarantino movie I saw in theaters did not disappoint.
Top 10 Albums of 2003
10. The Darkness – Permission to Land
I guess I just find this album to be amusing. It rocks, but it also gets a lot of charm from lead singer Justin Hawkins. It’s a shame he left the band, because he’s what made it all work.
9. Rooney – Rooney
One for the ages. Well, no, definitely not. But it was pretty catchy. These guys kind of fell off the radar too.
8. Jet – Get Born
Oh man was I about this album back in the day. Jet were the shit. What happened to those times?
7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever to Tell
Finally, an album I still listen too today. Funny story, once I was listening to this on my iPod in the car on a family trip and my dad asked me to put in on the car speakers. We didn’t even make it through the first track before they requested I change to another band.
6. The Kings of Leon – Youth & Young Manhood
A lot of great KoL rockin’ is on display here, with some of my absolute songs in their library making their debut, such as “California Waiting” and “Holy Roller Novocaine” (by the way, I hate hidden tracks that are attached to other songs with several minutes of silence, that’s annoying).
5. The Strokes – Room on Fire
Honestly, I’m kind of lukewarm when it comes to The Strokes. Except for this masterpiece. So damn rockin’ you might just forget that your driving a semi and make a turn a little too sharp and cause a major accident.
4. The White Stripes – Elephant
The best White Stripes album? Maybe. If you asked me right now, I’d probably say it is.
3. My Morning Jacket – It Still Moves
Conan O’Brien said he’d buy it. Have you?
2. Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism
The album that made me about Death Cab. I have since checked out their earlier stuff, but if you ask me, it gets really good right here.
1. Radiohead – Hail to the Thief
Oh God damn you, Radiohead. Your music is so good.
Top 10 Video Games of 2003
10. Panzer Dragoon Orta
Sorry Beyond Good & Evil, I bought you too late and never played you. But this game is hella fun. And purdy, too.
9. F-Zero GX
It’s all about the tickets.
8. Viewtiful Joe
I feel like this was already on a list? Maybe? I dunno. Stylish time-bending side-scrolling action.
7. Burnout 2
They were like, “hey, crashing’s fun. Let’s make that into a game.” Genius.
6. Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
Sure, Jedi Outcast is the better game, but you could arguably have more fun with this sequel. Especially online. Dual lightsabers for the win!
5. Soul Calibur II
Everyone bought the GameCube version. It had Link! Link from Zelda! Yay!
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Beyond being absolutely gorgeous (at the time) this game was also one of the most fun in the series. Except for all the aimless sailing.
3. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$
What a brilliant game. God knows how many hours I wasted on this GameBoy classic.
2. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Just a really well made game. A delightful little story and some of the best platforming of all time make this a must-own.
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
There had never really been a Star Wars game like this before. An incredible RPG epic with a deep story that practically demanded multiple play-throughs. One of my favorite games ever.