1. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"(2001)
Every generation needs their own cinematic adventure saga, and Peter Jackson's unrivalled commitment to the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien has arguably earned more film geek gratitude than any motion picture since George Lucas first unleashed his fertile imagination a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. That's quite a compliment for an unassuming fellow like Frodo. The most ambitious production in movie history, the mammoth one-year shoot in New Zealand for all three films, allowed Jackson to retain the same cast and crew as well as maintain a consistent tone throughout. Howard Shore's magnificent score propels this introduction to Middle-earth, which contains a peaceful serenity that sets "Fellowship" slightly apart from the lengthy and bombastic battles that populate the next two installments. That's not to say that there isn't plenty of peril and sword fights on this journey. A new era in fantasy film-making had truly begun.
2. "Shrek"(2001)
DreamWorks enlisted an A-list voice cast comprised of Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz for this surprising summer smash that left Woody and Buzz quaking in their boots after the box office totals came in. This not-so-jolly green ogre became a pop-culture phenomenon and an ubiquitous presence on movie screens, but three sequels, spinoffs and a relentless merchandising machine caused many to forget just how fresh and funny the character was the first time around. Meyers' Scottish accent became instantly iconic while Murphy's motor-mouthed sidekick Donkey is the sole reason he stayed relevant. A pop soundtrack and a complete lack of reverence for Disney classics helped "Shrek" claim the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, as well as a spot among the long, rich pantheon of cartoon greats.
3. "A Beautiful Mind"(2001)
Ron Howard was probably the most underappreciated director in Hollywood despite his ability to produce successful films in nearly every genre with remarkable ease. The industry finally took notice and awarded him the Best Picture/Director combo for telling the story of troubled mathematical genius John Nash in such compelling fashion and for getting another stupendous performance out of Russell Crowe. The Aussie superstar convinces as the arrogant 1950s college professor turned mental patient turned 1994 Nobel Prize winner, while Jennifer Connelly earned the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her moving portrayal of his long-suffering wife. This film has been criticized for taking some significant liberties with Nash's life- did his marriage REALLY survive all those hallucinations about Paul Bettany and Ed Harris? Or did he only hear voices?? It's still a great movie.
4. "Monster's Ball"(2001)
Halle Berry's filmography doesn't exactly read like a list of essential artistic endeavors, but few would argue that the Best Actress Oscar didn't go to it's rightful owner in 2001. She bares all, literally and figuratively, for this bleak drama as a poverty-stricken waitress coping with an obese son and a death-row husband(Sean 'P Diddy' Combs) in the deep South. She finds unlikely friendship and comfort in the form of Billy Bob Thornton's sullen prison guard, a relationship that changes both of their lives. BBT is clearly comfortable back in "Sling Blade" territory, helping Halle create something special, and I'm not just talking about that raw lovemaking session. The late, great Roger Ebert wasn't far off when he named this indie darling the year's best film.
5. "In the Bedroom"(2001)
Speaking of stark dramas, here's another one you might lie awake thinking about. Respected character actor Tom Wilkinson sure made the most of a rare but well-deserved starring role as an aging, anguished father dealing with the shocking murder of his son(Nick Stahl). Sissy Spacek is his equally distraught wife, and she's certainly no stranger to critical acclaim. After their boy pays a heavy price for carrying on with a married woman(Marisa Tomei), revenge may be the only thing than can ease the pain. Director Todd Field displays tremendous skill in his film debut.
6. "Black Hawk Down"(2001)
A reenergized Ridley Scott, hot on the heels of "Gladiator", stages this kinetic and intense reenactment of our harrowing 1993 conflict with Somalia that often gets overshadowed by the longer, more famous battles in the annals of U.S. military history. Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, Ewan MacGregor, Tom Sizemore and Sam Shepard were enlisted to help recreate the 15 hour firefight that claimed the lives of 19 American soldiers and over 1,000 Somalis. Scott spares viewers little of the ensuing carnage in a seemingly conscious effort to stretch the celebrated twenty-five minute opening of "Saving Private Ryan" into a breathless two hours and 25 minutes.
7. "Monster's, Inc."(2001)
With Shrek breathing down their necks, that trailblazing bunch over at Pixar couldn't rest on their laurels if they were going to remain the industry standard when it came to animated excellence. The beautiful blue fur of John Goodman's hulking Sully was an impressive counterpunch. "MI" isn't the best Pixar flick, but there's absolutely no shame in falling below "Toy Story". Kids AND adults came away smiling, a goal this studio reaches much more often than not, and Billy Crystal's vocals make one-eyed green monster Mike a most pleasant protagonist. Twelve years later, we would meet up with this delightful duo again in the 2013 prequel "Monster's University".
8. "Ali"(2001)
It was only a matter of time before Muhammad Ali, the undisputable boxing legend/cultural force of nature, was given the Hollywood biopic treatment, and there was really only one A-list actor who could believably embody 'The Greatest'. Enter a bulked-up Will Smith in Academy Award-worthy form. Who knew the former Fresh Prince, part-time rapper and aggressively commercial star of "Independence Day" and "Men In Black" had this sort of transformative acting ability in him? Director Michael Mann covers the most crucial ten year period of Ali's life(1964-74) which contained his conversion to the Nation of Islam and defining battles with Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman AND the federal government over his refusal to be drafted into Vietnam.
9. "Training Day"(2001)
In an uncommonly strong year for male lead performances, Russell Crowe and Will Smith both could have easily taken the Best Actor Oscar without much protest. However, you're looking at the frightening face of 2001's winner. Denzel Washington made a huge departure from his usual heroic roles with his electrifying turn as deranged detective Alonzo Harris in director Antoine Fuqua's gritty urban cop thriller. His show-stopping histrionics is the main reason you stop your late night channel-surfing every time this flick pops up(I can't go to bed until I've heard his 'King Kong' speech). Denzel's endlessly quotable turn made it easy to overlook an equally strong Ethan Hawke as his incorruptible rookie partner.
10. "Ocean's Eleven"(2001)
George Clooney and Brad Pitt cemented their reps as this generation's kings of cool in Steve Soderbergh's breezy remake that improves upon the 1960 Rat Pack caper. These guys make planning a high-stakes heist seem as casual as a trip to the grocery store, and therein lies the appeal of the whole shiny enterprise. Matt Damon gets a rub from two heavyweight heartthrobs, Julia Roberts has a small role and Andy Garcia brings some menace as a Vegas casino boss. This is a fun jaunt through Sin City, too bad Clooney and company were only amusing themselves in two smug sequels.
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