Review of the Year: 2006

2006 is nearly behind us and, as film years go, it's been a pretty good one, even if many left it until quite late in the day to make their play. Of course, there's also been plenty that was pure keech and that's why the film types here at The Skinny have put our heads together and come up with what we consider to be the best and worst of the year. An amazing 68 different films received a vote for the top spot but, as the man once said, there can be only ten....

Top 10

10. The Proposition
This vivid and brutal western, penned by Nick Cave, was a powerful and beautiful film. Although it probably wouldn't have made my own personal Top 10, it got a lot of love elsewhere. Stupid democracies.

9. Capote
Philip Seymour Hoffman finally became a star with his Oscar winning portrayal of Truman Capote in this well crafted biopic that focused on his relationship with a death row killer.

8. Pan's Labyrinth
You've gotta love those monsters as Guillermo del Toro proves once again that it isn't Hollywood that brings out the best in him. The moral of the story? Stick to Spanish, Billy.

7. Hidden
Michael Haneke's genuinely shocking thriller featured excellent performances even if it wasn't exactly an easy watch.

6. The Prestige
A powerhouse cast was only one of the high points in this tricksy tale of warring magicians. We've come to expect no less from director Christopher Nolan these days.

5. The Departed
Everything you could possibly want from a crime thriller, including a completely loopy Jack Nicholson. A glorious return to form for Scorsese and surely the one that will finally land him his Oscar.

4. Volver
One of Pedro Almodovar's best ever films has it all - melodrama, comedy, a ghost story. And Penelope Cruz can act. Who knew?

3. Brick
The spirit of Dashiell Hammett is alive and well in this gripping teen noir that plays like a high school comedy directed by David Lynch.

2. Little Miss Sunshine
It was a close run thing but this delightful comedy drama just missed out on the top spot. Keep an Oscar eye on it though.

1.Borat
Niiiice. The funniest film in many years is also the best film of the year. A fearless, hilarious, jaw dropping comedy that has become an instant classic.


Bubbling Under

Good displays all round by these guys but they just didn't quite make the cut....
Walk the Line
Good Night and Good Luck
Lady Vengeance
United 93
Clerks II



Bottom 10
The ones to run away from, laugh at or just plain avoid, in order from least worst to worst worst.

10. The Pink Panther
In the year that gave us Borat, why should we have to put up with dross like this?

9. Little Man
Or this?

8. The Fog
Dismal horror films aren't exactly thin on the ground, but some are just that bit more special.

7. Beerfest
I walked out after less than half of this atrocity, but luckily many of my colleagues also hated it. Democracies are great.

6. The Black Dahlia
Who remembers when Brian de Palma used to be a talented filmmaker? I do actually, but then I'm very, very old.

5. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
Pray that 'The Beginning' marks the end, because this was a serious waste of time.

4. Basic Instinct 2
Keep 'em on love.

3. The Omen
Answers on a postcard if you think a movie should be made just because it's got a cool release date.

2. The Da Vinci Code
The film that proved 100 million people could sleep with their eyes open.

1. The Wicker Man
"Aaah, my legs." It was never going to be a good idea, but did anyone think it would be so truly, hilariously awful?


Bubbling Under

This lot weren't quite bad enough to make it into the bottom 10, but they're all still utterly dreadful and you shouldn't consider seeing them under any circumstances, even, and possibly especially, if you're drunk.
Aeon Flux
Click
It's a Boy Girl Thing
Silent Hill
Ultraviolet