Top Movies of 2006

An excellent James Bond debut for Daniel Craig, this 007 film is in the style of the recent Bourne movies with fantastic action sequences and fight scenes. The plot development is well paced and there is an even balance of drama, romance, intensity and action. This is a lot more grittier than any of the previous 007 films.

An imaginative story complemented by creative directing. The disgusting and horrifying-looking creatures are amazing to look at but the subtle workings of cinematography is brilliant. It's a touching, beautiful film.

A creative and political concept. Like classic sci-fi films that are set in the future such as 'Blade Runner' and 'A Clockwork Orange', this film is a social commentary on humanity and government control. This is shot in a realistic documentary-like style, especially the scene where Theo is in the middle of war-ravaged streets. Clive Owen is terrific.

Marty uses his trademark techniques and camera-work to try construct another 'GoodFellas'. Unfortunately it's nowhere near as good as that masterpiece and it's a real shame that when one looks back at his career his first Oscar is for this instead of his more deserving classics. The acting from DiCaprio Damon and Wahlberg was impressive and the film's structure was good. It did however improve on 'Infernal Affairs'.

There were two period-piece magician movies in 2006: 'The Illusionist' and 'The Prestige'. The latter being the superior. 'Prestige' is about obsession and rivalry and is presented in non-linear story-telling, like other Nolan films such as 'Memento' and the first part of 'Batman Begins'. This keeps the audience guessing as there are many twists, quite appropriate for a film about illusion. Most of the main cast members put on accents but they do so expertly. Bale and Jackman were superb.

This comedy from Will Ferrell was a great surprise. It was stupid but was terrifically funny. I found myself laughing almost every scene. However this is mainly for Will Ferrell fans.

Hilarious! A distasteful but funny mocumentary. Not for everyone.

Charming film with great characterisations and cinematography. The film techniques were creative but the touching and imaginative story was even better. Ferrell shows he is good at the serious stuff as well as comedies. He is backed-up well by Hoffman.

A tale of two women who are suffering from loneliness and obsession, but differently. The two main characters are depicted terrifically by two accomplished actresses in Dame Judy Dench (GoldenEye) and Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth). The film's focus is on how these two women handle their loneliness and become obsessed in their own way.

Frustrating yet touching film where family triumphs overall. Think 'The Royal Tenenbaums' meets 'National Lampoon's Vacation'.