Cinema Connoisseur: The top 100 films of the past decade (#80 to 61)

Our regular Cinema Connoisseur Allen Gaynor is still incarcerated in Peru, so his twin brother Sal Gaynor continues sharing his list of the top films of the past decade, this week counting down from 80 to 61.

80. The Bank Job (2008) — Based on a true story, this one sees action star extraordinaire Jason Statham leading a bank robbery in London, England.

79. I Love You, Man (2009) — A far better film than it had any right to be. Paul Rudd is about to wed, and realizes he has no best man candidates. This leads to a “bromance” with Jason Segal that puts a strain on the wedding plans. A funny film that never goes too over the top.

78. About a Boy (2002) — Will (Hugh Grant) has never worked a day in his life, and lives a very selfishly. Things change after a chance meeting with a 12 year old boy. Some say this is the man's version of Bridget Jones' Diary.

77. Ali (2001) — Will Smith graduated from fighting aliens to portraying perhaps the most famous man on the planet, Muhammad Ali. The film focuses on the 1964 to 1974 portion of Ali's life, which included many big fights, none bigger than his battle to stay out of the Vietnam War.

76. In Bruges (2008) — Two hit men hide out in Bruges, Belgium after a job gone wrong, waiting instructions from their boss. This comedy/drama shows that Colin Farrell can do more than drink and bang models — he can act, earning a Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical) Golden Globe award.

75. Monster (2003) — Charlize Theron racked up many awards, including a Best Actress Oscar for her turn as Aileen Wuornos, a real-life prostitute turned killer who was executed for killing seven men.

74. Little Children (2006) — A man and woman who are both experiencing marital difficulties begin an affair. Good things rarely come from these scenarios, and the characters in this film find that out. Kate Winslet and Jennifer Connelly star.

73. Murderball (2005) — The most dangerous sport does not take place in an Octagon, or in Michael Vick's basement. The documentary Murderball introduces the viewer to the brutality of wheelchair rugby, highlighting the rivalry between the Canadian and United States teams.

72. The Tailor of Panama (2001) — A corrupt British spy (Pierce Brosnan) who has been banished by his government, and a tailor with a past he wishes to keep under wraps, nearly cause a complete political upheaval in Panama thanks to some creative lies. If that's not enough for you, it also features the screen debut of Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, back when he was young enough to be playing Harry Potter.

71. Mulholland Drive (2001) — This film would be a lot higher...if I understood it. Director David Lynch has made a career out of making surreal films such as this one, which leaves you scratching your head. The movie may not make any sense, but it is just too good to ignore.

70. Burn After Reading (2008) — A disk belonging to a CIA agent that supposedly contains highly important information is used as a blackmail tool by two dimwitted gym employees. Brad Pitt and George Clooney are among the cast members of this Coen brothers comedy.

69. Eastern Promises (2007) — Canadian director David Cronenberg's Russian mafia tale that features a shocking fight near the end which features a lot of blood. And Viggo Mortensen's penis. You've been warned about both.

68. Batman Begins (2005) — After a few lousy films featuring The Caped Crusader, the franchise received a much needed reboot, led by a new Bruce Wayne/Batman, Christian Bale. Spawned a sequel that did pretty well.

67. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) — Chris Gardner (Will Smith) and his young son face homelessness as Gardner pursues his dream of becoming a stockbroker. Based on a true story.

66. Good Night and Good Luck (2005) — Communist hating Senator Joseph McCarthy clashes with CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow in director George Clooney's look at the paranoia of the early 1950s.

65. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) — Quentin Tarantino's tale of The Bride (Uma Thurman), who seeks revenge on her former colleagues after they left her for dead at her wedding. Much more action orientated than Vol. 2, which was released the next year. The end battle is amazing.

64. Star Trek (2009) — Much like Batman Begins, the Star Trek series was in need of a fresh start. Going back to the beginning, this one documents the early days of Kirk, Spock, and my favourite, Scotty.

63. A Beautiful Mind (2001) — Mathematician John Nash has a brilliant mind, but a troubled one as well, suffering from schizophrenia. Russell Crow plays Nash, and Jennifer Connelly plays his wife.

62. Inside Man (2006) — Spike Lee's film about a bank robbery that falls apart, leading to a hostage situation, and many interesting exchanges between robber (Clive Owen) and cop (Denzel Washington).

61. Ray (2004) — Heroin and whores nearly ruin musician Ray Charles' life in this enthralling biopic which earned Jamie Foxx an Academy Award.

Next week I'll countdown numbers 60 through 41. To view numbers 100 through 81, visit www.cinemaconn.com.