The MoFo Top 100 of the 2000s Countdown

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Anyway, my opinion on The Departed has moved quite a bit over the years.

I saw it in theaters, with a packed house, and people were really into it. I thought it was very fun, and enjoyed it...but I didn't think it was anything more than that. I almost thought of it like Ocean's Eleven, like Scorsese doing something silly and enjoyable very well, but that it wouldn't really have any staying power once the twists and turns were known in advance. So for a year or two, that was my opinion: lots of fun, nothing else to see, one of his lesser works in terms of, ahem, art.

Then for whatever reason I popped it on to kill some time one day, and kinda...kept doing that. It became a frequent background film in the evenings, something to put on when I wasn't sure what to watch. Knowing everything that happens in advance made it more enjoyable, not less. I appreciated the way the story unfolds a lot more (and well as the acting and staging of each scene) when I didn't have to expend as much focus keeping up with the breakneck pace it inflicts on you in that first viewing.



Once I realized The Departed is a farce, I started enjoying it even more. All the things that seemed a little unserious about it suddenly seemed necessary and deliberate.

I still wouldn't put it among his best, but I've come around to the idea that it's actually a very good film.



Welcome to the human race...
One vote. Shaun was my #6, a formative moviegoing experience for a young Iro that served as a gateway into all manner of genre cinema, plus it holds up so well as its own thing. Departed is one of my least favourite Scorsese films (you can easily find an extremely negative review of it I wrote once, but I've mellowed on it since then).
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Marks another... Shaun was my #6

1. Moon (2009) - 48th
.
6. Shaun of the Dead (2004) - 20th
.
8. Sin City (2005) - 47th
.
11. Million Dollar Baby (2004) - 57th
.
13. Cast Away (2000) - 69th
.
20. Unbreakable (2000) - 62nd
21. Gladiator (2000) - 40th
.
22. Watchmen (2009) - 87th
23. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - 63rd
.



Donnie Darko - I watched this when it was first released on DVD, and I had zero idea what it was. It was amongst a bunch of DVD's my friend had got for free from work at a television studio, and I chose it to watch simply because the cast seemed like such a random bunch of has-beens and never were's at the time. Plus this unknown named Jake Gyllenhall, whose face I didn't like. So, I got to see it well before any of its cult status had developed, and while I remember thinking it was kind of an odd duck of a movie, and not a waste of time as a curiosity, I thought it had a bad case of the 'try hards'. There would be moments where I really thought it was potentially starting to cook, that it had real potential (its really great and very funny depiction of America in the late 80's), and then it would get goofy with unneccessarily showy camera tricks, or most egregiously, a bunny suit boogeyman. And no matter how iconic that bunny has become over the years, I still think it is a deeply stupid addition to the film. It reeks of 'how can we make this super weird and twisted', without it actually seeming particularly weird or twisted as it comes off as a deeply unimaginative ingredient, hoping to get it some credit from the weirds watching. Of course, a lot of the weirds lapped it up, but I just roll my eyes with every rewatch. Unfortunate, as I think the films general conceit is really good, and there are little pockets of brilliance. But it's never lifted off much from just being a curiosity to me. But one now that has die hard, frothing at the mouth super fans who I general find even more annoying than the movie.


Ratatouille: This has been pretty consistently been my least favorite Pixar that I've seen, next to cars. My reasoning is pretty bad. I don't like the gag of the rat controlling the cook by pulling his hair. My suspension of disbelief dies at that moment. Brilliant rat cooks are entirely acceptable to me though. Still alright, as Pixar at this point were masters of what they were doing. But simply too much hair pulling for me.


Oldboy: Already talked about it above. I liked it a lot. But no great favorite of mine.



O Brother Where Art Though: The rare Cohen Brothers movie that doesn't really work for me. I still like it, and would watch it if it was on tv right now, but I find its episodic structure boring, and its humor gawks too much. There is only so much Clooney overbite I should be expected to accept. Great music though. Also may have been the film where I started to feel John Goodman, American treasure, kind of annoys me.



Shaun of the Dead: Just a fantastic horror comedy hybrid. So few have ever done this balancing act correctly, and it nails treating its horror with genuine dread and pathos, while its humor effectively saws the legs off all of the genre tropes it is simultaneously using to thrill us. Probably as brilliant as scripted parody can be. It knows what it is doing and it excels at it. Just missed my list though.


The Departed: I recently rewatched this and it is a lot more enjoyable than I remember. None of its deeper themes really resonate much with me, and at the point this came out I had grown tired of Mob Scorsese, but there is some amount of thrill and perversity in watching the cat and mouse game between Leo and Matt Damon. So, slightly better than my initial experience with it, but still in the bottom third of Scorsese's filmography. At least it allows Mark Wahlberg the chance to play the character he was born to play--a douchey *******. No need to suffer through his doughey eyed innocence in this one. Or that weird whispery thing he does when he is playing sincere. Just straight up insufferable prick. Perfect casting!




Once I realized The Departed is a farce, I started enjoying it even more.

I think this was what I missed on my first viewing of it. I had put on my Goodfella or Mean Street glasses, and it is very much not that kind of movie, requiring that kind of viewing. The less seriously it is taken, the more power (and fun!) it has.





I didn't think I was going to like The Departed when I first saw it. Marky Mark is probably my least favorite actor ever and I don't like Alec Baldwin or Matt Damon either. I'd also had very limited experience with watching Jack Nicholson at that point (I still do, actually) and, while I'd respected DiCaprio's performance in things like What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Catch Me If You Can, and The Aviator, I still mostly thought of him as the pretty boy all the other girls had been swooning over in Titanic. But my mom wanted to see it, she was paying, and it's rare that I'll pass up a free trip to the theater.

I loved it. The story really pulled me in, it was surprisingly funny, had great characters, and somehow that pretty boy wasn't so pretty anymore. He was HOT. It rocketed up my favorites and secured a place in my top ten for many years. It's slipped a bit and fell to number 18 the last time I did my top 100 and I'm not sure where it would land now. I am overdue for a rewatch and it was one among many that I'd planned to see again before voting but never got to. But there was no way it wasn't going to place somewhere on my ballot and after much shuffling and reshuffling, it ended up at #14.



I didn't care at all for Shaun of the Dead.

Seen: 49/82

My Ballot:
1. Quills (#67)
2. Gladiator (#40)
3. Up (#33)
5. Ratatouille (#23)
6. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (#91)
14. The Departed (#19)
21. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (#63)
25. Surf's Up (One-Pointer)



Have seen so far: 27 - Shaun of the Dead - An exciting and fun zombie comedy film. The Departed - A great crime film that takes place in Boston.
Have not seen so far: 59


My Ballots So Far
#1. The Departed (2006)
#9 - Spider Man 2 (2004)
#13. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
#20 - Hot Fuzz (2007)
One Pointer - #25 - Anger Management (2003)
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The Departed was number on my ballot and is one of my all time favourites! Shaun of the Dead is great too, but didn't make my ballot.



There's been quite a few reveals since my last visit here and some of them were even good films. So let's start there.

City Of God I saw a few times when it came out and was a big fan of, always talking it up and getting people to see it. I thought it was fantastic and the only reason I didn't put it on my 100 was because I'm sure I've not seen it enough to warrant it's place. Another viewing or two and it might be there.

Donnie Darko I knew of because Drew's production company were making it (and she's in it, extra rep for @John-Connor for the pic of her in the movie so when it was released I was eager to hear what people thought and also to see it myself. I really liked it, but I wasn't in love with it as so many were at the time. Maybe I was just a little too old to get caught up in it like that? Anyway, a really interesting film. Drew looks great and is the perfect 'cool' teacher you (I'd) always wanted, but I'm not sure how I'd view it today?

Let The Right One In was another film which had a real groundswell of 'You've gotta see this' from the festivals at the time, so I was eager for it. I saw it twice and both times I thought it was fantastic. Beautifully filmed and it uses its locations really well. Great performances and, at the time, probably the best recreation of the 80's I could remember seeing. I feel this would definitely hold up to a viewing today.

Downfall I think I've only seen once. Maybe twice? This (along with Memories Of Murder) I bought blind with the money I was saving when I quit smoking in 2007 (I think) and thought it was brilliant. I think I did take this to a friends for her to see (which is why I think I might've seen it twice) but I've not seen it since, which is a shame because I'd probably love it as much now as I did then. If I could sit long enough to actually watch it.

Speaking of Memories Of Murder, which I did, I thought it was also really good, but I don't see what makes it 'great'. Something I'd certainly recommend (and have done) but when people talk about it in such glowing terms I wonder what I missed.

Requiem For A Dream I saw twice and thought it was fantastic, but not really disturbing as others seem too. There may be a good reason for that. People have already mentioned Ellen Burstyn, but she really is magnificent in it.

I was a big fan of The Coen's in the 90's and did enjoy O Brother Where Art Thou? but it's the first film I noticed the work of the colourist and, while I thought it was OK, even then it bothered me a little. Surprisingly the music didn't, not that I'd want to listen to it at any other time, but in the film it worked well.

I thought The Departed was OK, but it didn't blow me away. I think I've only seen it the once. Shaun Of The Dead I was really excited about but it didn't work for me. I think I laughed twice in the whole film (when the landlady is introduced and the guy's torn apart in the pub) but otherwise it was just there, really. I've since found out that I don't really like any of the creative work of the people involved, so it's just not for me.

I've not seen Hot Fuzz at all. Ratatouille and Oldboy I think I might've started but quickly bailed from at some point, but I'm not sure.

BTW, for those who've never seen it and those who thought they wouldn't again, here's the best of the Downfall memes. Made by our very own Weeman for the 90's countdown. I include it because it's funny, because it does contain some of the feeling of excitedly waiting for the day's reveal, only to be disappointed and the fact that Raul has been doing a very good impression of SC.



I agree with sentiments posted. I liked Donnie Darko quite a bit back in the day, haven't watched it for a long time, and thought that its following had diminished over time - you just don't hear about it anymore. But...I guess I was wrong.
Meant to include this. It's a 00's countdown for, I would guess, a majority voting age of over 30? You have 25 slots to fill. What else are you going to vote for?
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Shaun of the Dead did not make the Millennium List though it was #17 on the MoFo Top 100 Horror List and #21 on the reboot of that list. The Departed was #12 on the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List as well as #7 on the original MoFo Top 100, though it completely missed that list in the recent reboot.
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There's been quite a few reveals since my last visit here and some of them were even good films. So let's start there.

City Of God I saw a few times when it came out and was a big fan of, always talking it up and getting people to see it. I thought it was fantastic and the only reason I didn't put it on my 100 was because I'm sure I've not seen it enough to warrant it's place. Another viewing or two and it might be there.

Donnie Darko I knew of because Drew's production company were making it (and she's in it, extra rep for @John-Connor for the pic of her in the movie so when it was released I was eager to hear what people thought and also to see it myself. I really liked it, but I wasn't in love with it as so many were at the time. Maybe I was just a little too old to get caught up in it like that? Anyway, a really interesting film. Drew looks great and is the perfect 'cool' teacher you (I'd) always wanted, but I'm not sure how I'd view it today?

Let The Right One In was another film which had a real groundswell of 'You've gotta see this' from the festivals at the time, so I was eager for it. I saw it twice and both times I thought it was fantastic. Beautifully filmed and it uses its locations really well. Great performances and, at the time, probably the best recreation of the 80's I could remember seeing. I feel this would definitely hold up to a viewing today.

Downfall I think I've only seen once. Maybe twice? This (along with Memories Of Murder) I bought blind with the money I was saving when I quit smoking in 2007 (I think) and thought it was brilliant. I think I did take this to a friends for her to see (which is why I think I might've seen it twice) but I've not seen it since, which is a shame because I'd probably love it as much now as I did then. If I could sit long enough to actually watch it.

Speaking of Memories Of Murder, which I did, I thought it was also really good, but I don't see what makes it 'great'. Something I'd certainly recommend (and have done) but when people talk about it in such glowing terms I wonder what I missed.

Requiem For A Dream I saw twice and thought it was fantastic, but not really disturbing as others seem too. There may be a good reason for that. People have already mentioned Ellen Burstyn, but she really is magnificent in it.

I was a big fan of The Coen's in the 90's and did enjoy O Brother Where Art Thou? but it's the first film I noticed the work of the colourist and, while I thought it was OK, even then it bothered me a little. Surprisingly the music didn't, not that I'd want to listen to it at any other time, but in the film it worked well.

I thought The Departed was OK, but it didn't blow me away. I think I've only seen it the once. Shaun Of The Dead I was really excited about but it didn't work for me. I think I laughed twice in the whole film (when the landlady is introduced and the guy's torn apart in the pub) but otherwise it was just there, really. I've since found out that I don't really like any of the creative work of the people involved, so it's just not for me.

I've not seen Hot Fuzz at all. Ratatouille and Oldboy I think I might've started but quickly bailed from at some point, but I'm not sure.

BTW, for those who've never seen it and those who thought they wouldn't again, here's the best of the Downfall memes. Made by our very own Weeman for the 90's countdown. I include it because it's funny, because it does contain some of the feeling of excitedly waiting for the day's reveal, only to be disappointed and the fact that Raul has been doing a very good impression of SC.




Meant to include this. It's a 00's countdown for, I would guess, a majority voting age of over 30? You have 25 slots to fill. What else are you going to vote for?
I'll admit I started acting like SC, but then I haven't been as disappointed with the results as SC was, so it's thrown my whole act off. We have a little ways to go though, so stay tuned



I think Yoda is spot on with The Departed. It's just a lot of fun, and of course it appeals to me being a Boston guy with characters who talk the way I talk. I think there are some movies/characters/people/etc, which in order to like them, a certain amount of confidence in oneself can be helpful. Is it a great movie? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe f**k ya self.

I like Shaun of the dead more than Hot Fuzz but that ain't saying much.

1. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) (#59)
2. Downfall (2004) (#28)
4. City of God (2002) (#25)
5. Adaptation (2002) (#43)
6. The Devil's Rejects (2005) (#94)
8. 28 Days Later (2002) (#45)
10. The Wrestler (2008) (#54)
11. Mystic River (2003) (#65)
13. The Departed (2006) (#19)
14. Sideways (2002) (#39)
15. Amores Perros (2000) (#81)
16. Donnie Darko (2001) (#24)
17. Y tu mamá también (2001) (#95)



I've seen Shaun of the Dead twice. I thought it was pretty damn funny, but not the masterpiece the internet makes it out to be. I'd go as far as to say I prefered Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim. My favorite Edgar Wright film, btw, is Hot Fuzz.

The Departed was #8 on my list. With most Scorsese movies, they're very enjoyable, but I always find something I don't like. Such was not the issue with The Departed.

Sent-In Ballot:

#2. Oldboy (22)
#3. Sin City (47)
#5. Requiem for a Dream (26)
#7. Yi Yi (49)
#8. The Departed (19)
#10. Casino Royale (37)
#13. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#15. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (53)
#16. Let the Right One In (29)
#20. Iron Man (83)
#22. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)
#25. Hot Fuzz (30)

Post-Ballot:

#2. Oldboy (22)
#3. Sin City (47)
#5. Requiem for a Dream (26)
#7. Yi Yi (49)
#8. The Departed (19)
#10. Casino Royale (37)
#12. Snatch (71)
#14. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (53)
#17. Let the Right One In (29)
#18. Slumdog Millionaire (not placed but it made my new 25)
#19. Monsters, Inc. (74)
#22. Iron Man (83)
#23. Fantastic Mr. Fox (70)
#25. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)

Seen 44/80



Two more from my list. How’s that for a slice of fried gold?

Thief mentioned in the trivia section that 28 Days Later was inspired by the Resident Evil games. Well so was Shaun of the Dead. As a fan of the video game franchise this makes me happy. Ironically no actual Resident Evil movies will be making the countdown.

Whenever a while goes by since I’ve seen The Departed it always makes me think it’s not that good, probably from all the negative reactions to it on the internet. Then I watch it again and love it all over again. I live in Massachusetts and saw it opening night with my friends in a packed theater. During the shocking climax the guy in front of us stood up and yelled, “That’s the Boston police department for yah!” And dragged his lady out of the theater.



Shaun of the Dead was on my ballot at #13, making it the second zombie film to make my list. Here's what I wrote on it a while ago:

This is now among my favorite horror comedy films and my favorite horror films of the decade. While many zombie films usually have a couple or more extraneous characters who don't do much, the same can't be said for this film. Every single major character and multiple events in the film play an important role in advancing the character arc of Shaun: an electronics salesman with no direction in his life. The film starts off as a romantic comedy as it details how his life is slowly falling apart. Once the zombie apocalypse breaks out though, it's up to him to redeem himself for his family and his friends. This character arc could've been presented by way of a drama film, but the zombies themselves add an extra layer to the film. This layer is how Shaun, in many ways, acts as a social zombie by how his daily routines are occasionally dull and lifeless. Scenes with him walking towards the camera in a zombie-like manner and an extended sequence of him walking to a convenient store without noticing a number of zombies pursuing him along the way serve to reinforce how his physical behavior holds certain similarities to them. In addition to some well-written lines and scenes of comedy and some memorable instances of violence, this film definitely earns its status as a great film.

The Departed didn't make my list since my memory of the film is really poor, but I might rewatch it someday to see how well it holds up. Compared to some other Scorsese films I watched around that time (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street), this is the one that disappeared from my memory the most. I do remember liking it though. I thought the acting was fine, the pacing operated at a breakneck speed which worked for a little while but eventually wore me out in the final act, and there were also some suspenseful and unexpected twists and turns of the plot.

1. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (#78)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. A Serious Man (#66)
8.
9. 28 Days Later (#45)
10.
11.
12.
13. Shaun of the Dead (#20)
14.
15.
16. Requiem For a Dream (#16)
17.
18. The Pianist (#31)
19.
20. Moon (#48)
21.
22.
23. Sunshine (#88)
24.
25. The New World (#99)
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I've seen both, and I'm back at 50%. Shaun of the Dead carries the burden of being a horror-comedy, a genre combination I very rarely like. I watched it when it was new, and didn't find it funny. I tried to give it another chance when it was on telly several years ago but didn't even finish that rewatch. The Departed was a mediocre film that I've never felt the need to revisit. No votes, but I'd consider both if we ever do a list of the most overrated films.

Seen: 41/82
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