It's the end of the year, so naturally you would expect some kind of a special post to commemorate the end of yet another decade. Truth is, I had a couple of things lined up, problem is I can't seem to muster up my creative muscles for quite some time now. But I seem to have got myself together for tonight, so here goes.
Despite being open to any genre of films, I can't deny that any good action movies can rile up that nine year old in me who saw Terminator II: Judgment Day [1991] for the first time. Therefore it seems only appropriate that I list down what I think are some of the best action movies of the decade and if you haven't seen them, you very well should.
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| Easily the best action movie of all time... |
Without further ado, here is my list of the best action movies since 2000 until 2010.
2000
Buddy cop movies had long been a sure-fire hit among casual movie-goers, it proved to be a hit with movies like Bad Boys II [2003] and Jackie Chan's long overdue big Hollywood break, Rush Hour [1998]. But Shanghai Noon was a complete delight due to its unique take on the buddy cop formula.
Like Kung Fu the TV series, this film brought martial arts into the Wild West, with an added bonus; Jackie Chan's trademark action and humour. To put it less delicately, it's a pure win!
2001
Rush Hour 2
One might argue that the sequel did not quite surpass its predecessor, but all the same Rush Hour 2 is the best action movie that the year 2001 had to offer. Not to discredit the film, but you can tell that they did this one for the paycheck.
All the same you can't say the movie was not entertaining at all for it does have its fair share of laughs and action. Simply put, it has all the things you would like to have in a buddy cop movie, but nothing less and nothing more.
2002
One might argue that the sequel did not quite surpass its predecessor, but all the same Rush Hour 2 is the best action movie that the year 2001 had to offer. Not to discredit the film, but you can tell that they did this one for the paycheck.
All the same you can't say the movie was not entertaining at all for it does have its fair share of laughs and action. Simply put, it has all the things you would like to have in a buddy cop movie, but nothing less and nothing more.
2002
At the time this was released, nobody could have foreseen the kind of success that would later come in the form of two sequels. They should have had faith, however. The movie was written by Luc Besson, no stranger in making some of the most thrilling action movies you may or may not have seen.
The movie catapulted Jason Statham to stardom as one of the new age action heroes. The movie took some of the most basic action movie formula, but used it very well for its benefit.
2003
If have to use only one word to describe this movie; Groundbreaking. Kiss of the Dragon [2001] was notable for its lack of wire fu in favour of traditional stunt work. So the concept wasn't exactly original and not to mention Hollywood has been doing it for ages.
However, Ong Bak took it all to a whole new level with action sequences that feels fresh and left audience in complete awe upon leaving the theatre.
2004
Banlieue 13Through no fault of its own, Banlieue 13 (or District B13) drew many comparisons with 2003's hit Ong Bak for its absence of wire work, relying instead on traditional stunt work and exceptional physical prowess. But to disregard it as simply jumping on the Ong Bak bandwagon would be a great disservice to this actually very original action flick.
The movie featured extensive parkour sequences that were all well-choreographed and fused seamlessly with the premise of the story, making it a pleasure to watch.
2005
I believe it's pretty obvious that this movie is everything that Gigli [2003] tried to be but failed hilariously. The movie gained much of its critical acclaim due to the hype surrounding Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but that view is not unfounded, really. The duo have very good chemistry and both are believable playing tough-as-nails characters. Predictable plot aside, you will tend to forget that due to the sheer entertaining nature of the movie.
2006
You had to have seen this one coming. Normally I wouldn't categorise a James Bond movie as an action flick, but if you have seen Casino Royale, how can you not?
Starring Daniel Craig, the production team sought to reinvent the franchise, and what a great job they did. Most notable was Daniel Craig himself who transformed the James Bond character from a middle-aged man with a tendency to overcompensate, to a total badass, idolised by men and women alike.
2007
Can you dispute this one? I doubt that anyone can. A movie high on body count, badass choreography and fueled on pure testosterone, 300 would easily top the list of this decade's best action movies. Proof? Well, never before did an action movie garnered the kind of interest it had, with many praising its visual effects as well as the 300 studs led by Gerard Butler.
If you still dispute this decision, that is understandable because the year 2007 saw the release of some of the better action movies as of late. But ask yourself this; Did any of them become a pop culture phenomena like 300 did? Madness? THIS IS SPARTA!!
2008
Widely seen as Liam Neeson's "return" to action movies since his starring role in Darkman [1990], Taken faced some fierce competition with movies like Rambo, Quantum of Solace, Punisher: War Zone, Wanted, Transporter 3 and many others released in the same year. But the reason Taken triumphs over them all is because it featured some of the plot device rarely visited at the time, and not to mention it is a reminisce of The French Connection [1971].
2009
Yes, despite being a Michael Bay movie, the second installment of the Transformers movie did not win a place on this list. Personally I find Surrogates to be much more entertaining because unlike the Transformers movies, it does not spend 90% of its running time blowing things up and the other 10% transfixed on Megan Fox's boobs.
Instead we have Bruce Willis, car chases, gunfights and cyborgs. Truth to be told, they had me at Bruce Willis.
2010
This year also saw the release of yet another great batch of action movies. What makes The Expendables rise above them all is the fact that it is neither a spoof nor a homage. While it may indeed be a throwback to action movies during the 80's, the movie treads a very fine line between self-deprecating and taking itself seriously. I must say they did a terrific job for this, I would say is a modern day classic among action movies.
