So that's it, the end of 2005!  Here it is 2006! Can't believe 2005 has finished!  I still keep on thinking it's July.  Where did it all go?  Here in this blog I'm going to take a look back at all my fave moments of 2005.  My fave movies, songs, TV programmes and new interests. 

To begin with I think I'm going to start with the movies of 2005.  My personal favourite (which might surprise a few) from last year was the brilliantly inventive Kung Fu Hustle.  It was easily the funniest movie of 2005.  Stephen Chow is one of the most original film makers I have come across with his brand of mo lay tau (nonsence) comedy.  The story goes something like this.  The murderous axe gang are on the rampage in 1940s Hong Kong killing anyone that annoys them until a band of legendary unlikely heroes crawl out the woodwork and show them what for!  My favourite scenes in this particular movie would have to be the knife throwing one, the looney tunes style chase scene and the end fight scene.  It has unforgettable characters such as Land Lady, Land Lord, Sing and The Beast.  Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish there isn't a film quite like this one. 

My second favourite film of 2005 would be Unleashed (Danny the Dog) starring Jet Li, Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins.  It tells the story of a man (Danny) who has been raised in a similar way to that of a dog until one day finds a new family and learns the truth about his past.  A great idea mixing action and drama into the same movie.  It seems as if you are watching two movies for the price of one.  Some amazing action scenes by the master choreographer that is Yuen Wo Ping (Kung Fu Hustle, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill, The Matrix) with Jet Li pulling off some impressive moves.  The fights are brutal and don't rely so much on wires which is always a bonus.  Higlights would have to be the very beginning fight and the end one that finishes with Jet duelling with a samurai  like guy in a tiny bathroom.  The drama is also excellently filmed in the movie.  Jet Li gives a great performance, one of his strongest ever.  I generally felt sorry for the mistreated character.  Morgan Freeman plays the usual lovable nice guy that helps and cares for Danny as if he were his son.  Bob Hoskins also gives a great perfomance as he plays the truly evil character of Bart and another mention should go to Kerry Condon who plays Sam's (Morgan Freemans) adpoted daughter who helps Danny realise who he is and helps him to become human again.  With it's blend of brutal action, gripping drama and blend of humour this film can't be missed!

My third favourite film of 2005 would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  A remake of Willy Wonker and the Chocolate Factory, directed by one of my favourite directors, Tim Burton and starring another fave of mine, Johnny Depp.  Tim Burton creates a surreal blindingly coluorful chocolate and sweet filled land.  My kinda place to live!  Everything and everyone is abstract and pantomime like especially the grusome kids and their parents.  It's a mixture of adventure, comedy, fantasy and even musical with the oompa loompas bursting into song every now and then.  The best family movie I have seen since The Grinch and Shrek 2. 

The remainder in my list is as follows:
Batman Begins: Absolutey brilliant, entertained and gripped right through, excellent perfomances from all.  A truely brilliant cast with Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.  Scarecrow was the scariest charcter from any film this year!
Wallace and Gromit: Just as hilarious as Chicken Run and the shorter outings of Wallace Gromit. 
Team America: Insane from start to finish, great idea, the more I see it, the more I find it hilarious
Howl's Moving Castle: Totally original, fantastic story, memorable characters.  The beginning and middle are pure magic but it loses it at the end. 
Ong Bak: Rubbish plot, amazing action and the robotic man cracks me up each time!
Land of the Dead: We love you George and Leader Zombie, who would have thought we'd route for the zombies.  Is this a joke movie or what!? I'm confused.  Whatever it is, it's great!

The most rubbish films I have seen at the cinema this year go as follows:
1. Seed of Chucky
2. The 40 Year Old Virgin
3. White Noise
4. Pride and Prejudice
5. Oceans 12

The most surprising movie I saw at the cinema was Mr and Mrs Smith which I enjoyed way more than I expected.  Other films I enjoyed a lot more than I should have were Hide and Seek and Skeleton Key.