10) Finding Nemo
It should be no surprise to anyone to find a Pixar film on this list. If the 2000’s belong to anyone, it’s Pixar. John Lasseter’s studio evolved from a technological revolution to the premier movie production studio of the last decade, culminating in Pixar’s purchase by Disney and Lasseter’s positioning as Disney’s Chief Creative Officer. Finding Nemo was the turning point. Pre-Nemo Pixar films were beautiful, technological achievements, with cute, funny and entertaining stories that offered glimpses of what animation could become. Finding Nemo, however, is a work of art. An epic story, full of heart, endearing characters and some of the most gorgeous visuals, all combined to rock the movie world to its core. The fact that computer animation could be used only as a means to tell a story instead of a fun and gimmicky way to entertain kids was incomprehensible to most studios and viewers. But by the end of Finding Nemo, when you’ve forgotten you’re watching talking fish that come from a computer and you’re rejoicing in the reunion of father and son, you’re experiencing the changing of an entire industry. Continue reading →