1. Shrek $267.20m, released 18/05/01
Romance, comedy and a creative storyline made this CG movie the one to
watch in 2001. A green, foul-smelling Orge named Shrek has his peaceful
life disrupted after Lord Farquaad, the ruler of Duloc, exiles a group
of fairy-tale beings in the woods. Fantastic animation of the Ogre on
his quest alongside his new-found donkey friend became the ride of the
year.
2. Rush Hour 2 $224.72m, released 03/08/01
Rush Hour 2's tagline told us to get ready for a second rush and it was
enough to entice a huge audience. Chan unleashed his trademark dose of
outlandish stunts alongside comical sequences with the oft-cast
jive-talker Chris Tucker as his sidekick. Energetic performances amid
comedy-soaked dialogue.
3. The Mummy Returns $202.01m, released 04/05/01
Mythical Egypt wrapped in the familiar bandages of its predecessor, The
Mummy Returns was a thrill ride of high-tech proportions. A touch more
complex than its original with an enhanced storyline, this was a
hyperactive visual fest.
4. Pearl Harbor $198.42m, released 25/05/01
Love triangle and bad reviews aside, this look at the attack on Pearl
Harbor contained outstanding special effects that recreated the Japanese
bombing of America. A visual adventure that transported us back to the
attack on 7 December 1941, leaving a Pacific fleet in ruins and more
than 2,000 men dead.
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone $186.9m, in ten
days
A late contender, Harry Potter knocked Tomb Raider out of the top ten.
Columbus makes a shrewd move by releasing Harry Potter and the
Philosopher's Stone, stepping neatly away from the heavy-handed, broad
and opportunistic work it has released of late. A masterfully handled
saturation campaign with a year-long media blitz should prove to make
the movie a critic-proof success, already smashing opening-weekend
records as Campaign goes to press.
6. Jurassic Park III $180.62m, released 18/07/01
Yet more visual effects allowed for the willing suspension of disbelief
in this third installment of the series. New species were introduced and
graced with limber movement amid solid action sequences. Pterodactyl
attacks never looked better.
7. Planet of the Apes $178.86m, released 29/07/01
One of the most anticipated movies of the year, this one went ape with
the public. Technically superior cinematography captured some
outstanding fight scenes to uncover the ferocity of ape land. Good
popcorn fun.
8. Hannibal $165.09m, released 09/02/01
Dark, cynical and haunting, Dr Hannibal Lecter returned as the world's
best gourmet chef, much to the dismay of Ray Liotta. Out of hibernation
in Florence, Hannibal once again gazes into the psyche of Clarice as we
followed a truly bizarre relationship between the two. All is aided
visually by Scott's direction within dim lights and shadows, cloaking
the movie in deep purples and midnight blues.
9. The Fast & The Furious $144.51m, released 22/06/01
High octane-escapist entertainment, this adrenaline-fuelled movie
followed the exploits of a street-racing underground. Souped-up
speedsters roared into action and fed the public's appetite for the need
for speed.
10. American Pie 2 $144.39m, released 10/08/01
The sequel parade continues with American Pie 2, a second outing that
stayed true to the spirit of its original and failed to disappoint. The
teenage gang returned after surviving their first year in college.
Embarrassing sexual experiences and classic gross moments unfolded for
cast members, a high dose of comedy relieving the film of its more corny
moments.
