Several American film critics groups picked Brad Birds THE INCREDIBLES and Zhang Yimous HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS as their top flicks of 2004.
The L.A. Film Critics awarded the Pixar powerhouse Best Animation and Best Music Score, which went to Michael Giacchino. On the visual effects front, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS knifed Best Foreign-Language Film and received a runner-up nod for Huo Tingxiaos cinematography.
FLYING DAGGERS scooped up awards with the Boston Film Critics as well -- taking home prizes for Best Foreign-Language Film, Best Director for Yimou and Best Cinematography. A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT took the runner-up prize in the latter category.
The New York Film Critics Awards gave the Animation prize to THE INCREDIBLES, as did the New York Online Film Critics Awards. The online reviewers ranked the superhero spoof seventh in its top ten list, HERO fifth and FLYING DAGGERS tenth. Zhang Yimous HERO was also awarded the Cinematography prize.
The American Film Institute also released its top 10 with THE AVIATOR topping the list. Other animation and visual effects films making the cut included ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND at three, THE INCREDIBLES at five and SPIDER-MAN 2 at 10.
In addition, Jonathan Romney of ARTFORUM named GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE as the best picture of the year. He ranked THE INCREDIBLES at #9.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
