(Re-posted due to server change axing a few posts ...)

For once, I'm trying to do something in a timely manner around here ... getting the traditional Year-End post up a few days early will have to do. Easy enough since most of these calls are easy ones for me.

Best New Movie of 2003: The Pianist
Easy call here as the movie has a great deal of depth to it and also holds one's interest for 150 minutes. At parts, achingly slow paced, but the story is compelling throughout. Ironically enough, I decided to pass out on a friend's sofa last night, and one of the options to view as I tried to doze off was this very movie. I passed, only because I knew if I started watching, I'd not stop till it was over (and sheesh, was I tired). Grab the DVD, though ... its worth adding to the collection. (Full review)

A few other worthy contenders for this honor were Spellbound, and Blind Spot. Both were of the documentary craze that swept arthouse theaters over the summer. Both are great for different reasons, too. Blind Spot ties into the Nazi era theme of The Pianist, focusing on a lone interview with Hitler's bunker-era secretary. Spellbound explores the paths of several kids headed for the National Spelling Bee and finds a bit of richness that one might not expect to find. Both rewarding for the time invested in viewing. Neither will win major awards, but both are worth catching. Tough to leave off this now-lengthy list of honorable mentions is Chopin: Desire for Love. This one speaks to the musical interests of mine, so that and the fact that its an historical peice make it less likely to win some trophies. But it covers a nice era of classical music and the most tubrulent time of Chopin's life. If you don't watch the movie, read the book. Either is highly recommended.

Best Old Movie Seen in 2003: The Apple.
With the advent of Weird Wednesdays at The Alamo Drafthouse, I introduce this new category. Picking the winner here is a tough one. So it would be ironic that the winner in this category would come from a movie viewed at River Oaks Theater. But in fairness, there can only be one The Apple. Shown in late April, this movie is now on the Begging-to-be-shown-at-The-Alamo list.

All that aside, the Alamo is to be commended for their addition to the retro movie concept. Weird Wednesdays are now something to schedule around. Ever since The Garbage Pail Kids movie changed Houston, we've been encouraged to watch out for snakes, form a squad, and just say no to hobos offering a pint of Viper to us. Fitting that the first WW offering of the year is a movie that I've long held as a classic horror film that never got its just rewards: Motel Hell.

Best New CD of 2003: Kathleen Edwards - Failer
Not even close on this one. Kathleen Edwards entered my vocabulary with insertion of a tune in the hit Canadian movie about curling: Men With Brooms. Ever since, I've awaited the day she hits Houston. She got close (Austin, during SXSW), but thus far, no dice. She's recently released a combo live CD-ette with DVD of her two videos. The live songs are curious, but its nice to hear another adaptation of a few faves. She also does a standup version of AC/DC's "Money Talk" (also available for download on her site.) Overall, Kathleen's work is mellow enough to play on a slow, rainy day and uptempo enough to play on a sunny, outdoorsy day. I simply can't recommend this CD highly enough to do it justice.

Best Retro CD Procured in 2003: Nick Gilder - City Nights
How does one top finding their first album finally making it onto CD years after its been long overdue? I can't think of a way. Nick Gilder's signature release still holds up for me. The tunes that made me appreciate the brilliance that a wax LP could store while radio ignored it still makes me want to pick up the guitar and jam along. The only remaining feat for me in all things Gilderian is that I've yet to see him perform live. Fingers remain crossed that I'll live to see it happen.

Best Concert of 2003: Stryper
Seeing one of my favorite 80s bands regroup for a small tour to revive the good ol' days? Beyond description. Obviously, that didn't stop me from trying.

Best Book of 2003: At War With Ourselves
Another slam dunk for my own interests. I've not yet been able to write a review that does it justice. Perhaps if I get around to re-reading it soon (something planned on anyway), I'll find the means to make that happen.

Sidenote: Mark the calendars for April 16th. WorldFest begins the 2004 season. Houston's International Film Festival may not have a wide recognition, but its a great place to catch some out of the way artfilms that sometimes take eons to re-reach the movie theaters. I caught Chopin there last time and kicked myself for missing the Martin Luther biopic. A Film buff movie pass of $75 gets you into 11 flicks, and is worth every penny. I'm hoping to take in more of the movie this time around.