Best Film of 2005

Rating: 10/10 (9 May 2005)

I thought this film was remarkable, another stellar work from Haggis who has, in two movies, become my favorite screenwriter in cinema history, even passing Frank Darabont who did Shawshank and The Green Mile (albeit adaptations from Stephen King).
Haggis' dialog is the best I've ever heard on screen as well. It makes his characters come to life and gives them personalities that are more than just standard, cardboard cut-outs.
Most of the cast is great, and even though there are so many different stories going on, Haggis makes it easy to keep up. The MVP of the whole cast, to me, is the always overlooked Larenz Tate. From his humble beginnings in "Menace II Society" to the $5 Wal-Mart bin gem "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" chronicling the dismal downward spiral of doo-wop sensation Frankie Lymon, Tate always puts on truthful and well acted performances.
Brenden Fraser was the only really awkward casting as he always looked out of place.
And even though I really despise his music - even Ludicrous did a very good job. And he had a ton of important lines.
I'd give it 4.7 out of 5, just missing because of Fraser and a couple of jump cuts that looked kind of strange. Keep up the good work Mr. Haggis.