Despite a string of steamy hookups, Matt Sullivan (Josh Hartnett) can't seem to get over his last girlfriend (Vinessa Shaw). In a last ditch effort, he decides to give up all sexual activity for the duration of Lent. When Matt's roommate Ryan (Paulo Costanzo) and their coworkers get wind of Matt's plan, they're decidedly skeptical and begin placing bets on when he will break his vow. Things become even more difficult when Matt meets Erica Sutton (Shannyn Sossamon), a beautiful, intriguing woman who puts Matt's willpower to the test. Directed by Michael Lehmann. With Griffin Dunne and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Categories: Comedy, Romance, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in 40 Days and 40 Nights
Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage), a neurotic screenwriter, is having trouble adapting a book about an orchid thief into a movie. While Charlie agonizes over his writer's block, his less cerebral twin brother Donald (also Cage) decides to become a screenwriter himself, much to Charlie's disdain. When Charlie finally gets his inspiration, he becomes so caught up in his screenplay that the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and he sets out to locate the book's author, Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep), and the real-life orchid thief, John Laroche (Chris Cooper). Directed by Spike Jonze. With Cara Seymour, Tilda Swinton, Ron Livingston, Brian Cox and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in Adaptation
When mentally unstable mafia don Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) is released from prison, he returns to the care of Dr. Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal), the only psychiatrist who could work with the unsound killer. Unfortunately, Sobol is in need of help himself, as his inheritance of the family practice and the stress of married life is threatening to put him out of service. Directed by Harold Ramis. With Joe Viterelli, Cathy Moriarty and Lisa Kudrow as Laura Sobel. Categories: Comedy, Crime, New York. Year: 2002.
2002 in Analyze That
Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke) is a navy man with a violent past whose aggressive outbursts bring him to the attention of a naval psychiatrist (Denzel Washington). Together, they break down Fisher's barriers and force a confrontation with his painful memories. As Antwone begins a search for the family he never knew, he is supported only by his doctor and a wish for peace. Directed by Denzel Washington. With Malcolm David Kelley and Joy Bryant. Categories: Drama, Based on a True Story. Year: 2002.
2002 in Antwone Fisher
Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) and Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley) are two young women in England who, although separated by cultural differences, are united by a love for soccer. Though competition over their cute coach (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and family drama threaten to turn their friendship sour, a love of the game and talent to match keeps them focused on the sport they love and the bond they share. Directed by Gurinder Chadha. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sports. Year: 2002.
2002 in Bend It Like Beckham
Blade (Wesley Snipes) is a Vampire hunter who must team up with his mortal enemies to rid the world of an even deadlier threat: the Reaper, a vampire that feasts on humans and vampires alike, turning them into unstoppable killers. Together with the Bloodpack, an elite group of vampire fighters, Blade must set aside his hatred long enough to prevent the destruction of mankind. Directed by Guillermo del Toro. With Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Matt Schulze and Leonor Varela. Categories: Action, Thriller, Horror. Year: 2002.
2002 in Blade II
Discovered by a fisherman and riddled with bullets, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is near death and can remember nothing of his life before his rescue. As he begins to try to rebuild his memory, Bourne soon realizes that he is being hunted and takes off with a woman named Marie (Franka Potente) on a search to find out who he is and why people are out to kill him. Directed by Doug Liman. With Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Categories: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Adventure. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Bourne Identity
Controversial documentarian Michael Moore explores the incredible level of gun violence in the world's most powerful democracy. No one factor, from violent entertainment to ease of availability to powerful gun lobbyists, is enough to explain the culture of fear, prejudice and freedom of choice that makes the streets of America a battleground. With thousands of people killed each year, firearms are the number two killer of Americans aged 15 to 24. Directed by Michael Moore. With Charlton Heston. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2002.
2002 in Bowling for Columbine
Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a brilliant conman, uses his wit and multiple identities to stay a step ahead of the FBI for years. Impersonating a doctor, an airline pilot, a lawyer and more, Abagnale cashes more than two million dollars in forged checks over his career before being brought down by FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). Directed by Steven Spielberg. With Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Jennifer Garner and Nathalie Baye. Categories: Crime, Drama, Thriller, New York. Year: 2002.
2002 in Catch Me If You Can
After murdering her cheating husband, nightclub singer Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) ends up on Chicago's famed murderess row. Represented by Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), the slickest lawyer in town, Velma's case grabs the headlines and makes her an even bigger star. But, when struggling performer Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) joins Velma behind bars, Billy diverts his attention from Velma's case sensing the opportunity to create another tabloid sensation. Instant rivals, Velma and Roxie will stop at nothing to outdo one another in their obsessive pursuit of fame and celebrity. Directed by Rob Marshall. With Taye Diggs, John C. Reilly and Queen Latifah. Categories: Crime, Drama, Music. Year: 2002.
2002 in Chicago
In one of Rio de Janeiro's poorest neighborhoods, Buscapé (Alexandre Rodrigues) grows up in a violent environment filled with guns and drugs. With the keen eye of a self-taught photographer, Buscapé narrates a true-life tale of a street war fought between Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino) and Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge). Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Categories: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Foreign Film. Year: 2002.
2002 in City of God
A Los Angeles fireman (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sees his wife and son killed by a terrorist's bomb and devotes himself to getting revenge. This takes him to the jungles of Colombia, where he finds himself in conflict with drug-dealing gangs, unfriendly locals and a mystery man (Elias Koteas) who may or may not be an FBI agent. Directed by Andrew Davis. With Cliff Curtis, John Turturro, Francesca Neri, Lindsay Frost, and Ethan Dampf. Categories: Action, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Collateral Damage
This documentary follows comedian Jerry Seinfeld as he returns to stand-up and tries to build his act from scratch. Experiencing the highs and lows of performing before a live audience, he builds his confidence while getting advice from fellow comedians, including Colin Quinn. Serving as a counterpoint is up-and-coming comedian Orny Adams, a young man trying to make it big by putting in his time on the road. Directed by Christian Charles. With Ray Romano, Chris Rock, Jay Leno and Bill Cosby. Categories: Documentary, Comedy. Year: 2002.
2002 in Comedian
After being busted by the feds for taking bribes from stage parents, children's television star Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) is fired and finds himself living on the streets. Taking Randolph's place is Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), a sappy, squeaky clean performer whose lovable fuscia rhinoceros, Smoochy, instantly captures the hearts of his young audience. As Smoochy climbs in the ratings, Mopes begins a relationship with network executive Nora Wells (Catherine Keener), and an increasingly embittered Randolph targets Smoochy to exact revenge and reclaim his status as America's sweetheart. Directed by Danny DeVito. With Danny DeVito, Jon Stewart and Harvey Fierstein. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2002.
2002 in Death to Smoochy
Arthur Banks (Kiefer Sutherland) is a professional hitman who picks up single women to help with his work and then kills them when they are no longer of any use. Bennie (Melora Walters) is just such a woman, escaping from an abusive husband and on her way to Paradise, Arizona. As Arthur softens towards the seemingly innocent Bennie, the FBI is on his trail and his female companion reveals a dark secret of her own. Directed by Richard Greenberg. With Shawn Woods, Rachel Ticotin, Jamey Sheridan and Christopher Bersh. Categories: Action, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Desert Saints
After playwright Siddalee (Sandra Bullock) is quoted in a magazine discussing her unhappy childhood, her mother, “Vivi” Abbot Walker (Ellen Burstyn), is livid and cuts off contact with her daughter. When their heated long-distance argument threatens Sidda's long-postponed plans to marry Connor (Angus Macfadyen), Vivi’s three best friends, “Teensy” (Fionnula Flanagan), Necie (Shirley Knight) and Caro (Maggie Smith) kidnap Sidda from New York and bring her home to Louisiana where they explain the workings of their secret society. Directed by Callie Khouri. With Ashley Judd, Kiersten Warren, James Garner and Caitlin Wachs. Categories: Drama, Based on a Novel. Year: 2002.
2002 in Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Davey Stone (Adam Sandler), a modern day Scrooge who hates the holidays, goes on a rowdy rampage on the first night of Hanukkah and is arrested. After the judge agrees to sentence him to community service, Davey is put under the supervision of Whitey (also voiced by Sandler), a local basketball ref with limitless cheer and a good sense of humor. With Whitey's help, Davey begins to overcome his holiday demons and makes things right with Jennifer (Jackie Sandler), his childhood sweetheart. Directed by Seth Kearsley. With Kevin Nealon, Rob Schneider and Jon Lovitz. Categories: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Musical. Year: 2002.
2002 in Eight Crazy Nights
William Hundert (Kevin Kline), St. Benedict's assistant headmaster, strives to inspire his students and mold their character with impassioned lessons about the Greeks and Romans. But when freshmen Sedgewick Bell (Emile Hirsch) arrives, Hundert finds his world upended when the two enter a bitter battle of wills that will affect the course of St. Benedict's and its students for decades. Directed by Michael Hoffman. With Embeth Davidtz, Rob Morrow Edward Herrmann, Jesse Eisenberg and Paul Dano. Categories: Drama, Based on a Novel. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Emperor's Club
In a fascist future, with the government regulating every aspect of the human life, citizens are required to take daily doses of Prozium, a drug that suppresses their natural emotions. High-ranking official John Preston (Christian Bale) is entrusted with preventing the spread of feelings of any kind, hunting down contraband books and smuggled paintings. But, while fighting against an underground revolution that hopes to free humanity from its numb existence, Preston misses his dose of Prozium and experiences what it means to truly live for the first time. As Preston begins to understand the motives of his bitter enemies, he discovers his passion for freedom. Directed by Kurt Wimmer. With Dominic Purcell, Sean Bean, William Fichtner, Angus Macfadyen and Emily Watson. Categories: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Equilibrium
In this biographical portrait of the Mexian artist Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek), her famous works of art are woven into the story, demonstrating how her life of physical and emotional pain gave rise to her paintings. Against the backdrop of the political upheaval of the communist era, her passionate yet tumultuous relationship with her husband and fellow painter, Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina), becomes a source of angst and inspiration. Directed by Julie Taymor. With Mía Maestro, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Ashley Judd, Roger Rees, Geoffrey Rush, Valeria Golino and Patricia Reyes Spíndola. Categories: Drama, Biography. Year: 2002.
2002 in Frida
In 1860s New York, Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to the Five Points, the most dangerous section in all of Manhattan, to hunt down his father's killer. After sixteen years in an orphanage, Amsterdam locates his target: Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), who has taken over as leader of the neighborhood and detests the newly arrived immigrants. Amsterdam's fight for honor, freedom and the woman he loves ultimately collides with the 1863 Civil War Draft Riots. Directed by Martin Scorsese. With Cameron Diaz, Liam Neeson, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Henry Thomas, Brendan Gleeson and Stephen Graham. Categories: Crime, Drama, History. Year: 2002.
2002 in Gangs of New York
They Might Be Giants is the musical pairing of John Flansburgh and John Linnell. Their unique coupling of typically complex and dark lyrics with bouncy melodies has made them an underground sensation for many years. Blending concert footage, music videos, television performances and live interviews, the film attempts to capture both their lives and personalities. Directed by AJ Schnack. Categories: Documentary, Music. Year: 2002.
2002 in Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)
Justine Last (Jennifer Aniston) is a young, unhappily married salesclerk whose boring life is turned upside down when she begins an affair with Holden Worther (Jake Gyllenhaal), the strange new cashier who thinks he's Holden Caulfield. After discovering that Justine is pregnant, Holden concocts a plan to rob their store and start a new life together on the run from the law. Justine must decide whether to join Holden an become a fugitive, or return to her safe, mundane life with her dim-witted husband (John C. Reilly). Directed by Miguel Arteta. With Mike White, John Carroll Lynch, Zooey Deschanel and Tim Blake Nelson. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Good Girl
In the second installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is preparing for a new year at Hogwarts when Dobby, a house elf, warns him to stay away. Strange things are happening at the school, as muggles (students born to families outside the magic world) are being paralyzed. Harry, along with his friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), vow to get to the bottom of the mystery. Kenneth Branagh plays a telegenic celebrity wizard. Directed by Chris Columbus. With Toby Jones and Tom Felton. Categories: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Mystery. Year: 2002.
2002 in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
When authorities ignore the investigation of her husband's drug-related death, Philippa (Cate Blanchett), an English teacher working in Italy, decides to take matters into her own hands. After an attempted bombing at the drug-dealer's office building, Philippa escapes police custody with the help of a young officer named Filippo (Giovanni Ribisi), and the two become fugitives on the run. Directed by Tom Tykwer. With Remo Girone, Mattia Sbragia and Alberto Di Stasio. Categories: Drama, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Heaven
The King of Qin (Daoming Chen) is the target of several assassins who find defeat at the hands of Nameless (Jet Li), an unassuming official whose extraordinary fighting skill inspires the King to bring him to his court to hear the tale of his battles. Directed by Yimou Zhang. With Maggie Cheung as Flying Snow, Tony Leung Chiu Wai as Broken Sword, Ziyi Zhang as Moon and Donnie Yen as Sky, the elite assassins. Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in Hero (2002)
Claire (Ashley Judd) is a successful California defense lawyer. When she learns that her husband (James Caviezel) may have been involved in a massacre of civilians in Central America when he was in the U.S. Military, she can't believe it. Her husband's lawyer is young and inexperienced, so she finds a grizzled veteran (Morgan Freeman), who has a grudge against the military. They only have a week to prepare the defense - can they pull it off? Directed by Carl Franklin. With Adam Scott and Bruce Davison. Categories: Crime, Thriller, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in High Crimes
Jessica (Rachel McAdams), is a gorgeous but mean-spirited teen. Clive (Rob Schneider) is a career criminal. Due to a supernatural turn of events, the two switch bodies. Jessica is horrified and wants to get her body back as soon as possible. Clive is actually delighted with his new looks, which he can use to pull off a series of heists. Jessica's friend (Anna Faris) is the only one who knows their body-switch secret, but can she help them switch back? Directed by Tom Brady. Categories: Comedy, Fantasy. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Hot Chick
Two seemingly independent stories, one in the 1950's the other in present times, are linked by the writings of Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman). In 1951, plain and simple housewife Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) plans a party for her husband Dan (John C. Reilly), but she can't stop reading the novel Mrs. Dalloway. In the present, Clarissa Vaughn (Meryl Streep) throws a party for her friend Richard (Ed Harris), but she feels the draw of Woolf on her life as well. Directed by Stephen Daldry. With Miranda Richardson, Claire Danes, Toni Collette and Jeff Daniels. Category: Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Hours
Igby (Kieran Culkin) is tired of being shipped from one private school to the next by his wealthy, detached mother (Susan Sarandon). After a few failed escape attempts, Igby ends up living in a NYC loft with a woman (Amanda Peet) who is sleeping with his godfather (Jeff Goldblum). While Igby tries to deal with the reality of his dysfunctional life, including an institutionalized father (Bill Pullman), he grows close to another outsider (Claire Danes), only to have her stolen away by his "fascist" older brother (Ryan Phillippe). Directed by Burr Steers. With Rory Culkin and Jared Harris. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2002.
2002 in Igby Goes Down
The famous Oscar Wilde play is brought to the screen again, this time with Colin Firth as Jack, the gentleman who pals around with the witty dandy, Algernon (Rupert Everett). Both men are fond of using the name Ernest when they are trying to conceal something. Then it turns out that Gwendolyn (Frances O'Connor), a young woman Jack loves, declares that she could marry a man named Ernest. Jack's ward, Cecily (Reese Witherspoon), then catches Algernon's eye and it all gets a bit complicated. But the scary Lady Bracknell (Judi Dench) is on hand to straighten everyone out. Directed by Oliver Parker. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Importance of Being Earnest
Aspiring Irish actor Johnny (Paddy Considine), his wife Sarah (Samantha Morton ) and their two daughters (Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger) illegally immigrate to the United States with dreams of a better life. Once they arrive in New York City, the family moves into a run-down apartment and tries to make it their own with little money and a strong will to succeed. While they struggle to fit in their new country, the family finds an unexpected friend in their reclusive, standoffish neighbor, Mateo (Djimon Hounsou). Directed by Jim Sheridan. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in In America
With the promise of a perfect job on the horizon, Xavier (Romain Duris) travels to Barcelona to hone his Spanish skills, leaving his girlfriend (Audrey Tautou) behind. Thrust into a truly international setting with an Italian (Federico D'Anna), a Brit (Kelly Reilly), a Dane (Christian Pagh), a German (Barnaby Metschurat), a Belgian (Cécile De France) and a Spaniard (Cristina Brondo), Xavier gets a crash course in cultural understanding as the crew romps through Spain, culture clashes, and life lessons. Directed by Cédric Klapisch. With Judith Godrèche, Xavier De Guillebon and Kevin Bishop. Categories: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Foreign Film. Year: 2002.
2002 in L'Auberge Espagnole
When Joe (Wesley Snipes), a former CIA agent, loses his daughter in a school shooting, he devises a way to make Liberty Wallace (Linda Fiorentino), an executive at a leading gun manufacturer and the daughter of the company founder, think about the scope of her own actions. By taking Liberty hostage, Joe hopes to be able to force her to use her political connections to spark public debate on the Second Amendment and bring the shady dealings of her company into the light. Directed by Kari Skogland. With Ed Anders, Garvin Cross and Oliver Platt. Categories: Thriller, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in Liberty Stands Still
While Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) continue their grueling journey to the dark lands of Mordor, the other members of the Fellowship are scattered about Middle Earth. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) must save the people of Rohan from an oncoming army of orcs led by the dark wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee). Meanwhile, Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) struggle to escape from their orc captors and team up with the Ents, a group of mobile, talking trees. Directed by Peter Jackson. With Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Andy Serkis. Categories: Action, Adventure, Fantasy. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
This documentary details the aborted production of director (Terry Gilliam's) ill-fated attempt to film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote in late 2000. Piece by piece, the entire film falls apart, despite the crew's best efforts to keep the ship afloat. A severe storm washes away equipment, jet fighters interrupt the filming of a pivotal scene and the star suffers a damaging back injury. Meant to be included as a featurette on the film's eventual DVD, this footage shows the end of Gilliam's decade-long dream to make a film based on Don Quixote. Directed by Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe. With Johnny Depp. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2002.
2002 in Lost In La Mancha
Following his wife's sudden and unexplained suicide, Wilson Joel (Philip Seymour Hoffman) initially tries to keep his life on track. But, when the searing pain in his stomach and the dazed quietness of his struggle becomes too much, he seeks oblivion by inhaling fumes from gasoline and model airplane fuel. His mother-in-law (Kathy Bates), employer and a coworker seem to want to help him, but eventually his destructive behavior leaves him alone. Directed by Todd Louiso. With Kelli Garner. Categories: Drama, Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2002.
2002 in Love Liza
When the alien Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle) takes the entire MIB building hostage, Agent J (Will Smith) has no choice but to track down his former partner, Agent K, who has just recently readjusted to civilian life. In addition to convincing K that he was once a member of a secret organization tasked with policing alien activities on earth, J will need the help of Laura (Rosario Dawson), a woman who witnessed Serleena in her alien form. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. With Johnny Knoxville, Rip Torn and Tony Shalhoub. Categories: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi. Year: 2002.
2002 in Men in Black II
In a future where criminals are caught before they commit a crime using premonitions of three precognitive triplets, John Anderton (Tom Cruise) works as an officer in the special unit responsible for capturing would-be criminals. But, when John himself is accused, he sets out on a one man crusade to prove his innocence using any means necessary. Directed by Steven Spielberg. With Steve Harris, Neal McDonough and Colin Farrell. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi. Year: 2002.
2002 in Minority Report
After inheriting a controlling interest in his great uncle's media corporation, Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler), a small town pizza store owner, travels to New York City to wait for a deal to be put in place for him to sell his shares for forty billion dollars. While his great uncle's lawyer (Peter Gallagher) works out a plan to cheat Deeds out of his fortune, tabloid reporter Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder) cozies up to the good-hearted heir in order to uncover some dirt. But, when Babe falls for Deeds, she'll have to explain her actions when he discovers her true identity. Directed by Steven Brill. With John Turturro, Allen Covert and Erick Avari. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in Mr. Deeds
Directed by Ed Decter. With DJ Qualls, Eddie Griffin, Eliza Dushku and Geoffrey Lewis. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2002.
2002 in The New Guy
After purchasing a brownstone in Manhattan's Upper West Side, recently divorced Meg Altman (Jodie Foster) moves into her new home with her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart) to start a new life. During their first night in the house, three thieves (Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam and Jared Leto) break in and force Meg and Sarah to retreat to the panic room, a hidden, fortified room meant to keep them safe. The only problem is that these burglars know all about this room, and have a personal reason for wanting to get inside. Directed by David Fincher. Categories: Crime, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Panic Room
Eli Wurman (Al Pacino) is a publicity agent handling the personal lives of the rich and famous. When one of his clients (Ryan O'Neal) is involved in an unimaginable crime and expects Wurman to get him out of it, this smooth publicist must save himself without turning some of the most powerful people in America against him. Directed by Daniel Algrant. With Kim Basinger, Téa Leoni, Robert Klein and Mark Webber. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in People I Know
Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a renowned composer and pianist, struggles for survival amidst the violence and inhumanity of World War II. After his family is taken to a concentration camp, Szpilman spends time doing forced labor before escaping to hide in the ruins of Warsaw, scavenging for food and shelter. Just as he is losing hope and succumbing to starvation, he finds help in an unlikely place. Directed by Roman Polanski. With Emilia Fox, Thomas Kretschmann and Michal Zebrowski. Categories: Drama, Biography, War, Music. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Pianist
Oscar-winning actor Roberto Benigni stars in and also directed this new version of the classic children's tale. This live-action film features beautiful costumes and lavish sets, along with Benigni's performance as a wooden doll who longs to be a boy. Directed by Roberto Benigni. With Nicoletta Braschi and Carlo Giuffrè. Categories: Comedy, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2002.
2002 in Pinocchio
After traveling through time to escape a Pokemon hunter, Celebi and his pal Sammy team up with Ash, Pikachu and their friends to battle against a new enemy. Armed with a dark Pokeball capable of turning any Pokemon it captures into an evil and far stronger creature, this new adversary challenges Ash and the rest of the Pokemon to their most difficlut battle ever. Directed by Jim Malone and Kunihiko Yuyama. Categories: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation. Year: 2002.
2002 in Pokemon 4Ever
Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) owns and operates a small business distributing novelty toilet plungers. Socially impaired and lacking self-esteem, Barry contacts a phone sex operator, who then threatens him with blackmail. When Barry doesn't cooperate, the operator sends some thugs on a mission to extort him. Barry is desperate until one of his seven sisters fixes him up with a lovely English woman named Lena (Emily Watson). With his emotions going haywire, Barry decides to do whatever it takes to get his shot at true romance. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. With Philip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzmán. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in Punch-Drunk Love
Paul (Harry Eden) is a child growing up in poverty with a mother (Molly Parker) addicted to heroin. His father is dead and he ends up taking care of his mother, instead of the other way around. He becomes close to a waitress (Keira Knightley), whose friendship offers him a glimpse of another, better world. Directed by Gillies MacKinnon. Categories: Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in Pure
Molly Craig (Everlyn Sampi), a young aborigine girl, her younger sister, Daisy (Tianna Sansbury), and their cousin, Gracie (Laura Monaghan), are taken from their homes by a heartless bureaucrat (Kenneth Branagh) and sent to a government-run camp to be trained as domestic workers. Trapped in in a compound meant to integrate aborigines into white society and wipe out their culture, the girls make the decision to escape and make the dificult trek back home across 1500 miles of desolate outback terrain. Directed by Phillip Noyce. With David Gulpilil, Deborah Mailman, Jason Clarke, Ningali Lawford and Natasha Wanganeen. Categories: Drama, Adventure, Foreign Film, Based on a True Story. Year: 2002.
2002 in Rabbit-Proof Fence
The Hive is a top-secret, underground genetic research facilty where scientists are developing a deadly virus for the Umbrella Corporation, a faceless bio-engineering conglomerate. When a viral outbreak occurs and the Hive is sealed off, the government sends in a team of commandos led by Alice (Milla Jovovich) and Rain (Michelle Rodriguez) to contain the virus before it spreads to the rest of humanity. Once inside, Alice and Rain discover that the scientists and their workers have been transformed into ravenous, blood-thirsty zombies. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. With Eric Mabius, James Purefoy, Martin Crewes and Colin Salmon. Categories: Action, Thriller, Horror, Sci-Fi. Year: 2002.
2002 in Resident Evil
When four teenagers die exactly one week after watching a mysterious video tape, journalist Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) tracks down and watches the tape for herself. After witnessing the eerie, cryptic images it contains, Rachel is forced unravel the video's message as she races against time to save herself and a her son (David Dorfman) before the week is up. Her search leads her to a farm where a young girl was condemned to die in a well. Directed by Gore Verbinski. With Daveigh Chase, Martin Henderson and Shannon Cochran. Categories: Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Ring
During the Depression, Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) works as a hitman for John Rooney (Paul Newman), an Irish mob boss who raised the orphaned Sullivan like a son. When a meeting turns into a gunfight, Rooney blames and humiliates his psychopathic son Connor (Daniel Craig) for the bloodshed, setting him off on a violent rampage that leaves Sullivan's wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and youngest son (Liam Aiken) dead. Intent on revenge, Sullivan sets out on the run with his eldest son (Tyler Hoechlin), who finally learns his father's true occupation. Directed by Sam Mendes. With Stanley Tucci, Ciarán Hinds and Jude Law. Categories: Crime, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in Road to Perdition
Roger Swanson (Campbell Scott) is a cynical New Yorker who believes he has mastered the art of manipulating women. But, when his teenage nephew, Nick (Jesse Eisenberg), makes an unexpected visit, Roger's seemingly foolproof method of smooth talk and casual sex is put to the test. After Nick begs Roger to show him the tricks of the trade, Roger guides him through the city's wild nightlife for an all-night crash course, only to realize that he still has a lot to learn. Directed by Dylan Kidd. With Isabella Rossellini, Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth Berkley. Categories: Drama and Comedy. Year: 2002.
2002 in Roger Dodger
Directed by Emmanuel Itier. With Todd Rex and Tim Young. Categories: Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror. Year: 2002.
2002 in Scarecrow
The Mystery Inc. team has been disbanded for two years when they each receive invitations to Spooky Island, an amusement park with a sinister secret. Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (Linda Cardellini), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and Scooby must put aside their petty differences and reunite in an attempt to solve this mystery and free the young visitors of Spooky Island. Directed by Raja Gosnell. With Rowan Atkinson, Isla Fisher and Mark McGrath. Categories: Adventure, Mystery, Family, Comedy, Fantasy. Year: 2002.
2002 in Scooby-Doo
Actress Rosanna Arquette was inspired to make this film when she wondered why Oscar-nominated actress Debra Winger disappeared from movies after she turned 40. Arquette decided to interview as many actresses as she could about the challenges of growing older on screen, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Meg Ryan and Frances McDormand. Directed by Rosanna Arquette. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2002.
2002 in Searching for Debra Winger
Maggie Gyllenhaal stars as the title character in this black comedy/drama about a mentally fragile young woman who goes to work as a secretary. Her demanding boss (James Spader) crosses the line into downright sadism, and the two begin a strange relationship that fills a need for both of them. They agree to keep their relationship secret, but it begins to influence the rest of their lives. Directed by Steven Shainberg. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in Secretary
In a small farm community, Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), the town's reverend, finds a series of gigantic crop circles in his corn field. The circles cause a media frenzy and test Hess's faith, which has been shaken since his wife's death. Together with his son Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), Hess seeks out the truth and learns not to dismiss coincidences. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. With Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin. Categories: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Signs
Since 1925, Scripps Howard newspapers have sponsored an annual spelling bee for grade school students from across the country. In 1999, ten million kids competed for the top prize. Following eight of these students from regional competitions all the way up to the national finals in Washington, D.C., this documentary tells an emotional, heartwarming story of preparation, competition and vocabulary. Directed by Jeffrey Blitz. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2002.
2002 in Spellbound
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), a mild-mannered student photographer, is bitten by a radioactive spider on a school trip. The next morning, Peter discovers that he has gained super strength and agility, along with an uncanny ability to sense trouble. Meanwhile, businessman Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), the father of Peter's friend Harry (James Franco), is transformed into the Green Goblin after an experiment at his laboratory goes horribly wrong. Peter must now face off against this dangerous foe, and find a way to balance his new life with his pursuit of Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). Directed by Sam Raimi. Categories: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Based on a Comic. Year: 2002.
2002 in Spider-Man
On a remote island, the evil scientist Romero (Steve Buscemi) is hatching a sinister plot to take over the world with his own gang of spy kids. Called into action, Carmen (Daryl Sabara) and Juni Cortez (Alexa Vega) team up with fellow spy kids Gary (Matt O'Leary) and Gerti Giggles (Emily Osment) and head off to the dangerous, volcanic island to take on Romero and his the mutated monsters he has created. But, when their hi-tech gadgets stop working, the spy kids will have to rely on their quick wits and teamwork to save the day. Directed by Robert Rodriguez. With Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Action, Sci-Fi, Family. Year: 2002.
2002 in Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams
After a series of assassination attempts on Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is charged with escorting the former Queen to her home planet of Naboo. While Anakin uses the time alone to confess his love to Padmé, his teacher, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), investigates the death of a captured assassin and discovers that the Republic is building a secret clone army. As new love blooms and dark alliances come to light, the clone army is sent into battle with Republic's clone forces. Directed by George Lucas. With Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits and Ian McDiarmid. Categories: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
CIA Agent Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) is brought in when Russia elects a new president and the director of Counter Intelligence (Morgan Freeman) suspects that this new leader cannot be trusted. It turns out that a third party plans to push Russia and America into war by detonating a mobile nuclear bomb at a football game in Baltimore. It's up to Jack Ryan to foil this plot. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson. With Liev Schreiber and Alan Bates. Categories: Action, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in The Sum of All Fears
Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) runs away from her white trash Alabama upbringing to become a fashion designer in New York. Recently engaged to a successful businessman (Patrick Dempsey), Melanie has almost everything she's ever dreamed of, but there's just one problem: She's still married to her high school sweetheart (Josh Lucas). Melanie travels south to set things straight, but once she's there leaving is a lot harder than she thought. Directed by Andy Tennant. With Candice Bergen, Fred Ward and Jean Smart. Categories: Comedy, Romance, Drama. Year: 2002.
2002 in Sweet Home Alabama
Months after attending the same dance performance, strangers Benigno (Javier Cámara) and Marco (Darío Grandinetti), a young nurse and a forty-something writer, meet again at the private clinic where Benigno works. Benigno is the personal nurse for Alicia (Leonor Watling), a beautiful dance student who he has become obsessed with while she lay in a coma. Marco is at the clinic to visit his girlfriend, Lidia (Rosario Flores), who is also in a coma after being gored while fighting a bull. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar. Categories: Drama, Foreign Film. Year: 2002.
2002 in Talk to Her
Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant attorney whose neuroses prevent her from having anything like a social life. When her new employer, George Wade (Hugh Grant), starts treating her like a slave, Lucy gives him her obligatory notice and waits till she can leave him behind. But, Wade has other ideas and must use all of his charm to try to bring his lovely Lucy back. Directed by Marc Lawrence. With Alicia Witt, Dana Ivey and Robert Klein. Categories: Comedy, Romance, New York. Year: 2002.
2002 in Two Weeks Notice
Connie Sumner (Diane Lane) lives a happy, quiet life with her loving husband Ed (Richard Gere), a wonderful son and a beautiful home, but something is missing. When she is approached by a handsome stranger (Olivier Martinez) while trying to hail a cab, Connie feels the passionate connection she has been lacking. After agreeing to meet with the stranger, she eventually becomes obsessed with him begins a torrid, secret love affair. But, when Ed begins to notice a change in his wife, Connie's selfish actions soon jeopardize her marraige and family's safety. Directed by Adrian Lyne. With Michelle Monaghan. Categories: Drama, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in Unfaithful
Directed by Walt Becker. With Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Daniel Cosgrove, Teck Holmes, Kal Penn, Paul Gleason and Tim Matheson. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2002.
2002 in Van Wilder
Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is a young girl from a patriarchal Maori tribe in New Zealand who believes she is destined to be the new ruler of her people. The Whangaras believe that they descend from an ancestor named Paikea who escaped death by riding to shore on the back of a whale. Since then, all of the tribe's chiefs have been the first-born male. Unfortunately, Pai's twin brother, who would have been the next in line to be chief, died at birth, leaving only Pai. She must prove herself to be a worthy leader, fighting against her traditional grandfather, Koro (Rawiri Paratene), and centuries of tradition. Directed by Niki Caro. With Cliff Curtis, Vicky Haughton, Grant Roa and Rachel House. Categories: Drama, Foreign Film. Year: 2002.
2002 in Whale Rider
After crashing a Senator's car, Xander Cage (Vin Diesel), a notorious extreme sports enthusiast, is captured and taken to meet with NSA Agent Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson). Given an option between going to prison or undertaking a mission to infiltrate a Russian crime ring, Xander becomes a new breed of secret agent, using his athletic ability and unconventional methods to take out the bad guys. Directed by Rob Cohen. With Asia Argento, Marton Csokas, Michael Roof and Tom Everett. Categories: Adventure, Action, Thriller. Year: 2002.
2002 in xXx