One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
dir. Milos Forman
The Good:Features one of the finest ensemble casts ever assembled; superb performances from Nicholson, Fletcher, Dourif, Sampson, Lassick, and everyone else. Impressive character work and universal themes highlight its top-notch screenplay. The conclusion is one heck of a powerful and unforgettable sequence that stands among the best ever committed to film. Forman's direction is simply masterful. It never gets old; repeat viewings only make it better.
The Bad:Is there any?
The Bottom Line:A brilliant tale of oppression and conformity, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a true classic; one that has stood and will continue to stand the test of time.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
dir. Milos Forman
The Good:Features one of the finest ensemble casts ever assembled; superb performances from Nicholson, Fletcher, Dourif, Sampson, Lassick, and everyone else. Impressive character work and universal themes highlight its top-notch screenplay. The conclusion is one heck of a powerful and unforgettable sequence that stands among the best ever committed to film. Forman's direction is simply masterful. It never gets old; repeat viewings only make it better.
The Bad:Is there any?
The Bottom Line:A brilliant tale of oppression and conformity, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a true classic; one that has stood and will continue to stand the test of time.
It took a couple of months of tweaking, but as promised, I made a definitive top 100 favorites list. Sorry about the formatting errors.
I love movies. I must have seen thousands on my lifetime, and have thousands yet to see. I've tried quite a few times before to create a definitive list of my favorites, but it is pretty hard to do. Tastes tend to change over time, and I find that sometimes the best films don't get that much play time from me. What always attracts me in films will be how well they weave quality storytelling, entertainment, and craftsmanship, but this list is best refined by how well given films stick with me. The combination of all these attributes helped me compose this list in a proper order, and I can finally say that this list is definitive.
Chances are that my list will not jive with everybody's tastes. My tastes lean pretty heavily toward action, sci-fi, fantasy, and everything nerdy. I don't even think I have any romance films on here. I certainly don't have a whole lot of "classics" or prestige pieces here. You know what? It doesn't matter. These are favorites not because of influence or acclaim, but because I love the whole lot of them. Whether you agree with this list or not, I wouldn't change it for the world. I do encourage you to check out a lot of these films, either for your own enjoyment or enlightenment, but if you don't like these films, then that's your opinion and I can respect that.
Thus, without further ado, here is Al's Top 100 Favorite Movies!
100:
[Show spoiler]“Army of Darkness”
"You see this? This is my BOOMSTICK!!!"
I’ve never always been an “Evil Dead” fan (it took a couple of viewings for me to fully appreciate them), but I’ve always loved this third, final film of the Evil Dead series. For better or for worse, it’s nowhere near as gory or freakish as the two “Evil Dead” films, but “Army of Darkness” does have all the same manic, cartoony, and hilarious energy that made “Evil Dead II” so much fun. How awesome is it to watch a 20th century man thrown back to the Dark Ages, armed with only a shotgun, a chainsaw, and an Oldsmobile? Ash (played with perfection by the one and only Bruce Campbell, perhaps the best actor among all B-movies) spends the whole movie kicking butt and spitting out lines that are so absurd and corny that they’re hilarious. The film shows some cheapness, in spite of its age, but for something as absurd as this, it’s quite forgivable. The film overall is a blast.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Good | Resonance: Highest
99:
[Show spoiler]"Sin City"
It took a couple of viewings for me to appreciate Robert Rodriguez’s adaptation of Frank Miller’s comic series. It’s one crazy ride, filled to the brim with gut-wrenching brutality, rampant bloodshed, and scenes that are just plain wrong! It uses some really strange and stylish effects; the whole film is done on green-screen, and rendered with black and white photography with occasional bits of color added in to specific elements. With four short stories cut and intercut together, the film comes off as rather convoluted at first glance. However, it is a picture-perfect replication of the original graphic novels. Each of the stories has its share of strengths, and is animated brilliantly by the massive cast. Altogether, “Sin City” makes for one of the darkest and most decadent pleasures one can have in the cinematic world.
Entertainment: Very Good | Stories: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
98:
[Show spoiler]"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"
Indiana Jones’ second adventure sees the hero descending into a figurative Hell, where children are enslaved and people’s hearts are ripped from their bodies before being lowered into a pit of red hot magma. It’s so brutal, it’s the first film that led to the creation of the PG-13 rating (too rough for PG, not rough enough for R; the film is still PG, but very borderline). Strangely enough, this dark Vedic adventure still has frequent moments of comedy and heart. It makes for a rather strange experience, but it is highly entertaining all the same.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
97:
[Show spoiler]"Christine"
Closely adapted from Stephen King’s novel, John Carpenter’s film offers a dark and brutal tale in which the title characters massacres a bunch of high school kids in the name of love. Did I mention that the title character is really a bright-red antique car? It’s one heck of a unique story; one that entertains, and one that’s presented quite perfectly on film.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
96:
[Show spoiler]"Equilibrium"
Imagine George Orwell’s “1984”with lots and lots of gunfighting! Viola, you have “Equilibrium!” This sci-fi flick definitely entertains with its wild “gun-katta” fight sequences. Even moreso, the film underscores the importance of human emotion, as the characters discover them for the first time, before going on to rebel against forces of oppression. Maybe not the most original film out there, it has its heart in the right place.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
Upon watching this Korean crime drama, it’s hard not to feel for the main character; he is a loyal, immaculate, heartfelt man who finds himself betrayed and struggling to survive. The film offers plenty of thrills as the main character is forced to fight for his life, and eventually to fight for vengeance. It is also poetic in tone, thanks to its delicate filmmaking prowess and quality performances.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
94:
[Show spoiler]"Akmareul Boatda" ("I Saw the Devil")
An epic and brutal struggle between two wicked men: one a serial killer, the other a secret agent seeking vengeance for the loss of his fiancé under the killer’s hands. With this set up, it’s a simultaneously thrilling and chilling experience to watch the two men pursue and confront each other over and over again. It’s quite a bloody ordeal, but a somber and memorable one, filmed with style.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
93:
[Show spoiler]"127 Hours"
Danny Boyle managed to do something extraordinary: he took an ordinary subject and presented it in an extraordinary manner. You’d think that a movie about a guy trapped in a canyon would be dull. In the hands of any other director, this simple story could have been really boring or trashy. With Boyle’s interesting cinematic style, “127 Hours” is a vivid, gripping, memorable experience that not only entertains, but gives the film a unique life of its own.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
92:
[Show spoiler]"Conan the Barbarian"
This film offers something rarely seen in fantasy films: an R-rated adventure full of primal brutality and a certain old-fashioned mysticism. It’s enthralling to watch Conan literally crush his enemies, see them driven before him, and hear the lamentations of da women! It’s a blast to follow this story, especially with its endearing characters and its epic film score. Even with the 2010 remake, and movies like “The Pathfinder,” no other film has come close to replicating the fine balance between hard-edged brutality and high adventure the way this film does.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
91:
[Show spoiler]"Brazil"
A wacky yet insightful view on what the future could be: a crazy world in which rampant bureaucracy, commercialization, and industrialization turns everyday life into a living Hell. At the center stage, Sam Lowry, as a victim of circumstances, winds up rebelling against the powers that be to make his dreams come true and find true love. It is as thrilling of a journey as it is insightful, and at times surreal. It is a must-see for any sci-fi fan (like me).
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
90:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of War"
It’s been said before, but I’ll reiterate: this film does for guns what “Scarface” did for drugs. Both “Scarface” and “Lord of War” are stories about criminals who descend into madness and evil, in their obsessive pursuits over their given vices. In this case, the vice is gun running. It is quite an eye-opener to watch the main character deal and double-deal between the different countries (including our own; I couldn’t tell you if this kind of stuff really happens or not, but it makes you think). Believe it or not, Nicholas Cage delivers a strong performance in the lead role, and the film has the coolest style imaginable.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance:High
89:
[Show spoiler]"Der Untergang" ("Downfall")
Perhaps one of the best and most realistic World War II movies available. It chronicles the final days of Adolf Hitler and his top commanders, trapped in a bunker beneath war-torn Berlin. The drama is gripping and intense, as the characters face insurmountable odds, madness, and ultimately death. All of it appears historically accurate. With fantastic performances by the cast, “Downfall” stands as a must-see for any war movie buff.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: High
88:
[Show spoiler]"The Mist"
Taken from the Stephen King novella, with perhaps some influence by HP Lovecraft, this film starts off with a basic yet freakish concept. It remains tense, not only with all the creepy monsters that literally come out of the mist, but also with the primal violence that emerges within the group of survivors. While the devolution of the group serves as a sobering reflection on humanity’s own bestial nature, the film’s ending provides the biggest emotional punch, and stands out as the single most memorable moment in the film. It’s a scene that will leave many either loving or hating the film. I for one love it, for it is like bitter icing on a sweet cake. This bittersweet film comes pretty darn close to being my favorite Stephen King adaptation (but not quite…one other film has that honor…).
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect| Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
87:
[Show spoiler]"Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi" ("Spirited Away")
This anime feature is a rather odd affair, but one with enough charm and whimsy to match up with most Disney features. Hayao Miyazaki’s picture offers an interesting Japanese fairy tale that’s not only full of heart, but also has enough peril and striking visuals to keep it entertaining. This excellent coming-of-age story is ordained with superb animation quality.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
86:
[Show spoiler]"Gladiator"
Despite taking some liberties with the historical events, this movie does an impressive job of bringing the Roman Empire to life on the screen, thanks to its immaculate detail and art design. In the center of the arena, it’s a simple revenge story, but one full of power and heart. The film drags just a little in between the impressive yet bloody action scenes. It’s still mighty impressive for its immersive environments, its vivid style, and its strong performances.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
85:
[Show spoiler]"Psycho"
This has got to be Hitchcock’s most famous piece of work; it was purposefully designed to invoke fear by pushing the envelope as far as it could (by 1960s standards). It’s pretty tame by today’s standards, but its shower scene is still iconic. The film does a great job of maintaining tension. It is a piece of work with both style and substance, and it still resonates strongly after all these years.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
84:
[Show spoiler]"Air Force One"
Like “Die Hard” on an airplane, “Air Force One” presents a thrill ride of nonstop action, depicting a lone man (the President, nonetheless, played with serious machismo by Harrison Ford) picking off terrorists one by one. The shootouts and air battles are sweet! At its core, though, the movie still has a decent focus on building a gripping story and depicting interesting characters. While it may not stand as a great artistic achievement, this film is one of the best action movies of the 90s.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
83:
[Show spoiler]"Yip Man" ("Ip Man")
No, Ip Man is not “Internet Protocol” man. This martial arts master was an actual person: he was the one who originally trained the legendary Bruce Lee. This semi-autobiographical film shows Ip Man’s earlier years, however, as a humble man confronting the oppression of Japanese invaders during World War II. It’s quite uplifting to watch the Ip Man spearhead the resistance movement (even though it wasn’t his first choice). Above all, it’s incredible and awe-inspiring to watch the man fight. Donnie Yen shows off some mad martial arts skills as he beats down all his opponents with rapid successions of punches and kicks (in one scene, he even takes down ten different enemies all at once!). Despite the action, the film still has excellent focus on the story and depicting its characters, and they are every bit as strong and compelling as the fighting.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
82:
[Show spoiler]"Wanted"
Russian director Timur Bekmambetov’s American debut doesn’t exactly follow the original graphic novel that closely. But I don’t care. From start to finish, this film is just loaded with the most incredible spectacle. It takes the most impossible concepts – curving bullets, cars pulling off gravity-defying stunts, exploding rats, and more – and orchestrates an awe-inspiring ballet of violence and mass destruction. To accentuate the impressive action, the film just seethes with attitude, as if it just wants to tell the audience to frakk off (…in fact, the film does so a couple of times). A lot of people dismiss this film as average or substandard garbage, but I totally dug the characters and the story, no matter how much disbelief it asks to suspend.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
81:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back"
Of all the “Star Wars” pictures, this one is probably the most iconic, thanks to a certain twist in the characters that put the whole series into a new perspective. Even without that twist, the film is still quite thrilling with its massive battle on ice planet Hoth, its epic asteroid field chase, and the gripping duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. The film is successful at taking the classic characters and throwing them into new types of peril, ultimately laying the groundwork for the series’ epic conclusion.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
--------------------
To be continued...
Last edited by Al_The_Strange; 09-02-2012 at 08:15 PM.
[Show spoiler]It took a couple of months of tweaking, but as promised, I made a definitive top 100 favorites list. Sorry about the formatting errors.
I love movies. I must have seen thousands on my lifetime, and have thousands yet to see. I've tried quite a few times before to create a definitive list of my favorites, but it is pretty hard to do. Tastes tend to change over time, and I find that sometimes the best films don't get that much play time from me. What always attracts me in films will be how well they weave quality storytelling, entertainment, and craftsmanship, but this list is best refined by how well given films stick with me. The combination of all these attributes helped me compose this list in a proper order, and I can finally say that this list is definitive.
Chances are that my list will not jive with everybody's tastes. My tastes lean pretty heavily toward action, sci-fi, fantasy, and everything nerdy. I don't even think I have any romance films on here. I certainly don't have a whole lot of "classics" or prestige pieces here. You know what? It doesn't matter. These are favorites not because of influence or acclaim, but because I love the whole lot of them. Whether you agree with this list or not, I wouldn't change it for the world. I do encourage you to check out a lot of these films, either for your own enjoyment or enlightenment, but if you don't like these films, then that's your opinion and I can respect that.
Thus, without further ado, here is Al's Top 100 Favorite Movies!
100:
[Show spoiler]“Army of Darkness”
"You see this? This is my BOOMSTICK!!!"
I’ve never always been an “Evil Dead” fan (it took a couple of viewings for me to fully appreciate them), but I’ve always loved this third, final film of the Evil Dead series. For better or for worse, it’s nowhere near as gory or freakish as the two “Evil Dead” films, but “Army of Darkness” does have all the same manic, cartoony, and hilarious energy that made “Evil Dead II” so much fun. How awesome is it to watch a 20th century man thrown back to the Dark Ages, armed with only a shotgun, a chainsaw, and an Oldsmobile? Ash (played with perfection by the one and only Bruce Campbell, perhaps the best actor among all B-movies) spends the whole movie kicking butt and spitting out lines that are so absurd and corny that they’re hilarious. The film shows some cheapness, in spite of its age, but for something as absurd as this, it’s quite forgivable. The film overall is a blast.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Good | Resonance: Highest
99:
[Show spoiler]"Sin City"
It took a couple of viewings for me to appreciate Robert Rodriguez’s adaptation of Frank Miller’s comic series. It’s one crazy ride, filled to the brim with gut-wrenching brutality, rampant bloodshed, and scenes that are just plain wrong! It uses some really strange and stylish effects; the whole film is done on green-screen, and rendered with black and white photography with occasional bits of color added in to specific elements. With four short stories cut and intercut together, the film comes off as rather convoluted at first glance. However, it is a picture-perfect replication of the original graphic novels. Each of the stories has its share of strengths, and is animated brilliantly by the massive cast. Altogether, “Sin City” makes for one of the darkest and most decadent pleasures one can have in the cinematic world.
Entertainment: Very Good | Stories: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
98:
[Show spoiler]"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"
Indiana Jones’ second adventure sees the hero descending into a figurative Hell, where children are enslaved and people’s hearts are ripped from their bodies before being lowered into a pit of red hot magma. It’s so brutal, it’s the first film to ever be granted a PG-13 rating (too rough for PG, not rough enough for R). Strangely enough, this dark Vedic adventure still has frequent moments of comedy and heart. It makes for a rather strange experience, but it is highly entertaining all the same.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
97:
[Show spoiler]"Christine"
Closely adapted from Stephen King’s novel, John Carpenter’s film offers a dark and brutal tale in which the title characters massacres a bunch of high school kids in the name of love. Did I mention that the title character is really a bright-red antique car? It’s one heck of a unique story; one that entertains, and one that’s presented quite perfectly on film.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
96:
[Show spoiler]"Equilibrium"
Imagine George Orwell’s “1984”with lots and lots of gunfighting! Viola, you have “Equilibrium!” This sci-fi flick definitely entertains with its wild “gun-katta” fight sequences. Even moreso, the film underscores the importance of human emotion, as the characters discover them for the first time, before going on to rebel against forces of oppression. Maybe not the most original film out there, it has its heart in the right place.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
Upon watching this Korean crime drama, it’s hard not to feel for the main character; he is a loyal, immaculate, heartfelt man who finds himself betrayed and struggling to survive. The film offers plenty of thrills as the main character is forced to fight for his life, and eventually to fight for vengeance. It is also poetic in tone, thanks to its delicate filmmaking prowess and quality performances.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
94:
[Show spoiler]"Akmareul Boatda" ("I Saw the Devil")
An epic and brutal struggle between two wicked men: one a serial killer, the other a secret agent seeking vengeance for the loss of his fiancé under the killer’s hands. With this set up, it’s a simultaneously thrilling and chilling experience to watch the two men pursue and confront each other over and over again. It’s quite a bloody ordeal, but a somber and memorable one, filmed with style.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
93:
[Show spoiler]"127 Hours"
Danny Boyle managed to do something extraordinary: he took an ordinary subject and presented it in an extraordinary manner. You’d think that a movie about a guy trapped in a canyon would be dull. In the hands of any other director, this simple story could have been really boring or trashy. With Boyle’s interesting cinematic style, “127 Hours” is a vivid, gripping, memorable experience that not only entertains, but gives the film a unique life of its own.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
92:
[Show spoiler]"Conan the Barbarian"
This film offers something rarely seen in fantasy films: an R-rated adventure full of primal brutality and a certain old-fashioned mysticism. It’s enthralling to watch Conan literally crush his enemies, see them driven before him, and hear the lamentations of da women! It’s a blast to follow this story, especially with its endearing characters and its epic film score. Even with the 2010 remake, and movies like “The Pathfinder,” no other film has come close to replicating the fine balance between hard-edged brutality and high adventure the way this film does.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
91:
[Show spoiler]"Brazil"
A wacky yet insightful view on what the future could be: a crazy world in which rampant bureaucracy, commercialization, and industrialization turns everyday life into a living Hell. At the center stage, Sam Lowry, as a victim of circumstances, winds up rebelling against the powers that be to make his dreams come true and find true love. It is as thrilling of a journey as it is insightful, and at times surreal. It is a must-see for any sci-fi fan (like me).
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
90:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of War"
It’s been said before, but I’ll reiterate: this film does for guns what “Scarface” did for drugs. Both “Scarface” and “Lord of War” are stories about criminals who descend into madness and evil, in their obsessive pursuits over their given vices. In this case, the vice is gun running. It is quite an eye-opener to watch the main character deal and double-deal between the different countries (including our own; I couldn’t tell you if this kind of stuff really happens or not, but it makes you think). Believe it or not, Nicholas Cage delivers a strong performance in the lead role, and the film has the coolest style imaginable.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance:High
89:
[Show spoiler]"Der Untergang" ("Downfall")
Perhaps one of the best and most realistic World War II movies available. It chronicles the final days of Adolf Hitler and his top commanders, trapped in a bunker beneath war-torn Berlin. The drama is gripping and intense, as the characters face insurmountable odds, madness, and ultimately death. All of it appears historically accurate. With fantastic performances by the cast, “Downfall” stands as a must-see for any war movie buff.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: High
88:
[Show spoiler]"The Mist"
Taken from the Stephen King novella, with perhaps some influence by HP Lovecraft, this film starts off with a basic yet freakish concept. It remains tense, not only with all the creepy monsters that literally come out of the mist, but also with the primal violence that emerges within the group of survivors. While the devolution of the group serves as a sobering reflection on humanity’s own bestial nature, the film’s ending provides the biggest emotional punch, and stands out as the single most memorable moment in the film. It’s a scene that will leave many either loving or hating the film. I for one love it, for it is like bitter icing on a sweet cake. This bittersweet film comes pretty darn close to being my favorite Stephen King adaptation (but not quite…one other film has that honor…).
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect| Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
87:
[Show spoiler]"Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi" ("Spirited Away")
This anime feature is a rather odd affair, but one with enough charm and whimsy to match up with most Disney features. Hayao Miyazaki’s picture offers an interesting Japanese fairy tale that’s not only full of heart, but also has enough peril and striking visuals to keep it entertaining. This excellent coming-of-age story is ordained with superb animation quality.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
86:
[Show spoiler]"Gladiator"
Despite taking some liberties with the historical events, this movie does an impressive job of bringing the Roman Empire to life on the screen, thanks to its immaculate detail and art design. In the center of the arena, it’s a simple revenge story, but one full of power and heart. The film drags just a little in between the impressive yet bloody action scenes. It’s still mighty impressive for its immersive environments, its vivid style, and its strong performances.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
85:
[Show spoiler]"Psycho"
This has got to be Hitchcock’s most famous piece of work; it was purposefully designed to invoke fear by pushing the envelope as far as it could (by 1960s standards). It’s pretty tame by today’s standards, but its shower scene is still iconic. The film does a great job of maintaining tension. It is a piece of work with both style and substance, and it still resonates strongly after all these years.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
84:
[Show spoiler]"Air Force One"
Like “Die Hard” on an airplane, “Air Force One” presents a thrill ride of nonstop action, depicting a lone man (the President, nonetheless, played with serious machismo by Harrison Ford) picking off terrorists one by one. The shootouts and air battles are sweet! At its core, though, the movie still has a decent focus on building a gripping story and depicting interesting characters. While it may not stand as a great artistic achievement, this film is one of the best action movies of the 90s.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
83:
[Show spoiler]"Yip Man" ("Ip Man")
No, Ip Man is not “Internet Protocol” man. This martial arts master was an actual person: he was the one who originally trained the legendary Bruce Lee. This semi-autobiographical film shows Ip Man’s earlier years, however, as a humble man confronting the oppression of Japanese invaders during World War II. It’s quite uplifting to watch the Ip Man spearhead the resistance movement (even though it wasn’t his first choice). Above all, it’s incredible and awe-inspiring to watch the man fight. Donnie Yen shows off some mad martial arts skills as he beats down all his opponents with rapid successions of punches and kicks (in one scene, he even takes down ten different enemies all at once!). Despite the action, the film still has excellent focus on the story and depicting its characters, and they are every bit as strong and compelling as the fighting.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
82:
[Show spoiler]"Wanted"
Russian director Timur Bekmambetov’s American debut doesn’t exactly follow the original graphic novel that closely. But I don’t care. From start to finish, this film is just loaded with the most incredible spectacle. It takes the most impossible concepts – curving bullets, cars pulling off gravity-defying stunts, exploding rats, and more – and orchestrates an awe-inspiring ballet of violence and mass destruction. To accentuate the impressive action, the film just seethes with attitude, as if it just wants to tell the audience to frakk off (…in fact, the film does so a couple of times). A lot of people dismiss this film as average or substandard garbage, but I totally dug the characters and the story, no matter how much disbelief it asks to suspend.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
81:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back"
Of all the “Star Wars” pictures, this one is probably the most iconic, thanks to a certain twist in the characters that put the whole series into a new perspective. Even without that twist, the film is still quite thrilling with its massive battle on ice planet Hoth, its epic asteroid field chase, and the gripping duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. The film is successful at taking the classic characters and throwing them into new types of peril, ultimately laying the groundwork for the series’ epic conclusion.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
If you think those were bad, it's just the tip of the iceburg! Here's some more really awful films:
80:
[Show spoiler]"Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta" ("Laputa: Castle in the Sky")
This fantasy anime starts off with the rather unique hook, in which a boy witnesses a girl literally falling from the sky. Their encounter takes them on a thrilling adventure that pits them against sky pirates, an aggressive military force, and ultimately, the remnants of a lost civilization. The story is pretty light, but incredibly fun and full of color. The animation quality is decent, and does a convincing job of bringing this unique world to life. In the end though, I found the film most worthwhile for its Atlantis-style mythos.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
79:
[Show spoiler]"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
Maybe not the most exciting film on my list, but while this movie doesn’t have much action or thrills, it manages to entertain with its complex character interactions. It is always a pleasure to watch McMurphy fool around with the inmates at the mental institute, shaking the system and incurring the wrath of Nurse Ratched (a woman who ranks as one of the best villains ever). The consequences of McMurphy’s actions lead to a sobering and thought-provoking conclusion; it is a superb story told with excellent performances and direction.
Entertainment: Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
78:
[Show spoiler]"Ying Xiong" ("Hero")
Of all the films ever made that feature martial arts and quality fight scene choreography, this might be one of the most beautiful. It’s quite awe-inspiring to watch these characters float over a crystal-clear lake, or soar in the air with a trail of autumn leaves behind them. These fights are staged with a level of spectacle, skill, and beauty that remains unsurpassed by any other film. And yet, it still tells an interesting story, using unique narrative techniques.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
77:
[Show spoiler]"Kick-Ass"
This film’s title in itself says it all: it’s a phrase that’s obscene, irreverent, and just seething with attitude. Such is appropriate as the name of the main character, who decides to one day become a superhero. Even though this film has its share of great action scenes and rambunctious comedy, it does provide some interesting insight on the stark realities of masked vigilantism. This is a rare superhero film where the heroes aren’t invincible, or even all that super. It makes for an experience that’s simultaneously dark and funny. Combined with lots of surprises, the film does a great job of entertaining in a rather obnoxious manner.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
76:
[Show spoiler]"The Avengers" (2012)
It took five films to build this one movie up: “The Incredible Hulk” both “Iron Man” movies, “Thor,” and “Captain America.” That’s how epic it is! All these superheroes, in addition to Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, combine to save the world from an evil threat! That is, unless each of these characters wind up fighting amongst themselves. There is certainly a ton of action to this movie, especially towards the end. But what makes it stand out will be its strong characterization and their complex interactions; the filmmakers did a first-rate job of keeping everything consistent and presenting the Avengers as a type of dysfunctional family.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
75:
[Show spoiler]"The Matrix Revolutions"
When I first saw this movie, the finale to the epic “Matrix” saga, I was so pleased that I declared it my favorite of the lot for the longest time. For the most part, I was blown away by the action: the Battle of Zion and the final duel between Neo and Agent Smith are fantastic, awe-inspiring sequences. The main complaint about this film, however, is the story; it doesn’t have the same depth or development as its predecessors. I won’t deny that, as time passed, my enthusiasm for this film diminished, and I find myself enjoying the other two films for their in-depth storytelling. I still enjoy this final film for wrapping up the story in an exciting and cohesive fashion.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
This film was released as a double-feature with Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof.” The purpose of both films was to replicate the style and presentation of 1970s exploitation cinema. While “Death Proof” suffered from pacing and storytelling issues, Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror” delivered everything one could ask for from trashy exploitation cinema. The film is quite gross, with lots of gnarly blood and guts! At the same time, it’s so over-the-top, with plenty of funny lines and witty one-liners, that it comes off as a satisfying thrill ride. To make the experience even more endearing, the film was purposefully damaged and discolored to give it an aged, rough-around-the-edges look. Oh yeah, the film may not have class, but it definitely has style. It ranks as my favorite zombie picture of all time.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
73:
[Show spoiler]"Big Trouble In Little China"
This cult adventure film from John Carpenter is quite ludicrous, with its cheesy martial arts fighting (complete with crazy sound effects), its silly dialogue, and its small-scale story. Yet, all these things make the film work in its own unique way. The film is a blast, filled with action and witty comedy. The story still manages to take itself seriously, and it’s easy to get caught up in it.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
72:
[Show spoiler]"Starship Troopers"
Loosely adapted from Robert Heinlein’s novel, Paul Verhoeven (the madman behind “RoboCop” and “Total Recall,” which are every bit as fun and bloody as this film) gave us a gung-ho space adventure unlike no other. It has a unique blend of gruesome violence, amusing satire, and over-the-top cheese that keeps the film light and entertaining, despite the heavy-duty themes of war and fascism. The battles definitely entertain, with its fantastic special effects. In the end though, the story and overall presentation are quite appealing.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
71:
[Show spoiler]"Transformers" (2007)
Say what you will, Michael Bay knows how to entertain. He is a master of choreographing endless explosions, awe-inspiring special effects, fast-paced car chases, and realistic military combat into incredibly long and thrilling action sequences. While I find the two “Transformers” sequels to be even more entertaining, I’m posting this first film in the series because it is more consistently-paced, and still has a fresh story to accompany it. I won’t deny that the film uses some annoying rapid-fire editing, but “Transformers” is just too much fun for me to complain about.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
70:
[Show spoiler]"Aliens"
The first “Alien” film is indeed a sublime piece of work; the only reason it doesn’t make my list is because of its pacing. I’ve always felt it was too damn slow! Fortunately, James Cameron takes the material and runs with it his own way; his sequel eschews the horror and pumps up the action, and the results are phenomenal. The conflict between the space marines and the xenomorphs are thrilling. Above all, though, we see Ellen Ripley evolve from a mere traumatized survivor into a butt-kicking heroine (themes of maternity ensue)! As it is with most other Cameron films, “Aliens” is immersive and highly detailed, expanding greatly on the universe that Ridley Scott established. It’s easy to get caught up in the epic struggle between man and monster.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
69:
[Show spoiler]"Goldfinger"
This might very well be the first James Bond film that would set the pattern for every other Bond film to follow. Even though it comes in after “Dr No” and “From Russia With Love,” “Goldfinger” maintains the perfect pacing, and the perfect combination of style and substance, to offer a thrilling experience that appeals to all audiences. It can be rather ridiculous, with the amount of gadgetry, innuendos, and cheese involved in this film. That doesn’t stop the film from being tremendously entertaining, and from allowing the story to breathe and take itself seriously. Above all, this film features the series’ most memorable scenes: a girl painted gold (to death), a laser beam creeping toward Bond’s crotch, the epic duel between Bond and Oddjob (the short Korean dude with the iron hat), and much more!
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
68:
[Show spoiler]"Independence Day"
This alien invasion flick hasn’t really aged too well (if it had, it would have ranked higher). At its time, though, I was quite taken by the film’s (over)dramatic style, its incredible special effects, and its stirring spirit. It presents a cast of likable characters, and presents a story that covers practically every aspect of its hypothetical situation. Even though alien invasion films seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days, “ID4” remains my seminal favorite.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
67:
[Show spoiler]"X2: X-Men United"
Like any quality sequel, “X2” took everything great about the first “X-Men” film and made it better. The action is bigger and more impressive. The story is broader, with bigger stakes. At the same time, the story is still quite sound, with excellent characterizations. It is especially worthwhile to see Wolverine’s backstory revealed (although more can be seen with the “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” film, there’s enough here to appreciate the character). The story also does a great job of underscoring the continuing conflict between men and mutants, both physical and political.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
66:
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country"
Quoting from Shakespeare, the undiscovered country is revealed to be “the future,” which is appropriate for this final outing from the original “Star Trek” crew. The film itself explores the uncertainty of the future for the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and all the characters within. As a conspiracy becomes unraveled and the characters are forced to confront many dangers, the film maintains a grim and tense atmosphere. It is a dark and revealing episode in the “Trek” film universe, and proves to be a solid finale for the classic crew.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
65:
[Show spoiler]"GoldenEye"
This was the first James Bond picture I ever saw, and for the longest time I deemed it my favorite. After a six year gap, Bond returned to the big screen with all guns blazing; with a daring bungee jump off of a damn, a chase scene featuring a tank busting through St Petersburg, and loads of shootouts and fights, the film is easily one of the most exciting Bond films of them all! The future of Bond (both as a franchise and as a character) was practically jeopardized with the end of the Cold War; this film serves to push him into the future, shifting the focus from the old Cold War threats to the modern threats of the modern age. As such, Bond’s character receives decent insight, and is played with style by a cool, suave Pierce Brosnan. The rest of the cast is sensational, especially with Sean Bean’s character. With excellent action setpieces, special effects, and a quality production value, “GoldenEye” has a license to thrill, and it isn’t afraid to use it.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
64:
[Show spoiler]"Sucker Punch"
Slicing through not one, not two, but three layers of fantasy, this movie has sucker punched many audiences, and not with particularly good results. The movie is often labeled as confusing, messy, too much style-over-substance, and at its worst, misogynistic. It is most memorable for having four fantasy sequences that pit the main characters against giant samurai, steampunk zombies, orcs, dragons, and robots in beautiful CGI-generated environments. Sequences like these appeal to my demographic very well, but leaves most other audiences wondering why women would fantasize about such things. My argument is that these women aren’t prancing around a fantasy world of their own invention: they’re presenting the fantasy to an audience to seduce, trick, and ultimately escape from their imprisonment at the cabaret club (which is not all that it seems either). The plot is pretty tricky to understand, but deciphering it is part of the joy I take in watching it. Now, why is this film called “Sucker Punch?” The director claimed it was because the main character is not as weak or feeble as she seems. The plot twists could also serve to sucker punch the audience. I would go on to say that the film reaches beyond the screen to sucker punch Hollywood itself, thanks largely to the cabaret club setup the film employs. And if you didn’t understand this film, maybe you’ve been sucker punched!
The extended cut of this movie comes recommended; it features new dialogue and scenes that put the movie into a better context, and is easier to follow overall.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
63:
[Show spoiler]"The Incredibles"
Taking a little inspiration from “The Fantastic 4,” and perhaps some James Bond films, this Pixar animated film focuses on a family of superheroes just trying to get by. The film has some impressive visuals, great action sequences, and enough good comedy to keep it highly entertaining. It also does a first-rate job of giving the characters life and underscoring their interactions as a family.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
62:
[Show spoiler]"Ladri di Biciclette" ("The Bicycle Thieves")
This is a short and simple film: the humble story of a man risking it all to find his stolen bicycle. But with the given narrative and film style, the film emphasizes the stakes and digs up some strong thematic content. It’s not just the story of a man losing his bicycle, but also the story of a man losing his faith and his focus on what’s really important. Using a cast of genuine, down-to-earth laborers rather than actors, and with superb photography, I found this film very classy and endearing.
Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
61:
[Show spoiler]"Donnie Darko"
What a strange picture. It is a dark and mystifying high school drama that somehow ties in quantum physics, theological overtones, and eerie nightmares into one confusing package. It’s a puzzle of a film that requires the audience to find all the clues and piece together the reasoning and logic behind what happens. Even if you can’t figure it out, the ending has a certain “what goes around comes around” vibe that inherently feels cohesive and whole. Populated with strong characters, with some interesting camera composition and music selection, the film comes off as one interesting Rubik’s Cube of a movie.
Two cuts exist for this film. Seeing the Director’s Cut first, I was intrigued by the added special effects and the scenes of added exposition, which help make better sense of the movie. However, I notice that some viewers prefer the Theatrical Cut, rather than having all the answers laid out for them. I’d say, start with the original cut, see the Director’s Cut once, and see what you think.
Entertainment: Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
Go back to games. Your movie tastes are all wrong.
[Show spoiler]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange
Yep, I know.
If you think those were bad, it's just the tip of the iceburg! Here's some more really awful films:
[Show spoiler]80:
[Show spoiler]"Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta" ("Laputa: Castle in the Sky")
This fantasy anime starts off with the rather unique hook, in which a boy witnesses a girl literally falling from the sky. Their encounter takes them on a thrilling adventure that pits them against sky pirates, an aggressive military force, and ultimately, the remnants of a lost civilization. The story is pretty light, but incredibly fun and full of color. The animation quality is decent, and does a convincing job of bringing this unique world to life. In the end though, I found the film most worthwhile for its Atlantis-style mythos.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
79:
[Show spoiler]"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
Maybe not the most exciting film on my list, but while this movie doesn’t have much action or thrills, it manages to entertain with its complex character interactions. It is always a pleasure to watch McMurphy fool around with the inmates at the mental institute, shaking the system and incurring the wrath of Nurse Ratched (a woman who ranks as one of the best villains ever). The consequences of McMurphy’s actions lead to a sobering and thought-provoking conclusion; it is a superb story told with excellent performances and direction.
Entertainment: Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
78:
[Show spoiler]"Ying Xiong" ("Hero")
Of all the films ever made that feature martial arts and quality fight scene choreography, this might be one of the most beautiful. It’s quite awe-inspiring to watch these characters float over a crystal-clear lake, or soar in the air with a trail of autumn leaves behind them. These fights are staged with a level of spectacle, skill, and beauty that remains unsurpassed by any other film. And yet, it still tells an interesting story, using unique narrative techniques.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
77:
[Show spoiler]"Kick-Ass"
This film’s title in itself says it all: it’s a phrase that’s obscene, irreverent, and just seething with attitude. Such is appropriate as the name of the main character, who decides to one day become a superhero. Even though this film has its share of great action scenes and rambunctious comedy, it does provide some interesting insight on the stark realities of masked vigilantism. This is a rare superhero film where the heroes aren’t invincible, or even all that super. It makes for an experience that’s simultaneously dark and funny. Combined with lots of surprises, the film does a great job of entertaining in a rather obnoxious manner.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Very High
76:
[Show spoiler]"The Avengers" (2012)
It took five films to build this one movie up: “The Incredible Hulk” both “Iron Man” movies, “Thor,” and “Captain America.” That’s how epic it is! All these superheroes, in addition to Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, combine to save the world from an evil threat! That is, unless each of these characters wind up fighting amongst themselves. There is certainly a ton of action to this movie, especially towards the end. But what makes it stand out will be its strong characterization and their complex interactions; the filmmakers did a first-rate job of keeping everything consistent and presenting the Avengers as a type of dysfunctional family.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
75:
[Show spoiler]"The Matrix Revolutions"
When I first saw this movie, the finale to the epic “Matrix” saga, I was so pleased that I declared it my favorite of the lot for the longest time. For the most part, I was blown away by the action: the Battle of Zion and the final duel between Neo and Agent Smith are fantastic, awe-inspiring sequences. The main complaint about this film, however, is the story; it doesn’t have the same depth or development as its predecessors. I won’t deny that, as time passed, my enthusiasm for this film diminished, and I find myself enjoying the other two films for their in-depth storytelling. I still enjoy this final film for wrapping up the story in an exciting and cohesive fashion.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
This film was released as a double-feature with Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof.” The purpose of both films was to replicate the style and presentation of 1970s exploitation cinema. While “Death Proof” suffered from pacing and storytelling issues, Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror” delivered everything one could ask for from trashy exploitation cinema. The film is quite gross, with lots of gnarly blood and guts! At the same time, it’s so over-the-top, with plenty of funny lines and witty one-liners, that it comes off as a satisfying thrill ride. To make the experience even more endearing, the film was purposefully damaged and discolored to give it an aged, rough-around-the-edges look. Oh yeah, the film may not have class, but it definitely has style. It ranks as my favorite zombie picture of all time.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
73:
[Show spoiler]"Big Trouble In Little China"
This cult adventure film from John Carpenter is quite ludicrous, with its cheesy martial arts fighting (complete with crazy sound effects), its silly dialogue, and its small-scale story. Yet, all these things make the film work in its own unique way. The film is a blast, filled with action and witty comedy. The story still manages to take itself seriously, and it’s easy to get caught up in it.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
72:
[Show spoiler]"Starship Troopers"
Loosely adapted from Robert Heinlein’s novel, Paul Verhoeven (the madman behind “RoboCop” and “Total Recall,” which are every bit as fun and bloody as this film) gave us a gung-ho space adventure unlike no other. It has a unique blend of gruesome violence, amusing satire, and over-the-top cheese that keeps the film light and entertaining, despite the heavy-duty themes of war and fascism. The battles definitely entertain, with its fantastic special effects. In the end though, the story and overall presentation are quite appealing.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
71:
[Show spoiler]"Transformers" (2007)
Say what you will, Michael Bay knows how to entertain. He is a master of choreographing endless explosions, awe-inspiring special effects, fast-paced car chases, and realistic military combat into incredibly long and thrilling action sequences. While I find the two “Transformers” sequels to be even more entertaining, I’m posting this first film in the series because it is more consistently-paced, and still has a fresh story to accompany it. I won’t deny that the film uses some annoying rapid-fire editing, but “Transformers” is just too much fun for me to complain about.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
70:
[Show spoiler]"Aliens"
The first “Alien” film is indeed a sublime piece of work; the only reason it doesn’t make my list is because of its pacing. I’ve always felt it was too damn slow! Fortunately, James Cameron takes the material and runs with it his own way; his sequel eschews the horror and pumps up the action, and the results are phenomenal. The conflict between the space marines and the xenomorphs are thrilling. Above all, though, we see Ellen Ripley evolve from a mere traumatized survivor into a butt-kicking heroine (themes of maternity ensue)! As it is with most other Cameron films, “Aliens” is immersive and highly detailed, expanding greatly on the universe that Ridley Scott established. It’s easy to get caught up in the epic struggle between man and monster.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
69:
[Show spoiler]"Goldfinger"
This might very well be the first James Bond film that would set the pattern for every other Bond film to follow. Even though it comes in after “Dr No” and “From Russia With Love,” “Goldfinger” maintains the perfect pacing, and the perfect combination of style and substance, to offer a thrilling experience that appeals to all audiences. It can be rather ridiculous, with the amount of gadgetry, innuendos, and cheese involved in this film. That doesn’t stop the film from being tremendously entertaining, and from allowing the story to breathe and take itself seriously. Above all, this film features the series’ most memorable scenes: a girl painted gold (to death), a laser beam creeping toward Bond’s crotch, the epic duel between Bond and Oddjob (the short Korean dude with the iron hat), and much more!
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
68:
[Show spoiler]"Independence Day"
This alien invasion flick hasn’t really aged too well (if it had, it would have ranked higher). At its time, though, I was quite taken by the film’s (over)dramatic style, its incredible special effects, and its stirring spirit. It presents a cast of likable characters, and presents a story that covers practically every aspect of its hypothetical situation. Even though alien invasion films seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days, “ID4” remains my seminal favorite.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
67:
[Show spoiler]"X2: X-Men United"
Like any quality sequel, “X2” took everything great about the first “X-Men” film and made it better. The action is bigger and more impressive. The story is broader, with bigger stakes. At the same time, the story is still quite sound, with excellent characterizations. It is especially worthwhile to see Wolverine’s backstory revealed (although more can be seen with the “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” film, there’s enough here to appreciate the character). The story also does a great job of underscoring the continuing conflict between men and mutants, both physical and political.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
66:
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country"
Quoting from Shakespeare, the undiscovered country is revealed to be “the future,” which is appropriate for this final outing from the original “Star Trek” crew. The film itself explores the uncertainty of the future for the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and all the characters within. As a conspiracy becomes unraveled and the characters are forced to confront many dangers, the film maintains a grim and tense atmosphere. It is a dark and revealing episode in the “Trek” film universe, and proves to be a solid finale for the classic crew.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
65:
[Show spoiler]"GoldenEye"
This was the first James Bond picture I ever saw, and for the longest time I deemed it my favorite. After a six year gap, Bond returned to the big screen with all guns blazing; with a daring bungee jump off of a damn, a chase scene featuring a tank busting through St Petersburg, and loads of shootouts and fights, the film is easily one of the most exciting Bond films of them all! The future of Bond (both as a franchise and as a character) was practically jeopardized with the end of the Cold War; this film serves to push him into the future, shifting the focus from the old Cold War threats to the modern threats of the modern age. As such, Bond’s character receives decent insight, and is played with style by a cool, suave Pierce Brosnan. The rest of the cast is sensational, especially with Sean Bean’s character. With excellent action setpieces, special effects, and a quality production value, “GoldenEye” has a license to thrill, and it isn’t afraid to use it.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
64:
[Show spoiler]"Sucker Punch"
Slicing through not one, not two, but three layers of fantasy, this movie has sucker punched many audiences, and not with particularly good results. The movie is often labeled as confusing, messy, too much style-over-substance, and at its worst, misogynistic. It is most memorable for having four fantasy sequences that pit the main characters against giant samurai, steampunk zombies, orcs, dragons, and robots in beautiful CGI-generated environments. Sequences like these appeal to my demographic very well, but leaves most other audiences wondering why women would fantasize about such things. My argument is that these women aren’t prancing around a fantasy world of their own invention: they’re presenting the fantasy to an audience to seduce, trick, and ultimately escape from their imprisonment at the cabaret club (which is not all that it seems either). The plot is pretty tricky to understand, but deciphering it is part of the joy I take in watching it. Now, why is this film called “Sucker Punch?” The director claimed it was because the main character is not as weak or feeble as she seems. The plot twists could also serve to sucker punch the audience. I would go on to say that the film reaches beyond the screen to sucker punch Hollywood itself, thanks largely to the cabaret club setup the film employs. And if you didn’t understand this film, maybe you’ve been sucker punched!
The extended cut of this movie comes recommended; it features new dialogue and scenes that put the movie into a better context, and is easier to follow overall.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
63:
[Show spoiler]"The Incredibles"
Taking a little inspiration from “The Fantastic 4,” and perhaps some James Bond films, this Pixar animated film focuses on a family of superheroes just trying to get by. The film has some impressive visuals, great action sequences, and enough good comedy to keep it highly entertaining. It also does a first-rate job of giving the characters life and underscoring their interactions as a family.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
62:
[Show spoiler]"Ladri di Biciclette" ("The Bicycle Thieves")
This is a short and simple film: the humble story of a man risking it all to find his stolen bicycle. But with the given narrative and film style, the film emphasizes the stakes and digs up some strong thematic content. It’s not just the story of a man losing his bicycle, but also the story of a man losing his faith and his focus on what’s really important. Using a cast of genuine, down-to-earth laborers rather than actors, and with superb photography, I found this film very classy and endearing.
Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
61:
[Show spoiler]"Donnie Darko"
What a strange picture. It is a dark and mystifying high school drama that somehow ties in quantum physics, theological overtones, and eerie nightmares into one confusing package. It’s a puzzle of a film that requires the audience to find all the clues and piece together the reasoning and logic behind what happens. Even if you can’t figure it out, the ending has a certain “what goes around comes around” vibe that inherently feels cohesive and whole. Populated with strong characters, with some interesting camera composition and music selection, the film comes off as one interesting Rubik’s Cube of a movie.
Two cuts exist for this film. Seeing the Director’s Cut first, I was intrigued by the added special effects and the scenes of added exposition, which help make better sense of the movie. However, I notice that some viewers prefer the Theatrical Cut, rather than having all the answers laid out for them. I’d say, start with the original cut, see the Director’s Cut once, and see what you think.
Entertainment: Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
The Good:First-class, breathtaking cinematography, accompanied perfectly by a dynamic musical score, just like the 1992 original, Baraka. The 4K digital presentation is absolutely stunning. Highlights of the film are: the freaky scene involving a guy rubbing clay on his face (which was the most talked about scene after the show), the jaw-dropping time-lapse sequences filmed in Mecca and Downtown Los Angeles, the sand painting (whose conclusion I found emotionally compelling), and the 1,000 hands dance.
The Bad:The film starts off feeling more of the same, and it takes a while to pick up speed. Not as seamless, mesmerizing, and mind-blowing as Baraka.
The Bottom Line:Although it doesn't quite recapture what made Baraka so special, there's still enough here to satisfy fans of the original or anybody who's into cinematography.
The Good:First-class, breathtaking cinematography, accompanied perfectly by a dynamic musical score, just like the 1992 original, Baraka. The 4K digital presentation is absolutely stunning. Highlights of the film are: the freaky scene involving a guy rubbing clay on his face (which was the most talked about scene after the show), the jaw-dropping time-lapse sequences filmed in Mecca and Downtown Los Angeles, the sand painting (whose conclusion I found emotionally compelling), and the 1,000 hands dance.
The Bad:The film starts off feeling more of the same, and it takes a while to pick up speed. Not as seamless, mesmerizing, and mind-blowing as Baraka.
The Bottom Line:Although it doesn't quite recapture what made Baraka so special, there's still enough here to satisfy fans of the original or anybody who's into cinematography.
I see the pre-order is finally up for the US disc, so I got it on my wishlist. Can't wait to check it out.
"Baraka" and "Koyaanisqatsi" both rank in the top 25 or so on my list, but I left them off. I decided that I simply haven't seen enough documentaries to justify listing them among fictional films.
Right on! I can probably guess as to which ones you liked, for at least a few of them.
Is "Donnie Darko" a blind-buy for you? It'll be interesting to read your review on it.
Nope, reviewed it prior
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foggy
Donnie Darko
[Show spoiler]I'd always wanted to check this out but never got around to it, well, now I have
I never really knew what to expect from it, I just knew of it's cult following and it's very crazy plot. All in all, it's a pretty cool film.
I always like films that are like this, films that seem to have no boundaries of where it may lead to next, yet no matter how silly or absurd it gets, you can still get behind it and see the plausibility. The acting is great majority of the time, other than the occasional romantic cheesy parts. A lot of the acting revolves around subtle emotions to put across, the parents confusion is a great example of this. All evidence points to their son being insane yet they still find it to try and understand him because he is their son, instead of the typical parents in films who would just cry a lot and then throw them into a mental hospital. However, the film does play on some stereotypes, like the typical bullies and teachers who believe in their students though they are against the system. (Though what teacher lets their students sit where they want just so she can sit next to the cutest boy is beyond me, I can't see how a teacher would think that would help students to focus)
Visual effects are pretty crappy, but hey, it's an indie film from the early 2000's, what you do expect. One thing that did bug me, is how it was set in the 80's yet nothing seemed to be placed in that era, there is no point to it being set in that time, and the clothes people wear don't seem to be from the 80's.
I liked it enough, but I'm not loving it quite yet.
Hey Al, not to burst your bubble, but Temple of Doom was indeed PG. The content though did inspire the MPAA to make the PG-13 rating.
Ah, thanks for reminding me. I remember there was a big issue surrounding that, but I seem to have neglected the fact that the rating was invented after the movie's release.
All countries
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
India
Latvia
Lithuania
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
A Movie A Day: Day 133
Sorry about the formatting errors. 
Here's some more really awful films:
Linear Mode
