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
[Show spoiler]
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
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To be continued...
Nice list!!
Sin City is a marvel as an adaptation and stylistic action film. It nails the look, grit, and feel of the graphic novels.
I'll be checking out A Bittersweet Life now. At first glance, I thought it was A Beautiful Life, a Chinese drama I saw a few months ago.
I enjoyed 127 Hours immensely the first time through and it's a great film. But I haven't opened my copy since its release and haven't had much desire to rewatch it...
Loved the rest of these choices, and your inclusion of the beautifully violent I Saw the Devil.
Ip Man - Wong Kar Wai's The Grandmasters is in post-production! It probably tops my most anticipated list... next to Sin City 2 and The Master.
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan"
For the longest time, I would have called this my favorite “Trek” film, and with good reason. While “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” offered its fair share of spectacle, this sequel proved far more successful at tying up quality visuals, explosive action, powerful drama, and a gripping story into one franchise-defining package. Taking after the classic “Trek” episode “Space Seed,” the film brings Khan Noonien Singh to vivid life, thanks to a powerful performance by Ricardo Montalbán. The film rakes up the stakes very highly, pitting the Enterprise crew against this classic villain, while simultaneously hinting at themes of mortality, death, and rebirth. It is as exciting of a story as it is deep. Even after all these years, it remains one of the most endearing “Trek” movies of the lot.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
39:
[Show spoiler]"RoboCop"
Paul Verhoeven’s first Hollywood picture is a real doozy. It has an extreme amount of over-the-top blood and guts. It makes for an entertainingly hard-hitting piece of pulp sci-fi (which, in my opinion, is something of a rarity). But what makes the film stand out is its story; it’s a short and simple affair, but it’s a story well-told. Aside from having numerous satires and statements concerning human society, the film’s premise inherently carries some strong themes concerning death and rebirth.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
38:
[Show spoiler]"The Fountain"
As it is with most other folks, I didn’t like this film on the first viewing. I think I was thrown off by the three-way split in the story, and it took multiple viewings to appreciate what each split represented. Basically, it’s all about a doctor who’s obsessed with finding a cure for death (the present). In another tangent of reality, presented as a piece of fiction the characters are writing, there is a Spanish conquistador battling Mayans and searching for the fountain of youth (the past). In another, stranger, and more fantastic tangent, the man is in a glass bubble with a tree inside floating through a nebula (the future). It gets a little convoluted as all three timelines become entwined; it’s a visually fantastic piece of art that requires some interpretation to appreciate. Ultimately, Darren Aronofsky’s film is a sobering and awe-inspiring expression of remorse.
Adapted from Philip K Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, this film takes the basic story of a bounty hunter chasing after androids, and paints a grim depiction of the future around it. The film’s visuals are fantastic, with its dark, bleak cityscapes and crowded streets; it’s a future that’s very much plausible. The film is pretty slow, but the fantastic art design, the quality direction, the storytelling, and the thought-provoking themes of artificiality help make it engaging. Even though it received a mixed reception at the time of its release, it has proven to be a quality piece of science fiction.
Many cuts are available for this film. I find myself favoring the Final Cut above the others; it doesn’t have Harrison Ford’s narration, but I feel the film is more somber and moving that way. It also features some new shots that have been seamlessly incorporated into the film. Whether or not you’ll enjoy this version more will depend on personal taste.
It’s pretty ironic that David Lynch’s biggest flop (a film that even he admits is his biggest failure) winds up so high on my list. What can I say; I totally dig this strange, adventurous sci-fi epic. It takes some liberties from Frank Herbert’s novel (for better or for worse), but it does an impeccable job of bringing the Dune universe to life with lots of crazy detail. The baroque art design does the film great justice. The story is pretty intuitive, even if it does suffer a little. Characters are quite memorable, and feature very strong performances from the cast. For the most part though, it’s a film with a deep and invigorating style; it has a power that very few other films manage to match.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
35:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi"
For the longest time, I considered this my favorite “Star Wars” picture (thus, my favorite all-time picture, or else my second-favorite…it’s fluctuated a lot). I can’t deny any more that the film has its flaws; most folks don’t take kindly to the Ewoks’ role in defeating the evil Galactic Empire. I still believe that this film boasts some of the best space battle scenes of all time; I’ve also always been enthralled by the opening act concerning Jabba the Hutt. But what really makes this grand finale stand out is the final duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker; it’s a powerful, heartbreaking climax that ties up the entire saga in the best way possible.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
34:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"
The more I see this film, the more striking it seems to get. It does boast some incredible action sequences, including an epic space battle over planet Coruscant, and the climactic duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. But what really makes the film stand out will be its characters and story; it is a bleak story filled with profound twists and turns that will not only connect the series’ prequels with the sequels, but also define the characters and bring certain themes to light. While the film’s craftsmanship may be put into question, it does go to prove that the “Star Wars” prequels have redeeming value.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
33:
[Show spoiler]"The Lion King"
Pretty much the exact same story as Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” only with Lions in an African setting. Disney’s feature film takes ever advantage of its unique setting to present a unique and memorable array of characters and environments. More importantly, it takes every advantage of the story to underscore key themes concerning personal growth, destiny, vengeance, and redemption. I’m not too keen on the music, but with the film’s editing style and fantastic animation quality, it is pretty darn powerful.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
32:
[Show spoiler]"American History X"
This film pretty much covers all angles concerning racial prejudice; the film explores its genesis, its progression, and its sobering conclusion. It simultaneously underscores potent themes of tolerance. The story and characters are captured in a style that is as invoking as it is striking and memorable. Even though the film is a little rough with its violence, it tackles some important issues head-on; this is one film that I’d gladly recommend to all.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
31:
[Show spoiler]"Shichinin no Samurai" ("Seven Samurai")
For a film that runs over four hours long, “Seven Samurai” never really feels all that long, and certainly not dull. It is a fantastic adventure, offering plenty of action to satisfy. The story is simple, but it boasts an excellent group of characters; the film overall makes the most out of a small-scale plot to make it really epic. While most of Akira Kurosawa’s films have pleased me, this has got to be his crowning achievement, and it comes recommended to all!
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
30:
[Show spoiler]"Beauty and the Beast"
Disney’s adaptation of the French fairy tale offers the same wholesome fun as most other Disney pictures; it has catchy musical numbers, occasional slappy comedy, and a whimsical sense of magic and wonder. This film has a lot of heart to it though; I couldn’t help but to feel for the characters. For that matter, I feel that the Beast represents the primal brutality at the base of all men in general, while Belle represents the grace of all women. Despite their differences, their unlikely union is a wonderful thing to watch. Combined with a music score that’s occasionally powerful, and top-notch animation quality, this currently stands as my top favorite Disney feature.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
29:
[Show spoiler]"Silence of the Lambs"
A close adaptation to Thomas Harris’ novel, this film makes for one stylish, gripping, and bleak thriller. It is most memorable for bringing Hannibal Lecter to life (even though he was portrayed previously in “Manhunter,” Anthony Hopkins’ performance here is so perfect it’s chilling). For the most part though, the film is about another psycho who skins women to make into clothing; it’s a seriously gross and messed-up concept, but the film handles it very tastefully. It’s a strong story about metamorphosis, and with a uniquely intimate cinematic style, the film stands out really well.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
28:
[Show spoiler]"Wall-E"
Pixar’s 2008 feature film explores some fantastic sci-fi environments, from a battered and polluted Earth to the colorful regions of deep space. There are some inherently interesting themes at work concerning human society, but for the most part, this film is a romantic comedy between two robots. Their interactions are pretty darn cute, but the film is never overly-sappy, thanks to its comedy, impressive visuals, and impeccable storytelling. It is as entertaining as it is insightful. It ranks as my favorite Pixar film to date.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
27:
[Show spoiler]"Metropolis" (1927)
Of all silent movies, Fritz Lang’s sci-fi epic remains my top favorite. It is loaded with unique expressionist imagery, serving to tell a fantastic story that weaves biblical prophecy with visions of the future. It tends to be a bit wild and over-the-top, but that only adds to the film’s charm. Even after all these years, the model work and special effects hold up well enough. In spite of that, the film offers a fine visual spectacle, and a decent story to boot.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
26:
[Show spoiler]"Nanjing! Nanjing!" ("The City of Life and Death")
This film covers one of many bleak chapters in the history of World War II: an event that I was never even aware of, and I’m sure other people may have been in the dark about too. Taken from eye-witness accounts, this film chronicles the Nanking Massacre in full horrific detail. It’s an experience comparable to “Schindler’s List,” not only because the film is shot in stylish black and white, but largely because of its hard-hitting violence and uncompromising focus on a hideous war crime. Populated with quality characters, and featuring solid craftsmanship, this film is one of the most powerful and sobering ever made.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
25:
[Show spoiler]"Akira"
Anime has always endeavored to make the most out of limited budgets, staffing, and resources. “Akira” was the first of its kind: an anime produced from a small, stuffy apartment, but with handsome hand-drawn and hand-painted animation, a pre-scored soundtrack, weird music, and computer effects. Above all, it is one Hell of a thrill ride. “Akira” is loaded up with all kinds of action, as it shows biker gangs terrorizing the streets of NeoTokyo, before psychic powers manifest in the characters and lead up to one of the most destructive rampages ever put on screen. It’s action-packed, and often quite bloody; the thrills in this movie it matched only by its craftsmanship, which still holds up well after all these years. With a deliciously dense story and decent-enough characters, “Akira” is a thrill ride that I don’t mind going on over and over again.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
24:
[Show spoiler]"King Kong" (2005)
Peter Jackson flexes some impressive filmmaking muscle by taking the classic 1933 picture and putting his epic “Lord of the Rings” vibe into it. This remake runs for over three hours long, but it hardly ever feels long, and certainly not dull (although it does take an hour or so to get to the really exciting stuff). The film’s highlights include a fantastic fight between Kong and not one, not two, but three T-Rexes! Plus, spectacular sequences involving a brontosaurus stampede, giant bugs, freaky orc-like natives, and Kong wreaking havoc all across New York! It’s not all about excess CGI eye candy though; a lot of screen time is devoted to developing a coherent story and giving the characters some depth. I think it’s actually successful at besting the original ’33 film in regards to story and character. But in the end, this film has a strong heart, and it makes for one of the most pleasing adventure films ever.
The three-and-a-half hour extended cut offers loads more material, and is a pleasure to watch.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
23:
[Show spoiler]"The Abyss"
In this film, James Cameron ambitiously captures and creates a unique environment that’s rarely shown on film: the bottom of the ocean. In this high-pressure setting, the characters find themselves encountering the wonders of a dormant extraterrestrial presence, and simultaneously confronting the dire threat of nuclear war. With a colorful cast of characters, impressive (and fully-functional) set designs, and ground-breaking special effects, “The Abyss” is one of the most original and thrilling sci-fi films ever made.
The extended cut comes recommended, which features a longer, more complete ending that ties in the movie’s themes more coherently.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
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From here on up, every film has a perfect 20/20 (Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest)
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22:
[Show spoiler]"Back to the Future"
Great scott! This film has it all: comedy, cool special effects, and a decent story populated by fun and memorable characters. The dialogue is awesome. The film has impeccable attention to detail. The trilogy as a whole is great quality fun, but this first film remains the most original; it is a brilliant story. With quality craftsmanship by Robert Zemeckis, it’s always a fun trip in the time-travelling DeLorean!
21:
[Show spoiler]"Chi Bi" ("Red Cliff")
Say what you will of John Woo, the man best known for orchestrating scenes with crazy slow-motion shootouts where characters dual-wield pistols and pigeons fly across the screen for no reason. In Hong Kong, the man actually does produce quality work, and “Red Cliff” may as well be a revealing testament to his skill. It is a lengthy epic, based on the historical battle of Red Cliff, and it is loaded up with some impressive battle sequences (sans the slow-mo shootings and birds). It is especially noteworthy for incorporating strategy on and off the battlefield; some of the film’s most interesting moments tackle the problems of spreading disease, stealing arrows from the enemy, mapping out the enemy camp, and ultimately predicting the wind patterns to determine where to set the enemy fleet ablaze. With a cast of decent characters and a strong-looking production value, “Red Cliff” stands as my top favorite Asian historical epic.
Two cuts exist for this film. I haven’t seen the shorter two-and-a-half hour cut yet, but the full-length five-hour cut (spread across two parts) is fantastic. Even at this length, it hardly ever drags, and no scene feels like it should be cut. It comes highly recommended.
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To be concluded...
6 more (I gave half credit each to Wall-E and Fountain ) for me bringing the total to 27.
My Domestic percentage is quite high, overall percentage is brought down quite a bit by the foreign/anime titles.
[Show spoiler]"RoboCop"
Paul Verhoeven’s first Hollywood picture is a real doozy. It has an extreme amount of over-the-top blood and guts. It makes for an entertainingly hard-hitting piece of pulp sci-fi (which, in my opinion, is something of a rarity). But what makes the film stand out is its story; it’s a short and simple affair, but it’s a story well-told. Aside from having numerous satires and statements concerning human society, the film’s premise inherently carries some strong themes concerning death and rebirth.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
35:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi"
For the longest time, I considered this my favorite “Star Wars” picture (thus, my favorite all-time picture, or else my second-favorite…it’s fluctuated a lot). I can’t deny any more that the film has its flaws; most folks don’t take kindly to the Ewoks’ role in defeating the evil Galactic Empire. I still believe that this film boasts some of the best space battle scenes of all time; I’ve also always been enthralled by the opening act concerning Jabba the Hutt. But what really makes this grand finale stand out is the final duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker; it’s a powerful, heartbreaking climax that ties up the entire saga in the best way possible.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
34:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"
The more I see this film, the more striking it seems to get. It does boast some incredible action sequences, including an epic space battle over planet Coruscant, and the climactic duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. But what really makes the film stand out will be its characters and story; it is a bleak story filled with profound twists and turns that will not only connect the series’ prequels with the sequels, but also define the characters and bring certain themes to light. While the film’s craftsmanship may be put into question, it does go to prove that the “Star Wars” prequels have redeeming value.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Very Good | Resonance: Highest
33:
[Show spoiler]"The Lion King"
Pretty much the exact same story as Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” only with Lions in an African setting. Disney’s feature film takes ever advantage of its unique setting to present a unique and memorable array of characters and environments. More importantly, it takes every advantage of the story to underscore key themes concerning personal growth, destiny, vengeance, and redemption. I’m not too keen on the music, but with the film’s editing style and fantastic animation quality, it is pretty darn powerful.
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
31:
[Show spoiler]"Shichinin no Samurai" ("Seven Samurai")
For a film that runs over four hours long, “Seven Samurai” never really feels all that long, and certainly not dull. It is a fantastic adventure, offering plenty of action to satisfy. The story is simple, but it boasts an excellent group of characters; the film overall makes the most out of a small-scale plot to make it really epic. While most of Akira Kurosawa’s films have pleased me, this has got to be his crowning achievement, and it comes recommended to all!
Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Very High
29:
[Show spoiler]"Silence of the Lambs"
A close adaptation to Thomas Harris’ novel, this film makes for one stylish, gripping, and bleak thriller. It is most memorable for bringing Hannibal Lecter to life (even though he was portrayed previously in “Manhunter,” Anthony Hopkins’ performance here is so perfect it’s chilling). For the most part though, the film is about another psycho who skins women to make into clothing; it’s a seriously gross and messed-up concept, but the film handles it very tastefully. It’s a strong story about metamorphosis, and with a uniquely intimate cinematic style, the film stands out really well.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
28:
[Show spoiler]"Wall-E"
Pixar’s 2008 feature film explores some fantastic sci-fi environments, from a battered and polluted Earth to the colorful regions of deep space. There are some inherently interesting themes at work concerning human society, but for the most part, this film is a romantic comedy between two robots. Their interactions are pretty darn cute, but the film is never overly-sappy, thanks to its comedy, impressive visuals, and impeccable storytelling. It is as entertaining as it is insightful. It ranks as my favorite Pixar film to date.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
26:
[Show spoiler]"Nanjing! Nanjing!" ("The City of Life and Death")
This film covers one of many bleak chapters in the history of World War II: an event that I was never even aware of, and I’m sure other people may have been in the dark about too. Taken from eye-witness accounts, this film chronicles the Nanking Massacre in full horrific detail. It’s an experience comparable to “Schindler’s List,” not only because the film is shot in stylish black and white, but largely because of its hard-hitting violence and uncompromising focus on a hideous war crime. Populated with quality characters, and featuring solid craftsmanship, this film is one of the most powerful and sobering ever made.
Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Perfect | Film: Perfect | Resonance: Highest
22:
[Show spoiler]"Back to the Future"
Great scott! This film has it all: comedy, cool special effects, and a decent story populated by fun and memorable characters. The dialogue is awesome. The film has impeccable attention to detail. The trilogy as a whole is great quality fun, but this first film remains the most original; it is a brilliant story. With quality craftsmanship by Robert Zemeckis, it’s always a fun trip in the time-travelling DeLorean!
Like/love 35 so far.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DjMethod
I'll be checking out A Bittersweet Life now. At first glance, I thought it was A Beautiful Life, a Chinese drama I saw a few months ago.
It is a-mazing. One of my all-time favorite action films along with Leon: The Professional. I've been hyping this film around here ever since I saw it, but only Al has checked it out.
I also recommend City of Life and Death. That film is underrated as hell. I guess not many critics have seen it yet. It's the best film of the decade, imo. It is also, hands down, the most harrowing movie I've seen in a long time (the only other film that comes to mind is the never-ending nightmare that is We Need to Talk About Kevin, and it doesn't even come close).
I enjoyed 127 Hours immensely the first time through and it's a great film. But I haven't opened my copy since its release and haven't had much desire to rewatch it...
It's been kinda the same with me. However, I do find myself thinking about it often and sometimes feeling the urge to pop it in. So I determined that it's resonance is indeed good enough for the list.
I really haven't bothered revisiting movies like "Downfall," "The Devil's Backbone," or "Lord of War," so listing them might be a little iffy. I still give them a lot of leeway because they did have a strong impact on their first viewings, and chances are good that they will when I watch them again, sooner or later.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DjMethod
Loved the rest of these choices, and your inclusion of the beautifully violent I Saw the Devil.
Yep, that one's awesome.
To me, all these Korean films ("A Bittersweet Life," "ISTD," "OldBoy," "Thirst," "Man From Nowhere," "Sympathy for Mr Vengeance") are so stylistically consistent that they all go hand-in-hand. I loved the whole lot of them. I just picked my favorite two for the list.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DjMethod
Ip Man - Wong Kar Wai's The Grandmasters is in post-production! It probably tops my most anticipated list... next to Sin City 2 and The Master.
Oooh, yeah, those should be spectacular.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel
6 more (I gave half credit each to Wall-E and Fountain ) for me bringing the total to 27.
My Domestic percentage is quite high, overall percentage is brought down quite a bit by the foreign/anime titles.
Better check out some foreign films then. They're awesome, dude!
[Show spoiler]Well, can't blame you if you don't. Foreign and anime films are an acquired taste.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jvince
It is a-mazing. One of my all-time favorite action films along with Leon: The Professional. I've been hyping this film around here ever since I saw it, but only Al has checked it out.
I also recommend City of Life and Death. That film is underrated as hell. I guess not many critics have seen it yet. It's the best film of the decade, imo. It is also, hands down, the most harrowing movie I've seen in a long time (the only other film that comes to mind is the never-ending nightmare that is We Need to Talk About Kevin, and it doesn't even come close).
Yep, I condone "A Bittersweet Life," and "City of Life and Death." They're really great.
The Good:Acting is pretty good all-around. Standout is John Hawkes, who delivers a performance well-deserving of accolades. The music by folk singer Marideth Sisco and her band Blackberry Winter is fantastic; it's probably the best thing about this film.
The Bad:Slow and dull as hell, with characters the viewer should care for, but can't.
The Bottom Line:Winter's Bone is not a film for everyone. Worth a look for those who are into depressing, realistic films. Interested viewers should approach with caution.
If time flies when you having fun, does time stop dead when your not. Because while this film is a average 2 hours, it seems to drain time away in it's black hole of misery. In other words, the film is no fun at all, it's completely draining, depressing and damn good.
Synecdoche, New York started out as an indie horror film handed to Kaufman and Spike Jonez, although later on Jonez pulled out to do Where The Wild Things Are, they both decided to do a horror film about real horrors in life, and not about serial killers and loud music cues. And that turned into Synecdoche.
The film is, at it's core, about death, the only certain thing in fate. And the fear is the idea that we waste our time on Earth, Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character early on in the film accepts the fact he's going to die, and receives a honorable prize along with a hefty grant to create what he wants. So he decides to create what he believes life is in the form of theatre, but is his piece a reflection on life as a whole, or a reflection on his life as a part of the whole?
Synecdoche is a multi layered film that really requires you to do your homework, so of course after reading about the film after watching it, stuff becomes more apparent, but a lot of the film is what you bring to it. The ideas I formed through the film was that Hoffman tried to learn where his life had gone wrong and see if he could fix it by re-creating the moments of his life where he went wrong, but in fact he was just re-creating them as they went on because he didn't know how to fix his life because he felt he was already knocking on death's door. Also, I felt that he struggled to get across any form of artistic merit, he couldn't put across his emotions in a creative way, so the only way he knew was to re-create those moments, destined to relieve them forever.
But of course there's far more to the film than that, like the things that come up on TV for example, that I couldn't make sense of. There's a running idea of simulacrum throughout the film that I really should of picked up, because we studied it in my Film Studies class, but, I guess that's the strength of Synecdoche, New York. It's a very daunting film that it's so filled with ideas and visuals that you're completely unable to absorb it all at once, it features a constant drip feed of surreal visuals along with a loose thread of narrative that just manages to guide you through the film. The film is never upbeat about anything, any sort of humour the film features is dark and sour, and by the final 20 minutes, the only hope you have for the ending is that it's bittersweet (which those hopes are quickly shot down), which is strange because I remember seeing the trailer a few months ago and thinking it seemed like a pretty upbeat film.
I can't give this film full marks although it's close to being flawless because, as it's a film that I want to explore more in coming years, it so darn unpleasant I can't give it a complete
After 8 long years, Johnny's back and England and the world are safe or no longer depending on how you see it. I actually found this one even funnier than the first movie and I did enjoyed the first one. The joke's were pretty much what one would expect form this movie and Rowan Atkinson was is usual buffoon self. I hope they make another sometime in the future.
I might have been a bit late to the party on this one, but I recently managed to catch it on Sky Movies having never had the inclination to go out and buy or rent it. It's pretty safe to say that I wasn't expecting much going into it, then, but it did slightly surprise me with what it had to offer - although very much a middling piece of popcorn entertainment, the two leads were very well matched and they had an excellent (and, more importantly, believable) chemistry that made it a lot easier to sit through. The script was well done, managing to balance the romantic comedy aspect with the action, all whilst keeping the dialogue fresh and breezy, and the premise was, although a little cheesy, pretty humorous.
Where the film fell down, however, was the complete lack of originality in the twists that the plot took - there was no real desire to do anything different, even from a director that had previously done Walk the Line, one of the most subversive and unique films I'd seen for a while. Whilst I understand that summer blockbusters rarely try to change formula or ask the audience to use their brains, it was a bit disappointed that nothing out of the ordinary happened in a film that was exciting and funny throughout. Overall it was a decent, solid flick that you'll enjoy whilst watching it, but won't remember much about it after the credits roll.
One of many films that threw me off on the first viewing; Francis Ford Coppola’s war epic is a strange experience. It is a memorable and vivid one though. Its story takes after Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness,” and the film proves that the concept can work in just about any setting. It is pretty trippy and invoking to watch the characters descend into the depths of insanity (hence, the heart of darkness). With all the Hell the filmmakers went through to make this, it turned out to be one unique picture.
The Redux edition of this movie runs for over three-and-a-half hours, and offers a myriad of strange new scenes. It is worth seeing at least once.
19:
[Show spoiler]"Requiem for a Dream"
Darren Aronofsky’s adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr’s novel is one of the most harrowing and depression experiences one can have watching a film. The story revolves around four individuals, whose lives unravel with drug addiction and abuse, leading to the obliteration of their dreams. While the novel didn’t have much structure to its story, the director brings it to vivid life with a strong cinematic style, and the actors emphasize the pain of their nightmare through their quality performances. Clint Mansell’s score is equally powerful. By the end of the film, I guarantee that you’ll be too scared to even think of using drugs ever again. Because of that, I recommend that everybody should see this film at least once in their lifetime.
18:
[Show spoiler]"Kaze no tani no Naushika" ("Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind")
Of all the wonderful pictures that Hayao Miyazaki created, this one hits me the hardest. As a post-apocalyptic fantasy, it’s quite hard-edged, but still carries a sense of whimsy and high adventure that would define most of the man’s other films. It’s hard not to feel for the main character and her cause (thus, underscoring strong themes concerning the environment). In the end, it’s a wonderful film with a strong story and lots of strong action scenes.
17:
[Show spoiler]"A Clockwork Orange"
Ah, what bliss to viddy this old zammechat picture, seeing the red red krovvy and watching young devotchkas doing the old in-out-in-out. This raskazz is real horrowshow, quite unlike any other gloopy pictures; like milk plus, it can sharpen you up for a bit of the old ultraviolence.
Yeah, this is one weird trip. The film is notorious for its brutality and violence, but memorable for its insane art design and its unique use of the Nadsat language. What really make it work are its story, characters, and very strong themes revolving around the artificial tampering of the human mind and spirit. While this film won’t appeal to everyone, I’ve always found it a profound experience to join Alex and his droogs on their harrowing venture.
16:
[Show spoiler]"Children of Men"
There is probably no worse fate than to have no fate at all. “Children of Men” offers the grim and sobering premise that the human race will become infertile, leading to a downward spiral of social decay. This film is extremely depressing, with its hard-hitting violence, and numerous scenes of injustice. It is a strong and powerful film though, as its darkest moments serves to make the one light of hope shine brighter (which in turn mirrors the nativity story). There is action to the movie too, and it is impressive; the filmmakers flex some impressive muscle in regards to scene composition, choreography, and logistics, as the camera follows the characters across the countryside and a decrepit refugee camp with hardly any cuts. For the most part though, it wasn’t so much the action that stood out, as it was one specific scene toward the end that really made the movie for me: it is an arousing scene in which, in the midst of all the fighting and bloodshed, the human spirit prevails. It gets to me every time.
15:
[Show spoiler]"Braveheart"
Of all historical epics that have been made, there aren’t many that can match the emotional power and strength of Mel Gibson’s film. Even though very little about this film is historically accurate, it presents an impressive portrayal of the war between the Scotts and the English; there are a few major battles in this film that are incredibly gruesome and harrowing. More interesting than the war are the characters; it is an invoking experience to watch William Wallace suffer the loss of his wife, and then embark on a bloody rampage of vengeance. With gorgeous photography and a decent-looking production, “Braveheart” is still one of the most powerful experiences I’ve seen on film.
14:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
I remember watching this in the theater, and around thirty minutes in, it dawned on me that everything about the film was darn near perfect. It has action and impressive-looking special effects. It has quality craftsmanship and cinematography. It has good strength in storytelling and characterization. A fairly faithful adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s original story, the film presents a quality adventure with a satisfying amount of action and depth. Only the sequels would come to surpass this film’s superiority.
Extended editions exist for all three “Lord of the Rings” films, which seamlessly offer a huge number of new scenes with completed special effects and music. They offer great insight on the story and characters, and come recommended for all three films.
13:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
This second part of Peter Jackson’s epic depiction of JRR Tolkien’s epic saga takes everything that was great about “The Fellowship of the Ring” and manages to make it a grade better. “The Two Towers” has more impressive action scenes, especially with the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It has a slightly stronger visual flair. Above all, it still maintains steady focus on the story and characters. With a strong, quality production backing it, this film remains as quality entertainment.
12:
[Show spoiler]"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
Dr. Henry Jones Jr’s third adventure in the series proves every bit as fun and adventurous as his previous outings. Aside from plentiful amounts of fights and chases, the movie’s tank chase scene is a marvelous sequence. At its core, the film revolves around Indy and his father, and their interactions help give the film a substantial heart and soul (in addition to lots of witty comedy). This comes very close to being my favorite of the series, but between this and the first film, it’s a pretty close call. Both films are great fun and have great stories to tell.
11:
[Show spoiler]"Casino Royale" (2006)
While some folks will still be transfixed on the classic James Bond adventures, there is much to be said about this refreshing new take on a classic action hero icon. Daniel Craig brings Ian Fleming’s character to life, with a raw and primal passion that has rarely been touched upon before (maybe a little from Timothy Dalton), and a level of class that hasn’t been seen since Sean Connery (who’s still a strong and endearing contender for being the best Bond of them all). This action-packed film starts off strong and maintains a good level of tension and thrills with its frequent shootouts, chases, and fights. Even when the action dies down, the tension lingers for most of the picture. It follows the original book faithfully while keeping things modern and fresh. Characters are at their strongest here; it is especially groundbreaking for Bond’s evolution from a cocky, arrogant amateur to a cold, hardened superspy. The film looks very slick and stylish. In short, of all the 007 films out there, the latest series has been the most satisfying. “Quantum of Solace” makes for an excellent follow-up, for it rounds off the characters, but is marred by its jittery camerawork. Chances are good that “Skyfall” could take over as my favorite Bond film. As it is though, “Casino Royale” remains definitive.
10:
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek" (2009)
For the past five decades, “Star Trek” has captured the imaginations and hearts of many audiences, with its intelligent and perilous adventures and endearing characters. With the film series trailing off after “Star Trek: Nemesis” (and with the old cast having already expressed their farewells in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”), JJ Abrams regenerated the series with astonishing new vitality. The 2009 “Star Trek” is briskly-paced, with loads of fantastic space battles, shootouts, fights, chases, and occasional witty humor. While it makes for great popcorn entertainment, the film still shows excellent storytelling prowess, with its emphasis on developing rich characters (in turn, breathing new life into characters who have otherwise turned stale). Some audiences will lament for the way it uses time travel to create an alternate universe “Trek,” that will ultimately allow filmmakers to do anything they please. At the same time, this opens up the possibilities brilliantly, and loosens the constraints of the Trek canon. Some audiences will also hate the way Abrams plays on the camera like a drum, and shines flashlights at the camera to simulate lens flares. I’ve learned to forgive the film’s erratic style, and appreciate how it uses less to make more (it’s a bit weird to think that the interior of the Enterprise was comprised of a beer factory). Altogether though, the new “Star Trek” represents a fantastic mix of pleasing entertainment and pleasing storytelling.
09:
[Show spoiler]"Kill Bill Volume 1"
Tarantino’s two-part revenge saga is an exceptional story that’s as thrilling as it is stylish. While the story is best viewed as two parts of a complete whole, I’ve always favored volume one of this saga the most; not only is it the most action-packed, but it also has the most vivid cinematic style (complete with ultra-violent anime sequences) and the most interesting narrative techniques. While the impressive fight scenes tend to stand out above most other scenes, it is most rewarding to watch the Bride rise from an unjust atrocity and tear apart the ones who had done her wrong. With the mixed-up editing techniques, deciphering the story is quite an interesting and profound joy. Of course, the ending for volume 2 is even sweeter than the bitterness of volume 1; I prefer to see them together back-to-back for the complete experience. As it is though, volume 1 thrills me the most.
08:
[Show spoiler]"The Passion of the Christ"
This film was quite controversial upon its release; it is by far the most violent and brutal portrayal of Jesus’ sacrifice. The film takes every moment and draws out the agony, forcing the audience to feel the pain He goes through. Thankfully, it is not violence alone that makes this film powerful; Mel Gibson directed this picture with a strong visual flair, an excellent eye for detail, and an extreme sense of power. The film captures the passages of the book of Luke word for word and verse by verse, taking few artistic liberties that would help reinforce the movie’s theology, and bring the characters to life. Whether you can stand to watch it or not, the film is a powerful and heart-wrenching experience. It is an experience that helped me understand the events and their meaning a lot better, and it is an experience I don’t mind revisiting. It’s certainly far more rewarding than previous candy-coated biblical epics that Hollywood released over the past fifty years (like “The Greatest Story Ever Told”…I just don’t feel it with that one).
07:
[Show spoiler]"Lawrence of Arabia"
Despite the film’s age and its extremely long runtime, the film has never yet bored me once. Even when I wanted it to (at a time when I was ill and needed something to put me to sleep), the film has always sparked my interest and captured my imagination. Taken from the historical accounts of Colonel TE Lawrence, this film chronicles the character’s descent into Arabia, where he immerses himself in the culture and lifestyle of the desert, before leading the war against the Turks. At the same time, Lawrence constantly struggles to maintain his sanity and civility. Not only does the film boast some nice, epic battle scenes, it also sheds interesting light on the politics and conflicts of Arabia (which still resonate today). Featuring beautiful cinematography, the film captures the character and explores him in a manner that is deep and moving. As it is, this remains as my favorite picture among old classics.
06:
[Show spoiler]"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
The first “Terminator” film is a clever, original story with enough thrills to keep it engaging. James Cameron’s follow-up is something far bigger, far more polished, and a Hell of a lot more ambitious. It is most memorable for its groundbreaking special effects, which bring to life a frightening villain made entirely of liquid metal. Combined with frequent car chases and shootouts, the film never fails to entertain. At its core, it’s still a strong story, with thoughtful emphasis on the threat of nuclear annihilation (and thus, a glimpse at humanity’s destructive nature). The characters still receive strong treatment, and it is especially heartwarming to see the Terminator character humanized. With slick camera work and strong production values, “T2” is a sequel that manages to match, if not outmatch, its predecessor.
Three cuts for this movie exist on home video; the theatrical cut, an extended cut, and an extended cut with an alternate ending. I find myself most attracted to the extended cut without the alternate ending; there are about fifteen minutes of new footage that offers some more insight on the characters and help bridge the gaps of continuity in certain scenes. It’s worth seeing at least once.
05:
[Show spoiler]"Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Indiana Jones’ first adventure on the big screen is still a blast, even after all this time. Right from the start, Indy is pitted against danger at every turn (including one of the most iconic moments, in which he has to swap a golden idol with a bag of sand). In the same manner as the old-fashioned serials, one thing leads to another, building up to a chilling climax. The story manages to dig up some important questions regarding faith (as opposed to cold scientific fact), and there’s enough depth to the characters to make them stand out. With stylish, classy photography and style, Spielberg’s adventure is as timeless as it is exciting.
04:
[Show spoiler]"The Dark Knight"
This film runs for well over two hours, and is just chock full of everything. Its opening bank robbery scene, its epic convoy pursuit scene, the hospital explosion, the scenario with the ferries…hardly a moment goes by without a high-stakes situation propping up. Not only are these scenes gripping, they serve to push the title character to the limit.
The plot for this is winding and complex. But the real charm of this film is in the characters and their interactions. The Joker easily steals the show at every turn, as he diabolically works to test the limits of Batman, and society in general. While the Batman struggles to maintain order and perfection, the Joker represents chaos and corruption. One is good, the other evil. One abides by the rules, the other has no rules. The two characters connect with a perfect system of duality, like the Yin and Yang; the Joker himself even describes their relationship as the result of when an unstoppable force strikes an unmoving object. The moral dilemmas and convolutions extend to other parties as well; the situations involving Harvey Dent, Rachel Dawes, Jim Gordon, and the rest of Gotham City, are all caught in the line of fire, resulting in collateral damages and drastic repercussions. In the end, the film often underscores the issues that have plagued modern society (such as terrorism or the invasion of privacy), depicting us as “indecent men in an indecent time.”
Despite some chaotic editing, the film looks sharp and is cut in a very unique way. For its superb combination of style and substance, Christopher Nolan’s middle part of the Batman saga always sticks with me long after the credits roll. Collectively, all three films in this saga comprise a complete, complex, and coherent masterpiece among superhero films.
03:
[Show spoiler]"The Matrix"
I remember when this film came out, it seemed to stimulate everyone’s brain cells. Its premise posed the question: if our reality is defined by electrical stimulations to the brain, how would we recognize the real world from a virtual one? How do we know we aren’t living in a synthetic reality right now? Not only do such questions hint at even greater thematic material (such as the question of whether or not it’s better to live in blissful ignorance of the truth, or accept the truth and live in misery), it also sets the film up for some of the most groundbreaking action sequences that have graced the big screen. After all, it is explained that if nothing is real, rules can be bent or broken; the characters go on to dodge flying bullets in graceful slow-motion photography, jump vast distances, throw their fists at a hyperfast rate, and conjure weapons at a whim.
The story is staged in a manner which prompts mystery in the first act, followed by a sense of discovery, which leads into an epic series of struggles and conflicts. At its core, it’s a film concerning self discovery, as the main character goes from being just another node in the great machine to a superpowered savoir. As such, the film boasts powerful themes of death and rebirth, as Thomas Anderson dies and becomes the prophesized “the One” to transcend the rules of the Matrix and liberate mankind. Just as the film impeccably presents this story, it also immerses the audience into an interesting new universe; the world of the Matrix is one full of interesting rules and philosophies, just as it is filled with murderous machines and hovercrafts. Not only is the film deep, it is also highly detailed.
With strong cinematography and a quality production, the Watchowskis succeeded in replicating the style of Japanese animation into a live-action film, and the results are extraordinarily entertaining. With each new viewing, the film still resonates strongly, for there is always something new to discover.
02:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
Those who knew me best will probably not be surprised to see this so close to the top (although you might be wondering why this isn’t my number-one favorite film of all time). Back in the day, George Lucas broke the mold of grim, gritty, hard-edged 70s cinema with this throwback to high-adventure science fiction and fantasy. Right from the start, the film hits the ground running and hardly lets up; every moment is either something really exciting, or something really iconic. The space battles and pursuits are as thrilling as they are unique and imaginative (it must have been a feat of imagination to envision a bunch of fighters zooming down a trench on a space station the size of a moon…to say nothing of the fact that the said space station can obliterate other planets). Even when the space fighters aren’t in flight and the laser beams aren’t flashing across the screen, the film moves fast with its quirky dialogue, and a myriad of memorable scenes (such as the Cantina scene). Through and through, the film captures a lighthearted, adventurous spirit that most other films strive for, but rarely accomplishes with such heart and imagination.
The story is a carbon-copy of the samurai film “The Hidden Fortress” (which in itself is pretty decent), with elements of classic sci-fi (such as Buck Rodgers, Flash Gordon, or John Carter) heaped on. What the story lacks in originality, it makes up for with its insanely detailed universe; the biggest appeal of “Star Wars” is in the settings, the characters, the overall way of life depicted, which are sketched out with full depth and background. Once again, many films strive for this level of immersion and detail, but many seem to miss their mark.
George Lucas has been criticized for lots of things over his career (especially in regards to changing things in the “Star Wars” saga), and he is better known for his technical prowess than his abilities as a storyteller. Regardless, he managed to pump out a decent story to accompany the awe-inspiring visuals in this film. It also helps that he composed it really well on film and made the most out of the tools he was given. Altogether, a quality film of timeless entertainment.
01:
[Show spoiler]“Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”
For the longest time, I considered myself a big sucker for grand finales. I still get a rush from seeing the epic final battle of “The Matrix Revolutions,” or the final duel in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Much like these movies, the finale for Peter Jackson’s epic “Lord of the Rings” films coherently ties up the story, and goes out with a tremendous bang. The film starts off with a dire note, showing the heartbreaking tale of how Sméagol became Gollum. From there, it follows all the heroes on their various tangents; the most thrilling of which has got to be Aragorn’s quest to Minas Tirith, which becomes besieged by what must be the hugest army ever put onto film. This siege runs for a good length of the picture, cramming in thousands of orcs, men, Nazgul, cavalry, ghosts, and giant oiliphants onto the battlefield. Meanwhile, Frodo finally makes it to Mount Doom and fights the most profound battle in the story: the battle with himself.
This film definitely delivers the spectacle, but what makes it stand out is its steady, detailed focus on characterization and storytelling, and Peter Jackson’s unique filming style. Not only does it make for a perfect combination of action, storytelling, and quality, but it also does the best possible justice to JRR Tolkien’s saga. To say nothing of the twelve Oscars that were bestowed upon this film and its dedicated cast and crew.
Within thirty minutes of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” I realized that everything about the “Lord of the Rings” saga (from its story and characters, to its style) was close to perfection. As coherent and tightly-knit as the trilogy overall is, I tend to rank all three movies as one lump film, which would reign supreme over all other movies. If I had to pick just one part of the trilogy to call a favorite, it is definitely the final part; the perfect ending for an otherwise perfect film saga.
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I also added in a lengthy three-paragraph closing bit, but it's too damn long to fit here. You can read it on the blog if you want. Bottom line is...these films rock.
Hope y'all enjoyed reading/discussing this, as much as I've enjoyed making it.
While I did enjoy the first two movies in this series, I felt like the third one was a miss. So when this new one came out I wasn't really sure if I would even bother to check it out. In the end I am glad I did, the best one since the first movie. Of course having Jessica Alba in it might have help also. Still as long as you just take this movie for what it is you will have fun watching it.
[Show spoiler]Army of Darkness - 8/10
Sin City - 7.5/10 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - 9/10 127 Hours - 10/10 Brazil - 9/10 The Mist - 9/10
Gladiator - 3/10 Psycho - 9.5/10
Wanted - 5.5/10
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back - 8/10 One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - 10/10 Kick-Ass - 10/10 The Avengers - 9/10
The Matrix Revolutions - 3/10 Big Trouble In Little China - 10/10
Starship Troopers - 6/10
Transformers - 7/10 Aliens - 10/10
Goldfinger - 9/10 (warrent's a re-watch)
Independance Day - 6/10
X2: X-Men United - 5/10 Goldeneye - 10/10
Sucker Punch - 3/10 The Incredible - 8.5/10
Donnie Darko - 8.5/10
Avatar - 7/10 The Shining - 10/10
The Thing - 10/10
Sleeping Beauty - Not watched since I was a kid
The Prestige - 8/10 Memento - 10/10
The Matrix Reloaded - 6/10 Inception - 10/10
Finding Nemo - 6/10 Iron Man - 9/10
300 - 7/10 Total Recall - 9/10
True Lies - 8/10 Robocop - 8/10
Blade Runner - 9.5/10
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi - 6/10
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith - 6/10
The Lion King - 7.5/10 American History X - 9/10
Seven Samurai - 8/10
Beauty and the Beast - 7/10 Silence of the Lambs - 9/10
Wall-e - 10/10
King Kong - 7.5/10
Back to the Future - 6/10 Apocalypse Now - 10/10
Requiem for a Dream - 10/10
A Clockwork Orange - 10/10
Children of Men - 9.5/10
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - 9/10
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - 7.5/10 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - 10/10
Casino Royale - 9/10
Star Trek - 9/10
Kill Bill: Vol 1 - 9.5/10
Lawrence of Arabia - 9/10 (need to watch again)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day - 9/10
Raiders of the Lost Ark - 10/10
The Dark Knight - 9.5/10
The Matrix - 10/10
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - 8/10 Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - 10/10
The ones bolded at least have a chance of getting in to my top 100
One of many films that threw me off on the first viewing; Francis Ford Coppola’s war epic is a strange experience. It is a memorable and vivid one though. Its story takes after Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness,” and the film proves that the concept can work in just about any setting.
The Redux edition of this movie runs for over three-and-a-half hours, and offers a myriad of strange new scenes. It is worth seeing at least once.
19:
[Show spoiler]"Requiem for a Dream"
Darren Aronofsky’s adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr’s novel is one of the most harrowing and depression experiences one can have watching a film. The story revolves around four individuals, whose lives unravel with drug addiction and abuse, leading to the obliteration of their dreams.
18:
[Show spoiler]"Kaze no tani no Naushika" ("Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind")
Of all the wonderful pictures that Hayao Miyazaki created, this one hits me the hardest. As a post-apocalyptic fantasy, it’s quite hard-edged, but still carries a sense of whimsy and high adventure that would define most of the man’s other films. It’s hard not to feel for the main character and her cause (thus, underscoring strong themes concerning the environment). In the end, it’s a wonderful film with a strong story and lots of strong action scenes.
17:
[Show spoiler]"A Clockwork Orange"
Ah, what bliss to viddy this old zammechat picture, seeing the red red krovvy and watching young devotchkas doing the old in-out-in-out. This raskazz is real horrowshow, quite unlike any other gloopy pictures; like milk plus, it can sharpen you up for a bit of the old ultraviolence.
16:
[Show spoiler]"Children of Men"
There is probably no worse fate than to have no fate at all. “Children of Men” offers the grim and sobering premise that the human race will become infertile, leading to a downward spiral of social decay. This film is extremely depressing, with its hard-hitting violence, and numerous scenes of injustice. It is a strong and powerful film though, as its darkest moments serves to make the one light of hope shine brighter (which in turn mirrors the nativity story). .
15:
[Show spoiler]"Braveheart"
Of all historical epics that have been made, there aren’t many that can match the emotional power and strength of Mel Gibson’s film. Even though very little about this film is historically accurate, it presents an impressive portrayal of the war between the Scotts and the English; there are a few major battles in this film that are incredibly gruesome and harrowing.
14:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
I remember watching this in the theater, and around thirty minutes in, it dawned on me that everything about the film was darn near perfect. It has action and impressive-looking special effects. It has quality craftsmanship and cinematography. It has good strength in storytelling and characterization. A fairly faithful adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s original story, the film presents a quality adventure with a satisfying amount of action and depth. Only the sequels would come to surpass this film’s superiority.
Extended editions exist for all three “Lord of the Rings” films, which seamlessly offer a huge number of new scenes with completed special effects and music. They offer great insight on the story and characters, and come recommended for all three films.
13:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
This second part of Peter Jackson’s epic depiction of JRR Tolkien’s epic saga takes everything that was great about “The Fellowship of the Ring” and manages to make it a grade better. “The Two Towers” has more impressive action scenes, especially with the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It has a slightly stronger visual flair. Above all, it still maintains steady focus on the story and characters. With a strong, quality production backing it, this film remains as quality entertainment.
12:
[Show spoiler]"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
Dr. Henry Jones Jr’s third adventure in the series proves every bit as fun and adventurous as his previous outings. Aside from plentiful amounts of fights and chases, the movie’s tank chase scene is a marvelous sequence. At its core, the film revolves around Indy and his father, and their interactions help give the film a substantial heart and soul (in addition to lots of witty comedy). This comes very close to being my favorite of the series, but between this and the first film, it’s a pretty close call. Both films are great fun and have great stories to tell.
11:
[Show spoiler]"Casino Royale" (2006)
While some folks will still be transfixed on the classic James Bond adventures, there is much to be said about this refreshing new take on a classic action hero icon. Daniel Craig brings Ian Fleming’s character to life, with a raw and primal passion that has rarely been touched upon before (maybe a little from Timothy Dalton), and a level of class that hasn’t been seen since Sean Connery (who’s still a strong and endearing contender for being the best Bond of them all). This action-packed film starts off strong and maintains a good level of tension and thrills with its frequent shootouts, chases, and fights. Even when the action dies down, the tension lingers for most of the picture. It follows the original book faithfully while keeping things modern and fresh. Characters are at their strongest here; it is especially groundbreaking for Bond’s evolution from a cocky, arrogant amateur to a cold, hardened superspy. The film looks very slick and stylish. In short, of all the 007 films out there, the latest series has been the most satisfying. “Quantum of Solace” makes for an excellent follow-up, for it rounds off the characters, but is marred by its jittery camerawork. Chances are good that “Skyfall” could take over as my favorite Bond film. As it is though, “Casino Royale” remains definitive.
10:
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek" (2009)
For the past five decades, “Star Trek” has captured the imaginations and hearts of many audiences, with its intelligent and perilous adventures and endearing characters. With the film series trailing off after “Star Trek: Nemesis” (and with the old cast having already expressed their farewells in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”), JJ Abrams regenerated the series with astonishing new vitality. The 2009 “Star Trek” is briskly-paced, with loads of fantastic space battles, shootouts, fights, chases, and occasional witty humor. While it makes for great popcorn entertainment, the film still shows excellent storytelling prowess, with its emphasis on developing rich characters (in turn, breathing new life into characters who have otherwise turned stale). Some audiences will lament for the way it uses time travel to create an alternate universe “Trek,” that will ultimately allow filmmakers to do anything they please. At the same time, this opens up the possibilities brilliantly, and loosens the constraints of the Trek canon. Some audiences will also hate the way Abrams plays on the camera like a drum, and shines flashlights at the camera to simulate lens flares. I’ve learned to forgive the film’s erratic style, and appreciate how it uses less to make more (it’s a bit weird to think that the interior of the Enterprise was comprised of a beer factory). Altogether though, the new “Star Trek” represents a fantastic mix of pleasing entertainment and pleasing storytelling.
09:
[Show spoiler]"Kill Bill Volume 1"
Tarantino’s two-part revenge saga is an exceptional story that’s as thrilling as it is stylish. While the story is best viewed as two parts of a complete whole, I’ve always favored volume one of this saga the most; not only is it the most action-packed, but it also has the most vivid cinematic style (complete with ultra-violent anime sequences) and the most interesting narrative techniques. While the impressive fight scenes tend to stand out above most other scenes, it is most rewarding to watch the Bride rise from an unjust atrocity and tear apart the ones who had done her wrong. With the mixed-up editing techniques, deciphering the story is quite an interesting and profound joy. Of course, the ending for volume 2 is even sweeter than the bitterness of volume 1; I prefer to see them together back-to-back for the complete experience. As it is though, volume 1 thrills me the most.
08:
[Show spoiler]"The Passion of the Christ"
This film was quite controversial upon its release; it is by far the most violent and brutal portrayal of Jesus’ sacrifice. The film takes every moment and draws out the agony, forcing the audience to feel the pain He goes through. Thankfully, it is not violence alone that makes this film powerful; Mel Gibson directed this picture with a strong visual flair, an excellent eye for detail, and an extreme sense of power. The film captures the passages of the book of Luke word for word and verse by verse, taking few artistic liberties that would help reinforce the movie’s theology, and bring the characters to life. Whether you can stand to watch it or not, the film is a powerful and heart-wrenching experience. It is an experience that helped me understand the events and their meaning a lot better, and it is an experience I don’t mind revisiting. It’s certainly far more rewarding than previous candy-coated biblical epics that Hollywood released over the past fifty years (like “The Greatest Story Ever Told”…I just don’t feel it with that one).
07:
[Show spoiler]"Lawrence of Arabia"
Despite the film’s age and its extremely long runtime, the film has never yet bored me once. Even when I wanted it to (at a time when I was ill and needed something to put me to sleep), the film has always sparked my interest and captured my imagination. Taken from the historical accounts of Colonel TE Lawrence, this film chronicles the character’s descent into Arabia, where he immerses himself in the culture and lifestyle of the desert, before leading the war against the Turks. At the same time, Lawrence constantly struggles to maintain his sanity and civility. Not only does the film boast some nice, epic battle scenes, it also sheds interesting light on the politics and conflicts of Arabia (which still resonate today). Featuring beautiful cinematography, the film captures the character and explores him in a manner that is deep and moving. As it is, this remains as my favorite picture among old classics.
06:
[Show spoiler]"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
The first “Terminator” film is a clever, original story with enough thrills to keep it engaging. James Cameron’s follow-up is something far bigger, far more polished, and a Hell of a lot more ambitious. It is most memorable for its groundbreaking special effects, which bring to life a frightening villain made entirely of liquid metal. Combined with frequent car chases and shootouts, the film never fails to entertain. At its core, it’s still a strong story, with thoughtful emphasis on the threat of nuclear annihilation (and thus, a glimpse at humanity’s destructive nature). The characters still receive strong treatment, and it is especially heartwarming to see the Terminator character humanized. With slick camera work and strong production values, “T2” is a sequel that manages to match, if not outmatch, its predecessor.
Three cuts for this movie exist on home video; the theatrical cut, an extended cut, and an extended cut with an alternate ending. I find myself most attracted to the extended cut without the alternate ending; there are about fifteen minutes of new footage that offers some more insight on the characters and help bridge the gaps of continuity in certain scenes. It’s worth seeing at least once.
05:
[Show spoiler]"Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Indiana Jones’ first adventure on the big screen is still a blast, even after all this time. Right from the start, Indy is pitted against danger at every turn (including one of the most iconic moments, in which he has to swap a golden idol with a bag of sand). In the same manner as the old-fashioned serials, one thing leads to another, building up to a chilling climax. The story manages to dig up some important questions regarding faith (as opposed to cold scientific fact), and there’s enough depth to the characters to make them stand out. With stylish, classy photography and style, Spielberg’s adventure is as timeless as it is exciting.
04:
[Show spoiler]"The Dark Knight"
This film runs for well over two hours, and is just chock full of everything. Its opening bank robbery scene, its epic convoy pursuit scene, the hospital explosion, the scenario with the ferries…hardly a moment goes by without a high-stakes situation propping up. Not only are these scenes gripping, they serve to push the title character to the limit.
The plot for this is winding and complex. But the real charm of this film is in the characters and their interactions. The Joker easily steals the show at every turn, as he diabolically works to test the limits of Batman, and society in general. While the Batman struggles to maintain order and perfection, the Joker represents chaos and corruption. One is good, the other evil. One abides by the rules, the other has no rules. The two characters connect with a perfect system of duality, like the Yin and Yang; the Joker himself even describes their relationship as the result of when an unstoppable force strikes an unmoving object. The moral dilemmas and convolutions extend to other parties as well; the situations involving Harvey Dent, Rachel Dawes, Jim Gordon, and the rest of Gotham City, are all caught in the line of fire, resulting in collateral damages and drastic repercussions. In the end, the film often underscores the issues that have plagued modern society (such as terrorism or the invasion of privacy), depicting us as “indecent men in an indecent time.”
Despite some chaotic editing, the film looks sharp and is cut in a very unique way. For its superb combination of style and substance, Christopher Nolan’s middle part of the Batman saga always sticks with me long after the credits roll. Collectively, all three films in this saga comprise a complete, complex, and coherent masterpiece among superhero films.
03:
[Show spoiler]"The Matrix"
I remember when this film came out, it seemed to stimulate everyone’s brain cells. Its premise posed the question: if our reality is defined by electrical stimulations to the brain, how would we recognize the real world from a virtual one? How do we know we aren’t living in a synthetic reality right now? Not only do such questions hint at even greater thematic material (such as the question of whether or not it’s better to live in blissful ignorance of the truth, or accept the truth and live in misery), it also sets the film up for some of the most groundbreaking action sequences that have graced the big screen. After all, it is explained that if nothing is real, rules can be bent or broken; the characters go on to dodge flying bullets in graceful slow-motion photography, jump vast distances, throw their fists at a hyperfast rate, and conjure weapons at a whim.
The story is staged in a manner which prompts mystery in the first act, followed by a sense of discovery, which leads into an epic series of struggles and conflicts. At its core, it’s a film concerning self discovery, as the main character goes from being just another node in the great machine to a superpowered savoir. As such, the film boasts powerful themes of death and rebirth, as Thomas Anderson dies and becomes the prophesized “the One” to transcend the rules of the Matrix and liberate mankind. Just as the film impeccably presents this story, it also immerses the audience into an interesting new universe; the world of the Matrix is one full of interesting rules and philosophies, just as it is filled with murderous machines and hovercrafts. Not only is the film deep, it is also highly detailed.
With strong cinematography and a quality production, the Watchowskis succeeded in replicating the style of Japanese animation into a live-action film, and the results are extraordinarily entertaining. With each new viewing, the film still resonates strongly, for there is always something new to discover.
02:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
Those who knew me best will probably not be surprised to see this so close to the top (although you might be wondering why this isn’t my number-one favorite film of all time). Back in the day, George Lucas broke the mold of grim, gritty, hard-edged 70s cinema with this throwback to high-adventure science fiction and fantasy. Right from the start, the film hits the ground running and hardly lets up; every moment is either something really exciting, or something really iconic. The space battles and pursuits are as thrilling as they are unique and imaginative (it must have been a feat of imagination to envision a bunch of fighters zooming down a trench on a space station the size of a moon…to say nothing of the fact that the said space station can obliterate other planets). Even when the space fighters aren’t in flight and the laser beams aren’t flashing across the screen, the film moves fast with its quirky dialogue, and a myriad of memorable scenes (such as the Cantina scene). Through and through, the film captures a lighthearted, adventurous spirit that most other films strive for, but rarely accomplishes with such heart and imagination.
The story is a carbon-copy of the samurai film “The Hidden Fortress” (which in itself is pretty decent), with elements of classic sci-fi (such as Buck Rodgers, Flash Gordon, or John Carter) heaped on. What the story lacks in originality, it makes up for with its insanely detailed universe; the biggest appeal of “Star Wars” is in the settings, the characters, the overall way of life depicted, which are sketched out with full depth and background. Once again, many films strive for this level of immersion and detail, but many seem to miss their mark.
George Lucas has been criticized for lots of things over his career (especially in regards to changing things in the “Star Wars” saga), and he is better known for his technical prowess than his abilities as a storyteller. Regardless, he managed to pump out a decent story to accompany the awe-inspiring visuals in this film. It also helps that he composed it really well on film and made the most out of the tools he was given. Altogether, a quality film of timeless entertainment.
01:
[Show spoiler]“Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”
For the longest time, I considered myself a big sucker for grand finales. I still get a rush from seeing the epic final battle of “The Matrix Revolutions,” or the final duel in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Much like these movies, the finale for Peter Jackson’s epic “Lord of the Rings” films coherently ties up the story, and goes out with a tremendous bang. The film starts off with a dire note, showing the heartbreaking tale of how Sméagol became Gollum. From there, it follows all the heroes on their various tangents; the most thrilling of which has got to be Aragorn’s quest to Minas Tirith, which becomes besieged by what must be the hugest army ever put onto film. This siege runs for a good length of the picture, cramming in thousands of orcs, men, Nazgul, cavalry, ghosts, and giant oiliphants onto the battlefield. Meanwhile, Frodo finally makes it to Mount Doom and fights the most profound battle in the story: the battle with himself.
This film definitely delivers the spectacle, but what makes it stand out is its steady, detailed focus on characterization and storytelling, and Peter Jackson’s unique filming style. Not only does it make for a perfect combination of action, storytelling, and quality, but it also does the best possible justice to JRR Tolkien’s saga. To say nothing of the twelve Oscars that were bestowed upon this film and its dedicated cast and crew.
Within thirty minutes of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” I realized that everything about the “Lord of the Rings” saga (from its story and characters, to its style) was close to perfection. As coherent and tightly-knit as the trilogy overall is, I tend to rank all three movies as one lump film, which would reign supreme over all other movies. If I had to pick just one part of the trilogy to call a favorite, it is definitely the final part; the perfect ending for an otherwise perfect film saga.
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I also added in a lengthy three-paragraph closing bit, but it's too damn long to fit here. You can read it on the blog if you want. Bottom line is...these films rock.
Hope y'all enjoyed reading/discussing this, as much as I've enjoyed making it.
An impressive piece of work just to post the list in such detail.
I own 55 of those. The highlighted ones are in my Top 100, or in contention:
[Show spoiler]127 hours
the abyss
aliens
american history x avatar
beauty and the beast blade runner casino royale
castle in the sky
children of men the dark knight
donnie darko
dune
the empire strikes back
equilibrium
the fifth element
gladiator
goldfinger inception
the incredibles
independence day
iron man kill bill 1
king kong
the lion king LOTR fellowship of the ring
LOTR return of the king
LOTR the two towers the matrix
matrix reloaded
matrix revolutions memento
minority report the mist
nausicaa of the valley of the wind
north by northwest one flew over the cuckoo's nest
planet terror the prestige
psycho
return of the jedi
revenge of the sith the shining
silence of the lambs
sin city
sleeping beauty spirited away
star trek
star trek 2
star trek 6
star wars
terminator 2
the thing
wall-e
wanted
I have seen a further 23. The two highlighted will be added to my collection when the Blu-rays are released:
[Show spoiler]apocalypse now
back to the future the bicycle thief
big trouble in little china
braveheart
brazil
christine
a clockwork orange finding nemo
the fountain
kick-ass
lord of war
metropolis
planet of the apes
raider of the lost ark
requiem for a dream
the ring
robocop
starship troopers
sucker punch
temple of doom
totall recall
x-men united
In general I prefer John Wayne outside of his typical cowboy and soldier roles. However if there is one movie where he is miscast and very badly at that, it's in this movie. One really as to "let go of it" in order to accept Wayne in the role of Genghis Khan. In typical 1950's fashion most of the Asian roles are given to white actors and the real Asians are left in the background and some secondary roles. I had seen this movie once before many years ago and since it's rare to catch it on any movie channel. See it if you are a fan of Jonh Wayne nut it's not a very good movie.
One of many films that threw me off on the first viewing; Francis Ford Coppola’s war epic is a strange experience. It is a memorable and vivid one though. Its story takes after Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness,” and the film proves that the concept can work in just about any setting. It is pretty trippy and invoking to watch the characters descend into the depths of insanity (hence, the heart of darkness). With all the Hell the filmmakers went through to make this, it turned out to be one unique picture.
The Redux edition of this movie runs for over three-and-a-half hours, and offers a myriad of strange new scenes. It is worth seeing at least once.
19:
[Show spoiler]"Requiem for a Dream"
Darren Aronofsky’s adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr’s novel is one of the most harrowing and depression experiences one can have watching a film. The story revolves around four individuals, whose lives unravel with drug addiction and abuse, leading to the obliteration of their dreams. While the novel didn’t have much structure to its story, the director brings it to vivid life with a strong cinematic style, and the actors emphasize the pain of their nightmare through their quality performances. Clint Mansell’s score is equally powerful. By the end of the film, I guarantee that you’ll be too scared to even think of using drugs ever again. Because of that, I recommend that everybody should see this film at least once in their lifetime.
18:
[Show spoiler]"Kaze no tani no Naushika" ("Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind")
Of all the wonderful pictures that Hayao Miyazaki created, this one hits me the hardest. As a post-apocalyptic fantasy, it’s quite hard-edged, but still carries a sense of whimsy and high adventure that would define most of the man’s other films. It’s hard not to feel for the main character and her cause (thus, underscoring strong themes concerning the environment). In the end, it’s a wonderful film with a strong story and lots of strong action scenes.
17:
[Show spoiler]"A Clockwork Orange"
[LEFT]
Yeah, this is one weird trip. The film is notorious for its brutality and violence, but memorable for its insane art design and its unique use of the Nadsat language. What really make it work are its story, characters, and very strong themes revolving around the artificial tampering of the human mind and spirit. While this film won’t appeal to everyone, I’ve always found it a profound experience to join Alex and his droogs on their harrowing venture.
16: [spoiler]"Children of Men"
There is probably no worse fate than to have no fate at all. “Children of Men” offers the grim and sobering premise that the human race will become infertile, leading to a downward spiral of social decay. This film is extremely depressing, with its hard-hitting violence, and numerous scenes of injustice.
15: [spoiler]"Braveheart"
14:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
I remember watching this in the theater, and around thirty minutes in, it dawned on me that everything about the film was darn near perfect. It has action and impressive-looking special effects. It has quality craftsmanship and cinematography. It has good strength in storytelling and characterization. A fairly faithful adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s original story, the film presents a quality adventure with a satisfying amount of action and depth. Only the sequels would come to surpass this film’s superiority.
Extended editions exist for all three “Lord of the Rings” films, which seamlessly offer a huge number of new scenes with completed special effects and music. They offer great insight on the story and characters, and come recommended for all three films.
13:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
This second part of Peter Jackson’s epic depiction of JRR Tolkien’s epic saga takes everything that was great about “The Fellowship of the Ring” and manages to make it a grade better. “The Two Towers” has more impressive action scenes, especially with the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It has a slightly stronger visual flair. Above all, it still maintains steady focus on the story and characters. With a strong, quality production backing it, this film remains as quality entertainment.
12:
[Show spoiler]"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
Dr. Henry Jones Jr’s third adventure in the series proves every bit as fun and adventurous as his previous outings. Aside from plentiful amounts of fights and chases, the movie’s tank chase scene is a marvelous sequence. At its core, the film revolves around Indy and his father, and their interactions help give the film a substantial heart and soul (in addition to lots of witty comedy). This comes very close to being my favorite of the series, but between this and the first film, it’s a pretty close call. Both films are great fun and have great stories to tell.
11:
[Show spoiler]"Casino Royale" (2006)
While some folks will still be transfixed on the classic James Bond adventures, there is much to be said about this refreshing new take on a classic action hero icon. Daniel Craig brings Ian Fleming’s character to life, with a raw and primal passion that has rarely been touched upon before (maybe a little from Timothy Dalton), and a level of class that hasn’t been seen since Sean Connery (who’s still a strong and endearing contender for being the best Bond of them all). This action-packed film starts off strong and maintains a good level of tension and thrills with its frequent shootouts, chases, and fights. Even when the action dies down, the tension lingers for most of the picture. It follows the original book faithfully while keeping things modern and fresh. Characters are at their strongest here; it is especially groundbreaking for Bond’s evolution from a cocky, arrogant amateur to a cold, hardened superspy. The film looks very slick and stylish. In short, of all the 007 films out there, the latest series has been the most satisfying. “Quantum of Solace” makes for an excellent follow-up, for it rounds off the characters, but is marred by its jittery camerawork. Chances are good that “Skyfall” could take over as my favorite Bond film. As it is though, “Casino Royale” remains definitive.
10:
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek" (2009)
For the past five decades, “Star Trek” has captured the imaginations and hearts of many audiences, with its intelligent and perilous adventures and endearing characters. With the film series trailing off after “Star Trek: Nemesis” (and with the old cast having already expressed their farewells in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”), JJ Abrams regenerated the series with astonishing new vitality. The 2009 “Star Trek” is briskly-paced, with loads of fantastic space battles, shootouts, fights, chases, and occasional witty humor. While it makes for great popcorn entertainment, the film still shows excellent storytelling prowess, with its emphasis on developing rich characters (in turn, breathing new life into characters who have otherwise turned stale). Some audiences will lament for the way it uses time travel to create an alternate universe “Trek,” that will ultimately allow filmmakers to do anything they please. At the same time, this opens up the possibilities brilliantly, and loosens the constraints of the Trek canon. Some audiences will also hate the way Abrams plays on the camera like a drum, and shines flashlights at the camera to simulate lens flares. I’ve learned to forgive the film’s erratic style, and appreciate how it uses less to make more (it’s a bit weird to think that the interior of the Enterprise was comprised of a beer factory). Altogether though, the new “Star Trek” represents a fantastic mix of pleasing entertainment and pleasing storytelling.
09:
[Show spoiler]"Kill Bill Volume 1"
Tarantino’s two-part revenge saga is an exceptional story that’s as thrilling as it is stylish. While the story is best viewed as two parts of a complete whole, I’ve always favored volume one of this saga the most; not only is it the most action-packed, but it also has the most vivid cinematic style (complete with ultra-violent anime sequences) and the most interesting narrative techniques. While the impressive fight scenes tend to stand out above most other scenes, it is most rewarding to watch the Bride rise from an unjust atrocity and tear apart the ones who had done her wrong. With the mixed-up editing techniques, deciphering the story is quite an interesting and profound joy. Of course, the ending for volume 2 is even sweeter than the bitterness of volume 1; I prefer to see them together back-to-back for the complete experience. As it is though, volume 1 thrills me the most.
08:
[Show spoiler]"The Passion of the Christ"
This film was quite controversial upon its release; it is by far the most violent and brutal portrayal of Jesus’ sacrifice. The film takes every moment and draws out the agony, forcing the audience to feel the pain He goes through. Thankfully, it is not violence alone that makes this film powerful; Mel Gibson directed this picture with a strong visual flair, an excellent eye for detail, and an extreme sense of power. The film captures the passages of the book of Luke word for word and verse by verse, taking few artistic liberties that would help reinforce the movie’s theology, and bring the characters to life. Whether you can stand to watch it or not, the film is a powerful and heart-wrenching experience. It is an experience that helped me understand the events and their meaning a lot better, and it is an experience I don’t mind revisiting. It’s certainly far more rewarding than previous candy-coated biblical epics that Hollywood released over the past fifty years (like “The Greatest Story Ever Told”…I just don’t feel it with that one).
07:
[Show spoiler]"Lawrence of Arabia"
Despite the film’s age and its extremely long runtime, the film has never yet bored me once. Even when I wanted it to (at a time when I was ill and needed something to put me to sleep), the film has always sparked my interest and captured my imagination. Taken from the historical accounts of Colonel TE Lawrence, this film chronicles the character’s descent into Arabia, where he immerses himself in the culture and lifestyle of the desert, before leading the war against the Turks. At the same time, Lawrence constantly struggles to maintain his sanity and civility. Not only does the film boast some nice, epic battle scenes, it also sheds interesting light on the politics and conflicts of Arabia (which still resonate today). Featuring beautiful cinematography, the film captures the character and explores him in a manner that is deep and moving. As it is, this remains as my favorite picture among old classics.
06:
[Show spoiler]"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
The first “Terminator” film is a clever, original story with enough thrills to keep it engaging. James Cameron’s follow-up is something far bigger, far more polished, and a Hell of a lot more ambitious. It is most memorable for its groundbreaking special effects, which bring to life a frightening villain made entirely of liquid metal. Combined with frequent car chases and shootouts, the film never fails to entertain. At its core, it’s still a strong story, with thoughtful emphasis on the threat of nuclear annihilation (and thus, a glimpse at humanity’s destructive nature). The characters still receive strong treatment, and it is especially heartwarming to see the Terminator character humanized. With slick camera work and strong production values, “T2” is a sequel that manages to match, if not outmatch, its predecessor.
Three cuts for this movie exist on home video; the theatrical cut, an extended cut, and an extended cut with an alternate ending. I find myself most attracted to the extended cut without the alternate ending; there are about fifteen minutes of new footage that offers some more insight on the characters and help bridge the gaps of continuity in certain scenes. It’s worth seeing at least once.
05:
[Show spoiler]"Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Indiana Jones’ first adventure on the big screen is still a blast, even after all this time. Right from the start, Indy is pitted against danger at every turn (including one of the most iconic moments, in which he has to swap a golden idol with a bag of sand). In the same manner as the old-fashioned serials, one thing leads to another, building up to a chilling climax. The story manages to dig up some important questions regarding faith (as opposed to cold scientific fact), and there’s enough depth to the characters to make them stand out. With stylish, classy photography and style, Spielberg’s adventure is as timeless as it is exciting.
04:
[Show spoiler]"The Dark Knight"
This film runs for well over two hours, and is just chock full of everything. Its opening bank robbery scene, its epic convoy pursuit scene, the hospital explosion, the scenario with the ferries…hardly a moment goes by without a high-stakes situation propping up. Not only are these scenes gripping, they serve to push the title character to the limit.
The plot for this is winding and complex. But the real charm of this film is in the characters and their interactions. The Joker easily steals the show at every turn, as he diabolically works to test the limits of Batman, and society in general. While the Batman struggles to maintain order and perfection, the Joker represents chaos and corruption. One is good, the other evil. One abides by the rules, the other has no rules. The two characters connect with a perfect system of duality, like the Yin and Yang; the Joker himself even describes their relationship as the result of when an unstoppable force strikes an unmoving object. The moral dilemmas and convolutions extend to other parties as well; the situations involving Harvey Dent, Rachel Dawes, Jim Gordon, and the rest of Gotham City, are all caught in the line of fire, resulting in collateral damages and drastic repercussions. In the end, the film often underscores the issues that have plagued modern society (such as terrorism or the invasion of privacy), depicting us as “indecent men in an indecent time.”
Despite some chaotic editing, the film looks sharp and is cut in a very unique way. For its superb combination of style and substance, Christopher Nolan’s middle part of the Batman saga always sticks with me long after the credits roll. Collectively, all three films in this saga comprise a complete, complex, and coherent masterpiece among superhero films.
03:
[Show spoiler]"The Matrix"
I remember when this film came out, it seemed to stimulate everyone’s brain cells. Its premise posed the question: if our reality is defined by electrical stimulations to the brain, how would we recognize the real world from a virtual one? How do we know we aren’t living in a synthetic reality right now? Not only do such questions hint at even greater thematic material (such as the question of whether or not it’s better to live in blissful ignorance of the truth, or accept the truth and live in misery), it also sets the film up for some of the most groundbreaking action sequences that have graced the big screen. After all, it is explained that if nothing is real, rules can be bent or broken; the characters go on to dodge flying bullets in graceful slow-motion photography, jump vast distances, throw their fists at a hyperfast rate, and conjure weapons at a whim.
The story is staged in a manner which prompts mystery in the first act, followed by a sense of discovery, which leads into an epic series of struggles and conflicts. At its core, it’s a film concerning self discovery, as the main character goes from being just another node in the great machine to a superpowered savoir. As such, the film boasts powerful themes of death and rebirth, as Thomas Anderson dies and becomes the prophesized “the One” to transcend the rules of the Matrix and liberate mankind. Just as the film impeccably presents this story, it also immerses the audience into an interesting new universe; the world of the Matrix is one full of interesting rules and philosophies, just as it is filled with murderous machines and hovercrafts. Not only is the film deep, it is also highly detailed.
With strong cinematography and a quality production, the Watchowskis succeeded in replicating the style of Japanese animation into a live-action film, and the results are extraordinarily entertaining. With each new viewing, the film still resonates strongly, for there is always something new to discover.
02:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
Those who knew me best will probably not be surprised to see this so close to the top (although you might be wondering why this isn’t my number-one favorite film of all time). Back in the day, George Lucas broke the mold of grim, gritty, hard-edged 70s cinema with this throwback to high-adventure science fiction and fantasy. Right from the start, the film hits the ground running and hardly lets up; every moment is either something really exciting, or something really iconic. The space battles and pursuits are as thrilling as they are unique and imaginative (it must have been a feat of imagination to envision a bunch of fighters zooming down a trench on a space station the size of a moon…to say nothing of the fact that the said space station can obliterate other planets). Even when the space fighters aren’t in flight and the laser beams aren’t flashing across the screen, the film moves fast with its quirky dialogue, and a myriad of memorable scenes (such as the Cantina scene). Through and through, the film captures a lighthearted, adventurous spirit that most other films strive for, but rarely accomplishes with such heart and imagination.
The story is a carbon-copy of the samurai film “The Hidden Fortress” (which in itself is pretty decent), with elements of classic sci-fi (such as Buck Rodgers, Flash Gordon, or John Carter) heaped on. What the story lacks in originality, it makes up for with its insanely detailed universe; the biggest appeal of “Star Wars” is in the settings, the characters, the overall way of life depicted, which are sketched out with full depth and background. Once again, many films strive for this level of immersion and detail, but many seem to miss their mark.
George Lucas has been criticized for lots of things over his career (especially in regards to changing things in the “Star Wars” saga), and he is better known for his technical prowess than his abilities as a storyteller. Regardless, he managed to pump out a decent story to accompany the awe-inspiring visuals in this film. It also helps that he composed it really well on film and made the most out of the tools he was given. Altogether, a quality film of timeless entertainment.
01:
[Show spoiler]“Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”
For the longest time, I considered myself a big sucker for grand finales. I still get a rush from seeing the epic final battle of “The Matrix Revolutions,” or the final duel in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Much like these movies, the finale for Peter Jackson’s epic “Lord of the Rings” films coherently ties up the story, and goes out with a tremendous bang. The film starts off with a dire note, showing the heartbreaking tale of how Sméagol became Gollum. From there, it follows all the heroes on their various tangents; the most thrilling of which has got to be Aragorn’s quest to Minas Tirith, which becomes besieged by what must be the hugest army ever put onto film. This siege runs for a good length of the picture, cramming in thousands of orcs, men, Nazgul, cavalry, ghosts, and giant oiliphants onto the battlefield. Meanwhile, Frodo finally makes it to Mount Doom and fights the most profound battle in the story: the battle with himself.
This film definitely delivers the spectacle, but what makes it stand out is its steady, detailed focus on characterization and storytelling, and Peter Jackson’s unique filming style. Not only does it make for a perfect combination of action, storytelling, and quality, but it also does the best possible justice to JRR Tolkien’s saga. To say nothing of the twelve Oscars that were bestowed upon this film and its dedicated cast and crew.
Within thirty minutes of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” I realized that everything about the “Lord of the Rings” saga (from its story and characters, to its style) was close to perfection. As coherent and tightly-knit as the trilogy overall is, I tend to rank all three movies as one lump film, which would reign supreme over all other movies. If I had to pick just one part of the trilogy to call a favorite, it is definitely the final part; the perfect ending for an otherwise perfect film saga.
--------------------
I also added in a lengthy three-paragraph closing bit, but it's too damn long to fit here. You can read it on the blog if you want. Bottom line is...these films rock.
Hope y'all enjoyed reading/discussing this, as much as I've enjoyed making it.
great list overall Al!
many i wouldn't personally consider favorites, but i can't lie, i certainly enjoyed the majority of those you listed. and really, i think the only ones i didn't like were ones i have yet to see. from 20-15 or so i was thinking this was one of my lists
One of many films that threw me off on the first viewing; Francis Ford Coppola’s war epic is a strange experience. It is a memorable and vivid one though. Its story takes after Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness,” and the film proves that the concept can work in just about any setting. It is pretty trippy and invoking to watch the characters descend into the depths of insanity (hence, the heart of darkness). With all the Hell the filmmakers went through to make this, it turned out to be one unique picture.
The Redux edition of this movie runs for over three-and-a-half hours, and offers a myriad of strange new scenes. It is worth seeing at least once.
19:
[Show spoiler]"Requiem for a Dream"
Darren Aronofsky’s adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr’s novel is one of the most harrowing and depression experiences one can have watching a film. The story revolves around four individuals, whose lives unravel with drug addiction and abuse, leading to the obliteration of their dreams. While the novel didn’t have much structure to its story, the director brings it to vivid life with a strong cinematic style, and the actors emphasize the pain of their nightmare through their quality performances. Clint Mansell’s score is equally powerful. By the end of the film, I guarantee that you’ll be too scared to even think of using drugs ever again. Because of that, I recommend that everybody should see this film at least once in their lifetime.
18:
[Show spoiler]"Kaze no tani no Naushika" ("Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind")
Of all the wonderful pictures that Hayao Miyazaki created, this one hits me the hardest. As a post-apocalyptic fantasy, it’s quite hard-edged, but still carries a sense of whimsy and high adventure that would define most of the man’s other films. It’s hard not to feel for the main character and her cause (thus, underscoring strong themes concerning the environment). In the end, it’s a wonderful film with a strong story and lots of strong action scenes.
17:
[Show spoiler]"A Clockwork Orange"
Ah, what bliss to viddy this old zammechat picture, seeing the red red krovvy and watching young devotchkas doing the old in-out-in-out. This raskazz is real horrowshow, quite unlike any other gloopy pictures; like milk plus, it can sharpen you up for a bit of the old ultraviolence.
Yeah, this is one weird trip. The film is notorious for its brutality and violence, but memorable for its insane art design and its unique use of the Nadsat language. What really make it work are its story, characters, and very strong themes revolving around the artificial tampering of the human mind and spirit. While this film won’t appeal to everyone, I’ve always found it a profound experience to join Alex and his droogs on their harrowing venture.
16:
[Show spoiler]"Children of Men"
There is probably no worse fate than to have no fate at all. “Children of Men” offers the grim and sobering premise that the human race will become infertile, leading to a downward spiral of social decay. This film is extremely depressing, with its hard-hitting violence, and numerous scenes of injustice. It is a strong and powerful film though, as its darkest moments serves to make the one light of hope shine brighter (which in turn mirrors the nativity story). There is action to the movie too, and it is impressive; the filmmakers flex some impressive muscle in regards to scene composition, choreography, and logistics, as the camera follows the characters across the countryside and a decrepit refugee camp with hardly any cuts. For the most part though, it wasn’t so much the action that stood out, as it was one specific scene toward the end that really made the movie for me: it is an arousing scene in which, in the midst of all the fighting and bloodshed, the human spirit prevails. It gets to me every time.
15:
[Show spoiler]"Braveheart"
Of all historical epics that have been made, there aren’t many that can match the emotional power and strength of Mel Gibson’s film. Even though very little about this film is historically accurate, it presents an impressive portrayal of the war between the Scotts and the English; there are a few major battles in this film that are incredibly gruesome and harrowing. More interesting than the war are the characters; it is an invoking experience to watch William Wallace suffer the loss of his wife, and then embark on a bloody rampage of vengeance. With gorgeous photography and a decent-looking production, “Braveheart” is still one of the most powerful experiences I’ve seen on film.
14:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
I remember watching this in the theater, and around thirty minutes in, it dawned on me that everything about the film was darn near perfect. It has action and impressive-looking special effects. It has quality craftsmanship and cinematography. It has good strength in storytelling and characterization. A fairly faithful adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s original story, the film presents a quality adventure with a satisfying amount of action and depth. Only the sequels would come to surpass this film’s superiority.
Extended editions exist for all three “Lord of the Rings” films, which seamlessly offer a huge number of new scenes with completed special effects and music. They offer great insight on the story and characters, and come recommended for all three films.
13:
[Show spoiler]"Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
This second part of Peter Jackson’s epic depiction of JRR Tolkien’s epic saga takes everything that was great about “The Fellowship of the Ring” and manages to make it a grade better. “The Two Towers” has more impressive action scenes, especially with the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It has a slightly stronger visual flair. Above all, it still maintains steady focus on the story and characters. With a strong, quality production backing it, this film remains as quality entertainment.
12:
[Show spoiler]"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
Dr. Henry Jones Jr’s third adventure in the series proves every bit as fun and adventurous as his previous outings. Aside from plentiful amounts of fights and chases, the movie’s tank chase scene is a marvelous sequence. At its core, the film revolves around Indy and his father, and their interactions help give the film a substantial heart and soul (in addition to lots of witty comedy). This comes very close to being my favorite of the series, but between this and the first film, it’s a pretty close call. Both films are great fun and have great stories to tell.
11:
[Show spoiler]"Casino Royale" (2006)
While some folks will still be transfixed on the classic James Bond adventures, there is much to be said about this refreshing new take on a classic action hero icon. Daniel Craig brings Ian Fleming’s character to life, with a raw and primal passion that has rarely been touched upon before (maybe a little from Timothy Dalton), and a level of class that hasn’t been seen since Sean Connery (who’s still a strong and endearing contender for being the best Bond of them all). This action-packed film starts off strong and maintains a good level of tension and thrills with its frequent shootouts, chases, and fights. Even when the action dies down, the tension lingers for most of the picture. It follows the original book faithfully while keeping things modern and fresh. Characters are at their strongest here; it is especially groundbreaking for Bond’s evolution from a cocky, arrogant amateur to a cold, hardened superspy. The film looks very slick and stylish. In short, of all the 007 films out there, the latest series has been the most satisfying. “Quantum of Solace” makes for an excellent follow-up, for it rounds off the characters, but is marred by its jittery camerawork. Chances are good that “Skyfall” could take over as my favorite Bond film. As it is though, “Casino Royale” remains definitive.
10:
[Show spoiler]"Star Trek" (2009)
For the past five decades, “Star Trek” has captured the imaginations and hearts of many audiences, with its intelligent and perilous adventures and endearing characters. With the film series trailing off after “Star Trek: Nemesis” (and with the old cast having already expressed their farewells in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”), JJ Abrams regenerated the series with astonishing new vitality. The 2009 “Star Trek” is briskly-paced, with loads of fantastic space battles, shootouts, fights, chases, and occasional witty humor. While it makes for great popcorn entertainment, the film still shows excellent storytelling prowess, with its emphasis on developing rich characters (in turn, breathing new life into characters who have otherwise turned stale). Some audiences will lament for the way it uses time travel to create an alternate universe “Trek,” that will ultimately allow filmmakers to do anything they please. At the same time, this opens up the possibilities brilliantly, and loosens the constraints of the Trek canon. Some audiences will also hate the way Abrams plays on the camera like a drum, and shines flashlights at the camera to simulate lens flares. I’ve learned to forgive the film’s erratic style, and appreciate how it uses less to make more (it’s a bit weird to think that the interior of the Enterprise was comprised of a beer factory). Altogether though, the new “Star Trek” represents a fantastic mix of pleasing entertainment and pleasing storytelling.
09:
[Show spoiler]"Kill Bill Volume 1"
Tarantino’s two-part revenge saga is an exceptional story that’s as thrilling as it is stylish. While the story is best viewed as two parts of a complete whole, I’ve always favored volume one of this saga the most; not only is it the most action-packed, but it also has the most vivid cinematic style (complete with ultra-violent anime sequences) and the most interesting narrative techniques. While the impressive fight scenes tend to stand out above most other scenes, it is most rewarding to watch the Bride rise from an unjust atrocity and tear apart the ones who had done her wrong. With the mixed-up editing techniques, deciphering the story is quite an interesting and profound joy. Of course, the ending for volume 2 is even sweeter than the bitterness of volume 1; I prefer to see them together back-to-back for the complete experience. As it is though, volume 1 thrills me the most.
08:
[Show spoiler]"The Passion of the Christ"
This film was quite controversial upon its release; it is by far the most violent and brutal portrayal of Jesus’ sacrifice. The film takes every moment and draws out the agony, forcing the audience to feel the pain He goes through. Thankfully, it is not violence alone that makes this film powerful; Mel Gibson directed this picture with a strong visual flair, an excellent eye for detail, and an extreme sense of power. The film captures the passages of the book of Luke word for word and verse by verse, taking few artistic liberties that would help reinforce the movie’s theology, and bring the characters to life. Whether you can stand to watch it or not, the film is a powerful and heart-wrenching experience. It is an experience that helped me understand the events and their meaning a lot better, and it is an experience I don’t mind revisiting. It’s certainly far more rewarding than previous candy-coated biblical epics that Hollywood released over the past fifty years (like “The Greatest Story Ever Told”…I just don’t feel it with that one).
07:
[Show spoiler]"Lawrence of Arabia"
Despite the film’s age and its extremely long runtime, the film has never yet bored me once. Even when I wanted it to (at a time when I was ill and needed something to put me to sleep), the film has always sparked my interest and captured my imagination. Taken from the historical accounts of Colonel TE Lawrence, this film chronicles the character’s descent into Arabia, where he immerses himself in the culture and lifestyle of the desert, before leading the war against the Turks. At the same time, Lawrence constantly struggles to maintain his sanity and civility. Not only does the film boast some nice, epic battle scenes, it also sheds interesting light on the politics and conflicts of Arabia (which still resonate today). Featuring beautiful cinematography, the film captures the character and explores him in a manner that is deep and moving. As it is, this remains as my favorite picture among old classics.
06:
[Show spoiler]"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
The first “Terminator” film is a clever, original story with enough thrills to keep it engaging. James Cameron’s follow-up is something far bigger, far more polished, and a Hell of a lot more ambitious. It is most memorable for its groundbreaking special effects, which bring to life a frightening villain made entirely of liquid metal. Combined with frequent car chases and shootouts, the film never fails to entertain. At its core, it’s still a strong story, with thoughtful emphasis on the threat of nuclear annihilation (and thus, a glimpse at humanity’s destructive nature). The characters still receive strong treatment, and it is especially heartwarming to see the Terminator character humanized. With slick camera work and strong production values, “T2” is a sequel that manages to match, if not outmatch, its predecessor.
Three cuts for this movie exist on home video; the theatrical cut, an extended cut, and an extended cut with an alternate ending. I find myself most attracted to the extended cut without the alternate ending; there are about fifteen minutes of new footage that offers some more insight on the characters and help bridge the gaps of continuity in certain scenes. It’s worth seeing at least once.
05:
[Show spoiler]"Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Indiana Jones’ first adventure on the big screen is still a blast, even after all this time. Right from the start, Indy is pitted against danger at every turn (including one of the most iconic moments, in which he has to swap a golden idol with a bag of sand). In the same manner as the old-fashioned serials, one thing leads to another, building up to a chilling climax. The story manages to dig up some important questions regarding faith (as opposed to cold scientific fact), and there’s enough depth to the characters to make them stand out. With stylish, classy photography and style, Spielberg’s adventure is as timeless as it is exciting.
04:
[Show spoiler]"The Dark Knight"
This film runs for well over two hours, and is just chock full of everything. Its opening bank robbery scene, its epic convoy pursuit scene, the hospital explosion, the scenario with the ferries…hardly a moment goes by without a high-stakes situation propping up. Not only are these scenes gripping, they serve to push the title character to the limit.
The plot for this is winding and complex. But the real charm of this film is in the characters and their interactions. The Joker easily steals the show at every turn, as he diabolically works to test the limits of Batman, and society in general. While the Batman struggles to maintain order and perfection, the Joker represents chaos and corruption. One is good, the other evil. One abides by the rules, the other has no rules. The two characters connect with a perfect system of duality, like the Yin and Yang; the Joker himself even describes their relationship as the result of when an unstoppable force strikes an unmoving object. The moral dilemmas and convolutions extend to other parties as well; the situations involving Harvey Dent, Rachel Dawes, Jim Gordon, and the rest of Gotham City, are all caught in the line of fire, resulting in collateral damages and drastic repercussions. In the end, the film often underscores the issues that have plagued modern society (such as terrorism or the invasion of privacy), depicting us as “indecent men in an indecent time.”
Despite some chaotic editing, the film looks sharp and is cut in a very unique way. For its superb combination of style and substance, Christopher Nolan’s middle part of the Batman saga always sticks with me long after the credits roll. Collectively, all three films in this saga comprise a complete, complex, and coherent masterpiece among superhero films.
03:
[Show spoiler]"The Matrix"
I remember when this film came out, it seemed to stimulate everyone’s brain cells. Its premise posed the question: if our reality is defined by electrical stimulations to the brain, how would we recognize the real world from a virtual one? How do we know we aren’t living in a synthetic reality right now? Not only do such questions hint at even greater thematic material (such as the question of whether or not it’s better to live in blissful ignorance of the truth, or accept the truth and live in misery), it also sets the film up for some of the most groundbreaking action sequences that have graced the big screen. After all, it is explained that if nothing is real, rules can be bent or broken; the characters go on to dodge flying bullets in graceful slow-motion photography, jump vast distances, throw their fists at a hyperfast rate, and conjure weapons at a whim.
The story is staged in a manner which prompts mystery in the first act, followed by a sense of discovery, which leads into an epic series of struggles and conflicts. At its core, it’s a film concerning self discovery, as the main character goes from being just another node in the great machine to a superpowered savoir. As such, the film boasts powerful themes of death and rebirth, as Thomas Anderson dies and becomes the prophesized “the One” to transcend the rules of the Matrix and liberate mankind. Just as the film impeccably presents this story, it also immerses the audience into an interesting new universe; the world of the Matrix is one full of interesting rules and philosophies, just as it is filled with murderous machines and hovercrafts. Not only is the film deep, it is also highly detailed.
With strong cinematography and a quality production, the Watchowskis succeeded in replicating the style of Japanese animation into a live-action film, and the results are extraordinarily entertaining. With each new viewing, the film still resonates strongly, for there is always something new to discover.
02:
[Show spoiler]"Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
Those who knew me best will probably not be surprised to see this so close to the top (although you might be wondering why this isn’t my number-one favorite film of all time). Back in the day, George Lucas broke the mold of grim, gritty, hard-edged 70s cinema with this throwback to high-adventure science fiction and fantasy. Right from the start, the film hits the ground running and hardly lets up; every moment is either something really exciting, or something really iconic. The space battles and pursuits are as thrilling as they are unique and imaginative (it must have been a feat of imagination to envision a bunch of fighters zooming down a trench on a space station the size of a moon…to say nothing of the fact that the said space station can obliterate other planets). Even when the space fighters aren’t in flight and the laser beams aren’t flashing across the screen, the film moves fast with its quirky dialogue, and a myriad of memorable scenes (such as the Cantina scene). Through and through, the film captures a lighthearted, adventurous spirit that most other films strive for, but rarely accomplishes with such heart and imagination.
The story is a carbon-copy of the samurai film “The Hidden Fortress” (which in itself is pretty decent), with elements of classic sci-fi (such as Buck Rodgers, Flash Gordon, or John Carter) heaped on. What the story lacks in originality, it makes up for with its insanely detailed universe; the biggest appeal of “Star Wars” is in the settings, the characters, the overall way of life depicted, which are sketched out with full depth and background. Once again, many films strive for this level of immersion and detail, but many seem to miss their mark.
George Lucas has been criticized for lots of things over his career (especially in regards to changing things in the “Star Wars” saga), and he is better known for his technical prowess than his abilities as a storyteller. Regardless, he managed to pump out a decent story to accompany the awe-inspiring visuals in this film. It also helps that he composed it really well on film and made the most out of the tools he was given. Altogether, a quality film of timeless entertainment.
01:
[Show spoiler]“Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”
For the longest time, I considered myself a big sucker for grand finales. I still get a rush from seeing the epic final battle of “The Matrix Revolutions,” or the final duel in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Much like these movies, the finale for Peter Jackson’s epic “Lord of the Rings” films coherently ties up the story, and goes out with a tremendous bang. The film starts off with a dire note, showing the heartbreaking tale of how Sméagol became Gollum. From there, it follows all the heroes on their various tangents; the most thrilling of which has got to be Aragorn’s quest to Minas Tirith, which becomes besieged by what must be the hugest army ever put onto film. This siege runs for a good length of the picture, cramming in thousands of orcs, men, Nazgul, cavalry, ghosts, and giant oiliphants onto the battlefield. Meanwhile, Frodo finally makes it to Mount Doom and fights the most profound battle in the story: the battle with himself.
This film definitely delivers the spectacle, but what makes it stand out is its steady, detailed focus on characterization and storytelling, and Peter Jackson’s unique filming style. Not only does it make for a perfect combination of action, storytelling, and quality, but it also does the best possible justice to JRR Tolkien’s saga. To say nothing of the twelve Oscars that were bestowed upon this film and its dedicated cast and crew.
Within thirty minutes of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” I realized that everything about the “Lord of the Rings” saga (from its story and characters, to its style) was close to perfection. As coherent and tightly-knit as the trilogy overall is, I tend to rank all three movies as one lump film, which would reign supreme over all other movies. If I had to pick just one part of the trilogy to call a favorite, it is definitely the final part; the perfect ending for an otherwise perfect film saga.
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13 more, bringing your grand total up to 52/100. Pretty solid.
I also added in a lengthy three-paragraph closing bit, but it's too damn long to fit here. You can read it on the blog if you want. Bottom line is...these films rock.
Hope y'all enjoyed reading/discussing this, as much as I've enjoyed making it.
Final tally: 39
Excluding films I haven't seen...an strong 39/49
Much of my favorite films are represented in your Top 100. Your list is by far the most diverse of our 'regular' group of members in this thread.
I also very much enjoyed reading the little (well mostly little until we got to the end ) write ups you provided for each film
...and of course I have to mention that you are the only other person in this thread to pick the correct #1 film of all time
Got a list of 116 films to sith though and decide my top 100, starting tomorrow
(clue, 9 of the films from Al's list that I mentioned had a chance didn't get into the 116)
Let the fun begin!
Hmmmmm, I wonder which 9 he's talking about...
Quote:
Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
Thanks for sharing it. Quite diverse to say the least.
While clicking and revealing each film, my reactions ranged from "Damn right thats a top 100 movie!" to "How the hell can Al enjoy that?".
Variety is cool.
Quote:
Originally Posted by iam1bearcat
great list overall Al!
many i wouldn't personally consider favorites, but i can't lie, i certainly enjoyed the majority of those you listed. and really, i think the only ones i didn't like were ones i have yet to see. from 20-15 or so i was thinking this was one of my lists
great detail and thanks for taking the time Al!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KilloWertz
13 more, bringing your grand total up to 52/100. Pretty solid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel
Final tally: 39
Excluding films I haven't seen...an strong 39/49
Much of my favorite films are represented in your Top 100. Your list is by far the most diverse of our 'regular' group of members in this thread.
I also very much enjoyed reading the little (well mostly little until we got to the end ) write ups you provided for each film
...and of course I have to mention that you are the only other person in this thread to pick the correct #1 film of all time
Thank you guys. It's been a pleasure to post here.
The Wages of Fear (1953)
dir. Henri-Georges Clouzot
The Good:Stellar performances by Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, and Folco Lulli. Outstanding dialogue and character work; watching the interactions between our four protagonists is simply a joy to behold. The second half is first-rate, non-stop, edge-of-your-seat suspense. The most nerve-racking scene of them all is probably the one involving a boulder. And that final sequence... it's ironic perfection.
The Bad:The first half, which is all character development, could have been shorter.
The Bottom Line:While it's not as great as Diabolique, Clouzot's Wages of Fear is an exceptional dramatic thriller that still stands as one of the best of its kind. A precursor and an inspiration to modern blockbusters of the same genre, this is one of the few classics that even today's audiences might appreciate and enjoy. Recommended for Criterion collectors and those who are into character dramas and thrillers.
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
Sorry about the formatting errors. 
It probably tops my most anticipated list... next to Sin City 2 and The Master.
) for me bringing the total to 27. 
Knight & Day
Linear Mode
