Thursday
Jan272011
Top 20 Movies (Revision 1)
Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 3:59AM
Changelog: Revision One:
(1985) Back To The Future 
Robert Zemeckis at the top of his game. Both sequels paled in comparison, but this film had everything a great 80s sci-fi adventure could possibly offer. It's nearly flawless, from the casting, to the performances, right down to the dialog. Christopher Lloyd and Crispin Glover are at their best in these roles, and Michael J. Fox is just plain lovable. If you can, check out the outtakes, where Marty is roaming the hallways of the high school in 1955, priceless.
"1.21 gigawatts? 1.21 gigawatts? Great Scott!"
"Yes, definitely. Goddamn it George, swear."
(1999) Fight Club
This film was my introduction into the mind of Chuck Palahniuk. After seeing this film, I started reading any work of fiction this man had written. The book's plot is difficult to get onto the screen, while something like Lullaby or Rant might have proven easier, the difficulty in the translation is part of what makes the film shine. I didn't see Benjamin Button, but I've seen every other movie that David Fincher has done, and the truth is, he doesn't make bad movies. He just doesn't.
"The things you own end up owning you."
"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time."
(1984) Ghostbusters
The first time I saw this one, I was eight years old, and was catching a double feature of Ghostbusters and Gremlins, with my older sister. To be completely honest, that first time, I had my eyes closed through 90% of the movie. It wasn't until a few years later that I realized that it was a comedy, and the entire cast was brilliant. It was around that same time that I decided that I would see every movie that Bill Murray had a role in, and until Garfield, I did. This is easily Reitman's best work, unless the forthcoming Ghostbusters III tops it (it won't).
"Why worry? Each one of us is carrying an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back. "
(1992) Hard Boiled
You know any film with a native title that literally translates to "Hot-Handed God of Cops" is going to kick a lot of ass, and this film is no exception. This movie turned me into an avid John Woo/Yun-Fat Chow fan, and although The Killer is widely touted as their best collaboration, for my money, it's this one. The action sequences, while sometimes over the top, are unrivaled. Tony Leung is excellent as the undercover Triad/cop, and the uneasy alliance he forms with Yun-Fat's Tequila is wholly believable.
"Most things go in and out of style - that is with the exception of war of course."
(1995) Heat
There were two masterpieces released in 1995 starring Robert DeNiro, this one, and Casino. The reason I list Heat, and not Casino, is that at 170 minutes, this one still never seems to drag. Casino is brilliant, but at 178 minutes, it feels more like an hour longer. Michael Mann puts forth the film of his career, but what really sets it apart, is that not only is it cast nearly perfectly, But everyone that shows up on screen gives an amazing performance, even Rollins. The credits read like a list of Hollywood's most reliable and underrated actors, from William Fitchner, to Tom Sizemore, and even Dennis Haysbert.
(2010) Inception
There was a lot of hype surrounding this film, and it was more than six months between when it opened, and when we finally saw it. I can honestly say, though, that this movie delivers 110% on the hype, it's that good. The plot is amazingly well thought out, and is the most original concept in a film since The Matrix. Christopher Nolan looks like he's pretty much unstoppable at this point, the entire cast is unbeatable, and the sequences are unparalleled. If you're one of the 15 people that still haven't seen this movie, watch it now, none of the hype is exaggerated.
"True inspiration is impossible to fake."
(2000) Memento
This is, in my opinion, one of the most well-executed modern films of our generation. Christopher Nolan is the Willem Dafoe of writers. If you haven't seen this, you're a member of a small group of people, but even on the off chance, I'm not even going into the plot, since it's too easy to accidentally spoil. I will say that Guy Pearce's performance is brilliant, and as usual, Joe Pantoliano and his beret are vastly underrated.
"Memory can change the shape of a room; it can change the color of a car. And memories can be distorted. They're just an interpretation, they're not a record, and they're irrelevant if you have the facts."
(1986) Rad
Let's just get this out of the way up front. This movie is no work of art. It's not groundbreaking, it's not very well written, and there certainly aren't any Academy Award winners in the cast. What it does have, however, is an incredibly fun, campy storyline, amidst a bunch of sweet BMX stunts. Also, a romantic BMX "dance", set to Real Life's "Send Me An Angel", during which I'm pretty sure you can see a moustache on a young Lori Loughlin's stunt double. The overall soundtrack is pretty sweet, but good luck finding it ANYWHERE for purchase. Lucky for you, I'm a digital sorcerer.
"Cru, remember the lumber yard...go balls out."
(1981) Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Let's just go ahead and agree now that the latest installment of the Indiana Jones franchise was almost silly. Looking back on the original trilogy, Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull solidified them as much superior films. This, the first in the series, sets a standard that all adventure films can try to live up to. Are you listening 2008's Journey To The Center Of The Earth? One of Harrison Ford's most awesome roles, second only to Han Solo. Really a shame this one isn't on Blu-Ray yet.
"You Americans, you're all the same. Always overdressing for the wrong occasions."
(1985) Real Genius
Before Val Kilmer was a badass in flicks like Top Gun and Willow, he had a pair of really awesome comedies under his belt; Top Secret!, and this one. Top Secret! is good, and it's funny, but this is my favorite 80s movie, hands down. This one really sticks out among 80s comedies, with razor-sharp wit, an intelligent script, and hilarious performances from the entire cast. You might recognize Jon Gries as Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite, and you've likely seen William Atherton as the scumbag in just about any movie ever, but he's an especially good scumbag in this one. Unreleased soundtrack HERE.
"You get even with Kent. It's a moral imperative."
(1995) Se7en
Yup, Fincher again. This film is, quite plainly, brilliant. The performances are stellar, The plot original, and the execution masterful. Not billing the actor who plays the killer in the opening credits is incredibly effective, and makes the first viewing of this film priceless. The film's ending, while balked at by many, is necessary, and really "completes" the story. As a matter of fact, Brad Pitt refused to take the role of David Mills if the ending were changed. I'll probably see just about any movie Morgan Freeman is in, and this is in my opinion his finest performance.
"This isn't going to have a happy ending."
"Become vengeance, David. Become wrath."
(2008) Seven Pounds
This is truly a beautiful, beautiful film. It's written by Grant Nieporte, who'd previously only worked on TV comedies, which blows my mind, considering how well written this film is. Gabriele Muccino worked with Will Smith before, on The Pursuit of Happyness, which was good.. This film, however, is better than good, it's truly great. I have a lot of respect for Will Smith and Woody Harrelson, as they're both amazingly talented. The supporting cast here, Rosario Dawson, Barry Pepper, and Michael Ealy, also turn in Amazing performances. Oh, and if you don't cry at the end, you're dead inside.
"I lied to you, I think about dying every day."
(1977) Star Wars: A New Hope
What can I honestly say about this film? You've seen it. Regardless, this is the beginning of a story that spawned millions and millions of fans. Nerds that pretended to be Darth Vader on the playground at school (me), geeks that tried to learn how to make the Chewbacca noise (also me), and dorks that know the names of most of the unnamed characters in the Cantina scene (again, me, and also my brother). I chose this one over Empire and Jedi because I've seen it more times, and it holds a special place in my nerd-heart. Also worth mentioning, is that the prequels are garbage. Patton Oswalt said it best...
"Into the garbage chute, Flyboy."
(1987) Summer School
Long before NCIS was a crappy show on TV, and before Kirstie Alley was a disgusting slob in a reality series, she and Mark Harmon starred in this awesome flick about a buncha kids who fail English, and have to go to summer school to retake it. It's directed by Carl Reiner, which probably saved it from being lumped in with a million other 80s flicks about slackoff teens. "Chainsaw" and Dave really steal the show, but unfortunately neither actor really went on to do much else. A great script and funny performances make this film worth seeing, more than 20 years later.
"Can I call my folks and tell them I won't be coming home... ever? "
(1979) The Jerk
This is still one the the greatest, and funniest comedies of all time. Steve Martin's plot is so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh. Add Carl Reiner as director, and this one is nearly flawless. Even as a kid, before I really understood a lot of the jokes, I still laughed my ass off. I love every film I've ever seen Steve Martin in, and this is the one that introduced me to him. Even Bernadette Peters is a riot as the love interest. You can really watch this one over and over, and it never stops being funny. Still hard to believe they cut Bill Murray's cameo out though.
"You mean I'm gonna STAY this color?!"
(1984) The Karate Kid
Let's just face facts. The only reason that Ralph Macchio was put on this planet, was to be in this movie. Other than that, his presence here is pretty meaningless. The plot here, is totally believable, and could probably happen to any skinny kid from Jersey. This film shows you how to properly run your mouth at dudes that can whoop you, so you can effectively get your ass beat. But, it also shows you how a handyman from Okinawa can teach you enough discipline to make a chick that is waaaay out of your league dig you. Priceless. Pat Morita totally lays it down, and Elizabeth Shue rocks it.
"This is a karate dojo, not a knitting class."
(1994) The Shawshank Redemption
This is probably my favorite film of all time. Frank Darabont is likely one of the most underrated directors working today. I can only hope his work on The Walking Dead may change that. Like I've said before, I'd see a movie about knitting if Morgan Freeman were in it. He is, in my opinion, the best actor in the business. Tim Robbins is also amazing, and turns the role of Andy Dufresne into a work of art, someone who you genuinely care about. The supporting cast here is brilliant as well, especially Clancy Brown, who makes Capt. Hadley ridiculously easy to loathe.
"Get busy living, or get busy dying."
(1995) The Usual Suspects
Sure, Bryan Singer directed this film, and he does a good job, but what really puts this movie ahead of the game, is the story, and the cast. Everyone in this film is brilliant, and they really work the script to its full potential. Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri and the late Pete Postlethwaite all turn their roles to gold. Kevin Pollack and Benicio Del Toro add some comedy relief, but also nail the hard scenes. Stephen Baldwin is in it somewhere too, I forgot. Even if you already know the ending, if you haven't seen this, watch it now. Thank me later.
"A man can convince anyone he's somebody else, but never himself. "
(1985) Weird Science
John Hughes made a ton of awesome movies, but this one often gets overlooked. Maybe it's because there weren't a lot of notable actors in the cast. Sure, Robert Downey Jr. and the awesome Bill Paxton have small roles, but it was very early in each of their careers. Kelly LeBrock was cast as "eye candy", but now, she's more like "eye vegetables". Our main attraction here is Anthony Michael Hall, who seems to have disappeared after The Dead Zone went off the air a few years back. I suppose none of that really matters, because this film is still super-awesome.
"Making a girl. Actually making a girl. Like Frankenstein... except cuter."
(2009) Zombieland
This spot in my list was previously held by 2004's Shaun of the Dead, which was the inspiration for this film. I love Simon Pegg to death, but the Jesse Eisenberg/Hoody Harrelson combo is pretty unbeatable. They both personify different types of awesome here, AND there's a cameo by Bill Murray. No other zombie flick in existence has anything to top it. That doesn't even touch on the cinematography, the quick wit, or the script. The 1st draft of the script for Zombieland 2 is completed (Thank god), but it may be awhile before we actually see it.
"It's amazing how fast the world can go from bad to total shit storm."
- (1978) Superman removed from the list.
- (2010) Inception added to the list.
(1985) Back To The Future Robert Zemeckis at the top of his game. Both sequels paled in comparison, but this film had everything a great 80s sci-fi adventure could possibly offer. It's nearly flawless, from the casting, to the performances, right down to the dialog. Christopher Lloyd and Crispin Glover are at their best in these roles, and Michael J. Fox is just plain lovable. If you can, check out the outtakes, where Marty is roaming the hallways of the high school in 1955, priceless.
"1.21 gigawatts? 1.21 gigawatts? Great Scott!"
"Yes, definitely. Goddamn it George, swear."
(1999) Fight Club This film was my introduction into the mind of Chuck Palahniuk. After seeing this film, I started reading any work of fiction this man had written. The book's plot is difficult to get onto the screen, while something like Lullaby or Rant might have proven easier, the difficulty in the translation is part of what makes the film shine. I didn't see Benjamin Button, but I've seen every other movie that David Fincher has done, and the truth is, he doesn't make bad movies. He just doesn't.
"The things you own end up owning you."
"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time."
(1984) Ghostbusters The first time I saw this one, I was eight years old, and was catching a double feature of Ghostbusters and Gremlins, with my older sister. To be completely honest, that first time, I had my eyes closed through 90% of the movie. It wasn't until a few years later that I realized that it was a comedy, and the entire cast was brilliant. It was around that same time that I decided that I would see every movie that Bill Murray had a role in, and until Garfield, I did. This is easily Reitman's best work, unless the forthcoming Ghostbusters III tops it (it won't).
"Why worry? Each one of us is carrying an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back. "
(1992) Hard Boiled You know any film with a native title that literally translates to "Hot-Handed God of Cops" is going to kick a lot of ass, and this film is no exception. This movie turned me into an avid John Woo/Yun-Fat Chow fan, and although The Killer is widely touted as their best collaboration, for my money, it's this one. The action sequences, while sometimes over the top, are unrivaled. Tony Leung is excellent as the undercover Triad/cop, and the uneasy alliance he forms with Yun-Fat's Tequila is wholly believable.
"Most things go in and out of style - that is with the exception of war of course."
(1995) Heat There were two masterpieces released in 1995 starring Robert DeNiro, this one, and Casino. The reason I list Heat, and not Casino, is that at 170 minutes, this one still never seems to drag. Casino is brilliant, but at 178 minutes, it feels more like an hour longer. Michael Mann puts forth the film of his career, but what really sets it apart, is that not only is it cast nearly perfectly, But everyone that shows up on screen gives an amazing performance, even Rollins. The credits read like a list of Hollywood's most reliable and underrated actors, from William Fitchner, to Tom Sizemore, and even Dennis Haysbert.
(2010) Inception There was a lot of hype surrounding this film, and it was more than six months between when it opened, and when we finally saw it. I can honestly say, though, that this movie delivers 110% on the hype, it's that good. The plot is amazingly well thought out, and is the most original concept in a film since The Matrix. Christopher Nolan looks like he's pretty much unstoppable at this point, the entire cast is unbeatable, and the sequences are unparalleled. If you're one of the 15 people that still haven't seen this movie, watch it now, none of the hype is exaggerated.
"True inspiration is impossible to fake."
(2000) Memento This is, in my opinion, one of the most well-executed modern films of our generation. Christopher Nolan is the Willem Dafoe of writers. If you haven't seen this, you're a member of a small group of people, but even on the off chance, I'm not even going into the plot, since it's too easy to accidentally spoil. I will say that Guy Pearce's performance is brilliant, and as usual, Joe Pantoliano and his beret are vastly underrated.
"Memory can change the shape of a room; it can change the color of a car. And memories can be distorted. They're just an interpretation, they're not a record, and they're irrelevant if you have the facts."
(1986) Rad Let's just get this out of the way up front. This movie is no work of art. It's not groundbreaking, it's not very well written, and there certainly aren't any Academy Award winners in the cast. What it does have, however, is an incredibly fun, campy storyline, amidst a bunch of sweet BMX stunts. Also, a romantic BMX "dance", set to Real Life's "Send Me An Angel", during which I'm pretty sure you can see a moustache on a young Lori Loughlin's stunt double. The overall soundtrack is pretty sweet, but good luck finding it ANYWHERE for purchase. Lucky for you, I'm a digital sorcerer.
"Cru, remember the lumber yard...go balls out."
(1981) Raiders Of The Lost Ark Let's just go ahead and agree now that the latest installment of the Indiana Jones franchise was almost silly. Looking back on the original trilogy, Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull solidified them as much superior films. This, the first in the series, sets a standard that all adventure films can try to live up to. Are you listening 2008's Journey To The Center Of The Earth? One of Harrison Ford's most awesome roles, second only to Han Solo. Really a shame this one isn't on Blu-Ray yet.
"You Americans, you're all the same. Always overdressing for the wrong occasions."
(1985) Real Genius Before Val Kilmer was a badass in flicks like Top Gun and Willow, he had a pair of really awesome comedies under his belt; Top Secret!, and this one. Top Secret! is good, and it's funny, but this is my favorite 80s movie, hands down. This one really sticks out among 80s comedies, with razor-sharp wit, an intelligent script, and hilarious performances from the entire cast. You might recognize Jon Gries as Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite, and you've likely seen William Atherton as the scumbag in just about any movie ever, but he's an especially good scumbag in this one. Unreleased soundtrack HERE.
"You get even with Kent. It's a moral imperative."
(1995) Se7en Yup, Fincher again. This film is, quite plainly, brilliant. The performances are stellar, The plot original, and the execution masterful. Not billing the actor who plays the killer in the opening credits is incredibly effective, and makes the first viewing of this film priceless. The film's ending, while balked at by many, is necessary, and really "completes" the story. As a matter of fact, Brad Pitt refused to take the role of David Mills if the ending were changed. I'll probably see just about any movie Morgan Freeman is in, and this is in my opinion his finest performance.
"This isn't going to have a happy ending."
"Become vengeance, David. Become wrath."
(2008) Seven Pounds This is truly a beautiful, beautiful film. It's written by Grant Nieporte, who'd previously only worked on TV comedies, which blows my mind, considering how well written this film is. Gabriele Muccino worked with Will Smith before, on The Pursuit of Happyness, which was good.. This film, however, is better than good, it's truly great. I have a lot of respect for Will Smith and Woody Harrelson, as they're both amazingly talented. The supporting cast here, Rosario Dawson, Barry Pepper, and Michael Ealy, also turn in Amazing performances. Oh, and if you don't cry at the end, you're dead inside.
"I lied to you, I think about dying every day."
(1977) Star Wars: A New Hope What can I honestly say about this film? You've seen it. Regardless, this is the beginning of a story that spawned millions and millions of fans. Nerds that pretended to be Darth Vader on the playground at school (me), geeks that tried to learn how to make the Chewbacca noise (also me), and dorks that know the names of most of the unnamed characters in the Cantina scene (again, me, and also my brother). I chose this one over Empire and Jedi because I've seen it more times, and it holds a special place in my nerd-heart. Also worth mentioning, is that the prequels are garbage. Patton Oswalt said it best...
"Into the garbage chute, Flyboy."
(1987) Summer School Long before NCIS was a crappy show on TV, and before Kirstie Alley was a disgusting slob in a reality series, she and Mark Harmon starred in this awesome flick about a buncha kids who fail English, and have to go to summer school to retake it. It's directed by Carl Reiner, which probably saved it from being lumped in with a million other 80s flicks about slackoff teens. "Chainsaw" and Dave really steal the show, but unfortunately neither actor really went on to do much else. A great script and funny performances make this film worth seeing, more than 20 years later.
"Can I call my folks and tell them I won't be coming home... ever? "
(1979) The Jerk
This is still one the the greatest, and funniest comedies of all time. Steve Martin's plot is so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh. Add Carl Reiner as director, and this one is nearly flawless. Even as a kid, before I really understood a lot of the jokes, I still laughed my ass off. I love every film I've ever seen Steve Martin in, and this is the one that introduced me to him. Even Bernadette Peters is a riot as the love interest. You can really watch this one over and over, and it never stops being funny. Still hard to believe they cut Bill Murray's cameo out though.
"You mean I'm gonna STAY this color?!"
(1984) The Karate Kid Let's just face facts. The only reason that Ralph Macchio was put on this planet, was to be in this movie. Other than that, his presence here is pretty meaningless. The plot here, is totally believable, and could probably happen to any skinny kid from Jersey. This film shows you how to properly run your mouth at dudes that can whoop you, so you can effectively get your ass beat. But, it also shows you how a handyman from Okinawa can teach you enough discipline to make a chick that is waaaay out of your league dig you. Priceless. Pat Morita totally lays it down, and Elizabeth Shue rocks it.
"This is a karate dojo, not a knitting class."
(1994) The Shawshank Redemption This is probably my favorite film of all time. Frank Darabont is likely one of the most underrated directors working today. I can only hope his work on The Walking Dead may change that. Like I've said before, I'd see a movie about knitting if Morgan Freeman were in it. He is, in my opinion, the best actor in the business. Tim Robbins is also amazing, and turns the role of Andy Dufresne into a work of art, someone who you genuinely care about. The supporting cast here is brilliant as well, especially Clancy Brown, who makes Capt. Hadley ridiculously easy to loathe.
"Get busy living, or get busy dying."
(1995) The Usual Suspects Sure, Bryan Singer directed this film, and he does a good job, but what really puts this movie ahead of the game, is the story, and the cast. Everyone in this film is brilliant, and they really work the script to its full potential. Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri and the late Pete Postlethwaite all turn their roles to gold. Kevin Pollack and Benicio Del Toro add some comedy relief, but also nail the hard scenes. Stephen Baldwin is in it somewhere too, I forgot. Even if you already know the ending, if you haven't seen this, watch it now. Thank me later.
"A man can convince anyone he's somebody else, but never himself. "
(1985) Weird Science John Hughes made a ton of awesome movies, but this one often gets overlooked. Maybe it's because there weren't a lot of notable actors in the cast. Sure, Robert Downey Jr. and the awesome Bill Paxton have small roles, but it was very early in each of their careers. Kelly LeBrock was cast as "eye candy", but now, she's more like "eye vegetables". Our main attraction here is Anthony Michael Hall, who seems to have disappeared after The Dead Zone went off the air a few years back. I suppose none of that really matters, because this film is still super-awesome.
"Making a girl. Actually making a girl. Like Frankenstein... except cuter."
(2009) Zombieland This spot in my list was previously held by 2004's Shaun of the Dead, which was the inspiration for this film. I love Simon Pegg to death, but the Jesse Eisenberg/Hoody Harrelson combo is pretty unbeatable. They both personify different types of awesome here, AND there's a cameo by Bill Murray. No other zombie flick in existence has anything to top it. That doesn't even touch on the cinematography, the quick wit, or the script. The 1st draft of the script for Zombieland 2 is completed (Thank god), but it may be awhile before we actually see it.
"It's amazing how fast the world can go from bad to total shit storm."
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