The Mighty Celestial's Top 100 Movies

[TheMightyCelestial]

Since joining this site, I've been meaning to add my contribution to this subject, but since I didn't begin to express myself in any written form until only about a year & half or so ago ( I mean, y'know.... expressing myself more creatively that just filling out forms or signing checks & stuff....), to take on what appeared to be such a monumental undertaking for a beginner such as muhself, I couldn't seem to find the motivation to put the time aside to create one.

Also, there were several movies on my "must-see" list that I always felt I should see before I began concocting such a list.
However, just when I think that I've finally seen those films that are generally considered as necessary viewing for movie aficionados, a new title then comes into my awareness or sense of radar. Even right now, at the time of this writing, I'm 30 minutes into Memoirs Of A Geisha (these days, I watch DVDs in half hour installments, since the only space of time I can find to fit 'em into is during the treadmill part of my workouts) and I currently have Fear(s) In The Dark on my waiting list. Two films that seem like they might have a possibilty of making it in my top 100, & therefore may disturb the order that I've come up with so far.
But, I figure that that's a situation that always gonna be there, no matter when I decide to do this. So, since my list of faves is always gonna be in flux, now seems like as good a time as any to put one up.
Therefore, without further ado......




100. Glory
"And what are you? So full of hate you just wanna go out and fight everybody. 'Cause you been whipped and chased by hounds. Well, that may not be livin', but it sure as hell ain't dyin'. And dyin's what these white boys been doin' for goin' on three years now. Dyin' by the thousands, dyin' for you, fool. I know 'cause I dug they graves. . . .
The time's comin' when we gonna have to anti-up. Anti-up and kick in like men.... LIKE MEN!"
Simply one of my favorite civil war films of all time.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Eighties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-133.jpg



99. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
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A bad-ass lead character, a feral wolf-boy and his boomerang, a "junk-yard" fortress, an ayatollah of rock-n-rolla, a kick-ass car-chase, Australian accents, & more S&M costumes than a German hardcore porn video (or so I heard...).
In otha woidsm The Road Warriah is everything you need to make a solid thrill-ride of a post-apocalyptic action movie, "mite".

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/c7b30ef4c2d2f507d3a2701a9fe64d0a1193997.jpg


98. His Girl Friday
The genre of the romantic comedy comes to an early peak with this story about two reporters, once divorced from each other, but still carrying a shared torch as fiery as their shared passion for their jobs. Old skool movie dialogue so quick & full of wit, that despite any dated slants in the material, comes off sounding contemporarily sharp & filled with as much energy as if it were written for today.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/5f399ba78ff132ece30146292a14da011193997.jpg



97. The Blair Witch Project
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/4f1997034baf0cebced21e1f9d2c8357873594.jpg

First of all, I couldn't care less how over-hyped this movie was. Anyone's whose opinion of this movie was as an adverse effect from this, it's their fault for giving it any attention in the first place. No hype, no matter how well-founded, should ever be believed.
Secondly, as kid, sure, but as an adult, I really can't get scared from movies anymore. Especially, if there's a monster or a Jason/Freddy/Michael Myers involved. The minute I see any of these guys on the screen wearing some kind of fright-enhancing mask or wielding a sharp object with a screaming Abercrombie & Fitch-looking teenager's name all over it, I am instantly reminded that I'm watching a movie, & thereby negating any chance of suspending my belief enough to being frightened anymore. However, Blair Witch tried to bring the horror of cinema as close to the real world as any fright flick could since Night Of The Living Dead (IOM, that is), thus making it seem like this situation could actually happen in this frame of reality. Plus, a major part of the fear-factor for this story's premise is that the lead characters, or even the viewers themselves, never actually get to see the witch in question. And as it has been stated many times over centuries, "The unknown is one the greatest fears to the human mindset".
So while it still didn't scare me, TBWP probably came as close as it possibly can come to at this point in my life. As far as I can remember, I've never had any real inclination to go out on a camping trip of any sort.
But now, because of this film, sleeping under a tent overnight in the middle of the woods, is a situation that I can definitely say that I will never expect to try & initiate.
Ever.
And for me, The Blair Witch Project earns a couple of extra points just for that.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Horror/Ghosts/4ed9666f358b57818c9d36fb2baaea941193997.jpg

Not only is Deep Throat a codename for a central figure in All The President's Men, it's also the name of one of the first x-rated flix I ever watched, back when puberty was knocking at my adolescence.
Now here I am, years later, wasting my life away in front of the computer, if not spending vast amounts of time downloading onion booty porn,
then I'm either posting up classless ghetto girlfight videos on youtube
or I'm here on this site, aimlessly commiseratin' with all of my fellow MoFos.
So, yeah....
I know exactly where that particular "left turn" was that led me down the empty road of existence that is currently my life.

Which I know has almost next to nothing to do with this movie, but I guess that term "Deep Throat" sparked off a nerve or something.

Anyways,
back to the list.....

96. All The Presidents Men
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/19jame2650-1.jpg



:p


Anyways,
back to the list.....

[TheMightyCelestial]

95. Akira
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/Animated/akira-movie2-1.jpg

My first look at anime. Well, kick ass anime that is.
When I first saw this, I realized that, if I didn't have to work for a living, I would spend all of my time lookin' up at what those crazy asians were concocting on the animation tip, yo.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/Animated/25oz2ap.jpg



94. Amadeus
I avoided this film for years, under the assumption that it's subject matter was just something that I would absolutely no interest in.
Then one day, as it aired on one of those "classic" movie channels on T.V., I decided to finally give it a chance, just to see what all that Oscar hype back in '84 was all about.
Turns out, this film isn't so much a historical retelling of classical-music pioneer, Mozart as it a homage to the creative process of a genius who's talent was masked by both his almost hippie like eccentricity & by the conservativeness of the times. The ease of Mozart's ability to conjure up music that would stand the test of time was only recognized & appreciated by his "best friend" & rivalous contemporary, the more forgotton Salieri.
For me, the true test of any film that centers on the art of artist is the ability for it to make me appreciate (and maybe even like) the art more than I did before I watched the film. Maybe, in my case it was more the result of ignorance than anything else, I wasn't into Mozart's stuff. After viewing this movie though, as far as his music, I walked away with my eyes a little more opened & my ears a little more enriched.
Rock me, Amadeus.*

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Eighties%20Movies/0ccd08528fe85e741e9038ec8446c0eb1193997.jpg

* Don't any of you dare roll your eyes at that last sentence. You knew it was gonna come sometime.



93. Sin City
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/sin_city_city-1-1.jpg

The weird thing about this movie is that the male lead characters are all practically the same guy. And the stories don't seem to stray too off to far from each other or from a theme that we've all seen on the big screen millions of times before. The thing is, the visuals on this thing are so ******* striking that, for me at least, it almost felt like I was watching a much more unique set of plotlines that was actually being told. Rather than trying to bring the Sin City graphic novel into movie "reel life", it seemed almost like this was more an exercise to bringing reel life into Sin City. That the actors weren't trying to portray comicbook characters as much as they were trying to intergrate their 3-D physicality into 2-D flat-figured Frank Miller drawings (as was most evident with the make-up jobs on Marv & the Yellow Man). I know that there are some people who criticized the simplicity & graphic "pointlessness" of this movie,
but it's art direction was so full of energy & depth (for my visual senses, at least) that I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen & found myself truly embedded in the illusion that I was watching something original.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Listal/Comic%20Book%20Movies/Non-Superhero/0996166001231194351movies.jpg



92. Pan's Labyrinth
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Pan's Labyrinth is a film whose creativity & emotion are elegantly entwined in a manner that blurs the barrier between the "real" world & the fantasy dimension, almost beyond physical distinction.
Just an absolutely beautiful movie that successfully takes the constant air of peril that comes with living under the grim realities of war & overlays it with the macabre & twisted influence that such a situation can have on a young creative mind's fairy-tale-like imaginations.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-53.jpg

91. Bugsy
Bugsy is a mob flick that doesn't even try to compete with other mob flicks. And therefore, it succeeds as a gangster movie that stands out on its own. It almost completely removes the realistic-type dialogue & the grittiness that is usually associated with this genre. I can almost sense the same sheen that the old black & white mafia films used to use to screen over the mobster characters & give em that "romanticized" look that they became famous for back then. For all their ruthlessness, the major players in this story come off as very likeable people.
And along with Warren Beatty & Annette Benning, you just can't beat the acting by the supporting cast of Harvey Keitel, Ben Kingsley, Elliot Gould & Joe Mantegna.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/415d3e36477089856f84aba51d73b4fc1193997.jpg

[Powdered Water]

Wow. Great start. I can't wait to read the rest.

[MovieMan8877445]

Excellent list so far, MC. I like how you set your pictures up more than anything, though. I guess I should get working on my new list again.

[Fryzie_Film_Lover]

Carn the Road Warrior, top list so far keep up the great work :)

[The Prestige]

Excellent start, man. I STILL haven't seen Glory, actually. Maybe now is the time to put it on the wanted list. I've heard that Denzel Washington is something else in it.

People who like Pan's Labyrinth tend to have it in their top 20 on their lists, so it's fairly surprising seeing it at the start. Very intrigued to see how this turns out.

[TheDOMINATOR]

Very nice list so far, MightyCelestial. I like the layout and entries so far. :cool: Particularly:

97. Blair Witch Project - First of all, I couldn't care less how over-hyped this movie was. Anyone's whose opinion of this movie was as an adverse effect from this, it's their fault for giving it any attention in the first place. No hype, no matter how well-founded, should ever be believed.
Secondly, as kid, sure, but as an adult, I really can't get scared from movies anymore. Especially, if there's a monster or a Jason/Freddy/Michael Myers involved. The minute I see any of these guys on the screen wearing some kind of fright-enhancing mask or wielding a sharp object with a screaming Abercrombie & Fitch-looking teenager's name all over it, I am instantly reminded that I'm watching a movie, & thereby negating any chance of suspending my belief enough to being frightened anymore. However, Blair Witch tried to come as close to reality as any horror flick could since Night Of The Living Dead (IOM, that is), thus making it seem like this situation could actually happen in this frame of reality. Plus, a major part of the fear-factor for this story's premise is that the lead characters, or even the viewers themselves, never actually get to see the witch in question. And as it has been stated many times over centuries, "The unknown is one the greatest fears is the human mindset".
So while it still didn't scare me, TBWP probably came as close as it possibly can come to at this point in my life. As far as I can remember, I've never had any real inclination to go out on a camping trip of any sort.
But now, because of this film, sleeping under a tent overnight in the middle of the woods, is situation that I can definitely say that I will never expect to try & initiate.
Ever.
And for me, The Blair Witch Project earns a couple of extra points just for that.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/FotoFlexer_Photo-26.jpg


I no longer think that I'm the only one here who likes this film well enough to consider it a favorite. :D Nice to see The Blair Witch Project in your Top 100, affecting you similarly to how it has affected me.

[TheMightyCelestial]

Thanx for the comments, everyone.


Excellent start, man. I STILL haven't seen Glory, actually. Maybe now is the time to put it on the wanted list. I've heard that Denzel Washington is something else in it.

People who like Pan's Labyrinth tend to have it in their top 20 on their lists, so it's fairly surprising seeing it at the start. Very intrigued to see how this turns out.

Yeah,
I kinda surprised myself with it's ranking too.
But I think that it may be because, unlike the majority of entries on my list, I've only seen Pan's Labyrinth once so far. So I don't think that I've been able to develop as strong as an emotional connection to Pan's as I've done with the rest of the other movies.
I'm sure that when I finally get a chance for more viewings, it'll probably move up higher on my picks for favorites.

[TheMightyCelestial]

90. High Noon
Real time in the Old West.
A simple tale of suspense building tension, as a newly wed marshall must make a decision between a new life by flying the Coop, or staying and standing as a "lone star" until the strike of twelve, in a town that has turned its back against him.
High Noon is a film that for me, falls under the category of being based more on sentimental value than anything else since it was one the first black & white cowboy flicks I saw & enjoyed as a kid.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/high-noon4.jpg



89. Little Miss Sunshine
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-108.jpg

A suicidal gay uncle, an unspoken emo brother who dreams of flying jet fighters, a motivational-speaking dad who always seems to be out of touch, a seven year old out of shape, pangeant-contesting "super-freak", and a heroin-addicted grandpa with the power to spout out Oscar-worthy expletives, all capped off by a mom who tends to serve popsicles for dessert.
Everything you need to provide a big yellow vehicle such as this one with a solid push.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/sunshine-1.jpg



88. Night Of The Living Dead
This was almost the "Blair Witch Project" of it's time, in that had a very documentary realism style to it that was later further advanced by the shaky camera genre of recent years.
And to my mind, it was the first time I had ever seen the depiction of zombies as truly scary. Because, let's be honest here. Even though everyone always makes fun of the fact that they're easy to escape, the truth is, if any of us were to be confronted by a husk of rotting flesh that stood upright, just the idea that we were actually witnessing one of the "living dead" would be enough to makes sh#t out our own skeletons.
Or at least, scare us to a point of not being to think as straight as one would during such a situation.
As it is convincingly depicted in the behavior of the various characters in The Living Dead, & thus, successfully enhancing the fear of dread in this staple of the horror movie classics.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Horror/Zombies/26004979.gif


87. Whale Rider
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/6bbffdb689086bc5aa21c34f536965371193997.jpg

An island heritage that is already desperately trying to hold onto it's own identity, finds itself even more challenged when a little girl tries desperately to fit into it in a manner that would break one if it's fundamental "rules". For, in order to triumph, she must dispel the ages old belief that to achieve the mantle of a chieftain, one must be a male. And in the process, she ends up making both that old tradition and a pack of whales, her b#tchez.
Yay for Girl Power!

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/be74c994df919d1ad50e96836fadea941193997.jpg



86. The Straight Story
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What do you get when you put a true tale of a man who unconventionally travels on a unconventional journey, with an unconventional director?
You get an unconventionally "conventional" yet moving film by David Lynch, in which he simply goes about telling you a straight story.

[honeykid]

Loving this list so far MC. Good work. :)

BTW, The Straight Story, All The Presidents Men and Glory. Worth the + rep for those three alone. :up:

[Fenwick]

Lovely, well presented thread so far mate. Filled with some great flicks as well - High Noon, The Straight Story, Amadeus, All the Presidents Men etc. Good stuff.

[TheMightyCelestial]

85. Boyz N The Hood
IMO, by far, the best in the film category of the modern street gangsta genre.
Directed by John Singleton (remember when he was considered a director to look out for?) and starring Cuba Gooding Jr. (remember when he was considered an actor to look out for, before anyone showed him the money?), Ice Cube (remember back before he went Hollywood and was actually hardcore?) & Lawrence Fishburne (who's still the same).

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-96.jpg



84. Die Hard 2
It's the holiday season, & for John McClane that means that it's time for him to become a pain in the collectives asses of a group of sophisticated terrorists, to a police force of typical movie bumblers, not to mention to that one guy who played the dad on Good Times.
Bruce Willis reprises the role of the lone wolf "modern cowboy" cop who always manages to find himself crawling through air-vents, systematically taking out bad guys one by one, and escaping the one clutch after another of death-defying situations that, for some reason he can't grasp, seem always to only happen to him.
IMO, it's always a real joy to write about this movie &/or it's predecessor because it always gives me the chance to use the phrase "Yippy-ky-yay, mother-f#cker".
And let's face it, that's just always fun.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-63.jpg



83. Some Like It Hot
Being a movie from the late 50's, with it's screwball comedy centering on the now-over-used theme of cross dressing men, you'd think that Some Like It Hot would've gone cold by now.
And yet, in large part due to Billy Wilder's sharp-edged yet still slapstick script, it hasn't.
And let's not forget that adding fuel to fire, as always, is Marilyn Monroe. Even through modern eyes, the way she seems to always melt perfectly into her dress throughout the entire film is still an important contribution to the movie's enduring high heat factor.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/2abdc094881f1c917b10f5c0685ee27b1193997.jpg



82. The Nightmare Before Christmas
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IMO, the best thing by far to have Tim Burton's name on it. Such a great cast of creative & endearingly maniacal characters. Innocent enough for kids who can still see the world thru bushy-tailed bright-eyed glasses, yet twistedly dark enough to keep the interests of those of us adults who've had that part of our spirits crushed a long time ago.
An inter-holiday movie for all ages on either side of the perspective spectrum.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Animated/Three%20D/Stop-Motion/NightmareBeforeChristmasWallpaper10.jpg



81. The Magnificent Seven
Y'know, there may be cowboy movies that are better filmed, with stories that are better written, that capture the western history more accurately, that have an impact that is more poignant or even have characters that are more iconic.
But, for me, very few other cowboy flicks (some of them being the ones that were made with a dash of spaghetti sauce on 'em) were more bad-ass than this one.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/500full.jpg

[rice1245]

Wow great list almost half of them i want on my own list

[TheMightyCelestial]

80. Schindler's List
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/7-1.jpg

I got a confession to make here....
me & my girlfriend once made out during this movie. http://prince.org/i/s/icon_redface.gif

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/hl31.jpg



79. Primary Colors
Primary Colors is somewhat of a satire based on the real life behind the scenes shenanigans that can go on when one in occupying The White House. The kind that can get a Commander In Chief into trouble no matter how close he is to the constituents or how closed the doors of the oval office may be. Featuring some really solid performances from a really solid ensemble cast of some really solid actors (including John Travolta, B.B. Thornton, Cathy Bates, Paul Thompson & Larry Hagman).
In fact, the solidity of this upstanding political drama is so dense that it almost has a feel that seems like could it be more solid than Travolta's big ol' Clinton-like tummy.
Oh,
and he doesn't dance in this movie, either. Which, considering the state of physique these days, is always a plus.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/apr_primary_colors_060926_ssh-1.jpg



78. Short Cuts
I love movies with ensemble large casts & loosely intersecting stories like Nashville, Two Days In The Valley & of course Pulp Fiction.
And while this is a genre of film that we don't get to see much of these days,the few times that we do, it seems like that there are more good being produced that bad. Maybe it's b'cuz the idea of such a type of film can intimidate all but the most talented & those more suited to such an often complicated cinematic undertaking. The fact that the logistics of such a project requires handling people of a profession which allows egos to manifest almost unhindered only adds to the complexity of the task.
Whatever the reason,
Short Cuts is a prime example of all the resulting benefits that the eyes of those who first pioneered the idea of these types of films envisioned when they conceived of the genre in the first place.
All the stories intertwine just loose enough to provide an energetic patchwork of distinctive individual stories,
yet close enough to make the movie work thematically as a cohesive whole, with the added benefit of allowing the title "Show Cuts" to do it's job both as a movie description and as a multi-literary metaphor.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/4bb01aa8c5258f5f042373f74a43dd6f1193997-1.jpg




77. Ghostbusters
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/scaryscenes-ghostbusters-590x350-1.jpg

The dead are starting to rise on the streets of New York. Well, moreso that usual that is. And at the center of it all, is the head ghost demon known as Gozer The Destructor. Who, even in marshmellow form, is still a destructor. So when ol' Goze decides to start giganticly rampaging down through the avenues of the Big Apple, you know who you're gonna call....
The only guys around who know how to show this prehistoric b#tch how we do things downtown.
Ghostbusters is a fun, 80's summer-blockbuster defining sci-fi comedy that not only features Bill Murray at his sharpest & Sigourney Weaver at her sexiest (even though at one point, she does turn into a dog....), but also cool specials effects, a couple of proton packs, sliming goblins, a key master, a gatekeeper, streams crossing, cats & dogs living together, not to mention one really big "Twinkie".

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Horror/Ghosts/2-1-1.jpg



76. Fargo
....and speaking of "who're you gonna call", if blood has been shed in the small town of Brainerd, Minnesota, it's gonna be Marge Gunderson.
A police chief & expectant mother who, when there's a crime to investigate or a hotel buffet that's reasonably priced, she'll make sure to be there in a jif.
That is, if, well, y'know.... her car doesn't need a jump or somethin'.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/bb022227f114344bb21eb6cbc48c902f1193997-1.jpg

[Godoggo]

So far you've got a lot of movies I really love here. Awesome list. :up:

[Harry Lime]

Good job on the list so far Mighty, really liking how you post the images.

[TheMightyCelestial]

75. Hu$tle & Flow
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/3251b59dca8c673432c04a7a9ec2c7c31193997.jpg

Take Flashdance, replace the female construction worker/stripper lead character with a male loser-pimp (loser even by bowery street standards) whose portrayal was nominated for an Oscar. Then remove the dancing & put in rappin' instead. Replace the implausibility of the plot with a straight forward script that pulls no punches & booyah....there you have it. A hard-nosed "makin' your dreams come true" film that is about as far away from that Jennifer Beals torn sweatshirt-a-rama that I first began this entry with.
And if comparing these two movies seems like an incredibility poor choice on my part for a comparison, cut me some slack, yo.
It's hard out here for a pimp.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/88429bfb32a75a3e64b1b0218ced75681193997.jpg


74. Midnight Run
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This is one of those movies that I never get tired of watching. If I'm flipping thru channels and come across even just the last minutes of Midnight Run, I have to watch it.
And even though it's a good film to watch on TV, I really recommend watching it uncensored. Robert Deniro's use of the F-word is really crucial in depicting his absolute frustration with Charles Grodin's character. I laugh every single time to DeNiro's facial reactions whenever Grodin pushes him to the limit. Words are not enough to describe the slight pause in Deniro's expression every time he says, "Shut up.... just shut the f#ck up!!"
So for me, I say screw the "Meet The Parents" franchise. IMO, Midnight Run is the road to travel if you really want to see Bobby Dee at his comedic best.

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73. Marathon Man
Is it safe?

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72. Roman Holiday
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Audrey Hepburn's American film debut as a European princess who, overstressed by the demands of her royal duties, decides to unwind by going "slumming" about all over Rome. And not once throughout the entire journey, does she fail to exude the radient beauty that not only contributed to forever mark her place in film history, but also, that epitomizes the phrase "Lighting up the screen".
Therefore, as a result, I find that, even with it's well-written script, direction, supporting cast & chemistry,
at least 80% of the success of this movie's depiction of romance still belongs to Hepburn's presence alone.

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71. Texas Chainsaw Massacre
To say that the Leatherface clan is the type of family you would want as neighbors is quite obviously, about as an understatement as it gets.
If anybody in this household (particularly, the one wears a mask of that gives this clan their namesake) ever wants to borrow any of your tools (particularly any that you have to yank to get started), don't expect to ever see it again.

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As someone whom is often very frustrated with most horror flicks, I was very pleased that this movie's plotline came off as very genuine. While most slasher flicks tend to make it's audience yell things to the screen like "Idiot! Run outside, not to the upstairs!" or "Don't go in there, you moron!", this movie actually made the situation of the onscreen victims seem logistically believable. Therefore, their fright & inevitable demise doesn't come off as deserving as the mindless teenage victims featured in other films, who make the viewer feel that their stupidity justified their grisly end. The intent of TCM's story was aimed more at making the observer feel the fear thru the fright of the victim, not just thru the singular idea of a mad demonic slash-object-wielding maniac.

[Pyro Tramp]

I trust that's the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre you're referring to, since you use an image from both...?

[TheMightyCelestial]

I trust that's the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre you're referring to, since you use an image from both...?

Thanx for the heads up, Tramp.

I shoulda caught that since I knew that image was from the newer one too. Cuz that was a pic that I had in my photobucket, which I used once when on a discussion thread about remakes that didn't need to be done or bad sequels or something like that.
I just didn't notice (obviously).
http://prince.org/i/s/icon_err.gif

Fixed.

[nebbit]

Wow I am loving this Mighty :yup:

[Used Future]

Nice list, love the photo layouts:)

[honeykid]

Really enjoying your list MC. Looking forward to the next set.

[TheMightyCelestial]

70. JFK
While I don't believe in any of the conspiracies of this event, Oliver Stone unravels the various "secrets" & clues that drive the "purpose" of this story in almost an ordered manner that makes this an excellently thrilling & very enthralling film (despite how confusing alot of the actual "facts" themselves tend to get at certain points).
As a "fictional" political-drama that seems to build & build up to an accumulative effect, JFK is movie that works exceptionally well on that level, & features more actors than theories on what really happened, with Kevin Costner providing a stable & reliable lead role to carry such a large ensemble cast.

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69. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
"Teh nehhh
teh neh neh nehh nehhhhh
teh neh neh nehh nehhhhh
teh neh neh nehhhhhhhh
teh nehhh
teh neh neh nehh nehhhhh
teh neh neh nehh nehhhhh
teh neh neh nehhhhhhhh...."

The theme song that not only changed the way sci-fi movies would be approached for the future, but also changed the lives of many a hardcore nerd (not to mention, their ability to get laid), including myself.
Upon initial viewing, even the most ardent non-fan can sense that the Force is strong in this one.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Star%20Wars/death_star_trench.jpg




68. Dolores Claiborne
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/0354b256b2536a0cfc993f5c85c703ef1193997.jpg

I pretty much ignored this film when it was first released. I watched on it's first airing on TV, & I literally couldn't believe at how good it was. So I went out & rented it, & yep, I was right. It's that good.
The story is just perfect from beginning to end. And Kathy Bates, IMO, turns in an even better performance than she did in Misery. The plot may tend to come off as a bit complicated, but the movie does a great job of walking the viewer thru the intermingling flashbacks & various plot points that show the main character's redemptive journey. A journey which includes a mother's fight against against a man's world to save her daughter from the father's "parental indulgences" & how that struggle can lead one to find strength in the most unlikely of places.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/dolores_claiborne-1-1.jpg




67. Punch-Drunk Love
A P.T. Anderson effort that delves into how an unforseeable strength & driving force can result when two souls take the jump into the unfamiliar territory that is the map of the human heart. A map whose directions seem only to reveal themselves on a need to know basis. But wait...!
It stars Adam Sandler? Who puts the effort of actually acting in it?
And in the end, does a good job?
To the point, that it becomes the very first movie starring the waterboy that I not only ended up actually enjoying, but also, now come to regard as one of my favorite romance films ever?
Okay,
verily, the seventh seal hath been broken.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-25-1.jpg




66. Ocean's 11
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How hard is it to put George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac into a movie & not have it be cool?
How hard is it to put Brad Pitt in an ensemble line-up that includes George Clooney, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, & not have the movie turn out to be cool?
(Actually, now that I come to think of it, it's not all that hard, really. Just make it 2 sequels later, add Al Pacino into the mix, dump Julia Roberts & scrap together a story that barely makes any sense & wha la....
the death of a forced franchise. One that should've been left alone in the 1st. place. Anyways....)
A great heist movie that really feels like a true update of the genre, The casually cool Clooney is supported by an incredible cast, including veterans Elliott Gould & Carl Reiner, not to mention what I consider to be an under-rated performance by Don Cheadle.
Ocean's 11 is truly a top quality remake & provides just the right amount of escapist-fare that one might expect when it comes to plots centered around get rich quick schemes with complex plans.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-94.jpg

"It'll be nice working with proper villains again."

[honeykid]

I'd have + repped you just for the inclusion of JFK, but adding Dolores Clairborne too? Fantastic. Oh yeah, Star Wars is good too. :)

[TheMightyCelestial]

I'd have + repped you just for the inclusion of JFK, but adding Dolores Clairborne too? Fantastic. Oh yeah, Star Wars is good too. :)

Thanx, kid.
Yeah, Dolores is one of those films that I watch every couple of years,
& every time I watch it, I love it just as much as the first time I saw it.
Definitely one of my favorite cinematic adaptations of Stephen King's works.

[TheMightyCelestial]

65. The Thing
The scary thing about this movie is that it's a movie about a scary thing.

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As a kid, I thought that the Thing was one of the freakiest aliens I'd ever seen on the screen.
Which really effed me up to the point that it will probably explain why I chose the films that you see on this list.
In other words, yet another movie with a quality level that is based more on it's "sentimental value" that it is on it any kind of artistic integrity.



64. Swing Time
Before special effects, CGI graphics & matrix-style action sequences in film, there was human physical talent as the primary focus for wowing the movie-viewing senses.
And in the mid 1930's, the height of this human talent was introduced to movie going audiences through the amazing dance steps of Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire.

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I remember when I made the decision to watch the early dance classics of Swing Time & Top Hat just to see if the all the dancing lived up to all the hype that I had heard about for years.
And while it did, along with Fred Astaire's ability, not only as a dancer, but also as a lead, not to mention the way that all the sets & costumes seemed to shimmer with the black & white quality of the film,
what was a complete surprise for me was Ginger Rogers.
Sure, her dance moves kept up with Fred's every step,
but wow. I didn't realize how the combination of her beauty, personality & charisma would just light up the whole picture. When Swing Time was over, I was left literally stunned by this woman.



63. Six Degrees Of Separation
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There are 3 scenes in this movie that make it such a standout for me: confidence man, Paul "Poitier's" (Will's Smith) observations on Catcher In The Rye & the nature of creativity; the phone call dialogue between he & Ouisa Kittredge (Stockard Channing): & finally, Oiusa's heartfelt speech about people's tendency to turn meaningful experiences into throwaway anecdotes.
I wouldn't of thought that a film with this much philosophy could be this entertaining.
This a performance by Will Smith that first revealed his ability to be in the presence against other other big screeners. And, for me, this movie is also one of Stockard Channing's finest efforts. At this point in her career, it seems like she's honed her craft to the point where, particularly here in Six Degress , it really allows her to shine. I don't used the word under-rated when it comes to subjects that are based so much on relativity/subjectivity, such as the catergory of films, but if I could, this movie would be one of the main ones that would inspire me to do so. I really, really like this movie alot. Great performances by Will Smith & Stockard Channing along with Mr. Donald Sotherland coming in to provide the final piece of high mark acting to a film that I found myself much more absorbed into than I initially expected.



62. Ordinary People
A family portrayal that depicts how even the most ordinary people are not very ordinary.
And that trying to live a life of normalcy can often be much more of an emotional household hindrance than it is as a sign of achievement of the American dream.

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Before I ever saw this movie,
I thought that Mary Tyler Moore was one of the most beautiful, heart-warming human beings onscreen.
After I watched Ordinary People,
I couldn't stand to even look at her.
Now that's acting.



61. The Sting
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I always felt that producing a movie that focuses on a successful elaborate con-job really requires an exercizing of creativity from the scriptwriters. Bringing in all the elements of the characters & acts to pull off a scheme that is both credible in it's enactment & at the same time fascinating in it's grand unfolding is a balancing act on a extremely narrow margin.
This was one of the 1st. ones I watched as a kid. The chemistry between Newman & Robert Redford was evident even to me, as young as I was. They acted cool, they looked cool & particpated in a scheme that, in my young mind, was just pretty dang cool. The Sting was the movie that began my affection for quality heist/confidence movies.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Movie%20Forums/FotoFlexer_Photo-49.jpg

[tramp]

Rep point for realizing at a young age that Redford and Newman were cool. :cool:

The Sting is the only movie I've ever seen where the crowd gave the film a standing ovation. I've seen many other films get applause, but this was electric -- it was literally like being in the theatre. People yelled "bravo," and everyone stood. (I was like 16 at the time...)

And yea, I love JFK, too. :up:

[Classicqueen13]

Glad to see the The Sting. Keep it coming

[CayceP]

So far, big props for Akira, The Straight Story and Fargo. Not a single film so far that I hate. Maybe those will come later? ;)

[TheMightyCelestial]

The Sting is the only movie I've ever seen where the crowd gave the film a standing ovation. I've seen many other films get applause, but this was electric -- it was literally like being in the theatre. People yelled "bravo," and everyone stood. (I was like 16 at the time...)


Glad to see the The Sting.

Maybe it's just the time that I grew up in, but another thing that I like about The Sting is the comfortable dynamic that is felt with watching the Newman/Redford team along side the combined presence of Robert Shaw, Charles Durning & Harold Gould, all character actors that were all very visible on movie screens at the time.


So far, big props for Akira, The Straight Story and Fargo. Not a single film so far that I hate. Maybe those will come later? ;)

I swear to you Cayce, that I will make sure that one comes along eventually. Or die trying.

[nebbit]

Quite a few of my favourites :yup: nice :)

[TheMightyCelestial]

60. The Matrix Reloaded
After this movie came out, could you feel it?
Could you feel the idea & use of special effects in the entire sci-fi genre take a major step forward?
I know I did.

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59. Dracula
Before there was Lestat, Blade, Eli or that whimpy, waspy whitey Edward Cullen,
there was Dracula.
And yeah, in the film world, even though Nosferatu came first,
it's well known that it was the tale of the original Count Dracula that Count Orlok was modeled after.
Therefore, when it comes to the big screen, this is 1931 movie is the one that finally brought the one true Master Of The Dead to life.

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So, as far as I'm concerned, no matter how many times the current limited brain trust of Hollywood tries to update the concept of the vampire, Dracky is and always will be the O.G. of bloodsucking bloodsuckers, suckas.
Sure, maybe his accent & royal sash have been spoofed, satirized & caricaturized to the point that some of today's viewers may have become desensitized to his presence on the screen. But there can be no denying that his contributions to the iconography of horror and to pop culture in general, is and will always be "countless".
For instance, we should never forget that if it weren't for him, instead of Count Chocula, that brand of cereal would just be called something like Chocolate Flavored Cereal Wit' Chocolate Flavored Marshmellows In It.
So y'know....
pay 'em his due propers.
Suckas.


58. Frankenstein
What Dracula did for Count Chocula cereal, the Frankenstein monster did for Frankenberries.
With the added extra that it will probably make you poop out pink-colored poopoo.
Suckas.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Horror/Frankenstein/9c3a9ca2a8557bc650349fc2ba2e7ffc1193997.jpg

Actually, the main reason these two early Universal monster flicks (both Franky & Dracula) are on my favorite movies list is because they've been a regular staple on the television sets of The Mighty Celestial household every Halloween night now for generations. Heck, probably even before television sets were invented.



57. The Shawshank Redemption
"I think it is the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
When asked what crime you are guilty of, in prison yards like that of Shawshank State Penitentiary, the proper response is always a mock "I didn't do it". But in banker turned wrongly accused convict Andy Dufresne's case, it really is true. And the only way he knows how to dig himself out of the hole that the late 1940's legal system has dumped him into is through the resources of a man who knows how to get things, two decades worth of patience and a resounding belief that hope is a good thing.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/ab18bcecf04e631572ddea0284f998aa1193997.jpg

Not since Brian's Song has there been a flick that truly encapsulated the feeling of amorous friendship between two straight men of different color.
The Shawshank Redemption is interracial hetero man-love at it's finest.


56. Superman 2
Superman isn't the only Kryptonian to have escaped the destruction of his home planet.
Three equally super-powered criminals of ruthless intent have escaped their prison of the Phantom Zone & have made their way towards the star, Sol, & her third orbiting satellite body (us).
And unless the Man Of Steel can stop them,
the entire planet may find itself kneeling before Zod.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Eighties%20Movies/vlcsnap295725bw.jpg

Okay, after his intro in the first movie, Supes finally gets to take the kid gloves off, kick some real @ss & take names. The three rogue Kryptonians have landed, to reveal to the Last Son of Krypton that he's not exactly the last son of Krypton.
And even though Supe-2 isn't as good as the first one, it's still pretty solid for a sequel, especially back when good sequels were rarer than last sons of Krypton. And even more especially for a comicbook nerd such as myself (this fact, along with that I'm also a sci-fi geek when it comes to movies, will explain the rankings of certain titles as I get closer to #1).
Even the infamous out-of-left-field "wtf" moment when Supes pulls off a big plastic-wrap S insignia off his chest during the climatic battle is negated by the dynamic quality & the strength of the Lois Lane/Clark Kent romance subplot.
A subplot whereupon the mighty Kal-El must learn that with great power comes not only great responsibility, but also, great sacrifice too.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Eighties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-129.jpg

[TheMightyCelestial]

55. The Contender
Back in the year 2000, the new millennium in cinema got off to a politically incorrect start with The Contender, a film about the appointment of the first VeePee with a vagee within the White House.

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A story involving simplistically drawn party lines but with a tightly written political script & featuring great performances all around from each of it's lead actors. Particularly by Joan Allen, who just completely pwns this movie.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/the-contender-featurejpg-sized.jpg

Now feel free to exercise your freedom of speech and insert a snide comment about Sarah Palin or Hilary Clinton (depending on your own particular partisan tastes) here.



54. The Usual Suspects
"The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/The_Usual_Suspects_033-1.jpg

A really cool mystery crime drama featuring a really cool cast of crime characters, including not only one of the coolest names for a villian, Keyser Söze, but also, one of my favorite unique sub-characters in recent cinema in the form of Fred Fenster. IMO, Benecio Del Toro's handling of the role is one of those instances where an actor portrays a character in manner so distinctive, that he makes it completely his own. Del Toro plays this criminal con-man in a such a way that even tho the majority of the time you don't what he's saying, you still know where he's coming from.




53. Taxi Driver
In my opinion, this was the first film to establish Robert Deniro's onscreen persona & his distinctive method of acting that he's known for, even up until to this day.
And that's probably more due to the film's director, Martin Scorcese, and his particular brand of directing. Scorcese really seemed to know when to allow Deniro's mannerisms to freight this portrayal of a cab diver whose loneliness in the vast sea of grime that was '70's era New York City was consuming him to the point of razor-edged madness.
It was an acting freedom that Scorcese used to maximum effect and which also allowed the supporting roles of Jodie Foster, Cybil Sheperd, Harvey Keitel, Albert Brooks & Danny Boyle to bring the depth of character that they each able to contribute to the film (particularly, IMO, Foster & Keitel).
While Martin Scorcese is more famous for his movies that delve into the mafia lifestyle, I feel that his talent for depicting the grit of the streets, particularly of this time-period, cannot be understated & is what really carries the feel & weight of this story.
Taxi Driver is a true staple in the decade of 70's films, and a piece of high quality & expressive cinema that I really enjoy watching over & over again.

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And yeah.....
I'm talking to you.




52. Dog Day Afternoon
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I love LOVE this movie. The tension & diasterous desperation of Dog Day begins & ends with Al Pacino's depiction of Sonny Wortzik. Watching him trying to salvage the failed robbery attempt, you can just feel the downhill fatal end result oozing out of Pacino's character before it ever occurs. For me, this is the real start of Al's explosive charisma that's he's become famous for, but before it evolved into the caricature of himself that it is now.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/52885789ek7.jpg




51. The Shining
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First of all, I'm always partial to Stanley Kubrick. IMO, he tends to make movies that are an inch away from being abstract beyond understanding, but keeps the flow of the film reeled in just enough to make it seem like it makes sense on some kind of creative level. Add in the grounding of a Stephen King story & a role taylor made for Jack Nicholson, & what you have is one of my top favorite horror movies of all time. And with very little slashing, gore, or shock that most films of this genre (especially today) tend to rely on in order to frighten their audiences. The horror stems more from Jack's delivery & facial expressions as his character, writer Jack Torrance, gradually slips into the madness of a haunted hotel's dark intentions.
The phrase "Here's Johnny!" wouldn't be a very scary line at all if it weren't for Jack's maniacal mug peering thru the door's craggled "peephole", freshly smashed thru by the axe-wielding author who suffers from writer's block & a possesed spirit,
not to mention from a severe case of "redrum" on his mind.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Listal/ShiningMurder.jpg

[honeykid]

Still going strong MC. Shame you ended on a low note though. :D

[nebbit]

Loving it Mighty :yup: just watched Dog Day afternoon the other night with a friend who hadn't seen it :eek: she loved it :yup:

[Harry Lime]

So it's been over two weeks...

[TheMightyCelestial]

So it's been over two weeks...

Yeah, sorry about the delay.
The San Diego Convention is just around the corner, & I always attend it for my job.
For this reason, this is always the busiest time of year for me.

I've got the list about 98% done already.
Unfortunately, part of the remaining 2% includes my next entry.
I'll try to finish it a'fore I leave,
but in case I don't,
when I get back, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to "maintain" this thread at a more constant pace.

Your patience is appreciated. :D

[TheMightyCelestial]

Okay,
I'm back,
but since I'm preparing for yet another set of convention trips,
lemme try & get as many entries in now, while I have the time.....

[TheMightyCelestial]

50. Glengarry Glen Ross
"That watch costs more than your car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see pal, that's who I am, and you're nothing. Nice guy, I don't give a sh#t. Good father, f#ck you! Go home and play with your kids! You wanna work here, close! You think this is abuse? You think this is abuse, you cocks#cker? You can't take this, how can you take the abuse you get on a sit?"
"A-B-C. A Always, B Be, C Closing. Always be closing, always be closing."

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-66.jpg

A great ensemble cast of actors that seem to all have their acting knobs turned on high.
Kevin Spacey as a sharky character that is his strong suit, the ever reliable Ed Harris & Alan Arkin, the honorable Mr. Jack Lemmon, & in the midst of a cache of strong thespian contributions, is Al Pacino, who seems to really shine as a ruthless real estate salesman that spews pitches with an almost Shakespearian venom.
And only a really good performance can cause a simpleton like me to spew forth a sentence like that.




49. The Wolf Man
Just a plain ol' classic, this one is right here. I am a huge fan of the first black & white Universal Monster series of way back in the day, with the original Wolf Man coming in as my number 1 favorite of the "big 3" (Wolfie, Dracky & Franky). From my point of view, any datedness that may have resulted over time from these original gangstas of horror quickly fade once the integrity of the energy that was captured in the filming becomes apparent.

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I'm really curious to see what they're gonna do with the Benicio Del Toro remake of this movie. One of the main reasons is because of how pleased I was that they didn't get him to look like the "more wolf than man" make-up that has become the standard for today & have gone more for an update of the classic look established in this film. I still think that the modern look is cool an' all, but it doesn't need to be limited to one style. Despite the push that Hollywood usually gives fantasy-based movies like these as just empty escapist fare, the reality is, on a basic & integral level, they're still an artform of sorts & thus should never be limited by any specific type of boxed labels.



48. An American Werewolf in London
And speaking of the modern look of the werewolf, An American Werewolf In London is probably the film that solidified the long snout look that has become popular today when depicting this particular type of man-beast hybrid.

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Before the lead character in this movie was a werewolf, he was a Pepper. And for some subliminal reason, that always made me want to be a Pepper too.
(Sorry kids. I know that the majority of you most likely won't understand that comment, b'cuz it's before your time. Look it up on youtube if you don't wanna be left in the dark.
Which you don't. Because the dark is where werewolves like dwell.)



47. The Deer Hunter
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An amazing ensemble cast of Robert Deniro, John Cazale, John Savage, Christopher Walken & a very beauteous Meryl Streep join all their high-powered acting forces together to form a story that conveys what can happen when the effects of war comes to a small working class town,
leaving wounds, scars, broken relationships & lost friends.
Notice the sparseness of the dialogue & yet the effectiveness with which each actor brings to this film to effectively (not to mention, in a refreshingly unpreachy manner) portray a group of ordinary people trying to deal with the unordinary consequences that were the Vietnam War.

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46. The Verdict
One of my favorite court dramas of all time.
With almost a seasoned ease, Paul Newman portrays a disheveled, aging, never-has-been, malpractice lawyer who finds within himself the humanity which never really had a chance to surface due to the layered weight of his chronic alcoholism.

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This movie with Newman's performance do an excellent job of setting up the desolation & loneliness that the main character moves his life thru as he goes up against the legal system that giganticly favors the "big guys" over the "little guys". One can really get the sense that Newman knows that he stands no chance of winning the case, but continues moving on forward because he is, for the 1st. time in his barely neglible career, fueled by the honesty & goodness of what is right. A feeling that is so new to this character, that, combined with the realizaton that a human life is totally dependent him for justice, it becomes emotion exhilirating enough to keep an almost broken old man to keep fighting on, no matter how high the price.
One of those rare times when the performance comes thru real enough to make us (oh, what am I'm talkin' about this "us" bullsh#t? What I really mean is "me") almost believe that even under the most insurmountable odds, there is always some kind of hope.

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45. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
At the outset of the first western movies, the cowboy characters had been categorized between two basic types: Those who wore the white hats, & those who wore the black ones.
As time passed though, the hat colors began to blur between who was good, who was bad, & then to eventually who was just plain ugly.
Inspired by the samurai of the east & fueled with the advent of the spaghetti westerns (& despite the simplicity of their dialogue), the icon of the gunslinging cowboy had begun to evolve into a more complex figure, of the quiet lone wolf who's only personality traits were marked not by the color of his hat, but by the mystery of his identity & by the grit of his character.

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The final film in the "Man With No Name" trilogy & IMO, the best & most definitive one of the three.
It's almost impossible to think of the genre of the spaghetti western, let alone this particular series & not think of the iconic trio of Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef & Eli Wallach.


44. Wall-E
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It seems like these days, every season, an animated movie comes out displaying the next level of computer-generated visuals. For the year of 2008, it was this film & Kung Fu Panda. While not so surprising in that I (we?) expected the details in the graphics to be as detail & realistic as they were, it's still quite stunning to behold.
And even though Wall-E contains the basic formula elements one would expect from such a family film, it's still quite surprising how often & consistantly filmmakers are able to intergrate the amazing graphics into the quality of the storytelling in a manner that seems fresh & keeps the messages from feeling too cliche. At the rate that these types of highly sophisticated computer animated flicks are being released, it's remarkble that the ratio has been so much more good than bad.
A futuristic story that despite it's epic themes of environmentalism, technological over-dependence & the effects of idleness on the soul of humanity when it is stripped away from the natural strife of life,
at it's heart, Wall-E is also an effective story of loneliness & longing between two computer-animated robots that despite their mechanical make-up, offer up enough heartfelt human emotion that is depicted with just a simple vocabulary that consists of nothing more than their names & a directive.

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43. Modern Times







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42. Raging Bull
Okay, seriously...

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... do I really need to explain this one?


41. Alien
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Ridley Scott directs a tale of "in-your-face" first contact, followed by a fatal game of hide and seek between a interstellar search party crew and a xenomorph, just one of what will turn out in following sequels to be a hive-race of double-mouthed acid-blooded slick black visitors who take the role of their hosts quite literally.
Never have the film genres of horror & science fiction been so perfectly blended as in this stylish, dark and damp first entry into the franchise which first introduced what is, IMO, one of the most unique & simply bad-@ss alien life-forms ever produced for film.

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[TheMightyCelestial]

40. Rocky
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While I definitely agree with the general consensus that this movie shouldn't have beat out other more qualified films like All The President's Men or Taxi Driver for the Best Picture Oscar, I still consider Rocky my favorite of the year that this came out.
One of the reasons is just the nostalgic connection I have to this film (as some may be able to tell by now, there are a number of films on this list that have stayed with me over the years....). I remember watching this first installment of the Italian Stallion series as a kid, & even at an age when I believed that all persons of the female gender to be rife with cooties, I found myself just adoring the love story between two "loser" types of Adrian & the original Rock. And this was probably the first movie I ever watched that literally hand me jumping up & down at the end.
Because of this, Rocky's plot just seemed to be able to pull the right heart-strings for me, that even to this day I still feel a slight jitter in my chest whenever I watch this flick.
Either that, or maybe I've developed a life-long heart murmur.

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39. Ran
Before other asian movies like Crouching Tiger/ Hidden Dragon & Hero came along & added the artistically flair fantasy elements to these types of epic movies, there was Ran. Some of the most beautiful & grand visuals ever in an Akira Kurosawa film. The fact that his name was associated with this project guaranteed this film's sweeping quality. And, the added high budget seemed to compromise his vision not in the slightest. Instead, it seemed to open up the potentiality that Mr. Kurosawa had holding in his already abundant visionary dreams.
Definitely my favorite of his works.

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38. Apocalypse Now
The "2001: A Space Odyssey" of the war genre in that it's a story of a long journey that culminates into a meeting with a strange godlike figure. And even though you might not know what it all meant, what you do know is that whatever it was, it was pretty damn epic & pretty damn cool.
The imagery & the surrealness of the film all lead up into a piece of work that could've easily been a number one film fave on any other director's filmography. And yet, for Francis Ford Coppola, the fact that there are still two more movies that IMO, are even better than this grand "arty" war epic (The Godfather Parts I & II) , is a great example that the 70's was a period of time that showcased a great director during his prime.

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BTW, there's a great documentary called Hearts Of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse that follows the true story of how Apocalypse Now was made, & is not only a great companion piece to this film, but a also a great work of cinema on it's own (definitely worth it's own viewing).



37. Duck Soup
A comedy classic, with the Bros. Marx carrying on with their timeless mayhem antics & spouting out lines like "I could dance with you till the cows come home. On second thought, I'd rather dance with the cows till you came home."
For any of you who haven't yet seen this, IMO, the best of the Marx movies, I recommend that you give it a looksee. And if any of you do decide to give it a view for the first time, then I envy you. It will truly be a gala day for you. And if you're anything like Groucho, the Marx's head hermano, a gal a day is more than enough for you. You probably couldn't handle any more.

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36. A Clockwork Orange
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For me, this movie exemplifies everything that I like about all things Kubrick. As I stated in an earlier entry, IMO, he tends to make movies that are an inch away from being abstract beyond understanding, but yet keeps the flow of the film reeled in just enough to make it seem like it makes sense on some kind of creative level. And while I don't mind discussing what the underlying meaning(s) of ACO might be, I find that too much discussion on it tends to get in the way of the enjoyment that I get from noticing things like how colorfully crafted the art-direction is for a movie that doesn't bat a single lashed eye towards subjects like ultra-violence & the old in-&-out.
Visually, a beautifully crafted film with such a bite in it's theme that it acts as a well-balanced counterweight against the brightly set designs. Seldom do we see the contrast of light & darkness stitched on film in a manner that is instinctual, crazy & perfect all at the same time.

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35. Dances With Wolves
If you were to take all the things wrong with Waterworld & the Postman, irradiate them with the energies that bind, compose & allow the Bizarro world to exist (i.e. "the opposite"),
then you would get this movie.
No, seriously....
you would.
I tried it once.

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34. Sling Blade
For my money, Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of the mentally handicapped Karl Childers is one of the most unique characters to come onto the silver screen in a long time.

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And BTW, after watching this movie the first time, I went out and bought a can of potted meat, just to see of it's true what they say in this movie.
And gosh darn it if it isn't right there on label....it actually say's so right on the list o' ingredients..... "pork shoulders, lips, peckers & intestines....".
Hunh.
Go reckon.


33. The Abyss
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"Close Encounters Of The Under-Water Kind".
Or Maybe even "The Day The Ocean Stood Still".
We humans are a species capable of our own destruction. Or of our own salvation.
And though sometimes, it's can seem like we're going down the road of total annihilation, there's still enough within us to choose otherwise.
At least, that's the kind of hope the water-breathing life-forms from outer space in this film seem to hold about us.
Personally, I think this is James Cameron's masterpiece. And it's actually two stories in one. The alien storyline that provides the twist for the film, crossed over with the tension building plot involving the conflict between the scientific crew & the naval SEAL team. And both plots, while differently paced, are still very excellently executed. Now, while the edited version that was originally released into theatres is a fine film, for my money, the uncut version is what truly reveals the kind of glorious light that can emit from The Abyss.

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32. Malcolm X
In my opinion, this is the role that should've won Mr. Washington the Oscar, even more so than Training Day. In this movie, Denzel is Malcolm X. This is one of those rare instances where an actor actually becomes the person whom he is portraying. Denzel Washington tranforms himself into the man who went from being a small-time crook named "Little", to become the larger than life civil rights leader with the name of "X".
A great biopic that intrinsically depicts the various transitions involved in one man's spiritual journey that led a singular letter in the alphabet to become a definitive part of American history books.
Definitely my favorite Spike Lee Joint.

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31. The 40 Year Old Virgin
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By far, my fave of the Apatow comedies. Like Knocked Up, his best films seem to be the ones in which he does triple duty as director, writer, & producer.
In this case, this triple-combo results in a movie whose strength lies not just with the high level of comedy (which probably would've been enough), but also for the fact that at it's core, this is a story of a "late bloomer" that is handled not just intelligently, but even more importantly, with a genuine heart.
Ofttimes, many of the characters seem to deliver their punchlines with a tempered sense of sympathy towards the plight of the lead character, even when the results lead to a an exasperated situation of disintegrated success (a tried & true formula of the genre).
This movie can be touching & even socially in-depth at times, but without any cost to the number of out-loud laughs.

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[honeykid]

+ rep for Ran and Duck Soup.

[TheMightyCelestial]

30. The Sixth Sense
Okay,
saying that this is M. Knight Shyamalan's best film (by far) may sound overly obvious (by far),
but,
it is (by far).

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A very good from-the-beyond-yarn that starts out by depicting the debilitating effects that may result from being able to percieve ghosts. Then, almost completely, turns it around to show how this paranormal ability can be more of a help than a hindrance, if we just gave the spooky spectres a chance.
Maybe seeing dead people ain't so bad.
Though when I think about it,
if I had to deal with any kind of communication with lost spirits,
I'd rather just stick to commiserating online with all of my fellow MoFos on this site.



29. Jaws
Okay, let's be honest here....

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...at some point in life,
we're ALL gonna need a bigger boat.

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28. 2001: A Space Odyssey
In Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci-fi classic, 2001, extra-terrestrial life comes in the form of heavy monolith blocks.
And after escaping a death at the hands of a crafty computer that had taken on an evil sentient intelligence,
these aliens will sweep you up & send on you on the psychodelickest trip of your life.
And all without the use of drugs.
Damn.
Where was I during the year 2001 that I missed the party?

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This was the very 1st. incredibly realistic portrayal of a sci-fi story that I had ever seen. Great visuals back when this stuff was incredible difficult to create (without the help of computers). Also, a suspense thriller plotline that is masterfully & almost quietly delivered.
Plus, if you're not on high whilst viewing this film, by the time you get to the ending, you will you feel as though you are.

Definitely a movie that you wouldn't want to "just say no" to.



27. Dead Man Walking
A movie that excellently shows both sides without taking either one.
When Susan Sarandan's character exposes to Sean Penn's the real extent of his racism " ... so it's lazy people that you don't like...?"
& then when she finally has him take responsiblity for his sins as a "true son of God", are two of my favorite scenes in any movie, ever.

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26. Dumb & Dumber
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For me, there is no other way that I can describe this movie other than saying that it's just plain stupid, simple & funny.
Which is probably why it is not only one of my favorite movies of all time, but also, my favorite comedy ever (so far).

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25. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
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The Terminatah is bock.
And this time, it's personal.
Or more appropriately,
this time, it's personalized.

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This movie is one of those rare times where an original that was already pretty bad-ass is followed up by a sequel that is even more bad-asser.
As someone who enjoys the category of science fiction probably more than any other genre when it comes to films, I seriously think that Judgment Day, along with his efforts on Aliens, shows why there should be a law that states that James Cameron should be in charge of directing all sequels from now on.
After a going thru a summer this year that has been epitomized by listlessly plotted blockbusters such as the other movie known as T-2 (Michael Bay's), this T-2 is a reminder that even though a certain degree of suspension of belief is required from one's brain in order to accept a movie about battling robots, you do not have to completely revert to the mind level of a five-year old in order to enjoy it.
Mannn....
I wish I was made outta liquid metal.



24. Million Dollar Baby
The chemistry that results from Clint Eastwood's & Morgan Freeman's presence in this movie epitomizes the main thing I like about Million Dollar Baby. These are two seasoned actors so comfortable in their craft, that they both simply move in this film with a flowing ease of two veterans of their field who are just willing to allow the emotion of the story & the naturalness & trust of each other's acting ability to drive the momentum of this movie. And their chemistry of friendship, as cliche as it sounds, truly belies on the phrase of that "indescribable something" & yet, it's so tangible that the much younger yet equally talented Hilary Swank can't help but to follow suit in doing. It all leads to an overall performance from the trio that makes this a film whose power stems not from the boxing themes that one would usually expect from a boxing flick, but more from the emotions that weave & tie the characters together & allows the plot to unfold at it's own volition. In the end, it seems almost overkill to describe Million Dollar Baby as anything other than a boxing film that focuses on the female contingent of the sport directed by & starring Eastwood, along with Hillary Swank & Morgan Freeman.
In short, this is a film that had me at "Mo Cuishle".

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23. Let The Right One In
This was my fave film of last year (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=490812#post490812).

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Good horror movies come so rarely into my life. The same with good vampire movies. And the same also goes for good love stories (I refrain from using the term "romance movies" since I find Hollywood's idea of romance is always so impossibly & ridiculously fairy-tale-like). This movie is 2 outta 3 (Though there is some, it's very light on the horror).
Told more in an adult manner, yet still with enough of an escapist sensibilty that is respective to the genre, this is a soft, beautiful & beguiling story (which is really saying something since I don't know what that word means) of two 12 year olds finding love for the first time thru the flaws of each of their separate (& sometimes desperate) life situations.
The lead actors for this movie portray their characters with a true down to earth awkwardness that is usually found with kids at this age, along with a longing that is both sincere & convincing.
As far as vampire love stories go, I find myself agreeing with those who compare this one with another teen-human-falls-for-teen-bloodfeeder film that was released around the same time :
the 15 year old girls can have their Twilight. I'll take LTROI.

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22. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
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Whenever I watch this movie, I'm always reminded that, for me, this is about as good as it gets (...sorry). Randall McMurphy is a mischievious criminal who first ends up becoming a leader of squirrelly rebellion & then, eventually, a friend to Billy & the rest the cracked eggs residing in the Cuckoo's Nest.
Jack's performance in this movie is not of a self-centered man of a salty background who becomes overly or angelically transformed, but as someone steeped in his own irresponsibility, with a hard to reach ability to care that is gradually bought up to the surface by the only type of people who could cause such a subtle & internal catalyst: a group of guys who are crazier than he is.

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21. Kill Bill
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Only two words can be used to describe this movie: Bad @ss.
Not only is this Quentin's homage to martial arts flix, but it also includes homage's to anime & those funky, grainy 70's Bruce Lee's wannabe's that made us laugh with their unsynchronized voice-overs, jagged camera movements & b-level musical sound effects. And yet, he was able to combine all this campy characteristics in a manner that was just plain...
well....
... bad-@ss.

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BTW,
this entry is for both volumes I & II, since I am one of those who categorize both volumes as one movie.
(which it is, y'know.... )

[TheMightyCelestial]

20. Twelve Angry Men
12 Angry Men is such a good courtroom drama, that for me, it simply blows the majority of every other film in this genre out of the water (okay, technically this isn't really a "courtroom" drama because the entire film happens in the jury-room. But let's face it, the plot's purpose is one that leads into the most important part of the courtroom process, the verdict).
The combination of a tight script with a solid ensemble cast (oh, & lets not forget a big screen directoral debut for Sidney Lumet) make for a tense, compelling movie that even though it keeps 99% it's entire length within just one room, a viewer can't help but to be spellbound.

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19. The Incredibles
At the time of this post, this is my favorite computer-animated feature of all time.

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One of the best voice castings for the lead roles I've seen (or is it heard?) & it has a great story that is full of charm, wit & family chemistry. I always thought that Hollywood never seem to be able to put out 100% in any feature dealing with superheroes, but they really did with this one. The effects are incredibly cool, the over-all visuals are stunning & the characters are all drawn with an equally high level of quality & dynamicism (.... is that really a word?). Added with the "Jack Jack Attack" short story available on the DVD, & I know that it will probably be a long time before the family "I's" get dethroned from the #1 spot on my list of fave computer animation movies ever.

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18. The Joy Luck Club
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The year that this film was released, I had a girlfriend who liked to go out with me, but only when she planned it & was in control of the date. On one week-end night, I was supposed to go see Joy Luck Club with her, but since it was at my suggestion, she, as always, phoned me to tell that she felt like maybe she was (conveniently) coming down with something. Now don't get me wrong, she wanted us to see this film, just not at my suggestion (I'll skip any psycho-analyzations as to why she was always like this).
Well I had finally had it, so I called her bluff, & told her that if there was a chance she'd get sick or somethin', we should just call the whole night off.
Before she could respond, I hung up the phone & then went to go see this movie by myself, more to piss her off than anything else.
By the time this stunningly moving, mother-daughter generation-crossing epic-fare was over, my hairy pimp-ass found it quite difficult to refrain from repeatingly dabbing at that "something in my eye" that seemed annoyingly persistent during the final two sob-strewn scenes. Because of my gf, there I was sitting alone in a theatre, effeminately misty-eyed over a godd@mn chick-flick.
Right there & then, I knew that my relationship with my then-girlfriend was over.
Cuz no one makes me cry my own tears.
No one.

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17. The Bridges Of Madison County
... and speaking of quality chick-flicks....

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A truly romantic story of how the escapist fantasy high/feeling that initially results with falling in love must eventually be realistically dealt with, as the conditions & responsibilities of one's current situation come quickly creeping back in. This movie always reminds of something I heard once: that couples pairing up for the sake of true love is still a relatively young concept in the context of human history. That we as both a society & a species over-all, have not evolved enough yet to be able to deal & accept each other in a manner that would be considered as total unconditonal love (which is the only real love). And it is because of this that the world population has yet been unable to formulate an effective means of discussion that would truly begin a process of unity between it's racial, social & in this case, gender factions. Maybe, like this film depicts, this is why so many people make decisions more for the sake of a security based on social & financial reasons than what is right for us on an emotional level. And just as they impeded on Robert Kincaid's (Eastwood) & Francesca Johnson's (Streep), these decisions may end up impeding on our ability to follow our hearts & therefore sway us, individually and socially, from a path that would lead to true love before it's too late.

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16. Spider-Man 2
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In this one, Peter Parker roughs thru his dilemas with the same down-to-earth fustrations as in the comicbooks, his relationship with Mary Jane convincingly reaches it's next level, & Doc Ock is portrayed much better as a villian than he ever was on the printed age.
As a hardcore nerd of this genre, I was pretty satisfied at Marvel's initial effort at trying to do what Burton did with the Batman; introduce the webhead as a serious legitimate property for film.
The most I could've hoped for this sequel was that it be at least half as good as it's predessor.
Instead, Spidey-2 turned out to become one of my favorite movie adaptations of a comicbook superhero ever.
Which I guess I should've anticipated since before I even entered the theatre, I noticed that my spider-senses didn't go off, all atingling an' sh*t.

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15. Unforgiven
"That's right. I'm Will Munny and I've killed women and children. I've killed everything that walks or crawls at one time or another. And I'm here to kill you, Little Bill......"

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He was once a real tough hombre who was good with a gun & never hesitated to use it.
But now, after so many years of trying to build a "normal life" away from that of a gunslinger, Will Munny comes to realize that when times get hard, old habits in old people die hard.
The manner in which the icon of the ol' western gunslinger is portrayed here,
as a man with a mysterious past which he would preferred forgotten, yet soon ultimately, comes to rely on for the survival of the redemptive life he has built, shows how this film could've also been called The Final Chapter Of The Man With No Name, But Now We've Given Him A Name, Punk.



14. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
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An extra-terrestial becomes trapped on our planet & befriends an Earthling boy who shares it's love for Reese's Pieces. From there, these two beings "from different worlds" (one of the rare times that this phrase is meant literally), begin to share each other's experiences in a bond that can only result from attitude unconditional acceptance.
A moving picture which "teaches" that when it comes to a deep longing for love in the form of kindness & friendship, we humans are not alone.
And all we have to do to get it, even on a universally galactic level, is to just simply "be.... good".

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This movie has gotten such a stigma attached to it, that I easily forget how much I enjoy watching it. After several years of this movie collecting dust on my video collection, I watched it with my 6 yr. old niece a couple of months ago, & I'll be honest with you: I don't know which one of us was left sitting there with more childlike awe & wonder on our faces.
Her, b'cuz as a child, she thought that E.T., was one amazing tale.
Or me, b'cuz as an adult, I thought that Elliot's mom was one amazing tail.




13. The Exorcist
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First of all, "scary" movies don't scare me all that easily. A few did when I was a kid, but not anymore now as an adult. Therefore I rarely watch "scary" movies with the idea that I'm going to get frightened in any way. These days, I just judge 'em based more on the quality of entertainment that I get from the story, art direction, acting, blah blah blah....
That said,
this is film that tried to "realisticly" (for it's time) entertain the idea of possession not just by a demon, but by the Devil himself (I know that in the book version, it wasn't Satan himself, but, at the young age when I first saw the Exorcist film, the line "she think's she's the Devil himself" had me convinced that it was truly the Prince of Lies who was responsible for this whole vomit-inducing, head-twisting debacle).
Boy, when I think of the time that this movie was first released & watching it as a kid, I know now why there hasn't been a horror movie since, that has been able to induce within the fright that the intention of such films. This one got it all out of my system in one shot (my mentality is probably still scarred from this flick in a manner that I, even as an adult, have yet to realize). From here on end, all other horror flix are just a step down for my traumatized pimp-@ss.
Even before I saw the movie, I remember catching a preview of this on T.V., as it depicted the scene of when the young girl inflicted with the soul-violating "ailment" was struggling on her bed, cryin for help as it violently shook on it's "own" volition.
For the next couple of nights, at bedtime, more than at any other point in my life, I was scared as all hell to go upstairs to my f#ckin' bedroom.

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That f#ckin' movie.......




12. The Godfather Part ll
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After lightning struck once with the first Godfather, it was almost impossibe to believe that it could strike twice in the same series, especially with the absence of Marlon Brando, James Caan & Abe Vigoda (oh c'mon! Y'know his presence added a certain dimension to the whole of the movie.....).
Yet strike it did.
And with even more intensity than could be expected.

Francis Ford Coppola continues the saga of la familia Corleone. And even though this one lacks the presence of the trio of fine actors I mentioned above, those empty spaces are superbly filled up by the strength Al Pacino's complete grasp of the lead character,
along with an interjecting prologue story starring a Sicilian speaking Robert Deniro.

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I know that the rest of the planet says that this one is the superior film, but I myself like the first one better. Now don't get me wrong, G-2 is practically a perfect movie. However IMO, G-1 is just a bit more perfect. That being said, if only all sequels could match the quality ratio that this one did with its predecessor, then I bet that this planet would a lot better place. More than we could probably imagine. Like there probably wouldn't be any more wars or bad stuff in the world.
Like,
ever.
Yep. That's the power of a good sequel.

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11. Pulp Fiction
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No matter how many times I view it, no matter what time of the day it is,
I never get tired of watching this movie.
Because Pulp Fiction is like pie.
And any time is a good time for pie.

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[TheMightyCelestial]

10. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
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Sure, there are sci-fi films better written, or with, now much more grander & updated special effects. But other than Star Trek, none have the expansive imagination or have been able to touch the heart of an entire generation of nerds, particularly with such a long lasting impact, as the original Star Wars trilogy.
And while I know that Star Trek has affected more numbers of sci-fi geeks, but, for me, as "big" as their stories & concepts were, they never seemed to go all out with their depictions of aliens races as much as Wars. And as integalactic as they tried to make their stories, I never felt that they were as epic.

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For the movie of Empire itself, again, what can I say that hasn't already been said?
I agree with the rest of the world that this is the pinnacle of the entire Star Wars franchise, with it's darker tone & cliff-hanger ending within it's still fairytale-like structure. The saga of the intergalactic war between the Empire & the Jedi-led Rebellion hits it stride as Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo, Princess Leia & the rest of the crew find themselves pursued & cornered by Darth Vader & the forces of the Dark Side.

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The Empire Strikes Back came out at a time back when movies would stay in wide release, not for weeks at a time, but for months, and a few of 'em, like this one, for almost a full year.
From my own point of view, I think that, on the majority, audiences today have been so desensitized from so-so blockbusters being released every other week-end or so, that they will never get to fully understand or experience the feeling a big movie-event like Star Wars. The year of Empire was one of my fave summers ever as a kid. It was really cool knowing that I could hop on the city bus at any point during the season & go watch TESB. And every time that I did, the other audience members were just as excited to be seeing this film at the end of the summer as they were at the beginning. Every year that one of the 3 original films was released, you could feel the power of the "Force" within the air, and not just until the next "big" movie came out. You could actually feel it in the air for almost the entire year long. And then some.




9. Gandhi
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The British Empire, humbled via one man & the power of peaceful resistance.
Nuff said.

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8. House of Flying Daggers
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Growing up, it always frustrated me whenever the majority of big budget action flicks or martial arts movies of the time often seemed to sacrifice on story to make room for the expansive bangs & the expensive effects. It was generally said, that in these types of movies, you couldn't really have both, particularly, at a consistent high level. And I was one those kids who always asked "Why not?"
And then came the House Of Flying Daggers. And with it's beautiful story of love & intrigue, combined with lavish costumes, solid performances & unique individually themed action sequences, this film of the burgeoning genre known as wuxia, seemed to asked that very same question.

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7. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
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George Lucas.
Steven Spielberg.
Harrison Ford.
A trio of names that entered the lexicon of sci-fi cinema with their earlier star-faring efforts.
Now, for this film, all three team up for the first time ever, but instead of a tale that took place a long time ago, in a distant galaxy far far away, this time it's not that long ago, & much more down to Earth. This modern take on the "old serials" follows the adventuress of Indiana Jones, an archeologist/adventurer/university professor/whip-meister, who finds himself in a race against time, for the Ark Of The Covenant, an ancient artifact which according to legend, can summon the power of God Himself.
Thus begins a world-hopping journey that includes cadres of Nazis, snake filled pharoah tombs, Cairo scimitar-wielding assasins & maybe even a bad date or two. In other words:
Best.
Action.
Adventure.
Movie.
Ever.

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These days no matter how much I try to assimilate with all the other adults my age, most of whom have had their childhood spirits crushed a long time ago, Raiders is a reminder to me of what it was like to watch a movie with childlike awe. This is a film with alot affection for me, that never fails to bring a smile to my now grown-up hairy pimp-ass.
This early blockbuster not only shaped the way I enjoy watching movies, but also, it contributes to the foundation of why going to the theatre & having the experience of being swept away by what is playing on the big silver screen has become one the greatest joys in my life.




6. Good Will Hunting
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Wait, what's this? The usually overblown Mork wins an Oscar for his portrayal of a down to Earth therapist from South Boston & with a sympathetic ear?
Well, how do you like them apples?

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On the other end of the psychiatrist's chair is Will Hunting, a "wicked smaht" young Southie who must come to terms with his past, his brawling behavior, his therapist, his extra-ordinary talent & his tendency to continually talk himself away from responsibility.
And in the process, finds that sometimes, the best way to heal old wounds,
is simply, to go see about a girl.
This was one of those films that really surprised me when I initially watched it,
not just cuz it turned out to be my favorite movie of that year, but also one of my favorite top ten films ever.
And if any of you out there reading this can't seem to come eye to eye with my over-all assessment of the high quality of this story,
fret not.
It's not your fault.




5. Goodfellas
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you said to, uh, somebody, 'You're gonna like this guy. He's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?' We were goodfellas. Wiseguys."

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When it comes to gangster movies, you just can't beat this one for charismatic energy. Goodfellas is my favorite Martin Scorcese film, for several reasons, but one of the main ones being the manner in which he pays close attention to the minute details that the members of a 60's-70's mafia family engage in for the sake of maintaining the lifestyle that they have so become accustomed to. Also, the way that the accomplished director progresses the story as to show how that type of self-contained lifestyle can only eventually crumble as the "normal" world outside of the Cosa Nostra continually changes & evolves.
And in the end, no matter how much of a goodfella you may be, you will still end up either in prison, getting whacked, or the worst of 'em all, living the rest of your life like a schnook.

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4. Aliens
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In this sequel to the non-plural installment of the series, Ripley, believe it or not, is back. And this time, she arms herself with some big guns & with an even bigger attitude of instead of squaring off against just one xenomorph, she's taking on a whole hive full of them. And their momma too.
This movie has everything that I look forward to in a sci-fi adventure. Suspenseful action, a solid story, a group of distinct characters (with great chemistry), great visuals, kick-@ss aliens, a turning plot-twist (we all thought for sure, that Bishop couldn't be trusted), & of course, a catch-phrase that made the entire theatre that I saw this movie in to roar ("Get away from her, you b#tch!").

Mannnn....
I wish I had acid for blood.

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3. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
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My favorite Sci-fi film of all time.
For me, this movie represented the most realistic handling of a story of aliens up to that point in time, (inspiring films like Contact & Signs, both which tried admirably to emulate the "validity" of Encounters). So much so that, at the time, it made it almost believable for me that the idea of extra-terrestrials could be a reality. Also, it was done with such a sense of awe-inspiring hope & beauty, that it almost makes me wish now that they did indeed exist (& maybe aliens do, but that's an entirely different website, altogether).

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In this this Speilberg classic, the otherworlders have made contact.
And at first, that makes us humans afraid.
But when we finally come face to face with 'em, we realize that the fear we felt was based more on own insecurites than it was on these bug-eyed long-fingered lil' grey angels from space (though, you have to admit, the fact that they have a knack of kidnapping a few of our jet-fighters, not to mention a kid or two, & then instill mental images of their landing site in own minds, urging us to ruin a plateful of perfectly good mash potatoes, doesn't help much to quell our apprehension of the little buggers).
To this day, even with jaded eyes overwhelmed with modern CGI gimmicktry , the special effects in Close Encounters, combined with their elegant integration to the story's premise,
this film still leaves me with a sense of awe after each viewing.
The kind of awe that I used to feel as kid whenever I would look up all the stars in the sky on clear summer night, & wonder at all of the possibilities that must've been up there.
Mannn....
I wish a UFO would come down & fly me away into the limitless potential of space.

(Sans anal-probes, of course.)

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2. Superman
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Kal-El is the last survivor of Krypton, a distant planet that was destroyed thru ecological disaster.
Here are Earth, our yellow sun provides him with the power of a god.
Under the name Superman, he has the ability be fly faster than a speeding bullet, be more powerful than a locomotive & to leap over tall buildings with a single bound (his flying ability probably helps him with that). Not to mention x-ray and heat vision, withstand extreme temperatures, hurricane force breath & the unique ability to wear a wardrobe ensemble consisting of a cape, boots and colorful underwear worn over equally colorful tights.
And what does Superman do with all this power that would allow him to squash us mere mortals with not so much as a mere thought?
He uses it to protect us from all those who would mean us fair citizens harm through the violation of truth, justice and the American way.
Because even within an alien sentient being, no matter how distant his origins, or how impervious he may be to gunfire, there's always a chance to find the heart of a hero.
And when it comes to the Man Of Steel,
that's just how he rolls.

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Yep. The fact that this is #2 on my favorite movies ever is evidence the huge comicbook nerd that I am. And since admitting that usually doesn't garner much respect, I only expect the best when a project interprets my favorite medium up on the big screen. We comicbook fans don't need any more ammunition to makes us seem any more goofy that we already are. We can do that all by ourselves.
ALL by ourselves.
And no matter what anyone says, Kal-El is the original gangsta of superheroes. So it is only fitting that the last son of Krypton's big-budget movie debut should turn out to be the one that all other comic-book based superhero movies must be measured by. And while I know that this film does have it's dated flaws, it was, just like the character whom it portrayed, the one that started on how epic the idea of a superhero could truly be.

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1. The Godfather
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The Godfather series was one that came into my life later than to most people. For the most part of my young life, I had heard what a classic this was, but it took long time til I got around to actually watching it. And when I finally did, a part of me kinda didn't want to like this movie as much as I ended up doing. Because, when it comes to movies, I wanted my number one choice to be unique. To have my opinion veer away from that which the mainstream tends to think. However, I found that when it came to the Godfather,
I was made an offer that my tastes in cinematic entertainment simply could not refuse (and before anyone decides to judge that comment as cliche, please see reason # 4 on the list below).
Now I could go on & on with why I agree with so many people of why this is such a great movie, but I'm sure that anyone reading this who doesn't know much about this staple of the mobster genre is a rarity.
So instead, I'll end this top 100 list by doing a top 10 list.....

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Top 10 reasons why this Mighty Celestial thinks that The Godfather is such a great film:

10. The late great John Cazale.
An actor who in his short film career, never starred in any movie rated less than an A+.

9. Marlon Brando is back with a performance uniquely his own. Reportedly, at the time, his career was seriously on the wane. But then Fate steps in & hands him a role of which would become one of the most iconic in film history.

8. James Caan.
IMO, his best performance ever & the best character in the movie.

7. All the "oranges=death/violent act" scenes.
Many were impressed the way directors like M. Knight Shamalamadindong with the color red or Quentin Tarantino with scenes of John Travolta in the toilet, used tools of clues for the audience, to gve 'em hints on what's coming up in future scenes. But Coppola had already taken this style of storytelling & showed them how it is done in this series.

6. Apollonia! :love:

5. Vito Corleone's "...And that I do not forgive" speech during the meeting of the criminal masterminds.
I always thought that people who memorized large chunks of speeches in movies as a way of entertaining & impressing others were nerds. Then one time, on a date, I found myself actually reciting this entire speech to the young lady whom I was with. And I didn't even realize that my mind had subconsciously memorized it. It's amazing the things one can find out about one's self when they're trying to get into a girl's pants.

4. Lines like "Sleeping with the fishes" or " Time to take out the mattresses", phrases that have since become part of the lexicon of popular culture.

3. Sonny's death scene.
Considered as needlessly ultra-violent at the time, but for me, impactfully powerful when such a character seemed to take on such a role of almost indestructibility. :sick:

2. The theme song.
One of those rare times when the music is so tied with the film, that whenever I hear it, I instantly get in the mood to watch the entire trilogy all over again (yes, even the third installment. Which, even though I don't find matching in quality with its predessors, I still tend to disagree with the public opinion on this. IMO the Godfather: Part Three is a quality film. B#tchez.).

1. Francis Ford Coppola's masterful use of foreshadowing.
Example:When Luca Brasi (the guy who ends up sleeping with the fishes) goes to make a deal with the rival crime-family, he walks thru a glass door that leads to the bar where his fate will become sealed. As the door closes, the scene is shot looking at Luca from behind, setting up the shot to so that you will notice the fish designs that have been engraved into the glass & it will visually give the impression that the fish are surrounding Luca's body.
Awesome.
Simply awesome.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Fave%20Of%20All%20Time/TGF_130-1.jpg

[Fenwick]

I've enjoyed this thread. Great work MS.

[Harry Lime]

Cool list Mighty, thanks for sharing. Love what you did with the pictures for Pulp Fiction.

[TheDOMINATOR]

Awesome list and representation of said list, MC. I especially enjoyed reading your entry about The Godfather; that's a really interesting bit, regarding #10 -- I had never noticed that before, and now I'll be looking for it next time I watch the movie. Really good stuff. :)

One thing: since Superman is your all-time second favorite movie, you should probably know that his Kryptonian name is Kal-El, not "Ka-El" as you said more than once in your entry. :)

[Pyro Tramp]

Nice list, hard to go wrong with a lot of your picks :)

[WBadger]

No harm in that, I don't think.

[Classicqueen13]

Very nice choices! I enjoyed it!

[SammyJ88]

Great list! I love House of Flying Daggers at # 8 beautiful movie.

[TheMightyCelestial]

Here are some movies that slipped my mind & are too good to list simply as runners up. They really should've been included somewhere within this top 100:



Planes, Trains & Automobiles
For me, this is John Candy's best movie role (& yeah, that includes Uncle Buck). He does an excellent job of portraying a pain in the ass who can touch a person's last nerve & yet in the end, have just enough pull at their heartstrings to make him endurable. Plus, his comedic chemistry here with Steve Martin is impeccible.
For me, this is the only holiday movie that I consider as a true Thanksgiving movie. Therefore, in addition to the football game,
I consider Planes, Trains & Automobiles as a must see on my television set every year on that final Thursday of November.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Eighties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-151.jpg


The African Queen
Humphrey Bogart & Katherine Hepburn in a "gritty" riverboat "journey movie" set along an East African river during WW I, & portraying two individuals, each with a mindset on a completely different side of the spectrum.
However, after confronting a series of obstacles during their quest, they begin the process of developing a relationship, & soon, the old romance adage of opposites attract starts to take affect as two people from two different worlds end up coming together, first for a common cause, & then for each other.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/a979f5a07e1be0e7ecec9d661e4486f11193997.jpg


The Trip to Bountiful
One of those movies whose title does such a good job as the play on words it was meant to be, to give an indication of what the heart of it's subject matter really is.
Disguised as a film about traveling through trains & buses,
this is actually a great introspection into the life of someone who's been on the journey of life & & finds herself wishing that she could do it all again, but this time, behind the wheel of her own vehicle.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Eighties%20Movies/8c215a017ff26bee2d6d048452415be81193997.jpg


The Longest Day
Featuring an all-star-cast-of-it's-time-line-up that makes up a really long list of actors that star in this really long movie about a really long day near the end of a really long war.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/e74fc9505028eb813c1ec7cfb86c3c7c1193997.jpg

The Longest Day is a prime example of the high quality of films that were at the forefront of the unglorified depictions of war that were making their way onto the big screen during the era of 60's cinema.



Mean Streets
Even though he filmed two other movies before this one, this is practically Martin Scorcese's cinematic debut to the general public at large. At least, it's the first one that really started to get him noticed.
And appropriately enough, it's plot centers on the lower ranks of the mafia heirarchy. A ladder that his stories will continually climb as his career grows.
Mean Streets is also where Scorcese directs Robert Deniro & Harvey Keitel for the first time.
Yep, this is where it all started.
And mob flicks, not to mention American cinema, will never be the same.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/MeanStreets12.jpg

[nebbit]

Nice choices Mighty :yup:

[L .B . Jeffries]

Amazing list, I really enjoyed it. Espically the inclusion of The Verdict. The scene where he's taking pictures of the women in a coma that he is then going to be defending. That to me has to be up there with one of the most powerful scene and pieces of acting I have seen. Just wondering if you have seen the Richard Donner Cut of Superman II if not I really recommended it.

[Brundle Fly]

Very, very nice list. Looks like it was a lot of work.

I have seen MOST of those on the list but anything I haven't seen I will definitely check out soon.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Amazing job putting together this list.

It shows that you have a love and passion for the films you've listed.

[nebbit]

Loving your list :yup: had another look at it today :yup:

[Caitlyn]

Great list! You have several that are also my favorites... :) Not sure how I overlooked adding you earlier, but I've added you to the MoFo Members Top 100 Lists (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=430718#post430718) now... Sorry about that...

If anyone else has a list that has not been included on the MoFo list, please let me know...

[TheMightyCelestial]

Here are some more movies that have since come to mind & should've also made the list.
Maybe I should extend my list to 150 (Is that allowed? Or is that considered offensive to extend one's list past 100? Anyways.....).


In America
Is it possible to watch a tale of a family that struggles to make their dreams come true without it seeming too corny? Or to watch 'em suffer personal traumas that bind 'em with friends from completely different worlds that doesn't come off as formulaic? Or is it possible to watch a film where they try to come to terms with life's hard curveballs in a manner that will make you laugh & cry but without having to worry about embarrassingly getting a face bloated with the snotty tears of over-sentimentality?
In a word,
yes.
But only In America.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/500full-3.jpg



Kick Ass
Kick Ass is a just a "normal" kid who decides to fight crime with no superpowers or experience,
Red Mist follows suit using dad's money & the Mistmobile,
Big Daddy shows everybody how it's done,
& Hit Girl....well, she practically steals the whole show.
A foul-mouthed fun-filled over the top action flick that's probably not for the faint-hearted.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Listal/daccc38d9d451ab095240a468f906248873594.jpg



Before Sunset
The nine year follow-up to the masterfully written Before Sunrise.
A love story that indulges in the idea of the kinds of bonds that can form if two people actually tried to communicate in a manner mired in bared-boned honesty (to which, I must confess, the "come-down-to-reality" part of my male brain wants to smirkly say "yeah....rrriight...") & with an intention of true understanding.
The two characters in Sunset come off just impeccably convincing as two people who truly have gone on from their 1st. meeting, but never let go of the genuineness of that first shared emotionally intimate experience.
Simply great acting, a great script, and a great sequel with a great ending.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/before_sunset_14_1400x921-1.jpg



Heat
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-1.jpg

Al Pacino having a cup of coffee with Robert DeNiro. Nuff said.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-2-1.jpg

Reservoir Dogs
A mexican stand-off. Pop culture laden discussions. Casual cursing with machine gun rapidity. A mixed bag collection of songs that could only be found on a cassette that was taped by some nerd boy who collects comicbooks, works in an indie video or record store & thinks that guns are bad-ass.
All the elements that would qualify a film as being described as "Tarantinoesque".
And this is where it all started.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Movie%20Forums/reservoir-Dogs10.jpg

To be honest, how the heck I missed including Rez-Dogs on my original list, I don't know.
I honestly just don't know.

[donniedarko]

Great list. Added The Contender and The Verdict to my netflix queue.

[Gabrielle947]

Great films!!Tons of films that I love!
Nice of you to notice John Cazale,I haven't seen him in a bad film yet.

[mark f]

He was only in five films. :(

[Gabrielle947]

Yes,but he is great in all of those films.He was an extremely talented actor but I feel that he doesn't get enough praise.

[gandalf26]

Super list! you could say, impressive.....most impressive

[mark f]

Go ahead and extend your list. I'm over 160 so far. :)

[Godoggo]

Nice to see In America. I had that in my top ten when I first joined this forum. It's not that high anymore, but it's still on my list if I ever get it done. It's a great film family; Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, and those wonderful sisters, how can you go wrong? It also has Djimon Hounsou, who is just great.

[gandalf26]

Great films!!Tons of films that I love!
Nice of you to notice John Cazale,I haven't seen him in a bad film yet.

For the second time last night I fell asleep when "The Conversation" was on TV, with Gene Hackman and John Cazale.

Really annoyed.:mad:

[Gabrielle947]

Out of all feature Cazale films,The Conversation is my least favorite.But even if I disliked it,his performance was solid.

[TheMightyCelestial]

Nice to see In America. I had that in my top ten when I first joined this forum. It's not that high anymore, but it's still on my list if I ever get it done. It's a great film family; Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, and those wonderful sisters, how can you go wrong? It also has Djimon Hounsou, who is just great.

Yep.
I just recently watched it again & the thought occurred to me "How come I never put this list on my top 100 list?".
That's what inspired that post.

[Guaporense]

Kick Ass
Kick Ass is a just a "normal" kid who decides to fight crime with no superpowers or experience,
Red Mist follows suit using dad's money & the Mistmobile,
Big Daddy shows everybody how it's done,
& Hit Girl....well, she practically steals the whole show.
A foul-mouthed fun-filled over the top action flick that's probably not for the faint-hearted.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Millenium%20Movies/500full-1-1.jpg

Kick Ass kicks ass. :)

[TheMightyCelestial]

Go ahead and extend your list. I'm over 160 so far. :)

Cool.
I think I shall.

Gotta look yours up for some inspiration, tho.

[John-Connor]

29. Jaws
Okay, let's be honest here....
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Movie%20Forums/Jaws2-1-1.jpg
...at some point in life,
we're ALL gonna need a bigger boat.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/jaws_shot6l.jpg
27. Dead Man Walking
A movie that excellently shows both sides without taking either one.
When Susan Sarandan's character exposes to Sean Penn's the real extent of his racism " ... so it's lazy people that you don't like...?"
& then when she finally has him take responsiblity for his sins as a "true son of God", are two of my favorite scenes in any movie, ever.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/9e2fe4817c7b632efd63fe074f732d9e1193997.jpg
26. Dumb & Dumber
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/dd1.jpg
For me, there is no other way that I can describe this movie other than saying that it's just plain stupid, simple & funny.
Which is probably why it is not only one of my favorite movies of all time, but also, my favorite comedy ever (so far).
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/f026c25b43f3eaaedea3b9dbda0697ec1193997.jpg
25. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/Terminator2DirCut1991720pHDDVDDTSx2.jpg
The Terminatah is bock.
And this time, it's personal.
Or more appropriately,
this time, it's personalized.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/FotoFlexer_Photo-68.jpg
This movie is one of those rare times where an original that was already pretty bad-ass is followed up by a sequel that is even more bad-asser.
As someone who enjoys the category of science fiction probably more than any other genre when it comes to films, I seriously think that Judgment Day, along with his efforts on Aliens, shows why there should be a law that states that James Cameron should be in charge of directing all sequels from now on.
After a going thru a summer this year that has been epitomized by listlessly plotted blockbusters such as the other movie known as T-2 (Michael Bay's), this T-2 is a reminder that even though a certain degree of suspension of belief is required from one's brain in order to accept a movie about battling robots, you do not have to completely revert to the mind level of a five-year old in order to enjoy it.
Mannn....
I wish I was made outta liquid metal.
22. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Listal/FotoFlexer_Photo-38.jpg
Whenever I watch this movie, I'm always reminded that, for me, this is about as good as it gets (...sorry). Randall McMurphy is a mischievious criminal who first ends up becoming a leader of squirrelly rebellion & then, eventually, a friend to Billy & the rest the cracked eggs residing in the Cuckoo's Nest.
Jack's performance in this movie is not of a self-centered man of a salty background who becomes overly or angelically transformed, but as someone steeped in his own irresponsibility, with a hard to reach ability to care that is gradually bought up to the surface by the only type of people who could cause such a subtle & internal catalyst: a group of guys who are crazier than he is.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/c11f5fed773684853237bcc3b3be6be01193997.jpg
21. Kill Bill
Only two words can be used to describe this movie: Bad @ss.
Not only is this Quentin's homage to martial arts flix, but it also includes homage's to anime & those funky, grainy 70's Bruce Lee's wannabe's that made us laugh with their unsynchronized voice-overs, jagged camera movements & b-level musical sound effects. And yet, he was able to combine all this campy characteristics in a manner that was just plain...
well....
... bad-@ss.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Movie%20Forums/FotoFlexer_Photo-27-1-1.jpg
BTW,
this entry is for both volumes I & II, since I am one of those who categorize both volumes as one movie.
(which it is, y'know.... )
👍👍👍👍👍👍

[John-Connor]

20. Twelve Angry Men
12 Angry Men is such a good courtroom drama, that for me, it simply blows the majority of every other film in this genre out of the water (okay, technically this isn't really a "courtroom" drama because the entire film happens in the jury-room. But let's face it, the plot's purpose is one that leads into the most important part of the courtroom process, the verdict).
The combination of a tight script with a solid ensemble cast (oh, & lets not forget a big screen directoral debut for Sidney Lumet) make for a tense, compelling movie that even though it keeps 99% it's entire length within just one room, a viewer can't help but to be spellbound.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/12-angry-men-1.jpg
15. Unforgiven
"That's right. I'm Will Munny and I've killed women and children. I've killed everything that walks or crawls at one time or another. And I'm here to kill you, Little Bill......"
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/rn_unforgiven_070207_ssh-1.jpg
He was once a real tough hombre who was good with a gun & never hesitated to use it.
But now, after so many years of trying to build a "normal life" away from that of a gunslinger, Will Munny comes to realize that when times get hard, old habits in old people die hard.
The manner in which the icon of the ol' western gunslinger is portrayed here,
as a man with a mysterious past which he would preferred forgotten, yet soon ultimately, comes to rely on for the survival of the redemptive life he has built, shows how this film could've also been called The Final Chapter Of The Man With No Name, But Now We've Given Him A Name, Punk.
14. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Good%20Aliens/1487930ea5198acd05758c3d96ae3e451193997.jpg
An extra-terrestial becomes trapped on our planet & befriends an Earthling boy who shares it's love for Reese's Pieces. From there, these two beings "from different worlds" (one of the rare times that this phrase is meant literally), begin to share each other's experiences in a bond that can only result from attitude unconditional acceptance.
A moving picture which "teaches" that when it comes to a deep longing for love in the form of kindness & friendship, we humans are not alone.
And all we have to do to get it, even on a universally galactic level, is to just simply "be.... good".
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/scifi/Misc%20And%20By%20Year/et1fo6.jpg
This movie has gotten such a stigma attached to it, that I easily forget how much I enjoy watching it. After several years of this movie collecting dust on my video collection, I watched it with my 6 yr. old niece a couple of months ago, & I'll be honest with you: I don't know which one of us was left sitting there with more childlike awe & wonder on our faces.
Her, b'cuz as a child, she thought that E.T., was one amazing tale.
Or me, b'cuz as an adult, I thought that Elliot's mom was one amazing tail.
12. The Godfather Part ll
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Fave%20Of%20All%20Time/GodfatherPt2_door-1.jpg
After lightning struck once with the first Godfather, it was almost impossibe to believe that it could strike twice in the same series, especially with the absence of Marlon Brando, James Caan & Abe Vigoda (oh c'mon! Y'know his presence added a certain dimension to the whole of the movie.....).
Yet strike it did.
And with even more intensity than could be expected.
Francis Ford Coppola continues the saga of la familia Corleone. And even though this one lacks the presence of the trio of fine actors I mentioned above, those empty spaces are superbly filled up by the strength Al Pacino's complete grasp of the lead character,
along with an interjecting prologue story starring a Sicilian speaking Robert Deniro.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/20070415173552_godfather_IIfull.png
I know that the rest of the planet says that this one is the superior film, but I myself like the first one better. Now don't get me wrong, G-2 is practically a perfect movie. However IMO, G-1 is just a bit more perfect. That being said, if only all sequels could match the quality ratio that this one did with its predecessor, then I bet that this planet would a lot better place. More than we could probably imagine. Like there probably wouldn't be any more wars or bad stuff in the world.
Like,
ever.
Yep. That's the power of a good sequel.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/Early%20movies%20up%20to%2079/Seventies/ffcf04eb3060671577eef40be0ec823e1193997.jpg
11. Pulp Fiction
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-75.jpg
No matter how many times I view it, no matter what time of the day it is,
I never get tired of watching this movie.
Because Pulp Fiction is like pie.
And any time is a good time for pie.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/themightycelestial_bucket/movies%20by%20year/Nineties%20Movies/FotoFlexer_Photo-76.jpg
👍👍👍👍👍