TeeJay's Top 15 Films

[TeeJay19]

Hey everyone. So I just joined the forum and I noticed some of you are making favourite film lists, which is perfect because lately I've been really thinking about what I consider to be my favourite movies.

I don't think I could ever come up with a list that was 50 or 100 films long. I've definitely seen a lot of movies, but after the top 10 are 15 it gets tough to distinguish what films are better than others. A lot of times it depends on my mood, whether I feel like a comedy, action or drama. Some days I might think one movie is better than another, other days I might have the completely opposite opinion. However, I've been able to come up with 15 movies that I would consider my favourites, movies that really affected me, moved me and left an impression (although even with this list I changed my mind a few times before coming up with a final draft).

It's a rather eclectic list, as I like a wide range of genres. Anyways, without any more stalling here's the list.

PS: I'm sure most of you have seen most, if not all of these, but I'll still try to avoid any spoilers just in case. I hate it when people ruin movies for me so I will try my best not to ruin any of these for you.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e6/Anniehallposter.jpg/220px-Anniehallposter.jpg

#15 Annie Hall

This was the first Woody Allen movie I ever watched and it didn’t disappoint. I love comedies, but I find the really good ones are few and far between. After years of watching sub-par comedies that all seem to be derived from the same formula discovering this film was really refreshing.

The opening monologue is witty and insightful and sets the tone for the rest of the film. Woody Allen and Diane Keaton have great chemistry, as usual, and Christopher Walken makes a memorable appearance in what is one of my favourite film scenes.

Although not my favourite Woody Allen movie, it got me hooked on him and for that I’m forever thankful.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f6/Reservoir_dogs_ver1.jpg/215px-Reservoir_dogs_ver1.jpg

#14 Reservoir Dogs

Like most people, I watched this movie after seeing Pulp Fiction. Quentin Tarantino is still trying to find his voice a little bit in this movie. You can tell he’s close to something really great (something he’d reach in Pulp Fiction), but on its own Reservoir Dogs is still quite an achievement.

As usual, Tarantino seamlessly blends comedy and action. The opening scene will make you laugh, then before you know it its absolute mayhem as a botched bank robbery leaves one guy near dead and the rest wondering what went wrong and who screwed them over. The ear cutting scene still makes me cringe, although it’s probably not as shocking as it was 1992.

Reservoir Dogs is probably the best independent film ever made, proving that you don’t need a huge budget to create great cinema. It may have been Tarantino’s first, but it’s still one of his best.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c1/The_Matrix_Poster.jpg

#13 The Matrix

A mind bending plot and loads of Kung Fu. What could be better? Sure, the sequels weren’t as good and they kind made things a little more confusing, but the original is still a classic as far as I’m concerned. I love good science fiction so naturally I got hooked on The Matrix as soon as I saw it.

The premise is creepy and the story is just plain fun. The Wachowskis did a great job of creating a world that was really original and populating it with interesting characters. I’m not a huge Keanu Reeves fan, but he works well in this movie. Hugo Weaving also gives a great performance as agent Smith.

Although not as “artistic” as some of the other movies on the list it is certainly entertaining.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a8/Deconstructing_harry.jpg/220px-Deconstructing_harry.jpg

#12 Deconstructing Harry

In my opinion, Deconstructing Harry is Woody Allen’s most underrated film. It’s a little darker than most of his other films. Woody’s character in the film is neurotic as usual, although a little more despicable this time around (instead of chasing Diane Keaton or Mia Farrow he chases prostitutes), but that’s what makes it good. After so many films with the same character this slight change is a nice shake-up.

Allen plays a writer who’s going back to his old university to receive an award. Throughout the film we get to see the character’s hilarious stories played out by the likes of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Robin Williams, Tobey Maguire and Billy Crystal. The scene where Allen’s character travels to Hell is particularly funny and worth a look on Youtube if you don’t feel like watching the whole movie.

All in all a masterful comedy by a masterful writer/director.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c7/Memento_poster.jpg/215px-Memento_poster.jpg

#11 Memento

Although Christopher Nolan has made a number of big budget hits since the release of Memento, this is still my favourite film by him. The story is ingenious and leads to a big payoff at the end.

Memento tells the story of a man suffering from amnesia who’s trying to track down his wife’s killer. Because he has no memory of the events following his wife’s murder he must depend on notes he leaves himself and information given to him by friends, some of whom he’s not sure he can trust.

The story is told in reverse but is surprisingly easy to follow. It’s one of those movies that is interesting to watch again, once you know what’s really going on.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ca/Chasing_Amy_film.jpg/190px-Chasing_Amy_film.jpg

#10 Chasing Amy

Kevin Smith’s movies are kind of hit and miss (it seems like lately they miss more often than they hit), but in my opinion he showed what he’s really capable of when he’s on his game in Chasing Amy. Just like Annie Hall, this was a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Ben Affleck plays Holden, a man who falls for a lesbian woman (Joey Lauren Adams). Jason Lee plays Holden’s hilarious friend while Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith return as Jay and Silent Bob. Bob’s usual speech near the end is particularly interesting in this one and really ties everything together.

For those who were turned off by Smith’s other movies I would recommend giving this one a try. His usual witty dialogue stays intact but is supported by a really interesting story.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c2/Happiness_DVD_cover.jpg/200px-Happiness_DVD_cover.jpg

#9 Happiness

This movie certainly isn’t for everyone. It deals with some touchy subjects, including pedophilia, and was slapped with the dreaded NC17 rating. For those who are willing to take the plunge though, this film is interesting, shocking and at times even funny.

The movie follows the stories of a number of different characters who are connected by three sisters. These include a pedophile, a loner who’s obsessed with his neighbour and a young boy who continually tries to make himself ejaculate. Like I said, this movie isn’t for everyone.

Happiness has a similar tone to American Beauty, but is willing to go a little further with its subject matter. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is also great in this, as usual.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8b/Superbad_Poster.png/220px-Superbad_Poster.png

#8 Superbad

As someone who had recently graduated from high school when this film came out I could really relate to it. Few movies accurately describe what life is like at that age, but this one nailed it. There are comedies that are more interesting and a little cleverer, but no movie has made me laugh harder than Superbad.

The trio of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are superb. The characters continually talk about low brow subjects, but somehow writers Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg make the dialogue seem witty and sophisticated.

The laughs are non-stop, yet the film somehow seamlessly fits in a nice message at the end without making it seem cheesy, something most comedies fail miserably at.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/45/Good_the_bad_and_the_ugly_poster.jpg/220px-Good_the_bad_and_the_ugly_poster.jpg

#7 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Some older movies transcend time and make you forget how old they really are. The story, acting and soundtrack is so good that the movie becomes ageless. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is one of those movies.

The story actually seems rather simple on the surface: three gunslingers searching for treasure in the old west. However, the characters are so interesting that the story becomes engrossing. Clint Eastwood is as cool as ever, with equally good performances by Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. The inevitable standoff at the end is also incredibly epic and well done.

Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack is superb and really enhances the drama. I still get goose bumps every time I hear “The Ecstasy of Gold”. I know most say “Once Upon a Time in the West” is the best western, but for me The Good, the Bad and the Ugly will always be number one.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b6/American_Beauty_poster.jpg/220px-American_Beauty_poster.jpg

#6 American Beauty

Funny, sad and thought provoking, American Beauty is a must-see. Although I usually don’t like having plot details revealed to me, the revelation at the start of the movie that the narrator, Lester (Kevin Spacey), dies actually makes things all that more interesting.

I’m not usually one for drama, but the characters and story are so interesting that they suck you in. Plus, the fact that you know such a major event occurs at the end makes you want to find out how exactly it happened. The conclusion is surprising and does not disappoint.

American Beauty delivers on so many levels and is certainly the most entertaining drama I’ve ever seen.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/87/StarWarsMoviePoster1977.jpg/220px-StarWarsMoviePoster1977.jpg

#5 Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

It’s often a disappointing feeling when you re-watch movies from your childhood. They often lose their magic and just don’t seem to hold up. Star Wars, however, is one of the few films that is just as entertaining now as it was when I was ten years old.

The scene where Luke Skywalker stares off at the sunset, wondering if there is anything more to life, is something we can all relate to. Of course for Luke there is much more. Obi-Wan Kenobi finds him and tells him they’re going on an adventure. Oh yeah, he also tells him about this cool thing called “The Force” that practically gives you super powers and he’s going to show Luke how to use it. I’m pretty sure that’s every little boy’s fantasy.

Star Wars brings story telling back to its roots. A regular guy gets caught up in an adventure where a princess needs rescuing from one of the most iconic villains in cinema history: Darth Vader. The premise is simple, but damn, does it ever work.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cf/Kill_bill_vol_one_ver.jpg/220px-Kill_bill_vol_one_ver.jpg

#4 Kill Bill

Okay, I know this is technically two movies, but really it’s one film broken up into two parts due to time restraints. For the purpose of this review I’ll be treating it as one film.

Kill Bill is more than just a bloody revenge flick. Quentin Tarantino creates such a cool world here that’s only topped by the ultra cool characters that inhabit it. The visuals are striking and the soundtrack is awesome. Combine that with Tarantino’s trademark dialogue and this is movie making at its finest. People watch movies to be entertained, and Kill Bill delivers.

Most people prefer part one, and although I do thoroughly enjoy the first half it’s part two that really takes this movie from good to great. Learning about the Bride’s back story and finally meeting Bill (brilliantly played by the late David Carradine) enhances the story and makes the rest of her conflicts more meaningful.

Anyone who’s a fan of martial arts and western movies is sure to enjoy this thrill ride of a film.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3c/SW_-_Empire_Strikes_Back.jpg/220px-SW_-_Empire_Strikes_Back.jpg

#3 Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

After the original Star Wars was such a success it would have been completely understandable if the sequel didn’t live up to expectations. However, somehow George Lucas and company managed to top themselves.

Like any great second act, The Empire Strikes Back sees everything go wrong for our heroes, and that’s what makes it so good. Failure is not often shown in film and can sometimes be more interesting than success. It also makes their inevitable victory all that more satisfying later on.

Besides the great drama, we see Han and Leia’s blossoming romance, we meet Yoda and we learn the shocking truth about Luke’s father. What more could fan’s ask for? With new Star Wars movies recently announced I’m giddy with excitement, but I doubt any Star Wars film can ever top Empire.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f3/Manhattan-poster01.jpg/220px-Manhattan-poster01.jpg

#2 Manhattan

Although many critics point to Annie Hall as Woody Allen’s best work for me Manhattan is Allen at his finest. Going in I wasn’t sure if I’d like the black and white, but after seeing it I couldn’t imagine the movie without it. I don’t know why but it just works so well here.

Allen plays Isaac, a man in his forties dating a seventeen year old (Mariel Hemingway). Isaac eventually falls for his best friend’s mistress (Diane Keaton). As usual, Allen’s dialogue is both thought provoking and hilarious. It’s also possibly the most accurate depiction of real life relationships, as the movie shows that despite our better judgement we often fall for people that we shouldn’t.

As with many of Allen’s romantic comedies it doesn’t end the way you suspect, but that’s what makes it so great.

[TeeJay19]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/Pulp_Fiction_cover.jpg/215px-Pulp_Fiction_cover.jpg

#1 Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is the perfect blend of witty humour, violent action and shocking visuals. Although weak on actual plot, the characters and the situations they’re put in is what really make this movie special.

Set over a couple of days, Pulp Fiction delves into the lives of various criminals and depicts their everyday life. What’s surprising is how relatable these characters are. It turns out gangsters (at least in Tarantino’s world) talk about the same sort of stuff that us regular people do (although they make it sound a lot cooler).

It’s hard to really do this film justice in a review. On the surface the story doesn’t seem like it deserves its 154 minute run time, but there isn’t a single dull moment. You have to experience it to really get it.

It was Pulp Fiction that really got me interested in film. It was just so different from anything I’d ever seen before and touched so many different emotions for me. It’s simply the best.

Well done Mr. Tarantino. You’ll forever be my idol.

[Guaporense]

The ones I liked the most from your list are Pulp Fiction, the two Star Wars films, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Kill Bill and The Matrix, which are at my top 100 films list.

Haven't watched Happiness, Deconstructing harry, Chasing Amy and the two Woody Allen movies in your list. The others, Superbad, American Beauty and Memento, I liked, while I wasn't able to watch Reservoir Dogs to the end since I slept from the middle onwards.

[TeeJay19]

The ones I liked the most from your list are Pulp Fiction, the two Star Wars films, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Kill Bill and The Matrix, which are at my top 100 films list.

Haven't watched Happiness, Deconstructing harry, Chasing Amy and the two Woody Allen movies in your list. The others, Superbad, American Beauty and Memento, I liked, while I wasn't able to watch Reservoir Dogs to the end since I slept from the middle onwards.

You slept through Reservoir Dogs? Well if you like Pulp Fiction you should give it another try, the second half is really good.

And if you liked Superbad then you'd probably enjoy Chasing Amy. Same raunchy dialogue, but with a little more story behind it.