50. The King's Speech
“I am the seat of all authority because they think that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can't speak.”
I'm really not sure about this pick. I'm placing it here on the back of just one viewing and that was at the cinema where films can have more of an effect sometimes. So I may regret this pick.
I consider myself Scottish, not British. I have no time whatsoever for the Royal Family. And I usually have no interest whatsoever in English period films. And yet I adore this film.
I just found it to be so uplifting and joyous, it left me with a touch of wonder in my heart. While I have to admit to having missed a lot of the other films nominated for the Best Picure Oscar this year, for me this is certainly a very deserving winner. It is an inspiring story which makes us see the Royal Family just as normal people. And does so with a surprisingly large amount of humour. In terms of laughs it has to actually be one of the funnier films I've seen in recent times.
With the film being a two hander for much of the time, it would be nothing really without two great performances and in Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush it certainly has that. Firth is incredible, particularly when he stammers through speeches and we can see the pain in his eyes. In all of the Firth love Geoffrey Rush was a tad overlooked but he is a worthy match for Firth. His character brings much of the humour and charm to the table. And together they have a wonderful chemistry
When I went to see the film at the cinema there was a massive amount of elderly people (obviously some group or care home outing or something) and you could tell that quite a few were around when it was all happening and were tearing up quite often which I found very touching and sweet, certainly adding to my appreciation for it
49. Saving Private Ryan
“This Ryan better be worth it. He better go home and cure some disease, or invent a longer-lasting light bulb, or something.”
A powerful, moving WWII epic which may have its flaws, but are almost all wiped from your memory by the incredible opening scene where the beaches of Normandy are stormed. With that scene being so stunning I think a lot of people tend to forget about the incredible battle at the end of the film.
In between the battles we get to know this band of characters, many of them with flaws of some kind. Even Tom Hanks' Captain Miller is far from your usual hero, at times not being the leader you expect.
It feels a little more like a western; a boy's own adventure, than most war films. It is a film that is exhilarating, moving, visceral but also quite uplifting.
48. Lars and the Real Girl
“Sometimes I get so lonely I forget what day it is, and how to spell my name.”
I adore this film. I think it's charming, funny, sweet, sad, touching and just wonderful. As someone with OCD and elements of social phobia I can certainly identify with Ryan Gosling's character.
And while you really have to suspend your sense of disbelief when it comes to the idea that the whole community while go along with his delusions just to help him, it is a very sweet, endearing, Capra-esque idea.
While Ryan Gosling's performance as Lars is excellent, the real heart of the film for me comes from Emily Mortimer and Paul Schneider as his sister-in-law and brother respectively. His brother is completely out of his depth, unsure how to handle the situation and worried about the embarrassment. While Emily Mortimer's character does all she can to help Lars and even begins to build a bond and feelings for the doll.
47. Iron Man / Spider-Man 2
As a huge fan of superhero films I had to include at least one. But I couldn't pick between these two. If it holds up on repeat viewings they could be joined by X-Men: The First Class
“Is it better to be feared or respected?"...I say, is it too much to ask for both?”
One of the best pure blockbusters of the decade this is a film that delivers quality will remembering the all important point of a film like this – to be fun! Too many blockbusters try to become 'dark' (particularly when it comes to sequels) or weave an intricate, complicated plot to try and seem like a film that should be taken seriously; mostly just falling flat however
This is quite a rare occurrence in action films, in that in many instances it's not actually the action scenes that are the most enjoyable. The dialogue is so sharp and delivered with such style by Robert Downey Jr. that it is those scenes that put a silly grin on your face. Downey really is on great form here, perfectly capturing the charm, arrogance and swagger of Tony Stark. He is what really lifts this film above so many others in the genre
Not too say that the action doesn't also deliver. The scenes in Iraq and when Iron Man soars through the sky against a couple of fighter jets are absolutely invigorating, some of the best superhero action put on screen
“Guy named Otto Octavius winds up with eight limbs. What are the odds?”
As a huge Spidey fanboy one of the movies had to be on here and it's this one. It gets the tone just right. The first was a little goofy at times (mostly the Green Goblin's costume) while the 3rd tried to be too dark and layered but ended up a bit cluttered. This just captures the tone of the comics best.
Alfred Molina is excellent here, his turn as Doc Ock making the villain threatening while also making us still feel sympathy for this monstrous character. And some impressive effects help to realise the character on the screen.
The film also has some of the most humorous moments of the trilogy, in particular the elevator scene. So while Kirsten Dunst may still be a touch annoying this is the most entertaining and enthralling of the series.
46. Beverly Hills Cop
“Disturbing the peace? I was thrown out of a window! What's the f***ing charge for getting pushed out of a moving car, huh? Jaywalking?”
One of the 80s most iconic films and one of the funniest I've ever seen. The sequels (as with Lethal Weapon) became lighter and dafter to attract larger audiences, but the first film has a real edge to it, featuring some quite violent action.
These days it's hard to imagine just how funny Eddie Murphy used to be. The Norbit's, Meet Dave's and Pluto Nash's have made him into a bit of a joke, making his films something to fear than crave. But back in the 80s he was incredible. He was hilarious; full of raw energy, a real swagger and the sharpest of tongues.
The plot is nothing special, very standard actually, but it doesn't matter. The film is just a chance for Eddie Murphy to show off his incredible comedic talents, and he delivers big time. And with great support from Judge Reinhold and John Ashton they make for a great team.