Top Twenty (Part One)

Once again, I've decided to re-visit my favorite films of all-time. 
This time, my focus is on my top Eleven through Twenty. 
Now this has been a very interesting process, one that has taken me 
far longer than you might have expected. 
I've just never had to do this before, and the resulting experience 
has been challenging, but it has also been eye-opening. 


Now remember, this list is in no particular order...
But there are SEVERAL films that did not make the cut. 
It was an intense process. 


Due to the massive amount of dedication and writing, 
I've (once again) decided to split this list into two parts. 


Let the countdown begin...




The Last Samurai (Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, 2003)

I'm trying to figure out what it is about The Last Samurai that I liked so much. But it's increasingly difficult to find just one definitive factor. It was probably the way that this movie made me feel. The journey that the character took, and what his experiences in a small Japanese village would make out of him. 


The Last Samurai is the story of Nathan Algren, a veteran of the Civil War who is captured during a ferocious battle with The Samurai. The courage that Nathan shows while surrounded by his enemies allows Katsumoto (the Samurai leader) to spare his life. Taken as a prisoner of war, Algren is confused as to why he's still alive, and held captive in this small Japanese village. Eventually, Nathan and Katsumoto share some commonalities and Algren becomes attached to the friends and people he's met in the village. He embraces their culture and their way of life.


That's the summary in a nutshell, but like all great films, one cannot simply explain the plot, it must be experienced for yourself. 


If you haven't seen it yet, or are worried that Tom Cruise might find a couch in the village to jump on...worry no more. He actually turns in a great performance and he drives this powerful film that takes a fantastic look into a forgotten culture. 


I honestly can't recommend this movie enough, and trust me, I certainly wasn't expecting it to be as great as it turned out to be. 



Final Comments: Highly Recommend. Not For Everyone. 




King Kong (Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, 2005)

There was definitely more than a couple raised eyebrows when Peter Jackson announced to the world that he would be remaking King Kong back in 2004. Coming hot off of his Lord of the Rings Trilogy, there were very high expectations indeed, especially for a movie of this caliber.

Well it's safe to say that he met everyone of those expectations, and in my opinion, he exceeded them.

King Kong tells the story of Ann Darrow, a struggling vaudeville actress who gets the movie role that will change her life forever. Set in 1933, the film showcases a New York during The Great Depression as well as the infamous Skull Island, where the ambitious filmmaker Carl Denham would bring his crew and eventually run into the mighty Kong.

The premise seems silly, and it always has to me.

But I believe that no matter how incredible the spectacle and special effects may be in this movie, the real drive of the film is the characters and the relationship between Ann and Kong.
Which is what thrusts this film to the one of my top spots on the all-time list.
Being able to relate to a 25-foot ape was never one of my aspirations or within the realm of possibility for me, but Peter Jackson makes it possible.
As well as making a damn good movie.

If you haven't seen it yet, this is definitely one to rent or buy on Blu-ray!

I will never forget the first time I saw King Kong. 
Or should I say, the ending of King Kong.
I really cannot explain it in words how powerful it was,
but trust me, there was nothing like it.
It's one of those movies that "gets me" everytime.

And I'm certainly glad that it did.


Final Comments: I Believe Everyone Can Find Some Value In This Film.




Inception (Leonardo DiCaprio, Joesph Gordon-Levitt, 2010)

I'm sure most of you have experienced the 2010 mind-bending classic known as Inception.
Well I'm hoping you have at least.

If not, hopefully you know the drill by now.

Stop Reading.
Get Up.
Buy It/Rent It.
Watch It.

Okay, are you back?
Good.

Inception (set in the present) tells the story of Dominick Cobb, a skilled "dream thief" who specializes in entering the mind through dreams and stealing information. Cobb is offered a shot at redemption when he is given the chance to perform a procedure previously thought impossible: Inception. The planting of an idea that the subject must believe is his/her own.

Most people refer to this movie as the "dream-within-a-dream" movie.
It was also (lovingly) the subject of many jokes and internet memes.

The truth is: Inception is a damn well done movie.
It's from my favorite director Christopher Nolan, and it was based on his original idea that he's had for nearly two decades.

It's great to see a summer blockbuster that actually makes you think.
Especially one that's completely original.
Inception is well-acted, boasts amazing visuals and has got one of the best scripts in a long time.

Those are just some of the factors why it's included in my Top Twenty.
But like many films, this is one that demands to be experienced on the big screen.
But don't worry... if you missed seeing it while it was in theaters, there's always Blu-ray.

There's talk of a sequel on the horizon over at Warner Bros, but I for one, hope that they leave this gem untouched for now, maybe when the prospect of a sequel evolving naturally over the years (i.e. Tron: Legacy) will I concede.

For now, it's a great standalone film, and an experience largely unlike anything that's come before it.



Final Comments: While It May Prove Confusing For Some, It's A Great Experience.





The Harry Potter Saga (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, 2001-2011)

I'll assume that you've seen, heard or at least heard of Harry Potter and are aware of the story.
What you might be curious about however is the fact that I'm including 8 movies in a spot meant for one.


Well I really couldn't justify doing it any other way.


I do have a favorite Harry Potter film, in case you were curious (well actually I have two),
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.


But I feel that the series is amazing as a whole, and it's a very incredible journey to see these characters grow and learn over eight films and ten years of movies.


So why is Harry Potter on your Top Twenty list?


Well first I'd like to thank you for that hypothetical question...and for raising your hand.


The truth is: I wasn't a big HP fan when the film series first came out. It actually wasn't until Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets came to DVD (early 2003) that I finally watched the first two movies.
I didn't expect to enjoy them as much as I did, that's for sure. But of course, I loved them, and couldn't wait for the next one(s).


It's just a great series.
I know that I can't convince anyone that you're going to enjoy it, because the truth is, if you haven't seen the movies yet, you probably never will (or are trying very hard to avoid them).


Harry Potter is impressive for a couple of reasons:

One: It's the #1 film franchise in history.
Two: It has managed to create eight films, while still keeping the integrity of the books and the public's (massive) interest.


This is a series that I'm constantly appreciating for its impressive and its dynamic storytelling.
But it's not for everyone.

Like The Lord of the Rings, I believe the appeal of HP to be emotionally broad, while simultaneously limiting  to largely those who like the fantasy genre. I find that if an average person were to give the series a chance, they might find themselves along for the ride and enjoying it for what it is.

But, hey, what do I know?


Final Comments: Not For Everyone, But A Very Fun And Engrossing Franchise.




Marvel's The Avengers (Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, 2012)

The Avengers.... 
Wait that just came out last week!? How can that be on your All-Time list?


This film proves that my All-Time List is constantly evolving,
unlike many All-Time Lists that came before it (I'm looking at you, AFI).
Sometimes people are fixated (obsessively, I would say) on "the classics".
While the classics are always good, I believe that sometimes people need to
embrace "the new" and let other movies move them or excite them as much as
"the classics" did. Just a little side note.

Yes, Marvel's The Avengers came out less than two weeks ago (at the time of writing this),
but that doesn't stop me from declaring that it's an absolutely fantastic film
and it definitely deserves to be included on my "All-Time" List.

I won't bother recycling the plot because I'm sure everybody and their great-grandma has seen the previews/tv spots but believe me when I say Writer/Director Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity) really has done something amazing here...

This movie's got everything.

-Great Visuals (AMAZING)
-Character Development
-A Sense of Humor
-A Fantastic Script

It really is a great movie, I can't repeat that enough.
But I would if I could!

Experience it anyway that you can!

3D, 2D, IMAX, D-BOX...

Whatever!

I've seen this film in every possible format, and it's just as amazing every time!
(This is my new favorite D-BOX movie however).

As well as the aforementioned reasons above, The Avengers is just a great time at the movies. It's pacing is so slick that you barely even notice the 140 minute running time.

I've officially declared it as my favorite Marvel film (by far), and it's my favorite superhero movie only behind Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

Suffice it to say, I haven't been this entertained at the movies in a very long time and cannot wait for the sequel (tentatively scheduled for Summer 2015).



Final Comments: See It. Now.



Stay tuned for Part 2 of the countdown!

Top Twenty (Part Two)

Welcome back for Part 2!




The Dark Knight (Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, 2008)

What is there to say about what is largely considered to be one of the best sequels ever made?
As I've made apparent in my original Top Ten List, Batman Begins is in my opinion, slightly better than
The Dark Knight, but this does not mean, by any means, that it is a bad movie.
In fact, quite the contrary.

I'm sure that if you're reading a blog about movies, you've seen The Dark Knight.
But on the off chance that you haven't...
Make its viewing a top priority of yours,
you definitely won't regret it.

The Dark Knight is every bit as dark, realistic, and gritty as Batman Begins.
What sets it apart is its message.
The first film in the trilogy dealt with what it truly means to be a hero,
and how actions speak much louder than words ever could.
It was the origins of one of the most infamous characters ever created.

The Dark Knight effortlessly expanded on the mythos of the first film. Its message was darker and  more complicated, speaking volumes about the thin line between good and evil.
It also presented the titular character with a threat he had never encountered before,
not a physical threat, but a psychological one.
The Joker.
A character brilliantly portrayed by the late Heath Ledger (who won an Oscar for his performance).

Once again, the script is fantastic, and the performances are top notch.
This film really raised the bar for the superhero movie as well.
Now every time a story is released about a superhero story getting a reboot
(i.e. Man of Steel (2013) The Amazing Spider-Man (July 2012) Fantastic Four (TBD), Daredevil (TBD))
we hear that they want the film to be "darker, grittier, more realistic, like what Batman did".

Christopher Nolan has a natural knack for dwelling into the central character of Bruce Wayne and making him a fascinating character to watch evolve and grow. Character really is his strong suite, and it's largely why his universe works so well. I'm not sure if his vision of the Batman universe will ever be able to be topped (when Warner Bros inevitably reboots the franchise).

Like many of the films that I love, I recommend that you see them instead of reading about them,
so get out there and experience it!

Plus you gotta be prepared for the end of trilogy this summer!

The Dark Knight Rises, the final film in Christopher Nolan's trilogy, opens July 20th.



Final Comments: Great Performances, Great Script, Great Movie.





Gladiator (Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, 2000)

Gladiator.
Alright now here's a seemingly random title on this list.
Well, I suppose it's not any more random that The Last Samurai, is it?
So I take that back.

Gladiator is a period epic that focuses on the General Maximus (brilliantly played by Oscar Winner Russel Crowe), who would become a slave, and eventually a Gladiator, in Ancient Rome under the rule of "Caesar". A small description but if you haven't had the opportunity to experience this one yet, I don't want to give too much away.

Director Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) really knocked this one out of the park, and it ended up taking home a few well-deserved Oscars (including Best Picture).

What I love about this movie is the way that it makes me feel. I mean I could go into this one not being in the best mood and when it got to the end of the movie (although there is much drama throughout the film) I would feel a sense of hopefulness and serenity. It's very hard to explain but once you see the movie I hope you understand where I'm coming from.

Overall though it's definitely a solid movie all around.
Not to mention, it has a great score by Hans Zimmer that I still listen to all the time.

Ridley Scott really nailed the emotion in this one.
What I love about this movie is the array of different ways that it makes you feel.
There's great action, so that's good for action lovers.
There's also a solid love story.
Great drama.
Not to mention it has a sense of humor to it and it doesn't take itself too seriously.

These are just some of the reasons that it's one my favorites.
Get out there and see it for yourself!

This film seamlessly puts you into ancient Rome as well, like it doesn't even try.
You are in the period, it's rather hard to describe over text, but you absolutely
believe everything you're witnessing as though it really could have happened.
It's pretty rare for a movie to make you feel that way,
and I definitely feel that Gladiator succeeds in doing this. 

It's a little graphic at times, so prepare yourself.
Hope you like/liked it though!



Final Comments: A Tad Too Brutal For Some, But A Very Powerful Movie.



The Others (Nicole Kidman, Fionna Flannagan, 2001)

There were many of my favorite movies that did not make it to this list, I assure you.
I literally spent hours trimming down my favorites.
Some were very hard to lose, and it took some convincing on my part to lose them anyway.
The Others was never close to being lost.
Not even for one second.
I love this movie, and I probably always will.

But what makes it so special?
Isn't it just a scary movie with Nicole Kidman?


Ah.
Well, the simple answer to that question is No. The Others is not simply another scary movie.
Like The Sixth Sense (which made it to my Top Ten), The Others is an expertly crafted psychological horror film. As well as being much more than that. But we'll get to that in a second. First allow me to summarize the plot for you.

The Others takes place in The Jersey Islands in the mid-1940's. Nicole Kidman plays Grace, a wife and a mother of two, who is patiently waiting for her husband to return from World War II. She is literally confined to her house because her children suffer from a rare (real) disease which causes them to be allergic to sunlight. Grace soon begins to suspect that they are not the only ones in the house; she begins to think the house may indeed by haunted.

What I absolutely love about this film is the atmosphere that it creates. The atmosphere of a horror film, or psychological horror film, is absolutely essential to the overall tone of the film.
This is where The Others shines.
Its period setting along with the fact that the characters use candlelight as opposed to electricity really adds to the mood and the tone of the film.
The natural elements also play a huge role here, especially the fog.
The fog really is essential to the story, and the director's use of it is amazing.

Now I don't want to hype this one up for you too much,
because if you haven't seen it, I don't want you to hate me if you don't like it as much as you'd like to.

And I honestly wouldn't expect you to.

This is one of those movies that hit me on a very personal level,
so I wouldn't expect you to absolutely love it like I do.

I would highly recommend it however.
This is a movie that has the power to transcend the horror genre and exist as a film that can be labeled in many different genres. There's great drama here, and the delicate relationships between the characters makes this film feel very real and poignant.

I won't say anymore.
But The Others is available on Netflix Instant Streaming if you want to check it out!

In case you were curious, some other titles that were vying for this spot were:

-The Machinist (2004)
-The Ring (2002)
-The Shining (1980)
-Se7en (1994)
-Buried (2010)

Definitely check these ones out too if you haven't seen them yet!




Final Comments: Full Of Plenty Of Thrills And Dripping With Atmosphere,
This One May Surprise You.




Stranger Than Fiction (Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal. 2006)

Things get a little more interesting as we make our way to the end of the list.
And I'm guessing that you didn't expect this one to be on here.
Don't worry, I'm not crazy, and this isn't a typo or an accident.

Stranger Than Fiction is actually one of my favorite Comedy-Dramas,
and maybe, just maybe, it could be one of yours too.

Stranger Than Fiction is the story of Harold Crick, a lonely IRS agent who is suddenly wise to the fact that his life, and everything that he does, is being narrated by a disembodied woman's voice. That voice is scarily accurate about Harold, who he is, and what he does everyday.
Unfortunately for Harold, that voice has just inadvertently told him that he is going to die.

Thus begins the story.

Stranger Than Fiction is actually one of only three Will Ferrell movies that I like (Step Brothers and Anchorman are the other two). It's very well done, and its fascinatingly original premise was one that I found myself immediately drawn to.

It contains some great performances by actors like Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman, and Will Ferrell is actually great in a "semi-serious" role, which sort of blew me away (much like Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind).

As well as the performances, I admire this movie for so easily switching between Comedy and Drama, as though it doesn't really know what it is, but whatever the film is trying to make you feel, it completely succeeds in conveying those emotions.

It's a fascinating little movie, one that I believe I'll always admire for its originality and heart.

There were a lot of comedy-dramas that were considered for this spot like:

-The Science of Sleep (2006)
-Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)
-Being John Malkovich (1999)
-Sideways (2004)
-Up In The Air (2009)


Yet, I found myself constantly coming back to Stranger Than Fiction as the obvious choice.
And now when I finally put it on here, I'm confident that I made the right choice.



Final Comments: A Little Gem That I Hope You're Able To Find Value In.



Titanic (Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, 1997)

Only one more spot left, and I couldn't see it going to any other movie.
I kept coming back to this one in my mind, and after seeing it on the big screen this past April,
it only reaffirmed why I consider Titanic to be one of my favorite movies of All-Time.

Everyone knows the story of Titanic, so there really isn't any point in rehashing the plot.
If you don't like Titanic, hey, there's not much I can do about it.
I guess all I can do is apologize, because I really can't justify not loving the hell out of this movie.

I think what impressed me the most about the film, even at a very young age, was its scope.
The whole experience, everything about Titanic felt like it was huge, and it certainly was.

Paramount took a huge leap of faith when James Cameron proposed a film with the biggest budget
of any film. Ever (at that time). This was a film unlike any the world had ever experienced,
and director James Cameron was the only man who could have done it justice.
It was his vision that made the film work.

Now of course there are the iconic moments,
such as Leo's infamous declaration: "I'm the king of the world!!"
to "I'll never let go, Jack"...

But overall I believe Titanic is an exercise in great, absorbing, filmmaking at its absolute finest.

What makes this movie fascinating to me, is the fact that there's something in this for everybody.
It sort of hits every demographic and every age group, which is a feat that this is not easily achievable.

-There's a great love story.
-It's a period piece.
-It's based on actual history.
-There's great drama.
-There's brilliant action/high stakes.

Its universal appeal is what it makes it stand out in a lot of people's minds.

I fell in love with this movie from the very first time that I saw it when I was 9. I knew I witnessing a great movie, and I could never really explain what I loved about it, until now of course.

James Cameron is a brilliant director and his level of passion and his eccentricities are something that I can relate to, and as a (hopeful) future filmmaker, it's something that I really admire.

Cameron's next feature film, Avatar, almost made the list, but after much debate,
and due to all the aforementioned reasons above, Titanic definitely deserved the spot.



Final Comments: Highly Recommend. Like Nothing You've Ever Seen.




Well, that's all folks.
We've come full circle,
and now you know my Top Twenty movies of all-time (as of May 2012).

I really hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!
If you have any comments, please feel to let me know!