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!