One week down, 19 to go. Might seem daunting, but the reality is that after this week, 1/5 of our lists will be complete. The reaction through one week was incredible. After reading just the bottom ten in our list, people are debating our picks, guessing as to what lies ahead, and some are even creating their own. It's been a pretty remarkable week. Here's to hoping that momentum continues.
There are a couple of new additions to the format this week. From here on out if you click on the title of any of my movies it will link to amazon.com where you can purchase that movie for yourself, or even better, for ME (blu-ray's are preferable, thank-you for caring). Also, I've added a stock-up/down option. This will let you know which direction each movie is headed on my list.
Enjoy.
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly
Academy Awards (4): Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (J. Connelly), and Best Writing. Nominated four more times (including Best Actor/R. Crowe).
Plot: "After a brilliant but asocial mathematician accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn to the nightmarish."
Stock: Down
Stock: Down
When I first saw this critically acclaimed movie nearly ten years ago I was blown away. Probably would have been in the top twenty had I made this list a decade ago. However, time has not treated A Beautiful Mind well. If I happen to see this film on television I tend to keep flipping the channels. Having said that, it still is a powerful film ... at least the first time you see it.
Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly are nothing short of amazing, and the writing certainly deserved the Oscar it won back in 2001. Don't get me wrong, this is a good movie and well worth your time. But now I find it to be a little long, predictable, and actually a little boring. Even though it may be on it's way out, the fact that I was so blown away the first time I watched it puts A Beautiful Mind right here.
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon and Ginnifer Goodwin
Academy Awards (1): Best Actress (R. Witherspoon). Nominated four more times (including Best Actor/J. Phoenix).
Plot: "A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins."
Stock: Up
Stock: Up
There must be something I appreciate about movies that revolve around music. As you have already seen, and will see again in the future, music plays a vital role in the success of a film ... at least with regards of cracking this prestigious list. While Walk The Line is not on here solely because of it's music, it enhances memorable acting performances and a great script (based off Johnny Cash's life).
In complete contrast to A Beautiful Mind, Walk The Line is on it's way up my movie list. I first watched it on television a couple years ago, and even though I started it mid-way through, I was captivated enough to not even think about switching the channel. Now, after watching it from start-to-finish I am convinced Joaquin Phoenix was robbed of an Academy Award, mainly because he sings all the songs and I didn't realize that until after the fact because he sounds just like Johnny Cash. Throw in a terrific job by Reese Witherspoon and you have all the ingredients for a great film.
Director: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall and Jeremy Renner
Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (J. Renner).
Plot: "As he plans his next job, a longtime thief tries to balance his feelings for a bank manager connected to one of his earlier heists, as well as the FBI agent looking to bring him and his crew down."
Stock: Up
Stock: Up
It's safe to say that I'm not a big Ben Affleck fan. His acting skills are mediocre and he's been in some awful films (see: Gigli, Daredevil, Changing Lanes, etc), but I give credit when credit's due ... and Ben Affleck is a terrific writer and director. His follow-up from 2007's Gone Baby Gone only reiterated that fact and it's a shame he was not nominated for any Academy Awards.
There's nothing not to like about The Town. It has great action scenes (even if there is just a bit too much gun-play at times), terrific acting (Jeremy Renner continues to impress), and a well-written script. I walked away from The Town completely fulfilled. I expected a great movie and that's exactly what I received ... sounds simple, but it tends to be a rare feat.
Well done Ben. Hopefully I'll be seeing you again, on this side or the other.
Well done Ben. Hopefully I'll be seeing you again, on this side or the other.
Director: The Farrelly Brothers (Peter & Bobby)
Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels and Lauren Holly
Plot: "The cross-country adventures of two good-hearted but incredibly stupid friends."
Stock: Holding
Stock: Holding
Barnes and I rode up to Tiffin this past weekend for Huntfest '11 and as usual the conversation varied, but as you might expect, this movie list dominated certain sections of the 90-minute haul. One concern Barnes raised with my selections was the lack of comedies. It seemed as if he was worried I was choosing serious movies and not properly valuing the slap-stick genre. I tried to assure him that plenty of funny movies would appear and we get the ball rolling with Dumb and Dumber.
Barnes is right to a certain degree, I had a much easier time ranking dramas than I did with comedies. I found that my taste in funny films evolved more so than my preference for dramas. I still enjoy comedies, but I don't think I would enjoy Dumb and Dumber today as much as I did when I was 10 or 11. That being said, Dumb and Dumber is too funny and has too many one-liners to not make the cut.
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are absolutely perfect for the roles of Lloyd and Harry. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable and their comedic timing only adds to the hilarity. This is a movie that I will always watch for at least a little bit when it is on television, and one I wouldn't mind owning (hint, hint).
"Hey guys. Woah, Big Gulps, huh? All right! Well, see ya later."
Director: John Hamburg
Starring: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston and Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Plot: "A buttoned up newlywed finds his too organized life falling into chaos when he falls in love with an old classmate."
Stock: Holding
Stock: Holding
A movie I never heard of until I saw it on television a couple years ago, Along Came Polly makes the top-100 thanks to some Ben Stiller wackiness, a little bit of Jennifer Aniston hotness, and a whole lot of Phillip Seymour Hoffman hilariousness.
Playing Ben Stiller's best-friend, Sandy Lyle, Hoffman steals every scene he is in. If I were ranking my top 100 movie characters (which is a great idea by the way), Sandy Lyle would be much closer to the top-10. Lest I forget Alec Baldwin's performance as well, and you have a couple supporting actors creating all the memorable scenes.
For those of you that don't know, Along Came Polly is a romantic-comedy about a guy who gets married, quickly gets a divorce, and falls for another girl. The premise sounds over-done, but when you see how they execute the plot, I can guarantee you haven't seen another film quite like this.
Playing Ben Stiller's best-friend, Sandy Lyle, Hoffman steals every scene he is in. If I were ranking my top 100 movie characters (which is a great idea by the way), Sandy Lyle would be much closer to the top-10. Lest I forget Alec Baldwin's performance as well, and you have a couple supporting actors creating all the memorable scenes.
For those of you that don't know, Along Came Polly is a romantic-comedy about a guy who gets married, quickly gets a divorce, and falls for another girl. The premise sounds over-done, but when you see how they execute the plot, I can guarantee you haven't seen another film quite like this.
Starring: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb and Martin Balsam
Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Writing.
Plot: "A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court."
Stock: Up
Stock: Up
The odds of Big John (aka my dad) getting a nod for suggesting a movie on this list were about the same as the Cleveland Indians being in first place on July 18th, but look at us now.
In the past, my father has tried to get me to watch some horrible films. Harvey and Jeremiah Johnson spring immediately to mind. So when he recommend I watch 12 Angry Men, I really wasn't expecting much. Again, couldn't have been more wrong. Somewhere Casey Blake is smiling.
While this particular movie poster is in color, the version I first watched was in black-and-white, which actually added to the film. The premise is simple in nature. Twelve jurors are trying to commit to a verdict on a murder case. There is one dissenter, and from there the movie goes. The juror room is the one-and-only set throughout the entire film.
Henry Fonda was spectacular, and how he was not nominated for an Academy Award is a travesty. Also can't believe this didn't win Best Picture, but that's the way it goes sometimes. It's getting its' recognition now though, as it currently ranks #6 on IMDB.COM's Top 250.
In the past, my father has tried to get me to watch some horrible films. Harvey and Jeremiah Johnson spring immediately to mind. So when he recommend I watch 12 Angry Men, I really wasn't expecting much. Again, couldn't have been more wrong. Somewhere Casey Blake is smiling.
While this particular movie poster is in color, the version I first watched was in black-and-white, which actually added to the film. The premise is simple in nature. Twelve jurors are trying to commit to a verdict on a murder case. There is one dissenter, and from there the movie goes. The juror room is the one-and-only set throughout the entire film.
Henry Fonda was spectacular, and how he was not nominated for an Academy Award is a travesty. Also can't believe this didn't win Best Picture, but that's the way it goes sometimes. It's getting its' recognition now though, as it currently ranks #6 on IMDB.COM's Top 250.
Director: David Koepp
Starring: Johnny Depp, Maria Bello and John Turturro
Plot: "A writer is accused for plagiarism by a strange man, who then starts haunting him for justice."
Stock: Down
Stock: Down
This movie has two things going for it that played a large role in making my top 100. One, it has Johnny Depp, probably my favorite actor. And two, it's about a writer; people I envy because they are truly doing what they love. Yes there is a nice twist at the end as well, but it's the first two facts that are responsible for its' inclusion.
I tend to watch movies thinking like a writer. I view them while writing the book inside my head. "How would I describe this scene?" and "How would I describe this character?" are two common thoughts that show up whenever I'm watching a movie. Secret Window has a writer's plot and is a writer's movie. It has unique characters, a mysterious plot, and a simple - yet perfect - enough ending to satisfy most viewers.
Five years from now Secret Window will be fighting for it's life on this list, but we don't live in a world five years from now.
I tend to watch movies thinking like a writer. I view them while writing the book inside my head. "How would I describe this scene?" and "How would I describe this character?" are two common thoughts that show up whenever I'm watching a movie. Secret Window has a writer's plot and is a writer's movie. It has unique characters, a mysterious plot, and a simple - yet perfect - enough ending to satisfy most viewers.
Five years from now Secret Window will be fighting for it's life on this list, but we don't live in a world five years from now.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Stanley Tucci
PLot: "An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there."
Stock: Up
Stock: Up
One of my biggest fears making this list is missing a movie. There would be nothing worse than putting together 100 of my favorite films only to realize I completely forgot one. In my mind, the list would be incomplete. I haven't had that moment yet, but I almost did a week before we started posting. Thankfully, HBO was showing The Terminal and I remembered how much I loved this film. It's the best thing HBO has done for me since Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Score another one for Tom Hanks, who has taken the early lead in my favorite actor race, as this is his third appearance. In The Terminal, Hanks played Victor Navorski, an immigrant who gets stuck in a NYC airport terminal when his country back home begins a civil war while he is on his plane-ride to the USA. America doesn't recognize his country as an actual country, so Victor is basically stuck.
It's a great concept and Hanks does an excellent job of portraying Victor. You actually stop thinking it's Tom Hanks at a certain point in the film. You also find yourself rooting for Victor as he makes friends, a couple enemies, and even a romantic interest (a part I could have done without). While Spielberg is normally known for his big productions, people forget he directed this relatively "simple" film. It's a good thing I didn't.
Director: John Hamburg
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel and Rashida Jones
Plot: "Friendless Peter Klaven goes on a series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding. But when his insta-bond with his new B.F.F. puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, can the trio learn to live happily ever after?"
Stock: Holding
Stock: Holding
A couple years ago Kevin and I were at a Taco Bell back in Tiffin, Ohio. As we were just sitting down to eat, a couple of girls were on their way out. One of them knew Kevin and they started a little conversation. As they were out the door, Hunt threw in the line, "Have fun doing whatever it is you're doing tonight." It's just one of the many memorable lines one of us have spoken throughout the years, but it's also a line that Peter Klaven would have said.
I Love You, Man is a modern-day comedy and it's actually the first movie I went to after I moved to Madison, Wisconsin. I guess it should make sense then that I thought of Hunt numerous times throughout it, not just because of the Taco Bell aspect, but because we both have a similar sense of humor.
Both leading men, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel are in movies that rank higher on this list, which is a testament to how funny they truly are. Just like Daniels and Carrey from earlier, Rudd and Segel have an on-screen chemistry that forces you to laugh ... and laugh a lot.
I Love You, Man is a modern-day comedy and it's actually the first movie I went to after I moved to Madison, Wisconsin. I guess it should make sense then that I thought of Hunt numerous times throughout it, not just because of the Taco Bell aspect, but because we both have a similar sense of humor.
Both leading men, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel are in movies that rank higher on this list, which is a testament to how funny they truly are. Just like Daniels and Carrey from earlier, Rudd and Segel have an on-screen chemistry that forces you to laugh ... and laugh a lot.
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore and David Kelly
Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Costume
Plot: "A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker."
Stock: Down
Stock: Down
I was just as surprised as you probably are right now that Charlie And The Chocolate Factory made my list. There's a small part of me that still doesn't understand it. Let me try and break it down. I'll start with the simple facts.
I love Johnny Depp and I liked the first Willie Wonka film, so obviously this remake peaked my interest. But the biggest reason it cracks my top 100 is because of where I was when I was watching it. And sometimes, the experience around the movie creates the most memorable moments.
Not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous about moving to Madison. It was a long way from everything and everyone I used to know. Watching this movie was when that nervousness disappeared for good. I was with my ex-girlfriend, snuggled up in her bed, with her dog Frankie right there and I knew everything would be okay. Now obviously things eventually didn't work out, but at that moment I was truly happy and truly content with my life and my decision to move to Madison.
So now, whenever Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes on, I'll watch a little, and I'll smile, because I remember the state of mind I was in the first time I saw it.
That's it for this week, make sure to check out Matt Barnes' blog as he unveils his second ten. Also come back often for more updates to both our blogs.
Glad to have you with us on this incredible journey. Hope you are having as much fun as we are.
Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."
I love Johnny Depp and I liked the first Willie Wonka film, so obviously this remake peaked my interest. But the biggest reason it cracks my top 100 is because of where I was when I was watching it. And sometimes, the experience around the movie creates the most memorable moments.
Not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous about moving to Madison. It was a long way from everything and everyone I used to know. Watching this movie was when that nervousness disappeared for good. I was with my ex-girlfriend, snuggled up in her bed, with her dog Frankie right there and I knew everything would be okay. Now obviously things eventually didn't work out, but at that moment I was truly happy and truly content with my life and my decision to move to Madison.
So now, whenever Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes on, I'll watch a little, and I'll smile, because I remember the state of mind I was in the first time I saw it.
That's it for this week, make sure to check out Matt Barnes' blog as he unveils his second ten. Also come back often for more updates to both our blogs.
Glad to have you with us on this incredible journey. Hope you are having as much fun as we are.
Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."
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