After eight weeks - two months - of ranking, writing and recapping, we are left with a mere 30 movies to unveil. After our last batch of ten tonight we will be down to just 20. Granted, it's going to take three months to finish our list but most of the grind is completed.
It's been a long road to get here, but it's been a completely satisfying journey to say the least. This list is accomplishing exactly what I set out to do. It's giving everyone a closer look into yours truly while teaching me some things I didn't even realize.
Onwards and upwards. Enjoy.
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke and Scott Glenn
Academy Awards (1): Won Best Actor (D. Washington). Nominated one more time (Best Supporting Actor/E. Hawke).
Plot: "On his first day on the job as a narcotics officer, a rookie cop works with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears."
Stock: Holding
"King Kong ain't got shit on me!"
I hardly ever use Michael Jordan as a comparison because it's damn near impossible to compare MJ to anything or anyone. But, I will use it here because it's the ONLY thing I can think of when describing Denzel's role of Alonzo Harris. If Training Day was Game 7 of the NBA Finals, then Denzel was vintage Michael Jordan.
There really isn't any other way to describe how perfect Denzel is as Alonzo Harris. His charisma, his language, his laugh ... they all play a part in crafting one of the most "perfect" characters I've ever had the privilege of watching. He steals every scene he's in and wholeheartedly deserved the Oscar he took home.
Did I mention that Training Day has an excellent plot and a terrific cast of characters around Denzel? Did I mention that Ethan Hawke is really good as Denzel's sidekick? Did I mention how the story is continuous and has zero breaks in action? Make no mistake even if you took out Denzel, you would be left with a really solid movie.
Like Barnes, I was a late addition to Training Day and didn't get around to finally seeing it until a couple years ago. I knew Denzel was superb and I had seen bits-and-pieces of it but never watched it all the way through. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and take it in. It's too good of a film for you not to see it.
Before we started making these lists I was curious to see if Barnes and I would have any movie ranked at the same spot. Well thus far we haven't, but Training Day is the closest we have come. Barnes puts it at #36, just six spots in front of where I landed it. Only time will tell if this will hold up or not.
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Starring: Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta
Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Picture, Best Writing and Best Music).
Plot: "An Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his fields; he does, and the Chicago Black Sox come."
Stock: Down
"If you build it, he will come."
It's a line synonymous with Field of Dreams. When my brother and I were growing up I would often hide and try to whisper that line to him in an attempt to recreate those memorable scenes.
And that's what Field of Dreams is full of ... memorable scenes, memorable moments. Between Kevin Costner playing catch with his dad, to Ray Liotta standing out in the middle of the dark baseball field, to the line of cars making their way to Costner's farm. The imagery, the music, and the acting all combine to make this an all-time great movie.
Field of Dreams is one of those special films that evolves with age. It can mean different things to the viewer depending on when they are watching it. For a young boy it's a story about baseball. For others it's a story about remembering their father. And for some it's a story about life after death. And the best part is that they are all right. It completely encapsulates all of those ideas.
It's been a while since I've seen Field of Dreams and that's a shame. It should be one of those movies I watch every year during Spring Training. Or at the very least whenever I am lacking inspiration. The tag-line to this movie is dead on. "If you believe the impossible, the incredible can come true."
Words to live by.
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt and Paul Sanchez
Academy Awards: Nominated twice (Best Actor/T. Hanks and Best Sound).
Plot: "A FedEx executive must transform himself physically and emotionally to survive a crash landing on a deserted island."
Stock: Holding
"I have to keep breathing, because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
Up to this point, Cast Away has the strongest plot of any movie on my list. It might also be the simplest plot. Tom Hanks finds himself stranded on an island after a plane wreck. That's about it. That's the plot. You might say it's boring, slow and maybe too long, but you would be missing a tremendous movie.
From a writer's point-of-view, Cast Away is a great flick. It poses a ton of great questions. What would happen if you were stranded on an island? Would you adapt, would you survive, or would you die? What if you came back after four years to discover that life had moved on without you? What if logic can be trumped by hope??
That last question is the central focus for me with Cast Away. Yes Tom Hanks is outstanding yet again, and yes, the plot does offer a ton, but at the end of the day, this movie is about logic vs. hope.
I consider myself to be a logical person, always looking at questions using common sense, but sometimes common sense isn't the answer. Sometimes hope is the best antidote. This is what Tom Hanks struggles with in Cast Away and to watch him evolve as the film goes on is very inspiring.
At the very least Cast Away should make my list because it inspired the creation of LOST, also known as the greatest television show in the history of basic cable.
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley
Academy Awards: Nominated five times (including Best Actor/J. Depp, Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup).
Plot: "Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead."
Stock: Holding
"But why is the rum gone?"
In 2003 when I walked away from the theatre after just watching Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl, I had it ranked solidly in the top-ten. As you can see it's steadily dropped since but it still ranks as one of my all-time favorites.
Much like Denzel Washington's character in Training Day, Johnny Depp's portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow steals the center of attention in POTC. It's my all-time favorite Johnny Depp role. His quirky mannerisms, his unabashed sense-of-humor, and his quick wit all make-up another memorable character. I feel the later we go in this, the more "memorable characters" appear.
The movie has everything you could ask for. It has drama, it has comedy, and it has non-stop adventure. Barnes has said on numerous occasions that he goes to movies not to think but to be taken away, well then this film was tailor-made for him.
What hurt this film were the sequels that came out after it. Sure Johnny Depp was hilarious in all of them (haven't seen the most recent one), but their stories weren't nearly as captivating. I loved how the first one had a beginning, a middle, and an end. I remember being tremendously excited for the second Pirates movie only to walk away feeling tremendously let down. They left it where you had to go see the 3rd one and I didn't appreciate it.
Lest us forget how this movie made me fall in love with Keira Knightley. If you're reading this Keira, will you marry me??
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Mia Sara
Plot: "A high school wise guy is determined to have a day off from school, despite of what the principal thinks of that."
Stock: Down
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you might miss it."
I always connected with Ferris Bueller. Anyone who has ever faked sick to take a day off of school/work/life should feel connected to Bueller. He reminds us of what really is important. He reminds us that we should appreciate what we have before it's gone.
Ferris is also a great friend, and his friendship with Cameron takes center stage in this movie. Cameron and Ferris aren't similar in their philosophies on life, but they do look out for one another. They know when and how hard to push each other and when to back off. They make each other better. You know, I started to think back at all of the movies on my list and there really haven't been that many "best-friend" centered films. Go figure.
This movie also has an iconic scene where Ferris leads a parade in singing "Twist and Shout." It's a scene that still gives me chills when I watch it today. It's a moment where people of all shapes, sizes and colors come together in an unforgettable experience.
While the plot may be a little nonsensical and the acting not up to par with some other films on this list, it's a movie that always resonated with me. And when I'm not paying attention it taught me some life lessons. Don't forget to have fun. And how much value can be had in one single day.
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy and Laila Robins
Plot: "A man must struggle to travel home for Thanksgiving, with an obnoxious slob of a shower ring salesman his only companion."
Stock: Up
"Larry Bird doesn't do as much ball-handling in one night as you do in an hour!"
Second straight John Hughes directed film came by a complete accident. I didn't even realize he directed either of those two movies. Without going back and doing the math it would appear that he has taken the lead as my favorite director. As the year's go on though, he's going to have a tough time keeping that title seeing how he's dead and all.
Speaking of dead people, John Candy is outstanding in this movie. His portrayal of Del Griffin is impeccably good. Combine him with Steve Martin and you have a undeniably funny tandem making an unbelievably funny movie. Laughs will not be in short supply as you watch it.
When the movie begins, Steve and John are complete strangers, but when the movie ends they have developed a deep friendship. It's a journey that involves laughs, some tears, and then some more laughter.
What makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles a lasting film isn't just the comedy (which is top-notch), but the deeper emotions that are slowly evoked throughout. You could even make the argument that PTA isn't even a comedy. It shows how friendship can be obtained and the kindness of the human spirit. The greatness behind PTA is that the emotion doesn't overpower the laughter, or vice versa. It's interwoven flawlessly, almost to the point that it's unnoticeable until the very end.
Steve Martin calls this his favorite film, and while it's not my #1, it's certainly up there.
Director: Mel Gibson
Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Gerardo Taracena and Raoul Trujillo
Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Makeup and Best Sound).
Plot: "As the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw, a young man captured for sacrifice, flees to avoid his fate."
Stock: Up
This is the first movie on my list that is spoken completely in a foreign language. No English whatsoever. Usually films like that are a major turn-off as I don't like reading while watching a movie (I find it distracting), but Apocalypto is so powerful that I don't mind having to read every line.
Usually I don't delve too much into the plot, but I have a feeling that the majority of my readers haven't gotten the pleasure of watching Apocalypto, so I'll try and do a brief recap.
Apocalypto takes place in America, before the European settlers came over. It centers around the life of Jaguar Paw, an Indian of a peaceful tribe. They are attacked by a bunch of warriors who are trying to make sacrifices to appease the gods. Jaguar Paw escapes and the climax of the plot deals with the warriors trying to catch him.
While I'm not doing that plot-line justice, you'll have to take my word that this movie is worth your time. If you enjoy action movies, then Apocalypto is for you. It's packed with action-sequences at every turn. As one ends another begins. It's not a movie that stands still for long. It may not be for the easily squeamish because the R rating does flex its' muscle in a couple of scenes.
What I loved about Apocalypto, besides the action sequences, was how attached I was to Jaguar Paw. For some reason I became emotionally attached to him. I found myself rooting for him and for his family. It's a riveting film, has many unforgettable scenes and hopefully will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Oh, and it'll probably make you quite fearful of jaguars. I know I certainly don't ever want to come across one after watching this film.
Director: Peter Weir
Starring: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris and Laura Linney
Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor/E. Harris, and Best Writing).
Plot: "An insurance salesman/adjuster discovers his entire life is actually a TV show."
Stock: Up
"Good morning. And in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night."
Few movies change the way people think. But that's exactly what The Truman Show did for me after I first watched it. My 13-year-old self was convinced that I could be the star of my own television show and not even know it. I'm sure that I wasn't the only one.
Typical Jim Carrey movies has him playing an "over-the-top" funny guy, but that's not the case in The Truman Show. Here Carrey shows his capability of playing an "under-the-radar" straight-guy. He's not too funny or too dramatic. In other words, he was the perfect blend for his role as Truman Burbank. Not surprised at all that he went home with the Golden Globe for Best Male Dramatic Lead. Should have received an Oscar bid.
The real reason The Truman Show is this high is the script. It's original and ingenious. What if you were the star of your own television show and had no idea? What would that look like? What would happen if the secret slowly was revealed to you? What would happen when you found out? These are all questions and scenarios brought up in this classic that Truman must battle.
The best part of The Truman Show is when Carrey slowly realizes that something is amiss. It forces you to laugh and forces you to think, which are two traits of an outstanding movie. I feel as if there are some college classes that could benefit from watching The Truman Show mainly because it's a discussion-centered film. One you want to talk about right after it's done.
Director: Jessie Nelson
Starring: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dakota Fanning
Academy Awards: Nominated once (Best Actor/S. Penn).
Plot: "A mentally retarded man fights for custody of his 7-year-old daughter, and in the process teaches his cold-hearted lawyer the value of love and family."
Stock: Holding
"All you need is love."
Don't know who told me to see this movie and that's a complete shame because I owe them a gigantic thank-you. I Am Sam is a gripping, emotionally-riveting film that features outstanding acting, a heart-breaking plot, and terrific music.
Sean Penn is one of the best actors in Hollywood. He's been nominated for five Best Actor Oscars and took home the top-prize twice. He was nominated for his performance of Sam but lost to Denzel Washington (Training Day). The 2002 Best Actor category features four performances that can now be found on this list (Penn, Crowe/Beautiful Mind, Denzel, and Smith/Ali). All were deserving.
Penn plays a mentally challenged man who ends up being a single-father of little Dakota Fanning. You can tell that he tries his best to be a good dad, but due to his mental condition the older Dakota gets the harder it is on Penn. The movie centers around a custody battle between the state and Sean Penn.
It's difficult for me to watch this movie and not become moved. It plays on a variety of emotions. It makes me laugh. Makes me empathize. Makes me cry. Just like Jimmy V said, if you can do all three that's one hell of a day, or in this instance, one hell of a movie.
And that soundtrack full of re-made Beatles songs just might be the best soundtrack I've ever listened to. Outstanding all across the board.
Director: Marc Forster
Starring: Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman
Plot: "An IRS auditor suddenly finds himself the subject of narration only he can hear: narration that begins to affect his entire life, from his work, to his love-interest, to his death."
Stock: Up
"You have to die. It's a masterpiece."
See everything I just wrote about Jim Carrey for The Truman Show because it aptly applies to what Will Ferrell did in Stranger Than Fiction. Instead of playing the laugh-out-loud guy, Ferrell dropped the comedic bit to star in this one-of-a-kind movie.
Will Ferrell plays the role of Harold Crick, an IRS auditor who lives a rather mundane life. That is until he starts to hear a voice narrating his life. The voice turns out to be an author of a book starring none other than Harold. From there we see what an impact the author has on Harold and vice versa.
Ferrell received a Golden Globe nomination for this performance and you are not going to hear one single complaint from me. Ferrell is excellent as is Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson and Maggie Gyllenhaal in supporting roles. The acting is solid but not what makes it my #21 favorite movie.
No, it's more about the story and how it's told. This is a film that tackles a variety of subjects including art, romance, and responsibility. Not to mention it focuses on writing, something you can tell intrigues me. I walked away from Stranger Than Fiction inspired to write.
Stranger Than Fiction takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions and will leave you wanting to discuss it with whomever you watched it with. It's an excellent film, one that just missed out on the top-20, but might just make it in there the second time around.
Thanks for going on this journey with Barnes and myself. We have now finished recapping 80 of our 100 favorite movies. The next two weeks we will unveil five more films at a time leaving us with ten to go. For the top-ten we will spend one week on each movie, giving it the recognition it deserves.
Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."
1 comment:
You're welcome for #22.
Post a Comment