Matt's Top 100 Movies: Luke's List (71-80)

Can't believe it but we are 30 movies deep into this countdown. Props to Luke for posting on time (he's known to not do so) and props to all who read our posts, considering I can think of nearly a million better things to do with your time. Anyways, another week, another breakdown of the good and bad movies Luke had on his list.

#80 The Blues Brothers
-- Well, I've never seen this movie and never really wanted to. Just nothing about it really thrills me. With that said, I've heard some decent things about it and the fact that it gets replayed a ton by TBS must say something about its quality. I am sure of one thing: I would love the music.

#79 Inside Man
-- Shocking: Denzel Washington playing some hard-nosed cop/detective/negotiator/lawyer. Some call him a one-trick pony but you know what, if you're good at it, keep on doing it. And in his case, he's great. Now I have not seen this movie but I am positive I would enjoy it. The main actors are all people I respect and the trailer really intrigues me. Definitely a movie I would watch if it comes on HBO soon and then call Luke and tell him it was a well-deserved selection on his list.

#78 Toy Story
-- I know Luke is giving me a lot of grief about animated movies but when a movie is good, it is good, whether it be animated or not. That's the case with Toy Story. It is just simply a great movie with a great story, great (voice) acting, and great music. Not one problem with the inclusion of this Disney classic at all. And I'm glad to see its stock is up as well because I also like to think this movie actually gets better with time.

#77 Home Alone
-- Another amazing selection. Like Luke, this movie gets better as I get older. I appreciate more and more the performances of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. I enjoy the clever writing that much more. Maybe most importantly though, I appreciate the message of the movie. I think people forget this is actually a Christmas movie and should be right up there with some of the other holiday classics.

#76 Dan In Real Life
-- When I began to make my list of top 100 movies, I first made a list of movies that should be considered. This movie made that list but ultimately did not make my Top 100 list. I think if I had a top 125 list, it makes the cut. It is a quality movie and Steve Carell does an amazing job. What I don't like is that it looks a little like his newest movie "Crazy Stupid Love". I'm not a fan of when actors do the same movie twice and I think he is doing just that. But anyways, I'm glad one of us decided to recognize this movie because it is a good flick and as Luke said, despite Dane Cook.

#75 The Sandlot
-- As Luke mentioned, this is the first movie on both of our lists, or at least we have both revealed. What he doesn't know is that we actually have had a lot of movies in common, just ranked differently. But not this movie, which we both have ranked in similar spots. As I mentioned, it is just a movie that defines a generation and my childhood. And as Luke so eloquently writes, "Whenever The Sandlot comes on it takes me back to that time - a much simpler time - and I always end up smiling.". Couldn't agree more sir.

#74 The Departed
-- No problem with this selection by any means. In fact, kind of surprised it is so low knowing just how good this movie is. Luke does mention that he has just seen it once and that may play a role in how low it is. But I'll tell you what, I've seen a lot of the movies on my list just once and they rank pretty high so I hope that's not an excuse he is using. I am a big fan of this movie. The acting is outstanding. The plot is simple but at the same time complex. The writing is great. And the ending...I could go on and on about this movie but I'll wait until it hits my list, because it no doubt will.

#73 Ocean's Eleven
-- Just like "Dan In Real Life", Ocean's Eleven made my consideration list but not the final cut. As Luke wrote, it's just a "fun" movie. I'm not normally a fan of huge ensemble movies like this, where you have 6-8 well-known actors in a movie. But this movie moves so easily and the actors do a great job of just playing their role and not trying to take the movie over that it works. I do hope one day that Luke sees the sequels because they are just like this one. I am definitely a fan of this selection and maybe one day, it will crack my top 100.

#72 The Patriot
-- Unlike Luke, I do not think Mel Gibson is a good actor. Never have, even though I have probably seen just a couple of his movies. However, I am a big Heath Ledger fan and have heard good things about his performance in this movie. The thing is, I really hate movies about wars, especially ones like this, using old-school English accents and such. And at 165 minutes, that's an eternity to sit and watch an actor I don't like and a story I tend to not like either. I'll pass.

#71 Office Space
-- I'm sort of shocked this is so low on Luke's list, knowing especially how much this kind of comedy fits his personality. I am a big fan of this movie. I didn't see it until late in college but once I did, I could finally see why people were quoting it all the time or at least referring to it. It doesn't boast your big name stars (Jennifer Aniston the biggest and she's not the central charcter) and it clearly didn't boast a big budget. (Quick aside, this movie reminds me a bit of Horrible Bosses and yet again, Aniston is in it but this time, she is the boss.) Office Space just has a clever plot, some great one-liners and never has a dull moment. Glad it made the list.

So there you have it. My take on Luke's list. 30 movies down, 70 more to go. Sounds like a lot but all things considered, it's really not. Can't wait to see what he churns out next and I hope he feels likewise.

Until next time, Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: 71-80 Trailers

Time for another set of trailers to go with the reveal of ten more movies. Been a busy week with the birthday and all but making time to watch these trailers and post it on the blog is a must-do. I truly look forward to watching these trailers because it allows to me to re-live the movie a bit, even if for just 2 minutes. I will rank this latest batch from 1-10 at the end. Happy watching!

80. Ladybugs

My Take: You get a feel for the comedy of Dangerfield in this trailer but not enough. He really makes this movie funny. But beyond that, the trailer is just sort of boring. I assure you the entire movie is better than this trailer.

79. Heavyweights

My Take: Not a big fan of this trailer as well. While it does highlight some funny parts of the movie, it doesn't really capture the comedy at all. Instead, it focuses more on the underdog aspect, which is fine, but not nearly as entertaining.

78. Jerry Maguire

My Take: Good quality trailer. You get to know the story. You get some great comedic and dramatic parts. And you get attached to the characters without even knowing them. Kudos for the numerous shots of Jonathan Lipnicki, who makes me smile just looking at his goofy face.

77. Shrek

My Take: Having seen the movie, this trailer isn't that great. Not awful, but not great. But if I hadn't seen the movie, I would have really like it a lot more because it was so different than any other animated movie.

76. Little Miss Sunshine

My Take: Now that's how you make a trailer. Let the actors carry it. Not a narrator. Just in this trailer alone you get an idea of just how this ensemble of characters will make for great comedy. Not just that but you get an idea of the story but without giving anything away.

75. 8 Mile

My Take: A solid trailer here as well. It gives you the plot, advances it from start to near finish, and gives you a slight glimpse into the messed up life B-Rabbit has. It is now up to the viwer to watch to find out how he came to be who he is and what he will become.

74. Hook

My Take: I find it very interesting that in a movie about Peter Pan and Captain Hook that the trailer didn't show one scene form Neverland. Very daring considering the trailer stinks without that footage. But for those who trust Steven Spielberg and already know the story of Peter Pan, you probably saw it anyways and left happy like I did.

73. One Fine Day

My Take: A good trailer considering the premise of the movie. It is all one day and you don't want to give away too much of the big events that happen during the day. It's a good tease of how the two hate each other with a passion early but later, gain a passion for each other. How they get there actually is what makes this movie good.

72. Precious

My Take: There's no way to make this trailer and have it come off as a feel-good movie. That's because it is not. It is a powerful movie and I think this trailer does it justice. You know who to hate, who to root for, and just how tough it is for a young woman like Precious in just 2 minutes.

71. Clueless

My Take: There are better scenes I would have put in this trailer but I understand keeping those hidden until the movie. This trailer does just fine but leaves me wanting more. It's fair to say that if my sister didn't make me see this movie, I may not have seen it at all, and that would be a shame.

So there are the ten. In order of favorite to least favorite,

1. Little Miss Sunshine
2. 8 Mile
3. Jerry Maguire
4. Precious
5. Clueless
6. One Fine Day
7. Shrek
8. Heavyweights
9. Ladybugs
10. Hook

Look for Luke's trailers on his blog very soon and of course, check both of our blogs for reaction to each other's movies 71-80. As always, thanks for reading. Comments are welcome!

Hakuna Matata

Matt's Top 100 Movies: 71-80

Another week, another group of ten movies revealed on my list. Just in the first two weeks, this has been worth every minute "wasted" on compiling this list and putting it all together on the blog. The comments/feedback I am getting is welcomed, even though it is not always positive. Plus, being able to think about each one of these movies if just for 5 minutes is a lot of fun. So with that said, here we go with movies 71-80. As always, check out Luke's blog for his latest reveal and post your thoughts/comments/feedback on the blog or on Facebook.

80. Ladybugs (1992)
Starring Rodney Dangerfield, Jackee' Harry, Jonathan Brandis
Directed by Sidney J. Furie

We start off this post with a bang I think in a movie truly undervalued by America. In the words of the movie's star Rodney Dangerfield, it "gets no respect".

Ladybugs has a pretty simple plot. Dangerfield wants to move up in his company and in order to do that, needs to coach the company's all-girl soccer team to a championship. Knowing how important the promotion is, he employs a secret weapon: his fiancee's son Matthew...or should I say Martha. Of course, the only people who know of this arrangement are Dangerfield, Jackee' (asst. coach) and Brandis, who plays Matthew. What ensues after that is pure hilarity.

This movie reminds me a bit of Kicking and Screaming except for the fact that Rodney Dangerfield makes this movie. His acting style is one of my favorites and in this role, it shines. Plus, the premise of a boy cross-dressing for a girls team makes for some great moments on and off the field. I remember watching this movie nearly every month it seemed with my sister when I was younger. That's probably why it makes it this high on the list. But I'm fine with that because it's a quality comedy.

79. Heavyweights (1995)
Starring Ben Stiller, Aaron Schwartz, Kenan Thompson
Directed by Steven Brill

Another classic from the childhood makes the list. Shocking I know. But if you've seen this movie, you understand just how funny this one is, then and now.

Kids go off to a fat camp that normally just involves having a good time, being fat and fancy free. But when Ben Stiller takes over and turns it into a fitness camp, things change drastically. All unhealthy food is taken away. Activities now involve exercise and only exercise. And forget campfire stories. Now it's nothing but scary motivational speeches from Tony Perkis, who of course is playing up the excitement to the camera trying to capture the camp as a pleasant experience.

I haven't seen this movie in awhile but I wish I had because honestly, it may be higher. The lines in this movie are great (credit Judd Apatow with that -- he co-wrote the movie) and Ben Stiller alone is worth the watch. This was my first ever Stiller movie and who knew since then he would turn into one of my go-to actors. The adventures of these kids are great to watch and rooting for the underdog story never grows out of style.

78. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger
Directed by Cameron Crowe

You're talking about one of the best movies in 1996. Nominated for numerous awards, and winner of a best actor Golden Globe (Cruise) and best supporting actor Oscar (Gooding Jr.). Simply put, it deserves to be on this list.

I've always been intrigued by the relationship between a sports agent and his client. This movie finally gave me that look inside. Now while I know not all agents are not like Jerry Maguire, you would like to think they are. Passionate but compassionate at the same time. Focuses all his attention on you and your best interests. Worried more about you as a person than the money you can make him. In the days of Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus, having a quiet and caring agent like Jerry Maguire sure would be a nice change of pace.

But beyond the personal reason of wanting to see this dynamic, it is just a solid flick. The acting nominations and victories are well-deserved as you really fall into this movie, forgetting that Cruise and Gooding are just acting. I could do without Zellweger in any movie (never understood how she is a leading lady) but it's not like she ruins the movie. Without her character, there would be no Jonathan Lipnicki, and how can you forget that kid in that movie. So good. I'm pretty sure every time I see this movie, I like it that much more. I hope you feel the same.

77. Shrek (2001)
Voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson

As you'll see on this list, animated movies will make frequent appearances. But not because they make me feel like a kid, but because they are just quality movies. Shrek qualifies as that, especially since I wasn't even a kid when I saw it.

What I love about Shrek is that it really isn't even a movie for kids. Shrek is rude, disgusting, and has a dirty mouth to go with his ugly appearance. Plus, the humor in the movie is a bit "advanced" for kids 5-12. But at 15 years old, it was right up my alley. The story was pretty strong too, as it used the familiar fairy tale storyline but shook it up a bit. Not a prince but an ogre. Not a stallion but a donkey. And the fairy tale ending...well, if you count the princess turning into an ogre herself as that, then I guess.

Since Shrek, they have made sequel upon sequel, and each one has been funny. But none live up to the original simply because Shrek was something we had never seen before in an animated movie. The voices are great and the subtle jokes in the movie that maybe those of us in the mature audience can appreciate really make the movie memorable. Will Shrek stand the test of time? I don't know. It holds a special place in my heart for being so different but I don't know if it maintains top 100 status as the years go on.

76. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Starring Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

On first look, you don't see much in this movie. You just see an indie looking flick about a girl in a beauty pageant. But trust me when I say this, you get much more than that. You get easily one of the best movies of 2006 with one of the best cast ensembles maybe put together in a movie. Big statement, I know.

This movie has very little to do actually with the pageant. It has so much more to do with the relationships between the family. you have straight-laced Greg Kinnear, trying to be a good dad. His wife Toni Collette who is a bit more down-to-earth but easily frazzled. Alan Arkin, who plays Grandpa, who may steal the show when he gives pageant advice to cute little Abigail Breslin. Steve Carell, who plays a guy who lives with the family after trying to commit suicide. And then Paul Dano as Dwayne, who has pledged a vow of silence. Seriously, he doesn't talk for nearly the entire movie. It's quite impressive.

That collection of characters make for some great comedy. And it all comes on a wild trip to California for a pageant that the audience know Breslin has no chance of winning. But this creative plot and clever writing did win for original screenplay at the Oscars, as did Arkin for his tremendous turn as Grandpa Edwin Hoover. I've just seen this movie once but I'm pretty sure if I saw it again, it'd be going up the list. It's an R-rated flick so the jokes come with no filter, even with Breslin around. Plus, there's a substantial twist in the middle of the movie that really shakes things up and makes it that much more of a great watch. If you haven't seen it, please do. Soon.

75. 8 Mile (2002)
Starring Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger
Directed by Scott Hanson

We begin the top 75 with a movie that I had little hope for. I mean, really, Eminem acting? I think we've seen in the past how bad rappers-turned-actors can be. But not this time. This time, they got it right.

I'm still surprised Eminem hasn't acted more. Yes, I understand playing a character that is very similar to himself makes it easier but the emotion he put into that character was telling. His anger, his depression, his frustration. It all showed. And the hatred for his mother, who was also played wonderfully by Kim Basinger, and the love for Alex, played by Brittany Murphy also jumped off the screen. I was shocked. I didn't think he had that in him but I'm glad he did because it contributed to what is a great movie.

It's not an easy watch for those who don't like conflict because the movie is full of it. Nothing seems to go right for him but like most of us, it's all about living in the moment, doing what it takes to survive and then when you get your shot, making the most of it. It's a great story and because it is loosely based on Eminem's life, you feel like you can believe it too. You can believe the drug abuse. You can believe the crime. You can believe the rap battles. That's all you can ask for in a movie. Oh, and a quick shoutout to the song "Lose Yourself", winner of an Oscar (Eminem wasn't there or even watching the show when he won). Just another shocking part about this movie that deserves more love than it gets.

74. Hook (1991)
Starring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts
Directed by Steven Spielberg

A brilliant concept if I say so. Take a classic story like Peter Pan and add those proverbial words " what if?" and see what happens. In this case, it's that Peter has moved away from Neverland, has kids, and a seemingly normal life. That is until Captain Hook kidnaps his kids, forcing Peter to remember those always-adolescent days and return to Neverland to rescue them. It's something I never would have thought of. I'm so glad Steven Spielberg not only did, but make it into a fantastic movie.

When I first saw the movie, I was skeptical because well, I loved the story of Peter Pan. And this take on it was just so weird to me. I think I was 7-8 when I first saw Hook. By the time the movie was over though, I immediately wanted to see it again. The action was great and to see real people play the characters I had grown to love from Peter Pan the cartoon added to my intrigue. And I'm not the only one to feel that way, as the movie earned more than $300 million worldwide.

Now, I will say it is a bit long (144 min) for a movie that should cater to kids and adults alike (it is a PG movie) but that doesn't diminish the fact that this is an entertaining watch. I don't think I've seen it though in at least 10 years so I'm not sure if it stands the test of time like others I have seen numerous times in the past 10 years. I like to think though if I did see it again, I would love this movie that much more.

73. One Fine Day (1996)
Starring George Clooney, Michelle Pfeiffer
Directed by Michael Hoffman

I can assure you that you will not find many romantic comedies on this list. There's a reason for that. They all seem to have the same tried-and true formula that I find to be impossible to enjoy. Well, this movie does not and for that and that reason only, I liked it.

The way it works is that both Clooney and Pfeiffer have kids that have a field trip on a ferry boat in NYC. Well, like the great parents they are, they show up late and both their kids miss the boat. Both have careers that do not allow for them to have their kids with them all day or to have them take the day off work. So the two strike a deal to have the other look after each other's kid at some point during the day. How it all unfolds is what makes this movie so great. And of course because it is a rom-com, the two end up falling for each other after this very hectic day.

What makes this movie cool is that it takes place in literally one day. From when they wake up to when they put the kids to sleep. It's a concept you never see. And because they did it this way, it almost makes it feel realistic because we've all had crazy days. In this case, this is a crazy day for both. I could really care less about the romantic part in the comedy. I just really enjoy the randomness of the movie and how both of them must work together to get through one of the craziest days for either of them at their job. A quality flick that I find myself watching every time it pops on.

72. Precious (2009)
Starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey
Directed by Lee Daniels

When I first saw this movie advertised, I thought no way I would see it. A bit too deep for my liking. But all the acclaim it received slowly changed my mind. Not only did it apparently have great acting performances (and it does), it apparently told a story that needs to be told (and it is).

By now, you have an idea of the movie. An overweight Black teenage girl living in a house with an abusive mother who lives off welfare and uses that money for drugs anyways. It's a situation all too common these days. And while her mother doesn't want anything for her daughter, Precious wants more for herself and she seeks it through an alternative school. There she learns confidence, makes friends, and escapes the hate/abuse of home. It's a sad story but one America needs to see so that if they see such a situation, they know they can and should help.

The reason this movie makes the list is because of how powerful this movie is. It makes you feel the pain Precious is feeling. It almost empowers to do something about this growing problem in urban areas. The reason for this is because of the great writing and amazing acting from people I never thought had it in them. Names like Mo'Nique (who truly deserved that Oscar), Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and Lenny Kravitz. All played tough roles but played them wonderfully. It's the kind of movie you have to convince yourself to see but one you will be glad to say you did.

71. Clueless (1995)
Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
Directed by Amy Heckerling

Start the jokes now. Really, it's okay. I can take 'em. But hear me out first. There is a reason a silly movie like this makes my list and probably would get consideration on others list if they were truly willing to admit their favorite movies with no regard for what others thought.

I remember watching this movie numerous times with my sister growing up and each and every time, laughing throughout the entire movie. It's because this movie, like The Sandlot, somewhat defined a generation. At the time, this was the high school teenager generation that was very superficial, using stupid slang terms, and looking for that special someone at all times. Of course, Clueless took it to an extreme, which is what made it so funny. It magnified everything we all loved and hated about high school and made it hilarious.

Just take one look at the quotes page on IMDB and you get an idea of the ridiculousness of the movie as well. Teenagers so wrapped up in their own lives that they are oblivious to the world around them. Teenagers so dense they don't understand common knowledge. It is just simply a good laugh. It was not a chick flick or romantic comedy. It was simply a movie making fun of the stupid things teenagers do and have to deal with in those high school years. Oh and Paul Rudd is in the movie, so you know it's good. Seriously, has he been in a bad one?

Alright, that's the latest list of ten. Luke has his movies 71-80 posted on his blog. Just click here. I'll have trailers and my reaction to Luke's list here on this blog soon. Thanks again for reading and check back next week for movies 61-70!

Hakuna Matata

Matt's Top 100 Movies: Luke's List (81-90)

20 movies are in the books for both Luke and I and couldn't be happier with our ability to actually put posts up in decent time. With that said, I nearly forgot to write this one so Luke (and all of you) know my feelings toward his list. Luke has already written his thoughts of my movies 81-90. You can read that here. As expected, Dante's Peak was his peak target. It actually was the peak target for a lot of my friends. But again, sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to why I like a movie. And I expect the same belief from Luke.

Just like in his first ten, Luke has movies I loved, liked, outright hated or just haven't seen. I will again do my best to be honest about how I feel about the movie without giving it away whether or not it actually makes my list.

#90 A Beautiful Mind
-- A movie Luke has been telling me to see since I've known him. And like many things he tells me to do, I don't. Well, I do hope one day to see this movie because I do think I would find it entertaining. I like thinking man movies and this would be one of them for sure.

#89 Walk The Line
-- I had a discussion with a former roommate of mine about this movie years ago when he was telling me I hadn't seen enough "good" movies. I simply told him I never wanted to see this movie. I'm not doubting it's good. Just had no interest in hearing the story (or quite frankly the music) of Johnny Cash. Now am I missing out on a classic? Possibly. But I'll take that chance and watch a movie I actually have some interest in first.

#88 The Town
-- Haven't seen this either. I know, you're probably wondering what movies I actually have seen. This one came out when I was in Augusta and those were lean times when it came to movie watching. I never wanted to see this movie but Luke's description of it and the trailer intrigue me. Unlike Luke, I am a Ben Affleck fan, both as an actor and writer. Yes, he's picked some bad ones but so have all the great, including one in the next movie on his list.

#87 Dumb and Dumber
-- When I was younger, I thought this movie was funny. Now every time I see it, I turn it off within 5 minutes. I just don't get it. It's not funny. It's almost too dumb. Jim Carrey is a funny guy already but in this movie, yikes. Instead of being well done, it's just burnt. I know a lot of people who quote this movie and love it, but I'm not one of them. Seeing this movie make Luke's top 100 with the caliber of movies he has been strutting out before this boggles me.

#86 Along Came Polly
-- Solid choice here. A different kind of comedy. Heck, you can even say romantic comedy. If you watch the trailer, you know what I mean. It's not boy meets girl per se. It's boy re-introduces himself to girl, who is nothing like he remembers or what he is comfortable with now but that may be what he needs. The acting is great here, led by supporting actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. His basketball scenes had me laughing like a wild banshee in the theater. No problem with this selection at all. It may (or may not) have made my list as well.

#85 12 Angry Men
-- This came out of nowhere. I knew we both have seen some old movies but wasn't sure any of them would make our list. For me, it's just hard to equate them to the movies of my lifetime. They are different in so many ways, most notably in the case of 12 Angry Men, not even shown in color. For me, that's a big sticking point. Lack of color = boredom. I know, terrible but true. Now I have not seen this movie but I have seen this play done by my high school drama program. I loved it then and am sure I would like the movie. So well done Luke...or should I say Big John.

#84 Secret Window
-- I not only have never seen this movie but pretty sure I've never heard of it. Honestly, I tried thinking back to 2004, my high school graduation year, and when this may have come out. Nothing. After watching the trailer, I know for sure I wouldn't want to see this movie. Not a big suspense thriller kind of guy. And the whole concept of some hick who wants to kill someone in a cabin in the woods, eh. It may be a good movie but I'll pass.

#83 The Terminal
-- I remember seeing this trailer then and thinking to myself, that'd be a cool movie to see when it gets out of theaters. In other words, movie I want to see but not willing to pay money to see it. The reason being that it has such an odd concept that may be great or be incredibly disappointing. But I should have known better with Tom Hanks being in it. He's an incredible actor with great range, and under the guidance of a director like Steven Spielberg, there's no way it could be bad. But I don't know. I've never seen it.

#82 I Love You, Man
-- I'm not sure I've seen a Paul Rudd movie I don't like, which makes me wonder why I never wanted to see this movie. The concept of it was just unrealistic that I never even thought of seeing this in or out of theaters. I mean, a guy can't think of one person to serve as his best man? Not one close friend or family member? Yeah, not buying it. The trailer did nothing for me either. I'm not saying this movie shouldn't be on Luke's list but I have a feeling it wouldn't make mine.

#81 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
-- I'm gonna keep this short and simple. AWFUL MOVIE. The original is the favorite for most people for a reason. It doesn't scare or creep you out the entire time. I mean, the same guy playing ALL the oompa loompas? Yeah, Tim Burton single-handedly ruined a classic. He said he made the movie because the first one wasn't consistent enough with the original story. Well, that may be true but I don't think Roald Dahl would have liked this interpretation by any means.

So there you have it. Of the ten on Luke's list, I only saw 3 of them. And yes, 2 of them, I absolutely hated. I'm pretty sure if I had a top 25 list of least favorite films, they would be there. But that's the beauty of these lists. It's all about personal preference and I respect Luke's opinion whole-heartedly.

Movies 71-80 will be on the blog sometime Monday night/Tuesday morning.

Until then, Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: 81-90 Trailers

As expected, I've encountered a bit of outrage over my latest 10 picks. The Sandlot being so low and movies like Dante's Peak and Kicking and Screaming just making the list. As I've said, this was not easy to do. Trying to judge what made one movie better than the other is not a simple task. The line from movies 30-100 honestly is not that large. With that said, keep the comments coming.

Like last week, I have posted the trailers from the movies just revealed. This will hopefully help some of you understand why they made the list if you have not seen them. I also will rank them at the end from 10-1.


#90 Mulan

My Take: Really didn't like this trailer at all. Didn't showcase the great music. The first 30 seconds of it is literally a 30 second clip from the movie. I don't know what Disney was thinking really, because whether I am 5, 25, or 75, that trailer really wasn't that interesting.

89. 28 Days Later

My Take: I mentioned in my recap of this movie how I'm not really sure why I like it. Well, after seeing this trailer, I'd love to know what made me want to see it. Talk about not telling you much about the movie. Knowing how it unfolds, maybe this was the way to go but in terms of generating interest, don't think this trailer does it well by any means.

88. The Sandlot

My Take: Hard to argue with this trailer. It's fast-paced, good music, and includes some classic scenes. My only real problem with it is that it may give away too much. But again, this trailer just reaffirmed my love for this movie and its ability to make me remember my childhood.

87. Gladiator

My Take: Short and to the point. Doesn't give too much away and showcases the badass Russell Crowe is in simple terms. General to slave to Gladiator to cult hero. I'm not sure if this trailer would ultimately convince me to see this movie but now that I have seen it, it does make me want to watch it again.

86. Hotel Rwanda

My Take: This is one of those cases where if you have any sort of heart or will to learn about part of history that was never truly told, you see this trailer and immediately want to see this movie. At least, that's how I felt once I saw this trailer. You get the idea of just how special Paul Rusesabagina is and the obstacles he had to overcome to keep people safe. Good trailer.

85. Dante's Peak

My Take: Seems fitting that the movie that I think most people can't believe makes this list has an absolutely awful trailer. Now, this may just be the trailer I found but either way, wow. 30 seconds of just a volcano erupting. And then, no real great lines or scenes. The music is kind of bland. I mean, they wanted people to see this movie right? Yikes.

84. Hitch

My Take: Solid trailer for sure. Get some good laughs and a good idea of what the movie is about. You automatically fall in love with Kevin James' character as the everyman struggling to find love. You also get some cheap laughs courtesy of Will Smith, kicking someone in the face and his allergy reaction. I would have seen this anyways because of Smith but if he weren't in it, I would probably give this a chance.

83. Kicking and Screaming

My Take: This is a good trailer but man oh man, it is missing some Mike Ditka. I mentioned in my recap how Ditka alone may have this movie on my top 100 list. Well then why not include one great one-liner from him in the trailer? Epic fail. With that said, Will Ferrell is funny enough to carry this trailer and make the movie worth watching.

82. Major Payne

My Take: After seeing this trailer, it made me immediately want to see this whole movie again. You sometimes forget just how funny Damon Wayans is in this movie and how outrageous his teaching techniques are. The trailer does a great job of showcasing his character's flaws and strengths while also playing up some great lines to convince the viewer this movie will not waste their time...and trust me, it won't.

81. Jurassic Park

My Take: Not a HUGE fan of that trailer. Yes, you see some action and get a good feel for the plot. But it kind of ran a bit long, got a bit boring and badly needed some better music. When you have a composer like John Williams working on your movie, why not use some of that amazing score in your trailer? I would definitely go see the movie still but not because of the trailer alone.

So in all, not the best crop of trailers this week, making this week's rankings actually pretty easy.

1. Major Payne
2. The Sandlot
3. Hotel Rwanda
4. Hitch
5. Gladiator
6. Kicking and Screaming
7. Jurassic Park
8. Mulan
9. 28 Days Later
10. Dante's Peak

Don't forget, I will rank the best trailers from my list at the end of the countdown. For now, check out Luke's blog for his latest ten movies and their trailers. Later in the week, I will respond to his movies #81-90 right here.

Thanks for reading/watching and look for movies #71-80 right here on Monday as we continue to countdown to #1.

Until then, Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: 81-90

The first ten of my favorite 100 movies have been revealed and I must say, I'm pretty excited by the amount of feedback I've gotten. Much of it has been positive for just taking on this task. Others truly shocked with the movies that made the list. Either way, I appreciate any and all feedback and hope you continue to leave it, whether it's in the comments section or on Facebook.

Now if you thought movies 91-100 were interesting, then just wait. The variety and randomness of my top 100 is just going to get better. So let's just get right to it. Don't make fun of me..or do.

90. Mulan (1998)
Voices of Ming-Na, Eddie Murphy
Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook

I'm sure this is not a movie many would think had a chance to make the top 100. But again, it all goes back to how I felt about a movie when it first came out, as well as the music, and the message it sends. With all that into account, it would be a shame if Mulan didn't make my list.

Again, not a real Disney classic but I'm not sure why. The story is solid. A daughter doesn't want her aging father to fight in the upcoming war. So she pretends to be a boy and take his place. She does so admirably before being discovered and shunned. But as in any Disney movie, Mulan becomes the hero through an entertaining sequence of events. It's a concept that I never would have thought of and one I really took to.

Going into the military is already the ultimate sacrifice. But to do so when your gender isn't even allowed to is even more of a sacrifice. As a kid, that really inspired me. Plus, the music in the entire movie is great ("I'll Make A Man Out Of You" is a classic). You don't hear a lot of Chinese music in our everyday world so to have a movie filled with it and other Chinese customs was refreshing. And the movie was funny too, thanks to the always funny voice work of Eddie Murphy as Mushu the dragon. Just 88 minutes, it flows nicely and at the end, you are satisfied. That's all I can ask for in a good movie, especially one worthy of the top 100.

89. 28 Days Later (2002)
Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris
Directed by Danny Boyle

I'm not a horror movie aficionado but this movie captivated me. To this day, if I see it on TV, I stop and watch. And to this day, I'm not really sure why.

Here's what I know. The movie is entertaining. The premise is that a virus is going around and infecting people. Once they are infected, they act like they are possessed with a demon and look to infect other people. But there are a select few that are not infected and are doing their best to stay that way. I won't get too much into how things progress from there but this I know, it's a wild ride as they try to stay alive.

I'm never going to be able to give a really good reason why I like this movie. Maybe it's the random laughs from watching other people jump around me while watching it. Maybe it's the corny music in the movie. Maybe it's just the simple tale of survival. Whatever it is, I enjoy it every time I see it. It does get bonus points for taking place in London and not the U.S. for sure, showcasing a different locale than the normal NYC or LA. Plus, the accents are cool to listen to.

88. The Sandlot (1993)
Starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, James Earl Jones
Directed by David M. Evans

When you start thinking about movies that define a childhood, this is one that fits the bill for probably not just me, but others who are in that 21-27 age range. It's a movie we all loved for its innocence. At the time, it reminded us of our friendships of the time. Now, it reminds of being that age and the stupid things you did as a kid.

Being a baseball fan and an avid Little League player, I loved the baseball parts of The Sandlot but what I loved more was the interactions between all the guys. The way they came up with crazy things to do, like fake drowning to kiss a lifeguard or the many plans just to recover the autographed baseball from across the yard. With each and every idea, you just smile and laugh, knowing that when you were a kid, you had that kind of imagination as well.

While The Sandlot will never crack my top 20 or even 50, it probably has staying power in the top 100 simply because of the feelings it brings up. Hanging out with friends, doing the dumb things kids do, and having fun. I like to always think too that just like the end of the movie, we'll all grow up and still be connected like Smalls and Benny. Hey, a boy can dream right?

87. Gladiator (2000)
Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix
Directed by Ridley Scott

Never been a fan of those Gladiator, Roman warriors-esque movie like "Troy", "Alexander", etc... so I never in my mind thought I would like Gladiator. In fact, when my family decided to watch it all together at home one night, I think I complained the whole way back from the video store. But those complaints were unfounded.

Despite Gladiator being just like the other movies in terms of language of action, it's the acting and plot that sets it apart from others. The plot is incredibly strong. The range of emotions you go through in the movie is second to none. The agony, redemption, sacrifice, and thrill of victory are all present in this movie. And Crowe's acting job is just flat out amazing. I remember thinking after the movie how he deserved some award for that performance. Of course, he would go on and win the Oscar for Best Actor that year.

The weird thing is that I have only seen this movie once. I don't even think I've caught bits and pieces of it on TV any other time since the year 2001 when I first watched it. To me, that's a testament to just how good of a movie this is. Many of the movies I have in my top 100 are there because I have seen them multiple times and know they are great go-to movies anytime. But I can't say the same for Gladiator. All I can say is that it's a solid movie and when the time comes when I see it again, I can't wait to be impressed and entertained by it again.

86. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte
Directed by Terry George

Just like Gladiator, I've only seen Hotel Rwanda once. But unlike Gladiator, you only need to see Hotel Rwanda once. It's that powerful of a movie. The one time seeing the hurt, the pain and the dead bodies is all you need to understand just how amazing Paul Rusesabagina is.

If you don't know the story, the Cliff Notes version is that Rusesabagina was a hotel manager in Rwanda that took in refugees during one of the most atrocious but also unnoticed events ever to take place in this world, when more than one million people were murdered in the country during a civil war. The courage he had to house those people in the face of militia who were more than willing to kill him for his disobedience is just remarkable.

Thanks to Don Cheadle, you get a feel for that courage too. You can understand the toll it takes on him to stay strong around the refugees, assuring them they will be safe, but also the emotional toll it is taking on him and his family as they literally face down death and death threats. I'm normally not a huge fan of movies based on a true story because they deviate too much from the real thing. But from all indications, this movie did no such thing. They knew the true story was too real and important to keep factual to change just for the sake of entertainment. And because of that, you get a movie that makes you think about just how strong one can be when you stand for what you believe in.

85. Dante's Peak (1997)
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton
Directed by Roger Donaldson

From a couple of Oscar-nominated movies to one that never got close. It's a movie about a volcano about to erupt in the small town of Dante's Peak. No one believes it will erupt though, except Pierce Brosnan's character, a vulcanologist who sees the signs but is suggested by others to not publicly put the town on alert in fear of creating a financial nightmare for the town if he is wrong.

Of course, he is not wrong and the volcano erupts and chaos ensues. Like any good disaster movie, there is a bit of a love story involved as well as Brosnan and the mayor (Hamilton) eventually fall in love, despite knowing each other for maybe 2 weeks. It's that kind of absurd stuff that makes this just mediocre movie that much better. Other things include the fact that it is a volcano eruption, a natural disaster you don't see in movies anymore. Also, it has a "Twister" feel in how the volcano eruption team is a mix of characters that keep the seriousness of the possible eruption present but with some humor to keep the movie light.

In all, the acting is not great and there are some incredibly corny lines (Brosnan is good at those). But this is a movie that flows well, never has a real dull moment, and the ending I think is as suspenseful as you can expect for a movie of its quality. I don't know if this movie will always stay in my top 100 but knowing how much I smile when I see this movie on TV, it had to make the list.

84. Hitch (2005)
Starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James
Directed by Andy Tennant

I'm not a romantic comedy fan and in a way, Hitch is just more comedy than romantic comedy. Regardless, the movie is funny and was sure to make this list for various reasons.

First off, gotta go with the acting. I'm a big Will Smith fan, from "Fresh Prince" to "Independence Day", he's just always been solid. Eva Mendes is one of the most underrated leading ladies in not just looks but acting abilities. The role she plays in this movie as someone who is hesitant but confident is perfect for her in my mind. And lastly, Kevin James is just flat out hilarious. The work he put in on "The King of Queens" for 9 seasons was outstanding. And in this movie, no different as he does a great job of having the viewer relate to him in his difficulties with love and his eventual falling in love with someone.

The plot is strong too. A guy who does a great job getting people to fall in love can't do it himself. His tactics work for everyone but himself. It's a role that fits well for Will Smith because it's believable. And while seeing a guy like Kevin James woo and ultimately win over a big-time movie actress may seem ridiculous, it adds more to the impact of Hitch's abilities and of course, inabilities in his own love life. It's a bit long (118 min) but well worth the time for a fun movie dealing with love and the crazy way things work out...or don't sometimes.

83. Kicking and Screaming (2005)
Starring Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Mike Ditka
Directed by Jesse Dylan

Surely not a classic but an entertaining movie for those who like Will Ferrell, movies involving kids, and roles played by famous people playing themselves. Let me explain.

This movie will never go down as Will Ferrell's best but it should go down as one of his better efforts. He's not a ladies man or an idiot for once. Instead, he's just a family man, coaching his son's soccer team. But his dad (Duvall) is uber-competitive, and the will to beat him at all costs changes Ferrell from family man to maniac. So he enlists the help of his neighbor Mike Ditka (who alone makes this movie worth watching) to coach the young guys and well, let's just say Ditka only has one gear when it comes to coaching.

By the end of this short 95 min comedy, you've laughed a lot. You've thought about those times as a kid being coached by your mom or dad. You remember those crazy parents on the sidelines of your games and just shaking your head. And you remember just how sometimes competition can get in the way of more important things, such as sportsmanship, being a good role model, and the love of your own family. There are some memorable scenes from this movie too (Starbucks, everything Ditka) that also make this movie worthy of the list. It may not have great staying power on my top 100 but for this list, it makes it safely.

82. Major Payne (1995)
Starring Damon Wayans, Michael Ironside, Karyn Parsons
Directed by Nick Castle

I know what you're thinking. A Damon Wayans movie in your top 100? But if you've seen Major Payne, you understand why it makes the list. It's easily one of the funnier movies I have ever seen but also sends a message about compromise that resonated with me when I was younger and still does to this day.

The concept is pretty simple. Wayans plays Major Payne, a war veteran sent to a military academy to now teach kids. Bad idea. Wayans, just like Mike Ditka in the movie before, is not fit for this kind of teaching. His hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach doesn't work for the kids, so of course, they rebel against him and try to get him fired. When he leaves, the kids begin to understand that while his methods were a bit unique, they were effective. So they find him and persuade him to come back but ask if he can tone it down it a bit. He agrees and well, you'll have to see the movie to know how it all ends.

What makes this movie so great is the performance of Wayans. His character is so straight-edged and oblivious to so many things, that it creates some pretty hilarious moments and one-liners. His methods of teaching the kids are again effective but completely uncalled for. And his inability to forget he is no longer in a war zone and dealing with military comrades anymore make for some classic moments as well. It's the kind of movie anyone with a good sense of humor would enjoy and if not, well then I don't know if you have a good sense of humor.

81. Jurassic Park (1993)
Starring Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by Steven Spielberg

There's no need to even go into the plot of this movie. It's a movie anyone and everyone has seen. It has grossed more than 914 million dollars worldwide in its 18 years and will go down as one of Steven Spielberg's best movies.

I have great memories of this movie. I was just 7 when it came out and of course, dinosaurs were still a cool thing to talk about and learn about. So to see a movie show them and in such like-like fashion blew my mind. The special effects were amazing. It was suspenseful, scary, exciting, and thrilling all at the same time for a kid like me. I still vividly remember laughing hysterically when the guy tries to hide on the toilet and well, let's just say that didn't work. Oh and that theme song, what a masterpiece by the award-winning composer John Williams (he will be referenced many times in this list).

The reason this classic movie isn't higher is that now, the movie just seems dated. The thrill of seeing dinosaurs is gone. The acting which as a kid seemed great was actually never good. The plot is just not real believable and well, I just don't nearly see it the way I used to. But with that said, it is still a great movie. I will still watch it if it comes on TV. I still admire how groundbreaking the movie was at the time. And I am still entertained from start to finish. I wish they never bothered with a sequel (they're thinking about a 4th! Ugh...) because this movie didn't need one. It allowed men and women, old and young, to no longer imagine what it would be like to see dinosaurs in our day, but instead see them.

20 down, 80 to go! Again, make sure you check Luke's blog for the latest updates to his list as well as other cool posts as we continue our countdown from movie #100 to #1.

Until next time, Hakuna Matata,

Matt's Top 100 Movies: Luke's List (91-100)

As you probably know by now, I am not embarking on this list-making journey by myself. I am doing it alongside my good friend Luke, who has posted his first ten movies on his blog. If you haven't had the time to see his #91-100 movies, please do so before you even read this one.

That's because this post is simply my reaction to his list. I'll make this a weekly feature here on the blog. Though this is probably more for Luke and I than anyone else, we figured why not post it for those who know us both and get our opinions of each other's movie list.

Now while I will share my honest opinion of the placement of the movies on Luke's list, I do not plan on disclosing whether a movie is or is not on my list and where. I will do my best though in my reactions to not give away if the movie did in fact make my list. That may be hard though if I want to give my honest opinion. That said though, if I haven't seen the movie, you'll know it's not on my list.

Luke's #100: That Thing You Do
-- Not really sure what to think of this movie. I haven't seen this movie and after watching the trailer (posted on Luke's blog), not sure I really want to. I am a BIG fan of Tom Hanks, so that would be a reason to see it but the premise of the movie doesn't really suit my tastes. Luke's take of it being funny and unique though do fit my tastes so maybe I'd find it enjoyable.

Luke's #99: Remember The Titans
-- As I wrote in my post, I'm not a big fan of sports movies. I just don't like the way they portray the real events in movies. They change them for the sake of entertainment when they don't need to. Sports are dramas and comedies in themselves and don't need adding too. That's how I feel about Remember the Titans. The acting is great and there are some great scenes. It also is a good movie when it comes to addressing racism issues and coming together. But yeah, I've never been a huge fan as others have been and apparently, neither is Luke for it to barely crack his top 100.

Luke's #98: The Life of David Gale
-- Call me crazy but I've never even heard of this movie. And since it came out in 2003, I;m kind of surprised I don't remember it at all. But after watching the trailer and reading about it a bit, it is definitely a movie I want to check out. I am not a Kevin Spacey by any means so that's a detraction for sure but the plot looks too strong and if Luke says the ending won't let me down (a problem with movies with strong plots sometimes), then I have a feeling I would enjoy this movie.

Luke's #97: Twister
-- Easily one of the best action pictures of our time. As Luke said, the special effects of Twister now look outdated but then in 1996, they were amazing. This is still a movie that when it comes on, I have to pause and at least catch a bit of it. The acting by no means is worthy awards but the star of the movie is the action. The tornadoes, the science of them, the thrill of chasing them. It's a solid movie and glad it made Luke's list.

Luke's #96: Mission: Impossible
-- Knowing Luke, I'd be surprised if this movie didn't make it. This is a thinking man's movie and that is what Luke is (when he wants to be). Completely agree with him in that it's a movie you need/want to see more than once to make sure you got every detail. The action sequences were well done and the movie does move.

Luke's #95: Zombieland
-- Never seen this movie and never wanted to see this movie. And despite what Luke wrote, still don;t want to see this movie. It just looks stupid. It may be funny. It may be entertaining. But the trailer makes the movie look awful in my mind. I am a Woody Harrelson fan and a big Bill Murray fan but I don't know about this selection. But again, tough to judge without actually seeing the film.

Luke's #94: Philadelphia
-- I've been told by Luke to see this movie for a couple years. And like a good friend, I have not. It's been on my list of movies to watch for awhile now and for a few reasons. First, heard nothing but great reviews. Secondly, it won Academy Awards for a reason. And finally, I am a huge fan of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. For them both to be in the same movie and with a plot that I find very intriguing, I know I need to see this movie sooner rather than later. But I am surprised it is this low on Luke's list.

Luke's #93: K-Pax
-- Really? More Kevin Spacey? Again, I don't like his acting so it shocks me to see a movie he stars in make 2 appearances already. I have not seen this movie as well but wouldn't mind watching it. The trailer doesn't excite me but it doesn't detract me from watching the movie either. As Luke mentions, he likes movies that make him question/think but I am surprised to see so many of those kinds of movies already.

Luke's #92: Milk
-- Speaking of that, here's an example. I've wanted see Milk for a while now and have yet to do it. But I guarantee that I would like it. I'm a fan of movies that fight for a cause and that's what Milk does. I know the acting will be good with actors like Sean Penn, James Franco, and Josh Brolin in the cast. And having seen the trailer and heard about the story of Harvey Milk, I am sure it is a movie that would crack my top 100, and probably higher than #92.

Luke's #91: O Brother Where Art Thou?
-- Another movie I have not seen...well, kind of. I've seen bits and pieces and yeah, not a fan. George Clooney is not my favorite actor and to have him have an accent and play a role that I would never believe makes me think just how much I would hate this movie. I've also heard the soundtrack and not a big fan of that either. Sorry Luke, but this movie would have no chance to make my list.

That's all for my reaction to Luke's list so far. I'm excited to see what movies he has coming next and I hope you feel the same. Check both our blogs come Monday (or Tuesday) for our latest group of ten.

Until then, Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: 91-100 Trailers

So the bottom ten movies of my top 100 list are out. If you haven't checked it out, here's the link. I have a feeling a couple of the movies are movies you have not seen. With that in mind, I'll give you a taste of it with the trailers. My top 100 movie list comrade Luke is calling it Tuesday Trailers. I'm not willing to go that far (though I do love alliteration) simply because I may post some later than Tuesday and want some leeway.

But like Luke, I will rank each trailer from 1-10, with the goal of ranking just the trailers alone. A top ten or 20 list only though, not all 100. And we all know how important a trailer is. It's the first impression you get of a movie, and at least for me, sometimes ultimately is the reason I do or do not see a movie.

For example, I loved the trailer for "Jarhead". But wow, what a bad movie. Meanwhile, I thought the trailer for "Inglorious Basterds" was awful, so never made the effort to go see it in theaters. I have since remedied that though. So without further adieu, here we go.

#100 Fight Club

My quick take: Love a good narration by an actor in the movie actually in the trailer. Thinks it gives you a great idea of what the movie about, but maybe a little too much.

#99 Zoolander

My Take: Funny trailer and did a good job of including some of the better material. Not a big fan of how it starts in introducing him as this great crime solver.

#98 Pineapple Express

My take: I don't remember this trailer being THIS funny. I do remember MIA's "Paper Planes" in it though and thinking what an amazing song for this trailer. Really makes it pop on screen.

#97 Ray

My Take: Solid trailer. Obviously, this is not a funny movie so it takes the route of taking you through each up and down of Ray's life without giving too much away. Not enough good music in my mind though.

#96 Jungle 2 Jungle

My Take: I think a little too much of it involved the time in the Amazon. That's only about the first 5 minutes of the movie. But I love what they did have from Tim Allen, including that great cat scene.

#95 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

My Take: Did not like the start but talk about a way to incorporate nearly all the best lines/moments of the movie in a 2-minute trailer.

#94 A League Of Their Own

My Take: Good job putting some classic lines and moments in the trailer. Not a fan of the way they put it all together and not sure it would make me want to see the movie ultimately.

#93 A Goofy Movie

My Take: Eh, didn't grab me. I think it's safe to say that unless you were a big fan of Goofy like I am/was, you didn't run to go see this movie because the trailer was kind of weak.

#92 The Preacher's Wife

My Take: Because this movie lacks real WOW moments, this trailer does well to sell the story. It was a bit slow for 2 minutes but it pretty much tells you this is a feel-good movie.

#91 Robin Hood: Men In Tights

My Take: It would be impossible to incorporate all the great one-liners from this movie into a trailer. But with that said, this didn't have nearly enough. The trailer doesn't do this movie comedic justice at all.

Order from best to worst:
1. Pineapple Express
2. Fight Club
3. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
4. Jungle 2 Jungle
5. Ray
6. A League of Their Own
7. Zoolander
8. The Preacher's Wife
9. A Goofy Movie
10. Robin Hood: Men In Tights

Again, I'll try and make a top 10 or 20 lost of these once all the movies are revealed. Look for a post soon on my reaction to Luke's #91-100 movies and possibly (and I mean possibly), one containing my favorite quotes/scenes from my #91-100 movies.

Until then, Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: 91-100

Well, here we go. The journey from movie #100 to #1. As I wrote in my intro post, I hope you enjoy this countdown as much as I enjoyed making the list. It wasn't easy but it was fun to see how it turned out. So let's get to it, starting with movie #100.

100. Fight Club (1999)
Starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by David Fincher

The first rule of Fight Club is that you don't talk about Fight Club. Well, I'm about to break first rule.

Of all the movies in this list, this is the one that has the most potential to move up. You can take that literally but I truly mean that. I have only seen this movie once, and that was censored and with commercials. So in no way do I feel like I got the full effect of this movie. But with said, I was still moved by the message of this movie. I'm no big rebel or supporter of releasing aggression through fighting but there was something about this movie that motivated me a bit.

It lent this message of you don't really know your limits until your pushed to the edge. Not to mention just this freedom in just doing something crazy and out of the ordinary. I think we all get caught up in our daily routines and what is proper or politically correct too often. This movie represents how we need to remember that if we're not careful, "the things you own will end up owning you". So if you're ever in the mood to see a movie that's different than the norm or thinking about doing something significantly different in your life, pop in this movie. It will motivate you, entertain you, and most importantly, get you thinking. This movie will probably rise whenever I make this list again but I've gotta watch the uncut version next time.

99. Zoolander (2001)
Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell
Directed by Ben Stiller

I think it's safe to say Ben Stiller is one of my favorite actors out there. It has nothing to do with his acting ability but instead, his ability to make people laugh. In the case of Zoolander, he plays up every stereotype of a model and more, but with this sincerity that makes you feel bad for him. The entire movie is funny, from start to finish. The first time I saw the movie, I don't know if I stopped laughing. It was just, for lack of a better word, stupid.

Gotta give big props to a lot of the actors in this movie too that make it great. Stiller for just being his normal crazy self. Wilson for his laid-back portrayal of Hansen. Ferrell for his eccentric take on Mugatu, And props to Christine Taylor, who is in the middle of it all as the magazine reporter who eventually falls for Zoolander (played by her real-life husband in Stiller).

I'm sure this movie is nowhere close to most people's top 100 but for me, it was all about entertainment value here. I could put this movie on now and still laugh at his friends dying at the gas station, the break-dance fighting, the word "eugogoolizer", and the phrase "so hot right now". All in all, it's a solid watch. Not on the same quality as the many other comedies on this list but worthy of the top 100 when you take all of what I said into consideration and much more.

98. Pineapple Express (2008)
Starring Seth Rogen, James Franco
Directed by David Gordon Green

I'll be honest. I thought there was zero chance I would like this movie. I remember seeing the trailer and sighing, seeing Franco's talent waste away in a stoner-flick. But after watching the movie, I instead gained a new appreciation for Franco's acting ability. His ability to play this character so flawlessly was amazing (he earned a Golden Globe nod for this role for a reason). I expected Rogen to play it well, being the bumbling big goof he has been in every movie he's been in so far. But I did not see this coming from Franco, an Ivy-educated actor coming off the successful Spiderman franchise.

What helps Franco stand out is the great story here. His character along with Rogen running away from bad guys, played by more funny people like Rosie Perez, Gary Cole (from "Office Space") and Craig Robinson (from "The Office"). The banter between Rogen and Franco is hilarious and the antics they get into during the chase is also pretty darn funny.

The best scenes though are near the end as Rogen and Franco are trying to escape death from the bad guys in a warehouse. It has the feel of an action movie with people running, guns being shot, curse words being thrown left and right, and lots more. But the dialogue keeps reminding you this is a comedy, which is much appreciated. The jokes don't seem forced either because by time the final scenes come, you're so invested into the characters, you almost forget they actually aren't high when they are acting those scenes (or are they?). If you were ever afraid to see this movie for fear of being disappointed by dumb dialogue and bad acting, trust me, you'll be pleasantly surprised when it's done.

97. Ray (2004)
Starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King and Kerry Washington
Directed by Taylor Hackford

My whole life, I thought of Ray Charles as that guy who sang in the Pepsi commercials with the Pepsi girls. I always remember thinking how cool that was. A blind guy playing piano and always around beautiful women. Not a bad gig. But after seeing this movie, I think it's safe to say I know more than just his ability to be around fantastic looking females.

Ray Charles lived a troubled life, and this movie chronicles every part of it. Some parts are hard to watch as he struggles with drug addiction and emotional/physical abuse of women. But those hard parts are the most powerful parts and integral in understanding who the real Ray Charles was. He was an innovator, taking music to place no one had taken it yet. He was an inspiration, going blind at age 7 but overcoming the many obstacles that come with that. He also was incredibly talented, as seen by his remarkable success in the music industry for so long. And as if all this wasn't enough great material for a movie, the movie found the perfect person to play the legend in Jamie Foxx.

Before this role, Jamie Foxx had not really been challenged. His TV show was a joke. His movie career included movies like "Bait", "The Players Club" and "Any Given Sunday". Good movies maybe, but none were having anyone thinking he could pull off such a multi-faceted role. But Foxx did just that and more. His natural ability as a singer and piano player helped for sure. But it is acting in the non-musical scenes that really captivated me and others, as seen by his Oscar and Golden Globe victories. His supporting cast was great as well, led by the fine acting from Davis and Washington. The only reason this movie is this low on my list is that biopics aren't my favorite. I normally go for stories and characters that are made up and new to me. But to leave this movie off my list seemed like a mistake, especially considering Foxx's amazing performance and the way it changed my entire opinion of Charles as a performer and a person.

96. Jungle 2 Jungle (1997)
Starring Tim Allen, Martin Short
Directed by John Pasquin

This is probably the first of what will be a few movies people are going to look at with bewilderment and say "Huh?". If that's you, don't worry. You will not be alone. This was never a real popular movie and never will be. But it is a funny movie and one that consistently make me laugh, hence its spot in the top 100.

First off, Tim Allen is just a great comedic actor. He just has a real knack for it, and in this movie, that's no different. He makes this movie with his timely jokes, facial expressions, and ability to make you feel for him as a father in what is a tough situation. Imagine you hear you have a son you've never met who has been living in some tribe in some country, just to have him dropped of at your place in New York City to survive. Hence the Jungle to Jungle title.

If you've seen the movie, you understand just how funny it is. The antics of the kid Mimi-Siku are ridiculous. The crazy, always-nervous nature of Martin Short. And above all, the ever-growing love Tim Allen displays for his son as the movie progresses. There's not one slow spot in the movie and it's one the whole family can see and enjoy. This movie will never win any awards but it will always be entertaining. You should see it...if you can even find it in a video store these days.

95. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Starring Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Dan Marino
Directed by Tom Shadyac

The first of the movies that ten years ago, may have been in the top 10, but then I grew up, saw much better movies, and realized that while this movie is funny, has its dull points too. But with that said, it has stood the test of time to still the crack the top 100 because of just how crazy the character Ace Ventura is.

Simply put, he's hilarious. The concept of a pet detective in itself is dumb. Then, the actual case he is working on in this movie (looking for the missing Dolphin mascot for the Miami Dolphins) is stupid. And his hair/outfit is beyond ridiculous. But none of that detracts from what is simply an amazing performance by Jim Carrey. This is where his career took off and for good reason. Ace was lovable but a loser. He was intelligent when he wanted to be but impossible to understand at other times. This was all because of the great work by Carrey, who when on his game, can make you forget you're even watching a character (I'll say this again regarding a role of his).

There are plenty of highlights from this movie. The sliding patio door to prove that it was soundproof. The awful acting by Dan Marino. And of course, "laces out". I know if I saw this movie now, it would entertain me but not nearly in the way it did when I was a kid and just thought all the antics were laugh-out-loud good. Now, those are just chuckles but again, this list is about remembering how the movie made you feel then too and Ace Ventura definitely has a spot in my heart as one of my favorite movies at one time in my life.

94. A League of Their Own (1992)
Starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna
Directed by Penny Marshall

I'm not a fan of sports movies really. I find them to stray off the real story too often just for the sake of entertainment even when it doesn't need to. But "League" makes the cut here because of what i think is some of the best acting you'll find.

Penny Marshall collected one hell of a cast for this and it pays off. Tom Hanks was excellent as usual and believable as a baseball manager. His "there's no crying in baseball" line is as popular now as it was then still. Geena Davis played Dottie Hinson so well, at the time I thought Davis really was a ballplayer. The way she exhibited leadership, vulnerability, and confidence all at the same time was a thing of beauty. And shoutouts go to Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna who I think carry their weight (no offense to Rosie) with fantastic turns as ballplayers too, something you would never associate with them in real life.

But beyond the great acting is just how good the story is. The league that may or may not survive. The trepidation by men on whether women should even be playing sports. The tension between Dottie and her sister when they play on different teams. The constant bickering between the Rockford Peaches team. And of course, the final play in the final game when Dottie loses the ball when her own seasons bowls her over at home plate. I am a fan of when in a sports movie, the team you've come to know does not win the championship and this movie fit that bill. But honestly, it may be the last few scenes of the movie that make it the classic it is. When all the women are old and re-living their playing days at a baseball exhibit, it hits you that this WAS a true story and these women were real trail blazers. Great stuff.

93. A Goofy Movie (1995)
Voices of Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings
Directed by Kevin Lima

Yeah, that's right. This movie made the list. Again, humor me as I describe how a non-Disney classic could crack my top 100.

It really has everything to do with the combination of the music and my love for Goofy. I'll start with the music. The premise of the movie is that Goofy wants to take his son Max on a cross-country trip but Max doesn't want to hang with dear old Dad, especially one as clumsy as Goofy. But when Max tells a girl he likes that he is going with his Dad to a concert for a group called Powerline, he knows he has to somehow get them there. So he changes the map and well, to make a long story short, mishaps and antics ensue but they eventually get to the concert when Goofy and Max bond as they make it on stage (accidentally of course) but become crowd favorites doing a dance that is based off of how Goofy casts a fishing line ("the perfect cast"). The song they dance that to is still on my IPod to this day. It is just a catchy tune and has always stuck with me. For that alone, this movie has always been one of my favorites.

As for Goofy, how can you not like him? A good-natured guy who just simply can't be normal because he is so clumsy and a bit stupid too. He always means well but his son can't see that. It's funny because during the whole movie, you feel bad for Goofy and Max, knowing what it's like to be stuck with an uncool Dad but at the same time, having a son who has zero respect for you and is unwilling to hang with you. The relationship has its ebbs and flows in the movie, just as they do in every father-son relationship. I know it's a cartoon but many of them convey better life lessons than non-animated flicks. So yes, this may not be a Disney classic, but it is one that shares a great message, has some great music and has a great Disney character in Goofy, who could be my Dad anyday.

92. The Preacher's Wife (1996)
Starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney Vance
Directed by Penny Marshall

For the second time in three movies, a Penny Marshall makes the movie but this time, for a completely different movie. This one has nothing to do with sports, but instead, serves as your somewhat atypical Christmas movie.

Let me begin by saying you have to overlook how bad of an actress Whitney Houston is. I mean, she is awful. But once you get past that, you begin to understand what makes this a good movie. Denzel Washington plays "Dudley", an angel sent from God to repair Houston's marriage with her preacher husband in Vance. As usual, Washington is great, depsite playing a very soft character, one he normally does not play. He is funny, charming and inspiring. Vance also does a great job with his character, as you begin to feel incredibly sorry for the plight of his church that is losing money and his inability to manage taking care of his church members with taking care of his own wife and son.

I don't want to give away the entire movie because I think it is a solid watch come Christmas time. But I will say, in no way is this a classic. It probably wouldn't make my list if I weren't Black, to be honest. Something about this movie has just always made me smile and also made me think. It obviously has religious meaning too, which plays a role in making this list. Also, the music is very good. But above all, it is an entertaining movie. It has laughs, some family drama, and a satisfying ending. I try and make it a point to see this movie sometime around Christmas because I know it'll put me in a good mood. For me, that's the trait of a top 100 movie.

91. Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)
Starring Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Dave Chappelle
Directed by Mel Brooks

Just thinking about this movie makes me laugh. That's all there is to it. There are so many stupid scenes and great one-liners that alone put this movie on this list. There are also some slow parts and less than stellar acting performances but in all, it'd be impossible for me to leave this movie off the list.

In order to understand why this movie would make my list, you just really have to see the movie. It's a parody of Robin Hood in every way. In this movie, his merry men are more of a Motley crew of jokers. You have a blind guy, a guy named "Ah-Choo" that prompts a "gesundheit" every time his name is mentioned, and many more oddballs like that. They break out into spontaneous song at times. And a la Naked Gun, there are subtle jokes and one-liners that are given throughout the movie just to keep you always smiling.

In all, it's a quality movie. Mel Brooks does a good job of parodying different genres without going too far to make this movie unbearably stupid. At its core, it is a good movie with a storyline that can stand on itself. But without the sporadic and spontaneous jokes/antics, this movie doesn't make my list. The musical number with the Men in Tights alone probably gets this movie in my top 100. I'm not sure this movie will stand the test of time as others but for now, it deserves a spot here for its ability to make me laugh at stupid things, unlike a movie like "Dumb and Dumber".

That's the first 10 everyone. Look out next week for movies #81-90. And don't forget to leave your comments and thoughts of this list in the comments section or on Facebook/Twitter.

And of course, check out my list-making partner in crime Luke and how he ranked movies #91-100.

Until next time, thanks for checking this out. Hakuna Matata.