You've already heard Luke write that starting at #48, his movies were in a tier of "legendary". Well, through 70 movies, I'm not at legendary status yet. I do believe that each one of these movies are movies that no matter what will stay forever in my top 100. It'll be hard to replace any of them because they are either very good or have stories/memories that go with them that keep them on the list.
Like last week, the explanations for my picks are a bit longer than usual as again, these movies are truly special to me and deserve more praise than the bottom 50.
40. John Q (2002)
Starring Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
The tagline for this movie is "Give a father no options, you leave him no choice". Well, much like the father John Q, I had an option to like/hate this movie, but the strong plot, fast pace, and marvelous acting left me no choice but to consider one of the better movies I have seen.
I'll lead with a disclaimer. I'm a Denzel Washington fan. Some say he is a one-trick pony, always playing the bad-ass, tough guy (lawyer, cop, coach, etc...). I disagree. I think he has many layers to his acting but just rarely see them because the roles he takes require him to be powerful and strong. This role is one though where you see him not just be strong though but incredibly weak as he does what any parent wants to do: take care of his kid by whatever means necessary.
The plot is one that I'm shocked as not conjured up copycats since the movie was released 10 years ago. A young, seemingly healthy young boy faints during a baseball game. They rush him to the hospital and find out he needs a heart transplant. John Q (short for John Quincy Archibald) does not have health insurance that will cover such surgery. So he does the unthinkable but admirable. He takes the hospital staff hostage and forces them to do the operation. Only problem: not many hearts just lying around. The drama unfolds as you see the vulnerability of John Q, doing something he can't imagine but at the same time, you see the conviction in him to keep the hostage situation going if that is what it takes to save his kid's life.
I won't give away the ending in case you have not seen the movie, but it's a satisfying ending. The acting is superb, from Washington, to Robert Duvall as the old-school cop and veteran negotiator, to Anne Heche, who plays the heartless (no pun intended) hospital executive who continually denies John Q of moving up the transplant list until the insurance problems are resolved. It comes in at less than 2 hours, though it feels even shorter than that, thanks to its great pacing and continuous action/drama.
This movie is one that could and should be discussed in sociology classes across the country. it shows you everything that is wrong with our nation's healthcare system. But at the same time, it is a good study of just how far people will go for something they believe in. This is a fascinating movie on many levels and explores so many issues that for me, it is impossible to watch this movie and not be moved in some way. Put yourself in John Q's shoes...what would you do?
39. Old School (2003)
Starring Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson
Directed by Todd Phillips
I may have mentioned my thoughts about this movie in my reaction to Luke's selection of it on his list but eh well, it's my selection this time. This movie is one every college student needs to see before they head out. Not because it is educational but instead, because it will give you an idea of just how you'll fee about college once you leave.
I'll start with what I like about the movie itself. First off, it's funny. Wilson, Vaughn, and Ferrell have great chemistry and play each one of their roles perfectly. The supporting cast is just as funny, from Jeremy Piven being a spastic, jealous Dean of Students, Craig Kilborn as a d-bag boyfriend, and all the fraternity members, including "my boy Blue". Without the addition of such characters, this movie doesn't crack the top 50. The plot is pretty cool too, creating a fraternity of misfits and re-living college days. And the movie never drags. Instead, gives you the comedy in a tidy 91 minutes while also supplying a story that all college students/alums can relate to.
When I first saw this movie, I loved it. But the more I watch it, the more I love it. And I'm pretty sure the reason for that is because I have graduated from college and know that I will feel exactly how those 3 guys felt when I hit 40. I've already discussed many a time with my friends that we all need to have our kids go to OU so that we can re-live our college days during Dads Weekend. Well, Old School gave us all hope that no matter your age or situation, it's possible to go back to those days and enjoy them just as if you were 21 all over again.
Yes, I know the possibility of creating a fraternity is slim to none but being with good friends at your old college is not. So yes, this movie is funny but it also makes me very nostalgic. It makes me miss college in every way but at the same time, allows me to look forward to 15-20 years from now when we all go back and try to rule the place as we did when we were there. And as the tagline says "All the fun of college. None of the education". Sounds like my kind of life...and my kind of movie.
38. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Starring Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver
Directed by Gus Van Sant
I've only seen this movie once...but I can't wait to see it again. A movie that not only entertains, but inspires I think. It makes you think about that person you know who has special skills but has been unwilling to use them. That person who always pushes you to your brink, knowing it makes you better and stronger. Or even that friend who wants the best for you, even if it means it's not the best for them. All of those situations and more are touched upon in this fantastic movie.
The short summary of the plot is this one courtesy of IMDB: "Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT, has a gift for mathematics but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life." Of course, that summary does not do the movie justice. It has much depth to it than just a psychologist finding direction in a kid's life. It deals with love, loyalty, friendship, denial, betrayal, trust, and more. Simply put, the script for this movie is excellent. It's not easy to touch on all these subjects but this movie does just that with ease, moving from one to another and teaching a lesson on each. It's really quite impressive.
The acting is ridiculously good. This was the first hurrah for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and it couldn't be better for either. Damon is wonderful, showing you the vulnerability in a tough character. Affleck does a nice job as the sidekick who is so fiercely loyal to his friend, he tells him to leave his hometown and their daily routine to do something that he knows will benefit his friend. Minnie Driver does a fabulous job as well, playing the romantic interest. I am glad she was nominated for an Oscar for this role because she did a wonderful job playing someone so innocent, than someone so broken after she was awkwardly/rudely dumped by Will.
Finally, a huge kudos to Robin Williams. When you think of him, you think comedy. That's it...and that's fine, because he is extremely talented and extremely funny. But I can;t imagine anyone else in his role in this movie. His ability to play someone so serious and a bit emotionally damaged is uncanny considering his comedic background. His quick one-liner responses to Will are so perfectly timed. The emotion he shows to his friend/foe Professor Gerald Lambeau in defense of Will feels real. And the final scene with Will just tugs at your heart strings when they both recognize just how far they have come. He deserved that Oscar, plain and simple.
We all know someone like a Will Hunting. Someone who has not reached their full potential. It's for that reason I think this movie resonated so well within me. I make it a point to push people so they do reach it but I know inevitably, it's up to the person. And like Will, they may have some underlying issues deep down that keep them from wanting to be their best person. That's where you need a Robin Williams-like psychologist to be there, to simply listen. I am so glad I finally took the time to see this movie...and if you have not, I hope you do soon.
37. Anaconda (1997)
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight
Directed by Luis Llosa
If there is a movie in this list of ten that is going to get made fun of, this is it. But hear me out when I say that this movie is a lot better than people (including you possibly) give it credit for.
The plot is simple. A documentary crew does the stupid thing of picking up a stranded hunter along the Amazon. At the time, it seems harmless but this guy is insane. He is on a quest to capture the largest, deadliest snake: the Anaconda. What ensues from there is a action-packed 89 minutes of trying to not be killed by this massive animal.
The action in this movie is not enough for me to like it in general. The special effects are bit outdated since 1997 but still hold up pretty well. The acting is nothing to write home about but certain performances are good, including Jon Voight as the creepy hunter. And the concept of this movie being about a deadly snake and not a fake monster or werewolf is a welcome change in what was a genre then unwilling to shake things up in the action/thriller game.
I hate to give away endings but in order to fully say why I love this movie, I have to give up the ending a bit. One of the central reasons why this movie makes my list (and yes, this high) is that this was the first disaster/horror/thriller film I had seen where a White, Black and Hispanic had all survived. That's right. I had seen enough movies where the Black guy/girl dies first doing something a Black guy/girl would never do. Then, you just rarely ever see Hispanics in movies. So with that said, I was shocked and incredibly pleased when one from each race came out alive.
This movie will never win awards but that's just fine. I know what movie means to me and how the action of it actually entertains me. And at just 89 minutes, you get plenty of action at a good pace. If you haven't seen this movie, do yourself a favor and give it a try. And if you have, do yourself a favor and try watching it again.
36. Training Day (2001)
Starring Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Tom Berenger
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
If you intense movies, then you'll love this one. Right from the start, you know what you're in for with this movie. You know it won't be a simple training day. Instead, a sequence of events that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I didn't watch this movie until 2010, so I had 9 years of people telling me how good the movie was. But what I never heard from friends is what the movie was really about. And since the trailer had not aired in nearly 9 years, I really had no clue on the plot. So it was a big surprise to me when the movie unfolded how it did.
What makes this movie so good is the screenplay/script. It all takes place in one day, again, something I find interesting because it's different than most movies that place over a long period chronologically. From the start, you know Washington is not your normal detective and as the movie goes, you learn to hate him more and more. Meanwhile, Hawke's character development is even better as he goes from nervous first day detective to flat out scared to pissed off when he finds out Washington had paid people to kill him. The movie never has a slow period. Instead, moving from scene to scene with such vigor that you can't even risk taking a bathroom break (unless you have a pause button).
The acting is tremendous. Washington deserved the Oscar for his take as the rogue detective. Seriously, he had me scared and I was just watching a movie. I've never heard anyone cuss so much but every curse word he said had meaning to it, as he tried to convey his dominance/authority over others. I wish Hawke would have won as well because his performance was good if not better. I think he had more depth to his character and had to work twice as hard to make his character believable on camera. Both though make this an easy watch thanks to their superb acting. And shoutouts to rappers Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg who while not great actors, don't ruin the movie by any means.
In all, this is just one of those movies you need to see. The way it grabs you and never lets go is a feeling you don't get in movies all the time. And it has a sense of truth to it as well when you think about how corrupt authority figures can be these days.
35. American History X (1998)
Starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Avery Brooks
Directed by Tony Kaye
When Luke had this movie on his list at #65, I was glad to see he agreed with me on just how good this movie is. We had actually never talked about this movie before...which shocks me because it's the kind of movie he and I could discuss for hours.
To start, you must have an open mind when you see this movie, especially if you're Black. I say that because I tried showing my parents this movie and I don't think they were ready for the first 30 minutes of nothing but racist remarks. I think after that they never gave the movie a chance. I on the other hand, came into the movie with an open mind when I watched it in college and was moved by the events in the film.
There are lots of reasons to like this film. The way it addresses gang problems and their effects on young kids. The way it addresses how jail can actually reform you if you allow it to. The black-white relationship. And of course, the big brother-little brother relationship. Each one of these is good enough to carry the movie alone but by touching on all of them, you end up with a very impactful movie.
I've always been a big fan of this movie because of how sincere it is. It doesn't sugarcoat anything. Derek was a bad guy. I mean, a bad guy. In no way should be a likable character. But thanks to the help of a friend in jail, his former teacher and himself, he becomes a pseudo-hero. The movie also makes no bones about the violence taking place in the schools and outside the schools. Also, doesn't play up or play down the racism expressed through gangs in that area. It all feels real because it is real. This movie does a nice job of not overplaying anything.
As far as the acting, Edward Norton does a great job as Derek. Glad he was recognized with an Oscar nomination. Also, Edward Furlong does a nice job as his little brother, who is a conflicted kid who wants to be like the old Derek but works hard to turn into the new Derek. I'm also a big fan of Brooks, who plays the professor who works with Derek to bring down the neo-Nazi gang and to help his brother. This movie is one I wish every high school and/or college kid would have to see because there are lots of lessons to be learned.
34. The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005)
Starring Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Jane Lynch
Directed by Judd Apatow
It should come as no surprise that I like comedies. And you can probably tell by now that Judd Apatow comedies tend to be go-to comedies for me. But there's a reason they are: they are insanely funny and this movie is exactly that.
Plain and simple, Steve Carell makes this movie. He is the king of playing the awkward but good-natured character. His ability to make you laugh and smile without really even doing or saying anything is a testament to his comedic genius. I mean, small things like facial expressions or body language that really add to a character. Of course, it helps when you have the kind of supporting cast as he does. In typical Judd Apatow fashion, he loads the movie with more than capable actors.
Keener does a nice job playing the atypical leading lady. she's not a bombshell and by no means perfect. Instead, she's got two kids, has a dirty mouth, and a slight bit awkward as well. Rudd and Rogen do a nice job as Carell's co-workers, putting him in stupid situations all in an effort to finish the job. Also, they're "You know how I know you're gay" scenes are laugh out loud good, especially since you know they ad-libbed them. Also, a special kudos to Lynch, who steals the show a couple times in her take as the electronics store manager.
What makes this movie so great is that is has a good heart. Never in the movie are they doing something to Andy to embarrass him. They are doing it because they think it is for the betterment of his situation. It's a mix of a buddy comedy and romantic comedy. But in all, it's a comedy...and a damn good one.
33. The Waterboy (1998)
Starring Adam Sandler, Henry Winkler, Kathy Bates
Directed by Frank Coraci
On the surface, it looks like a comedy. At times, it feels like a sports movie. At the end, it feels like an underdog story. It's the kind of movie you find yourselves smiling and laughing all the way through and definitely one of the best performances by the always-funny Adam Sandler.
The plot of this movie is a stupid one, but stupid in a good way. A kid who loves water (and I mean love) is the waterboy for one of the worst college football teams in the nation. He lives with his mother, who has him on a leash (not literally). And the head coach of the football team couldn't be less motivated, knowing his team is destined for failure. But when Sandler's character Bobby is discovered to have an unbelievable ability tackle, the fortunes of the team and Bobby change.
The movie is full of funny moments and some great lines. But unlike some of the other comedies that make my list, this one is not chock full of witty one-liners or have casts that are full of funny people. Instead, this one is all about a well-told underdog story that keeps you entertained from start to finish. It's not a long movie either (just 90 minutes) so you know you're getting nothing but the good stuff.
The acting is exactly what you would expect from a guy like Sandler. Steady and solid. The accent and stutter cannot be easy to pull off but even harder to do, make Bobby believable. I think Sandler does that. Bates does a great job as his mother, quick on the trigger to snap at her son and girlfriend. And Winkler, while in no way looks like a football coach, does an admirable job playing a guy who clearly wishes he had a better team or had a better job.
In all, this movie is just solid. It makes me laugh and when it comes on, I'm watching it until it's over. It fits the comedy criteria but also the true underdog story as it relates to sports.
32. Space Jam (1996)
Starring Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny, Bill Murray
Directed by Joe Pytka
It's half-cartoon, half-live action but it's full entertainment. Yes, it's not EVER going to be considered one of the best movies of all-time, and I understand that. But knowing how much I enjoyed this movie as a kid and still do now, I not only had to put it on this list but higher than I even thought.
I don't feel like I have to defend the entertainment quality of this movie. From start to finish, I laugh and enjoy the movie. Whether it's the wise-cracking Bugs Bunny, the confused Michael Jordan, or the always-funny Bill Murray, I enjoy every bit of this movie. The basketball scenes are of course nowhere close to realistic but remember, this movie is half-animated so have some imagination. Be a kid again and remember when you thought the impossible was possible. The acting is horrible but it should be considering MJ is supposed to act more like a basketball player and less like an actor. He does his job as a great basketball player as do the rest of the basketball players in the movie.
The movie flows well, executing a plot that resonates with kids and hopefully adults willing to remember their childhood and love for all things Looney Tunes. Thanks to MJ and other basketball greats, there is a reason to not feel like only a kid when watching this...but it's okay to do so. Get lost in the fact that Bugs Bunny is a star. That Daffy Duck loves to talk the talk but cannot always walk the walk. Enjoy the stuttering Porky Pig. All these things may seem immature or juvenile but for me, still make me smile and remind me of all the good times as a kid while also fulfilling my sports/movie fix with a great story of underdogs banding together for a greater cause: winning.
What makes this movie great too is the how realistic it feels despite being anything but that. Seeing MJ be awful at baseball and want to go back to basketball. Feels true to me. Watching Bugs Bunny get his buddies together and teach them basketball. Also, feels real. It just has sense of unity that I cannot describe. The movie just works. It is a great family movie and one my kids will watch when they are old enough. It'll be my way of showing them the greatest basketball player of all-time interact with the greatest cartoon characters of all-time. Hard to beat that.
31. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Starring Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
I'm not normally a fan of Tarantino. In fact, it was the fact that he directed this movie that kept me from wanting to see this movie for a long time. I finally came to my senses though and gave it a chance and I'm glad I did. This is a fantastic movie.
I'll start with the plot. What if Hitler didn't die the way he did? A valid question and a fun thing to think about. I mean, who really isn't happy he's dead and would like to think of different ways for the a-hole to die? Well, Tarantino does just that with a group of Jewish-American soldiers who call themselves the "Basterds". They don't just kill Nazis. They do it brutally, the way many Americans wish those haters/murderes would die. From start to finish, you get to see how their plan to take down the Nazi regime and Hitler unfolds. And in Tarantino fashion, it's not normal. Some shots have some weird things in them. Colors get shifted. Lines aren't said perfectly. It's a weird style that I'm not a fan of but in this movie, it works.
The movie is long (2 hours and a half) but I can't think of one thing to take out of it. Every part of it is interesting. Every scene is well thought out and important to the end result. And the end result is one that is not only expected but incredibly satisfying. The final 20 minutes of the movie are thrilling in every way. The plan they put together to take down Hitler and the execution of it are fun to watch. I don't know exactly how Tarantino came up with this crazy idea for this movie or the way it would unfold but props to him for it because it is one entertaining flick to watch.
Can't talk about this movie without talking about Waltz, easily the star of this movie. Yes, Brad Pitt and everyone else does a great job but Waltz makes this movie go from good to great. I saw this movie after he had won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. After seeing it, I wish he could earn two awards for it. The way he makes a character that I should outright hate into one that is hard to hate and in some ways, even like is impressive. He is so slick in tricking Jewish people into thinking he is their friend just to have them killed later. When his neck is on the line, his slick talking works again and in the end, you just end up more impressed with his character's ability to talk himself out of nay situation and less angry with his determination to kill any and all Jewish people or Basterd. I know Waltz be in many more movies I see, if any, but this one movie alone is all I needed to see to know he is one of the best actors ever in my lifetime.
And there you have it. Movies 31-40 on my list. Just 30 more movies to go and as I look at them, I don't see how you can argue against any of them being bad movies. Well, that's a lie but I know I can't. Hope you enjoyed the post and make sure you head over to Luke's blog to see his latest selections.
Until next time, Hakuna Matata.
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