After taking a bit of a comedic turn with movies 16-20, this list of 5 is a bit more dramatic. Yes, there are some laughs to be had among this group but overall, the stories in these movies tug at your heart strings, make you think, and make you respect others more. Like 16-20, I have included video clips and memorable quotes with the movies. This post is long, I understand that. But these movies are that good. Starting next week, we will only be revealing one movie at a time so enjoy the final post with multiple movies. It all starts with an Oscar-winning Best Picture at #15.
15. The Hurt Locker (2009)Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
I had no reason to see this movie. I don't remember one trailer about it. I don't like war movies. I didn't really know one actor in it. And it didn't make a lot of money at the box office ($12 million on an $11 million budget). But thanks to the Oscars, I took a chance on this movie and it may easily be one of the smartest decisions I have made.
Coming off a day of remembering September 11th, 2001, it almost seems fitting I write about this movie and what makes it so good and why it ranks so high on my list. If you don't know the plot, the dumbed-down version is that this is the story of an elite Army bomb squad unit working in Iraq during the war on terror. The movie is set in 2004 and is no doubt based on true events of the time. The movie is more than what the unit does and how they do it, but it's about the relationship build together as a team and how the war affects certain people differently.
This movie is truly a fascinating look at just how certain people are wired differently. While some of us have no problem looking fear in the eye, some cower or run away. While some of us handle the death of others well, some allow it to linger with them for days, months, and years. While some people are cool under pressure, some simply freak out. It is these differences that you find in our military. Yes, our current military. While we may think they all are brave (and they truly are), some of them will react differently in dire situations. It's just a fact. But no matter how they react, they are a team and must work with each other because not only is it the best chance of defeating the enemy, but the best chance of coming back home alive.
By focusing on a small military squad like this elite bomb squad, we get an even closer look at how the war has affected these soldiers. Imagine your task everyday is to dismantle a bomb and/or find the trigger. Oh, and don't forget there are IEDs (improvised explosive devices) planted everywhere so you never know when one will go off around you either. Some are stronger or more complicated than others. Some have time limits. Others are triggered by something as simple as a cell phone calling it. It's clearly not a job I would sign up for but one I am thankful there are soldiers who are not just trained to do well, but willing to do for our freedom.
Every second of this movie is powerful. Whether it is the squad approaching a bomb, discussing strategy, or decompressing after a successful mission. Every scene gives you an inside look into the battlefield. You see the toll it takes on them. You get a feel for just how skilled our own soldiers. And I remind you, this is not a documentary. This is a movie. But this movie FEELS so real that you almost forget that fact. The movie is shot in Jordan, giving it the backdrop that is believable. The way it shot feels more like a documentary than a feature film and the acting doesn't look like acting. It is that good.
The three main characters in the movie all have so much depth to them as well that you discover through the movie. Yes, all our soldiers and have tough exteriors but as the movie unfolds, you learn more about each of them as they learn more about each other. It even gets a bit emotional as they inevitably lose friends in the heat of combat and wonder if they'll ever get home alive. Jeremy Renner, who plays the squad leader Sgt. James is especially good in this movie. Check that, he is great. His character is easily the toughest to play. He has so many layers that make you hate him and love him. You at times are impressed with him but annoyed by him. And the way he treats his two comrades is not just reckless but rude. But by the end of the movie, you understand him more and see his true colors. Renner may have been an unknown coming into this movie but his performance in this movie should have made him a household name. An Oscar nomination helped that a bit.
Have to give a special nod to the director of this fine film Kathryn Bigelow. Not only she she win Best Director (over Avatar director and ex-husband James Cameron), but she became the first woman to win the award. The way she structures this film was simply fantastic. There's no slow moment. There is never a moment you are not on the edge of your seat or simply amazed by the people that we have serving our country overseas thanks to this movie. And that's what this is all about. The Iraq war is not a popular movie subject right now and it makes sense considering it is still ongoing. But this movie does a great job bringing light to one of the most dangerous jobs done overseas and not only does it educate you in its 2 hours, but it entertains you. If you haven't seen this movie, do yourself and our armed forces a favor and do so. You'll not only be glad you did but you'll be that much more prouder of the job our military does.
God Bless those guys and girls.
Video Clips
I'll start with the trailer. Of course, it does no full justice to the complete movie but it is good nonetheless.
This is one of the more powerful scenes of the movie. Sgt. James is good at his job. He has disarmed more than 800 bombs. But when he can't disarm one a timed one on an innocent man with a family, you can see his confidence turn to pain.
This scene just an example of how quickly things can change for these guys. Right when they try to bring a little normalcy into their lives, another threat arises.
Finally, here is a 3 minute clip that may serve as the best scene in the movie as Sgt. James discusses with his comrade about why they do what they do. Powerful stuff.
Memorable Quotes
Sgt. James: "There's enough bang in there to blow us all to Jesus. If I'm gonna die, I want to die comfortable."
Sgt. James: "Everyone's scared about something, you know?"
Sgt. Sanborn: "Maybe you shouldn't take this down. You know, we get a lot of mortars at night. You know, the plywood on the windows help with the lateral frag coming through. That's why it's up there."
Sgt. James: "Yeah, well, it's not going to stop a mortar round from coming in through the roof, you know. Besides, I like the sunshine"
14. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)Starring Dev Patel, Frieda Pinto
Directed by Danny Boyle
Just like The Hurt Locker, I never had an urge to see this movie until the Oscars. I sort of remember this trailer though but I never thought "oh yeah, this is a movie I want to see". But thanks to all the Oscar buzz and subsequent wins (8 in all, including Best Picture), I saw it. And as you can see by its placement on this list, I loved it.
There are lots of things to like about this movie but the best thing is simple: the screenplay. It is simply top notch and worthy of the Oscar it won. The plot sounds simple enough but trust me, it's not. Jamal, an 18-year orphan from the streets of Mumbai, India is on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?". He gets every question right up until the million dollar question, when they have to break for the day until the next day. At that time, he is kidnapped/arrested for cheating and for good reason. How else would a kid from the slums know the answer to such complex questions that the majority of the nation does not know? So Jamal recounts for them through the night his life story and with each question comes a story in his life that explains how he knows the answer. He is eventually let out and allowed to play for the million dollars. How does the movie end? Does he answer the final question correctly? Not gonna find out here. Sorry.
What makes this movie so entertaining is how they find a way to tie in each question to a point in his life. And these points in his life aren't boring by any means. Many of them are moments where he is running away from bad people just to stay alive or times where he is falling in in love. Each one of the moments are intense and emotional too. As Roger Ebert put it in his review, "this is a breathless, exciting story, heartbreaking and exhilarating at the same time."
The reason for this is that this movie does a few things about as best as you can do them. First, it intercuts the flashbacks with each question, so you are never too comfortable. The story just keeps driving forward. Secondly, you get a taste of India, a country that never gets a good wrap. You see the good and bad of the country. And by being exposed to something so different, it becomes a fabulous backdrop to this great story. And thirdly, he has actors that hit all the right notes. And most of these actors are young kids, right out of India! Their playful attitudes and scared faces are incredibly believable. Not to mention they are crazy cute, with their laughter, smiles and even in their fear/tears. There were numerous times in this movie where my heart either skipped a beat, broke, or just dropped. That's the mark of a movie that knows how to engage a viewer and tell a story so well that you forget it's actually fictional.
Another great thing is that the main character Jamal is such a great character to root for. You've seen his life story and know all the pain he has had to endure and all the challenges he has had to overcome just to stay alive, let alone be a contestant on the quiz show. That rooting is matched by the people of India watching the quiz show, who want to see the impossible happen. They want to see one of their own do something never done before. It is the absolute underdog story, something I clearly have shown an affinity for during this countdown. At 2 hours, this movie won't waste your time. Instead, it will leave you astounded at how this movie isn't talked about more as one of the all-time greats.
Video Clips
Again, we'll start with the trailer, which does this movie justice I think.
Next up, a great clip of the young child actors. In this scene, they are young entrepreneurs, as they live without the guidance of parents and find ways to get by as orphans.
And finally, one of the final scenes of the movie, when Jamal is in the hot seat on the final question. If you've seen the movie, you remember the suspense of this scene.
Memorable Quotes:
Jamal Malik: I knew you'd be watching.
Latika: I thought we would meet only in death.
Jamal Malik: This is our destiny.
Latika: Kiss me.
Police Inspector: [whispering] Doctors... Lawyers... never get past 60 thousand rupees. He's won 10 million.
[pause]
Police Inspector: What the hell can a slumdog possibly know?
Jamal Malik: [quietly] The answers.
[spits out blood]
Jamal Malik: [quietly and gently] I knew the answers.
13. Sister Act II: Back In The Habit (1993)Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Lauryn Hill, Kathy Najimy
Directed by Bill Duke
Going in a much different direction here than the last two...but a direction that is definitely worth going in. It's not often a sequel is better than the original. This is one of the rare times where that is true, and by a landslide. If you like a good comedy, a good underdog story, and some great music, then there is no doubt in my mind that you will love this movie.
Again, I go back to my numerous statements that say I ranked these movies for a variety of reasons. I've gone from picking movies for their ability to connect me to my childhood, for great special effects, for spectacular or sometime horrific acting, and for how "real" the movie has felt. Well, this movie does a little bit of all of that and much, much more. What this movie adds that others don't is absolutely great music, characters I can relate with and are just entertaining, and a storyline that is all too real these days, thought this movie was made back in 1993.
Some quick background for you. Growing up, I was in the school choir from 4th grade to 8th grade, singing a lot of religious-like songs too (yes, in a public school). I love music and I love the arts in general. It's a shame that these days that extra-curricular activities are the first thing on the cutting room floor when money gets tight in school districts. Well, in this movie, it's more than just the extra-curriculars that may get cut, it's the entire school. But thanks to the arts, the school is saved, and that's thanks to Sister Mary Clarence, played by Whoopi Goldberg.
You see, Sister Mary Clarence is not a "Sister". She's more of a "Sista". She is not a nun, but someone who did shows in Vegas. She comes to the help of her friends at the school to save the choir program and the school. What seems like an impossible task at the start turns positive soon when she notices the talent in the room, from wanna-be rappers to girls like Lauryn Hill's character that can flat-out sing. By the end of this movie, you are treated to 6-8 amazing songs from this choir and Hill and all with a storyline that produces a great amount of laughs.
Critics panned this movie as too cliche and using a tired formula. I on the other hand agree with most viewers who have seen it that instead find it to be inspirational in ways and entertaining from start to finish. Yes, you know how things are going to end but you get great musical numbers and some funny moments/jokes that make up for the predictability. And these aren't just all White people or Black people. The movie does a wonderful job of collecting a group of actors from all races, so each has their own personality and viewpoints. It was refreshing in 1993 and is still refreshing now. I have seen this movie over 10 times and still listen to songs from its soundtrack to this day. 18 years later from when I first saw it, it still ranks as one of my favorites and probably will for a long, long time.
Video Clips
Here is the trailer. It's actually quite awful when I consider who good the movie is.
Here's a clip demonstrating just how uncool Sister Mary Clarence was to the group before she earned their respect
And finally, I debated between the "Oh Happy Day" or "Joyful, Joyful" song to put on here. I went with the latter. Yes, it represents that last part of the movie, but it ruins nothing about the movie I think. One of my favorite movie songs/performances easily.
Memorable Quotes:
Sister Mary Clarence: If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.
Sister Mary Clarence: [after Maria has said she doesn't know the words of a song and her classmates snicker] Hey, hey - excuse me! It is NOT Maria's fault, that she does not know that Mary had a lamb. It is not - and I say this to you - it is *not* Maria's fault. Because maybe, MAYBE where Maria came from, Mary had a dog! Or a lil kitty cat! Or a little bald headed brother named Bart! It is NOT her fault and we're not going to tell her it is, are we? No we are not!
Mother Superior: Go with God, Crispy.
12. The Boondock Saints (1999)Starring Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flannery, Willem Dafoe
Directed by Troy Duffy
Just like American History X, I did not see this great "thinking-man" movie until college. And right after seeing it, I thought to myself "What took me so long?".
This movie has become a bit of a cult classic so I'm not even sure I need to explain the plot but I'll give a short summary. Two brothers seek to rid the streets of Boston of criminals/bad people while being searched by an FBI agent, who must decide if what they are doing is right or wrong. It is a fascinating argument, and it is that argument that makes this one of my favorite movies af all-time.
Just think about it. These guys go around Boston, killing mobsters and other criminals who are clearly doing bad in the city. They aren't doing this out of vengeance, but instead as a response to a vision from God. They believe God wants them to rid the evil from the world so that good may flourish. Now we all can agree killing people in itself is wrong, bu what about killing people that are doing bad in the world? Does it then become good? You almost have to equate it to war. Is killing the enemy bad or good? Again, the act of killing another person is wrong but when that person is doing wrong and probably trying to kill you now or down the road, it all the sudden becomes right.
Throughout this movie, you get to decide how you feel on the subject. You either side with the brothers and their mission or you side with Willem Dafoe, the FBI agent who wants to bring justice to them. That is, until even he has a hard time deciding if it is better if the brothers keep killing the same people he is hunting down OR to arrest the brothers for their numerous murders. Because the brothers aren't harming innocent people, why take them off the streets?
Everytime I see this movie, I am moved by it because in a way, you wish there were people like this who were willing to rid the world of evil. But at the same time, you know it would probably be a bad idea. I commend this movie though for tackling this and doing so with a great soundtrack and great casting. Flannery and Reedus are spot-on as brothers and Dafoe brings some absurdity and intensity that is much needed in what can be a very tense movie. I have yet to see the sequel because I know it can't be as good as this one, especially since they decided to wait 10 years to make the second. One day I will but I am convinced, it has no chance to compare to this one.
Video Clips
The trailer isn't the best but it gets across the point of the movie and how you get to make the decision of whether they are right or wrong.
This is a classic scene with Willem Dafoe, as he tries to put together another crime scene. He has weird methods but the way this is shot and orchestrated is in my mind great cinematography.
And of course, no Boondock Saints review would be complete without posting the famous prayer they say before or after each kill.
Memorable Quotes
Paul Smecker: Oh, isn't that beautiful? All the lowlifes in quiet city Boston start dropping dead and *you* think it's unrelated! Greenly, the day I want the Boston Police to do my thinking for me, I will have a fucking tag on my toe!
Murphy: Do not kill, do not rape, do not steal, these are principles which every man of every faith can embrace.
Connor: These are not polite suggestions, these are codes of behavior and those of you that ignore them will pay the dearest cost.
The prayer: "And Shepherds we shall be For Thee my Lord, for Thee Power hath descended forth from Thy hand Our feet may swiftly carry out Thy commands. So we shall flow a river forth to Thee And teeming with souls shall it ever be. In Nomine Patri, Et Fili, Et Spiritus Sancti."
11. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)Starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Directed by Chris Columbus
Among my top 100, this my be in the top 5 of movies I have seen the most. I couldn't count how many times I've seen this movie on my hands. It's been that often and if I see it on TV, you can just forget whatever I need to do until it is over. It's the kind of movie that lifts your spirits and just makes you laugh.
Robin Williams is no doubt the star of this movie, playing a father who just wants to see his kids more often than the court-ordered Saturdays only due to a divorce. So he dresses up in drag and becomes "Mrs. Doubtfire", a nanny with a British accent and a bit of an attitude, She is exactly what the kids need (his kids) and immediately gets the job. The antics that ensue from when he is hired to when the act is discovered are priceless, as we learn just how tough it is to be a man in drag all day long.
There are lots of reasons to like this movie. For one, the comedy. Because of Williams, you get tons of great lines and great scenes. Many of them deal with him trying to cover-up his real identity. Others just involve good one-liners. This movie is not exactly laugh out loud all the time, but the laughs are plentiful. There also is a heart-warming story behind this movie of a father who simply wants to be around his kids. He would do just about anything to do it...and that's exactly what he does. Yes, it's a bit extreme but in a way, being their nanny makes them closer to them than ever before.
What also puts this movie so high on my list is that it is one of the few movies (and I mean few) where my whole family could watch and all enjoy. I'm sure that my whole family created a top 100 list, this movie would crack the top 50 on all lists. It is a movie for young people and not so young people. I've grown to appreciate some of the comedy more now that I am older as well as the toll divorce takes on not just the parents but the kids. This movie does a great job of preaching that family comes first, no matter what. And to be able to share that theme with my own family with an entertaining movie such as this one is special.
Video Clips
We'll begin with the trailer. I forget how bad trailers were in the early 90's.
So how do his two oldest kids find out she is really a he?
And another funny scene as he tries to keep his cover. This time, with the court liaison.
Memorable Quotes
Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh, sir. I saw it! Some angry member of the kitchen staff, Did you not tip them? Oh, the terrorists! They ran that way. It was a run-by fruiting. I'll get them sir. Don't worry.
Mrs. Doubtfire: Marriage can be such a blessing.
Miranda: So can divorce.
That's it and that's all for movies 11-15. Next week, we start unveiling one movie at a time as the countdown continues. Don't forget to check over at Luke's blog for his countdown. Just 10 movies to go. Wow.
Until next time, Hakuna Matata.
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