That's right, Luke and I are at it again. It's been 4 years since we revealed our top 100 movies. Now, it's time for an updated list. It's not so much a list as much as a journey.
Long story short, this began with lots of research to find out what movies I have even seen in my lifetime. That was followed by narrowing it down to movies I would even consider. Then, the final cut to 100 in 2011.
But 4 years have passed and many more movies have been made and watched by yours truly. An update was necessary and so, the process of adding new movies and shuffling movies already on the original list began.
Movies I thought were safely in my Top 100 found themselves out all of the sudden. Movies I had seen recently had to be weighed with movies I had seen in my childhood. It wasn't easy but looking back, it was worth it.
So before I start unveiling the movies, here's what you can look for as the countdown begins:
- I added 27 new movies to the list, 2 of which cracked the top 10.
- There has been significant movement from the last list, with some movies moving as far as 50+ spots. Only 5 movies in the top 50 from the last list did not make this list.
- I will post an update on the 73 movies that stayed on the list, to explain their movement up or down.
- No posts about movie trailers this time. Want to see the trailer? Click the name of the movie in each post and you'll go right to YouTube.
- I will recap Luke's countdown in posts as well as we go on. You can find his blog
right here as well as in the right side panel. Plus, we'll keep track of our favorite actors/directors and post that at the end.
- We're revealing 10 movies each week until we get to 20. Then we go 5 at a time, and then reveal the top 10 one at a time.
Now without further adieu, let's get to the movies!
100. Anaconda (1997)
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight
Directed by Luis Llosa
Plot: A "National Geographic" film crew is taken hostage by an insane hunter,
who takes them along on his quest to capture the world's largest - and
deadliest - snake.
Stock: Down (previously #37)
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 The special effects are bit outdated since 1997 but still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 is
that this was the first disaster/horror/thriller film I had seen where a
White, Black and Hispanic person 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.
UPDATE
I'm still a big fan of this movie but who am I kidding, this movie has no business staying on this list and likely won't on the next edition. It only made it this time because I couldn't imagine this list without it.
99. Mulan (1998)
Voices of Ming-Na, Eddie Murphy
Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook
Plot: To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes
in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the
process.
Stock: Holding (previously #90)
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.
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
UPDATE
Still think it is an underrated Disney movie. It will never get its due but I'm glad I can in a small way by keeping it on this list.
98. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
Directed by Mel Stuart
Plot: A poor boy wins the opportunity to tour the most eccentric and wonderful candy factory of all.
Stock: Down (previously #58)
A classic in every sense. Forget the Johnny Depp
disastrous remake. This is one that will stand the test of time for
many. And for one main reason: it's just simply better in every way. The
music, the acting, and the innocence of it all.
I have no clue when I first saw this movie. What I do
remember though is how much I enjoyed it. The idea of a candy factory
like Wonka's blew my mind. The songs were not only catchy, but funny.
The acting by the kids, while not Oscar worthy, was fun and
entertaining. The acting by Gene Wilder though, could be Oscar worthy,
especially for the final few scenes where he transforms from
happy-go-lucky to frustrated to overjoyed seamlessly.
I think what I love about this movie the most though
is the imagination it showed. Yes, Roald Dahl wrote the book but putting
that story into a movie could not have been easy. But this movie
tackled that challenge and came out with a fantastic product.
UPDATE
Fun fact: this is the oldest movie on my list. I still quote this movie to this day and know most of the words to the songs when I see it on (which is all too rare). It may not last much longer on this list but it will always be one of the more memorable movies of my childhood.
97. Shutter Island (2010)
Starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Directed by Martin Scorcese
Plot: In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance
of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and
is presumed to be hiding near-by.
Stock: Down (previously #53)
I don't know what possessed me to see this movie. This
is normally the kind of movie I avoid. I go to get
lost in a movie and be entertained. Well, you've got to do some thinking
in this movie but don't worry, you'll be entertained.
It's tough to talk about this movie too much without
giving too much away for those who may not have seen it so I won't even
try. But what I will say is that I did not see the end coming. I mean, I
was shocked.
There's simply just too much to like
for this movie to not make my top 100 and I have a feeling if/when I see
this movie a second time, it'll move up because while the first time
was good, I know I will appreciate the ending twist that much more the
second time.
UPDATE
Well, I still haven't seen it a second time, hence why I think it fell so sharply. But I also wonder if it would have mattered, since I know how it ends now. Regardless, glad it stayed on the list.
96. Titanic (1997)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
Directed by James Cameron
Plot: A seventeen-year-old aristocrat, expecting to be married to a rich
claimant by her mother, falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard
the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.
Stock: Down (previously #61)
At
194 minutes, Titanic is the longest-running movie on my list. It also
is the one that has earned the most Oscars (11). But neither of those
two facts play a role into why I chose this movie. It is strictly
because of the quality of this movie, from every facet.
Just
start with the acting. Absolutely superb. Whether it be from leading
roles like Leo and Kate or supporting roles like those from Kathy Bates,
Zane, and Victor Garber. The accuracy of the story is also to be
commended. The amount of time it took for the ship to sink from when it
hit the iceberg is exactly how long it took in the movie. And those visual/special effects were at the time (and
still now actually) were just remarkable. Sometimes, you forget you're
watching a movie and not live/taped video from the Atlantic as the ship
breaks in half, stranding thousands either on board or in the frigid Atlantic
ocean.
Kudos to Cameron for the Jack/Rose storyline and for all of his imagination into
putting this historical event onto film. He is a true visionary and I'm
glad he created this movie because this was a story worth telling. And
if you're gonna tell a story like the sinking of the Titanic on the big
screen, you better tell it right. That he did.
UPDATE
In a way, I'm a bit surprised it fell this far. But it is a long movie and it didn't impact me like many others did. It portrayed a horrific event wonderfully but I doubt it stays on this list much longer.
95. Hitch (2005)
Starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James
Directed by Andy Tennant
Plot: While helping his latest client woo the fine lady of his dreams, a
professional "date doctor" finds that his game doesn't quite work on the
gossip columnist with whom he's smitten.
Stock: Down (previously #84)
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. 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.
UPDATE
A funny movie just being eclipsed by funnier movies. Not very quotable which hurts, but still worthy of its spot on this list.
94. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger
Directed by Cameron Crowe
Plot: When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it,
he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with
the only athlete who stays with him.
Stock: Down (previously #94)
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.
The acting Oscar 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.
UPDATE
Still enjoy watching this movie when it happens to be on TV. This is going to be the kind of movie I will really struggle dropping from this list because of how enjoyable it is. Plus the sports aspect of it will mean I will always have a connection to it.
93. Clueless (1995)
Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Plot: A rich high school student tries to boost a new pupil's popularity, but reckons without affairs of the heart getting in the way.
Stock: Down (previously #71)
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?
UPDATE
I still have nothing but love for this movie It's silly, yes, but that's the point. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It may be an even funnier watch as the years go on too as the fashion, trends, and technology changes.
92. 28 Days Later (2002)
Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris
Directed by Danny Boyle
Plot: Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.
Stock: Holding (previously #89)
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.
UPDATE
I think my write-up of this movie from 4 years ago still stands. I have no real reason for loving this movie but I do. Case closed.
91. The Sandlot (1993)
Starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, James Earl Jones
Directed by David M. Evans
Plot: A new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy
and his team. Together, they get themselves into many adventures
involving rival teams, lifeguards, and a vicious dog.
Stock: Holding (#88)
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
24-30 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?
UPDATE
A movie that many of my friends will say I have too low but that's fine. I'm a fan of the movie but it stays on this list more for how it helps define my childhood and less for the quality of the movie.
That's all for now! The next post will be a reaction post to Luke's 91-100 movies. And then, I'll be back with movies 81-90 from my list next week. In the meantime, leave comments at the bottom or on my Facebook page if you wish. This list is only as fun as you the reader makes it.
Until next time, Hakuna Matata.
