Matt's Top 100 Movies: Introduction

If you know me, you know I love making a good list. Doesn't matter the topic, doesn't matter the time it consumes to create/complete it. It's a task I'm willing to take on. Well this time, I'm taking it to a whole new level. In fact, it's a list that's been more than 24 years in the making.

As the title of this post suggests, I am making a list of my top 100 movies of all-time. Full disclosure: I have made this list before. It was back at the end of 2008. I began to do blog posts breaking down the movies but only got did #100 and #99. In other words, didn't get far at all.

So what's different this time around that will prevent me from laziness again? Well, I have a partner in crime this time. And of course, it is none other than Luke Florence A.K.A. The King of Arguments. If you don't know Luke, he is the one who magnificently creates a Black History Month list for me each year. We don't have the best track record in always finishing the blog posts that come with the list but I feel good about this one.

Mainly because this list means a lot to both of us. The movies you consider your favorites almost define you. It gives you an idea on well, you. Everything from your sense of humor to your imagination to your overall tolerance in an variety of areas. Plus, this one takes a long time to make. It is easy to put the first 10-20 on paper. But finding the difference in movies 30-100 takes awhile.

That's when you have to decide just how much you really love that movie. A movie that was good at age 6 may not be as good at age 24. So while that movie will fall because of my unfortunate maturation, I have to remember the feeling that movie had at that age and account that in my list. More than that though, this list will constantly change as I see a new movie. In fact, a movie I saw just 2 weeks ago cracks the top 100 while more than 25 movies from my first list in 2008 no longer make the cut.

It was a tedious process but in the end, well worth it. And now, I'm excited to share it with all of you willing to read. Luke and I have decided to reveal ten movies at a time each Monday (hopefully). That is until we get to the top 20. We will then break them down in groups of 5 until the top 10, which will all get one separate post. It's only fair considering their placement on this "historic" list.

Like Luke, my ultimate goal is to own every movie in my top 100. So far, I'm just a bit less than halfway to that goal. Ever since my first list, I have made it a point to buy movies in my top 50 and am very close to that. So as the holiday season nears, refer back to this list if you're stuck on what to get me come Christmas.

So there you have it. The scoop on where this blog is heading for the next 20+ weeks. I hope you enjoy and obviously encourage you to follow not just my list, but Luke's as well. And feel free to leave comments galore with each post. I can assure there will be movies on my list that will surprise you, excite you and disgust you. All are reactions I expect and appreciate to be expressed in words in the comments section below.

Hakuna Matata.

Black History Month - Day 10

We're moving right along in this year's B.H.M. countdown of top movie roles by Black actors/actresses. So far, Luke has compiled a stellar list of stars. Let's hope he doesn't take a misstep today.

#19 - Samuel L. Jackson as "Jules Winnfield" in "Pulp Fiction"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: I've only watched Pulp Fiction twice, but after the first time I can remember thinking how cool Samuel L. Jackson's hair/facial hair looked. It was the #1 thing I took away. Obviously watching Pulp Fiction as a ten-year-old and then again as an 18-year-old will provoke different reactions, but the constant thought was centered around Samuel L. Jackson, and how great he was in this performance.

We all think of Samuel L. Jackson as the loud dude who screams a ton and gets in people face's all the time. Well, Jackson does that here, but he shows a broader range than he usually gets the chance to showcase in the majority of his roles. There should be no surprise that this performance was his only Oscar nomination, because it appears to be the only time he is asked to be a complex character in my short memory.

MY TAKE: While Luke has only seen Pulp Fiction twice, I've only seen it once. But like Luke, I have mad respect for what Samuel L. Jackson does with his character Jules. First off, he looks the part, unlike in other movie roles he has played (Coach Carter anyone?). His nappy fro and wacky facial hair just add to the eccentricity of his character. The way he interacts with Travolta may be my favorite part about his character though. It's a tough love approach, one I love taking with my friends as well. He has no filter, just telling it like it is. He is often sarcastic and well, not afraid to drop a curse word or two. And while some actors wouldn't be able to pull off this kind of personality on a character, Jackson does it with ease AND adds a little something.

Overall, I'm not sure just how good an actor Samuel L. Jackson is. He tends to take roles that don't challenge him. Instead, taking roles that are simply for laughs and for yelling (Snakes on a Plane -- really?). But if Pulp Fiction was the only movie I saw Samuel L. Jackson in, I'd think he was one of the best actors of our time. The way he turns this character, who should be hated (I mean, he is a hitman) into a beloved character is a work of art. You come off liking him, understanding his conflicting feelings, and ultimately feeling bad for him. Jackson really does shine and truly deserved the Oscar nomination he received for this role. I'm not at all surprised Luke chose this role. I'm only surprised it wasn't higher considering just how good it was.

That's it for now. Before you move on though, take a gander at the Quote of the Day.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: If you have an opportunity to use your voice you should use it. ~Samuel L. Jackson

Black History Month - Day 9

I really hate Valentine's Day -- but I really love Black History Month. In other words, really wish Valentine's Day wasn't in the best month of the year. Eh well, I just hope people recognize that February 14th is just another day in Black History Month and not just for the Hallmark holiday.

#20 James Earl Jones as "Darth Vader" in "Star Wars"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Young and old. Rich and poor. Black and white. Fat and thin. Every kind of person that is out there has uttered that phrase to me. Growing up it immediately confused me, but once I understood the origins, it started to annoy me. Eventually I learned to embrace it. Now here I am glorifying it. Life is strange.

As you have probably gathered by now, the black/white relationship plays a huge part in these Black History Month lists. And to be honest, I'm not sure there is a bigger black/white dynamic than the one found in Star Wars. There is the whole dark side. Darth Vader is always in black, while Luke Skywalker is normally in white. Add in James Earl Jones' voice for a character who is white, and my head is ready to explode, as I'm sure Barnes' is too.

MY TAKE: As usual, Luke goes a little off the board for a selection, a la Black Smoke Monster in the Black TV characters list. Full disclosure, never seen Star Wars. Never wanted to see Star Wars. I hate sci-fi with a passion. But with that said, of course I know the Darth Vader character and the great voice he has provided by James Earl Jones.

These days, that's all Jones does it seems is voice-over, which is fine because his voice is for lack of a better word, perfect. Yep, I said it. His voice for Darth Vader: perfect. His voice for Mufasa in my favorite movie "The Lion King": perfect. No matter the movie, his voice is perfect. His baritone pipes just make the character seem powerful, confident, and well, a badass. The two rolse I can remember vividly of Jones that is not a voice-over is his character as a scary old guy in "The Sandlot" and as the King in "Coming to America". I thought he was good in "The Sandlot", even though he really only had about 10-15 minutes of screen time in that movie. He was even better in "Coming to America" as a no-nonsense King just trying to set up his son with his Queen. No doubt that role made my list of top roles.

I have zero problem with Luke adding him to this list. The role of Darth Vader is a role that has been talked about for years and will continue to be for years. And Jones' voice will long be one of the best to ever grace the big screen. I appreciate Luke for putting him on the list. He may be a great actor but his voice adds a dimension to a character that others cannot.

Don't forget to check out Luke's blog during this countdown. He has videos, movie quotes and even a hint for the next selection. Check it out at the link above.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “I've learned that racism will not be taken as a given. I don't think we should ever accept it.” ~James Earl Jones

Black History Month - Day 8

As we move into the second half of Black History Month, we move into the second fourth of this countdown (get that math?). We're behind but we're catching up at a feverish pace so keep coming back to see who cracks the countdown next.

#21 Don Cheadle as "Det. Graham Waters" in "Crash"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Don Cheadle gets the nod here because just as Forrest Whitaker is one of the best actors in the business, so is Cheadle. He was nominated in the 2004 Academy Awards for his performance in Hotel Rwanda (never seen), and has been in several block-buster movies (Boogie Nights, Iron Man series, and The Ocean's Eleven Trilogy just to name a few). I also enjoyed his performance in Reign Over Me, even if the ending leaves a little bit to be desired.

In Crash, Cheadle plays a detective who is battling family issues. He has a sick mother and a criminal for a brother. His mom desperately wants his son to come back, and berates Cheadle for not finding him. Cheadle is terrific in this role, as is the entire cast, which includes Terrence Howard (who just missed making this list).

So in the end, this is a nod for Cheadle's career more than this particular film, but when you consider how good this movie is, it's hard to argue with its' placement.

MY TAKE: Solid selection by Luke here, and for numerous reasons. first, he recognizes a movie that I think is a good one to discuss, especially during Black History Month. "Crash" brings up a multitude of social issues, including racism. So including this movie, which happens to also be in my top-10 all-time movies, is definitely a plus. I also agree with Luke in being a fan of ensemble movies that have the characters become intertwined in numerous ways.

Second, Luke recognizes the performance by Don Cheadle. There are a lot of great performances in this movie. When it comes to Black actors specifically, I think Terence Howard, Thandie Newton, Cheadle and even Ludacris really shine in their roles. What I love about what Cheadle does with his character is how he makes Det. Waters seem so disconnected with the feelings of others, including his loved ones. His partner, played by Jennifer Esposito is nothing more than a sex toy to him, calling her racist names while they have sex. His mother is important to him, as he does shop for her and check on her everyday, but he also shows an inability to relate to her as she struggles with addiction problems and sickness. And then, there's his brother, who his mother is imploring him to find/look after. Instead of doing that though, he neglects his brother, which comes to burn him later in the movie. It's a crazy, confusing life he lives but one he chooses to because he decides to worry more about himself and less about others. Cheadle does an amazing job portraying this.

Finally, I commend Luke for recognizing Cheadle's career. It shocks me to think he only has one Oscar nomination, because he is an amazing actor. His Oscar nomination came in what was no doubt his best work "Hotel Rwanda". Just like with Forest Whitaker, I know if Luke saw that movie, he would choose that Cheadle role in a heartbeat. That role moves you, whether you are White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, etc.. It is a powerful story and Cheadle was the perfect guy to portray the hero that is Paul Rusesabagina. Cheadle has been in other roles that I have enjoyed but would not make this list, but that's fine. I will always consider him one of the finest Black actors of my lifetime and I am glad Luke included him on this list. Well done sir.

Alright, as Jay-Z says, on to the next.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “It's a film that doesn't end when the credits roll. It's a discussion that we've heard out in the world many, many times, and it's great that it's just started a dialogue about things that people, on the surface, seem not to want to talk about.” ~Don Cheadle about "Crash" (seriously, see this movie if you have not)

Black History Month - Day 7

Why bother with small talk about how bad I feel that this list is running behind? Let's just get right to the meat and potatoes.

#22 Leon as "Derice Bannock" in "Cool Runnings"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Derice is a track-star sprinter who doesn't know the meaning of "stop." He tragically lost on his bid to gain entry to the Summer Olympics, but didn't let that stop him. He decided to try for the Winter Olympics by creating the first Jamaican Bobsled team. The rest is history.

Derice didn't have all the punch-lines, but instead, he added the dramatic flavor to Cool Runnings. He is the driver, the leader, and the soul of his team. He also has to battle several issues including rumors about his coach and a love-fest with the Swiss team. But like all great leaders, he overcomes. Derice deserves to be here.

MY TAKE: With "Cool Runnings" being Luke's favorite movie of all-time, seeing Leon on this list comes as no surprise. In fact, the only surprise is that he is so low on the list. Luke is right, he deserves to be on this list, especially since his portrayal was not so powerful. Derice's go-getter attitude is something every athlete should possess but of course does not. His will to lead and succeed is imperative to the success of the team and ultimately what convinces Irv Blitzer, their coach (played wondrefully by John Candy) to take on the challenge of teaching them how to bobsled.

As Luke said, Derice did not have the punch lines but his character might be what kept the movie going. He gave the team direction. He was the middle ground between the immaturity and inexperience of the guys and the seriousness and experience of Irv when they arrived for the Olympic Games. His best line though of the movie no doubt was his last. "We have to finish the race". It's the same words I was thinking in my head as I finished the last half-mile of my half-marathon, legs cramping and all. Leon has not gone on to a very prolific acting career, probably because he isn't that good of one. But this role was tailor-made for him, allowing him to truly shine and to make that role one of my favorites no doubt. Great choice Luke.

Alright, hope you've enjoyed the first 7 picks. Still 21 more to go, and hopefully, we can get them all done and posted by the end of the month.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: "Cool Runnings means 'Peace be the Journey'" ~ Derice Bannock in "Cool Runnings"