Top 100 Movies: Part 7: 32-21.

Since starting this list of my favorite films, I have seen several movie that should make the list. Two of which are within my Top 30, therefore I have pushed back some of the movies on my previous list. For example: On my previous post "Rear Window" ranked 32th, with my new additions however, "The Untouchables" now holds that spot because it was pushed down the list after watching other two films, which were even better. To clarify, after I finish the list, I will post a full Top 100 Movies complete with all the updates films and number order.

Now on to the list: From number 30 on the list forward, nearly all of the films fall into one of three categories: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Comic Book because I am a geek/nerd and those genres are what I enjoy most. Also please remember that these are my "favorite" movies not the "best". I will admit that some of them are not all that great in terms of being a "good film".

 

 

At Number 32: The Untouchables

Probably the best movie based on real historical events, The Untouchables follows the story Eliot Ness taking down Al Copone's criminal empire. Sean Connery's Oscar winning was core of the movie's success and Kevin Cosner was excellent as well. Oddly enough, I am having second thoughts about where on this the list the film should rank, because I feel it should be a tad lower, maybe I will update the list with it in a different spot later on.

The Untouchables Review.

 

At Number 31: The Outlaw Josey Wales

One of Clint Eastwood's early attempts at directing remains his best, as the hardcore Josey Wales. The Outlaw Josey Wales breaks the mold of traditional westerns with a grittier style yet still contains Eastwood's classic wry sense of humor. Why haven't more people seen The Outlaw Josey Wales? It is all too often forgotten.

Warning: Although it was rated "PG" at the time, it would certainly be rated "R" today.

The Outlaw Josey Wales Review.

At Number 30: X2: X-Men United

Before Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight, and Iron Man, X2: X-Men United was the king of comic book films and it still holds up so well today. Huge Jackman was awesome as Wolverine devilling further into his mystery past (which was ruined by the horrible Wolverine: Origins). X2 really set the new standard for comic book sequels with bigger action, more character development and an ending that made X-Men fans everywhere excited for the next installment.

X2: X-Men United

 

At Number 29: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Some love it, other hate it, but as a hardcore Indiana Jones fan, the Temple of Doom is still a blast! Spielberg and Lucas did not take the easy route and rehash Raiders' story and tone, but took a chance that they should be applauded for. Even if you cannot stand Willie's annoying complaining, the action is almost equal to Raiders and Short Round is a fun character.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Review.

 

 

At Number 28: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Until this time last year, I had never seen a single Harry Potter movie, but after watching all eight, the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was the epic finale the franchise deserved. While the other Harry Potter movies were good, this one elevated the series to another level entirely, even with a few minor flaws.

 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 could not have ended any better and made the previous seven films all the more worth it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Review

At Number 27: X-Men: First Class

After two disappointing X-Men films, First Class revitalized the X-Men franchise with a fresh new setting. Going back to the year 1960 during the Cold War brilliantly combines real history and fiction. Michael Fassbender killed it as Magneto and James McAvoy gave a compelling performance as Xavier. X-Men: First Class is an Xcellent film (pun intended).

X-Men: First Class Review.

 

At Number 26: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

OK, I am going to get so much flack for these next two choices but it is very important to know that this is my "Favorite" movies not the "Best" movies. I am a hardcore Star Wars fanatic, even if the Phantom Menace is very flawed there are still things to enjoy about it. Jar Jar is an abomination, the second worst part of the Star Wars universe, and Jake Lloyd was awful as Anakin, however Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were awesome in the movie, plus the Lightsaber duel at the end was so freaking cool. This pick is mostly guided by nostalgia. Roger Ebert gave the movie 3.5/4 stars, which is higher than what he gave The Dark Knight Rises even. Also the Darth Plagueis book makes The Phantom Menace a better movie with new insight into back story of the characters. 

 

 

At Number 25: Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

After debating between Attack of the Clones and the Phantom Menace, the Attack of the Clones came out on top. Even though some parts of the movie were terrible like the romance scenes or Hayden Christensen's performance, the movie is still fun a ride for Star Wars fans. It introduced the Clones and setup for the best thing to happen to Star Wars since the original trilogy, The Clone Wars TV series.

At Number 24: Skyfall

Being a James Bond fan, Skyfall was everything that fans of both new and old Bond films wanted to see and then some. Sam Mendes delved deeper into Bond's character making him a real and believable human. Hands-down, my favorite James Bond film to date, let's hope Mendes decides to come back for the sequel.

Skyfall (23rd Bond film) Review: Part 1.

Skyfall Review: Part 2.

 At Number 23: Aliens

After watching Aliens a couple of weeks ago, I have to say that it was one of the most thrilling, pulse-pounding, film experiences I have had in a very long time. Although the first Alien was great and will be included somewhere lower on my updated Top 100 list, James Cameron's Aliens what the first Alien film, cranked it up a thousand fold, and jammed some ridiculously awesome action scenes into it. Look for my full review of the film on the next "Reader's Choice" post.   

 

 

At Number 22: Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Before Titanic James Cameron actually made a few freaking awesome sci-fi films and T2 might just be his best. It was difficult to decide between Aliens and T2, but T2 has the nostalgia factor because it has been one of my favorites for a very long time. The effects Everything about Judgment Day was bigger, bolder and all the more awesome than its predecessor, too bad the sequels did not turn out so well.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day Review.

 

 

At Number 21: The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man gave us an excellent adaptation of my favorite superhero origin story. As great as Toby Maguire was in the role, Andrew Garfield is the quintessential Peter Parker. I am probably the only person in the world likes the movie nearly this much, but a good analogy would be if your favorite book ever written was adapted exactly as you imagined. Even though the non-origin parts could have been slightly better, the film lived up to its "Amazing" title.

The Amazing Spider-Man Review.

 What do you think of the list thus far? Please comment below. Also check back tomorrow for my Elementary Season 1 review.

 

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Doctor Who Season 7 Review: Part 1.

Doctor Who season seven started with the last few episodes of companions Amy and Rory and gave them proper send off. It is hard to believe that the season is actually finished, it seems as though it was yesterday that the series started back up, but I guess time flies when watching everyone's favorite time traveler. Because few of the readers have actually seen this season of Doctor Who, this review will be spoiler-free. It is, by far, my favorite TV show of all-time and I have been a fan since the series began back in 2005 and if you have not seen the series I highly recommend watching it. Basically I will give my opinion on each of the episodes from this past season with a rating as well as my opinion of new companion Clara.

Note: It is very difficult to rate these Doctor Who episodes. With the exception of one episode, Doctor Who is consistently better than every other TV series that I watch, so the scores are a combination of relative to other Doctor Who episodes and TV in general. In the words of the Doctor: "People assume that rating stuff is a strict progression of cause to effect. But actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey... stuff." Are you a little lost? "It got away from me, yeah." (Doctor Who fans should get the reference)


Asylum of the Daleks: Season seven opened with a bang! The Amy/Rory sub-plot could have been better but Jenna-Louise Coleman as Clara gave a decent first impression, although her performance did not give me much reason to be excited for her return. The ending was spectacular and made for a shocking finale!
Rating: 9.7/10

Dinosaurs on a Spaceship: "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship!" Surprisingly the effects for the dinosaurs were better than the show "Terra Nova", which was all about dinosaurs. Mark Williams was humorous as Rory's father and Amy and Rory were fun and adventurous as always. While nothing profound, "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship" was a blast of fun and excitement.
Rating: 8.6/10

A Town Called Mercy: Unless I am forgetting something, this is the first time a Doctor Who episode has had a western setting. The episode was slightly underwhelming compared to my expectations, yet still had an entertaining story with a satisfying ending.
Rating: 8.5/10

The Power of Three: For whatever reason my memory of this is a tad foggy, although I do remember enjoying it overall.
Rating: 8.6/10

The Angels Take Manhattan: A saddening end to my favorite two companions. Some of the "wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey... stuff" could have made a little more sense. For my full review please click on the link below.
Rating: 9.7/10
Doctor Who The Angels Take Manhattan Review.

The Snowmen: While not the best Christmas special, it was a fun Christmas adventure nonetheless. This episode re-introduced Jenna-Louise Coleman as Clara Oswin Oswald. Although she was a fun character, Clara did not win be over at this point. The problem with this episode was one that I had with a few other episodes this season, too much Madame Vastra and Jenny. I do not know why but their characters annoy me, maybe it is just Jenny's voice, however Strax was hilarious!
Rating: 8.5/10

 

 

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New Star Wars TV Series: Rebels.

A new Star Wars animated series named "Star Wars: Rebels" is set to be released in the Fall of 2014. Rebels is set during the era between Ep. III and IV, which is exciting since characters like Darth Vader and even a young Princess Leia could be included in the series. Clone Wars creator David Filoni takes lead of the project and considering his excellent on The Clone Wars the new show should be excellent. Greg Weisman also is a producer of the new series, which is good news since his previous animated series, Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice were two of my favorite animated series.

With this new setting I can see characters like Starkiller from the Force Unleashed or a young Mara Jade working for the Emperor depending on where during the 20 span between films this series is set. Also I am hoping that Ahsoka could be in the series and continue her story past leaving the Jedi Order. Another character that should be featured is Grand Admiral Thrawn from the "Thrawn" book trilogy because he is one of the most fascinating characters in the Star Wars expanded universe. I would not even mind seeing a 20 year old Han Solo since the series is animated and would not ruin the character. Darth Vader and the Emperor could make appearances as well. Maybe even the many Bothan spies who died to give the Rebellion the information on the Death Star, the possibilities are endless! Basically the Rebellion era is one of the best choices Disney could have made because there are so many options and it could even continue past Ep. IV focusing on background characters. My only concern is that the series could be too "kid friend" since it is airing on Disney XD. What are your thoughts on the new series? Please comment below. Also check tomorrow for either the continuation of my Top 100 Movies or your "Reader's Choice" pick.

 

 

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Reader's Choice.

Because it has been far too long since I have posted a Reader's Choice so here it is. Along with the you vote for, I will be posting the continuation of my Top 100 Movies post as well.

 

Elementary Season 1 Review

Doctor Who Season 7 Review

Prometheus Review

Alien Review

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Review

The Big Sleep Review

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre Review

The Book of Eli Review

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Review

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Review

LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 6

 

Note: Sorry for the delay on the LOTR post. I actually thought that I posted it a while back. That might sound ridiculous but I have tons of drafts and things can get lost sometimes. 

 

 

 

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Star Trek: Into Darkness Review Roundup.

Star Trek: Into Darkness the long awaited sequel to J.J. Abrams 2009 reboot of Star Trek. Since Abrams is set to direct the upcoming Star War Episode VII and that his 2009 Star Trek reboot was a lot of fun, I was kind of looking forward to seeing Into Darkness. While I do not plan to see the movie in theaters, from the reviews it should be good fun if nothing else.

 

 

Star Trek Into Darkness Review by Rath Reviews:  8.0/10- "All that being said, it was still a ton of fun and to make a long review short, if you liked the first one, you will like this one. For me, it's still lacking that certain something that I feel in a lot of my favorite movies. Here's hoping that J.J. Abrams can find that "magic" when he takes on Star Wars."

 

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS REVIEW by Daniel: C+: "For a reboot series that tried so hard to tear itself away from it’s past, a lot of this feels incredibly familiar. I could go through a list of films that it borrows from but I’d spoil most of the plot. New fans should find plenty to enjoy and I did like it more often than not but not nearly as much as I did the first time around."

 

Jeremy Jahns: Awesometacular: While he did not enjoy it as much as Abrams first Star Trek, it was nearly as good in his opinion.

 

Chris Stuckmann: A: Stuckmann liked Into Darkness even more than the previous Star Trek.

 

SchmoesKnow: 4.5/10- Both Mark and Christian thoroughly enjoyed Into Darkness and agreed that it was equal to Abrams previous Star Trek.

 

Rotten Tomatoes: 86%: "Visually spectacular and suitably action packed, Star Trek Into Darkness is a rock-solid installment in the venerable sci-fi franchise, even if it's not as fresh as its predecessor."

 

 If you have written a review and would like it featured on this post comment (and follow if you haven't already) and I will add a link to your review.

 

 

 

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