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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
What do you think of the list thus far? Please comment below. Also check back tomorrow for my Elementary Season 1 review.
If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.
The first five of those movies I love. For some reason, I must have inherited my dad's love of westerns.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! :D I also loved the new Spider Man movie, it was awesome! :D And yes, the last Harry Potter film rocked! :D I really do want to see Aliens since it looks really good(as well as The Terminator). It's been a while since I saw the second Indiana Jones film(I was 9, 10, or 11 when I saw it). The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones would be higher up on my list(and I totally understand the flack thing, I get it a lot too).
ReplyDeleteThe Amazing Spider-Man was really good (I actually saw it before the original films). I really like Andrew Garfield.
ReplyDeleteJUDGEMENT DAY! That's a great film, I really like that one, it's one of my favorites.
I think shall need to see Aliens. :)
Personally, I liked The Phantom Menace more then Attack of the Clones but both are very painful to watch in some ways. I think Phantom became my preferred because of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, and Qui-Gon was not in Attack. *sob*
X-Men First Class was pretty good but there was some things that didn't seem to line up to the older movies that had me and Kayla kinda confused; the X-Men are neat, but they just aren't huge favorite of mine. :)
And, I haven't seen the others except for X-Men United. :)
Glad we kinda have the same top favorites! The higher we get on your list the more I've seen and loved! Lol!
~Jamie
Some very interesting choices James.
ReplyDeleteI loved X-men United and First Class. Aliens, I know inside and out and can still watch it anytime. I'd recommend the directors cut if you haven't seen it.
The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones are nearly unwatchable for me. I've tried and both have fun endings but just fail for me everywhere else.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a film I loved as a kid but when I watched it as an adult I really started to hate.
Great list. I like X2: X-Men United, X-Men: First Class, Skyfall and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Michael nailing the role of Magneto. He was amazing. With Bryan Singer back as director, the sequel should shape up real good.
B2B.
@HippieGirl21: That is cool. Westerns are great.
ReplyDelete@Shena Tokala: Thank you! :D Definitely watch the first two Alien and Terminator movies, those are great franchises. I would probably have Ep. I and II a little higher but the list is a combination of my younger bro and my list and the prequels are the only we disagree about.
@Jamie: Yes, Garfield was fantastic.
Watch the first Alien movie before Aliens, but, yes you should watch them.
AOTC and TPM are basically interchangeable for me. It could go either way.
To explain First Class, it is set in an alternate universe than the other X-Men movies and the upcoming movie should explain the vast difference.
Except for maybe Matrix and LOTR, you have probably seen all the movies later on my list. :)
@Daniel: I have seen a few scenes from the cut online, but I will watch that version when I re-watch the film though.
I completely understand why you dislike it, they aren't that great for non-hardcore-Star Wars fans like myself.
I know, not everyone seems like Temple of Doom. It is still a ton of fun for me to watch though.
@Buddy2Blogger: Thank you.
Days of Future Past should be fantastic, providing it does not crumble under pressure. Michael and Ian together hopefully will be fantastic.
-James