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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Top 100 Movies: Part 4

As it always seems to happen, while posting my Top 100 Movies post, I happen to watch a few movies that deserve a spot on the list. To accommodate the additions, I have set the list back a few numbers. However, after the entire list is posted, an updated version with more accurate ranking will be posted. Please let me know what you think of my list in the comments!



At Number 74: The Cabin the Woods
Leave it to Joss Whedon to completely turn one of the stalest and most clichéd genres on its head, while simultaneously paying homage to what came before, and that is exactly what he does with The Cabin in the Woods. While Whedon only wrote the script along with director Drew Goddard, who worked with Whedon on Buffy and Angel, Whedon's unmistakable wit is presence throughout the film. Even though The Cabin the Woods contains darker humor than what is typically in his work, it is no less hilarious at times, and the ending is perfectly ironic.

To me, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the best work of animation the west has ever produced, and considering the current quality of it (or lack thereof), that is not likely to change anytime soon.  Based on Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm features the fantastic voice cast of the best Batman, Kevin Conroy, and Mark Hamil's brilliant take on the Joker. Unlike other adaptations of Batman, Mask of the Phantasm highlights the detective and mystery aspects of Caped Crusader to excellent effect. Also, the film’s romance is, by far, the best of any Batman movie, especially since Andrea Beaumont is the only Batman romantic interest that you do not want to drop dead. 
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Review.

At Number 72: Trigun: Badlands Rumble
Trigun: Badlands Rumble is a feature film spin-off of the iconic space western series Trigun, one of my personal favorites, and it perfectly captures everything great about the series! Unlike some other feature film releases based on a series, Badlands Rumble entirely justifies its creation as it gives deeper insight into the consequences of Vash the Stampede's actions, as well as producing film quality action and adventure. Interestingly, the original comic (manga) that it was based on was written by a Christian, which is evident by the themes explored.

At Number 71: The Host
Not to be confused with the recent tween flick of the same name, The Host has been dubbed by many to be the best monster flick since Jaws and that is a completely accurate statement. The Host, aka Goemul in Korean, mixes many different tones from lighthearted and comical to dark and serious to superb effect. While the special effects are subpar by American blockbuster standards, director Bong Joon-ho manages to make a movie that is often hilarious with likable characters and some genuine suspense and thrills. The movie even won Best Picture at many Asian film awards, and it became the highest grossing film in Korea at the time.

At Number 70: Lethal Weapon
Despite a few 80s action movie clichés, Lethal Weapon was a different type of action film compared to most action movies from the era. It essentially invented the "Buddy Cop" genre in many respects. Gibson and Glover’s chemistry is the core of the film’s entertainment with them being one of the best dynamic duos since Batman and Robin. The humor is great and there is a surprising amount of character development, what is not to like? 

At Number 69: Kara no Kyōkai: Paradox Spiral
The sixth film in the Kara no Kyōkai series, Paradox Spiral, is the most complex of the series. Just as the name suggests, it is an endless Paradox Spiral of mind bending madness. Many consider this to be the best film in the franchise, and while truly amazing, the lack of screen time for the main character Shiki made it my second favorite the franchise.

At Number 68: Silence of the Lambs
As thrilling and it is disturbing, Silence of the Lambs blends a riveting mystery thriller with elements of horror. While the film is certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart, the plot is brilliantly crafted from beginning to end. Thanks to exceptional performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, the film's plot was elevated even further, with the Academy even rewarding it with Best Picture.

What do you think of the list? Please comment below and let me know!
Top 100 Movies: Part 1
Top 100 Movies: Part 2
Top 100 Movies: Part 3

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

8 comments:

  1. Great continuation of the list! :) A lot of these films look really interesting and are definitely on my to-watch list :)
    Looking forward to the rest of the list! :)

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    1. Thanks again! :D Yep, definitely recommend several of those movies. :)

      -James

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  2. I've only seen two of these. I quite enjoy Lethal Weapon, but Silence of the Lambs is too horrific for me, and so I doubt I'll ever watch it again. Although I love Chris Hemsworth and Joss Whedon, I will never watch Cabin in the Woods because I have a tough time dealing with horror movies as it is, and I've been warned I'd be deeply saddened/shocked/disturbed by it. But I hear that it's very well done, like you've said!

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    1. I know exactly what you mean about the Silence of the Lambs. Some parts were even a little too much for me, but it was certainly an effective thriller. Normally I hate horror movies, but Cabin in the Woods in kind of the anti-horror movie, but there is still a lot of blood, so I don't think you would like it either.

      -James

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    2. I don't mind blood that much, as I can cheerfully sit through a ruthless action movie. And not everything about horror bothers me -- I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and its spin-off Angel is my second-favorite series of all time. Magic and monsters aren't the problem. It's the scaryness that I can't deal with. My imagination will latch onto one or two scary moments from a horror movie and insist on freaking me out with them over and over and over, especially at night when I'm alone downstairs or trying to fall asleep in the dark. I've had to construct a bit of a mind palace with locked boxes that I can imagine stuffing these into so I can get rid of them when they try to freak me out.

      Most unfortunately, my two best friends since I was 13 love horror movies, and so over the years, I've allowed them to show me probably a dozen horror movies, and I've regretted every single one. Silence of the Lambs actually wasn't that bad, to be honest -- I willingly watched it a second time, and it doesn't scare me, so much as it's just so disgusting I don't want to see it ever again. I have so many better ways to spend two hours.

      But Cabin in the Woods, I've been assured, would scare me. Also, I get very protective of Chris Hemsworth, so him in any kind of scary danger? Would flip me way out.

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  3. The Cabin in The Woods was great; I'm so glad you enjoyed it as much as you did! It definitely has the Joss Whedon touch--I should rewatch it again sometime now that I've seen a bit more horror and will get more of the references within it.

    Oooh, I've actually seen Mask of the Phantasm this time around! That was actually pretty good; I really liked the twist ending and Hamil's Joker was very enjoyable!

    Havne't seen Trigun...

    Saw The Host; pretty good, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would for a subtitled film. :P

    I haven't seen Lethal Weapon but I have heard a little about it...

    I havne't seen Kara no Kyōkai either..

    Silence of the Lambs! As you know, I enjoyed it more than I thought it would; it was actually a really great thriller with a really refreshing female lead. I'm glad you liked it, too. :D

    ~Jamie

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    1. Thanks again for making me watch Cabin in the Woods! :D Joss Whedon making fun of the horror genre is just too good not to love.

      Yay for Mask of the Phantasm! Hamil's Joker is still my favorite. ;)

      The Trigun series is enough like a western that I would probably recommend the series to you, plus its on Netflix.

      Lethal Weapon is like a step down from Die Hard with a buddy cop element, but still really good. :D

      Agreed.

      Thanks Jamie!

      -James

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  4. Hi James, I have not seen the host, I will add it now to my list of movies to watch. Unfortunately I can not wrap my (ancient) mind around being seriously engaged with animation.

    Cabin in the woods not only made fun of horror movies but also the consequences of defying Gods.

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