Top 100 Movies: Part 6

My Top 100 Movies list continues onward with more of my favorite movies. 

At Number 60: The Dark Knight Rises

Oh man, some people are going to flip out because of how low or high The Dark Knight Rises is on my list. Even though the movie is very enjoyable, hence the placing on this list, and I was crazy about it after watching it in theaters, after every repeat viewing the movie gets worse and worse to the point that I almost want to consider it a guilty pleasure. At the time of first watching it, I even considered it better than The Dark Knight, yet every time I watch it, I find something else not to like. Despite the glaring flaws and a near complete lack of emotional involvement, the movie is entertaining and well filmed from a technical standpoint. Also, by the time I revise this list, I doubt that the movie will even make it....

 The Dark Knight Rises Review.

At Number 59: Cowboy Bebop: The Movie

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, aka Knockin' on Heaven's Door, retains the style and memorable characters of the Cowboy Bebop series except with a movie scale plot, improved animation, and even better action scenes than the series. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is one of the only anime film that I have seen that is similar to many of America's action films, which is a positive in my book. Additionally, since the movie takes place within the series continuity and not afterwards, it can serve as a fun introduction to the Cowboy Bebop universe, which my brother Jacob can attest to because he never watched the series and enjoyed the movie for the most part. However, watching the series first is preferable.

At Number 58: Inglourious B*sterds

Inglourious is the first Quentin Tarantino film I have seen, but certainly not the last. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and full of tension, thanks to some well timed moments of humor supported by fantastic performances from the ensemble cast. Not only is Tarantino’s brilliant satirical stroke of genius one of my favorites films, hence the placing on this list, but it is my favorite war films as well. However, the film is certainly not for everyone, or most people for that matter.

At Number 57: Gladiator

Gladiator, one of Ridley Scott's many amazing films and possibly his best. While not based on any actual historical events, Scott’s Best Picture winning historical epic is a visually stunning take on the Roman era. Russell Crowe’s breakthrough and Oscar winning performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius is still my favorite role from the actor. Despite the potentially heavy subject matter, Scott manages to make an entertaining film. How could I not be entertained!?

Gladiator (2000) Review.

At Number 56: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time provides a new and unique take on the time-travel genre. Time-travel is an incredibly difficult genre to accomplish successfully, yet Mamoru Hosoda nails it perfectly with his adaptation of the novel of the same name. The film is surprisingly relatable with the main character using her mysterious new time-travel power not to get rich or change the world, but to have fun and cheat on tests, which probably what most high-schoolers would do with that power. In the end, however, the movie is great character story and one that should be experienced by all.The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Review

At Number 55: Batman Begins

The first chapter in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy started from the beginning, with Batman's origin, hence the title. While many cite Christian Bale’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader as the highlight of the film, to me Gary Oldman's performance as Commissioner Gordon proved to be the most real and likable character throughout the trilogy. 

Batman Begins Review.

At Number 54: The Good, the Bad, the Weird

The Good, the Bad, the Weird, is, hands down, my second favorite action comedy! Taking inspiration from one of my favorite westerns, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Good, the Bad, the Weird throws in a lot of Asian flare and style that sets it well apart from the original. Sure, the story is not the most complex, but it is action packed and positively hilarious! All in all, the film is just plain fun.

At Number 53: The Prestige

Before Christopher Nolan directed The Dark Knight and Inception, he made a lesser known film named The Prestige. This is the kind of film that you will either love or hate depending on how you take the big plot twist, and obviously, I loved it. Nolan really out did himself with The Prestige. In fact, the author of the book that the movie was based on even stated that while different from his book, Nolan did a far superior job than he could have ever done.

The Prestige Review

At Number 52: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Not until two years ago had I even seen a single Harry Potter film, but the franchise enchanted me nonetheless. While the preceding Harry Potter films are great, the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was the epic finale that the franchise deserved. Almost everything was wrapped up nicely without the movie trying to setup an unnecessary sequel. However, that makes me no less excited for the upcoming spinoff in the next few years!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Review

At Number 51: Some Like It Hot

One of the funniest movies ever made and the best from blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe, Some Like It Hot is the essence of hilarity. Thanks to comedic duo Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, the film constantly delivers laughs throughout its two hour runtime. If you have any interest in classic screwball comedies, go watch Some Like It Hot, it is a classic of the genre. Sure it isn't a perfect movie, but "Well, nobody's perfect."

Some Like It Hot

Please check back tomorrow for the review of my 55th favorite movie, The Good, the Bad, the Weird, and let me know what you think of my choices.

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