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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Top 100 Movies: Part 9

My Top 100 Movies list continues yet again with some more of my top picks. Again, these are my favorite movies, not necessarily "the best." These are the ones that I actually own and watch more than once. 
32: Thor
Among the Avengers, Thor is easily the most difficult character to bring to the big screen, yet Kenneth Branagh and company manage to pull it off somehow. Unlike a lot of Marvel movies, my expectations for Thor were rather low considering that the film could have easily been horribly corny and dumb, but to my surprise, that was far from the case. Branagh used his Shakespearean background to handle the family drama elements of the film to great effect. Chris Hemsworth brought a strong bombastic presence to Thor that worked perfectly for the character, and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki turned out to be the best villain since Darth Vader. Their brotherly conflict between Thor and Loki is my favorite aspect of the film.


31: Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal

Originally released as a four episode OVA, but later released as a feature film, Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal follows the origin of the fictional samurai Rurouni Kenshin. While anime generally carries the stigma of being "weird" or "over-the-top," Trust and Betrayal is a refreshingly subdued and tragic drama that is more inline with the samurai epics of Akira Kurosawa. Of course the film is stylized to a degree, but the animation is rather stunning, and the action manages to both be realistic and incredibly intense. Among Asian cinema, or any cinema for that matter, Trust and Betrayal is one of the best examples of a tragic drama, and if you are interested in samurai or historical films, this is a must watch.

Captain America has been one of my favorite comic book characters ever since I was a kid, and while not on the same level of brilliance as Iron Man, The First Avenger effectively and accurately tells Cap’s origin story. As a fan of older films, Joe Johnston’s "old-timey" visual style for the film worked surprisingly well at conveying the 1940s time period, which gave it the feel similar to comic books of the era as well. Chris Evans surprised even me by how great he was in the role of Steve Rogers, and considering how well he has done lately, there could not have been a better choice for the role. Also, it made me feel proud to be an American yet the patriotism never felt overpowering as to distract from film's story.

Despite a few flaws with the plot, Thor: The Dark World is a blast to watch, and it also has heart. As with the first Thor, the brotherly conflict between Thor and Loki is the core of the film. Alan Taylor gave Asgard a grittier and more believable feel that reminded me of a combination of Tolkien’s work and even Star Wars to some degree. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is an absolute joy to watch play fan-favorite Loki as he gives his best performance in the role to date, and Hemsworth continues to own his role of Thor.
Thor: The Dark World Review



28: Serenity
Serenity is the follow-up to Joss Whedon's incredibly shiny Firefly TV series that was unjustly cancelled. It had almost everything that made the TV show amazing, but amped it up to feature film quality production. For a freshman outing as a theatrical director, there are few, if any, films that rival Serenity. “You can burn the land and boil the sea, but there's no place I can’t be since I've found Serenity.”
Serenity Review

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. Hugh Jackman perfected his version of Wolverine in X2 with the film delving further into his mysterious past (which was ruined by the horrible Wolverine: Origins). X2 set the new standard for comic book sequels with bigger action, deeping character development, and an ending that made X-Men fans everywhere excited for the next installment, which unfortunately disappointed fans.

26: Aliens
James Cameron’s Aliens is one of the most thrilling and pulse-pounding film experiences I have had in a very long time, maybe ever. While the first Alien movie was great, the fact that I knew who would survive detracted from the experience, but that was not the case for Aliens. After a slow tension filled start, Aliens explodes with tons of action and thrills throughout. And who can forget the final dual? That was amazing! (I will not spoil anything by saying more)
Aliens (1986) Review.


Few films pack so much pure entertainment into 116 minutes than Back to the Future! From the clever script to the witty dialogue to the quirky sense of humor, Back to the Future is the definition of a classic. Describing why Back to the Future is such a great film is incredibly difficult. It is just fun, but smart fun. Plus, I love time-travel stories!


Seeing heroes being torn down and having to face not only a new threat, but an inner struggle are some of my favorite types of character stories, and Iron Man 3 does that with one of the best heroes on the big screen, Tony Stark. Thanks to Shane Black’s witty script and direction and Robert Downey Jr.’s flawless performance as Tony Stark, Iron Man 3 succeeds on all almost fronts, of course, it is not perfect. Also, who can forget the twist? Never before have I been so utterly shocked and dumbfounded sitting in theaters than I was while watching Iron Man 3, and if you have seen the film, you know what I am talking about. 
Before Titanic and Avatar, James Cameron actually made a few freaking awesome sci-fi films and there are none better T2. Deciding between Aliens and T2 for my favorite Cameron flick was not easy, but after some deliberation, T2 came out on top, partially due to the fact that it has been one of my favorite movies ever since I was a kid. I am a Terminator fan, plain and simple, and as far as I am concerned, the Terminator movie timeline ended here, because the sequels never happened if you go by the superior Sarah Connor Chronicles timeline. Maybe the new Terminator film coming next year will deliver, and if not, I can just rewatch T2, again.

22: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Unlike the other Star Wars prequels, I believe Revenge of the Sith to be legitimately good movie. It definitely has its flaws, like the acting, and it could have been a lot better, but there is a lot to like about Ep. III. For the most part it wraps up loose ends, provided a satisfying conclusion, and delivered some insanely awesome Lightsaber battles. If, however, you are not a Star Wars fan, I can completely understand why you do not like the movie, but as a Star Wars fan, I still enjoy it.  

21: The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is a sequel film to The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya television series, and no, it is not some epic quest or action thriller, instead the film is a superb character piece that takes the likable characters from the series and gives them depth through some of the best character drama I have ever seen. Along with this excellent character development, the movie has reality altering time-travel, science fiction elements, and humor that fans of the SOS Brigade have come to expect from franchise. It is essentially flawless. However, as amazing as the film is, watching the series first is mandatory.

Please check back tomorrow for my review of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Thursday for my review of Edge of Tomorrow.

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

15 comments:

  1. Awesome list, James! Can't wait to see it continue! I've seen majority of this list, and I pretty much agree with what you said (although I can't remember very much about T2, except it's my Mom's favorite Terminator movie). Seeing as how I don't want to make this post too long, I'll just talk about one thing I love in Iron Man 3. I never noticed how different Tony was. How much the character had devoloped, you know? Going back and re-watching the first film and even the Avengers, I'd forgotten how he could be such a....jerk at times (a loveable jerk, but still). I could hardly see *spoilers* Tony in a previous film admit he was wrong and say he was sorry. *end spoilers*. But my favorite parts of the film are those between Tony and the kid-Harley, I think? Those were the best scenes in the film for me. Excellent list, James! Can't wait to see what's next! (I already said that, didn't I?)
    -Tegan

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    1. Thank you!
      I completely agree. Iron Man 3 did an excellent job with Tony's characterization. I also liked Harley. He was a lot of fun, especially for a kid actor.

      -James

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  2. Great continuation to the list! :) Of the movies I've seen(and I've seen most of them) they are definitely up there on my list. I actually think the Star Wars Prequels are really good movies and Revenge of the Sith is my favorite movie overall. I agree, both Thor movies are amazing(love the Thor and Loki brother-bond) and Iron Man 3 was extremely well done(loved how they had Tony Stark dealing with PTSD). And yes, Serenity is awesome too! :D I need to rewatch that movie again(was re-watching Firefly the other day while filling out a study guide). Love the Aliens movie, X-Men 2, Back to the Future, and the Captain America movie.

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    1. Thanks! :D I need to rewatch Firefly sometime! It and Serenity are amazing! :)

      -James

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  3. Now you're really getting into some of my favorite movies too, like Thor, Cap, Serenity and Back to the Future! Loki is just the best. And best villain since Darth Vader? That sounds about right. :D (SPOILERS) Serenity always makes me so sad though because Wash is my favorite, and that was just not necessary... :(

    I'm enjoying this post series!

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    1. Glad these are some of your favorites as well! :) *Spoiler* Wash was not my number one favorite, but he is not far from it, and his death was so shocking!

      -James

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  4. Good list and yes I definitely love Thor, Revenge of the Sith, X Men 2 and Terminator 2, all of which are up there in my own favourite movies list. While I do respect that Loki is the best villain since Darth Vader, I was wondering if you can review The Lion King since it's also based on Shakespeare's Hamlet and check on the main villain Scar since he's similar to Claudius.

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    1. Thank you. I have not seen Lion King in a long time, maybe 10 years, but if I do rewatch, I will review it.

      -James

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  5. Awesome continuation of course!!!! I guess I shall now comment on all the films as usual...

    I remember not being all that impressed with the film Thor but overall it was a good movie and definitely gave the characters a proper setup and origin story. :)

    Really want to see Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal now since it's so high on your list!

    CAPTAIN AMERICA THE FIRST AVENGER. MY FIRST SUPERHERO MOVIE I LOVE IT SO MUCH. :D

    Loved Thor: The Dark World--the Loki transformation scene is still one of the best moments of complete hysterical laughing I've ever had in a theater!

    Still need to watch Firefly...

    I don't remember X-Men 2 that well...

    ALIENS. Thank you so much for recommending those two movies they were both amazing!

    Back to the Future is, like, the definition of classic. Actually, I need to rewatch it sometime.

    IRON MAN 3. I loved that movie and how much progression it gave to Tony Stark, without turning him into a saint.

    Judgement Day is such a great movie what is there even left for me to say about it I want to go rewatch it right now!

    I'm actually a little surprised to see Revenge of the Sith so high, but I shouldn't be because you love Star Wars, lol. I agree it is the best of the prequels and I thought it did a suitable job connecting the two trilogies together.

    I guess I need to hurry up and start Melancholy so I then watch the movie, lol!

    ~Jamie

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    1. Thank you for commenting on each film again! I was planning on recommending Melancholy the next time we chat. The film is a Christmas movie of sorts, so there is no better time than the present to watch the series. :)

      -James

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  6. I am amazed how much you love animated movies. I have tried to watch them but I just have this predujice that makes it hard. Off the top of my head the only animation that would make my top 100 would be from the Toy Story trilogy. Otherwise great job on this list if nothing else it reminds us all how many great movies are out there. Speaking of out there found an fantastic alternative history movie that has been more or less lost. lTimequest.

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    1. Link misfire try
      http://suspendeddisbeliefsteve.blogspot.ca/2014/12/timequest-2002.html

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    2. If you want to watch a truly adult animated movie, watch Perfect Blue. If you like Darren Aronofsky movies, you will probably like it even more, since it influenced several of his films. Another one I would recommend is Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal.

      -James

      -James

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  7. I never thought I'd see a superhero movie that was better than X2, and it took the brilliance of The Avengers to unseat it as my pick for favorite superhero movie AND the best superhero movie ever. The story line of X-2 is so sleek, the actors have all settled into their roles, and then there's Brian Cox. Oh, Brian Cox. The perfect Stryker, so smug and conniving. Grrrr, makes me growl and pop imaginary claws just thinking about it.

    Anyway, um, yeah, I love 5 of your picks, and like 4 of them a lot. Good stuff.

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    1. X2 is, indeed, truly excellent. There is not much that I can fault the film for, and I agree, Brian Cox is the best Stryker, by far.

      -James

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One rule: No strong profanity. If you want to link to one of your posts, please do; I am always interested in other reviews and such.

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