Tuesday, September 11, 2007

My Top 50 movies right now

Since Tweetybird got a lot of crap for his favorite movies of all time - mostly from me - I thought I'd give him the chance to crap all over my list, an opportunity I'm sure he'll relish and use for all it's worth. The following list is valid today and today only - tomorrow I might think of some movie I'd absolutely would like to include, and wonder why I included one of the others. Also, parallel to this list, I really should make a Top 50 Hong Kong movie list, but that's a separate genre in itself, so for now I'll stick to a "general movies" list. So here it is - my Top 50 in no particular order:

  • Immortal Beloved (1994). Ludwig Van Beethoven, the greatest composer EVER, left all his belongings to his "immortal beloved". This movie is a journey both through the life of the great composer, and to find this mysterious person. Fantastic job by Gary Oldman.
  • Shine (1996). Brilliant portrayal of the pianist David Helfgott, who is driven over the edge trying to master the piano concerto No. 3 in D minor, Opus 30, by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
  • Clerks (1994). The first of the Kevin Smith New Jersey "trilogy". The birth of Jay and Silent Bob. Number 37 will have a whole new meaning after seeing this.
  • Mallrats (1995). The second of the New Jersey "trilogy". Quatation marks are due to the fact that there are - what - seven movies in this trilogy at present. Ben Affleck's best performance to date.
  • This Is Spinal Tap (1984). First mockumentary ever. Brilliant portrayal of the life and times of a slightly over-the-hill rock band. Supposedly Steven Tyler started crying when he saw it, because it was exactly like Aerosmith. If not for this movie, Michael Moore would've worked at some gas station in Columbine. Come to think of it, maybe this movie should've stayed as an idea.....
  • It Could Happen To You (1994). Romantic comedy with Nick Cage and Bridget Fonda. Absolutely awesome.
  • City Of Angels (1998). You've seen this one, I'm sure. Nick Cage and Meg Ryan in a great romantic drama. And these are so much harder to make than a run-of-the-mill action movie, where the ingredients are explosions, car chase, revenge and a generous serving of guns.
  • Sleepless In Seattle (1993). Another romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
  • Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (1999). Weird, but absolutely fascinating movie with Forest Whitaker, who portrays an inner city hit man who adopts Bushido.
  • The Adventures Of Ford Fairlane (1990). Kojak. Columbo. Dirty Harry. Wimps. Andrew Dice Clay is da man in this flick, and no diggity.
  • The Godfather (1972). Like I could make a best of list without this one.
  • The Godfather Part II (1974). And that goes double for this.
  • Pumping Iron (1977). Semi-documentary about the 1975 Mr. Olympia, where Arnold Schwarzenegger smoked the competition and showed the beginnings of the entity he has grown into. Respect.
  • You've Got Mail (1998). Yet another romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. This is murder on my bad-ass credentials, isn't it....
  • Rounders (1998). Poker movie with Edward Norton, Matt Damon and John Malkovich. What's not to like.
  • There's Something About Mary (1998). Ben Affleck and Matt Dillon rock this comedy in spite of Cameron Diaz.
  • Shichinin No Samurai (The Seven Samurai, 1954). Akira Kurosawa CLASSIC.
  • The Killer (1989). Violent epic by John Woo, starring the inimitable Chow Yun Fat. Powerful movie.
  • Casablanca (1942). Bogart classic numero uno.
  • The Big Sleep (1946). Bogart again, this time portraying Raymond Chandler's Hollywood detective prototype, Phillip Marlowe. The cast from which Ford Fairlane was molded, and the inspiration behind the Dire Straits song "Private Investigations".
  • Music And Lyrics (2006). Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore - reviewed in an earlier post.
  • The Wedding Singer (1998). Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in a romantic comedy that really works for me. Also to my knowledge the only good movie starring Adam Sandler to date and ever, if past performance is a good indicator to go by.
  • Notting Hill (1999). Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. I've got great memories from and around this flick.
  • Rocky (1976). THE undercard story, and proof positive that Stallone is capable of acting and screenwriting.
  • Rocky III (1982). What? Hulk Hogan AND Mister T. Shuttie!
  • 8 Mile (2002). Partly based on and starring Marshall Bruce Mathers (III) aka Eminem. Love him or hate him; he does a great job here, and I've got a tremenduous respect for him as a songwriter/rapper.
  • Rock Star (2001). Marky Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston in the story of a wannabe who got to be (yeah; I ripped that one off of the tagline). Reminds me of gigging.
  • Die Hard (1988). First time the antihero storyline worked for me. Yippikayeee, ...you know the rest
  • Zong Heng Si Hai (Once A Thief, 1991). Not to be confused with the Hollywood version from 1997 - dis here be da real deal with Chow Yun Fat and Leslie Cheung, directed by John Woo. Accept no substitutes.
  • Ying Hung Boon Sik (A Better Tomorrow, 1986). The movie that marked the start of the John Woo violent epic.
  • Only The Lonely (1991). Romantic comedy with the late, great John Candy and Ally Sheedy. Awesome!!
  • Uncle Buck (1989). Another comedy showcasing the incredible talent of John Candy.
  • Planes, Trains And Automobiles (1987). John Hughes saga with Steve Martin as the straight man versus the goofball version of John Candy. Teh good stuff.
  • The Omen (1976). One of the truly scary movies, and an excellent example of how to use Carmina Burana properly as a soundtrack. Makes the Exorcist look like Caddyshack.
  • Phantasm (1979). Another great horror movie, and a cool concept. Dio used something very reminiscent of this in his "Last In Line" video. If this one doesn't scare you, you're already dead. Monster tagline.
  • Army Of Darkness (1992). Bruce Campbell. Sam Raimi. Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas. Awesome.
  • Twins (1988). Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in a comedy I seem to be the only one to actually like. In a genetic experiment, the perfect human is made (Arnold), but a twin brother composed of the leftover genetic material (DeVito) also emerges. Probably does not have enough monkeys for some, but I likes it.
  • Commando (1985). Only Arnold could have made a box office hit out of this. Much respect.
  • Leap Of Faith (1992). Steve Martin as a snake oil salesman posing as a charismatic faith healer.
  • Parenthood (1989). So I've got a soft spot for Steve Martin.
  • Ronin (1998). Awesome action thriller (whatever that means) starring De Niro, Jean Reno, Sean Bean and Stellan Skarsgård.
  • Face/Off (1997). Nick Cage. Travolta. John Woo. Yessssssss!
  • So I Married An Axe Murderer (1993). If you're only gonna see one Mike Myers Movie, pick this one. Heed! Pants. Now!
  • Wayne's World (1992). The second Mike Myers movie you should see.
  • Bloodsport (1988). I know I'm gonna catch hell for this, but I really enjoy this movie.
  • The Score (2001). De Niro and Ed Norton. Tweetybird hates this one for reasons unknown. I suspect it's 'cause it ain't based on a french movie or made by some sufficiently "artistic" director, or because they used a subpar gaffer.
  • The Big Hit (1998). Mark Wahlberg and Lou Diamond Phillips in the greatest wigger movie ever. Check it out, yo. Dat $hit is off da HOOK!
  • Menace II Society (1993). Crash course in street lingo. Also very, very unintentionally funny in places.
  • Top Gun (1986). Guilty pleasure, but can you honestly tell me you didn't get even a slight rush when you saw it the first time?
  • The Illusionist (2006). Can you believe that Ed Norton has taken on the role as Bruce Banner for the upcoming Hulk movie?

There it is. Let the games begin.

35 comments:

Unknown said...

There's a mistake in your list dude
Twins , seriously ?
You mean twin peaks the movie don't ya ?

Commando ? Alyssa Milano saved by Swartzy painted in green (that one is a showtime classic for sure)

Rocky 3 ? that movie can be considered good if you're high and drunk, otherwise... (only over the top is worse than this one for Sly)

Top Gun : he he (sorry not for me) Tom cruise has a pilot ... I don't think so. I would have like it if Iceman was the main character


But I have to admit that I had also some nice surprises with your list. Especially the John woo ones. I forgot the killer in my list but it should definitely be on it.

Same thing with Ghost dog, an amazing movie !!!

Wilhelm said...

High AND drunk, eh? And I beg to differ; Sly has made way worse movies than Over The Top. Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot, for example.

I hated Twin Peaks when it first came out, and I haven't watched it since. Somehow backwards-talking gnomes in a circus telt don't do it for mem but HEY; to each his own.

Anders, Cathy - where's y'all's list?

Anonymous said...

While Immortal Beloved was sort of interesting, sadly, it lost all credibility in the scene where Isabella Rossellini pretends to play the violin. Any movie that can't be bothered to take care of details like that, doesn't deserve to be taken seriously.

Only a man could like a romantic comedy starring Nicholas Cage. The man is extraordinary goofy and unattractive, and can have no credibility whatsoever as a romantic hero.

I haven't seen There's something about Mary, but if you're telling me there actually exists a movie in which Ben Affleck has even the slightest hint of charisma, I'm ready to be amazed.

Anders said...

Some very good movies on your list, Willy-Boy, some which I've forgotten about.

Seven Samurais: Great movie, but man did Hollywood screw this one over when they made a western version of it!

I didn't see True Lies in there, even if Arnie is in there. Why?

Some I could've given you crap for:
Pumping Iron (come on!)
You've got mail: Have you seen the original? This one didn't work for me.
Notting Hill: I'm guessing it's your personal memories rather then the movie you like...
Army Of Darkness: Mmmh... Well, it works as a splatter I guess.
Commando: Come on! Crappity-crap. Yeah, it got Arnold in it, but that shouldn't be a plus.
Bloodsport???? I didn't take you for a Van Damme fan...

Pigeon: Twins is actually pretty enjoyable for an Arnie-flick.

Wilhelm said...

Only a man could like a romantic comedy starring Nicholas Cage. The man is extraordinary goofy and unattractive, and can have no credibility whatsoever as a romantic hero.

Oh come on.......you don't like Nick Cage the actor? So what you're saying is that if I can point to a woman who likes It Could happen To You or City Of Angels, your Weltanschauung is falling apart? ;-)

Besides, I don't factor in looks when I evaluate an actor. I'd hate to think that somewhere someone would rank Justin Timberlake over Geoffrey Rush because he has teh look.

Wilhelm said...

Some I could've given you crap for:...and then you proceed to do just that. Is this an offspring of the old standby "No offense, but", which always precedes an insult?

True Lies is - to me - less Arnold than Commando is. Can you seriously think of any other actor who could've made Commando a box office hit?

Actually; it was between Commando and Conan, but I couldn't pick which Conan to include, so...

Are you saying that "You've got mail" is a remake of a french movie about gay Polish mine workers in Ukraine, filmed in B&W by some douchebag "artiste" director?

So; The Big Hit. Need to see it again soon.

Unknown said...

City of angels : The original is 100000000 times better

You got mail (same thing)

Anders, True lies : You're kidding right ? It's a remake of a french movie !!!!!

Anders said...

Some I could've given you crap for:...and then you proceed to do just that. Is this an offspring of the old standby "No offense, but", which always precedes an insult?
I was kinda nice in my comments? I've could have given you a lot more then that...

P: The "True Lies" was more of a question for V to da V. Since he's listed Twins, why not true lies?

Wilhelm said...

Tweetybird: Everything is a remake of a french movie to you isn't it? And to you, the wheel is a remake of a french oval rock...

And the telephone is a remake of some french guys shouting to each other, just through some electronics.

;-D

Wilhelm said...

Anders: Tru, tru...you could've given me an awful lot more crap than you did.

So; The Big Hit. When?

And where's yo' list, eh?

Anders said...

Besides, I don't factor in looks when I evaluate an actor.

So, if Brad Pitt played, let's say a Greek warrior legend like Achilles, you wouldn't judge him for lack of muscles? Since look doesn't matter? Mh?

I'd hate to think that somewhere someone would rank Justin Timberlake over Geoffrey Rush because he has teh look.

Guess you wouldn't mind seeing Woody Allen as The Hulk either, if his acting was good. Since looks doesn't matter, and you actually hate it when people factor in looks...

Anders said...

So; The Big Hit. When?

First week of October?

And where's yo' list, eh?

I'm still trying to get over the lack of cred for Bilits...

Haven't got time to list something right now. And besides, I don't think I can make a list of 50 freaking movies! More like 10.

Wilhelm said...

Touchè, as teh french say.

Still; The Hulk is CGI and thus more of a prop than a character, and second - Brad Pitt doesn't act - he struts.

Did a li'l screwing around with my intentions there, did ya? Nice ownage.

Wilhelm said...

Teh Big Hit is ON like Donkey Kong.

Anders said...

it lost all credibility in the scene where Isabella Rossellini pretends to play the violin. Any movie that can't be bothered to take care of details like that, doesn't deserve to be taken seriously.

Linda Lampenius has pretended to play the violin for years, and nobody seems to mind...

Actually, I liked Immortale beloved. Gary Oldman did a superb Beethoven, for that alone the movie is worth seeing.

Wilhelm said...

Immortal Beloved is Teh Amazing

Anonymous said...

True, Gary Oldman can salvage almost any movie. Just like Nicholas Cage can destroy it...

Wilhelm said...

I'm seeing some brutal hatred towards The Cage here.

Where's the love?

Unknown said...

gone with Ghost Rider dude !!!

Wilhelm said...

8-D

Awesome, bro!

Assuming you're not just pissed because Ghost Rider is a remake of some french movie where one dude rides a tricycle, that is.

Unknown said...

Damn the bycicle is french dude that's for sure !!!!

Unknown said...

the wheel too by the way

Unknown said...

God is french as well

Unknown said...

Satan is norvegian
that's an empirical proven fact

Wilhelm said...

The internet is just a ripoff of a french posterboard in the middle of the town square.

Unknown said...

True lies : According to imdb

The film is loosely based on Claude Zidi's Totale!, La (1991), a French comedy from the early '90s in which a wife discovers her husband works for the French secret services. It starred Miou-Miou and Thierry Lhermitte.

Anders said...

True, Gary Oldman can salvage almost any movie.

Lost In Space?

Unknown said...

Lots of taxes this year

Wilhelm said...

The film is loosely based on Claude Zidi's Totale!, La (1991), a French comedy from the early '90s in which a wife discovers her husband works for the French secret services. It starred Miou-Miou and Thierry Lhermitte.

It's a little known fact that The Shining is a remake of an old french movie involving some dude, possibly Miou-Miou, and at some point a hotel. Basically the same thing.

Also; the Born-Oppenheimer effect is just a rip-off of an old french idea, where some french dude way back in da day might have mentioned in passing that he could swing a tiny ball in a string around himself without falling over.

Not to mention that the theory of relativity was stolen from an old french dude who, when asked a question, answered "it depends".

Wilhelm said...

American pie was invented by the french. As was wool, rock formations, the Spanish inquisition and time. Before the french, there was no inertia, which is why the dinosaurs are excinct; they didn't have the inertia necessary to prevent being flung into space.

Unknown said...

Before the french there was chaos

Anders said...

What's all this hatred towards the french? You guys need to cool down, watch a cool movie (Bilitis) and think of all the good things the french people has spread out through the world. French food (the healthy and tasty French Fries comes to mind), cars with quality that only a few eastern europe countries can match, syphilis (yes, although they may not take credit for inventing it, they sure made an effort to spread it through-out the world), moustaches (that's why french people feels at home in Trondheim), ballet (manly?) and haute couture (does actual people wear that?).

Wilhelm said...

The french travelled back in time and made the pyramids as blueprints for the Eiffel tower in order to test the time-dependent structural stability of pyramid-shaped structures.

...or so the french would claim if they'd thought of it. Since they also invented time, no one can call them out on it.

Wilhelm said...

The entire Hong Kong martial arts movie genre is just a ripoff of an old french movie - probably starring Miou-Miou and Jean-Jaques Jean-Jean - in which there was an oriental extra in a crowd shot.

Li'l known fact.......

Wilhelm said...

The microchip was invented in france. One day, Lean-Luc put some chicken wire, an iron bar and a light bulb together in a pile on the ground. The microchip is essentially conductors and stuff on a flat surface, just smaller. They ripped in ott from france.

Also; teh french invented history so as to be able to take credit for stuff.

8-D