Now before I begin my list, I want to flat out list of my favorite movies, NOT the greatest movies ever made. There are some on here that most would stare at and scratch their head. Just because I list a movie does not mean that if I was to write a review on it, it would receive an A. It isn't a list of critically acclaimed movies, it's simply an unapologetic list of movies I love to watch more often than others.
Aside from the first one, the list is not in any particular order. (I should also point out that Harrison Ford is in 6 of these movies).
Raiders of the Lost Ark- I've already written a review on this one, so i'll be brief. This cinematic masterpiece is a fantastic blend of action, adventure, and historical fiction. It features my favorite performance by pretty much my favorite actor: Harrison Ford. The bold, dashing hero is so iconic and wonderful, the music is iconic, and everything about the movie is why it's the one that changed my life.
Escape from Alcatraz- Clint Eastwood has always been renowned for his westerns and Dirty Harry films, but for me, my favorite performance of his was this 1979 prison piece. As noted prison escapee Frank Morris, he steals the show with his brooding performance that makes you hope his character does the impossible despite the fact that he is a convicted felon. Even the ending leaves you in shivers with it's ambiguity.
Batman- I know exactly the two things you're probably thinking. 1. "I thought you hated Tim Burton?" and 2. "Why this instead of The Dark Knight?" You are right on both accounts. I have not liked any of the movies Tim Burton has made since the sequel to this film. And yes, The Dark Knight is analytically the better film. However, Burton's time with the caped crusader was a thoroughly entertaining story with a terrific performances by Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. It's both funny and silly, while at the same instilling the dark, tortured tone that seemed to be missing from previous incarnations of the character. In essence, it's a classic.
American Graffiti- Before George Lucas made his first voyage in space, he made this cult classic. It boasts an impressive soundtrack, breakthrough roles for some of the actors, and a visual style that can't be denied. It was indirectly responsible for the TV show "Happy Days," boasts one of Ron Howard's more entertaining performances before his acting retirement, and it helped introduce the world to a young Harrison Ford. All in all, it's pure fun.
Modern Times- At a time when nearly all of filmmaking had turned to talking pictures, Charlie Chaplin was still cranking out silent ones. This one is a hilariously relevant look at factory modernization following the industrial revolution, and a touching human look at the effects of the Great Depression. It features some of the funniest visual gags in history, and serves as a brilliant swan song to the little Tramp.
Space Jam- Speaking critically, this is the most questionable choice on the list. It's a very silly movie, but the Looney Tunes are silly by their very nature. It stays true to the antics established by the classic cartoons while bringing the beloved characters into the modern world. And surprisingly, Michael Jordan delivers a brilliant performance as himself. This one is truly a childhood staple.
Caddyshack- Quite simply one of the funniest movies ever made, featuring some of the finest work by Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, and an animatronic gopher. When old and new money mix, the hilarity ensues causing a clash of the classes. The hijinks that go on through the entire movie are timeless, and never cease to elicit laughter, even after the 20th viewing.
Wall Street- Before The Wolf of Wall Street, there was...Wall Street. A marvelous rise and fall story that showcases the pantheon of greed and excess. Michael Douglas is spectacular as one of cinema's most compelling villains. One that lives in his lair atop the New York skyline, wearing his expensive suit, and puffing his cigar.
Toy Story- A cinematic revolution disguised as a simple children's movie. Not only did it introduce us to feature length digital animation, it captured our hearts with it's compelling protagonists, it's unforgettable ensemble characters, and it's unmovable lessons on dealing with change that also helped form my childhood.
Insomnia- There is so much to this movie that helps it stand out to me amongst the rest of Christopher Nolan's other work (But aside, the man has never made a bad movie). It's a tense psychological thriller with stirring themes of conflicted morality and compromise. It also includes a magnificent performance by Robin Williams who creates (at least to me) one of his most memorable characters simply by being one of his most normal and his darkest.
Apocalypse Now- Given the amount of production problems involved with this film, it's a wonder it ever got finished. Released a mere 4 years after the end of the Vietnam War, it's profoundly deep with it's questions of morality and if the end justifies the means. Marlon Brando's Colonel Kurtz is deeply rounded and magnificently poetic. And give Martin Sheen a round of applause, because not only did he deliver, the man had a damn heart attack on the set, and went back to finish filming.
The Jolson Story- Before being put on the communist blacklist, Larry Parks lit up the screen as Al Jolson in this biographical classic from 1946. The meteoric rise of Jolson is captured from start to finish with his songs brought to life in all their glory. It is on the list for many reasons, but most of all because of how uplifting it is.
Smokey and the Bandit- Fun for the sake of fun. That's the extent of this movie. But at it's core, it's a Southern Adventure film with that rousing spirit of rebellion and self-accomplishment that you root for in Burt Reynold's Bandit. Even Jackie Gleason's Sheriff Buford T. Justice gains your sympathy because of the actor's commitment. And to this date, I have yet to see a car (besides the Batmobile) that I have wanted more than that Black Trans Am. VROOM.
Die Hard- Bruce Willis alone vs Alan Rickman and a team of international bandits. That alone should sell you. But what is so compelling is that John McClane could be anyone. He doesn't want to be there, but he doesn't have a choice. He is the everyman hero that we can all relate to. Best of all, it's an intelligent story (right down to Hans' master plan) especially for an action movie.
Star Wars- It's Star Wars. Do I need to explain why? It changed everything. This magnificent Space Opera created a franchise that lasts to this day. Aside from the specifics that many sic-fi sites discuss at length, it has a brilliant story about Luke Skywalker becoming who he is meant to be, and it's a classic tale of good vs. evil.
The Fugitive- How often does the movie remake of a TV show actually make people FORGET that there was a TV show? It's wrongly convicted innocence against the law, a classic hunter/chased story where you can root for either side. On one side, you have Dr Richard Kimble who wants nothing besides finding the one armed man who murdered his wife. On the other, you have Deputy Samuel Gerard who is merely upholding his duty despite whether he believes Kimble is innocent or not. And to be honest, I would pay to hear Tommy Lee Jones scream the phone book at me.
Superman: The Movie- Richard Donner's 1978 film featured an all star supporting cast including Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, but the best thing to come out was the discovery of a real life Superman in the form of Christopher Reeve. The idea of fulfilling one's destiny and living to their potential is fully present in yet another uplifting picture which kickstarted the superhero genre.
Planet of the Apes- Before the string of forgettable sequels, remake, and TV shows, (setting aside the fantastic reboot series) there was the original sci-fi classic. A dystopian future where the arrival of Charlton Heston's astronaut turns a simian society upside down with ideas that he is their missing link. It's a ripe for parody reversal of the Darwin Evolution controversies and the Scopes Monkey Trial.
Pulp Fiction- Arguably Quentin Tarantino's best film, Pulp Fiction takes an all star cast and an intelligent story and jumbles it into an endless quotable and subversive conversation piece. The idea of non linear story-telling was not entirely new at the time, but Tarantino completely mixes up the formula into something impressively creative. Not to mention that this launched Samuel L. Jackson's career.
Airplane!- One of the few spoof movies to NOT suck. Airplane is full of wacky gags and jokes that never grow old. It's ridiculous, but what's more ridiculous. The overall silly nature of the jokes, or the fact it took until 1980 for someone to come up with them? Surely, I would call this one of the best comedies ever made. But don't call me Shirley.
The Gold Rush- Another memorable Chaplin classic. What the man does so well is incorporate hilarious sight gags into political commentary. This time, his trip to the Yukon is an insightful look into appearances and greed. But what more, it's yet another case where Chaplin captures our heart without saying a word. The man was full of heart, and this is another glimmering, hilarious tale.
Back to the Future- A Science Fiction Comedy with more emphasis on the comedy. Michael J. Fox captivates as Marty McFly in this high spirited film which engages you completely. He has excellent chemistry with Christopher Lloyd, and he flawlessly nails the role of the awkward teenager. It's a wild, and memorable adventure through time.
The Avengers- For this, I must tip my hat to collaborative effort of Joss Whedon and Kevin Feige. This movie could have gone many different ways, but luckily it was the best it could be. The sheer amount of ego in every one of the heroes threatens to overwhelm, but the geniuses at the helm of the picture strike a great balance. Every actor brings it all to the table, and the end result is magnificent.
The Fighter- This is my go to movie when I need to get pumped up. It's all about conquering your demons. Be it a drug addiction, a lack of confidence, or a massive control problem, every single person in this movie feels real. It shows you that no problem can not be overcome with the right people by your side. Plus, this is easily my favorite Christian Bale performance.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back- The essential sequel that some say exceeds the original. It took the beloved characters from the original and took them to their lowest points. When it boils down to it, the story is about moving forward. Personally I believe that this contains the best romance story of all time. It widens the scope of the Star Wars universe, while at the same time telling a self-contained story. You have to love it. And the twist ending is possibly the greatest of all time.
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