Top 100 Movies: Part 5
After a long hiatus, my Top 100 Movies list continues, and since my last post, there have been some sizable changes, so look for the fully updated list after everything is posted.
Another film from the genius mind of Edgar Wright, Hot Fuzz is a brilliant, and often hilarious, satire on buddy cop and action films in general. Somehow, the movie manages to tell an intriguing mystery plot that can be taken seriously, while, at the same time, making fun of the genre and its clichés.
Note: Yes, I realize that Hott Fuzz appeared earlier on the list, and since my review, I have decided that I ranked way too low.
Blade Runner is a unique blend of noir, sci-fi, and a classic hardboiled detective story. While Ridley Scott's take on 2015 does not appear to be very realistic compared to the current times, it was a unique and original take on what the future might look like, which many science fiction works have since copied. Despite the debate about the three different cuts of Blade Runner, I enjoyed both the Final and Original cut, although the Final Cut works slightly better.
Even with a slow first half, Psycho is one of the most shocking and suspenseful movies ever made. Possibly Hitchcock's most influential film, it basically invented the "Horror/Slasher" genre. Psycho is genuinely creepy at times, from the iconic shower scene to the shocking twist at the end; Psycho is one of Hitchcock’s many masterpieces of suspense.
At Number 71: Clue
Clue is a fun movie, a really fun movie. It is clever, entertaining, quotable, and often hilarious, and unlike most mystery movies, it is rewatchable since it is more of a comedy than anything else. In addition, Clue is a "Cult Classic" of sorts because some people might not get it or the humor, but those that do, can really enjoy it, especially if you watch it with friends or family, or have played the board game (my favorite board game in fact).
At Number 70: Hot Fuzz
Note: Yes, I realize that Hott Fuzz appeared earlier on the list, and since my review, I have decided that I ranked way too low.
At Number 69: The Wolverine
Despite the lackluster final act, The Wolverine is a vastly underappreciated character piece by James Mangold and Hugh Jackman that delves deep into the identity and motivation of the character. Being based on the iconic Japan set Silver Samurai comic-arc, the film adapted the best elements and themes of the original story while simultaneously rectifying the problems with the previous X-Men films. In addition, the film did not whitewash the cast and kept the heavy Japanese influences, which was a nice touch.
At Number 68: Blade Runner (Final and Original Cut)
At Number 67: Jaws
*John Williams music* Who can argue that Jaws shouldn't make this list? It is a film everyone should see at least once and a true classic. Steven Spielberg demonstrates once again his filmmaking mastery in Jaws. If you are an aspiring filmmaker you can learn a lot from Jaws, which is one of best directed films of all-time.
At Number 66: Psycho
At Number 65: Paprika
Before Inception perfected mind-bending dream movies, Paprika was the best out there with many original concepts that can be seen in Inception. Unfortunately, Paprika was Satoshi Kon's last film before his passing, but he sure went out with a bang. While Paprika can be utterly confusing at times, it is the type of film that you can just roll with the craziness, and it actually manages to mostly make sense in the end. Also, Madhouse's animation is simply spectacular in HD!
At Number 64: The Usual Suspects
One of Bryan Singer's first films continues to be one of his best, and it proves to be every bit as classic as the hype claims it is. From the mystery to the plot twists, The Usual Suspects is a riveting mystery that is aided by Kevin Spacey's Oscar winning performance. To not spoil anything for the readers that have not seen the film, let me just say that you should go watch it if you are old enough!
At Number 63: Vertigo
Often considered one of Alfred Hitchcock's best films, Vertigo has the best pure mystery element in any of his films, and that is saying a lot. James Stewart's performance was reliably fantastic in yet another amazing role. Vertigo is one of the first mind benders that truly tests your intelligence with so many plot twists and turns that will almost leave you in a daze. As with most mysteries however, it is not a movie that can be rewatched often.
At Number 62: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon completely took me by surprise. I never expected it to have such amazingly choreographed action scenes and an epic and involving story. I have always been a fan of the art of fight choreography and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is two hours of visually stunning and expertly executed fight choreography, yet it never forgets about the plot. Back when I first watched the movie, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was one of my first introductions to Asian cinema, and it was certainly a great place to start.
At Number 61: The Terminator
*Cue Terminator music* James Cameron's directorial debut may just be the best debut ever with the original Terminator. While Terminator may be overshadowed by its superior sequel, the original one still holds excellently as a suspenseful action thriller. Despite some ludicrous time traveling logic, the plot is original and expertly paced. Schwarzenegger was perfect for emotionless robotic antagonist, The Terminator, which is still his most famous role to date.
Please comment with what you thought of the list and please check back tomorrow for my review of Paprika.
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