Movies

Top Ten Movies

I'm an American, and Americans have an insatiable appetite for watching films. Here's my picks for some of the best ever made. For those of you who know me, some of the selections may surprise you. Then again, maybe not. I'm a softie at heart.

My Number 1 choice:

The Godfather - Part II. I like this better than The Godfather because it functions as a prequel, using great flashback scenes, while integrating the story line of the Corleone family in the 50's and 60's. Besides, how could you not like it when that snivelling dope Fredo finally gets tapped in the head while fishing?

Number 2:

Saving Private Ryan. This film lost to Shakespeare in Love for best picture? Please. Long after Gwenyth Paltrow has fattened up nicely, SPR will be remembered for its harrowing and accurate combat scenes, and for documenting the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation.  Some other war movies not to be missed: Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, and Flags of our Fathers.

Number 3:

The Shawshank Redemption. This movie is damn near perfect.  Great story, superb acting all around, and wonderfully filmed.  It also proves that sometimes you have to crawl through a tunnel of shit in order to get to paradise.

Number 4:

Gone With The Wind. 1939 was a watershed year for Hollywood. Yes it's a corny love story, but it was a great exercise in film making. Vivien Leigh was an absolute stunner in many scenes.

Number 5:

The Wizard of Oz. Another 1939 marvel. Who hasn't watched this film at least 10 times (and no, watching it while stoned and playing Dark Side of the Moon doesn't count). Besides, Toto stole the show.  Lots of bloopers though.  See if you can spot any.

Number 6:

Treasure of the Sierra Madre. "Badges, we don't need no stinkin' badges!" Humphrey Bogart was the epitome of cool, and this was a great, albeit dusty, film.

Number 7:

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Jack Nicholson's best acting performance ever. Some excellent actors were introduced in this film, including Danny Devito.

Number 8:

Raging Bull. This film proved that Robert DeNiro is one of the most dedicated, versatile actors to work in motion pictures. He gained, and lost, an enormous amount of weight (60 lbs. to be exact) in order to make this movie, and captured the very essence of boxing, and brawling, in the 1940's and 50's.

Number 9:

Blazing Saddles. When Mongo and his buddies ate their beans, and then shit their britches, I nearly pissed in my pants laughing. A funnier film has not been made... yet. Some classic Mel Brooks scenes, including the "Stinking Badges" redux.

Number 10:

Rear Window. Alfred Hitchcock was a master at suspense, and at economy in film.  In the first scene, within a matter of seconds, you discover exactly what Jimmy Stewart did for a living, and how he ended up in his wheelchair, without a word being said. The rest of the story builds on this type of genius, and Grace Kelly was absolutely beautiful.