An Action/Adventure List WITHOUT "Die Hard"???? May 31 '01    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Movies Under the Tuscan Sun From $9 Casablanca From $3 The Bottom Line I like it when things blow up. A lot. To be perfectly honest, I've never even SEEN any of the "Die Hard" flicks. A deep character flaw on my part, and it's not out of any animosity towards Bruce Willis or the movies themselves (unlike "Forrest Gump", which I also haven't seen), and I eventually plan to see the movies. But since I haven't yet, I'll make this list without 'em. I'm not the biggest fan of the genre, but some of my all-time favorite movies fall into it. So, here's my list: 1. The Indiana Jones Trilogy: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) The best Action/Adventure movies of all time, I'd even place "Raiders" in my top ten movies PERIOD. Perfectly capture the adventure, fun, and horror necessary for a well-balanced action film, they've got the best bad guys (Nazis), the best good guys in flawed Indiana Jones, his women, and eventually his dad. I'm conflicted about the prospect of a fourth Indy movie, but at the same time I'd be jazzed to see him action again. If you don't own these yet, you need to. And when the HECK are they gonna come out on DVD??? 2. The Star Wars Trilogy Star Wars (1977) The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Return of the Jedi (1983) These may eventually be supplemented by the newer trilogy of prequels, but we'll have to wait another four years to see how that all pans out. Great effects, high adventure in space, and Jerry Springer-style family drama culminate in a battle of good vs. evil that has become modern myth to those of us who grew up with it. I'm more than a little obsessed, but they're good flicks for just about anyone. AND WHERE ARE THE DVDS, LUCAS???? 3. The MATRIX (1999) Hyped for its effects, the mind-bending story about going beyond your own ideas and abilities is what Action/Adventure is all about. Using your mind to become better than you ever dreamed incorporates element of religion, The Force, and the supernatural, and I like it. The fight scenes have provided a turning point for American Cinema, and sometimes (SHREK) I wish it'd turn back. But for "The MATRIX", it's very, very cool. And Trinity is hot tickle play meow meow. 4. Terminator 2 (1991) Somehow I was never the biggest fan of the first Terminator, but the second flick really did it for me. Robert Patrick, as the liquid metal cyborg, really kicked Arnold's keister, and was a genuine threat for the characters and the audience. The time travel aspect is always cool, even if it's not as mind-tripping as other movies. 5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Amazing fight scenes that I had a hard time dealing with at first, because of the whole flying thing; after I got used to it though, I ended up loving it. Little girls kicking medieval Chinese Ace and taking names, the mythical elements elevate this above your typical martial arts movie. 6. Gladiator (2000) Although this is a flawed movie, the fights scenes are amazing. From the war with the German Huns in the beginning to the battles-to-the-death gladiating of the closing acts, this movie from Ridley Scott captivated and raised the bar of swords-and-sandals epics several notches above what it had been with Ben-Hur and Spartacus. There will probably be several rip-offs of this coming out over the next few years. 7. Aliens (1986) Another James Cameron movie, this sequel to "Alien" (which I think is a superior film, actually) bumps up the action with more explosions, more blood, and more ALIENS. Sigourney Weaver becomes a full-on action hero with this installment, and I'd want her covering my back before almost anyone else on this list. Great Sci-Fi/military/action stuff. Yum! 8. Goonies (1985) I only saw this for the first time last year, and despite the fact that it's a "kids" film, I still liked it. It was like the ultimate "neighborhood" adventure, and as a kid who went exploring the storm drain system beneath my ghetto streets, this is EXACTLY the sort of thing I was hoping to find. A pirate ship full of treasure is more exciting than the occasional tumbleweed I found, but hey, I live in a desert. 9. Air Force One (1997) ANOTHER Harrison Ford film, and yes, I would vote for him to be President of the United States. Especially after this flick. Just the right amount of compassion, righteous indignation, and booty-kicking to make my day; and Glenn Close makes a nicely sedate but b*ll busting Vice President. And she'd boil a bunny if that Department of Defense guy doesn't shut the heck up. 10. Shanghai Noon (2000) I've liked other Jackie Chan flicks, like Rush Hour, Supercop, Operation Condor, and even First Strike and Rumble in the Bronx. I still think this one's the funniest and has some killer action sequences--Owen Wilson and Lucy Liu provide great back-up, and setting it in the American West made for something a little different than his usual Urban Adventures. Here are some alternates that almost made the cut: Unforgiven The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly U-571 The Emperor and the Assassin Alive! Mars Attacks The Princess Bride Robin Hood uh....Adventures in Babysitting? I'm pretty sure that's it--y'all can let me know what I've missed.

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