All Time Top 100 FilmsJun 08 '02 (Updated Aug 26 '02) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line After 100 reviews, do you really want to know any more?
It’s taken over two weeks, but here it is, that ‘something special’ I’ve been promising. To celebrate my 100th review (God only knows how I’ve managed to convince people that any of them are worth reading) I present to you, the lovely universe of Epinions-writers, my all time, totally non-negotiable (but hopefully debatable), painstakingly chewed over Top 100 Favourite Films. I really don’t want to bang any longer than I have to, because believe me there’s a lot of reading to do here, should you be foolish enough to attempt to read the whole damn article, but I would just like to point out two things: 1) These are simply my own favourites. Not some indispensable or definitive guide, merely the 100 films that I could happily restrict myself to watching for the rest of my life. 2) I am aware that the positioning of some of the films in the list contradicts some of my previous Top 10 lists (i.e. Election getting a vote here ahead of many other teen movies, despite not making it into my previously posted “Top 10 Teen Movies”). Simply, this is because then and now, I have changed my mind. This doesn’t mean my previous lists are obsolete, but let’s just say I’ve spent a lot more time deliberating my choices with this posting. Well, here goes. Hope you enjoy this, because I’ll tell you what, it’s been an absolute joy/complete bitch to compile: 100. The Truman Show (1998) - Peter Weir The Plot: An insurance salesman/adjuster (Jim Carrey) discovers his entire life is actually a TV show. The Verdict: Carrey’s first venture in the realms of serious acting, and an unmitigated success. A parable on a TV-obsessed generation; a comedy of manners, and, above all, a film about truth. 99. Braindead/Dead Alive (1992) - Peter Jackson The Plot: Lionel Cosgrove (Timothy Balme) finds his life taking a turn for the worst when his mother is bitten by a poisonous monkey at the zoo. Cue much bloodletting as the walking dead rapidly overrun his house. The Verdict: Classic B-movie fare, delivered in A-list style. With more camp bloodshed than any film on the market, and a wickedly tight script, Braindead is everything Jackson stands for. Also noted for being Jackson’s second film to feature a peculiar ‘rebirth’. 98. El Mariachi (1992) - Robert Rodriguez The Plot: A classic case of 'wrong guy, in the wrong place at the wrong time', as our guitar strumming titular hero is mistaken for a loony killer, by an equally nutty drug lord. The Verdict: A heart pumping example of rough hewn verve, the admittedly cheap story does little to distract from the fact that this is a lead-pumping masterpiece. 97. Unbreakable (2000) - M. Night Shyamalan The Plot: When David Dunn (Bruce Willis) survives a horrific train crash, he finds his very purpose being questioned by the brittle-boned Elijah (Samuel L.Jackson), who believes him to be a modern-day superhero. The Verdict: A slow, tension filled story delivered in a gloriously Kubrick-esque fashion. An intelligent script ensures that a potentially dull plot never once goes off the rails (forgive the pun). 96. White Men Can’t Jump (1992) - Ron Shelton The Plot: Opposite attract, as hustlers Billy (Woody Harrelson) and Sidney (Wesley Snipes) join forces to work the local basketball circuits, though deceit and treachery causes a major bonding problem. The Verdict: Focusing more on the sin of greed, rather than shooting hoops, White Men Can’t Jump is a sincere, hilarious and thought-provoking anti-buddy movie. 95. The Fisher King (1991) - Terry Gilliam The Plot: Radio DJ Jack (Jeff Bridges), suicidal and despondent finds redemption in helping a deranged homeless man (Robin Williams). The Verdict: An interesting, funny bizarre and touching film in which Gilliam explores his own doubts about religion, incorporating some memorable imagery. If you aren’t grinning by the final credits, check your pulse. 94. Misery (1990) - Rob Reiner The Plot: When author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued from a car crash by fan Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), he soon discovers her to be a couple of slices short of a loaf in the ol’ noggin department. The Verdict: Impeccable performances from the films only two main leads, and a spine-tinglingly frightening script, showing the exact moment when obsession turns into fanatical. And if you haven’t heard of what ‘hobbling’ is, after this you wish you never did. 93. Twelve Monkeys (1995) - Terry Gilliam The Plot: A convict (Bruce Willis), sent back in time to stop a devastating plague, is sent too far back and is hospitalised as insane. The Verdict: A real head-screwer of a movie, one that distorts and bends the story in a manner totally unique to the sci-fi genre, enveloping the viewer in a cacophony of insanity and ambiguity. 92. U2: Rattle And Hum (1988) - Phil Joanou The Plot: A documentary of Irish rock group U2's 1987-88 tour of North America. The Verdict: A wonderfully detailed chronicle of their “Joshua Tree” tour and includes many live performances. The black and white filming style applied to most of the film adds to the atmosphere wonderfully, and shows a side to U2 that, at the time, had never been seen before. 91. Yellow Submarine (1968) - George Dunning The Plot: Surreal cartoon in which “The Beatles” agree to accompany Captain Fred in his Yellow Submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music hating Blue Meanies. The Verdict: One great big metaphor for fascism, and the hottest contender for weirdest film ever created. Featuring all of the classic songs, and a non-stop barrage of images that not even the best of acid trips could emulate. 90. There’s Something About Mary (1998) - Peter And Bobby Farrelly The Plot: Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) attempts to meet up with his childhood crush, Mary (Cameron Diaz) and hires a suspect special investigator (Matt Dillon) to track her down. But a girl this good is bound to get more than one lifelong admirer. The Verdict: The highpoint in the ‘gross-out’ genre, with a genuinely pleasant plot resting behind a plethora of semen gags, treachery and plenty of mistaken identities. 89. The Killer - (1989) John Woo The Plot: A disillusioned assassin (Chow Yun-Fat) accepts one last hit in hope of using his earnings to restore vision to a singer he accidentally blinded. The Verdict: Surpassing anything Hollywood had ever attempted before, The Killer perfectly showcases Woo’s eye for ballet-like gunplay and super-charged action. 88. Groundhog Day (1993) - Harold Ramis The Plot: Vain weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) awakes one morning to find himself getting a nasty feeling of déjà vu. The Verdict: A film that, by all rights, should be a complete mess, but thanks to Ramis’ assured handling becomes a bittersweet salvation, with some provocative undertones. Even Andie McDowell is good. 87. Full Metal Jacket (1987) - Stanley Kubrick The Plot: A group of soldiers lose all sense of free will and individuality as harsh words and exertion turn them into killing machines, something which shows great evidence during their tour of duty in Vietnam. The Verdict: An excellent first half, thanks in no small part to the almost psychotic R. Lee Ermey, dissipitates into a long-winding, and yet utterly compelling parable of inhumanity. It's certainly not easy viewing, but as a reflective and impartial look at the Vietnam War, it's a total triumph. 86. Delicatessen (1990) - Jean-Pierre Jeunet The Plot: In a 1950s looking post-Apocalyptic Paris, a depressed circus clown moves into an apartment building run as a savagely efficient eco-system by a tyrannical butcher who combats food shortages by fattening up his new tenants and feeding them to his old ones. The Verdict: Perfectly pitched, balancing wry sentiment with comic horror, Jeunet's feature debut is packed with bizarre but tenderly-conceived characters, delivering an anti-carnivore message any self-respecting vegetarian will be proud of. 85. Election (1999) – Alexander Payne The Plot: A popular high school jock (Chris Klein) is egged on by a vindictive teacher (Matthew Broderick) to oppose an obnoxious overachiever (Reese Witherspoon) in running for student body president. The Verdict: A film so bitter and cynical you begin to doubt even your own existence, Payne’s award-worthy script is packed with numerous sideswipes and political ambition and acidic metaphors. Very funny, very smart and very, very underrated. 84. Snatch (2000) - Guy Ritchie The Plot: Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers, and supposedly Jewish jewellers strive to track down a priceless stolen diamond. The Verdict: Far superior to Ritchie’s debut Lock Stock, with bigger names, bigger ambitions, and the biggest diamond you’ve ever seen in your life. A smart, witty and engrossing film with a few excellent fight scenes to boot. 83. Battle Royale (2001) The Plot: 40 young Japanese tearaways get shipped to an isolated Island, where they are forced to compete in the ‘Battle Royale’ a government-approved deathmatch where only one survivor is allowed to walk free. The Verdict: If you thought the pitch was controversial, wait until you see the film. Director Kinji Fukasaku pulls no punches as he subjects his young cast to torture of the highest degree, keeping a steady track of those who have bitten the big-one, and delivering it all with tongue firmly wedged in cheek. A brutal but hilarious treat. 82. Out Of Sight (1998) - Steven Sodenbergh The Plot: A career bank robber (George Clooney) breaks out of jail and shares a moment of mutual attraction with an FBI agent (Jennifer Lopez) he has kidnapped The Verdict: A cool, passionate slice of charismatic Elmore Leonard excellence that simply exudes class from start to finish. 81. Heathers (1989) - Michael Lehmann The Plot: Veronica (Wynona Ryder) half-heartedly tries to be part of the "in crowd" of her school, and meets the rebellious J.D (Christian Slater) who teaches her a more devious way to play social politics. The Verdict: A true work of anti-conformity, Heathers was a true rise-to-arms for the non-jocks/cheerleaders of American society, and a gripping film to go with it. And, hey, it’s okay to cheer for the bad guy. 80. Beetlejuice (1988) - Tim Burton The Plot: A couple of recently deceased ghosts (Gina Davis and Alec Baldwin) contract the services of the titular "bio-exorcist" (Micheal Keaton) in order to remove the obnoxious new owners of their house. The Verdict: A haunted house movie told from the perspective of the dead, Burton’s only attempt at out-and-out farce is a huge success, with Keaton unafraid to ham it up big style. The special effects look sniffy by today’s standards, but it’s nothing if not unconventional. 79.Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) - John Hughes The Plot: A high school wise guy (Matthew Broderick) is determined to have a day off from school, despite the overeager attempts of his overly jealous sister, or spiteful principal. The Verdict: A film that depicts how we all wish we could be, with Broderick a sensation as the alluring lead who lives his life with total abandon. A brainless 90 minutes of entertaining aloofness. 78. Get Shorty (1995) - Barry Sonnenfeld The Plot: Miami loanshark Chili Palmer (John Travolta) is sent to LA to collect a debt from producer Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman) and discovers that the movie business is not entirely dissimilar to his current vocation. The Verdict: A smart, funny, stylish satire of all things Hollywood which casts more than a cynical eye over the corruption of major studio’s. About as cool as a studio film of this nature will ever get, and a nice reminder that Travolta, way back when, could act. 77. Cinema Paridiso (1988) - Giuseppe Tornatore The Plot: A famous film director returns home to a Sicilian village for the first time after almost 30 years. He reminisces about his childhood at the Cinema Paradiso where his love of films was ignited. The Verdict: Breaking through anti-arthouse prejudice, this simple celebration cinema became one of the most popular foreign films ever released. Issues such as censorship are smugly addressed, accumulating in an exhilarating kiss-clip finale that really does get the never-endings jangling. 76. Swingers (1996) - Doug Liman The Plot: Wannabe actor Mike (Jon Favreau) relocated to Hollywood from New York and tries to get work as a comic and reach closure on a relationship that ended six months ago. The Verdict: Simple idea, brilliant execution, as Favreau’s script is as enchanting as it is hilarious, going for subtle in-jokes and light-hearted asides as opposed to cheek and cheerful gags. One of the more intelligent films currently around. Universally appealing. 75. The Exorcist (1973) - William Friedkin The Plot: All is well with Chris McNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and daughter Regan (Linda Blair), but - as is often the case - the young scamp goes and gets possessed by the devil and starts spouting the language of the dead and masturbating with crucifixes... The Verdict: A horror film that manages to be both restrained and undeniably eerie, its tag as ‘Scariest Film Ever’ is dubious, but as far as filmmaking goes it’s undeniably stable, with a shockingly frank depiction of evil itself. 74. Scream (1996) - Wes Craven The Plot: A psychopathic killer is stalking a group of obnoxious teens. Just like in the movies. The Verdict: The daddy of everything that is post-modern, Kevin Williamson’s script bubbles with excellently timed horror references, and one of the scariest opening 15 minutes to any film. Historically brilliant. 73. Batman (1989) - Tim Burton The Plot: The Dark Knight of Gotham City (Michael Keaton) begins his war on crime with his first major enemy, the clownishly homicidal Joker (Jack Nicholson) The Verdict: The first, best and darkest instalment in the much scrutinised series, as Burton overthrows the camp feel of the TV show in favour of the dark comic book feel. Keaton is the best Batman to date, on any level, and Nicholson is easily the nastiest villain this side of the devil himself. 72. Naked Gun (1988) - David Zucker The Plot: From the files of Police Squad, incompetent cop Frank Drebbin (Leslie Nelisen) has to foil an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. The Verdict: On par with Airplane as the most eloquent spoof of all time, full of OTT facial expressions and surreal character exposition. 71. When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Rob Reiner The Plot: When Harry (Billy Crystal) drives Sally (Meg Ryan) from Chicago to New York, they both agree that men and women cannot be friends for fear of sex getting in the way. Some 10 years later, they reunite and attempt to figure out if this is always true. The Verdict: The best film Woody Allen never made, When Harry Met Sally features everything you could ask for in a film: two fantastically relatable central characters, a witty and insightful script, and some of the most impossibly first-rate dialogue you’ll ever hear. 70. So I Married An Axe Murderer (1993) - Thomas Schlamme The Plot: Charlie (Mike Myers) has always been afraid of commitment, so it’s no surprise that when he meets his perfect match Harriet (Nancy Travis) he suspects her of being the eponymous serial killer. The Verdict: Criminally underrated, Myers’ breakaway from schwing-territory is perhaps one of his best pieces of work, with a nice blend of romance, mystery, comedy and abusive Scottish fathers. 69. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) - Tobe Hooper The Plot: A group of hippies travelling through 1970's Texas fall prey to a trio of murderous brethren and their cannibal grandparents. The Verdict: Valid contender for scariest film of all time, and a strikingly powerful work of art. So dank, even the actor’s started slicing each other up in order to attain realism. 68. Diva (1981) - Jean-Jacques Beineix The Plot: Postal worker Jules (Frédéric Andréi) makes an illegal bootleg of infamous American opera singer Cynthia Hawkins (Wilhelmenia Fernandez). But when the tape is confused with one implicating a powerful politician with the mob, he must use all his ingenuity to survive. The Verdict: An excellently grafted triangle of mystery, murder and intrigue, with the most tranquil musical score you’ll ever hear. 67. Carrie (1976) - Brian De Palma The Plot: A tender and shy young girl (Sissy Spacek) finds her fear-driven life somewhat more complicated when she discovers that she has telekinetic powers. The Verdict: A harsh film based around a young girl who really doesn’t have much to laugh at (except if you find having tampons pelted at you mirthful). De Palma mixes knowing character traits with supernatural nuances, delivering a bloody finale at a school prom where everything goes seriously tits up. Apparently has something of a shock ending too… 66. Assault On Precinct 13 (1976) - John Carpenter The Plot: A bloodthirsty gang lay siege to a nearly abandoned police stations, where the inhabiting officers and inmates must work together in order to survive. The Verdict: With a set-up that’s now been copied to death (by even Carpenter himself), this is a no-holds-barred attack on the senses, a film so intent on landing its punches, even a little girl gets blown away early on. One of cinema’s superior thrillers. 65. Psycho (1960) - Alfred Hitchcock The Plot: A young female embezzler (Janet Leigh) arrives at the Bates Motel, a quaint little stop-by run by mummy’s boy Norman (Anthony Perkins) that has some terrible secrets of its own. The Verdict: You might have heard of this one. Perhaps Hitchcock’s best ever work, you have to ask how many films these days would have the balls to kill off their biggest female star halfway in. 64. Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962) - Robert Aldrich The Plot: When famous Hollywood actress Blanche Hudson (Joan Crawford) gets physically handicapped after a mysterious car accident, she is forced to live under the care of her bitter, resentful sister Jane (Bette Davis) The Verdict: Famous for the scene in which Jane serves Blanche a delicately prepared rat for tea, Baby Jane was the sibling version of Psycho in everything but name. And if the relationship between the two leads seems fiery, then it’s worth remembering that Crawford and Davis really did hate each other in real life. 63. Blood Simple (1983) - Joel Coen The Plot: A rich but jealous man hires a private investigator to kill his cheating wife and her new man. But before you can say "man, these Coen brothers are weird" it all goes belly up. The Verdict: More than just an inspirational dark comedy (Shallow Grave, ahem, 'borrowed' heavily) Blood Simple is also a stern reminder that the Coen Brothers have never actually made a bad film. 62. 12 Angry Men (1957) - Sidney Lumet The Plot: A dissenting juror (Henry Fonda) in a murder trial slowly manages to convince his colleagues that the case is not as obviously clear as it seems. The Verdict: Excellent courtroom drama with a unique twist. Set entirely in the four walls of the jury consultant room, the film succeeds thanks to some stellar acting from all 12 leads and excellent dialogue. 61. The Shawshank Redemption (1995) - Frank Darabont The Plot: The life of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a convict serving life for a murder he did not commit. The Verdict: Perhaps cinema’s most complete film, The Shawshank Redemption is a neat jigsaw of a movie, where all the pieces fit snugly into place come the final reel. And the ending, which is implausible but immensely worth the wait, will leave you resembling a Cheshire cat chewing on a coathanger. 60. Return Of The Killer Tomatoes (1988) - John De Bello The Plot: Scientist Professor Gangreen (John Astin) is not mad, just angry. Angry enough to concoct an army of warriors, transformed from tomatoes through the power of music, in order to take over the world. The Verdict: A film so undeniably appalling, it’s actually one of cinema’s forgotten classics. The subject matter may be cheesy, but the film makes no bones in admitting its Z-movie status. Featuring the most blatant product placement of all time, and George Clooney in a tight perm. 59. Leaving Las Vegas (1995) - Mike Figgis The Plot: Ben Sanderson (Nic Cage) goes to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, where he forms an uneasy friendship with hooker Sera (Elisabeth Shue) The Verdict: A thorough discovery of life without prejudice, one that sugar coats nothing. Cage is downright amazing as the alcoholic screenwriter determined to shuffle off this mortal coil via the liquor express. If you can watch the final 10 minutes without welling up, you’re nothing less than a robot. 58. The Matrix (1999) – Andy & Larry Wachowski The Plot: A computer hacker (Keanu Reeves) learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against the controllers of it. The Verdict: Bolting Keanu’s effortless numb-nut cool to revolutionary visuals, a plot that takes at least two viewings to get entirely straight, and kung-fu action authentic enough to have Hong Kong stamped on its backside. 57. Suspiria (1977) - Dario Argento The Plot: A young American dancer (Jessica Harper) travels to Europe to join a famous ballet school, where it becomes apparent that the teaching methods are merely a front for a much more sinister organisation. The Verdict: Less a conventional horror flick, more a series of intense, brilliantly realised gothic set pieces (catch the opener in which a hapless ballet student is throttled before being hurled through a stained glass ceiling), in which the man dubbed as “The Italian Hitchcock” uses psychedelic colour, a screaming soundtrack, and full-on sadistic mayhem to create one of the wildest terror experiences of all time. 56. The Life Of Brian (1979) - Terry Jones The Plot: Irreverent satire of Biblical films and religious intolerance focuses on Brian, a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea who is mistaken for a messiah. The Verdict: A controversial, sacrilegious, blasphemous and - dare I say it? -totally and utterly hilarious deconstruction of historical distortion. If you only see one comedy in your life, make it this. 55. A Shot In The Dark (1964) - Blake Edwards The Plot: As a murderous body count steadily climbs, bumbling Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) drives his boss mad by insisting prime suspect Maria (Elke Sommer) is innocent. The Verdict: Regarded as the best of the Pink Panther series, A Shot In The Dark is slapstick at its best. Great script, great gags and the most groan inducing dialogue around. Fact: William Peter Blatty co-wrote the screenplay. 54. Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975) - Terry Gilliam The Plot: King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his assorted vagabond of knights embark on a low-budget search for the Grail, obstructed by an assortment of “silly things” The Verdict: Legitimately sidesplitting humour with the most ingenious and surreal conversation exchanges in a long while. Worth it just for The Knights Who Say ‘Ni’. 53. An American Werewolf In London (1981) - John Landis The Plot: Exactly what the title suggests: Yank tourist (David Naughton) suffers a serious chewing on behalf of a werewolf and finds his craving for all things meaty suddenly increased. The Verdict: Slightly superior to The Howling, thanks to a wicked sense of humour and nightmare-inducing shocks. And Naughton’s metamorphosis is gobsmacking by even today’s standards. 52. Aliens (1986) - James Cameron The Plot: Original survivor Ripley learns that a human colony was founded on the same planet where the acid-spitting xenomorphs were first found. One day, contact with the colony is lost… The Verdict: A sequel that actually outclasses its predecessor, and a high-octane actioner. Great special effects, intelligent script and some of the best bits of on-screen gunplay ever witnessed. 51. The Royal Tenembaums (2001) - Wes Anderson The Plot: An estranged trio of former child prodigies reunites when their father announces he has a terminal illness. The Verdict: To say they don’t make films like this anymore is inaccurate: they never did. Sure, it’s quirky, comical and syrupy as hell, but it also features some of the most rounded characters to appear in a film, ever. A novel, intelligent and enjoyable treat from start to finish. 50. Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997) - Jay Roach The Plot: A 1960's secret agent is brought out of cryofreeze in the 90’s to continue a personal vendetta against his greatest enemy, Dr Evil, where his social attitudes are glaringly out of place. The Verdict: Base-level humour that somehow manages to appear highbrow. A plethora of standout scenes elevate this from potential DTV fodder to one of the funniest films of the 90’s. Fans of Mike Myers’ podgy torso are well catered for. 49. Clueless (1995) - Amy Heckerling The Plot: Take Jane Austen's Emma. Throw in an episode of Beverley Hills 90210. Hit ‘blend’. The Verdict: As much a sharp, satirical parody of the prosperous Beverly Hills rich kids as it is a hip, sassy entertainment dressed in designer labels. A teen flick with real personality. 48. Halloween (1978) - John Carpenter The Plot: Psychotic murderer Michael Myers escapes from the institution he has inhabited since in order to kill his own sister (Jamie Lee Curtis) The Verdict: A must see for everyone, whether they have a serious love of all things cinematic or just casual interest in film. Close the curtains. Turn off the lights. Watch in awe at Carpenter’s masterful framing and chill-inducing, Michael Myers-concealing use of shadows. 47. Short Cuts (1993) - Robert Altman The Plot: The everyday lives of 22 Los Angeles residents, connected via a collection of short stories. The Verdict: Everyone from Matt Groening to PT Anderson has ripped this off one way or another. What does that tell you? 46. Go! (1999) - Doug Liman The Plot: A three-way story depicting the events occurred after a drug deal, told from different points of view. The Verdict: An excellent sophomore effort from Liman, often labelled as the teen Pulp Fiction, but far more original than that. The intertwining plotlines are exquisite in their own right, and the “talking cat” scene is worth the price of admission alone. 45. South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut (1999) - Trey Parker The Plot: When Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny see an R-rated movie featuring Canadians Terrance & Phillip, the censor-crazy powers-that-be launch a full scale war on Canada. The Verdict: Good, mindless entertainment, with enough foul language to fill the Grand Canyon. Laugh, sing, and swear along with it. 44. Robocop (1987) - Paul Verhoeven The Plot: After being slaughtered at the hands of a street gang, Detroit cop Alex J. Murphy (Peter Weller) is brought back to life as the ultimate law enforcer. The Verdict: Is it a metaphor for Jesus? An attack on right-wing America? A good excuse for some serious blood and guts action? All three and much, much more. 43. The Terminator (1984) - James Cameron The Plot: An unstoppable killing machine is sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) a woman whose yet-to-be-born son will prove to have a significant bearing on the future. The Verdict: Casting aside the endless pub debates such a plot provokes, The Terminator is rare commodity: an action-thriller with a brain. Gorey it may be, but it’s tight enough to be everything but confusing. And Ahnuld is an inspired choice as the personality-free cyborg. 42. Die Hard (1988) - John McTiernan The Plot: New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) finds his Christmas vacation cut short when an office building is taken over by terrorists. The Verdict: Back in the days when ol’ Brucie made the white vest his own, Die Hard is a blueprint for what all other action flicks should contain: snappy one-liners, massive explosions and a hard as nails lead. Oh, and a bucketload of talent helps. 41. Speed (1994) - Jan deBont The Plot: A bus full of passengers discover that tailbacks are the least of their worries when a suitably ticked off bomber plants a device on their transport which will explode if the bus drops below 50mph. The Verdict: Remarkably taut direction, a pleasing on the eye cast (Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock are as appealing as they come) and a witty, preposterous tongue-in-cheek delivery… what’s not to like? 40. Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994) - Mike Newell The Plot: A quartet of couples tie the knot, someone bites the dust, and Hugh Grant tries to sort himself out with Andie McDowell. Each to their own. The Verdict: If I had to pick one romcom British film, it’d have to be this one, with it’s now-standard roll call of loveable toffs, desperate and pitiful attempts at dating, and Hugh Grant stuttering like a knackered moped. 39. A Matter Of Life And Death (1946) - Michael Powell The Plot: British wartime pilot Peter (David Niven) cheats death, and must therefore argue for his life before a heavenly court. The Verdict: Mixing monochrome and Technicolour to emphasise the different worlds in which the Peter regularly flits between, Powell’s tearjerker is pure fantasy, but nevertheless heart-warming. 38. American Beauty (1999) - Sam Mendes The Plot: A tale of the sanctity of life, centring on Lester Burnham, a socially inept suburbanite who rediscovers life after falling for his daughter’s best friend (Mena Suvari) The Verdict: Worth the hype, deserved of the Oscars and utterly justified in its high critical appraisal, American Beauty is a satire that’s as funny, poignant and accessible as they come. And while the underlying message - life is great - is sure to be lost on some this is a deeply emotional film that requires, nay demands, repeat viewing. 37. Ginger Snaps (2000) - John Fawcett The Plot: Just after starting her first period, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) is mauled by a wild animal and soon a slow but unforgettable metamorphosis of The Fly-like proportions begins to take place. The Verdict: Jesus, on exactly how many levels do you want a film to work? It’s horror movie, a metaphor for the agony of the biological shift from adolescence to adulthood, a rebellious stance against orthodoxy, and a biting (sorry) pastiche of the banality of urban life. 36. Betty Blue (37°2 Le Matin) (1986) - Jean-Jacques Beineix The Plot: A young couple – Zorg, (Jean-Hugues Anglade) an ambitious wannabe writer, Betty (Béatrice Dalle) a beautiful but completely loopy waitress – leave their dead-end lives to start up all over again. But will Zorg’s love for Betty overcome her unpredictable outbursts? The Verdict: From an opening five minutes that you’d do well not to watch in front of the local vicar, through to a lump-in-throat inducing finale, Beineix’s extraordinarily detailed glance at love and ideology spawned not only one of the most famous movie posters of all time, but also the modern day view of unparalleled love. 35. Memento (2000) - Christopher Nolan The Plot: Using nothing more than hastily scrawled notes and numerous body tattoo’s, the memory-challenged Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) vows to track down his wife’s killer and gain vengeance. The Verdict: Taken as an ordinary thriller, this is a film with an agonising attention to detail that keep its secrets tightly locked away. Throw in the fact that the movie progresses backwards, scene by scene, and what you have is a dazzling, chokehold compelling, utterly unique movie. 34. Drunken Master (1978) - Woo-ping Yuen The Plot: An undisciplined boy (Jackie Chan) must learn Drunken Fist Kung Fu from a habitually non-sober martial arts expert in order to stop a deadly assassin. The Verdict: Chan at his very best. No story, no real basis, and no character development to speak of, just excellent chop socky moments, hilarious dialogue (“Will you teach me how to fight” “I’ll teach how to fart!”) and a final battle that seriously needs to be seen to be believed. And, yes, the art of martial arts really is getting pissed. 33. The Big Lebowski (1998) - Joel Coen The Plot: Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) becomes entangled in a sinister kidnapping plot when he is mistaken for Jeffrey Lebowski, an LA millionaire. The Verdict: A fervid script surreally complemented with trippy beauty, transforming the somewhat unromantic hobby of ten pin bowling, into a heavenly pursuit. Only in a Coen brother's movie. 32. Dr. Strangelove (1964) - Stanley Kubrick The Plot: An insane General sends his bomber wing to destroy the U.S.S.R. America's politicians all agree that this is A Bad Thing and set about attempting to prevent the end of the world. The Verdict: A holocaust movie that goes straight for the funny bone, instead of paranoid terror of the nuclear threat, Dr. Strangelove has proved itself to be a timeless classic, thanks in no small part to the masterful Peter Sellers, here delivering three of the best performances of his career. 31. The Deer Hunter (1978) - Michael Cimino The Plot: An in-depth examination of the way that the Vietnam War affected the lives of people in a small industrial town in the USA. The Verdict: Arguably the best Vietnam movie ever made, The Deer Hunter is not a film you sit down and enjoy. It’s a harrowing, graphic, all-too-real portrayal of life, before, during, and after the trauma of war. 30. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) - George Armitage The Plot: Despondent hitman Martin Blank (John Cusack) is coerced into doing one final job, which coincides with his tenth anniversary school reunion. The Verdict: A stone-faced comedy, Grosse Pointe Blank is a real oddity, a genuine genre-hopper that veers quirkily between stylised noir, caustic satire and shamelessly romantic comedy with barely a pause for breath. 29. Stand By Me (1986) - Rob Reiner The Plot: A writer recounts a boyhood journey, where he and his three friends set about on a mission to find the body of a missing boy. The Verdict: Coming-of-age doesn’t get any better than this, peppered with canny pop culture cross-referencing and an unprecedented feeling of self-gratification. 28. Fargo (1996) - Joel Coen The Plot: Another Coen film, another kidnapping. This time it's car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) who, desperately in need of some small change, hires two lowlife criminals (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife, confident that his cash-laden father-in-law (Harve Presnell) will stump up the ransom for her release. The Verdict: The film equivalent of good sex: it slowly tantalises you, lightly tickles you behind the ear, holds you tight for over 90 minutes and leaves you feeling exhausted but thoroughly satisfied. 27. Citizen Kane (1941) - Orson Welles The Plot: When a multimillionaire newspaper tycoon dies alone in his extravagant mansion a reporter tracks down the people who worked and lived with him in order to figure out the riddle of his dying breath. The Verdict: Yes, it really is as good as people say it easy, a beautifully imagined world of remembrance, a deceptively simple story far ahead of its time. Put simply, no Citizen Kane, no modern day cinema. 26. Manhattan (1979) - Woody Allen The Plot: A divorced New Yorker currently dating a high-schooler brings himself to look for love in the mistress of his best friend instead. The Verdict: Strangely, one of Woody's most celebrated films is one the bespectacled genius is least proud of. Strange, as it is packed with an intelligent melding of the perfect performances, snappy one-liners, meditation on failing relationships and touching emotional adroitness 25. Young Frankenstein (1974) – Mel Brooks The Plot: After years of living down the family reputation, Dr. Frankenstein's grandson (Gene Wilder), a young neurosurgeon, inherits his granddad's castle. The Verdict: Perhaps not Brooks’ most complete work, Young Frankenstein is nevertheless a brilliant gathering of crude sight gags, burlesque schtick and red-hot Jewish jokes delivered at rapid-fire pace. 24. The Usual Suspects (1995) – Bryan Singer The Plot: Police investigating an exploded boat on a San Pedro pier take to grilling Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), into explaining exactly what happened. The Verdict: A devilishly slick and stylish thriller that’s heavy on taut intrigue, dazzling plotting and criminal psychology. And in Keyser Soze, Singer has created perhaps one of cinema’s most memorable bad guys. 23. Seven (1995) – David Fincher The Plot: Detective’s Mills (Brad Pitt) and Somerset (Morgan Freeman) desperately hunt for a serial killer who justifies his crimes as absolution for the world's ignorance of the Seven Deadly Sins. The Verdict: A mainstream Hollywood studio movie as extraordinarily dark, bleak, intense, and as monumentally scary as this will be hard to come by. And just when you think it can’t possibly get any bleaker, Fincher defies all expectations by delivering the most emotionally scarring ending imaginable. 22. Blazing Saddles (1974) – Mel Brooks The Plot: A corrupt political boss (Harvey Korman) appoints a black sheriff to a backwoods Western town, who promptly becomes a most formidable adversary. The Verdict: Mel Brooks' finest hour, with the creation of a well-paced, gently satirical and often screamingly funny spoof Western, much imitated since but rarely bettered. Brimming with great dialogue, a series of cameos from top comedy faces and, perhaps best of all, that campfire farting scene. 21. Night Of The Living Dead (1968) – George Romero The Plot: A group of random strangers set up camp in an abandoned farmhouse, eager to hide from the multitude of zombified masses gathered outside. The Verdict: Gained mass notoriety upon release for the fleeting moment a black man strikes a white woman, an act unheard of in cinema during the 1960’s. In these thankfully more liberal days, Night Of The Living Dead audiences opinions has warmed to the fact that this is a certified zombie classic, and quite possibly the most influential horror film of all time. 20. Hard Boiled (1992) – John Woo The Plot: A tough as nails cop teams up with an undercover agent to shut down a sinister mobster and his crew. The Verdict: Woo’s most absurdly dynamic, outrageously funny, visually inventive and delicious actioneer, with a Die Hard-esque finale set in a busy hospital. Two-handed gunplay at its very best, from the master himself. 19. Goodfellas (1990) – Martin Scorsese The Plot: A biography of an Irish-Italian mobster, Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), and how he lives day-to-day life as a member of the Mafia. The Verdict: Bottomless empathy for the Italian-American subject matter, with some championship camerawork and Teflon turns from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Liotta. Goodfellas improves with the years: brutally funny, and often just plain brutal. 18. The Odd Couple (1968) - Gene Saks The Plot: Two friends are thrown together into sharing an apartment, finding their ideas of housekeeping and lifestyles as different as chalk and cheese. The Verdict: Based on the hit stage play, and every bit as faithful, The Odd Couple is the films that exhibits why Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon were so beloved. Their on-screen banter and juxtaposed way of life suggests a real life chemistry that no amount of talent can fake. 17. True Romance (1993) – Tony Scott The Plot: After a night of unadulterated passion, comic book geek Clarence (Christian Slater) marries hooker Alabama (Patricia Arquette), accidentally steals a suitcase full cocaine from her pimp (Gary Oldman), and then tries to sell it in Hollywood. The Verdict: Romeo And Juliet for the MTV generation, with a script that easily ranks as Tarantino’s finest (yup, that includes Pulp Fiction), with a cast of dozens, a plethora of instantly quotable lines, and a barnstormer of a Mexican standoff. 16. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino The Plot: The stories rolled into one, centring on two cool-as-ice hitmen (John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson), a fixed boxing match, and a headless body in a car. The Verdict: The 1994 Palme D’Or winner is a richer, smarter, noirer world of death-dodging lowlifes than anything you’d ever seen before. 15. The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick The Plot: Family man Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) takes a job as caretaker of the plush Overlook Hotel. Jack takes wife Weny (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd) with him. Jack sees ghosts. Danny talks to his finger. Jack goes ballistic and attempts to murder family. The Verdict: Kubrick’s version features rotting corpses in baths, blood waterfalls, and haunting voices. King’s cinema effort has killer bees. Need I say more? 14. Fight Club (1999) - David Fincher The Plot: An anonymous insomniac (Ed Norton) is forced to reassess his very life when he is invited to a bout of fisticuffs with a philosophical stranger (Brad Pitt). The Verdict: A comedy so dark, Fincher probably needed to shoot it under the perpetual glow of floodlights. It's a fascinating examination of male psychosis, delusion and primal instinct. And if anyone even hints to you about Nazi undertones, clock them right in the jaw with a swift uppercut. 13 . The Devil’s Backbone (2001) - Guillermo del Toro The Plot: During the final months of the Civil War, ten-year-old Carlos (Fernando Tielve) is left by his tutor in an orphanage in the middle of nowhere. A hideous looking spirit stalks said juvenile. Why? The Verdict: What is it with the Spanish and smart horror movies? Overlooked in favour of the superior The Others but still a damn fine movie in it’s own right, with a true sense of human spirit, a ghost you genuinely feel sympathy towards, and a masterful, and extremely painful, final reel. 12. Amores Perros (Love's A Bitch) (2000) - Alejandro González Iñárritu The Plot: A horrific car accident connects three different stories, each involving characters dealing with love, in one form or another. The Verdict: A peculiar study into various forms of passion, essentially three unique films packed into awesome package. Subtitled it may be, but if you turn a blind eye because of this, you should be fed to the dogs. 11. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) - James Cameron The Plot: Superior sequel in which a shape-shifting cyborg is sent back from the future to kill John Connor. This time though, Ahnuld has been sent through time to protect the little mite. The Verdict: $90 million-worth of crunching metal, doom-laden plot conundrums, and Arnie in seriously cool mode. A landmark in action filmmaking, if not plot subtlety. 10. Run Lola Run (1998) - Tom Tykwer The Plot: Lola (Franka Potente) loves her boyfriend, so when he finds himself neck-deep in shit, she legs it across Berlin in order to save his life. The Verdict: An overload of tricks, chronology and severe mind trickery, Run Lola Run is a foreign film with mainstream intentions. Energetic right from the get-go and utterly gripping Run Lola Run is a prime example of suspensful cinema. 9. The Three Colours Trilogy (1993 - 1994) - Krzysztof Kieslowski The Plot: A trilogy of films dealing with contemporary French society, the first (Blue) concerning itself with how a composer deals with the death of her husband and child; the second (White) a tale of a man dealing with a Polish immigrant whose wife wants to divorce him because he can't perform in bed; the third (Red) centring around a model who discovers her neighbour is keen on invading people's privacy. The Verdict: Here labelled as one film, since everything wraps neatly into place during the final episode, you simply can’t watch one without the other. All three are deceptively simple with uplifting auras. 8. LA Confidential (1997) – Curtis Hanson The Plot: Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover an eerie plot behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner. The Verdict: Criminally overlooked in favour of (spit) Titanic at the Oscars, this is one of the most complex, conspiracy-ridden web of deceit and murder. Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey all in the same film? Not even Danny DeVito being offed can compete with that level of excitement. 7. The Blair Witch Project (1999) - Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez The Plot: Three budding filmmakers go into the Burkittesville woods. They never come out. A year on, and their camera footage is found. The Verdict: Love it or hate it, the bare facts about The Blair Witch Project is that it’s a seriously scary, unbelievably well constructed and most unpredictable drama-documentary you’ll ever see. 6. The Others (2001) - Alejandro Amenábar The Plot: Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman), who lives in a darkened old house with her two photosensitive children, becomes convinced that her family home is haunted. The Verdict: A family drama/ghost movie that relies more on good old-fashioned scares, and less on pointless CGI trickery, that is as effective on jangling the old nerves as it is pulling on the heartstrings. Suspenseful and packed to the gills with symbolism, Hollywood should take note: this is how all horror movies should be. 5. Chasing Amy (1997) - Kevin Smith The Plot: Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) discovers that love really is a bitch when he falls for the irresistible charms of the unfortunately non-hetero Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) The Verdict: A novel subject matter, one that is highly complimented by some truly endearing, eccentric and quirky characters. Despite the potentially dangerous ground it’s always one step ahead of potential critics, and damn funny to boot. A personal love-story from Smith himself. 4. As Good As It Gets (1997) – James L. Brooks The Plot: The story of a compulsive writer (Jack Nicholson), whose life takes an unwanted twist when his gay neighbour (Greg Kinnear) is hospitalised The Verdict: Uneasy and edgy the set-up may be, but the delivery is pure gold, with righteously funny un-PC banter mixed with some indisputably heart-warming moments. So good that even Helen Hunt is watchable. 3. Amelie (2001) - Jean-Pierre Jeunet The Plot: Amelie (Audrey Tautou), an innocent and naive girl in Paris, with her own sense of justice, decides to help those around her and along the way discovers love. The Verdict: A fairytale for grownups, one where clouds are shaped like bunny rabbits, essentially lonely individuals are drawn together by the need for companionship, and the world really is a great place. A film that you will want to watch again as soon as it’s over, and quite possibly the sweetest, most grin inducing film ever created. 2. Leon/The Professional (1994) – Luc Besson The Plot: A milk-drinking, plant-tending, Gene Kelly-loving Sicillian hitman (Jean Reno) adopts a young orphan (Natalie Portman) after her family is murdered. He teaches her how to kill. She in turn teaches him to read and write and open up as a human being. The Verdict: A stylish French movie wrapped inside a Hollywood skin, Besson’s adrenaline-rushed and utterly absorbing tale is Lolita meets Nikita with a lot of class, containing everything a person could want in a film: graphic yet disturbingly cold violence, an excellent platonic romance, and Gary Oldman playing the meanest son of a bitch to appear in a film, ever. A film so good you’d sell your own grandmother to see it. 1. Jaws (1975) - Steven Spielberg The Plot: A police chief, a scientist, and a grizzled sailor set out to kill a shark that is menacing the seaside community of Amity Island. The Verdict: Stuff your Star Wars this is the film that launched the summer blockbuster, playing like a catalogue of great movie moments: Robert Shaw's (self-penned) monologue on the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, Richard Dreyfuss' squelching post-mortem, Rob Scheider's woozy reaction to the finned-one's beach attack, the infamous 'battle scars' scene and, of course, that eyeball dangling head bobbing out of a ruptured boat bottom to shock a million watchers every time. Jaws is an astonishingly effective thriller built on a very primal level - fear -, keeping its titular shark well hidden, bar a few fleeting glances, until astonishingly late on. Undeniably one of the most complete movies you’ll ever see. Number 1 with a bullet.  |
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