5 Current Top Films

[James]

Not one of those dull "here are my top 5 films that has to contain Casablanca and The Godfather which I've watched once each but feel a better man for mentioning them" sort of list. A better one. An honest uptodate contemporary list. Give it a go. Leave the snob behind the hob, so to speak.

5 Current Top Films that bring me (non-sexual) pleasure.

1. The Black Hole. No I won't explain my passion for this film.
2. Final Fantasy - Advent Children - How many times have I watched this? No idea. Awesome film. Great soundtrack. It's also FF7. Which I like.
3. The Life Aquatic - Seriously fallen in love with this film and I have no idea why as on the whole, it's actually rather dull.
4. Serenity - Watched it again last night. A real masterpiece of writing given the complexity of mixing down a complex TV series into a film the uncomplex man can enjoy.
5. Donnie Darko - What an amazing little film. Shame the DC actually spoiled it and is full of writer's lies. Don't tell us what the film was meant to be when your previous commentary contradicts your revisionist history. Idiot.

[Classic Speedy]

"Classic films" like Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, and Casablanca nonwithstanding, here are my current top five:
1. The Manchurian Candidate: Tension is nailed in this eerily prophetic film (I say prophetic because JFK was assassinated soon after the film came out, and the film deals with a brainwashed soldier's attempt to kill a candidate). It's shot entirely in black and white, which wasn't entirely necessary in 1962 but this helps to capture the film noir-ish mood and make the incredible performances jump out even more than they already do. Frank Sinatra is at his best. The climax, at the presidential debate, is nail-biting, with its quick cutting and tension, despite absence of a soundtrack telling us how to feel.
2. Reservoir Dogs: Tarantino's first movie just oozes coolness without coming across as gimmicky. From a cast that plays off each other well to the soundtrack (made up entirely of oldies) to its creative flashback/present mixes in narrative to a question of how everything's going to end up, this one has it all. The characters manage to stray from being stereotypes, which could very easily happen in a heist movie like this.
3. Fargo: The characters MAKE this film. I also love the fairly simple ransom that gets increasingly worse the farther it goes.
4. Network: More relevant today than when it was released, this is a brilliant film about TV ratings, and how far a network will go to get them. Great performances from all involved.
5. Crash (Paul Haggis): The "multiple stories" approach gives this film a large replay value. And even if we haven't experienced much racism or racist thoughts, we can relate to the characters because of how fleshed out they are.

[James]

"Classic films" like Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, and Casablanca nonwithstanding, here are my current top five:
1. The Manchurian Candidate: Tension is nailed in this eerily prophetic film (I say prophetic because JFK was assassinated soon after the film came out, and the film deals with a brainwashed soldier's attempt to kill a candidate). It's shot entirely in black and white, which wasn't entirely necessary in 1962 but this helps to capture the film noir-ish mood and make the incredible performances jump out even more than they already do. Frank Sinatra is at his best. The climax, at the presidential debate, is nail-biting, with its quick cutting and tension, despite absence of a soundtrack telling us how to feel.
2. Reservoir Dogs: Tarantino's first movie just oozes coolness without coming across as gimmicky. From a cast that plays off each other well to the soundtrack (made up entirely of oldies) to its creative flashback/present mixes in narrative to a question of how everything's going to end up, this one has it all. The characters manage to stray from being stereotypes, which could very easily happen in a heist movie like this.
3. Fargo: The characters MAKE this film. I also love the fairly simple ransom that gets increasingly worse the farther it goes.
4. Network: More relevant today than when it was released, this is a brilliant film about TV ratings, and how far a network will go to get them. Great performances from all involved.
5. Crash (Paul Haggis): The "multiple stories" approach gives this film a large replay value. And even if we haven't experienced much racism or racist thoughts, we can relate to the characters because of how fleshed out they are.

Yes, I must admit, despite my best preparations to loathe Car-ash, I really enjoyed it. I felt on occasions it yinged to Hollywood safety rather than yanged to something truly memorable, but on the whole it was a very enjoyable film.

Must admit, I prefer Pulp Fiction to the Dogs and despite being a big William H Macey luva, I really found Fargo to be a little pedestrian. Shock. Horror. Not a bad film, but I had never found myself feeling for any of the characters bar Macey's.

[Classic Speedy]

Dang, why isn't this thread more popular? :(

[Lord Dalek]

Never fear, Dalek is here! (and yes I'm not including the obligatory Citizen Kane or Casablanca, despite how much I love em)...

1. Lawrence of Arabia - Probably THE film to see in a theater, which is a shame since I havent had the oppertunity to (waiting on a 70mm screening). Absolutely gorgeous.

2. Dark City - why nobody seems to have heard of this film distresses me. Alex Proyas has this ability to take something only done once or twice (a scifi film noir) and add a timeless quality to it. Also makes a great cinematic wet dream for fans of Fritz Lang

3. Contempt - Eh somebody has to have a Godard film I guess. A very deep and multistructured look at things that are in a gradual state of colapse, whether it be the marriage of Bardot and Piccoli, the ambitions of movie producer Jack Palance, or the film industry in general.

4. TIE: Man With A Movie Camera/Koyaanisqatsi - Seriously... SEE THESE! They'll change your life.

5. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls - If only for: "But you said you were going to study!"

[James]

Never fear, Dalek is here! (and yes I'm not including the obligatory Citizen Kane or Casablanca, despite how much I love em)...


If it eases your pain, I'm a big fan of Casablanca, and I'm peeved at my own dictat, which means I can't post any of my Hitchcock favs. Rest assured, I beat the crap out of myself each night to serve as an appropriate punishment.



2. Dark City - why nobody seems to have heard of this film distresses me. Alex Proyas has this ability to take something only done once or twice (a scifi film noir) and add a timeless quality to it. Also makes a great cinematic wet dream for fans of Fritz Lang


Ah mate, I just watched that TWO days ago once again and loved every minute. Should have been in my top five, but I'm glad it has made yours. That is such a good film. Great score, wonderful acting and as you say - utterly timeless - which I guess is the point. It was totally ignored at the time and way too overcompared to the gluttonous Matrix.

[TheMecca]

Dang, why isn't this thread more popular? :(
TheMecca slides right in to attempt popularity boost! Note that this list is void of classic films like Casablanca or Kane cause I'm 14 and ignorant.

1. Back To The Future [all of 'em]: One of the few film series I can enjoy over and over again (Take THAT, Harry Potter!)

2. The Illusionist: This movie is really the best I've seen all year- Paul Giamatti is a brilliant actor and it shows so well in this movie.

3. Nightmare Before Christmas: Before the goths took over it, it was brilliant.
After the goths took over it, it's still brilliant. Can't wait to see it in 3D.

4. The Incredibles: ...do I really need a reason?

5. The Whole Bloody Affair: This isn't out yet/haven't seen it promoted if it was, but Kill Bill parts 1 and 2 mixed together would be awesome.

HONORABLE MENTION
Ghostbusters: see what James said below >_>
Great Muppet Caper: Best muppet movie ever IMO. (Take THAT, Muppets in Space! Wait...)

[Mr Cat Dog]

1: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A trippy film to rival all other trippy films! For me, it's the understated approach what does it for me. It blends together all the science-fiction elements and the dream/time/whatever elements perfectly

2: Pulp Fiction - Tarantino's best, by far. It will take a masterpiece to top this iconic work of pop culture that has entered into pop culture itself.

3: Spirited Away - As my knowledge of Miyazaki increases, this may be lower down the list... (I've only seen Nausicaa and Mononoke as well), but this one of the most beautiful I've seen, with a charming story and an un-Diseny-yet-moral ending. One of the best animated films ever!

4: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon/Network - I like both of these equally. CTHF is probably the most beautiful non-animated films ever, and with a story that's still full of heart and kickass moves, you can't go wrong! Network, simply for the reasons Speedy Boris said. It's more relevant today than in the 70s.

5: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - What?! Don't laugh at me. In all serious, this film is the best musical ever. It's also the best comedy ever. It was the best animated film ever (until Spirited Away took that from it, in my eyes at least). All in all, it's a brilliant film. STOP LAUGHING!

[James]

5: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - What?! Don't laugh at me. In all serious, this film is the best musical ever. It's also the best comedy ever. It was the best animated film ever (until Spirited Away took that from it, in my eyes at least). All in all, it's a brilliant film. STOP LAUGHING!

I would find it somewhat difficult to start laughing being as my lower jaw has smacked against the ground and rolled off under a misplaced chair.

Seriously, I can see two different forms of fun factor in Spirited Away and South Park. There were some great bits in the latter and I do love the former too. Pulp Fiction is a fine choice.

TheMecca: Now that's the sort of list I'm talking about. Total funcandy. No real intelligence required, just a load of fun films. Back to the Future.. Nightmare Before... If you'd thrown in Ghostbusters and I might have made you King.

[Classic Speedy]

Yes, Back to the Future 1-3 is just pure classic. I remember a month ago me and some other TZ members had a group chat and basically typed every single line we could think of from the trilogy. Unfortunately I don't think I have that transcript anymore but it was a thing of beauty indeed. :)

[Lord Dalek]

Yes, Back to the Future 1-3 is just pure classic. I remember a month ago me and some other TZ members had a group chat and basically typed every single line we could think of from the trilogy. Unfortunately I don't think I have that transcript anymore but it was a thing of beauty indeed. :)Don't worry, either Mecca or Josh has it archived somewhere. I still have absolutely no idea how the BttF quotefest got started except it was finals week and I was either bored or completely overrun by way too much Sam Fuller (probably the latter).

On another note, I give you... Dalek's Top Five Guilt Trip Movies! (*IE: The On-Topic List...)

1. The aforementioned Beyond The Valley of the Dolls: "Still the name won't do you know, it's awfully 1950's. You might as well call them 'The Haircuts'."

2. Fiend Without A Face: "WHAT HAVE I UNLEASHED???"

3. The Goonies: "Booty Twaps!"

4. "Manos" The Hands of Fate: "There is no way out of here, it will be dark soon, there is no way out of here."

5. Shock Corridor: "Right about now is when he's supposed to ask me if I hear voices... " "Do you hear voices, John?"

[Craig Crumpton]

I take some flak from time to time for my opinion about many movies regarded as "classics" generally being kind of boring. But it's just my opinion after all, and I only claim to be an authority on what I like.

That being said, here are my five current top films, in no special order:

- The Iron Giant
I absolutely loathe that clichéd "I love you" line at the end, but otherwise it's a perfect animated film.

- The Princess Bride
If it weren't for the cheesy 80's synth orchestrated score, this would be the most perfect comedy/fantasy/action-adventure/romance ever made.

- The Shawshank Redemption
Nearly flawless. Never tire of watching it.

- Arsenic and Old Lace
It's little more than a low-budget movie adaptation of a stage play, but the jokes are fast and funny, and the pacing and performances are perfect. Sometimes, there's a genuine reason movies like this are called "classics": because they're timeless. It's also a nice, fun alternative Halloween movie to the typical hack and slash fare.

- The Great Muppet Caper
You read that right: a Muppet movie in my top 5. First, for nostalgia: it was among my first movie theater experiences from my childhood where I actually remembered the movie. That, and my grandmother took me for my birthday. The second reason I love it so much is that I enjoy it more every time I see it--even the corny jokes crack me up. But more than that, this movie is packed with everything I love about movies and the Muppets. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the finest movie Jim Henson and Co. ever produced. I wish to everything we had more like him in the industry today.

I also agree with those who mentioned "Dark City" -- another movie that continues to fascinate me no matter how many times I see it.

And to James: I love "The Black Hole" too in spite of its many flaws. It's the ending I can't stand.

[James]

I take some flak from time to time for my opinion about many movies regarded as "classics" generally being kind of boring. But it's just my opinion after all, and I only claim to be an authority on what I like.

Again, that's precisely what this thread should be about. Genuine love for films beyond the expectations of the average film buff who would be embarassed to even consider including the 1980s classic "The Dream Team".



- The Shawshank Redemption
Nearly flawless. Never tire of watching it.


It's amazing how many movies people offer that have been subject of conversation this weekend for me. It is a great film with an ending that really enriches the whole experience. I will say no more than that - aside that it was the ending we were chatting about at a cocktail bar.


- The Great Muppet Caper
You read that right: a Muppet movie in my top 5. First, for nostalgia: it was among my first movie theater experiences from my childhood where I actually remembered the movie. That, and my grandmother took me for my birthday. The second reason I love it so much is that I enjoy it more every time I see it--even the corny jokes crack me up. But more than that, this movie is packed with everything I love about movies and the Muppets. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the finest movie Jim Henson and Co. ever produced. I wish to everything we had more like him in the industry today.


Again, was watching some Muppets this weekend. The Chef and the lobster, the "phenomenon" song and Pigs in Space. The movies were good too - particularly the Muppet Caper. Probably my favourite (I hated the ending to Manhattan ending - I've never liked this revisionist part to the Muppets that sort of puts Kermit into a mutual relationship with Miss Piggy. I always preferred it in the show where it felt virtually totally one sided.



I also agree with those who mentioned "Dark City" -- another movie that continues to fascinate me no matter how many times I see it.


Same here. I love that film. That and Cube were so overlooked the year of it's release, but Dark City has so much more rewatch factor and charm than Cube.



And to James: I love "The Black Hole" too in spite of its many flaws. It's the ending I can't stand.

Yes, I always wish the ending was a little more definitive. I believe originally they were to escape the Hole, but they realised the audience needed to see something of the workings of the Hole to have any real validation, but I think it just made it more messy. That said, Barry's score as they enter the Hole is truly stunning and continues all the way to the end of the film being of that calibre.

There was a comic strip "Beyond The Black Hole" which told of the crew's journey from there on, but it collapsed around issue 3. It sounded crap.

Dalek - why is the Doctor Who Movie not on your list? :)

[Lord Dalek]

Dalek - why is the Doctor Who Movie not on your list? :)"Dr. Who and the Daleks" and "Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD" are tied for #8, I swear.

[Kury Wagner]

Um... don't mock me. >_<

1. The Labyrinth.
2. Edward Scissorhands.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas.
4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
5. Suicide Kings.

[Mr. Pedro]

A typical-enough list.

1. Raging Bull
2. Pulp Fiction
3. Reservoir Dogs
4. Memento
5. Dogma

[James]

Um... don't mock me. >_<

1. The Labyrinth.
2. Edward Scissorhands.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas.
4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
5. Suicide Kings.

What's to mock? Labyrinth is a wonderful and charming movie. Willy Wonka, despite it's rather drunken, ambling ending.

Suicide Kings is a forgotten piece of fun, Nightmare Before Christmas is great and Edward is, well, watchable fairy trash. ;) That's what the thread is about!

[TheMecca]

Yes, Back to the Future 1-3 is just pure classic. I remember a month ago me and some other TZ members had a group chat and basically typed every single line we could think of from the trilogy. Unfortunately I don't think I have that transcript anymore but it was a thing of beauty indeed. :) Josh has it archived and almost posted the whole damn thing in the Cafe until I told him that was a horrible idea.
What a great thing that was.

PS
WHY IS MUPPET CAPER NOT ON MY LIST I need to change it now- also added a remark about NBC in Digital 3D.

[James]

Josh has it archived and almost posted the whole damn thing in the Cafe until I told him that was a horrible idea.
What a great thing that was.


A little off topic, but worth a look if you are BTTF fans. I love Tom Wilson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwY5o2fsG7Y

[SirLemming]

I haven't thought up a real list yet, but I just want to say that whenever I see Jurassic Park on TV I can't take my eyes off it. It's really just thoroughly engaging throughout. It's far more entertaining and interesting than a lot of those "all-time greatest films". I rank a movie that completely succeeds at being exciting and entertaining higher than a movie that gives me a whole lot of great issues to contemplate but bores me for half of its running time.

[Frank Castle]

I know this thread's a little old, but I've gotta put my list in here.

Wedding Crashers- My favorite date movie of all time.
The Punisher: Extended Edition- A lot of people hate this movie, but I think this is the best revenge movie of all time. Plus the scene where Frank forced his best friend Jimmy to kill himself was the most emotional scene I've ever seen in a movie.
40 Year Old Virgin- One of the funniest movies of all time and the dvd has the best commentary of all time.
A Perfect Murder- This movie made Michael Douglas one of my most favorite actors. There was an intense atmosphere from beginning to end in this movie.
A Christmas Story- Best Christmas movie ever. I've watch it at least 20 times every December and it never gets boring.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Nobody cares by now, but mine:

1. North by Northwest--It ain't Hitchcock at his "arty-est" but it's sure a damn sight more fun than almost every other movie I've seen

2. Adventures in Babysitting--Elisabeth Shue was hot.

3. Aliens--Modern day First Person Shooting Games owe this movie tons.

4. Beavis and Butthead Do America--Still the best TV-to-movie film in MY mind.

5. Max Max 2--The best "pure" action movie ever in my mind. It doesn't tell you a story, it SHOWS you a story. I think there may be less than 10 pages of dialogue in the entire movie.