Here are my Top Ten Movies. I am not going to put my list in any sort of order. It stresses me out at the very thought of having to pick an order. It was hard enough for me to narrow my favorite movies down to just ten. I originally had a list of fifteen, but finally cut five. I am going to list those as honorable mentions.
Fargo - This is such an amazing movie. Everything about this movie is pitch perfect. The performances by all of the major characters and minor characters are so well rounded and necessary to the story. The cold, stark setting fits the film so well. It adds texture and mood to the story.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - This is the best movie about relationships ever made. Not only is the story great, but Michel Gondry’s “special effects” are breathtaking. I am not a Jim Carrey fan, but shortly after the movie starts I forget that it is Jim Carrey up on the screen. He completely becomes Joel. His performance is one of the best I have seen in a very long time.
The Color Purple - I never wanted to see this film. I am not a Spielberg fan, and I really wasn’t interested in the story. Darrell convinced me to watch it, and I am forever grateful to him for it. This movie makes me cry harder than any movie I have ever seen in my life. Whoopi Goldberg is truly amazing in this film. I can’t believe she never did anything after this that was anywhere near as good. It must have been a complete fluke.
Everyone Says I Love You - It’s a musical directed by Woody Allen. It’s got a terrific cast. I first saw it on my 18th birthday with my friends, and it has been a favorite ever since. I even used to have the soundtrack. None of the actors can really sing very well, and Edward Norton can’t dance to save his own ass, but that is what makes it so heartwarming.
The Lion King - This is, in my opinion, the best animated movie ever. The songs are wonderful, and the story is moving. I get chills every time I watch it starting at the very first scene with “The Circle of Life” playing in the background and the animals all arriving to see Simba’s presentation. I doubt Disney will ever do a movie as good as this one ever again.
A Room With a View - This is the first movie I can remember calling one of my favorites. I had gotten it from the library as a child just for the heck of it. I can’t even remember why. I just fell in love with it. It was the first film I ever saw Helena Bonham Carter in, and for a very long time I called her my favorite actress.
Blazing Saddles - I grew up watching this movie. Everyone in my family loved it, so I always watched it with them. This is truly the funniest movie I have ever seen. When I think about comedies that I have seen, I realize that most of them aren’t as funny in repeat viewings. This film, however, is always funny. It never gets old. It could have never been made nowadays because it is so politically incorrect, but that is a big part of its charm.
West Side Story - My mom was a big fan of musicals. I always watched them with her as a child, and together we saw numerous musicals on Broadway. This one remains my favorite. The story is great, the dancing is superb, and the music is top notch. It’s a truly timeless film.
Magnolia - I am still kicking myself for never having seen this film on the big screen. Everything about this movie is wonderful. I am not a Tom Cruise fan, but even he is terrific in this film. All of the stories are intriguing, and the characters are so well rounded. I can’t say enough good about it.
Memento - This is on my list more for its style than anything else. Yes, the story is very good, but the best thing about this movie is how Christopher Nolan tells it. I have never seen anything like it before in my life. It’s truly one of a kind.
Honorable Mentions:
Reservoir Dogs - This is a wonderful film. I hated having to cut it from my top ten.
Rear Window - This is my favorite Hitchcock film.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Ang Lee is my favorite director, and this movie is breathtaking.
Dark City - This is a damn good science fiction film. One of the best. It looks great, and the story is really good.
A Perfect World - This would be in my top ten, but I don’t feel justified in saying that considering that I only saw it for the first time last night. It was during this film that I cried the hardest since when I first saw The Color Purple.
Wow, there's alot in your top 10 that I haven't seen. It's awesome to see Dark City on here. Loved that movie. Great sci-fi.
Actually, I loved her in Corrina, Corrina and almost put that on my top 10 list. I've not seen The Color Purple but will have to check it out someday.
I have seen Corrina, Corrina and I think it's a pretty decent movie. The Color Purple though is an amazing film. Not only is Whoopi great, but Oprah is too.
