Welcome back to those who are eagerly anticipating/have absolutely nothing better to do than to read the second instalment of my top 10 greatest movies ever. Just a quick note to point out my ever expanding blog has a new page showing what the ratings I give my movies actually mean. I know, I also thought that might come in handy to you lot as well. Anyway first off a quick reminder from 10 to 6 of my top 10 to save you from reading or, if you really are in a bit of a crazy/delirious state, rereading the previous crap that I wrote.
So we kick off with another classic about a family in suburbia and the seemingly normal life that they lead to the outside world but which is starting to fall apart behind the scenes. The movie is narrated by Lester (Kevin Spacey), who deservedly won the 1999 Oscar for best actor for his role, as he comes to terms with his mid-life crisis and subsequent revival through infatuation for his daughter's friend (Mena Suvari). I have always felt this movie is over analysed with people reading to much into specific scenes and accompanying dialogue (the plastic bag scene for example) for hidden meanings that are not there. However this movie does get you thinking and had a very good ending intertwined with several intriguing sub-plots. Add to that the fact that it has a naked girl lying on a bed of rose petals and you are onto a winner everyday of the week!
The solitary entry for a comic book hero in my list now in a film that was dominated by the arrival of one character, the Joker (Heath Ledger). The Joker returns to Gotham City for this chapter of the Batman series proceeding to reawaken several underground criminals in the process. Ledger steals the show as the depraved on-edge lunatic, winning an Oscar in the process and despite his untimely death the cynical part of me still wonders if the movie was more of a success because of this. Time will tell with the release of The Dark Knight Rises only around the corner in 2012. Regardless, Alfred (Michael Caine) and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) bring a touch of comedy to what is otherwise a very dark movie with the main reason for this hitting the highs of number 4 is down to the writing. It's so chock-a-block full of twist plots (look no further than the opening bank heist) and second guessing that I seriously do not know how they managed to fit it all in. Finally, the music (Hans Zimmer) is excellent and reverberates through you whilst you're watching adding to the experience that is The Dark Knight.
The second appearance on the list for director Christopher Nolan having also directed the above and who can be considered to be on some what of a roll on the movies front at the moment (Batman Begins, The Prestige, Inception) with everything associated with him being of a very high standard. This movie is about Leonard (Guy Pearce) who is involved in an accident and subsequently is no longer able to form long term memories. His memories prior to the crash are intact but now he can only remember things for 15 minutes before he forgets them. Where the sheer brilliance of this movie occurs is that it starts with the ending and then works backwards in short memory bursts whilst still somehow keeping the mystery and intrigue and giving nothing away. Each new burst shatters your previous illusions and you are constantly reforming your beliefs and loyalties throughout the movie. It's a real thinker but stick it out and its fantastic.
I've always enjoyed movies set in prisons from The Green Mile to Cool Hand Luke but this one takes the biscuit and everything else for that matter every time. The story begins with Andy Dufresne (sure as hell didn't think it was spelt like that) played by Tim Robbins who is incarcerated into Shawshank Penitentiary for a crime he says he did not commit. Cue Red (Freeman) and Andy's friendship over the next 40 years as the men grow accustomed to life in jail. Probably one of the first films that sent narrating in movies into overdrive but the strength of this film lies in the fact that it doesn't have special effects or cockamamie ideas, only the quality and detail in both the main plot/sub-plots being told and superb acting all around.
And so finally we reach number 1. Drum roll please...
What's not to love about this movie? It has absolutely everything any other movie has and more. Whether you are looking for a war film, sports film, comedy, action, adventure, fantasy, drama, romance this movie has it all I tells ya! It's centred around the lovable Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a simple minded man who crosses paths with many greats and events throughout history interwoven with the search for the love of his life, Jenny (Robin Wright). There are so many amazing characters- Bubba, Lt. Dan that always make me laugh and that's not even including the genius of Forrest himself. This movie will have affected everyone in some way even if it's just because at some point in your life you have uttered "RUN (insert word here) RUN" or another catch phrases associated with it. Forrest Gump is the classic, is the best, end of!!!
Ta da. So there are my top 10 films of all time. What have we learnt then? Old school definitely seems to be kicking new school right in the family jewels with years 1994 + 1999 hogging 6 out of my top 10 and only one entry forcing its way in during a decades worth of new movies. Who thinks I've nailed it on the head and who thinks I'm missing out a glaringly obvious classic- The Godfather perhaps, I don't rate it that highly myself, it was OK don't get me wrong but nothing special. If all goes to plan there should be a poll somewhere at the bottom of this page, so why not cast your vote and see how much the masses agree with me or not as the case may be.
Until next time... which will be tomorrow (got rid of the palpable suspense right away there didn't I) where I will be reviewing the recently released Battle: Los Angeles. Here is a sneak peak to get you in the mood...
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