Craig's Top 50 Movies: Episode 5 - #10 through #1

Here it is, the conclusion to the exciting series of my favorite movies. I'm sure you have all been waiting with baited breath for the final results. So without further ado, the top ten.

10. Pan's Labyrinth - This movie is in Spanish with English Subtitles. It is horribly violent and sort of sad, and yet it makes my top ten because it is just so beautiful. The first time I watched this movie I was in awe, so much so that I had to start it up again and watch it one more time immediately. There is bravery, fantasy, World War II, evil Spanish warlords to hate, a girl with a pure heart and one heck of an imagination, an ending that is confusing enough that you aren't sure if it's true or not, but you desperately want it to be. This thing is good.

9. Gladiator - This one won best picture, and with good reason. It is splendidly acted, wonderfully written, the music is amazing, the story is captivating, you root on the good guy like crazy and despise the bad guy. Plus it's all about Roman gladiators, which is always a cool thing to base a story around. Basically, you can't go wrong with this movie. Russell Crowe will never top this one.

8. Star Wars (The original trilogy) - What can I say about Star Wars that hasn't already been written by thousands of over the top Star Wars fans? Is it a great movie? Yes and no. It's basically a spaghetti western set in space and made in the 1970's. However, the imagination that went into this thing changed movies forever. It has a cadre of devotees that will dress up in costumes and go to conventions about this movie. I am not one of those people, but I do appreciate the brilliance of this trilogy. Yes, technically it is three movies, but my blog my rules, all three share spot number eight. Oh, and Episodes I, II, and III never happened. I refuse to accept that they exist, as IF they did exist, I'm sure they would be terrible and diminish the legacy of the the eighth greatest movie of all time. So we are going to have to agree to just not accept their existence; Great, I'm glad that we have collectively wished them out of existence, I'm happy we could make that happen. Good work, everyone.

7. The Big Lebowski - Although it's subject matter is a little bit cliche and overdone, Never has a movie about Nihilists, Bowling, Cowboys, Ferrets, and stolen rugs ever come together in such a fantastic way. This is definitely a cult movie, and chances are excellent that if you haven't seen it already, you will not like it. I will concede that it has too much swearing and can be a bit brutal on the uninitiated. However, you might have seen this, and if you have seen it and are a member of said cult, you get it. Walter Sobchak is one of the greatest characters in movie history. "Mark that an 8 and you're entering a world of pain." is just too good!

6. Moulin Rouge - This is a controversial choice at number six, as I have heard from many people who have tried to watch this movie that they can't even get through the first half of the movie without shutting it off. I belong to the other side of the aisle when it comes to this flick. I love it. Yes, it's a bit corny and over the top, but it's supposed to be. There are about eighty six things going on every thirteen seconds in the first part of this movie, and it might wear you out, but I encourage you to stick it out because it's got a really cool love story and really fun music, and pretty decent acting. This one got nominated for Best Picture in 2002, and I liked it much more that the winner. (A Beautiful Mind) I've watched Moulin Rouge a bunch of times, and I have yet to get sick of it, so it has earned it's post at #6. While I can respectfully understand the opposition, I must disagree with it as I think this movie is just grand.

5. Shawshank Redemption - This is one of the best movies ever made. It is epic and beautiful. It tells the story of the power of hope in a dark place, and the friendship between Red and Andy in this movie is one of the best in movie history. Although this isn't my number one movie, it is very close and it is probably overall the best movie made in the past twenty years. If you haven't seen it before then you must RUN (don't walk) to the video store or to your Netflix queue (or just turn on TNT as it seems they show this movie three times a week) and remedy this immediately. Just a fantastic movie. The fact that Forrest Gump won Best Picture over this movie in 1994 is simply criminal and in my opinion is the biggest mistake in Oscar History.

4. Big Fish - We are getting into the territory of movies that I can barely think rationally about because I like them so much. This movie tells the story of a misunderstood father who lived his life telling stories, and how his son doesn't really learn to appreciate his father and his stories until right before he dies when he finally gets it. This movie makes me cry, but in a good way. It's not the high calibre movie of a Shawshank or a Gladiator, but for very personal reasons it is easily one of my favorite of all time. It is simply awesome to me.

3. Almost Famous - This movie's cool quotient is off the charts. Kate Hudson has never been better (or even half as good) before or since. Cameron Crowe wrote and directed this flick, and you can tell that it was his baby because of how high the quality of the movie is. It's the story of a kid who is much to young to start writing for Rolling Stone magazine, but does it anyway. He follows a rising rock band as they are beginning to make it big time, but also as they are starting to fall apart as a result of making it big time, and also tells the story of a groupie. It is such a good and enjoyable film that it really needs to be seen by more people. Although it was critically acclaimed it didn't do all that well at the box office, but it has begun to enjoy a second life as more people have begun to see it and understand how good it is.

2. Fight Club - This movie is just mind blowing. It makes you examine what you think is important, and although I don't agree with the world view of the film, it does give you pause. The ending is spectacular, and crazy, and WOW! I don't want to ruin this movie for anyone who has yet to see it, but I do think you should probably check it out if you haven't already. It's just AWESOME!

1. Field of Dreams - How is this for irony? I think Kevin Costner is one of the worst and most overrated actors of our generation and yet he made my favorite movie of all time. I'm a sports fan, and this movie probably touches me more because of that fact, but I don't think you have to love or even like baseball to really dig this flick. This movie always gets me emotional at the end because of the scene when Kevin Costner's character finally gets to play catch with his dad. The magic of this movie is that none of the magic in it is explained or even makes sense, but the spirit of the film catches you up with it and you believe the unbelievable for no other reason than you really want to. It's humorous and touching as well as immensely enjoyable. It isn't the best movie ever made, and I acknowledge that, but it sure is my favorite of all time.

Craig's Top 50 Movies: Episode 4 - #20 through #11

20. Kill Bill - "Wakie Wakie, Eggs and Bacie!" Okay, so really this is two movies, but that's only because it would be way too long if it were just one movie. Some detractors to this movie may say it is way too violent and over the top, what those detractors fail to note is that it is AWESOME! Granted, I'm not showing it to the kids, but it is quite the amazing roller-coaster ride of a movie. Not for the squeamish or for those with an aversion to over the top violence, but it did make my top 20.

19. Pushing Tin - This is one of the coolest movies ever. It is basically is a contest between John Cusack's character and Billy Bob Thorntons' character to see who can be cooler. The winner? You, the movie watcher. It's hilarious and I haven't even mentioned Angelina Jolie yet. Good times.

18. The Usual Suspects - This movie blew me away the first time I saw it. It's very confusing at first, but the ending is one of the best in movie history. Plus, it launched the legendary bad guy Keyzer Soze, so on the strength of it's ending and Soze, it makes the top 20.

17. Being John Malkovich - Yes, this movie is weird. The premise has more creativity than most any other movie I've ever seen, plus it has John Cusack as a down on his luck puppeteer, so that's interesting. It's hard to really sum up this movie, as it is just so out there, but here is my best try. John Malkovich is actually a being who has been created in an effort to help an alien live forever. If you haven't seen this, I assure you that it is actually quite good, despite that being the actual premise.

16. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Jim Carey can actually act. When he puts his mind to it, he can create fascinating characters like this guy who needs his memories purged of his ex-girlfriend who has broken his heart. This movie is also tremendously interesting, and brings up all sorts of questions about destiny, love, science, and what color hair looks best on Kate Winslet. In another weird twist, it is the second movie in a row on my countdown which was written by Charlie Kaufman. If you know anything about his screenwriting, To have a weird twist involving Charlie Kaufman is ironically appropriate.

15. Bandits - Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton star as two bank robbers in one of the greatest buddy pictures of all time. Throw in Cate Blanchette as a lonely housewife with nothing to lose, and you have a fantastic setup. I have to say, when I worked as a manager of a bank, the concept of "The Sleepover Bandits" terrified me, though.

14. Fletch - "May I borrow your towel? My car just hit a water buffalo." Of all the movie characters I have ever seen, Irwin P. Fletcher was the one I most wanted to be like when I was a kid. This guy was hilarious and told jokes as if he wasn't telling jokes, which made them even funnier. Even better in my opinion than the Vacation movies, Fletch to me is Chevy Chase's high water mark, and the fact that he has fallen so far since the 80's from where he was as Fletch really makes me sad. This movie has so many fantastic one-liners that if I EVER stumble upon it as I am flicking channels, rest assured, I am watching it to it's conclusions. After all, "It's all ball bearings these days."

13. Memento - Brilliant movie that couldn't be told in a linear fashion, so it wasn't. Just fantastic filmwriting, and wonderfully executed.

12. Tombstone - Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday redefines cool. This movie is just so tough it makes you feel tough watching it. It's remarkably rewatchable and just plain good.

11. Sideways - Paul Giamatti is a really good actor which is why he is able to get parts in movies even though he looks like Paul Giamatti. This movie was nominated for best picture, and deservedly so. Even though it really doesn't tell an epic story, it tells it's story in an epic, emotional way. Plus there is a scene with a naked man running that is so hilariously fantastic that I had to include this movie, Sideways BARELY missed the top 10. Perhaps the reason it fell short is because I like Merlot.

Craig's Top 50 Movies: Episode 3 - #30 through #21

30. Rounders - I don't even play poker and I still love this movie. Matt Damon couldn't be any cooler than he is in this movie. This movie is all about responsibility, friendship, and taking chances as well as finding out who you really are and who you really want to be. Oh, and poker.

29. Se7en - This movie is gritty and disturbing, but it's also somewhat poetic. The ending is both amazing and grotesque. If that Brad Pitt guy plays his cards right, he might have a future with this acting business.

28. Monty Python and the Holy Grail - This is probably the movie I have seen more than any other movie ever. It is more of a cultural phenomenon among nerds than it is a movie, but it will always have a special place in my heart for being the most quotable movie of all time. Quoting this movie is probably funnier than watching it, but it's pretty darn good.

27. Man on the Moon - Jim Carey is amazing in this biographical movie about the life of Andy Kaufman. It's a very interesting movie about a very odd and interesting man. Worth watching just to see Carey's performance, even if the rest of it wasn't good (which it is).

26. Love Actually - One of those movies that has a ton of stories happening all at once, but it's done well, and it's quite charming. I have two favorite story lines in this one. First, the writer who falls in love with a woman who doesn't speak English and then he learns Portuguese just to woo her. Second, the guy who is in love with a woman who is getting married to his best friend, and he realizes that it can never be, and he's okay with it. Yes, this is a chick flick, but there is nothing wrong with a chick flick as long as it's done well and is entertaining. This one fits that bill, and it makes the top 50.

25. Little Miss Sunshine - What a sweet little movie this is. It has awesome characters pulled together by a road trip in a Volkswagen bus. This movie is hilarious and poignant at the same time. It's cliche to say, but, "You'll laugh, you'll cry, it moved me!" This movie is worth seeing just to see the little girl's performance at the beauty pageant.

24. Raising Arizona - The Coen Brothers are silly, but in a brilliant hilarious way. This is one of my favorites of theirs, starring Nick Cage and Holly Hunter as some desparate people with some warped sensibilities.

23. Twelve Monkeys - Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis in a movie that involves time travel, horrible viruses, and the end of the world. Brad Pitt plays a completely crazy person in this movie, and is mesmorizing in it. This movie is wild and interesting. Worth watching more than once.

22. O Brother Where Art Thou? - Another Coen Brothers flick, another offbeat comedy, another brilliant movie. Loosely based on Homer's Odyssey, this movie is an absolute showcase for George Clooney and it's just plain fun to watch.

21. No Country for Old Men - I swear I didn't mean to bunch together Coen Brothers movies like this, it just ended up that way. This movie proves that they can do more than oddball comedies. This is a very tightly shot drama which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2007. It's based off of a book by Cormac McCarthy, and it doesn't follow the path you think it will. This movie had me thinking and pondering it for days after I saw it. I highly recommend it.

Craig's Top 50 Movies: Episode 2 - #40 through #31

Since I debuted the first Episode of the Craig's top 50 movies, I have had a few more movies pop into my head that had to make the list at the expense of some other movies who I had to bump out of the top 50, perhaps after I finish the Top 50, I will do an honorable mention for those films which didn't quite crack the list, but were very deserving nominees.


40. Cool Hand Luke - I'm pretty sure that this is the oldest movie that made the top 50. I'm only adding movies that I've actually seen, and this past summer I stumbled upon the opening credits of this movie and decided I'd take a gander at it, since I had heard great things. Let me just say that it was an excellent decision. Paul Newman is so cool in this movie, and it has aged exceptionally gracefully. It was made in 1967, but it is still awesome today. This story of a determined man who refuses to conform is truly a classic, and is incredible. If you've never seen it, do yourself a favor.

39. UHF - Not every movie on my favorite 50 movies list is a great movie in the classical sense. This movie by Weird Al Yankovic is clearly NOT a great movie, and yet it is. Tremendously underrated, it's goofy sense of humor may not be appreciated by all, but it is clearly underrated. It has Michael Richards of Seinfeld fame playing a character even more goofy and bizarre than Cosmo Kramer, and a superb cast of characters and goofy jokes, it holds a special place in my heart due to how much I loved it and Weird Al when I was a teenager. Definitely not a classic, but it makes my top 50 due to it having a lot of spunk, and due to the fact that it is massively entertaining.

38. So I Married an Axe Murderer - While Mike Myers has made some pretty big blockbusters with the likes of his Austin Powers and Wayne's World movies, his best film, in my opinion, is this slightly more subdued comedy about him meeting a woman, falling in love with her, and then wondering if she is going to kill him. It's a lot of fun, and features Myers doing his hilarious Scottish accent shouting, "Heed! Pants! NOW!" This movie makes me happy, and it's fun vibe earns it spot number thirty-eight.

37. Rain Man - Okay, so after a few movies that make it based more on silliness and humor rather than actually being GREAT movies, I'm getting this list back on track with a film that won the Best Picture in 1988. This movie stars Tom Cruise as a guy who's business is falling apart and he is doing all he can to keep it from completely collapsing and Dustin Hoffman as his forgotten brother who suffers from severe autism. This story of Cruise's character rediscovering what is important and falling in love with his brother is entertaining, powerful, humorous and sad at times, but it is truly a great movie. This one can be placed in the top 50 without even a hint of guilt.

36. Michael Clayton - This movie, starring George Clooney as a lawyer who "fixes" things for a large evil corporation is fantastic. It was nominated in the best picture category in 2007, and it deserved to be there. It is a bit of a thriller, but it also gets you very emotionally involved in it's outcome, and it's the rare movie that when it hit it's climax at the end made me want to audibly cheer for what was happening. Any movie that can touch me to the point that I literally want to yell and cheer makes the list, period.

35. Dumb and Dumber - Yes, this is a dumb movie. I know that. However, there are so many scenes in it that are beyond fantastic that it had to be included. Lloyd and Harry dueling with their canes while wearing obnoxious baby blue and orange tuxedoes at a ritzy party in Aspen may NEVER be topped.

34. Office Space - If you have ever worked a job in a cubicle, this movie is required viewing. It is so fantastic that words don't really do it justice. In fact, I may have it too low at number thirty-four.

33. Goodfellas - Since I have never seen The Godfather (Yes, I know that is a crime, but it's true.) This is the best mobster movie I have ever seen. Ray Liotta, Robert Di Niro, and Joe Pesci all turn in unbelievable performances, and this is one of the more gripping movies you will ever see. Landmark stuff, really.

32. The Sixth Sense - One of the creepier situations that I have ever been involved in was me going to see this movie in the theatre. I didn't know how the movie ended, and I made the mistake of going to see it alone. I walked out of that movie theatre and had to talk to a few random people that I didn't know to make sure that I got a response and people could actually see and hear me. On the off chance that someone reading this blog hasn't seen this film and doesn't know the ending of this movie, I will try to avoid spoiling the ending, but suffice to say, don't see it by yourself. This movie wowed me the first time that I saw it, and on the few times I have watched it since, I have still been quite impressed at how good it is, but nothing will top that first time.

31. The Motorcycle Diaries - This movie about Che Guevara is intense, gripping, moving, inspiring, happy, sad, and epic. It's also remarkably good. Not too many movies you can say that about. This movie will make you want to be a better human being, which is pretty high praise for a film. I highly recommend it.

Craig's Top 50 Movies: Epsiode 1 - #50 through #41

My friend asked me at a lacrosse game over the weekend what my top five movies of all time were. That simple question turned into an extended conversation and then a quest. I had to set out a ranking of my favorite movies, however, stopping at a top 5 would not do. I thought that 50 sounded like a good number, and I set out to rank, because I like ranking things. Especially when it's a totally subjective subject matter, and I can't be proven wrong. (I'm looking at you, Arizona Cardinals)

So, I am debuting today my top 50 list! It wouldn't be any fun if I dropped all 5o all at once, so here are numbers 41-50. I will slowly dole out the entire list on the blog, so stay tuned!! This is definitely not a comprehensive list, and I'm sure I'll regret leaving out several films, but I put this whole thing together in just 2 days, so there are bound to be some omissions, nevertheless, I present movies 41 through 50 for your perusal and discussion...


50. The Dark Crystal - Extremely underrated film. This was a dark and brooding Jim Hensen muppets creation. It lacked the silliness and goofiness of the Muppets, but there was an engaging and fun fantasy story with compelling heroes and villains, and an awesome storyline that brought them all together. Plus, my dog got her name from this movie.

49. A Christmas Story - This movie is awesome. It is a story that is told by someone who actually remembers what it was like to be a kid. The hopeless scheming for a BB Gun is something that anyone who remembers what it was like to be a kid and have no money but desperately desire something for Christmas. It's worth having TNT on your cable system just for Christmas Day when they run this thing for 24 hours in a row.

48. Hoosiers - This movie makes you want to go play basketball in a small Indiana town, it's that good. I did feel for Gene Hackman's character in it, though. The people of Hickory treated him like garbage right up until the point that he brings the team together for one of the all time Cinderella story type runs. Then he's a hero. Jimmy Chitwood was a stud, by the way.

47. The Darjeeling Limited - This movie is bizarre, but in the way that has you thinking about it for days and smiling about it. It's extremely quirky, and I would not blame you if you hated it, but I loved it.

46. Rocky IV - The movie that ended the Cold War.

45. Pulp Fiction - Opened the era of the non-chronological movie, which is fun unless you're with someone who has a hard time putting it together, in which case you're trying to explain the movie the whole time you are watching it.

44. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, what else does one need?? While I recognize that most people are going to say that Raiders of the Lost Ark was the superior Indiana Jones film, this one is the one that does it for me. "We named the dog Indiana" at the end is a severely underrated movie ending quote. Plus there is, "You call this Archeology?" "Only the penitent man shall pass." "He chose...poorly." "He didn't have a ticket." Great movie for quotes.

43. The Royal Tenenbaums - This movie clearly isn't for everyone, but I enjoyed it's dark quirky sense of humor enough for it to make it in the top 50.

42. The Princess Bride - This movie has tremendous staying power, and has pretty much everything you could want in an adventure film...Guys in masks, Andre the Giant, swordplay, Rats of unusual size, a fire cloak, Billy Crystal, that guy who says "inconceivable" It really has it all.

41. Groundhog Day - If you are not amused by Bill Murray in this film, I don't know what to say other than there clearly is something wrong with you. I sometimes wish I could live some random day over and over again until I could get it entirely right. Think of all you could learn!