I just sat down to find Casino on HBO. It triggered the classic “what are my favorite movies” question. So, here they are (in no specific order).
1) Moulin Rogue!
The color, quick editing, music join together to create an over all enjoyable experience. While the movie does get long toward El Tango De Roxanne, I can always look past the slow part to the classic ending. I still like how people are caught off guard by the ending. They explicitly state what happens in the first 5 minuets of the movie.
I still can’t believe they filmed the Can Can portion of this movie twice, both times with no errors.
2) Spy Game
Robert Redford and Tony Scott? What else can one ask for? A modern day espionage tale with great actors.
3) Saving Private Ryan
To me this is a near perfect movie. The Massacre on Omaha Beach changed movie making and Tom Hanks solidified his role as an outstanding actor.
4) Man on Fire
The second Tony Soctt movie on the list but this time with Denzel Washington. This appears to be Scott’s pinnacle in movie making as he pushed the limits by using different speed films, quick editing, filters and ghosting. Fantastic.
5) Ghost in the Shell
A Japanese film adaptation of the popular manga series, this movie influenced a number of major science fiction films since 1995, most notebly The Matrix.
6) Ghostbusters
The peak of 80’s comic genius. The final in gem in the Ivan Reitman classic comedy triology (Animal House, Stripes, Ghostbusters). Even though Bill Murray has moved on to become a respected dramatic actors he will always remain Dr. Venkman.
7) The Shawshank Redemption
Get busy living or get busy dying.
#8 The Illusionist
Often over looked movie shows Edward Norton to be the true talent that he is. The movie also highlights the fact that Jessica Biel can actually act.
Good times all around!