My Top 10-ish Movies
I was trying to decide what I wanted to write about today and what kept coming back at me was the question, "What are your favorite movies?" I was asking myself that but also anyone who might be reading - feel free to share your lists of favorite movies too!
To note: I make no claims on the academic or cultural value of any of these. I like what I like (and yes - that trends towards sci-fi and fantasy).
- ==Pan's Labyrinth==: This has got to be number one on the list even though it's not numbered. This is the only film that has made me tear up - I find the closing utterly beautiful. But it is a very dark and very violent portrayal of life during the Spanish civil war.
- ==The Dark Knight==: Their has never been a more realistic and terrifying portrayal of a comic villain than Heath Ledgers Joker. Also dark for a super hero movie but so so good.
- ==The Tree Of Life==: This film is a cinematically beautiful exploration of fate, creation, existence - all of that an more. Sparse in dialogue and deep in visual expression, it's worth a watch.
- ==Gross Pointe Blank==: A hitman hitting up his high school reunion ends up being the perfect dark comedy.
- ==Dune 1 & 2==: I'm counting them together as the story depends on both so deeply. And they are well worth a watch and a re-watch. 10 out of 10, would highly recommend.
- ==The Hangover==: This is one of my favorite comedies...don't think it needs much more explanation.
- ==John Wick==: This is a guilty pleasure action flick, all the way. But - I love the alternative world building and the whole assassin guild underworld that's developed. Cool vibes, fantastic action and Keanu Reeves being awesome.
- ==Bottle Rocket==: I maybe have watched this more than any other movie on this list. In college I could (and did) quote it relentlessly. Wes Anderson's first I think and really fantastic.
- ==The Matrix==: The first R movie I went to by myself in the theatre (growing up as a pastor's kid that was a big deal). It was amazing too and really seemed a step up in terms of movie making.
- ==Serenity==: Sci-Fi at its finest. I love the western in space vibe so much. I just wish we got more of the Firefly Universe.
- ==Requiem for a Dream==: This last one is fantastic cinematography and is amazing at getting its message across (regarding the perils of addiction). I don't ever want to see it again though but it deserves a place on the list for what it is.
So those are some of my top movies. What about you?
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