As we continue on the list I will try and give more insight into my picks, why I chose them... because the further we go the less some people will agree. Lets get started on part 2 of 5:
80.
Into the Wild (2007) [8/10]
Have you ever thought, "Screw It, I'm tired of the routines 99% of people go through every day?" This film is about a kid who gives away everything he owns and hitchhikes to Alaska. Based on a true story and with an excellent sound track from Eddie Vedder [from Pearl Jam] the music is fantastic as well.
79.
Up in the Air (2009) [8/10]
A full review can be found on the blog
http://thelarsenfilmreview.blogspot.com/2010/01/up-in-air-2009.html. A film about a man who travels the country laying people off. A film that hits close to home for many Americans right now.
78.
Super Troopers (2001) [8/10]
A comedy about a group of state troopers and the pranks they pull. Out of Club Dread, Beerfest, and this one... this is the only one worth watching, alright meow!
77.
Pay It Forward (2000) [8/10]
Kevin Spacey,
Helen Hunt, and
Haley Joel Osment in a film about a kid who's has an idea to change the world for the better. This is a great film for all ages, great acting and Osment won't see dead people.
76.
Finding Nemo (2003) [8/10]
One of Pixar's instant successes, this one has some fantastic underwater scenes. One of the first times we really got to see what the future of animation has in store for us.
75.
The Terminal (2004) [8/10]
Based on a true story,
Tom Hanks plays an immigrant who is in JFK airport when a civil war breaks out in his home country. All flights are cancelled and he is unable to exit through customs... meaning he has to stay in the airport until the conflict is resolved. Wonderful story, great film, good for all ages as well.
74.
Mystic River (2003) [8/10]
This is a very emotional and hard movie to watch. A tragic event involving a boy with his friends as witnesses. With
Sean Penn,
Tim Robbins,
Kevin Bacon, and
Laurence Fishburne this is a fantastic cast. Winner of two Oscars and a very memorable film.
73.
Knocked Up (2007) [8/10]
Katherine Heigl,
Seth Rogen, and
Paul Rudd in the surprise comedy hit of the summer in 2007. The premise is great, the story is funny, and launched Rogen's career. A must watch.
72.
The Aviator (2004) [9/10]
The epic film about Howard Hanks starring
Leonardo DiCaprio gets bumped down a little due to its length vs. content because it could have been shorter with the same story. With
Cate Blanchett,
John C. Reilly,
Kate Beckinsale,
Jude Law, and
Gwen Stefani this is an incredible cast and worth your time.
71.
American Gangster (2007) [8/10]
As I have already said, 2007 was an excellent year in film and this one was overlooked at awards season due to strong competition.
Denzel Washington,
Russell Crowe,
Josh Brolin, and a number of other characters. This was one of Washington's best ever.
70.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) [8/10]
Alan Arkin,
Steve Carell, and the star of the film
Abigail Breslin. This was the feel good indie of the decade. Fun for all ages and a big surprise. 2006 was a little weaker of a year so this got a lot of press, deserving or not. Check it out.
69.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) [8/10]
Leonardo DiCaprio vs.
Tom Hanks in a film that might not have a lot of staying power. If you didn't watch it when it came out you have probably forgotten about it. That doesn't take away from how good this was. DiCaprio is a con-man and Hanks is hunting him down, slipping through his fingers more than a few times. Check this one out, oh yeah and it has
Amy Adams,
Christopher Walken, and
Martin Sheen as well.
68.
Juno (2007) [8/10]
Ellen Page plays Juno, a high school girl that deals with teen pregnancy. Juno is incredibly hip and cool at every turn which makes it a little unrealistic of a story. But it is fun none the less.
Jennifer Garner,
Rainn Wilson, and
Michael Cera round out the stars of this film.
67.
Children of Men (2006) [8/10]
Clive Owen best performance to date, this was one of the best Sci-Fi film of the decade. Not too long and exciting, the camera work is what sets this apart. Set 2027, humans can no longer have kids and a child is born. He must now protect the kid and get it to scientists to try and save the world. A must watch action of the decade.
66.
The Visitor (2007) [8/10]
A college professor bored with life returns to his 2nd home in NYC for a conference to find an immigrant family living there. He allows them to stay and builds a friendship. A character study so don't expect a lot of action.
Richard Jenkins was excellent and I was really surprised by this film.
65.
Saw (2004) [8/10]
The horror film that created a series. You can avoid Saw II through Saw VI... and expect more sequels. The bad sequels do not dismiss the fact that the first one is both intense and creative. If you are ever in the mood for a scary movie put this at the top of your list.
64.
WALL·E (2008) [8/10]
Using the same effects guy that did R2-D2 in the original Star Wars series this Pixar film was one of their best, 1/2 the reason the Oscars are having to rethink how many best picture nominees they will have. A cute futuristic story, the first half is much better than the 2nd half or this could be top 20 material.
63.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001) [8/10]
I am cheating here, this is actually three films, The Fellowship of the Ring was excellent and the other two were above average, so if you are forcing me to pick one then watch Fellowship of the Ring... you simply can't watch just one though and I'm not using three films on this list for the trilogy. If you haven't heard of these films you have been living in a cave, so why not higher? The Two Towers is a bit boring, and The Return of the King was way too long. This is a week long commitment to watch.
62.
The Hangover (2009) [8/10]
There have been movies about guys going to Las Vegas to party, but nothing compares to this. A hilarious and crude guy movie. Nominated for a Golden Globe and a summer smash hit. Watch this one with a few beers.
61.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) [8/10]
What better way to end part 2 of 5 then with an Oscar Best Picture Winner? A boy who grew up in the slums plays on an Indian game show. When he knows all the answers they think he is cheating. The story unfolds as he explains how he knew the answers. Definitely worth a watch.
So we are through part 2 now, next week part 3 and maybe part 4. You might not like the order but this is a pretty solid set of 20 films. More next week!
The best musicals are ones that focus on a storyline and cut to songs for a few minutes throughout. The worst for me, are one with extremely long song and dance scenes, and a plot that never moves.
