These are my Top 5 personal favorites in the world of cinema. These are not films that I’m trying to claim are the best movies in the entire history of film. In my opinion, everyone else has their own opinion. Where “The Shawshank Redemption” is my personal favorite for Best Film in the Entire Universe, someone else might consider something like “Animal House” or “The Bridges of Madison County” as theirs. I know that my mom’s personal favorite is “Steel Magnolias.” Anyway, here’s the list:
Number 5: The Big Lebowski
5. “The Big Lebowski” – The directors known as the Coen Brothers have created films that many consider to be true modern classics such as “Fargo,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “No Country for Old Men.” For me, though, their true masterpiece is a comedy about Jeff Lebowski, a.k.a. The Dude, His Dudness, Duder or El Duderino if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.
Number 4: Goodfellas
4. “Goodfellas” – Yes, for most people, this should probably read “The Godfather.” However, director Martin Scorsese’s grittier, more realistic take on the mafia has to be my favorite in the Scorsese library. The cast, the story, the violence found within that story and that long, one-shot take that follows Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco all the way from their car to their table in a restaurant are just some of the great things to be seen in this film. Also, Joe Pesci’s manic turn as Tommy DeVito is something that shouldn’t be ignored.
Number 3: The Dark Knight
3. “The Dark Knight” – This film blew into theaters (and my life) with a force that can’t be denied. It made Batman the champion of the superhero genre once again. It would have also been a damn good crime drama even if it didn’t feature Batman at all. Director Christopher Nolan did not just give us the perfect Batman movie, he gave us the perfect comic book movie that all other films in the genre will inevitably be judged by.
Number 2: Inception
2. “Inception” – I once had a dream that I would see a film that would have all of the amazing action sequences of a big budget action film with an intelligent yet entertaining story to go along with it. In 2010, Nolan gave me and audiences around the world that film. It is a complicated story, but not one where the audience is easily lost. Nolan gave us several questions but answered them flawlessly if a bit ambiguously. With all of the remakes, sequels and uninspired movies coming out, “Inception” can be described by one word that is not used much in Hollywood anymore: original.
Number 1: The Shawshank Redemption
1. “The Shawshank Redemption” – There is no film that I have come across that I can’t find one thing that is out of place. That is, until I saw “Redemption.” This film is perfect and any attempts that I have made to find any flaws whatsoever have been futile. And trust me when I say that I’ve watched the film hundreds of times. Whether it’s Tim Robbins or Morgan Freeman’s performances or the grim yet somehow hopeful tone found throughout, every aspect of the film comes together perfectly. It is a true masterpiece.
And there it is. My Top 5. These are movies that I can watch over and over again and they still feel fresh. There are several other films that I hold in high regard, but for me, this is the cream of the crop. If you get the chance to see any of these movies, I hope that you will agree.
