Gabriel Lewis

Here’s the big ones. The one’s that I think are the best. So, here goes.

10. The Godfather

This movie is amazing. It has to be the greatest movie of all time. It’s my 10th favorite, but it has to be the greatest movie of all time. The music, the acting, the cinematography, it’s all so well done! I’d especially like to praise Al Pacino, James Caan, and , of course, Brando. Marlon Brando is so great as Vito Corleone. I love the emotions in all the characters and how they change, like real life. It’s awesome. This movie has gotten a lot of praise, so I won’t go on, but it’s a great movie.

9. Spirited Away

This is such a great animated film. Nothing can come close to this masterpiece. Not even Lion King or Fantasia. Hayao Miyazaki really made his masterpiece when he made this film. The visuals are so interesting and it’s hard to do, with such a simple plot. I also love how nobody is the villain. Everybody has an even balance of good and evil. Even Chihiro. If you haven’t, definitely give Spirited Away a watch. It’s an interesting and creative movie. You really get Spirited Away.

8. Amadeus

This is such an artsy movie, but it’s not a pretentious artsy movie like Across the Universe. It actually relies on plot and characters, not just set pieces and costumes. The acting in this film is superb. F. Murray Abraham was awesome as Salieri. Not many actors could do what Abraham did. Tom Hulce is also great as Mozart, himself. I love their constant feud. It’s so fun to watch. This movie is nearly perfect, for lack of a better word. It is the definition of beauty and visually stunning. It’s Amadeus.

7. Goodfellas

This is my favorite, if not the best Scorsese movie, ever. It’s a well done gangster epic about the evolution of a wanna be gangster’s friendship with the mob. It’s played out so well that it’s highly realistic, yet highly stylized. Every scene has a meaning and every scene has a point. Joe Pesci, Robert DeNiro, and Ray Liotta make a great trio of mobsters. When something bad happens to them, you really feel their pain, even though they’re criminals. Scorsese is a master of cinema and this film proved him to be.

6. A Clockwork Orange

I love this movie because of the satire. It’s such a comment on choice and morality. Malcolm McDowell is fantastically disturbing as Alex. He should’ve won the oscar! Kubrick directs this in a surreal way, so you don’t know what to think of it all. But that’s Kubrick for you. This movie is sick and depraved, but that really the environment it wants to create, so it succeeds. the best part is the scene where Alex beats up his gang. It’s well done and edited nicely in slow mo. This is a film that is usually taken as a stupid painful movie, but it isn’t. It goes up with Dr. Strangelove to be one of the greatest satires. Ever.

Now, the top 5.

5. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This is the best edited, best filmed, best epic western I’ve ever seen. It’s such a good story! Every character is badass in their own way. Clint is badass, because he is. Lee Van Cleef is becuase he beats the crap out of the Ugly, and Eli Wallach is because he killed a bounty hunter and nearly killed Clint! Ennio Morricone did such a great job with the music, this soundtrack alone makes him my favorite movie composer. The GBU theme is a very popular song in popular song in pop culture and is often parodied in other movies. The music, the story, it’s all good in this epic western by Sergio Leone.

4. Pulp Fiction

No matter what, this movie will always be in my top 10. No matter what. Samuel L. Jackson was great as Jules Winnfield and his character has been parodied numerous times. My favorite parody is the hockey coach. But that’s another post. The way this movie is written is awesome. The royale with cheese and Marvin scene are great. I love them both. Not much to say, only a fun movie to watch.

3. Fight Club

Another 90’s cult classic, Fight Club steered you in one direction and totally turned you around when the twist came. Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter give great performances in this movie. Especially Edward Norton. He should’ve won the oscar (and this movie should’ve won, too)! I love the satire on big companies in the beginning. But, when you meet Tyler, Things totally change. Then, when the twist comes, things change, again. It’s like a roller coaster. It’s a great movie and everyone should see it.

2. Snatch

Is it possible? There’s a movie better than Snatch? Yes, there is. I saw it right after I updated my top 10 favorite movies. But, this gets the silver medal, so it’s all good. My favorite part is the writing. Not only the hilarious, snappy dialogue, but the creative characters Brick Top, Cousin Avi, Franky Four Fingers, and my personal favorite, Bricktop. Bricktop is one evil bastard! But, he’s hilarious! I think, personally, Alan Ford should’ve won the oscar for his portrayal of Bricktop. I love it! Add a great soundtrack and fast paced editing, and you get an awesome  British gangster flick!

1. Paths of Glory

This is not only my favorite movie, favorite Kubrick movie, favorite underrated movie, and favorite war movie, i think it’s the greatest movie. the Godfather and Amadeus come close, but this is fantastic. It tells you the brutality of war, without really showing the brutality of war. Now, THAT’S hard to do! You do see some war scenes (best war scenes ever!), but it’s primarily a courtroom drama. I think Kirk Douglas should’ve won an oscar for his performance in the courtroom scene. It’s a great monologue. This is the best, 10/10.

Go check out the courtroom scene, Paths of Glory Courtroom monologue.

Leave your top 10 in the comments!

20. Full Metal Jacket

This is one of those films that really deserves an analyzation. Every frame, camera angle, or any word of dialogue all have a deeper meaning than what they really are. This was Kubrick’s second to last movie and is one of his best. It offers great acting by Matthew Modine, Vincent D’Onofrio, Adam Baldwin, and my favorite, R. Lee Ermey as the legendary Sgt. Hartman. Hartman is so iconic, he has been used as the drill sergeant stereotype for the last 25 years. He was even used in a Geico commercial! But, the acting and Sgt. Hartman aren’t the only great things about the film. The sniper scene at the end is so horrific, especially when you find out who it is. It’s f*cking scary! Anyway, this film is very deep and disturbing, but a classic, none the less.

19. The Departed 

This was the first gangster film by Scorsese in 11 years, but it wasn’t his usual take. It looked at both ends of the spectrum and told it like it is–nobody’s the good guy. Also, may I recognize this film for having one of the best DiCaprio performances ever. It’s comes at 3rd behind The Aviator and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?. But, my favorite guy is Mark Wahlberg. I know I’ve said this several times, so I won’t cover the same topics but Wahlberg is not only funny, but changes in the film. He changes from a smartass jerk to a legit, serious cop. More than just the funny guy. Jack nicholson and Matt damon are cool, too. But, the Scorsese-ness is the highlight. The brutal violence and awesome soundtrack is also a big part. Anyway, if you haven’t already, watch this movie or Jack Nicholson will break your arm after it’s already been broken.

18. The Matrix

The Matrix is a perfect example of special effects not dominating plot. I mean, it really is a thought-provoking plot about our universe being a computer program. It’s really interesting if you think about it. I hate Keanu Reeves as much as the next guy, but I would be lying if I said he didn’t look badass in the lobby scene. The other actors that were awesome were Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith and Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus. Both were really cool and portrayed their side well. Morpheus was your typical wiseman and Agent Smith was your typical Terminator. Now, the best part, the special effects! I love the effects. These were 90’s computer effects, so they looked super real, as did Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park. Seriously, this was released 13 years ago, and the special effects are way better than any Transformers or Spiderman movie. So, yeah. This movie’s awesome. No disputing. It just is.

17. Reservoir Dogs

I’ve decided I like this better than Inglourious Basterds because this has a better plot, characters, writing, and acting. The best part of it for me is the tension between all the criminals until it builds to a Mexican standoff. The acting is also phenomenal by Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen as Mr. Blonde. Mr. Blonde is a psycho who acts cool, but, when nobody’s around, he goes crazy and cuts a guy’s ear off. But, you don’t see it. You have your imagination. You also don’t ever see the heist. It’s really well done. Anyway, the violence can get pretty brutal, but overall it’s a well done heist movie.

16. Shawshank Redemption

This was a great film from a great year in film, 1994. Ed Wood, Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction, Quiz Show, Clerks, True Lies, and this movie were all released in 1994. But, this is one of the greatest movies of all year and of all time. It’s rated the best movie ever by IMDB. So, I love it, too. The best part is the gritty and hopeful way it’s told. It’s really dark, but it has an overall good feeling. The acting is also great by Tim Robbins, Bob Gunton, James Whitmore, and MORGAN F*CKING FREEMAN!!! You thought he had awesome voice over in March of the Penguins, this totally kills that with the awesome voice over in this! Morgan Freeman Narration=Like a Boss.

15. The Wild Bunch

This is on of the most epic westerns of all time. It explores the dark, dirty, and violent side of the west with a lot of high class elegance. Seriously, this movie includes classic actors like William Holden and Ernest Borgnine. But, everybody knows the best part of the movie is the shootouts. Especially, the last shootout. They are so epic! The last one is my second favorite shootout (my favorite will be revealed later in the post). But, the plot and characters are also very interesting, too. I have to say, this really is Peckinpah’s masterpiece.

14. The Big Lebowski

Ghostbusters may be one of the most quotable movies of all time, this IS the most quotable movie of all time. So many good lines, there’s too many to count! I think my favorite is, “Nobody f*cks with the Jesus.” That one makes me roll on the floor laughing. Also, the car beating scene. Jeff Bridges and John Goodman are the perfect duo/combo. John Turturro and Julianne Moore are also great supporting characters. I also love how all this complicated stuff evolves somebody pees on the Dude’s rug. It’s well done and written. The Dude abides!

13. Hard Boiled

This is the movie with my FAVORITE shootout. The hospital shootout is awesome! It literally lasts for more than an hour! That’s hardcore. Also, Chow-Yun Fat is great as Tequila Yen. He captures the dramatic and funny side of being a cop at the same time. But, besides the shootouts, the best part is the sub-plot with the mole. He has to choose a side. It kinda reminds me of the Departed in the sense that he’s a mole who has to choose a side, the good or bad. It adds more drama and is the main force that turns this into more than just a mindless action flick. This is a foreign film, but it’s not weird like Fellini, it’s pretty Americanized. So, for those close-minded film fans, this is pretty good for you. Just sayin.’

12. Once Upon a Time in the West

This moved from the 40’s, to the runners up for the top 10. Pretty impressive. How did this happen? Well, I realized, that this is a sophisticated western with more than shooting. It deals with regular, domestic life. But, the beautiful cinematography to the graceful Ennio Morricone music. It’s fantastic. Henry Fonda is great as the villain, Frank. It’s hard to believe an innocent actor like Henry Fonda can play such a sadist. But the badass in the movie is Charles Bronson. When you hear that harmonica, you know you’re in for some good action. Claudia Cardinale is hot, and Jason Robards is funny, so it adds up to be a pretty awesome flick.

11. Fargo

This is a comedy, mystery, drama, thriller, and independent film at the same time! The Coens wrote a brilliant film with brilliant characters that would later be played by brilliant actors. This is Fargo. I’m still not sure why this didn’t win Best Picture. I love Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi. Also, the psycho criminal is scary. The over the top violence adds to the hilarity in this movie. The wood chipper made me laugh. Not because of the blood, but the amount of blood. So, don’t worry. I’m not a psychotic freak.

Next up is the top 10!

30. Ghostbusters

This is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. Sure, it’s a kids movie, but Bill Murray makes a lot of adult jokes. I bet if the the PG-13 rating was around then, it would’ve been rated that. But, it was rated PG. This movie also has one of cinema’s biggest *ssholes–Pencil Neck. I’ve always hated Pencil Neck. He’s such a d*ck, it sets Egon off! This also is one of the most well written movies. I could make a top 10 list of Ghostbusters quotes. A few of my favorite are, “I’m gonna go to Ms. Barrett’s apartment and check her out,” “He slimed me,” and my personal favorite, “Yes it’s true. This man has no d*ck.” Those are ALL said by Bill Murray! Anyway, if you haven’t seen this movie, your parents have no brain.

29. Raging Bull

I know it’s crazy to put one of the greatest movies of all time at 29, but it’s just my opinion, so don’t go ape sh*t. Raging Bull is a great movie. Phenomenal editing, acting, writing, cinematography, and directing by the ass-kicking Martin Scorsese. Actually, DeNiro forced Scorsese to make it after a major cocaine overdose. So, if Raging Bull hadn’t been made, Marty may not be alive today. My favorite part of the movie is the whole downfall. It’s so beautifully portrayed, even though it’s so tragic, like a Shakespeare play. Plus, the Black and White is a great editing choice by Thelma Schoonmaker, who won the oscar for best editing. Sadly, this movie lost Best Picture to Ordinary People. Raging Bull SO deserved to win!

28. Brazil

Terry Gilliam’s Brazil is one of the craziest, mind-blowing films ever, both physically and mentally. It really portrays the future in a more plausible way than other Sci-fi films of the time. No lasers, no spaceships, and no intergalactic war. Terrorism, bureaucracy, and commercialism are the major things. This features a great performance by Jonathan Pryce and a great small part by Robert DeNiro, who plays a rebel against society. the best scene for me is the scene where Sam is about to get tortured. It’s so surreal and weird with it’s fish eye shot. But, it adds up at the awesome, twist ending. This movie isn’t about the story, it’s about the visual experience. This film is a mind-blowing classic.

27. The Shining

This is the creepiest movie I’ve ever seen. From the maze to the bathtub, it always gives me nightmares. But, it’s not just a horror movie. Since it’s Kubrick, it’s got a lot of symbolism and mysterious ways. You never really know the reality of the situation, you’re supposed to interpret it the way you want. But, this movie also has a plot, so it balances out evenly. My favorite part is Jack Nicholson’s over the top performance as Jack Torrance. The scene where he first meets Lloyd is so great. his laugh always makes me laugh. This movie is a very mysterious one. You never know if Jack is crazy, or if there are actual ghosts in the hotel. But, that’s for you to decide. One of the greatest Kubrick films I’ve ever seen. But remember, I said one of.

26. Taxi Driver

This is a Martin Scorsese film that explores the mind of a nobody New York taxi driver. It’s so well done, that instead of thinking he’s a terrible person, you end up liking him and seeing things through his eyes. DeNiro nails the role of Travis Bickle and turns him from dark antihero, to psychotic antihero. Plus, the portrayal of 70’s New York is haunting and turns Travis insane. Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, and Peter Boyle all give great supporting roles. Especially Boyle. Just a Scorsese film that can haunt and entertain you at the same time.

25. Ed Wood

This is a Tim Burton film that isn’t supernatural, but has a certain, stylized feel to it. It stars Johnny Depp as the filmmaker Ed Wood, who gets stuck in the cage of bad movies. It’s a depressing, yet happy film about a man who just wanted to be heard through his movies. Sadly, they all fail. This also is a warning to filmmakers that what your making might be crap. So, yeah. Martin Landau was fantastic as Bela Lugosi (he even won the oscar) and Vincent D’Onofrio has a great cameo as Orson Wells. The only problem is Horseface (aka Sarah Jessica Parker) is in it. She sucks. But, the movie’s great. Totally check it out.

24. Scarface

Al Pacino delivers one of his most over the top performances as Tony Montana who gets to the top and then crashes to the bottom. It’s a cheesy action movie, but under the cheese, is a tale of power and love and how Tony is ruined by both. It’s a tragic and entertaining tale. The end shootout is one of the best shootouts ever. Frank Loggia and Michelle Pfeiffer are also great supporting roles and the movie is set to go. This is a violent film, but it’s also fun, so give it a watch (if you haven’t already).

23. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

This drug-fueled crazy, satirical, philosophical, and nonsensical acid trip of a movie is awesome. Johnny Depp and Benicio Del toro are the most epic combo ever! I love the culture are dialogue in this film, along with the music. The highlight of the film is the first 40 minutes. They’re hilarious! Deeper acid trips fill the second half. But, it’s all awesome. It may have gotten bad reviews, but Fear and Loathing is a fun movie to watch when you have time.

22. Beetlejuice

This is classic Tim Burton. Creative visuals, simple story, and Danny Elfman music. It’s all so great. Film was invented for Michael Keaton to kick over a plastic model of a tree. I saw this at a young age and it’s always stuck with me. It’s also got a young Alec Baldwin! Like, a REALLY young Alec Baldwin. The highlight is the end. That’s when Beetlejuice mainly does his thing. It’s hilarious. This film really is the perfect balance of horror and comedy.

21. Miller’s Crossing

To have the Coen brothers do a gangster movie is awesome to say the least. But when you see it, you are blown away. It’s a mix of old and contemporary gangster movies, along with the Coens’ own unique style. Gabriel Byrne, John Turturro, Albert Finney, and the best, Jon Polito always do a good job, but they’re especially good here. The best part is when Albert Finney shoots the crap out of the guys with a tommy gun while the song Danny boy is playing. It’s so badass! Anyway, everybody should see the gangster meets Coens awesomeness, Miller’s Crossing.

I’ve decided to compile my top 40 movies. Why 40? Well, I came up with more than 30, but less than 50. So, here goes.

40. The King of Comedy

This is the first of 5 Scorsese films on the list. It’s a great story about a wanna-be comedian. But, the only reason is because of the fame. When he get’s rejected, he does what any normal person would do, kidnaps the host of the talk show. It may sound abrupt, but the character is crazy. I LOVE DeNiro in this movie. He should’ve won the oscar for Best Actor. He plays this so well! Plus, it’s a black comedy with Scorsese camera angles and trade marks. What can I say, but a masterpiece about an insane outcast.

39. No Country for Old Men

This is the Coens going back to their roots (Blood Simple, Miller’s Crossing). This wasn’t a funny movie in the least. Blood Simple and Miller’s Crossing actually had some funny scenes, but No Country for Old Men is very serious. And that’s what I love about it. The seriousness is so realistic. But, lets get to our star, the killer, Anton. Anton is one scary dude. He kills people left and right and you never know why. But, Anton is supposed to be a representation of the criminal mind, and how you can’t understand it. And when you look at the movie that way, it automatically chills your bones. Jesus! Anyway, this movie really deserved that oscar, and it’s great it won.

38. Matewan

I just saw this recently, and it was amazing. I love how the tension builds up and up to the point that people die! Over coal mining! It’s a really fascinating and well written film. But, the best part, IT’S TRUE! That’s right, the story of Matewan, West Virginia is true. That makes it all the more interesting. Chris Cooper and David Strathairn are magnificent in this coal mine of drama. Watch this movie.

37. Desperado

It moved from 2 to 6 to 37. But, I still love it. I just like 36 movies better, that’s all. I love this movie, because of the extraordinary action sequences. Seriously, they’re epic! From the bar scene to the guitar case shootout to the rooftop scene, they’re all so awesome! Plus, Antonio Banderas is great and Salma Hayek is HOTTTTT!!!!! Seriously, she’s smoking! It’s very impressive that the film is so low budget and it looks so good. This is a great movie and people should definitely see it.

36. Rear Window

A lot of people think Vertigo is the best Hitchcock movie, but I think Rear Window is better. It’s more realistic and it has Grace Kelly, so it’s automatically better. Jimmy Stewart is great as the paranoid photographer. He’s so negative. But, Hitchcock is so brilliant, he makes sub-plots about the other characters. This movie is more than just a mystery, it’s a character study about this one photographer and how paranoid he is. If haven’t seen this movie, definitely check it out. I think anybody can like this film.

35. Dr. Strangelove

I love this movie because of Peter Sellers. People think Pink Panther or Being There, but I think his hands down funniest performance is in Dr. Strangelove as the President, the Captain, and the doctor. Plus George C. Scott is hilarious as the military man who is so against Sellers. But, this movie is basically over the top stories of what actually could happen. A General has a nervous breakdown, so he sends troops to bomb the Soviet Union. It could be a drama, but it’s played off as a black comedy, which is the reason I love it. This only proves that Kubrick is a genius.

34. The Man who wasn’t There

I think this is not only a very underrated film, but an extraordinarily good underrated film. I think this is a representation of what the Coens are all about. A simple story that grows into an all over the place complicated one. Billy Bob Thornton does a great job as the main character and Tony Shaloub is great as the smooth talking lawyer. He’s better here than he is in Monk! But, what this film leads up to is really uncalled for, but it’s realistic. Only, it’s kinda hypnotic, this movie almost puts you in a daze. It really deserves an analyzation.

33. T2: Judgement Day

This is better than Terminator because it’s less of a B-Movie and more of a science fiction action thriller with a bigger budget and better acting. I think everybody likes this movie. It’s dark, yet it’s got some funny moments. It’s also thought provoking and has a scary as sh*t bad guy. Robert Patrick was freaky as the T-1000. It was because he looked like a cop! But he was a robot made of liquid metal that kills us all. The action scenes and special effects don’t actually dominate the plot here. And that’s the main reason it’s so good. It’s a good balance. If you don’t watch this movie, Cyberdyne will send back a Terminator that’ll kill us all. So, you better watch it, quick.

32. Inglourious Basterds

This is nothing short of a silly action movie. But, it’s a fun watch, even if it’s two and a half hours long. It doesn’t rely on the action or any special effects, it rely’s on characters and gore. That may sound dumb, but it’s a fun movie. Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz were fantastic, as were Melanie Laurent and Mike Myers! Yeah, Mike Myers had a cameo! It’s awesome! I just want to say, if World war II ended this way, it would’ve been awesome. And that’s coming from a pacifist. Anyway, some scenes are brutal and hard tow watch, but all in all, it’s just a fun movie.

31. Clerks

This movie is hilarious! Every joke and piece of dialogue makes me laugh. Just like Inglourious Basterds, it’s a fun movie, but in my eyes, it’s more philosophical and more dramatic. These people find out what they’re gonna do for the rest of their life in a Saturday. It’s really fascinating. Randal is the best part, though. He’s such a slacker, but you like him and can relate to him, even though he toatlly puts Dante in trouble. This movie is just hilarious.

Next time it’ll be part 2 (30-21)!