Sam & Lucas's Musings

[samantha-lucas]

Full List of Top 100 Films

Jaws (1975) [200]

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) [190]

The Princess Bride (1987) [188]

Casablanca (1942) [176]

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) [172]

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) [153]

Double Indemnity (1944) [146]

Schindler’s List (1993) [144]

The Dark Knight Trilogy (2008) [142]

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) [143]

X2: X-Men United (2003) [133]

The Maltese Falcon (1941) [131]

It Happened One Night (1934) [129]

Captain Blood (1935) [126]

All About Eve (1950) [120]

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) [120]

Inception (2010) [109]

Spartacus (1960) [108]

Aliens (1986) [107]

The Sea Hawk (1940) [104]

Charade (1963) [99]

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) [99]

Saving Private Ryan (1998) [98]

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) [98]

The Petrified Forest (1936) [97]

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) [96]

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) [94]

The Incredibles (2004) [94]

Singin’ in the Rain (1952) [94]

The Searchers (1956) [93]

What’s Up Doc? (1972) [93]

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) [92]

The Third Man (1949) [92]

Pacific Rim (2013) [91]

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) [90]

36.   Ratatouille (2007) [90]

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) [90]

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1959) [88]

Rebel Without a Cause (1955) [88]

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) [86]

East of Eden (1955) [85]

The Seven Samurai (1954) [85]

North by Northwest (1959) [84]

Toy Story (1995) [84]

Howl’s Moving Castle (2005) [83]

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) [82]

Mrs. Miniver (1942) [81]

Say Anything (1989) [80]

Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) [79]

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) [79]

The Quiet Man (1952) [79]

Field of Dreams (1989) [78]

The Killing (1956) [78]

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) [77]

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961) [75]

The Manchurian Candidate (1962) [74]

Notorious (1946) [74]

Roman Holiday (1953) [74]

The Sting (1973) [73]

Edward Scissorhands (1990) [72]

Bringing Up Baby (1938) [71]

Gunga Din (1939) [71]

Giant (1956) [70]

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) [70]

Braveheart (1995) [69]

Benny and Joon (1993) [1993] [68]

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) [68]

1776 (1972) [67]

The Thing From Another World (1951) [66]

Empire of the Sun (1987) [65]

A Night at the Opera (1935) [65]

The Terminal (2004) [64]

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) [64]

His Girl Friday (1940) [62]

To Have and Have Not (1944) [62]

The Fugitive (1993) [61]

The Last Picture Show (1971) [61]

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) [60]

The Count of Monte Cristo (1934) [60]

Young Frankenstein (1974) [60]

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) [59]

The Great Escape (1963) [58]

Strangers on a Train (1951) [56]

Beauty and the Beast (1991) [55]

Spider-Man (2002) [55]

Tombstone (1993) [54]

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) [53]

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) [52]

The Village (2004) [52]

Elizabethtown (2000) [51]

Laura (1944) [51]

Batman (1989) [50]

Cool Runnings (1993) [50]

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) [49]

Spellbound (1945) [49]

Brazil (1985) [47]

Gojira (1954) / Godzilla (2014) [47]

Princess Mononoke (1997) [46]

V for Vendetta (2005) [45]

Romeo and Juliet (1968) [44]

Yojimbo (1961) [44]

[samantha-lucas]

#1

Jaws (1975)

Directed by Steven Spielberg 

                             “You're gonna need a bigger boat.”

Jaws doesn’t let up from start to finish. The acting is superb especially from the main three of Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider, and Robert Shaw. The iconic score by the great John Williams is as much a player in the film’s greatness as the acting. The camera work is fantastic and groundbreaking paired with fluid editing. This film is the epitome of a blockbuster as it was the first official one. Spielberg’s first is also his greatest. Adversity can sometimes create some special films as is the case here where the lack of actual shark footage is actually a plus. It ramps the tension up perfectly leaving much of the action up to the audience’s imagination. A terrifyingly terrific trip from beginning to end.

[samantha-lucas]

#2

The Adventure of Robin Hood (1938)

Dir. Michael Curtiz

“Ho, varlets, bring Sir Robin food! Such insolence must support a healthy appetite!”

The ultimate in entertaining action and adventure for me. Led by the charismatic Errol Flynn who is surrounded with a host of fantastic character and supporting actors from the nefarious Basil Rathbone to the beautiful Olivia de Havilland to the imposing Alan Hale and wise cracking Eugene Pallette. The marvelous adventure is capped with action filled set pieces and a rousing score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. All this capped off by sparkling dialogue and a pageantry of colors courtesy of Technicolor. Heroes don’t come more likable than this.

[samantha-lucas]

# 3

The Princess Bride (1987)

Dir. Rob Reiner

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

This film is based on William Goldman’s book of the same name and it’s a pure classic. Every scene and every line is done to perfection and each character is given time to shine. The film starts with a grandpa reading the book to his sick grandson, who is skeptical at first that a story could be better than a video game. Once the grandpa begins, the words turn into characters and scenes; which you can’t help but let your imagination come alive. This film is timeless and the definition of movie magic. Also, it is highly and enjoyably quotable.

[samantha-lucas]

#4

Casablanca (1942)

Dir. Michael Curtiz

Rick: “How can you close me up? On what grounds?”

Captain Renault: “I'm shocked... shocked to find that gambling is going on in there.”

Croupier: “Your winnings sir.”

Captain Renault: [sotto voce] “Oh, thank you very much.”

What can you say about Casablanca except that it is the ultimate classic film. It has an all star cast at the top their game from Humphrey Bogart to Ingrid Bergman to Claude Rains all the way down to Peter Lorre and S.Z. Sakall. All this is brought together by an unforgettable story of romance and war intrigue which is capped off by timeless dialogue. Nothing really beats that end scene at the airport. Perfect classic.

[samantha-lucas]

#5 

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

“You're not the man I knew ten years ago.”

“It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage.”

Another Spielberg gem on our list. Raiders is a fantastic ride from start to finish. Great acting by Ford and supporting cast, beautiful sets and backgrounds and an excellent score by none other than John Williams. This was the start to a great trilogy, but nothing beats the opening boulder sequence. One of the best sequences put on film and worthy of the number 5 spot on our list for sure.

[samantha-lucas]

#6

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

“I know this sounds crazy, but ever since yesterday on the road, I've been seeing this shape. Shaving cream, pillows... Dammit! I know this. I know what this is! This means something. This is important.“

The masterpiece original film from Spielberg is one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. The special effects are still magnificent and complemented with one John William’s most integral scores. The actors are all perfectly cast from Richard Dreyfuss’ family man thrust into an extraordinary circumstance and obsession, to Bob Balaban’s inquisitive cartographer. Definitely one to watch on a big screen and with the sound up.

[samantha-lucas]

#7

Double Indemnity (1944)

Dir. Billy Wilder

“How could I have known that murder could sometimes smell like honeysuckle?”

Double Indemnity is what you would call “lightning in a bottle”, its got everything a true film noir needs. The dialogue is written and recited to perfection. The characters are perfectly portrayed by Stanwyck and MacMurray and don’t forget the scene stealing Edward G. Robinson. The direction is superb and the score is one that won’t easily be forgotten. A true classic. 

[samantha-lucas]

#8

Schindler’s List (1993)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

“Look, all you have to do is tell me what it's worth to you. What's a person worth to you?”

“No, no, no, No. What's one worth to you!”

Easily Spielberg’s hardest hitting film. It has an almost documentary feel at times which adds to the terrifying feel of the film. Every facet of the film is perfect and emotionally draining. Liam Neeson’s Oskar Schindler is charismatic, Ben Kingsley’s Itzhak Stern is heroic, and Ralph Fiennes’ Amon Goeth is horrifying. That the film is show almost 100% in black and white both lessens and heightens the shocking violence and dehumanization of the Holocaust. Horrible that events like this actually occurred, but remembering the good that some were able to accomplish despite the situation is heartening. One of Spielberg’s best, but not for entertainment purposes.

[samantha-lucas]

#9

The Dark Knight (2008)

Dir. Christopher Nolan

“You spat in the faces of Gotham's worse criminals. Didn't you think there might be some casualties? Things were always going to get worse before they got better.”

Nolan’s Batman trilogy vaulted him to beloved status for many comic book fans for me it marked the birth of true IMAX appreciation. He worked with his cinematographer Wally Pfister to craft something truly cinematic which has me anticipating his every movie as he pushes the envelope of utilizing the full scope of the picture and sound immersion. With The Dark Knight, Nolan fleshed out further the dark hero Batman and was able to have a scene stealing villain in Heath Ledger’s Joker because he had fleshed out the dichotomy of Christian Bale’s Batman / Bruce Wayne so well in Batman Begins. Surrounding them is a fantastic supporting cast from veterans like Gary Oldman and Michael Caine to solid supporting actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Aaron Eckhart. Add to this a pulse pounding score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard and magnificently staged action sequences highlighted by their practicality and IMAX usage and you have not only one of the best super hero films to date but one of the best period.

[samantha-lucas]

#10

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Dir. Frank Capra

“Look I probably should have told you this before but you see... well... insanity runs in my family... It practically gallops.”

Arsenic and old lace is one of Capra’s great slap stick comedies. This film is based on a stage play by the the same name. It’s filled with mayhem, murder and multiple personalities. Cary Grant is excellent in his role as Mortimer Brewster, the nephew and brother to some truly eccentric family members. This film is zany, laugh out loud funny and at times terrifying. The refreshing part of this film though is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s great fun, especially during Halloween.  

[samantha-lucas]

#11

X2 (2003)

Dir. Bryan Singer

“How does it look from there Charles? Still fighting the good fight? From here it looks like they're not playing by your rules... Maybe it's time to play by theirs!”

This is still what I consider the best of the X-Men films so far due in a large part because of the opening Nightcrawler sequence and the mansion attack which features Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine at his best. Ian Mckellen’s Magneto is magnificent here as well next to his counterpart Patrick Stewart’s Xavier who are both united against a common foe brought with great weight by Brian Cox. It is a loose adaptation of the graphic novel God Loves, Man Kills. While the book-ending voice over is shades of Wrath of Khan, the rest is as good a sequel as you could ask for from a X-Men film. John Ottman’s score is a gem as well.

[samantha-lucas]

#12

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Dir. John Huston

“When a man's partner is killed, he's supposed to do something about it. It doesn't make any difference what you thought of him. He was your partner and you're supposed to do something about it. And it happens we're in the detective business. Well, when one of your organization gets killed, it's-it's bad business to let the killer get away with it, bad all around, bad for every detective everywhere. “

 Humphrey Bogart plays Sam Spade a detective, who gets mixed up with a group of characters while trying to find his partner’s killer. Tight dialogue, colorful characters, great direction and an excellent performance from Bogart; make this film one of the greatest crime dramas out there. There’s nothing more pure or genuine than Bogart’s sly grinning Spade. You know then and there he’s got it all worked out. Such a unique and one of a kind film. 

[samantha-lucas]

#14

Captain Blood (1932)

Dir. Michael Curtiz

 “Up that rigging, you monkeys! Aloft! There's no chains to hold you now. Break out those sails and watch them fill with the wind that's carrying us all to freedom!”

The first film featuring Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland, the romantic duo who did nine films together. Flynn plays a doctor who is wrongfully sentenced to a life of slavery. By mere coincidence he escapes with a band of men and begins a life of piracy on the seas. This film has it all, action, adventure, humor, romance and one of the best film arrangements ever. The battles between the ships are what really steal the show, that and Flynn’s tough and smart portrayal of Captain Blood. One of the best pirate movies ever made.

[samantha-lucas]

”#15a

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Dir. Peter Jackson

“Hold your ground, hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!“

The culmination of Peter Jackson’s realization of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novels, this film is the grand finale. Really to get the optimal experience the three films should be watched all together because they run together seamlessly as one amazing journey through the world Tolkien crafted. The magnificent cast from Sean Astin to Viggo Mortensen to Karl Urban all the way to the digital performance by Andy Serkis is enthralling. The battle sequences are sweeping, but never lose sight of the players. Howard Shore’s score capture the feel of the moments and characters’ struggles. Add to this the breathtaking visual design and you have the greatest fantasy trilogy of all-time.

#15b

All About Eve (1950)

Dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz

“The Theatuh, the Theatuh - what book of rules says the Theater exists only within some ugly buildings crowded into one square mile of New York City? Or London, Paris or Vienna? Listen, junior. And learn. Want to know what the Theater is? A flea circus. Also opera. Also rodeos, carnivals, ballets, Indian tribal dances, Punch and Judy, a one-man band - all Theater. Wherever there's magic and make-believe and an audience - there's Theater. Donald Duck, Ibsen, and The Lone Ranger, Sarah Bernhardt, Poodles Hanneford, Lunt and Fontanne, Betty Grable, Rex and Wild, and Eleanora Duse. You don't understand them all, you don't like them all, why should you? The Theater's for everybody - you included, but not exclusively - so don't approve or disapprove. It may not be your Theater, but it's Theater of somebody, somewhere.”

The ensemble piece about the conniving and fragility of the stars of the theater is displayed in this dramatic look at the rise of star, Eve Harrington, played with great care by Anne Baxter. Her story is told from a variety of perspectives from the kind hearted Celeste Holm to the aged star Bette Davis to the condescending George Sanders. The by play and banter between all the players is brilliant. But the bite of the dialogue through out is the star. Sharp and quick moving when it gets going the stars such as Davis and Sanders really make it all shine. Watch out for a small role played one Marilyn Monroe before she was a star. And of course, “fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!”

[samantha-lucas]

#19

Aliens (1986)

Dir. James Cameron

  “What's this?”

 “That's the grenade launcher. I don't think you want to mess with that.”

  “You started this. Show me everything. I can handle myself.”

“Yeah, I noticed.”

Big ass guns and weapons, big ass ships and machinery and one big ass alien! Put all those together and you get Aliens, the sequel to the horror film Alien. Not only does Aliens give you all the monster fun it also adds a significant amount of action, which I think makes this the better film. The story works for what the film needs, but the action scenes and creature scenes are what make the film. The climactic battle scene is one of the best scenes in any action movie. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley kicks ass and looks good doing it. Paxton, Biehn and the other cast are excellent in their supporting roles. One of the greatest actions films out there!

[samantha-lucas]

#20

The Sea Hawk (1940)

Dir. Michael Curtiz

“Your ship is sinking, Captain.”

“Then we shall drown together.”

“Brave, but impractical. Now we English are a practical people. I've no intention of drowning with you.”

Curtiz and Flynn did a total of 11 films together and this is one the finest collaborations. Add to that the fantastic supporting cast including Flynn’s regular side kick of Alan Hale and the ever smooth Claude Rains and you have a marvelous recipe for adventure on the high seas. Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s score is another masterpiece capturing the feel of the film and enhancing it. The fights are well staged and the panama canal sequence is especially unique with it’s utilization of sepia tinting. The colorful characters and swashbuckling fun make this a film not to be missed.