The Must Haves: 70-61

The Must Haves: 70-61

Let me start this exciting installment of The Must Haves with an apology. I’m sorry that it has been a little while since a new list, but you know how it is, personal things get in the way of what we love and so on… Last week we had a very good response to some of the films I listed, so I really appreciate that. This week I hope I have just as a positive reaction as I did with numbers 80-71.

This week the eclectic list continues with a few indie films and a couple foreign films that I swear you all need to see. So no more procrastination…here is numbers 70-61:

#70—Chef (2014)

Favorite Quote: “I may not do everything great in my life, but I'm good at this. I manage to touch people's lives with what I do and I want to share this with you.”—Cark

Top chef in Los Angeles has a mental breakdown after a bad review and needs to somehow reinvent himself by going back to his culinary roots with a food truck.

I thought this was a great way for Jon Favreau to get back to his own roots when it came to filmmaking. Favreau has had a string of great success with big budget films such as Iron Man and Cowboys and Aliens, but the films that made Favreau great were his low budget indie films like Swingers (not directed by him, but written by him). Please check out my review of Chef here.

#69—Empire Records (1995)

Favorite Quote: “Damn the Man”—Lucas

Employees of an independently owned record store start to learn a few things about themselves and the store they work for all in one single day.

Low budget teen dramedy that a lot of critics love to hate, Empire Records is just one of those films that spoke to me when I was in high school. The film, in my opinion, is just one of those films that are predictable from the beginning, but yet surprising in other aspects. The characters to me were real and the wit was great. As far as I know, the film is officially a cult classic and will hopefully be that way for my generation.

#68—Inside Out (2015)

Favorite Quote: “What's "poo-ber-tee?”—Disgust

The emotions of a 12 year-old girl come to life in this unique take on how to deal with change and feelings that we all have inside.

This is by far my favorite Pixar film. Maybe because it is relatable or maybe that it built upon everything that Pixar did right over the last few years. The message within the story is so powerful, that even kids can somehow relate to the film. Of course the comedy and animation were amazing as well. Again, please check out my review of Inside Out right here.

#67—Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Favorite Quote: “Well, Clarice - have the lambs stopped screaming?”—Hannibal Lecter

A serial killer is on the loose and the FBI’s only chance to catch him is a cannibalistic psychologist in a mental hospital and a new trainee looking to prove herself.

Jonathan Demme’s brilliant adaptation of Thomas Harris’ second Lecter novel is one of the best psychological thrillers ever. I can’t forget Anthony Hopkins jaw dropping performance as Dr. Lecter either. Hopkins was scary in a “that guy’s wires are crossed” kind of way. I just don’t like how some people view this as a horror film.

#66—Hero (2002)

Favorite Quote: “Your Majesty, my task is completed now. My decision will cause the deaths of many and Your Majesty will live on. A dead man begs you to remember; a warrior's ultimate act is to lay down his sword.”—Nameless

A nameless warrior sets out on a journey to destroy the King that murdered his family along with his village. But first must fight off the King’s assassins one by one.

Hero is a beautifully shot epic martial arts film that should be listed with the other great martial arts films. The story is very compelling and the action sequences are top notch. The film works mainly with how colorful and aesthetically pleasing it is.

#65—Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Favorite Quote: “I've had so many names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce. I am the mountain, the forest and the earth. I am... I am a faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness.”—Pan

Set in 1944 Spain, a young girl is convinced that she is a long lost princess of a fairy world and she must overcome many tests to prove that she belongs back in her kingdom.

Back to back foreign films. Like Hero, Pan’s Labyrinth is vividly shot but in a different more gothic type way. I love the imaginative story and the engaging characters. This is an adult type fairy tale that is definitely not for children. However, if you are a fan of director Guillermo del Toro, then the film is a must see for you.

#64—Apocalypse Now (1979)

Favorite Quote: “You're an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks, to collect a bill.”—Kurtz

During the height of the conflict in Vietnam, a burnt-out captain is sent by his superiors and the CIA to track down a Colonel they believe has lost his mind and starting a cult in the middle of the jungle.

Number 30 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Year...100 Movies list and arguably Francis Ford Coppola’s best film, Apocalypse Now is a mind bending venture it the minds of soldiers on the edge of sanity. I personally do agree that this film is better than The Godfather but I didn’t think that Brando needed to be top billed for this, he was on screen for 10 minutes, but I guess they were a powerful 10 minutes.  Check out my thoughts on #30, right here.

#63—Three Kings (1999)

Favorite Quote: “I'm talking about millions in Kuwaiti bullion.”—Gates

                                “You mean them little cubes you put in hot water to make soup?”—Vig

The Gulf War has just ended and three American soldiers hatch a plan to steal millions in Iraqi gold.

David O. Russell’s action comedy is a highly underrated film among his amazing filmography. The film is showcases the dry humor and hard emotions that Russell has been famous for in his previous successes. Now this isn’t among his Oscar nominated films, but I do think that Three Kings is a great film that people should revisit.

#62—Pleasantville (1998)

Favorite Quote: “No, David. Nobody's happy in a poodle skirt and a sweater set.”—Jennifer

Two teens are sucked into a black and white TV show and with their presence, things start to become colorful.

This film did things with special effects that were amazing for 1998. The mixing of black and white with color was revolutionary. However, for me the plot is what inspired me to include this film on my list. We don’t live in a black and white world and we all need the courage to add a little color to our lives. Step away from the normal and sometimes mundane.

#61—Swingers (1996)

Favorite Quote: “You're so money and you don't even know it!”—Trent

After being dumped by the love of his life, a young actor is being reintroduced to the Los Angeles social scene by his friends.

Okay, so I honestly didn’t realize that I would start and end these 10 with Jon Favreau. Anyway, the indie film that put not only Favreau, but Vince Vaughn on Hollywood’s map. The story is yet another voice of the 90s generation. A great heartfelt story that is a great male perspective about having their heartbroken by the ones they love.

Well, thank you yet again for checking out numbers 70-61. Please come back tomorrow for numbers 60-51, we are almost halfway through…ya! Until next time…