The Must Haves: 90-81

The Must Haves: 90-81

Hey there everyone! Yesterday I started a journey into my top 100 films. I felt that the first ten and the last ten are the hardest. You have to have your top 10 perfect because these are the movies that you want to be buried with and the 91-100 are ones that you make sure aren’t left off your list completely.

To recap from yesterday please click here and if you thought that list was eclectic…you haven’t seen anything yet! These next 10 are filled with a couple Oscar winners and a legendary pet. Please enjoy!

#90—12 Monkeys (1995)

Favorite Quote: “All the doors are locked too. They're protecting the people on the outside from us from the people on the outside who are as crazy as us.”—Jeffery

In a world where 99% of the world’s population has been wiped out by a virus, a convict has been forced to travel back in time to gather information about the deadly epidemic.

This sci-fi tale, for me, will go down as Brad Pitt’s greatest performance. I loved how wacked out his character could get. The film was just one of those movies that will stay with you long after you watch it. Plus, I hear that the TV show isn’t half bad.

#89—Walk the Line (2005)

Favorite Quote: “You wear black 'cause you can't find anything else to wear? You found your sound 'cause you can't play no better? You just tried to kiss me because "it just happened?" You should try take credit for something every once in a while, John.”—June Carter

Biographical film that follows the lives of June Carter and Johnny Cash. Told more as a love story than a point A to point B kind of biopic.

That last sentence is one very big reason on why I love this film. These two had such admiration and love for each other that it would have been extremely hard to tell a story about one or the other without the romance aspect. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon knock it out of the park with superb performances.

#88—Chicago (2002)

Favorite Quote: “Give 'em the old razzle dazzle. Razzle razzle 'em. Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it and the reaction will be passionate.”—Billy Flynn

Musical that shows the more heinous the crime the more popular with the public. But for one young inspiring singer, with the popularity of her murder trial, she wants that to translate into flashing lights on billboards. She just needs to get out of jail first.

The glitz and glamour is hard to resist from this Best Picture winner. The sets, the witty dialogue, and all the songs are amazing. Hey, I admit that I start singing to some of these songs. Still mind boggled that every cast member received an Oscar nomination but Richard Gere. There is a conspiracy here somewhere.

#87—A Few Good Men (1992)

Favorite Quote: “You can’t handle the truth!”-- Col. Nathan R. Jessup

When a hazing goes wrong on the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, two Marines find themselves in the center of a murder investigation. Sent to their defense is a cocky lawyer that may just step out from behind his father’s shadow.

This is the film that basically ignited my admiration for Jack Nicholson. I loved the tense courtroom scenes and took me off guard when I learned this is the same director as #96 on my list. I just think that this film, purely on acting alone, should be on everyone’s list.

#86—Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Favorite Quote: “I couldn't stop running it over and over and over in my mind. The vague and distant suspicion that we never understood what happened that night; what our role was. Or maybe it was just like the hundreds of other children who disappear each year and never return. Amanda was even more haunting for never being found.”—Patrick Kenzie

When a little girl from a rough Boston neighborhood is kidnapped, the parents turn to one of their own to find her. Private Investigator Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro are never prepared for where the investigation takes them.

In Ben Affleck’s directorial debut he proves that he might be better behind the camera than in front of it. This was a great throwback to the classic film noirs of the 40’s and 50’s that shows the pride of the people from Boston.

#85—Dead Poet’s Society (1989)

Favorite Quote: “Oh captain, my captain.”—Tod Anderson

English teacher at a prestigious boy’s school during the 1950s gives his students the courage to follow their hearts and not conform to the expectations of others.

Forget Good Will Hunting (which won him his one and only Oscar), forget Good Morning, Vietnam, and forget Patch Adams; Dead Poet’s Society is Robin Williams’ greatest performances. He exudes a sweet and caring charm that can only be done by someone with great passion. As tragic as this movie is, I always find myself inspired to reach for the impossible when I watch this film.

#84—The Boondock Saints (1999)

Favorite Quote: “And Shepherds we shall be For Thee my Lord, for Thee Power hath descended forth from Thy hand Our feet may swiftly carry out Thy commands. So we shall flow a river forth to Thee And teeming with souls shall it ever be. In Nomine Patri, Et Filii, Et Spiritus Sancti.”—The McManus Brothers

Two Boston brothers take it upon themselves to rid the city of evil men. What these two vigilantes don’t count on is an eccentric FBI and a legendary Mob hitman on the hunt for them.

Like Gone Baby Gone this is a film that is a respectful nod to the citizens of Boston, especially the Irish-American folks. But of course and more importantly, this is just an awesome, gritty, violent indie film that found its audience in the video stores (when they were still around).

#83—Prisoners (2013)

Favorite Quote: “You know the most important thing your granddad ever taught me? Hmm? Be ready. Hurricane, flood, whatever it ends up being. No more food gets delivered to the grocery store, gas stations dry up. People just turn on each other, and uh, all of a sudden all that stands between you and being dead is you.”—Keller Dover

When his daughter is kidnapped, a father must do anything he can to make sure the man responsible is brought to justice. Even if that means getting in the way of the one detective that still wants to help him lawfully.

This is a gut-wrenching, emotional roller coaster of a movie. I loved the performances of Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. Neither one of them let up on the emotional turmoil that each of their characters are going through. I was especially impressed by director Denis Villeneuve, especially since he basically touched on every fear that I have as a father. This was also my favorite movie of 2013 and you can read the review here.

#82—The Sandlot (1993)

Favorite Quote: “You’re killing me Smalls!”-- Hamilton 'Ham' Porter

Baseball announcer looks back at the summer of 1962 when he found the sun, friends, and baseball.

Filled with some of the most quotable lines of my childhood classics, The Sandlot is one of those family movies that will never grow old. The film is relatable to any age group and not just for boys. Now of course this isn’t one of those Oscar or Golden Globe winners, but this film will always and forever speak to me and my nostalgic side.

#81—Crash (2004)

Favorite Quote: “It’s okay daddy, I’ll protect you”—Lara

Over a three day period the lives of many different people intersect bringing up issues like sexism, police brutality, and racism.

“The worst-best picture winner ever”. I completely and utterly disagree with this label. Now, is it one of your typical Best Picture winners…no, but the film does touch on a lot of topics that are still being talked about in our everyday lives. What I thought most intriguing was that when the issue of race was talked about, it wasn’t just white and black racism, but many cultural racism. No single great performance, but a collection of powerful scenes done very well by each cast member.

And that is 90-81. I hope you enjoyed this and please stay tuned later for when numbers 80-71 are revealed. Please feel free to leave any comments on my choices. Thank you!