LU's Favourite Movie - 2015 Edition

[T.S Quint]

Great job Mis.
Thoroughly enjoying this.
I'm wishing I did a longer list than the 15 I put in. Seeing some great movies so far (and a couple of duds).

One movie I wish I put in my top 15 now is Dazed and Confused. I can't believe I forgot about that one. One of my all time favourites.
I actually can't remember exactly what I put in my list, but I think I've only had one show up so far - Se7en.
Pretty sure that was on my list. I'm sure I'll see plenty further up though. My list was rather mainstream.

 

[Misanthrope]

I made a slight error in the previous post, leaving out a film (Inception) and getting Casino/Armageddon in the wrong order. I've edited it back in, which bumps Battle Royale to the beginning of this count-down.

#70 - 61
​

=#70 - Battle Royale (2000) - 48 points from three voters

The second foreign language film to make the cut, this brutal and bloody imagining of the 1999 novel of the same name laid the foundation for the considerably less entertaining Hunger Games series.

A film about students released onto an island, armed, and told to fight to the last man (or woman) standing - it's as over the top and gory as you'd expect, but a bloody (pun intended) good time all the same.


=#68 - Silence of the Lambs (1991) - 49.5 points from three voters

The film that introduced the world to the insanely creepy character of Hannibal Lecter, this Best Picture winning thriller remains a benchmark for all crime thrillers, and spawned both a sequel (awful) and a prequel (pretty damned good).


=#68 - Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 49.5 points from three voters

If Full Metal Jacket ended after R. Lee Emery and Vincent D'Onofrio's stellar portion of the film, I don't doubt it would have ended up far higher in this count down. That opening half is cinematic gold.

The less said about the 1980s kids action movie style second half, the better.

#67 - True Romance (1993) - 50 points from two voters

Written by Quentin Tarantino before he became box office gold, True Romance is a tale of two small time criminals on a love fueled crime spree that went criminally overlooked by cinema goers. With a cast and a script with all the hallmarks of Tarantino's later hits, it's a real gem.

=#65 - The Green Mile (1999) - 52.5 points from three voters

The first of two Stephen King inspired films to make the list, 1999's The Green Mile adapts King's series of novellas about the guards and prisoners on a fictional death row. Much like Shawshank, it's been accused of being overlong and overly sentimental, but is still considered a film that was criminally overlooked by the Academy.

A mega hit financially, it's perhaps best remembered for Michael Clarke Duncan's stellar performance as a mentally challenged man accused of murder.

=#65 - Ghostbusters (1984) - 52.5 points from three voters

Considered by many (including Total Film, Empire, and the AFI) as one of the best comedies of all time, this flick about paranormal experts who find their calling in 'busting' ghosts remains one of the most iconic films out of the 80s. While its sequel wasn't quite as well regarded, it remains a beloved favourite - with Bill Murray's performance in particular singled out.

#64 - Skyfall (2012) - 54 points from three voters

The first of two James Bond films to make the list, 2012's Skyfall went a long way towards redeeming the franchise in the eyes of fans after a subpar outing in Quantum of Solace. Exploring Bond's past to a degree that had never been done before, the film also featured a memorable new villain and a 'changing of the guard' as Judi Dench's M retired and a new Q were introduced.

=#61 - The Matrix (1999) - 57 points from three voters

If one movie sums up the late nineties in cinema, the Wachowski Brothers' Matrix is surely a contender. With its techno soundtrack, dark setting, and dystopian themes it would produce a whole swathe of knock-offs (as well as two unremarkable sequels).

Keanu Reeves' Neo goes to war with the world beneath the world, and audiences loved it.

=#61 - American Sniper (2014) - 57 points from three voters

The most recent film to make the cut (unless I'm mistaken), Clint Eastwood's controversial depiction of Chris Kyle has been criticised for glorifying both war and the killing of civilians. Like it or hate it, the film drew six Academy Award nominations and featured a career making performance from Bradley Cooper as the titular sniper.

=#61 - Watchmen (2009) - 57 points from three voters

The highest placed of Zack Snyder's filmography, his 2009 adaptation of Alan Moore's insanely popular graphic novel about superheroes at their absolute darkest was perhaps a bit before its time - and certainly out of place when compared to the cheerier superhero films that dominate these days.

A complex film that questions the morality of superheroes as well as issues of government, it's well worth a look if you're a fan of superheroes and a bit of darkness.

 

[alien]

I made a slight error in the previous post, leaving out a film (Inception) and getting Casino/Armageddon in the wrong order. I've edited it back in, which bumps Battle Royale to the beginning of this count-down.

#70 - 61
​

=#70 - Battle Royale (2000) - 48 points from three voters

The second foreign language film to make the cut, this brutal and bloody imagining of the 1999 novel of the same name laid the foundation for the considerably less entertaining Hunger Games series.

A film about students released onto an island, armed, and told to fight to the last man (or woman) standing - it's as over the top and gory as you'd expect, but a bloody (pun intended) good time all the same.


=#68 - Silence of the Lambs (1991) - 49.5 points from three voters

The film that introduced the world to the insanely creepy character of Hannibal Lecter, this Best Picture winning thriller remains a benchmark for all crime thrillers, and spawned both a sequel (awful) and a prequel (pretty damned good).


=#68 - Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 49.5 points from three voters

If Full Metal Jacket ended after R. Lee Emery and Vincent D'Onofrio's stellar portion of the film, I don't doubt it would have ended up far higher in this count down. That opening half is cinematic gold.

The less said about the 1980s kids action movie style second half, the better.

#67 - True Romance (1993) - 50 points from two voters

Written by Quentin Tarantino before he became box office gold, True Romance is a tale of two small time criminals on a love fueled crime spree that went criminally overlooked by cinema goers. With a cast and a script with all the hallmarks of Tarantino's later hits, it's a real gem.

=#65 - The Green Mile (1999) - 52.5 points from three voters

The first of two Stephen King inspired films to make the list, 1999's The Green Mile adapts King's series of novellas about the guards and prisoners on a fictional death row. Much like Shawshank, it's been accused of being overlong and overly sentimental, but is still considered a film that was criminally overlooked by the Academy.

A mega hit financially, it's perhaps best remembered for Michael Clarke Duncan's stellar performance as a mentally challenged man accused of murder.

=#65 - Ghostbusters (1984) - 52.5 points from three voters

Considered by many (including Total Film, Empire, and the AFI) as one of the best comedies of all time, this flick about paranormal experts who find their calling in 'busting' ghosts remains one of the most iconic films out of the 80s. While its sequel wasn't quite as well regarded, it remains a beloved favourite - with Bill Murray's performance in particular singled out.

#64 - Skyfall (2012) - 54 points from three voters

The first of two James Bond films to make the list, 2012's Skyfall went a long way towards redeeming the franchise in the eyes of fans after a subpar outing in Quantum of Solace. Exploring Bond's past to a degree that had never been done before, the film also featured a memorable new villain and a 'changing of the guard' as Judi Dench's M retired and a new Q were introduced.

=#61 - The Matrix (1999) - 57 points from three voters

If one movie sums up the late nineties in cinema, the Wachowski Brothers' Matrix is surely a contender. With its techno soundtrack, dark setting, and dystopian themes it would produce a whole swathe of knock-offs (as well as two unremarkable sequels).

Keanu Reeves' Neo goes to war with the world beneath the world, and audiences loved it.

=#61 - American Sniper (2014) - 57 points from three voters

The most recent film to make the cut (unless I'm mistaken), Clint Eastwood's controversial depiction of Chris Kyle has been criticised for glorifying both war and the killing of civilians. Like it or hate it, the film drew six Academy Award nominations and featured a career making performance from Bradley Cooper as the titular sniper.

=#61 - Watchmen (2009) - 57 points from three voters

The highest placed of Zack Snyder's filmography, his 2009 adaptation of Alan Moore's insanely popular graphic novel about superheroes at their absolute darkest was perhaps a bit before its time - and certainly out of place when compared to the cheerier superhero films that dominate these days.

A complex film that questions the morality of superheroes as well as issues of government, it's well worth a look if you're a fan of superheroes and a bit of darkness.

ah ghostbusters. i gave 0.5 points towards that

 

[Red Bear]

True Romance is a great film, one of the most enjoyable to watch and in particular Patricia Arquette's female character one of the most weirdly engaging portrayals i've seen

 

[Evil_Mush]

Yeah I really liked True Romance as well. Probably been long enough since I last saw it to give it another go too.

For a second there I was wondering why you thought she had an engaging ponytail (partly because she doesn't even wear a ponytail in the movie). Oops.
I agree though on the weirdly engaging part though, throughout the film she goes between being the sultry type you wanna get it on with, to the chirpy friend type you wanna hang out with, to vulnerable aw-must-protect type.

Also Gary Oldman as Drexl the homie G pimp is a classic scene!

 

[alien]

yeah well i found that clerks 2 movie if anyone wants to watch it

[youtube]L6xVXAkbr-0[/youtube]

gonna watch it now

 

[alien]

p.s. i'm sure i have seen jay and silent bob's dopplegangers around queen street campbelltown

 

[alien]

ok that movie got a bit f**ked up o_o

 

[Misanthrope]

#60 - 51

#60 - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 58.5 points from 3 voters

Michel Gondry's interpretation of a Charlie Kaufman script features Kate Winslett and Jim Carrey in some of their best work, a poison couple who can't let go and so decide to have their memories of one another erased. Surreal as Kaufman always is, it's also a surprisingly sweet, tender film about love and dysfunction. One of my all time personal favourites.

#59 - Any Given Sunday (1999) - 60 points from 3 voters

Arguably the biggest and most well known of the many NFL films out there, Any Given Sunday features an all-star cast starring as a struggling, fictional NFL team. It was lauded as a return to form for Stone after a few lean years, and features some damned fine football sequences in addition to the acting chops of the likes of Pacino, Quaid, Foxx, Woods, and Diaz.

=#57 - Casino Royale (2006) - 61.5 points from 3 voters

Credited with resurrecting the ailing Bond franchise after the latter Brosnan films delved into the realms of farce, this gritty reboot of the Bond universe was well acted and loaded with scintillating action sequences as well. Craig's Bond lacks the charm of Connery, but his cold brutality was a welcome change from the increasingly over the top Brosnan films.

=#57 - Alien (1979) - 61.5 points from 3 voters

You'd be hard pressed to find a film that has aged better than Ridley Scott's tense, claustrophobic sci-fi thriller about an alien hunting the crew of a ship far from home. With its revolutionary portrayal of women as heroes and its iconic alien design, the film would go onto produce three sequels - one awful, one regrettable, and one that will feature higher in this countdown.

#56 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) -67.5 points from 3 voters

One of Jack Nicholson's finest performances, Milos Foreman's adaptation of the Ken Kesey book about a small-time con who feigns mental illness to escape prosecution is an all-time classic. Rated by AFI as the 31st best film of the 20th century, Nicholson's rebellious Mac is outshone only by the cold-as-nails Nurse Ratched. Just a stellar film.

=#54 - Toy Story (1995) - 69 points from 3 voters

Has it really been twenty years since this film came out? Pixar exploded onto the scene with their sentimental, amusing depiction of what our toys do when we're out of the room. The trilogy, of which all three registered votes, has grown up with its viewers - with the third about the realities of 'growing up'.

The original is (at least, according to voting) still the best. Funny, heart-warming, and the grandaddy of Pixar's many stellar films.

=#54 - The Fast & The Furious (2001) - 69 points from 3 voters

I'm not sure Rob Cohen, Vin Diesel, or Paul Walker quite expected their franchise about illegal street racers to become the blockbuster success it has, but the original polled well in this count-down.

While none of the films exactly reinvented the wheel, fans of cars and/or explosive action clearly felt drawn to the flick - and its collectively made a total of almost 3.5 billion across seven films.

#53 - The Goonies (1985) - 70 points from 4 voters

One many of us have grown up on, The Goonies is a film from a time where children's films could be a little bit scary and a little bit crude. The adventures of a bunch of lovable losers searching for hidden pirate treasure is soundtracked by Cyndi Lauper (could it get any more 80s) and remains a beloved favourite for many to this day.

Fun Fact: I've also had sex in Astoria, Oregon where this was filmed.

=#51 - Seven Samurai (1954) - 72 points from 3 voters

The oldest film to make the count-down, Akira Kurosawa's crowning achievement has become one of the most remade or referenced films in history. The action movie trope of the hero recruiting a crack team? Yep, that started here.

A technical and narrative masterpiece, it remains one of the most influential films - not only in Japanese cinema - but in world cinema. One any fan of the industry ought to see.

=#51 - American History X (1998) - 72 points from 3 voters

Racism was a big theme in the 90s, and American History X is arguably the most well known of the many films about the racist subculture. Captained by a career best performance from Edward Norton as a reformed Neo Nazi trying to get his brother out of the game, it's a film full of confronting themes and brutality.
​

 

[alien]

#60 - 51

#60 - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 58.5 points from 3 voters

Michel Gondry's interpretation of a Charlie Kaufman script features Kate Winslett and Jim Carrey in some of their best work, a poison couple who can't let go and so decide to have their memories of one another erased. Surreal as Kaufman always is, it's also a surprisingly sweet, tender film about love and dysfunction. One of my all time personal favourites.

#59 - Any Given Sunday (1999) - 60 points from 3 voters

Arguably the biggest and most well known of the many NFL films out there, Any Given Sunday features an all-star cast starring as a struggling, fictional NFL team. It was lauded as a return to form for Stone after a few lean years, and features some damned fine football sequences in addition to the acting chops of the likes of Pacino, Quaid, Foxx, Woods, and Diaz.

=#57 - Casino Royale (2006) - 61.5 points from 3 voters

Credited with resurrecting the ailing Bond franchise after the latter Brosnan films delved into the realms of farce, this gritty reboot of the Bond universe was well acted and loaded with scintillating action sequences as well. Craig's Bond lacks the charm of Connery, but his cold brutality was a welcome change from the increasingly over the top Brosnan films.

=#57 - Alien (1979) - 61.5 points from 3 voters

You'd be hard pressed to find a film that has aged better than Ridley Scott's tense, claustrophobic sci-fi thriller about an alien hunting the crew of a ship far from home. With its revolutionary portrayal of women as heroes and its iconic alien design, the film would go onto produce three sequels - one awful, one regrettable, and one that will feature higher in this countdown.

#56 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) -67.5 points from 3 voters

One of Jack Nicholson's finest performances, Milos Foreman's adaptation of the Ken Kesey book about a small-time con who feigns mental illness to escape prosecution is an all-time classic. Rated by AFI as the 31st best film of the 20th century, Nicholson's rebellious Mac is outshone only by the cold-as-nails Nurse Ratched. Just a stellar film.

=#54 - Toy Story (1995) - 69 points from 3 voters

Has it really been thirty years since this film came out? Pixar exploded onto the scene with their sentimental, amusing depiction of what our toys do when we're out of the room. The trilogy, of which all three registered votes, has grown up with its viewers - with the third about the realities of 'growing up'.

The original is (at least, according to voting) still the best. Funny, heart-warming, and the grandaddy of Pixar's many stellar films.

=#54 - The Fast & The Furious (2001) - 69 points from 3 voters

I'm not sure Rob Cohen, Vin Diesel, or Paul Walker quite expected their franchise about illegal street racers to become the blockbuster success it has, but the original polled well in this count-down.

While none of the films exactly reinvented the wheel, fans of cars and/or explosive action clearly felt drawn to the flick - and its collectively made a total of almost 3.5 billion across seven films.

#53 - The Goonies (1985) - 70 points from 4 voters

One many of us have grown up on, The Goonies is a film from a time where children's films could be a little bit scary and a little bit crude. The adventures of a bunch of lovable losers searching for hidden pirate treasure is soundtracked by Cyndi Lauper (could it get any more 80s) and remains a beloved favourite for many to this day.

Fun Fact: I've also had sex in Astoria, Oregon where this was filmed.

=#51 - Seven Samurai (1954) - 72 points from 3 voters

The oldest film to make the count-down, Akira Kurosawa's crowning achievement has become one of the most remade or referenced films in history. The action movie trope of the hero recruiting a crack team? Yep, that started here.

A technical and narrative masterpiece, it remains one of the most influential films - not only in Japanese cinema - but in world cinema. One any fan of the industry ought to see.

=#51 - American History X (1998) - 72 points from 3 voters

Racism was a big theme in the 90s, and American History X is arguably the most well known of the many films about the racist subculture. Captained by a career best performance from Edward Norton as a reformed Neo Nazi trying to get his brother out of the game, it's a film full of confronting themes and brutality.
​

out of these ones i voted for goonies and alien

 

[roostersrule2]

I don't mean to nitpick but its been 20 years since Toy Story came out, which is still kind of a mind f**k. When you said 30 I had the biggest nostalgia trip.

Also I forgot to vote for American History X.

 

[Bulldog Force]

out of these ones i voted for goonies and alien

Of course you did - you based you LU name on it :lol:

 

[Bulldog Force]

=#54 - Toy Story (1995) - 69 points from 3 voters

Has it really been thirty years since this film came out? Pixar exploded onto the scene with their sentimental, amusing depiction of what our toys do when we're out of the room. The trilogy, of which all three registered votes, has grown up with its viewers - with the third about the realities of 'growing up'.

The original is (at least, according to voting) still the best. Funny, heart-warming, and the grandaddy of Pixar's many stellar films.

*20 years

=#54 - The Fast & The Furious (2001) - 69 points from 3 voters

I'm not sure Rob Cohen, Vin Diesel, or Paul Walker quite expected their franchise about illegal street racers to become the blockbuster success it has, but the original polled well in this count-down.

While none of the films exactly reinvented the wheel, fans of cars and/or explosive action clearly felt drawn to the flick - and its collectively made a total of almost 3.5 billion across seven films.

Awww yeah

 

[vvvrulz]

Yeah I really liked True Romance as well. Probably been long enough since I last saw it to give it another go too.

For a second there I was wondering why you thought she had an engaging ponytail (partly because she doesn't even wear a ponytail in the movie). Oops.
I agree though on the weirdly engaging part though, throughout the film she goes between being the sultry type you wanna get it on with, to the chirpy friend type you wanna hang out with, to vulnerable aw-must-protect type.

Also Gary Oldman as Drexl the homie G pimp is a classic scene!

One of my favourite all time movies, and Tarantino's best imo.
The direction of Tony Scott actually improved the script.

 

[T.S Quint]

The Green Mile was overlooked by the Academy?
It was nominated for 4 Oscars, including Best Picture.

 

[Misanthrope]

The Green Mile was overlooked by the Academy?
It was nominated for 4 Oscars, including Best Picture.

Didn't win. In a year with a weak field, I'd call that overlooked.

 

[T.S Quint]

Didn't win. In a year with a weak field, I'd call that overlooked.

I really like the movie (and the novel as well), but I don't think it deserved any wins that year.
American Beauty, The Sixth Sense and The Insider were more deserving of Best Picture.
Michael Caine, Haley Joel Osment and Tom Cruise were more deserving of Supporting Actor.
The Insider and Election were more deserving of Adapted Screenplay.
The Matrix was definitely more deserving of Best Sound.


All in my opinion of course.

 

[Misanthrope]

American Beauty, The Sixth Sense and The Insider were more deserving of Best Picture.

I agree that American Beauty was fantastic, but the other two? Not even close IMO. Sixth Sense was an enjoyable enough thriller, but nothing ground-breaking or particularly well made. The Insider bored me senseless.

As for adapted screenplay, 'Election'? It was a cute movie, but I wouldn't say a particularly brilliant bit of screen-writing.

No issue with Caine or Cruise for Best Supporting, although I'd have argued that Hanks deserved a Best Actor nomination for his role. Definitely a better performance in my eyes than Penn.

 

[perverse]

You're a tough marker when The Sixth Sense isn't a particularly well made film in your book. It's a real shame M Night Shammywhatshisface hasn't been able to replicate his success with that movie. I actually thought one of his recent movies - Devil - was an interesting little flick. It wasn't The Sixth Sense good... but it was watchable.

To be honest, I enjoyed The Green Mile... but it didn't stick with me like American Beauty and The Sixth Sense did. All I remember about The Green Mile is Tom Hanks' particularly nasty UTI, and how it gets cured.

 

[Misanthrope]

You're a tough marker when The Sixth Sense isn't a particularly well made film in your book. It's a real shame M Night Shammywhatshisface hasn't been able to replicate his success with that movie. I actually thought one of his recent movies - Devil - was an interesting little flick. It wasn't The Sixth Sense good... but it was watchable.

To be honest, I enjoyed The Green Mile... but it didn't stick with me like American Beauty and The Sixth Sense did. All I remember about The Green Mile is Tom Hanks' particularly nasty UTI, and how it gets cured.

The Sixth Sense, like Memento, is one of those films that loses a lot when you consider it beyond its gimmick. Take away the reverse storyline or the now standard M Night Shymalanadingdong plot twist, and the movies aren't quite as strong.

Rewatching Sixth Sense isn't nearly as enjoyable when you consider that its entire premise is essentially building towards a twist you already know.