My Top 50 Movies...20-11

We're getting close to the finish of this list, but before we do, you are going to get my 4 favorite movies from the 1980's. Also, I cheat again and include a trilogy as a single entry. I'll let you know now that it'll happen one more time on the next segment of this list too.

So here we go again...numbers 20-11

20. The Goonies (1984)A great adventure story about a group of kids seeking treasure and out-running and out-witting career criminals. Hilarious and quotable...two important factors for an all-time favorite film.

19. Aliens (1986)The only improvement I would make would be to limit the role of Newt..."They come at night...mostly..." Aside from that, this is a stellar sci-fi film, and the only movie to successfully show what space marines should be.

18. Black Hawk Down (2001)
The best modern warfare movie that has ever been made. Not much on plot, but the visceral/real feel of the movie is outstanding. Really an in-your face action movie about a US mission in Somalia that goes horribly wrong. One of the best war movies ever made.

17. Ghostbusters (1984)One of my favorites from my childhood holds the test of time. Another quotable, hilarious film. Excellent characters and entertaining story really propel this one into the top 20.

16. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)My favorite Indiana Jones film, and really what they should all strive to be. The Young Indiana Jones segment at the beginning really works, and the interplay between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery is outstanding. Throw in the great Quest for the Grail idea, the movie is superb success.

15. The Matrix (1999)
An interesting and beautifully executed science fiction film that revolutionized movies. Bullet-time was unheard of before this one. A crazy idea that seemed plausible. Now, if only we can erase the sequels from our memory...

14. Serenity (2005)The "space-western" is my favorite sci-fi film of recent years. Outstanding characters, a well-developed universe, and a solid story and pacing bring the brilliance of this movie to life. A criminally short TV run (of the series Firefly) led to this film. I would love to see a sequel (or two) for this one.

13. Crimson Tide (1995)
It is really the performances of Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman that make this movie so gripping. The acting, dialogue, setting (nuclear submarine), and enough action to make this an edge of your seat thrill from start to finish.

12. Remember the Titans (2000)
Another Denzel Washington film shows up here. A great social piece wrapped around high school football. An outstanding sports movie and pretty good film about race relations.

11. The Lord of The Rings Trilogy (2001-03)An amazing feat of film-making. There really is not a weak point to this series...maybe the length, but there isn't much to cut. Honestly, I love the Aragon storyline so much more than the Sam/Frodo thing. My order of preference within the trilogy is The Two Towers (specifically the extended cut), The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Return of the King.

Well, up next the Top 10...have you guessed what films are there? If not, it's okay, stay tuned and I'll relieve your curiosity.