Top 50 Movies...40-31

You're going to notice that I cheat in this section...and will actually do it again later...namely I include a whole trilogy as a single entry. Since it's my list, you're just going to have to deal with it. It mostly seemed unfair for a single over-arching storyline to take up multiple spots. Well, without any more intro items to cover, my list of Top 50 movies continues with...

Numers 40-31...

40. National Treasure (2004)I look at this one a little bit like Indiana Jones, the light version. The material isn't as weighty or as gritty, but still superbly entertaining. It is this light entertaining attitude that just makes National Treasure a joy to watch.

39. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
An amazing drama, with superb acting, and one of the best endings to a movie. This movie only works if you have a level of care for the main characters, and Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins hit all the right notes. One of the few good Stephen King adaptations.

38. The Lion King (1994)
One of my favorite Disney movies. Not generally a big fan of musicals, but Disney films generally are tolerable when it isn't simply a boy meets girl love story. I digress...The Lion King works for the pure evilness that is Scar, voiced by Jeremy Irons, and the awesomeness that is James Earl Jones as King Mustafah. Also, one of the coolest intros to a Disney movie with Simba's "baptism." One or two good preaching/theological points in this one.

37. Cloverfield (2007)"Peek-a-boo with a 30 story monster." An interesting idea that was fully realized here. After a short 20 minute set-up to the characters and their relationships, the poop hits the fan and an edge of your seat adventure begins.

36. Hot Fuzz (2007)Generally, British humor isn't my cup of tea, but this group really gets it right (with another film higher on the list). Quirky characters and funny situations build the humor, all leading up to a most ridiculous over the top shootout.

35. The Bourne Trilogy (2002+)
This movie is only as good as Matt Damon's performance...luckily for us, it's outstanding. One of the few times that movies are actually better than the books (in my opinion). Some of the best action movies of recent years. Within the trilogy, my preference is Identity > Supremacy > Ultimatum.

34. Jurassic Park (1993)
I was a fan of Dinosaurs as a kid...not quite to the extent of my brother, but still a fan...and this is easily the best movie featuring Dinosaurs that I've seen. The movie is a roller coaster ride, from a sense of awe, to excitement, to fear. All the while bringing the audience along for the ride. Now if only the sequels were good.

33. Forrest Gump (1994)
An instant classic that brought Tom Hanks a well deserved Oscar. One of the best movies about spanning the decades and hitting the highlights of all the major events, seen through the eyes of a memorable character. The soundtrack is pretty stellar, too.

32. Batman Begins (2005)Batman suffered a pretty cruel fate in the cinema. A decent first outing, but all down hill from there...until this film. Who knew you could make the idea and actions of Batman grounded in reality, and make it good? A very solid film that quickly engrosses the viewer.

31. Hellboy (2004)A fairly obscure comic that I knew almost nothing about, and became one of my favorites. I think I watched the DVD like 4 times in the span of a couple of months when it was originally released (rental, roommate rental, previewed purchase, with friends)...and liked it each time. Ron Perlman really outdoes himself in the role of Hellboy.

Alright, 20 down, 30 to go. Are you thinking ahead and wondering what's to come? Well, keep you pants on and stay tuned...