Greatest Movies of All Time 60 - 51

60. The General (1925) - This is my second favorite silent film on the list. I have only met three or four people that have seen this movie and all of them love it. I can not say one bad thing about this movie. Many film critics consider it to be one of, if not the greatest movie ever made and I can see why. I am starting to love all of these movies on the list and I do not want to misrepresent how amazing this film is by placing it at number 60. I highly recommend watching it, especially if you do not like silent films or have never seen a silent film. This movie will more than likely change your opinion of them.
This is based on a true story, however, in real life many of the hijackers were caught and brutally executed. Considering this is a comedy, it is understandable why that was left on the cutting room floor. Brutal execution does not tickle too many funny bones. Although who wasn't in a fit of laughter when the big, nice, innocent, black man was executed in "The Green Mile." That was pure comic genius. (#18 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3xh108cLbo   Scenes from "The General" with commentary about Buster Keaton, Director.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNBieXXV8NI   Just in case anyone needs a good laugh or pick me up, I included the execution scene from "The Green Mile."
I am obviously kidding and the above scene is only intended for anyone that wants to be sad.


59.  Jaws (1975) - I am sure that not many of you have heard of this movie, but it is about a shark; a real mean shark. It was directed by some guy named Steven Spielberg, and I am not sure if there has ever been any sequels.
The budget for "Jaws" was 7 million dollars. The current gross revenue is $470, 654, 000, therefore it is considered to be somewhat of a success.
Despite the movies jaw-dropping scenes (pun intended) and the action packed, edge-of-your-seat action, the movie is probably best known for taking home the coveted "Best Sound" Academy Award at the 1976 ceremony. (#56 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMLFO6TsFM The trailer. In case you still have no idea what the film is about.


58. 12 Angry Men (1957) - My favorite part of the school year is when we learn about the Judicial Branch so I can show my students this movie. Once we clean up all the vomit after they learn that the movie is in Black and White, they all usually really enjoy the film. The entire movie takes place in the jury room as they are deliberating over the verdict of a murder trial. I make them take notes and pretend that I am going to check them and give them a grade so they focus on the movie. I never end up checking the notes, but I do give them some sort of assignment upon completion of the film. (#87 on AFI list)
I will now do the unthinkable and rank the 12 jurors in the film. Obviously from least favorite to favorite.

** Mini list within a list**

12. Juror #3. Even his own mother must dislike him.
11. Juror #10 - Angry man
10. Juror # 11 Who?
9. Juror #4 - He thinks he is better than everyone else. Like jury duty is below him. I really don't like him.
8. Juror #6 - Useless.
7. Juror #5 - I feel bad for him. He is scared of everyone fighting.
6. Juror #2 - Nerdy, but nice.
5. Juror #12 - He really does not want to be there. He just doodles the entire time. It is like me at a faculty meeting.
4. Juror #7 - He just wants to go to the Mets game.
3. Juror #1 (The Foreman) He did an OK job being the leader of such a rowdy bunch.
2. Juror #9 - What a nice old man.
1. Juror #8 (thank God for him, or there would have been no movie at all)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7CBKT0PWFA


57. Unforgiven (1992) - Has anyone ever seen Clint Eastwood smile? This guy has been in hundreds of movies and I seriously do not think I have ever seen him be anything but mean and miserable. I think this is the closest he has ever come to smiling....


It looks like he is in severe pain. Doesn't it? I think I would actually pay money to see someone tickle Clint Eastwood. What would he do? I think I might add that to my list of things to do before I die; tickle Clint Eastwood.
Anyway, "Unforgiven" is an awesome movie, and largely contributed to me re-tracking my prior distaste for Westerns. (#68 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Df0KtJ01Ew   A little too serious for my liking.


56.  Bringing Up Baby (1938) - Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and a leopard. Need I say more? This movie has absolutely nothing to do with an actual baby, which, being the moron I sometimes am, I didn't realize until about halfway through the film. Baby IS the leopard. His NAME is Baby. That is just stupid if you ask me, and pretty confusing to the audience that was hoping to see Grant and Hepburn raise a perfect little child.
Also the patience of Grant in the final scene of the film is nothing short of astonishing. Grant's character (Dr. David Huxley) is a palaeontologist and only needs one more dinosaur bone to complete a priceless skeleton. Enter Susan Vance (Hepburn) whom Grant has now fallen in love with. Guess what happens. She clumsily knocks over the entire dinosaur skeleton and Grant simply laughs it off. If I was him she would be out the door quicker than you could say "I am sorry that I knocked over your dinosaur skeleton, you nerd." (#88 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9uUJQRzh4k  This trailer is TERRIBLE. Don't even bother watching it. It really does nothing for the movie. It actually makes me NOT want to watch it. But watch the movie because it is great.

55. Dr. Strangelove (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb) (1964) - This hilarious movie is a satire about the "nuclear scare" during the Cold War. The great quote "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room." is extremely hilarious and makes me laugh out loud even typing it. Peter Sellers plays the role of three of the main characters in the film, including the hilarious wheelchair bound, nuclear war expert Dr. Strangelove. It took a little while to get the humor of the film, but it paved the way for movies like "Naked Gun" and "Airplane." I usually do not like movies where main characters die at the end, but this ending is classic! (#39 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAeqVGP-GPM    "....This is the war room" scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ihKq34Ozc    HILARIOUS. HILARIOUS. HILARIOUS.  I love Dr. Strangelove. I want to be friends with him so badly. If you don't laugh out loud at this scene you have serious issues.


54. Spartacus (1960) - Who doesn't wish they were a slave working under the Roman Empire during the "I am Spartacus" scene. Do you think it would be too much if I named my first born son Spartacus? That might be taking things a little too far I suppose. Thank God the film was re-released in 1991 with an additional 14 minutes of footage because the original 200 minutes was just not enough. Unless we are talking about "Avatar" I am pretty content with my epic films being contained to under three and a half hours. I do not think even the biggest fan of "Spartacus" in the world was like "YES!!!!! Fourteen more minutes!!!!!!" I mean, it is an amazing movie, but enough is enough. (#81 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8h_v_our_Q    hahahaha. The ONLY way I would accept the additional fourteen minutes of extra footage is if the entire fourteen minutes was simply slaves standing up one after the other and yelling "I am Spartacus." Imagine being the last guy to stand up and yell "I am Spartacus." He was probably like Damn, I guess I have to stand up and claim to be the man the Romans wanted to brutally kill too. It must have been like when you are in an audience that decides to give a standing ovation and you really do not feel like getting up, and you are like "please do not stand up" to the person next to you. And then they stand up. You then feel obligated.


53. The Gold Rush (1925) - OK calm down everyone. This is the last silent movie, I promise. This film, again, stars the great Charlie Chaplin. I have said all I need to say about Chaplin in previous postings. In my opinion this is his best film, and very funny. Chaplin has said many times that this is the film that he wanted to be remembered for. Do yourself a favor and take 96 minutes out of your busy lives and watch this film. If you do not like it, you will never have to watch a silent film again for the rest of your life. This is the film in which Charlie Chaplin, stranded in a remote cabin, tries to EAT HIS SHOE. I can't believe he is dead. I miss him already. (#58 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtZTIwSIuGw     Please defriend me if you do not think that is funny.


52. West Side Story (1961) - I can't believe it took me over thirty years to watch West Side Story. It is such a widely known and beloved movie/play that it is kind of embarrassing that I went so long without seeing it. I think the reason it is not higher than #60 is because I had such high expectations of the film. There are a few songs that I really enjoyed ("America," and "Gee, Officer Krumpler" are probably my favorites.) I like the story behind the movie and the rivalry between the two groups, but I have to say I was shocked by all the deaths. I had no idea that so many main characters died. I have to admit, it is refreshing to see a flick where they are not scared to kill off the main characters. I actually think the ONLY people that died were the main characters, which you do not see everyday. I mean, can you imagine "Hairspray" if Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, and the fat girl died? (#51 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq28qCklEHc   My favorite song in "West Side Story." I love how he tries to get out of trouble by saying his parents were drunks and druggies, then by saying he is "mentally disturbed." This songs makes me wish I was a part of their circle of friends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovLKUoMqPSg   Should I be nervous about how much I like the ending scene of "Hairspray?" Thank God Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, and the big girl did not die before this unforgettable scene. I am a little embarrassed to say that this scene might crack my top 20 favorite movie scenes of all time. I have NO IDEA why I like it so much, I just do. Please do not make fun of me for it.

51. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) - This is the serious version of "The Gold Rush" (#53.) It is not funny at all; in fact it is similar to a Western, so I am pretty sure I did not even smile one time throughout the film. It stars Humphrey Bogart and I think it is one of his best performance of all time. Bogart and his "friends" are all on a quest for gold, but end up getting greedy and things go horribly wrong. If you are thinking about becoming a gold hunter because you think it is an easy job, watch this film first, and let me know if you are still interested.  It really makes teaching seem like a worth-while job. (#38 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGpvO8JabEc      I would be the WORST Gold miner EVER! It seems so hard! I would give up before I even made it to the cave or wherever the hell you get gold from.

Greatest Movies of All Time 70 - 61

70. Tootsie (1982) - How could a movie with a name like this NOT make the top 70. I mean, what a great name. The truth is, this movie is so unrealistic; who could mistake Dustin Hoffman for a woman? Why does the supporting cast not realize that she is a he? If you look like a guy AND sound like a guy, chances are you might be a guy. Why was anyone shocked when Tootsie's real identity was revealed? I don't get it.
On a side note, this movie reminds me how much I hate Mrs. Doubtfire. The stupid kids REALLY don't know that Mrs. Doubtfire is their father? AND the WIFE????? Come on.(#69 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlXE1Yq0AnQ
This is an actual quote that someone posted on youtube under the video.

"is this film worth watching? cuz i didnt like the trailer LOL but im interested in transsexuality in films xD"

WHO SAYS THAT?


69. All About Eve (1950) - OK, Bette Davis really owes a lot to Kim Carnes, singer of "Bette Davis Eyes." For years, because of the song "Bette Davis Eyes" I thought Bette Davis was really hot. I imagined her to look like Marilyn Monroe (who coincidentally has a small role in this movie.) You can imagine my disappointment when I put in the DVD, thinking I am about to watch one of the most beautiful woman to ever grace our screens, and this is what I get....



   BUMMER!


OK, after further research, she was hot when she was younger, but there was nothing mentioned in the song that she turned into a mean, scary, old woman.
This movie did give us the classic quote "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night." And yes, she says "bumpy night," not "bumpy ride" contrary to popular belief. I liked the movie, but could not get past how old and mean Bette Davis was. (#28 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg-ckMup6SI     "Fasten Your Seatbelts...." quote. This old hag can throw them back. She just keeps drinking and drinking. She is kind of awesome. Great scene, and yes, that is a young Marilyn Monroe at the :37 mark.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eja-popojUo   "Bette Davis Eyes" NOW I get it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kg8hxn8myw   BRANDON FLOWERS COVER OF THE SONG! I FORGOT ABOUT THIS. I WILL NEVER ASK YOU TO WATCH ANOTHER VIDEO IF YOU JUST WATCH THIS FOR ME.
And NO. The guy that yells "Brandon, I love You" at the :23 mark is NOT me. But, I kind of do love the guy that yelled it. I also love the beginning of the video when Brandon says "If you don't like this one, there is something wrong with you." I could not agree more. I wish this youtube video of Brandon Flowers singing "Bette Davis Eyes" was on the AFI list because it would definitely be my #1.


68. Duck Soup (1933) - Here is the second movie on my list from the Marx brothers. Like I said before, they use to really creep me out, but after watching their movies I think they are amazing.
** Mini List within a list time**
Favorite Marx brother:

#4 - Harpo Marx (he never talks, he is like Penn, or Teller, whichever of them doesn't talk. It is stupid.)
#3 - Zeppo Marx
#2 - Chico Marx
#1 - Groucho Marx - He is the man.

They are probably the best set of actor brothers of all time. Excluding Alec, Billy, Daniel, and Stephen Baldwin. Sorry, I have to do it...
#4 - Daniel Baldwin - Hate him
#3 - Stephen Baldwin - Don't like him. Although he does earn points for being on the Celebrity Mole and Celebrity Apprentice
#2 - Billy Baldwin - How good was he in "The Squid and the Whale?"


#1 - Alec Baldwin - Is he really related to these fools?


67. Modern Times (1936) - Talk about frightening. I literally had nightmares very often when I was a child about Charlie Chaplin. I would rather watch an episode of Unsolved Mysteries that takes place in my neighborhood than watch a clip of Chaplin. Terrified does not even come close to explaining how I felt when I saw him. I would rather have an axe murderer running loose in my hometown than have Charlie Chaplin do some stand-up comedy in my hometown. Why did he scare me so much? What the hell was wrong with me as a child?
Needless to say, I have gotten over my paralyzing fear of the funny man. He is hysterical. I am not kidding. If you have never seen a Charlie Chaplin film, you have no idea what you are missing. Like the Marx brothers most of his films kind of blend in together, but they are all very funny and worth watching. (#78 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CReDRHDYhk8   See, there is nothing to be scared of, Ryan.


66. Some Like It Hot (1959) - The second, and final cross-dressing film on the countdown is "Some Like it Hot" also staring Marilyn Monroe as well as Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. This is basically the same movie as "Tootsie" but this is about 2 musicians, not an actor. This was 1959 so the makeup was far worse than Dustin Hoffman's in "Tootsie." It was basically 2 guys with some lipstick and wigs. But, of course, everyone is fooled. This is on AFI's list as the greatest American comedy of all time. I don't know if I would go that far, but it is funny and really sends out the message that cross-dressers are people too! (#22 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OhdD5n405I


65. The Last Picture Show (1971) - This movie makes me wish I lived in the 50's. However, the second I am done with the movie and realize how much  easier our lives are today I am thankful to be born when I was. Everything seemed so relaxed back then though and people didn't have to deal with cell phones, or emails, or books.
The only thing they cared about was having fun and maybe seeing a nice picture at the movie house every now and then. That is all. I wish I only had to worry about having fun and watching movies. This list making can be very stressful. (#95 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YQomR5xJ_Y   I love when the kid nonchalantly says "I'll see you in a year or two... if I don't get shot." as he is leaving to go to war.


64. Vertigo (1958) - I need to make clear that from these 10 movies on, I really like or love all the remaining movies. I am a big Alfred Hitchcock fan and James Stewart is one of my favorite people of all time. Vertigo is incredible; I have seen it four or five times, and will hopefully watch it many more times before my inevitable demise, but it just can't compare with other Hitchcock films, and certainly can't compare to other Stewart films. Also, the film contains a lot of dramatic pauses, and those have always kind of scared me.
The plot of this movie is crazy and as with all Hitchcock films, leaves you guessing until the end. There are so many twists and turns that you are hooked from the very beginning. If Stewart and Hitchcock were still alive and released a movie every day I would go to the movies every day of my life to watch their latest flick. I could never get tired of them.
I do, however, think that this movie made me a hypochondriac because I was convinced that I had vertigo for many years after first viewing this film back in college. (#9 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0bV2gh4E7Y



63. City Lights (1931) - Another Charlie Chaplin flick. Like I have said before, they all are very similar, but this one has such a great story. I was amazed at how quickly this film flew by. The silent movie kept my attention through the entire film and that is pretty hard to do. I can not believe how my feelings towards Chaplin have changed since I started watching these movies. I may even join some sort of Charlie Chaplin fan club or something. I wonder if they have Charlie Chaplin conferences of some sort. That might actually be too much for me to handle. I don't think I am prepared to be in a room with 500 Charlie Chaplin look-alikes. Maybe in ten more years I will be ready for that. I need to take baby steps. I'll just stick to watching his films and not having nightmares for right now. (#11 on AFI list)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgAxWIbTqCs   This boxing scene is hysterical. I know I may say hysterical a lot, but this really is very very very funny. This is probably my favorite Chaplin scene of all time.


62. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) - Four hours. That is almost like a full day of work. Fortunately, the movie is great. There are parts that certainly could have been edited out; many parts. Even though it is so long, it does not seem like 4 hours. I think that Peter O'Toole's role in this is one of the best performances of our times. He did not even win the Academy Award though. I don't get those awards sometimes. Some of the best performance of all time have not been given the award. Peter O' Toole in Lawrence of Arabia, James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause," and Johnny Knoxville in "The Ringer." The fact that Knoxville did not win the coverted award for his portrayal of Steve Barker, the broke, lovable loser who pretends to be mentally challenged to rig the upcoming Special Olympics and win the gold medal is beyond me. (#7 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDF0at7sC0M   Peter O'Toole's unforgettable performance as Lawrence of Arabia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9sTMJvyXU  Johnny Knoxville as Steve Barker. One of the biggest overlooks in Academy Award history.


61. The Deer Hunter (1978) - Great movie, but I am not exaggerating when I say that 45 minutes of the first hour could have been edited out. I got very angry at how long and pointless the wedding scene was. The wedding itself was like a half hour. Seriously, at least a half hour of just dancing and cheersing and celebrating. Totally useless.
The movie does, however, have one of the most heart-stopping scenes I can ever recall seeing in a movie. The scene when they were forced to play Russian Roulette with the guns was seriously unforgettable. I felt like I was there and the gun was to my head. It really must have boosted the economy of Vietnam. How could you not want to book a trip to Vietnam after viewing this flick. It seems so welcoming and inviting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sRHd5pngWE   A MUST-WATCH scene.

Greatest Movies of All Time 80 - 71

80. Do the Right Thing (1989) - It took me a very long time to finally watch this movie. I kept putting it off for months and months. I even ordered it from Netflix, it came in the mail, I put it in my DVD player, and watched about 2 minutes of it. I decided I could not bring myself to watch it, and put it right back in the mail. I did not "Do the Right Thing."
Months later I ordered it again, and finally watched it, and really enjoyed it. It is a great story of the race issues in America in the eighties. It reminded me of the very first season of the Real World in 1992. Actually, if this is not Kevin Powell's (Real World 1) favorite movie of all time, I would be shocked. (#96 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muc7xqdHudI  Just like we do in Westerly, Rhode Island, they also break open their fire hydrants and cool off on hot summer days.


79. M*A*S*H (1970) - This is the movie that spawned the long running television series of the same name. The only problem I have with this film (and I guess it is kind of a big problem) is that I do not think it was that funny. It is a comedy and there are some funny parts, but I don't remember really laughing at all. If a movie is a "Comedy" I expect to laugh at least a few times. It reminded me of watching a "Very Special" episode of an eighties sitcom. For example, the "Very Special" episode of Punky Brewster when Punky's BFF Cherie gets locked in a fridge during a game of hide and seek. Or, the episode of Family Ties when Alex P. Keaton gets addicted to diet pills. Or who can forget the episode of Saved By The Bell when Jessie Spano gets "so excited."
OK M*A*S*H is nowhere near as serious as those episodes, but I guess my point is that I wish it was much more funny. (#54 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UeYGS0UU6E   OK, it was kind of funny. Forget everything I said above.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bflYjF90t7c   Jessie Spano in one of the most classic TV moments ever!


78. Annie Hall (1977) - For some reason I can not stand Woody Allen. Are his movies serious? Are his movies funny? I watch them and I still have no idea. I do know that he is a complete nerd and whether or not he is suppose to be funny, he does not make me laugh at all. This movie is alright, but I just don't like his style, or really anything about him. (#35 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBzHphcc2Jw    Yep. Confirmed. He sucks.


77. The African Queen (1951) - I did not love this movie, but the two stars, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn could sneeze on film consecutively for 2 hours and I would probably enjoy watching it. That said, the two of them made this movie. I probably would not have remotely liked it if it was not for them. I do however, hold a little special part in my heart for the film because when I was in Uganda we went on a safari cruise down the same river where the film took place. We saw Murchison Falls, which is clearly in a part of the film.
Other than Bogart, Hepburn, and the fact that I have been there, The African Queen is just an average film for me. (#65 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s2r8_BwkQo    The Special Effects are spectacular! Hahaha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVaPr1zu3lE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULzEuOUtCf8
    Murchison Falls, on the Nile. I highly recommend you all to check it out next time you are in the vicinity of Uganda. And lets face it, who doesn't travel to Uganda at least a few times a year.

76. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) - I love the plot of this movie; three soldiers return from war, but all three of them return to lives that are vastly different from what they knew before the war. One man returns to a loveless marriage, one man returns to find that his 2 children have grown up without him, and one man returns to face life with no hands, as his hands we blown off during the war. The guy with no hands actually lost his hands in real life too. I wonder if that was a coincidence or not. This is a timeless, heart warming film for the ages, kind of like "Cliffhanger" staring Sly Stallone. (#37 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQMmP4-tXKE

75. American Graffiti (1973) - This film was written by George Lucas, and I am pretty sure it is the only film he has ever written. At least, the only film I am familiar with by him.
It is basically American Pie, but set in the 60's, and not as funny. It is funny don't get me wrong, but it is like "Grease" funny..... which I guess is not that funny. I think it is old people humor. It is more silly funny than funny funny.
I really liked the movie though, although someone dies at the end and it really pissed me off.  If you watch the movie I recommend shutting it off in the last three minutes. It is not necessary to know that someone dies, the movie will be just as good, and you will not be sad. (#62 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Jo1gH89VM   "Where were you in '62?" Genius.


74. Network (1976) - This movie could contain just one scene, the "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore" scene, and it would still be this high on the list. The scene is SO over-the-top and ridiculous, but I love it. The movie is about a news anchor that gets laid off from work because of low ratings. He then announces that on his last night he will kill himself on live television. One thing leads to another and he becomes a worldwide phenomenon. Pretty soon millions of people across the country are screaming out their windows "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore." I try to say that at least once a month, but it usually falls on deaf ears, and also, nobody takes me seriously.(#64 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WINDtlPXmmE    One of the best scenes in cinematic history. Still very relevant today. WATCH THIS SCENE!!!


73. Taxi Driver (1976) - Besides the cast (Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Boyle, Jodi Foster, and Harvey Kietel) and the Director (Martin Scorsese) this movie is pretty good. They really ruin what could have been a terrific movie.

Calm down. I'm kidding.

Despite his murdering rampage, and his attempt to assassinate the Senator, I kind of like Travis Bickle (De Niro.) I certainly would not want to be friends with him, or even acquaintances, but I don't think he is that bad of a guy. I feel sorry for him.
A little known fact about this film is that it was John Hinckley Jr's. obsession with Jodi Fosters 12 year old prostitute character in the film, which made him try to assassinate President Reagan in 1981. That is why I watch this every year with my middle school students in class.
I'm Kidding again. (#52 on AFI list)

This movie also gave us the classic line "Are you talkin to me?" Here is it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e9CkhBb18E    (Every mothers favorite scene)


72. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) Almost every Character in this film has major issues. Blanche DuBois (played by Vivien Leigh) and Stanley Kowalski (played by Marlon Brando) are two of the craziest characters I can remember in any film. I feel so bad for Stella. Her sister (Leigh) is insane, and her husband (Brando) is a complete jerk. I wish I knew someone named Stella so I could go outside of their home and just yell "STELLA! Hey, STELLA!" over and over again like Brando.
If I ever have a daughter I think I will name her Stella just for that reason. I'd be like "STELLA! Hey, STELLA!" and she'd be like "What dad?" and I'd be like "Nothing. Just saying hi" then go back inside.
If you have no idea what I am talking about then watch the clip below. (#47 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1A0p0F_iH8   "STELLA!" Scene


71. Toy Story (1995) - Toy Story was one of two animated movies to make the list (the other being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.) I don't think I have ever met a person that has not seen (and really enjoyed) Toy Story. There is really no need to discuss this film because I am sure you all know it, so I will give you my second "list within a list" and give you my top 10 favorite characters in "Toy Story."

10. Mom - WHY cant the poor kid take Woody AND Buzz. Really, is one more action figure going to be too much to fit in the car? Don't even get me started on this lady.
9. Sid - Why is he so mean?
8. Slinky Dog - Although he did play a huge role in getting from the window to the ground. What would they have done without him?
7. Rex - He is way too flamboyant
6. Hamm - Funny, kind of just there.

5. Woody - He is kind of lame. He is mean to Buzz, and he doesn't have much patience for the rest of the toys. He is kind of bossy too.
4. Andy - I would be good friend with this kid. He has such an imagination.
3. Mr. Potato Head - I love him. He is funny, quite witted, and I don't think he even has any idea of how funny he is. Unintentional humor is my favorite, and this guy has it.
2. Bo Peep - She is so hot. If there was ever a cross-over of Toy Story, Avatar, and The Smurfs, wouldn't Smurfette be PERFECT in the role of Bo Peeps Avatar?
1. Buzz Lightyear. No surprise here. Who doesn't love him? There wasn't a dry eye in the movie theater when he was at the toy store and saw all the other Buzz's. My heart was hurting for him. (#99 on AFI list)

FIRST EVER SPECIAL GUEST HOST!!!!! (Top 10 Albums of 2010 by Ricky Champlin)

While I am busy working on my next ten movies I would like to take this time to welcome my FIRST EVER special guest to the website, Ricky Champlin. Ricky is a good friend, and fellow list maker. He asked me if he could be a special guest and use the blog to post his list of his Top Ten Albums of 2010. I was flattered and obviously agreed. Without any further adieu, I welcome the first ever guest to ryanscountdowns.blogspot.com, Mr. Ricky Champlin.*

* The opinions of Mr. Champlin are absolutely no reflection on the owner/creator of this blog. Where the F is Brandon Flowers Ricky?????? Just Kidding, Ricky has great musical taste. Enjoy! I'll be back tomorrow or Monday with the next ten movies.

2010 was actually a pretty good year for music, this year i actually had more than 10 albums for my yearly top ten list, whereas in the past i have struggled to come up with 10. Honorable Mention this year goes to Jack Johnsons "To the Sea" which i thought was way better than his last one "Sleep Through the Static" which i thought was maybe a tad too slow for a JJ album. Also getting Honorable Mention was Girl Talks "All Day" which is just a great mashup album done by the best in the buisness which you can download for free at http://www.illegal-art.net/allday/ . Without further ado here are my top albums for 2010

10. Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise          My friends have been getting on me for years about not liking these guys and while I started to come around a bit on there debut "Juturna" this was the one that made me start listening to them seriously. I think it might be a tad poppier than the previously two albums which is fine by me. You are probably either going to like or hate the singer immediately so its up to you to decide
Top Tracks: "Get Out" "I Felt Free" and "Glass Arrows"

Here is "Get Out"   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvAQEx_Itfw

9. The Damned Things - Ironiclast          Getting their name from the Ram Jam tune "Black Betty" this band is an amalgamation of members of Fall Out Boy, Anthrax and Every Time I Die which come together to play some pretty solid party rock. These guys don't take themselves too seriously and the songs kinda take on that persona as well, party rock mixed in with just a little southern rock. An overall good time
Top Tracks: "Black Heart" "Bad Blood" and "We've got a Situation Here"

Here is "Situation"   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMANR-wrg7o

8. Four Year Strong - Enemy of the World        Another band that doesn't take themselves too serious is this five piece Poppunk/Hardcore band from Worcester, Mass. While this one still has the loose vibe of their previous album Rise or Die Trying a couple of the songs take on a more serious subject matter while still having the titles like "What the Hell is a Gigawatt" and "It Really Must Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now". The songs remain fast and high energy though, good music to get pumped up to.
Top Tracks: "Enemy of the World" "Wasting Time" and "On A Saturday"

Here is one of my favorite videos for "On a Saturday"   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MH1UaPIEgA

7. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast         The aptly title Surfer Blood's debut album is just full of solid surf rock that is actually fun to listen to. Lots of reverb and clean guitars is what you get from these kids from Florida, excellent music for summer and the beach. Plus when I saw them live they had a percussionist that reminded me of Animal from the Muppets. So they have that going for them too.
Top Tracks: "Twin Peaks" "Take It Easy" and "Floating Vibes"

Here is "Floating Vibes"   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_RBxVpM_AI

6. Minus the Bear - Omni         I think this album came out around may or june because it certainly has a summery vibe too it. Unlike the previous album Planet of Ice which got really prog rock at some points this one stay mainly swift and breezy electronic pop rock. These are certainly some laid back dudes that sing mainly about girls, yachting and other fun things. I would recommend any of there albums but you really cant go wrong with this one as a starting point for MTB
Top Tracks: "My Time" "Summer Angel" and "Into the Mirror"

Here is "My Time"     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAoVj0-bZkI

5. The Black Keys - Brothers          You all probably know about this one already, another solid album from these blues rock fellows from Ohio. My friends Pete and Derek have been trying to get me to listen to them for years bust i would resist because of their lack of a bass player and my own personal bias. But I ended up giving in eventually and it turns out i was only really punishing myself this whole time. You can really get any Keys album from Thickfreakness to Brothers and have a good time. These guys just seem to be on a roll
Top Tracks: "Howlin for You" "Next Girl" and "Tighten Up"

They make great videos too here is "Tighten Up"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc   and "Next Girl"    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_PrT25o8Vs

4. Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History          I think this is the album, besides my number one, that i tortured everyone i lived with to the point that they all know all the lyrics even if they don't necessarily want to. It's kind of like how i know every word to Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover", i heard it every damn day i worked at McQuades, sometimes twice. ANYWAY this Two Door Cinema Club album is great dance rock, check it out
Top Tracks: "Undercover Martyn" "Something Good Can Work" and "What You Know"

Here is "I Can Talk"    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJDCMth8poM&feature=related

3. My Chemical Romance - Danger Days           After the dark and drearyness of their last album the My Chem boys decides to come back in a totally different direction of bright, poppy and sunny. The albums plays as a radio broadcast for a post-apocalyptic future and is definitely some of their best work. It goes on little runs of straight pop songs to a couple glam inspired tunes and ended up with a couple straight punk songs. I must say i enjoyed every bit of it, when you start to get just a little bored the next songs changes direction on what they were doing and so on.
Top Tracks: "Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back" "Scarecrow" and "Destroya"

Here is the pretty epic video for "Sing"     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTgnDLWeeaM

2. Tokyo Police Club - Champ          I could really get myself into the first two Tokyo Police Club albums but after my friend Glenn played me the song "Bambi" one day i was in. I'm not too sure how to classify these guys maybe kinda like Minus the Bear and Two Door Cinema Club electronic rock. You are just gonna have to check it out for yourselves and see what you think.
Top Tracks : "Bambi" "Gone" and "Not Sick"

Here is the video for "Bambi"           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smqNtBXN5Mc

1. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang          Here she is, number one album of year and also public enemy number one of my roomate jamie who had to listen to it non stop for a run there in the summer. The third album from these guys may not even be as good as there last one The 59' Sound but i think that is more of a testament to that album rather than a slight on this one. All of the songs are about down on their luck characters but usually mixed in with the hope of redemption for them as well. Apparently I was super into these themes in 2010 because there was no record I listened to even remotely as much at this one. Happy New Year everyone!
Top Tracks: "The Spirt of Jazz" &

Greatest Movies of All Time 90 - 81

90. Cabaret (1972) - How can you NOT love Liza Minnelli?
I am obviously kidding. I did love her when she had a recurring role on Arrested Development, but other than that, I think I would be just fine if I never had to see her on my TV again. She has got to be the most annoying person I can imagine. I can not even believe that people think she is a good singer. Anyway, she is obviously in this film, which was just as annoying and bizarre as she is. It is not that I hate musicals, there are a good number of them that I really enjoy, it was simply that this musical was very annoying, not terrible, but annoying. To be fair, I had ZERO expectations of enjoying this film before I watched it, and as usual, I was right. (#63 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkRIbUT6u7Q    I mean, really? SERIOUSLY??????

89. Sunrise (1927) - Another silent picture. This one is from the 1920's. I actually really liked this film, the only reason it is this low on the list is because I am starting to like all the films on the list now and there are a good number of silent films that I like more than this. The acting is amazing because they obviously are not speaking and they have to tell the story with just their actions. The lead actress in the film, Janet Gaynor, won the Best Actress Oscar in the very first Academy Awards. There is a little bit of trivia for you so you can thank me when you get that question at a Mega Touch machine and earn a spot on the leader board, more than likely below RyanJacobson (as my name just so happens to fit perfectly in the amount of letters available to type in your name. I cannot however, leave a space between my first and last name, but I have accepted it, and am thankful it fits at all.) (#82 on AFI list)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUNbSZD-vs   Classic part. The guy wants to kill his wife because he is having an affair. He decides to take her out to sea and kill her there, but he then changes his mind, just as a storm approaches. One thing leads to another and he ends up on shore, without her, wondering if she is dead. He then falls back in love with her and decides to ditch the trashy broad he was having a fling with. All without saying a word!

88. The Searchers (1956) - Just another typical boring Western? Not this one! This is John Wayne at his best. Unlike your typical western where everyone usually dies towards the end; this feel good western BEGINS with the murder of an entire family! What a twist!!!!! John Wayne then gets pissed and "Searches" for the one soul Surviving family member, his little niece. I wont give away the ending, but it is pretty heart warming, but then again, aren't all Westerns heartwarming? (#12 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pdytUHdoYA   Here is the trailer - Hilarious!

87. The Maltese Falcon (1941) - This movie was actually kind of ridiculous, but I can not hate any movie with Humphrey Bogart in it. It was just so hard to take this movie seriously. I think I really would have liked this movie if it was a comedy. Everyone in the film was just so over-the-top and the Maltese Falcon was so ugly. Couldn't they have at least made the falcon good-looking? I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Actually, I think I just hate falcon's. I kind of hate birds in general, so maybe that is why I was so turned off by the coveted falcon statue. (#31 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeyVs6u_FG8     They got FOOLED by a FAKE FALCON! I need to brush up on my alliteration since I am now teaching English again!

86. Ben-Hur (1959) - There are only two things I hated about this film. I think it was wayyyyy too short. And the Chariot scene. (#100 on AFI list)



If you do not know that I am being sarcastic about the two things I hated about the film, then please stop reading this blog. You clearly do not get my humor. Oh, and how could you NOT love a film which guest stars Jesus?  Contrary to popular belief, this was NOT Jesus' on screen debut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LHWyaeEHY    Jesus is the best actor EVER!!!!!!!!!!! How Jesus did not win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor is BEYOND me. It has to be fixed.


85. King Kong (1933) - Despite how realistic this movie is, I thought I was going to love it much more. I have seen bits and pieces of this movie since I was a child, but it wasn't until last year that I watched the entire movie from beginning to end. Like Jesus in Ben Hur, I cannot believe that King Kong was not even nominated for an Academy Award. Many times throughout the film I had to remind myself that this was not real life, and in fact, this was just an actor. The way King Kong uses his facial expressions is pure talent. King Kong has since passed on and the world loss one of the best actors of our day. A little known fact about King Kong is that he was suppose to play the role of Humphrey Bogart's character is Casablanca, but due to an undiagnosed illness he had to turn the part down. What could have been......
(#41 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0WpKl2A_2k 

84. Shane (1953) - Nobody can shoot a gun like Alan Ladd (Shane.) This is a Western with a story. I don't really remember what the story was exactly, but I remember enjoying it. I also remember feeling a little uncomfortable at how much the little boy in the film idolized Shane so much. I mean, I can see idolizing the lead singer of a band, but a Cowboy? Come on kid. Get a grip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWdPmapuOd4   The first 5 seconds of the trailer are hilarious, even though I do feel real bad for the poor kid. Shane did not even look back. .....I just realized I would be the worst cowboy of all time. I'm a sucker for a little kid calling my name and asking for me to come back and play.

Also, to see Shane shooting a gun you can fast forward to :58
"I've heard that you're a low down Yankee liar." - Shane
Classic!
(#45 on AFI list)

83. A Night at the Opera (1935) - When I saw that the list contained multiple Marx brothers films I almost threw up. They have always grossed me out for some reason. What a naive fool I was.
The Marx brothers are AWESOME. I still do not like to really look at them, but they are hilarious. Most of their films kind of blend together for me though, but I ranked this one as my least favorite. Apparently this stateroom scene is very famous, although I had never seen it prior to watching the entire film. I highly suggest people getting over their Marx brothers phobia and watch as many of their films as possible. (#85 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZvugebaT6Q

82. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - Does anyone else hate how happy the dwarfs are while on their way to work? It really makes me think I am in the wrong profession. The contrast between the dwarfs whistling their way to work and the look on my face my entire drive into work is vast. Why are they so happy? Maybe I should become a coal miner. They have such easy jobs, and are never at risk for injury or death.
Anyway, this movie has it all. I laughed, I cried, I had pure hatred in my heart, and I loved. I will now make a mini-list inside of my AFI top movie list. This list will rank all 10 major characters in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Starting with 10, my least favorite.

10. Bashful (what is wrong with this guy?)
9. The Wicked Witch
8. Sneezy (What exactly is the point of his character?)
7. Prince Charming
6. Happy
5. Grumpy (he's not too Grumpy to sing though)
4. Doc
3. Dopey
2. Snow White (She seems a little Ditzy doesn't she?)
1. Sleepy (If there was ever a remake with real humans, I could play him in my sleep.) Pun intended.

(#34 on AFI list)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aURThUaRjCc


81. Sophie's Choice (1982) - I try to use the phrase "Its like Sophie's Choice" at least once a week. As I mentioned in my Top 50 Songs of 2010 post, Sophie has to make an impossible decision; to save the life of her son or daughter. This saying is also used quite often in pop culture making light of a very sad situation. For example, if I was at Dairy Queen and next in line to order my blizzard, but still had not made the decision as to whether I wanted my blizzard to contain M&M's or Snickers, I would say "OMG, it's like Sophie's Choice." It basically means, UGH, I wish I didn't have to make this difficult decision.
The movie itself drags a little, but the acting by Meryl Streep will be etched in your brain until the day you die.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQXHw7nQMW4
Only watch if, for some reason, you want to start balling like an infant and be clinically depressed for about a week. Or, watch if you already are clinically depressed; this might make you feel a little better about yourself and your life.
(#91 on AFI list)

Greatest Movies of All Time 100 - 91

100. Nashville (1975) - I am not sure if this was suppose to be a comedy or not, but I did not come close to even smiling one time throughout the entire film. Actually, looking back at my life, watching this movie was one of the most stressful things I have ever had to do. It was so awful I could not even watch for more than 20 minutes at a time, and it is a LONG movie. It took me about a week to get through and I can not begin to describe how excited I was when it was over. I actually almost gave up watching the list of movies while watching this. I kept thinking "why am I doing this to myself." I managed to push through it and am more than happy to place this as number 100. However, if I had to make a list of my favorite 10,000 movies of all time (without the AFI list) this movie would not even be considered.
It has about 30 main characters and by the time the movie ended I still had no clue who the hell anybody was. I highly recommend never even thinking about watching this ridiculous film. (#59 on AFI list)

99. Intolerance (1916) - Yes. I said 1916! I didn't even now they made movies that early. This movie lived up to its name; intolerable. It was obviously a silent film. A THREE HOUR silent film. I have grown to appreciate silent films, but this one was just way too long (about 2 hours too long.) I LOVE the idea of the film, and I can see why it is considered one of the best silent pictures of all time. It took place in 4 different eras; Babylon (539BC), Judean Era (AD 27), French Renaissance (1572), and "Modern Day" (1914). All 4 periods dealt with mankinds "Intolerance." I am sure it was considered EPIC in 1916, but that was almost 100 years ago and things have changed just a little bit in the last 100 years. Shockingly, all the main characters in this film have since passed on. Very tragic. (#49 on AFI list)

98. All the Presidents Men (1976) - I know my dad and uncle are probably going to fall out of their chairs if they read this, but for some reason I was very bored by this movie. The acting was great and the plot was historic (Watergate Scandal), I just remember wanting the movie to end. There are only a few movies on the list that I really wanted to end and this was one of them. Of all 100 movies though, I do feel like I should re-watch this movie. Maybe I was not in the mood to watch a movie when I watched this, hence me wanting it to end so bad. I will re-watch it and let you all know what I think. I know you will all be holding your breath. (#77 on AFI list)

97. The Wild Bunch (1969) - Let me begin by saying how much I hated Westerns before starting this list. When I saw that there were about 10 Westerns on the list I nearly quit. I could not see myself EVER sitting down and watching these Westerns. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed a lot of them; this is not one though. This is your typical Western; basically a bunch of men riding around on horses and shooting each other. SPOILER ALERT: Almost all of them die! (#79 on AFI list)

96. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - OK, I guess I have always hated Sci-Fi too, and I still do. This movie was a little ridiculous to watch in 2010, but I am sure that back in 1968 it was awesome. It would be like a movie being released this year called "2044". I am sure that whatever we imagine the world to be like in 2044 will be far-fetched, and we would all hope that someday in the near future the world would be that way. However if we watched the film 2044 in 2074 and the world was still not as awesome as the movie 2044 we would be a little depressed. Also, the ending of this movie might be the most bizarre ending I have ever seen in any movie. I think an old man turns into a fetus or something. Very confusing and strange; although I do love "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
I am a HUGE fan of the murdering robot HAL in 2001: A Space Odyessy. I think he is hilarious and I would love to have a little HAL for myself, as long as he didn't try to kill me. (#15 on AFI list)

95. Easy Rider (1969) - I love Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, but this film about 2 guys riding around on a motorcycle just does not do it for me. I know people that love this film, but the only part I remember liking was their "chemical highs." It was real trippy.
Maybe I just hated the ending of this movie. Why do people have to die? (#84 on AFI list)

94. Blade Runner (1982) - Did I mention how much I dislike Sci-Fi? Especially OLD Sci-Fi. I do like "replicants" and I want one made of myself. If I had my own replicant I would name him Kirby and he would be blue; he would also have a tattoo of Third Eye Blind on his thigh, and we would be best friends.
Blade Runner takes place in 2019 and if the world is like it is in Blade Runner in 8 years than we may all be in big trouble soon. Although I am sure Harrison Ford will protect us. (#97 on AFI list) I guess they didn't like it that much either.

93. Chinatown (1974) #21 on AFI list
92. The French Connection (1971) #93 on AFI list
91. In the Heat of the Night (1967) #75 on AFI list

All three of these films are about the same to me. They were all released within 7 years of each other and all three were just OK to me. I did not dislike them, but I certainly did not want to put the DVD's on my Christmas list.

This is what I remember from them:
Chinatown - Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway  - That's about it
The French Connection - The infamous car chase scene. Oh and Gene Hackman's character is named Popeye.
In the Heat of the Night - Wasn't there a greenhouse in this movie or something?

As you can see these first 10 movies did not really do much for me. However, there are only about 5 movies left that I did not like. Then you can hear all about how much I love every movie rather than how much I hate every movie, which I am sure was a little discouraging for you to read. Sorry. Things will get better.

100 Greatest Movies of All Time

My next list will be of the top 100 Greatest Movies of all time according to the AFI (American Film Institute.) This list was created in 2007 and after about two years I finally finished watching all 100 of them. This list is not in order of AFI's favorites, it is a list of my favorites. Also, these are not necessarily my favorite 100 movies of all time, there are some movies on here I did not enjoy, and some of my favorite movies of all time did not make the list (Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Ernest Goes to Jail, Throw Mama From the Train, Kindergarden Cop, Waterworld, Gigli, etc.)

I feel that it is important for me to mention that before I took on the task of watching all 100 of these movies, I pretty much hated watching a movie in black and white, and even the idea of thinking about watching a silent movie was laughable.

Now, some of my favorite movies of all time are in black and white, and there are many silent movies that I love. If nothing else, watching these movies has opened my mind to some of the most classic movies of all time that I would have never seen otherwise.

In summary, these are NOT what I believe to be the BEST MOVIES for all time, they are simply a list of "The Greatest Movies of All Time" (according to people that know what they are talking about) in order of how much I liked (or in a few cases disliked) them.

Enjoy!