Rice Picker Entertainment

As a filmmaker, I get asked by a lot of people “what’s your favorite movie?”  Well that’s a tough pick because there’s too many to choose from.  I decided to post my top 16 movies so that way you can satisfy your curiosity and perhaps even see these movies yourself.  I guess this can be sort of like a movie bucket list for you all.  I’ll post the movie title, year, director, and a small statement of why this is a top movie.  Just an FYI, I’m avoiding all Disney classics (Pixar does not count) because my choice of movies would take a majority of the 16 spots.

1. The Godfather (Francis Coppola, 1972) - I love crime drama, especially ones related to the mafia with the Tommy guns, hits, and that importance of family.  The Godfather is a movie focusing on a Sicilian-American family in New York struggling to keep power in their crime based family business.  One reason I enjoy The Godfather so much is because of how its theme on family necessity sort of relates to my family sans the crime, guns, and money.  This movie however did bring a revolution to how much violence can be shown in film.  The Godfather also has some of the big name Italian stars today such as: Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Marlon Brando, Diane Keaton, and Abe Vigoda; watch the sequel and you’ll see a young Robert DeNiro playing a young Vito Corleone!  If you watch this movie, pay special attention to the ending involving the baptism and watch how this scene is uniquely made.

2. A Clockwork Orange (Stanley Kubrick, 1971) - This movie is probably one of the most abnormal film to the average audience (I was there too).  A Clockwork Orange is a British dark satire, dramatic, science fiction film based in a dystopian future full of rebellious youth.  I love this film because of its psychological crassness and strategic editing to make all violence in the movie seem very hearty.  Like I said, the average audience might be a bit freaked out by this movie; not by its British/Shakespearean slang nor psychedelic wardrobe, but its disturbing use of sex and violence.  However, Kubrick used classical music in the violent sequences to detract away from how disturbing the scenes could get along with the idea to give the middle finger to morality.  This movie is based off a book which is a satire on morality in people and the government’s attempts to control it.  Definitely a movie to watch if you have the stomach to sit through it.

3. The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan, 2008) - I’m sure most of you have seen this movie already, so no need to really get into full details on the movie.  This is probably one of my favorite movie out of the revamped version of Batman.  Comparing The Dark Knight series to its grandfather movies (Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin), Batman has taken the path to the dark side (Star Wars pun!!).  The thing about this movie is that it keeps you on the edge of your seat with its eerie music, action filled scenarios, and especially its psychotic villain, The Joker.  This isn’t the first time Joker made it on the big screen.  In Batman, Jack Nicholson played the original Joker wearing the infamous purple suit, cooky white and red makeup, green hair, and creepy smile.  He wasn’t as psychotic compared to Heath Ledger’s Joker, but Nicholson has confirmed that he went through some crazy mood swings after taking on the character.  Wrapping up, this is definitely a movie to see.  Amazing performances and eye-opening action is what you’ll find in this movie; definitely something that won’t disappoint.

4. The Godfather Part II (1974) - The first movie leaves you on a big cliffhanger, so it is appropriate to create a sequel.  The Godfather Part II is probably one of my only favorite sequels of all times.  The reason for that is because this movie actually doesn’t try to beat out the first and actually serves as both a prologue and sequel to the first movie.  Like I mentioned earlier, you can see a young Robert DeNiro in the movie playing a young version of Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando’s character in the first).

5. Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941) - Just to warn you all now, you’ll either love this movie or hate it.  Most won’t hate it because of how long it is, but mainly for the fact it is in black and white.  This movie is a top pick because of its revolutionary influences that director, writer, and star, Orson Welles, created.  The movie definitely was boring for me at first until I watched it again.  The movie contains many camera innovations that modern cinematographers would use today.  To get on the technical side, you’ll see deep focus shots, three-shots, long takes, and action-reaction shots.  To summarize, Citizen Kane is a biopic of the fictional Charles Foster Kane by following a journalist who is trying to discover the meaning on Kane’s final words before death.  I highly recommend those of you who are filmmakers to watch this movie because it is something all filmmakers should be familiar with.  Of course it is a great classic movie for everyone to enjoy.

6. Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995) - Here’s another movie we all should be familiar with.  I had to put Toy Story somewhere on this list because it is one of the biggest revolutions to film animation which would start a chain to big Pixar movies and animation technology for other companies.  I love this movie because of how well Pixar develops the characters and the problem they all have to face.  Toy Story is probably one of the most memorable childhood movies for my generation.  In fact, this movie here actually is what got me hooked onto film.

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Peter Jackson, 2001) - This movie is how I began my nerd phase.  I love fantasy and medieval mythology.  The Lord of the Rings definitely is what satisfied my hunger for fantasy.  The movie contains big name actors like Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and Orlando Bloom.  The movie is action packed and full of amazing special effects to create a fantasy world that we all can follow.  The movie is long, but it is worth watching.  This movie is what inspired me to become a filmmaker because of my curiosity at how the different things were done.  Again if you have the time watch the movie.

8. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (Richard Zemeckis, Richard Williams, 1988) - If you want to see classic cartoon crass then this is the movie for you.  This movie is very unique because it was probably one of the first to mix cartoons with reality in a feature length film.  Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a semi-animated comedy/film noir that follows Detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) on a case to prove Roger Rabbit’s innocence.  I recommend this movie to anyone over 10 because this movie contains a lot of adult theme and makes it seem “acceptable” because they use cartoons to conduct the crass.  Picture this movie like the Three Stooges meets Tom & Jerry.

9. Jurassic Park (Steven Spielberg, 1993) - If you’re an early ’90s kid, you can’t say you haven’t seen or heard of Jurassic Park.  This is probably one of the classics in the new era of film thanks to Steven Spielberg and his film colleagues.  Jurassic Park is my top pick because it revolutionized computer technology and robotics for film.  Jurassic Park seemed like a long shot because of the roadblock to bring the dinosaurs to life.  I highly recommend this movie because it is entertaining for kids and adults; if you’re a film fanatic, it is another milestone in Spielberg’s career and revolution for Hollywood.

10. Fearless (Ronny Yu, 2006) - This is my favorite Jet Li movie.  Fearless is a Chinese martial arts film loosely based around the life of Chinese nationalist, Huo Yuanjia.  This movie sort of is an Asian pride film for Chinese people because it shows how China restored its national pride against Westernization.  For Asians, Fearless is something to watch with great appreciation because this is one of the ways that brought acceptance among other nations for our ancestors.  The story and martial arts are something worth seeing in this movie.

11. Star Wars IV: A New Hope (George Lucas, 1977) - I had to put this movie in here because it is a good movie and revolutionary.  Another thing about this movie is that it is a essentially a Western film taking place in a futuristic galaxy.  Star Wars is my favorite Sci-fi film because it contains everything a little boy dreams about: lasers, robots, spaceships, and lightsabers.  This movie revolutionized the FX department in film and started the idea of creating a franchise off a movie.  Star Wars is a movie you can’t miss.

12. The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993) - You can’t walk around school without seeing Jack Skellington’s face on a backpack or clothing.  The Nightmare Before Christmas can be considered a Disney movie although it seems a bit dark for Disney.  I love this movie because it is creative musically and on-screen.  The whole movie is done in stop motion animation which takes time and patience to create.  The soundtrack is catchy and makes you want to sing along with its lighthearted lyrics which also detracts from the dark aspect of the movie.  The story also is creative.  The king of Halloween stealing Christmas, have you heard of a plot like that?  Besides this movie being a trend in the Goth community, this movie is something to watch if you want to see the darker side of Disney.

13. Shrek (Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, 2001) - If you want to see a spin off of a fairytale mixed with crass humor, this is what you want to see.  Shrek is surprisingly geared towards adults and children.  Although it is something I don’t really approve, the animated film contains a lot of adult humor that adults can laugh at along with children.  Shrek takes a big comedic stab at fairytales and other mainstream media.  You’ll see references from Disney, dating shows, and even some movies (you can see a vaguely familiar scene from The Matrix).  A must see film for adults and kids.

14. Iron Man (Jon Favreau, 2008) - My favorite Marvel character and soon to be Avenger.  Iron Man is probably my top choice out of all the Marvel series leading up to the upcoming The Avengers.  I did enjoy The Incredible Hulk and Captain America: The First Avenger too, but this movie is my top choice.  The reason for that is because Jon Favereau really sticks to the roots of who Tony Stark is in the comics.  I don’t read comicbooks enough to know the whole backstory, but my comic friends seem to know and would agree that this movie stays 90% true to its origin.  Iron Man mixes in a lot of witty humor, action, and special effects while tying the pieces to create what will probably be the biggest Marvel movie in 2012 (The Avengers).  If you need to catch up on the lead ins to the The Avengers, start with Iron Man (it is the start of the franchise afterall).

15. Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky, 2000) - I saw this movie with low expectations.  Mainly because the film club at ASU didn’t really market the screening very well with its trailer for the screening.  But after watching the movie I was astounded by its plot and how well it was made.  Requiem for a Dream is an indie, Avant Garde movie about the lives of four people who fall into drugs.  The movie is sort of trippy and dramatic, the soundtrack is eerie and catchy, and the images are disturbing.  You’ll see actresses Ellen Burstyn (Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, The Wicker Man) go on a psychotic drug trip with amphetamines and Jennifer Connely (He’s Just Not Into You, 9) sell her body for heroin.  Actor and 30 Seconds to Mars singer Jared Leto suffer the consequences of drug dealing and drug use.  You’ll even see comedy director and actor Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks) go on a drug trip as well (surprising huh?).  This is definitely a movie to watch to see its unique way of being filmed.  Be warned that the film can be very disturbing.

16. Transformers (Michael Bay, 2007) - People born in the 80s and early 90s were excited to see the rebirth of a childhood show.  Transformers is something Michael Bay would pick up; he is best known for his EXPLOSIONS, sexy women, car chases, and more EXPLOSIONS.  Of the three movies that came out, the first one is my favorite.  The reason is because the other two were trying too hard to outbeat the first.  Transformers had a perfect mix of humor and action.  I mean just that opening scene was enough to pull me into the movie along with Sam’s sad attempts to impress girls.  The first movie beats out the other two movie by a mile.  Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen tries to put too much comedy in by making Sam’s mother much crazier than the first and adding Leo and the twin Autobots (which were racist by the way).  The movie also put too much emphasis on Megan Fox just because she is hott (two ‘T’s not one).  As compared to Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the third movie rushed more and abruptly ends.  So if you are to pick a movie in the Transformers trilogy, go with the first movie.