Top 100 of all time - # 61-65

Moving down our list, we're almost up to the halfway point. I'd love to hear your comments of which films should be farther down the list, and which ones don't deserve to be on the list at all. If you have a Google account, you can follow my posts as well.

#65 - Heat, 1995.

Michael Mann's epic crime caper pits DeNiro against Pacino for the first time. It also has one of the best shootout scenes in film history. A smart, all-around well done film.

#64 - Singin' in the Rain, 1952.

The only Musical to grace this list (sort of), Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds shine in this upbeat song and dance show. The moves are great, the songs are catchy, and the story is just plain fun.

#63 - Mystic River, 2003.

In my opinion, this is Clint Eastwood's best work. Based on Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name, there is a heartbreaking twist, and Sean Penn and Tim Robbins deserve their Oscars for their work. A dark tale of innocence lost, and the bonds of family, it's a can't miss.

#62 - The Thing, 1982.

Let's be honest, John Carpenter movies are a guilty pleasure. He's done some pretty awful films, but they are mostly entertaining. The Thing is a great idea that's been done three times now, but this is the version that stands out. Creature effects that are cheesy, but graphic and creepy, and a great score that adds to the tension. If you haven't seen it, rent it on a Saturday night and turn the lights off. It's a great film.

#61 - Saving Private Ryan, 1998.

The biggest Oscar mistakes of recent memory belong to the 1999 show. Shakespeare in Love beating out Saving Private Ryan, and Roberto Benigni beating out Tom Hanks for what should have been his 3rd Best Actor Oscar, making him the most distinguished actor in history. It didn't happen though. Saving Private Ryan is the most vivid look at the invasion at Normandy during WWII, and Spielberg exhibits his typically beautiful cinematography with a great cast and a touching, albeit unrealistic story. The theatre experience pinned me to my seat, and I was captivated with my heart racing for the whole thing. Great film. Hanks was robbed.

More to come soon...