Top 100 of all time - # 1-5

What is there to say? We're at the final 5 films on my list. The best cinematic creations ever made, and to the cinephiles out there, these shouldn't come as any surprise. A film's greatness can be measured in so many ways, and rarely will you get the same impression given different situations, but that's the beauty of it. Watching a film (a good film) should be an experience beyond entertainment. It should be something that you can appreciate long after the credits role. I encourage all of you to take some time and watch some of the films on my list, especially if you haven't heard of them, or haven't seen them before. Carve out some time and make it an event. Let yourself get immersed into it, and let me know what you think.

Here we go. The 5 best films ever made.

#5 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 1975.

Jack Nicholson's finest performance in an actor's dream. Working in an asylum. The line between sane and insane is blurred in Milos Forman's beautiful adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel. Jack won his first Oscar as McMurphy, and the film went on to win all five major awards, and deservedly so, even in a year of decent competitors (Jaws, Nashville, Dog Day Afternoon). The film has fun at the expense of the patients' flaws, but it eventually endears the viewer to their strengths, and their plight. McMurpy will remain one of the most interesting protagonists in film, and his transformation over the course of two hours is poetic.

#4 - The Shawshank Redemption, 1994.

The Shawshank Redemption is a film that seems to get better with age. Frank Darabont adapted this story from a Stephen King short, and it's a great example of patience, justice, and, well, redemption. Tim Robbins' Andy Dufresne is my pick for the greatest American protagonist in film, even beating out Atticus Finch (blasphemy!). Everything about the film builds to such a satisfying climax, that it is hard not to walk away with a smile. Nominated for 7 Oscars, and snubbed completely, I think the Academy would look at things a little differently if they were given a do-over. This film is a must-see without a doubt.

#3 - The Godfather, 1972.

What is there to say about Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece? Marlon Brando as the mob boss, and a young Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall as his underlings? It's an outstanding film that is nearly flawless, and it brings to life the Italian Mafioso lifestyle in a multi-layered depiction. There is the dirty, violent, criminal side, but there's also the devoted and loyal family side. It's truly an epic if there ever was one. John Cazale is an interesting actor to me. He's Fredo, the weak younger brother, and his career as an actor is amazing. Of his 5 films, four of them appear on my list, and the fifth would be in the top 200. His career was cut short when he developed cancer during the filming of Deer Hunter and died shortly after. He was dating Meryl Streep at the time, who threatened to quit if Universal replaced him due to his weakness. Truly a marvelous career, despite its brevity. Anyway, back to The Godfather. Exceptional camerawork, delicately built suspense, and spectacular acting.

#2 - Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, 1964.

I waffled over which film was number two and which was number one for quite awhile, and Dr. Strangelove holds a place as my favorite for many reasons, but it's just a bit too quirky. The sharpest black comedy of all time is also the best Kubrick film. With subtle sardonicism and social commentary during a politically turbulent time, it is a breath of fresh air, uncensored and bold. Peter Sellers plays three ridiculously eccentric roles, and George C. Scott is one of my favorite characters in film as the paranoid war-mongering general. Shot in black and white, and sparing expenses where possible, it truly stands out as a beacon of originality. The fact that Stanley Kubrick only won 1 Oscar in his life, and it was for visual effects, is a crime. He should be receiving a posthumous lifetime achievement award any year now.

#1 - It's a Wonderful Life, 1946.

Frank Capra's Christmas classic is the only film that makes me cry every time I see it. Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey is such a lovable, selfless character, and the story is full of so much empathy, that you can't help but root for him. This film tops the list for sentimental reasons. I watch it every year around Christmas time, and just get a feeling of nostalgia and comfort from it.

That's it folks, the top 100 films of all time. I encourage you to check them out if you haven't seen some of them, and let me know what you think.