Top 100 of all time - #31-35

Moving closer and closer to the top, we have four films from the past twenty years, and one from the 70's. Let's take a look.



#35 - Gladiator, 2000.

I remember it was the spring of my senior year in college, and there was a free sneak peek of this movie I'd never heard of; Gladiator. I was absolutely blown away by what would later win Best Picture and Best Actor. Steven Soderbergh stole the Best Director from Ridley Scott (maybe the academy thought 6 would be too many?) but the film was barbaric and beautiful at the same time. A great story, great score, and fantastic portrayal by Russell Crowe.

#34 - The French Connection, 1971.

Gene Hackman is incredible in this familiar New York cop drama from the 70's. A great car chase scene that is among the best in film, and a plausible, yet adventurous storyline. Winner of 5 Oscars including Picture, Actor, Director, The French Connection is worth checking out.

#33 - The Matrix, 1999.

Before you crucify me, let me explain. It may seem a bit high on the list, but if you think back to its release in 1999, I know I walked into the theatre without any knowledge of the plot, effects, or reviews. All I knew is that it was Keanu Reeves and was some sort of sci-fi action flick that was supposed to be kind of cool. Fast forward two hours and sixteen minutes, and my mind was blown. The visuals were at that time unheard of, and although the subsequent sequels were disappointing yet fun, the original Matrix is a brilliant story exceptionally executed by the Wachowski brothers (now brother and sister). This is one of those movies that is just plain fun to see for the first time. The action sequences can be watched over and over.

#32 - Unforgiven, 1992.

Clint Eastwood's first foray out of his trademark genres (Spaghetti Western, Dirty cop with an attitude) and into award winning director status. Unforgiven was the first to earn him Oscar nominations and wins. He has since compiled two Director/Picture wins, and should have a third for Mystic River if it hadn't been for a little movie called Return of the King. This is what modern Westerns should be like. It's hard to come up with an original story, but with common themes of a violent past, a barely contained thirst for blood, and a sense of lawbreaking justice, Unforgiven is a winner below the surface, even if it seems a bit boring as it plays out. Gene Hackman is pretty cool as a gun-slinging sheriff too.

#31 - Good Will Hunting, 1997.

Sharp writing by two up and coming Boston actors, a heartbreaking performance by Robin Williams, and a twist on the underdog story that we can all get behind. Good Will Hunting made all tough guys wish they were smahta (use your Bahston accent on that one). Never before had I rooted for a hooligan to pull himself together and make something of himself.

Next up, the 20's!