44) The Sixth Sense (M. Night Shamylan)- 1999
Picture being nine years old in a dark theater watching this horror masterpiece. Yeah, so thank the heavens I merely came close to shitting myself. SS terrified my tender little soul to the point of me hating the movie. Seriously, for years I detested this film because it scared me so much. Which, by the way, few films ever have scared me and rarely am I as affected by a piece of art as I was with this creepy flick. It haunted me for weeks, sleepless weeks! The ghosts represented something more than simply objects that are there to jump out at you; sure they scare us, but Shamylan offers us a far greater psychological trip than a few shocking moments here and there. We question what happens when we die and more importantly why? Being a kid, this was too heavy for me. Of course some folks out there probably eschewed this aspect of the film and merely enjoyed it for its shrills and thrills, which is totally fine. But, for me, even at my young age, I had to reflect on my own life- I’d say SS was the first film to make me think, to challenge me… and yeah scare the shit out of me too! A few years later I watched it again and fell in love with it. Not finding it as disturbing, but all the more intriguing. And anyone that has seen this can never forget the incredible ending- the greatest twist ending in the history of film. Hands down. If I was a little bit older, I am sure I would have gizzed in my pants just like The Lonely Island guys.

43) Thank You For Smoking (Jason Reitman)- 2005
If there is anything I have ever learned from studying politics and the media it is that every issue is spun from all sides and at the end of the day the issue itself is frivolous what really matters is personal interests. This film is not about whether smoking is good or bad, it is about the industry of spin and how the mechanics of spin can make that decision for you to satisfy their own interests. A great, unique comedy that is a breath of fresh air for a genre built on retarded romance and cliche after cliche. Review: https://klyam.com/2010/09/27/mini-classic-film-reviews-thank-you-for-smoking/

42) Happiness (Todd Solondz)- 1998
Do you remember that conversation you and your dad had about masturbation? I certainly hope not. But, if you need a gross reminder then toss in this morbid comedy from director Todd Solondz. As usual, Solondz takes the awkward and revels in it, instead of alleviating you from the situation on screen he stays with it until you feel as maladroit as the characters. With disturbing content such as child rape and suicide, amongst others, it must baffle folks when they hear that people think of this as a comedy. Sure, it is not a comedy in the traditonal sense of the word, but it is not a drama. Solondz has removed the entire emotion from this story that there is nothing left to do but laugh, even when the subject matter is anything but funny. This is a grower not a shower as Anthony Fantano would comment, if you do not like or dare I say “get” this then give it a few more views and perhaps you will feel comfortable enough to chuckle or at least appreciate its brilliance.

41) Jaws (Steven Spielberg)- 1975
The Greatest Popcorn Movie of All Time! Seriously, Jaws
emodies entertainment, it serves merely as tool to excite, frighten, and entice you. That is it. No social commentary of any sort, but that is okay here. What this film contains is precisely what most adventure/thriller/horror/action films abolutely lack-tremendous suspense, a massive (figuratively and literally) conflict, well-developed characters, and above all phenomenal score from John Williams, arguably his best. The fact that we cannot see the shark is what scares us the most. What lies beneath the ocean could be anything; our imagination is more horrific than anything a screenwriter could dream up.

40) Fast Times At Ridgemont High (Amy Heckerling)- 1982
One of the quintessential Teen Films cinema has to offer. This flick represents everything great about said genre: the fashion styles, the music, everything 80s-almost to the point that this looks like a retrosective film a la Dazed and Confused (1993), but it is not (if you check the year above). It is like a slice of 1980s teen culture in one film. From the start, we see those wonderful shots of all the various characters doing their thing (which usually tells us a little something about the characters themselves) at the local shopping mall to the Go-Gos “We Got the Beat,” this tells us that this is what is cool, these people are cool, this film is cool. As the title suggests this film moves rather quickly in contrast to the slow, layed back pace of Dazed. Just like in real life, it seems as though everything from boyfriends to bongs comes and goes so fast. An enjoyable look at high school and teen life as well as a rare instance of Sean Penn in a comedic role as the immortal stoner Jeff Spicolli. See ya later bud!

39) Edward Scissorhands (Tim Burton)- 1990
Tim Burton essentially presents us with the hip, goth version of the Jesus story. He (Edward that is) comes to Earth, offers us gifts and ubiquitous kindness and only asks for love and friendship in return. When we are done using him we cast him aside for not conforming to our standards, eventually driving him out of society. Ahh, but he lives on forever through the beautiful snow he creates; in other words he is always with us even though we do not deserve his love. Okay, so a chirstian take on the film haha. Few films touch me as much as this, even fewer “family” films. Some criticized Edward for not climaxing with the typical, everything works out, wrap up Hollywood style/fairy tale ending, but this what I specifically applaud it for; the movie is much more than the former and deserves an honest ending. It works on various emotions, sometimes funny, always endearing, and overall mesmerizing.

38) The Breakfast Club (John Hughes)- 1985
What else can I say about this movie that you have not thought yourself? Everyone (seemingly) has seen John Hughes’ magnum opus and overwhelmingly adore it. This may be the “greatest teen” film and I think it stands out as one of the finest examples of said genre, but what I really love about BC is how it expands beyond those boundries. Most teen movies stick with teen issues, instead Hughes explores how these five diverse individuals represent the varying differences in class, social status, home life/background, and how this affects their perception of each other. In the end, they all come to agree that they want to be nothing like their parents (even if it is possibly inevitable); out with the old, in with the new.

37) The Terminator (James Cameron)- 1984
As you notice from reading this list, I am not a big fan of action films. I grew up with The Terminator films and I have always loved them. The story is excellent, real simple and to the point. In many ways, it is set up like a horror flick, adding the darker aesthetic to this movie as opposed to its sequels. The Terminator is a mass killing machine with one mission: murder Sarah Conor and he will wipe out anyone that stands in his way. Great set up. Classic story, terrific action executed at just the right times, constantly keeping me invested. By comparison, most smash em up, throw this grenade, blow up that building, action flicks are too stale and uninventive for my taste, but this works and has been a favorite of mine since childhood.

36) Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron) 1991
As far as sequels go, this is definitely in the top three. T2, another great flick from my childhood. This changed the special effects game forever, and I am not one to really give two splats of shit about special effects, but you have to acknowledge how cool they were/are and how grounbreaking it was at the time. Bottom line, T-1000 is the most badass villian ever.

35) Donnie Darko (Richard Kelly)- 2001
Donnie has the rare privilege of being one of the few things that makes me mildily interested in the world of science. This film seems to have it all: cult teen flick mashed with bizarre David Lynchy undertones, it’s ominous, entertaining, humorous, and extremely well-written. The dialogue is fresh and sounds very natural. Kelly effectively uses the time period in place (late 1980s) to tell his story, masterfully connecting it to various aspects of pop culture. That is what I love the most about Donnie, but one can also find exceptional fantasy/sci-fi and drama. It is an enigmatic film, no doubt, but you do not have to totally understand it to appreciate it- with most films like this that is not the case and I assure you after repeated viewings you will most likely find it easier to grasp.

34) The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan)- 2008
Returing to an earlier film on this list, I pointed toJaws (1975) as the classic “popcorn” movie, if I had to choose a modern film to pass the buttery torch to it would be Gummo (1997). Haha, of course not. Naturally, I am speaking of DK since this is written under its heading. DK is the ultimate super hero/comic book movie with memorable scene after memorable scene. The flow is incredible, you never feel even slightly bored and after watching this movie I always admire how this is a quality we seldom see even in above average films.

33) American Beauty (Sam Mendes)- 1999
I can say with no exaggeration that this is truly a beautiful film, perhaps if it was an hour and a half of a plastic bag blowing in the wind it would be even prettier, but we work with what we have. A great depiction of suburban life in modern America; a close look at one family and how they are, as Kevin Spacey’s character would say, “A commercial for how normal we are when we’re anything but.”

32) Stand By Me (Rob Reiner)- 1986
Everyone’s favorite go camping in the woods to discover the dead body of a twelve year old boy before the rival gang finds it movie! It is funny how for such a lighthearted film the story is a bit gruesome in nature. Thanks to the work of Rob Reiner and the talented young actors in this film instead of macabre we receive a heartfelt quest for one’s self in 1950s America.

31) Kids (Larry Clark)- 1995
Ahh quite the opposite of Stand By Me (1986), these kids are rude, crude and downright vile. If you are looking for a morality play, look elsewhere. Larry Clark brings Harmony Korines screenwriting debut to life in brutal, relentless, an honest look at youth in urban America. There is no character I can relate to, every character is either a total scumbag or associated with total scumbags. Some of the ladies are okay people, but mostly just kids you pitty at best. For most viewers this drives them away, but for me, it makes it all the more fascinating. I love the no holds barred partying, the immature and completely vulgar dialogue (the scene where Telly and Casper are walking down the street discussing Telly’s just minutes earlier sexual experience with a twelve year old girl is one of the finest pieces of dialogue imo), not to mention the gifted camerawork of Larry Clark. Even fifteen years later this will shock most people and rightfully so, in fact, if you are not alarmed by the behavior portrayed in the film then you are far closer to the characters than I would ever desire to be. The soundtrack is exceptional and consists of some of my favorites; the last few moments are chilling, just before we hear Sebadoh’s “Spoiled” with the credits, an apropos tune for the time- Barlow moans “spoiled children soon too fall.” I couldn’t agree more.

30) Natural Born Killers (Oliver Stone)- 1994
Good old NBK. This film hit me like a ton of bricks. Sent me flying off my rocker. Drowned me in a sea of blasphemy :), if you will. Upon first viewing at the age of fifteen I was convinced the American Media is totally fucked and as disturbing as this film itself. Which, by the way, this is a trip- a visceral, psychedelic experience. I dig the merciless satire, especially the sitcom/laugh track scene, classic. Violence in the media does not create violent little creatures, but it does make them famous!

29) Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis)- 1994
This list is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to find next! Forrest tells the story of America through its innocent title character, giving us one of the most memorable movies for generations to come. I love catching each and every reference to American history/culture as some of them are funnier than others. I always get a chuckle when Forrest apologizes for “ruining your Black Panther PARTY.”

28) Requiem For A Dream (Darren Aronofsky)- 2000
I think its great that kids see this and think “I’ll never touch heroin.” Fantastic! but this work of art is far more than just a massive Drug Free America ad. Aronofsky uses drugs to illustrate the power of addiction and how it can enhance our insecurities, pushing us as far away from our dreams, our loved ones, and what we know as reality.

27) TIE: American Graffiti (George Lucas)- 1973 and Animal House (John Landis)- 1978
Both are amazing films about young people in 1962, living life to the fullest, before they grow up and forget how to have fun. The Rock and Roll was great, the cars were nice, and the kids were experimenting. AG is the night before college and AH is college itself, unsurprisingly, the latter is the funnier and lighter of the two; AG represents all the fears and insecurties you have when you are young, worried about your future. AH says let’s put that aside for a while and party hardy while we can.

Each is the master of their repsective subgenres; AG is the quintessential teen movie (well, with one exception that we will get to later) and AH is the quintessential college movie, all others are wannabees even if they are decent bees they still do not come close.

26) The Graduate (Mike Nichols)- 1967
Yet, another flick about young people. This film sums up that feeling of being a confused young lad on the brink of the “real world” and wanting nothing more than to sit back, relax, have a beer, and sleep with your parents’ best friend, it’s natural, we all experience it. That is until you discover you really are in love with their daughter. Here is a fabulous example of the generation gap: the parents (WWII stalwarts) and the kids (Post-War Baby Boomers, Rock and Rollers via the fantastic pop psychedelia of Simon and Garunkel). Best work for all involved.

25) Almost Famous (Cameron Crowe)- 2000

Mini Classic Film Reviews: Almost Famous…

24) Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock)- 1960
The Master of Suspense at his most masterful. For those who have not seen this or do not know the ending, I envy you. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is in my top five favorite characters; this mama’s boy means business. By watching this movie we get to see the psychology of the mentally depraved and at the same time we can hav fun with the sheer shrills and thrills that make this the classic that it is.

23) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Mel Stuart)- 1971
I loved the novel, but I needed more. This is one of my favorite adaptations; Stuart simply brings all of Dahl’s terrific imagination to life. Take for example, the final scene: the image of them floating in the air balloon all over the city to the oompa loompa music leaves me with a lasting image and has always given me a powerful feeling of warmth I do not feel very often.

22) The Wizard of Oz (Victor Fleming and others)- 1939

Mini Classic Film Reviews: Wizard Of Oz…

21) It’s A Wonderful Life (Frank Capra)- 1946
Another film that always puts a smile on my face. Naturally, best around Christmas time, but it goes so far beyond that. This serves as a constant reminder that for most of us life truly is a miracle and tis a hell of a lot better than being dead. As others have pointed out, this film shows us how each and every person greatly affects the lives of those around them. In more recent years I have come to appreciate and admire the chracter of George Bailey (James Stewart) for always sacrificing his own dreams to help out those who are not as privileged as him. At any point, he could have gone off to college or traveled the world like he envisioned as a child, but when his family, friends, and fellow townspeople needed him, he was there. Seldom, do we see this kind of hero represented on the silver screen.

20) A Clockwork Orange (Stanley Kubrick)- 1971
Clockwork is the film your parents forbid you from watching. That strange British weirdo bizarro Kubrick mess. It is that “fucked up movie you gotta see” as some young people might label it. Sure, it is queer in the traditional sense of the word, certainly horrifying, and yes may make you queasy. But, behind all of the pandemonium there is a serious masterpiece that begs your attention. Clockwork entices us with its lurid content and imagery, which I love by the way, but acts as a satire of broken down society. Alex (Malcolm McDowell) is our juvenile delinquent, but this cat makes James Dean look like an altar boy. Alex tortures, rapes, and even kills- and yet he is just a school boy (15-18). He is a perverse character that we somehow find ourselves attracted to; we are jealous of his social freedom. Ultimately, we realize that the very institutions we trust in preventing such gargoyles as Alex do not really care whether he lashes out or not-one day he is a menace, the next day he is a model citizen, whichever helps said institutions maintain their control over the rest of the populace.

19) Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee)- 1989

Mini Classic Film Reviews: Almost Famous…

18) (500) Days of Summer (Marc Webb)- 2009
https://klyam.com/2009/08/20/film-review-500-days-of-summer/#respond and https://klyam.com/2010/08/29/belated-album-review-500-days-of-summer/

17) Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant)- 1997
As a whole this is simply a brilliant film that clearly connects with many viewers, but specifically there are a few personal connections for me: 1) Boston- though I am from Wakefield, a suburb of Boston, the familiarity of the setting has always made me feel closer to this film and the characters. Most movies shot in Boston do not have this effect on me, but for whatever reason Gus Van Sant selected all of the right shots. The shot where Will is on the subway and then the camera suddenly flashes to various clips of locations in Boston including Fenway Park is one of my all time favorite shots, for some reason it has always stuck with me. The city is used for more than just a physical setting, but rather a state of mind for Will- what he is comfortable with and as a viewer I share in this comfort- it is all he truly knows of this great, big world. I too have seen very little outside Massachusetts. 2) The music of Elliott Smith- this film would not be the same without Elliott. It is impossible for me not to see images of GWH when I listen to say “Between the Bars” or “Say Yes,” being a massive fan of Smith’s work this has always struck me- his music is not simply there as a sountrack to the film, it flows with it and speaks to the audience, it often conveys what is happening on screen. In “Say Yes,” Smith says “I’m in love with a girl…” as we see Will (Matt Damon) and Skylar (Minnie Driver) share their first kiss. 3) The 90s- for some films, particularly those I watched as a child in the 90s, they remind me of the decade and my early childhood years. I always feel nostalgic whenever I see this.

16) Boogie Nights (Paul Thomas Anderson)- 1997
Let us be clear here, this is not a porno. Good, glad we got that. I cannot stand it when people write this off as trash because the subject matter is perceived as sleazy. This country is so prudish it is absurd. Do you hear anyone call The Godfather (1972) a snuff film because it deals with crime and murder, I think not and rightfully so. Well, the same should apply to Boogie. Along, with Goodfellas (1990) this is one of the greatest character(s) studies over a period of time. This film is only literally about the pornography industry. It is really about people, just like you and me, human beings over a period of time, how they rise, fall, and try to stand up again, if they are not already dead. PTA offers us a fascinating look at a wonderful ensemble of colorful characters as they struggle to love themselves for who they are or who they think they are. Throughout the story the characters battle with their self-image versus others’ perception of themselves. In other words, “are we really the people we think we are?” A powerful question all of us have to face at some point in our lives.

15) Back to the Future (Robert Zemeckis)- 1985
Do you remember when you were a little kid and there was always that one movie your parents could toss in to get you to shut up? BTTF was that video for me. I have probably seen this movie eighty times, if not more. I am positive you will be hard pressed to find many people that deteste if not simply feel indifferent to this film. Perhaps some artsy fartys autuers fuckers out there, but generally speaking, this film is loved by most folks. It encompasses everything great about adventure movies that sadly most features fail to contain. This film has it all: action, comedy, romance, an original story, memorable characters, quotable lines, and best of all a heart. Not to get to wimpy on you, but seriously, you get the feeling that BTTF is more than just a fun ride. It flawlessly executes all the above and then some, entertainment at its finest.

14) E.T. (Steven Spielberg)- 1982

Mini Classic Film Review: E.T.

13) Trainspotting (Danny Boyle)- 1996
When I describe this as a comedy I seem to get quizzical looks. True, it is a dark comedy and quite dark in many scenes, but nonetheless it is undeniably a comedy. Heroin is horrible and the film never depicts it as other wise, but Trainspotting perfectly mixes this disturbing element with UK absurdist humor and a fantastic soundtrack. The characters have flaire and despite how big of arseholes they can be we find that we enjoy spending time with these low life junkies. This film makes you think, laugh, and most definitely cringe.

12) Goodfellas (Martin Scorcesse)- 1990
Goodfellas has the wonderful privilege of being the second greatest mob movie of all time. We’ll get to number one later (seems pretty obvious). Anyway, GF is modern, it abandons the mob/mafia set up we are used to. The soundtrack is modern- Rock and Pop hits, we even hear Sid Vicious’ version of “My Way” over the credits! Modern themes in the crime life- cocaine, like its counterpart Scarface (1983), but I prefer this film when it comes to the gangster lifestyle. We watch Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) grow up and achieve what he perceives as the American Dream- Power. Decadence. He has it all. But, worst of all, he ends up as a regular schmuck, a kid like you and me, if you will- worse than being dead.

11) Taxi Driver (Martin Scorcesse)- 1976
In terms of character driven films you would be hard pressed to find anything close to Taxi Driver. De Niro’s performance as Travis Bickle is frightening. Bickle is all around us and could be us. He is every young man at some point in their lives. Alienated, frustrated, and ready to let go. Only difference… when his short fuse blows he is determined to violently lash out against the society that has betrayed him.

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10) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Milos Forman)- 1975

Mini Classic Film Reviews: Almost Famous…

9) Garden State (Zach Braff)- 2004
Only second to Juno (2007) for my favorite film of the 2000s. Zach Braff makes the film of his career (most likely): fantastic cinemetography, believable characters, and an incredible soundtrack. The music is placed so delicately over every scene, as I am told Braff chose every song himself. Perhaps my favorite is the inclusion of The Shins’ “New Slang,” we hear this as Large (Braff) is transitioning from a character made of stone to a new man feeling emotion once again. The Graduate (1967) of our generation.

8) American History X (Tony Kaye)- 1998
Out of all the films I have seen dealing with racial hatred/ignorance this is by far the most emotional. Our main characters are neo-nazi skinheads and we see how they blindly and desperately become members of such white power gangs to fit into a society that has long abandon them. Despiter their intelligence, they become consumed with so much hatred (and confusion) that they lose sight of what is important- keeping their family together, which is essentially what the characters desire the most. In the end, destroying their family is precisely what occurs. This film is not preachy in any way and like similar films does not focus on minor prejudices that all of us have, rather it depicts the horrible, misguided world simple minded bigotry can lead to.

7) Fight Club (David Fincher)- 1999
The first rule of writing a review about Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of writing a review about Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. Well, I guess I cannot talk about FC. Y’all just have to check out my Classic Film Review of FC.

6) The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola)- 1972
If this was a list of the Greatest Films of All Time, then The Godfather would have to be number one, hands down. This picture is flawless as everyone knows. There is not much more I can say in a few lines to truly give this epic masterpiece justice; one piece of advive SEE IT if you have not already.

5) Reservoir Dogs (Quentin Tarantino)- 1992
Ahh the film that started it all for Mr.Tarantino. Easily one of most badass debuts from a director. Dogs exploded Tarantino into the underground film circuit and made him the cool, hip director we have come to love. I will stop here for now as a review of Dogs is in the works as I write this.

4) Juno (Jason Reitman)- 2007

Mini Classic Film Reviews: Wizard Of Oz…

3) Clerks (Kevin Smith)- 1994
The funniest movie my eyes and ears have had the privilege of witnessing. Clerks is vulgar and raunchy, but it is “smart raunchy.” Smith creates chracters that are witty, well developed, and sometimes downright offensive (in a good way). After all these years this film still retains its unique quality- you simply cannot steal that from this film. The unpolished, poorly edited (appearance wise) look of the film is its precise appeal. No one can say this is just like every other comedy film, just look at the damn thing! It effortlessly has character and with the support of Smith’s knack for brilliant dialogue (basically most of the film) this character is further augmented transforming Clerks into a slacker, Generation X classic. It does not care if you feel unimpressed or shocked, or even bored for you worthless viewers out there that do not “get it.” After about eight or nine years of admiring this movie I still hold it in high regard and can watch it over and over agin- probably 2-3 times a year at the least.

2) Dazed and Confused (Richard Linklater)- 1993
“That’s what I love about these High School girls I get older they stay the same age.”- Wooderson (Matthew McConaughey). Nowadays Wooderson would be creepin on Facebook for the High School Hunnies! Dazed captures teen/high school life better than any other film, even American Graffitti (1973), which is a fierce competitor. I often hear fans refer to this as a “stoner” movie. There is some validity to that, but it should never be reduced to Cheech and Chong status. To make an analogy, Dazed is like a gangsta rap who has matured and rhymes about social issues. That rapper still has his gangsta flavor (party/hang out quality) but has mostly grown beyond that. This is a fun, interesting, and certainly thought provoking coming of age film you have to see at some point in your lifetime.

1) Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino)- 1994 !!! :)
So here we are at #1. Do I have to explain why this takes the cake? I have yet to see a film as good as PF since its release in 1994. PF redefined the action genre- sure it is a massive pastiche, composed of countless references to various films, TV shows, music, and other areas of pop culture. But, do not be fooled, it perfects the genre like no other film before it. What I love the most about PF is the way the story unfolds before you eyes: at any point one little, just one little teensy detail can alter the remainder of the plot. I.E. Mia’s sudden overdose, Butch and Marcellus fighting their way into a pawn shop, whose propietors are satomasichists that torture them, amongst other things. Tarantino’s baby is a phenomenon we, movie viewing public of the world rarely have the chance to experience; people still discuss PF as if it was just released and I doubt that will ever change.

That’s all folks! Phew