AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary)

After such a fulfilling career, creating some of the greatest films in cinematic history, I can't help but be reminded that one of last movies Orson Welles was a part of was 'Transformers: The Movie'. But with a filmography that contains such titles as 'Touch of Evil', 'The Third Man', and 'Citizen Kane', he's easily forgiven. I have no groundbreaking revelations that you haven't heard already about 'Citizen Kane', but all I can do is tell you is to watch it for yourself. And it's funny that after all these years, even if you've never seen the film, everybody knows what 'rosebud' is...

An absolute classic. There's nothing to dislike about this film, from the perfect cast to the flawless directing, it's no wonder The Godfather is referred to as one of the best films of all time. Even if you've never seen this motion picture, every person can quote one memorable line from this film. At a 3 hour running time, I can see why some have put off seeing it for so long, but I urge all of those people to watch this picture eventually, you won't be disappointed...

After all these years, anything I say about the film is repeating what hundreds of thousands of people before me have said. If you haven't witnessed it at this point, go find it and watch it immediately. Humphrey Bogart will always be one of the greatest leading men in the history of film and it's put on display right here. Go watch it...

The rise and fall of boxing champion Jake LaMotta is extraordinarily portrayed in Martin Scorsese's masterpiece 'Raging Bull'. Rob DeNiro and Joe Pesci deliver, quite possibly, the greatest performances of their careers while Martin Scorsese does an unsurpassable job behind the camera. It's no wonder why this film is such a classic and considered to be one of the greatest American films ever made. A very highly recommended picture...

The film that started the phenomenon. 'A New Hope' can be credited for many things, from being one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made to creating groundbreaking special effects to introducing, possibly, the best movie villian of all time in Darth Vader. The entire cast possessed a chemistry that was remarkable, and the creatures and characters created by George Lucas were truly inspired. Because of this picture, 1977 was definitely a year in which the film industry took a giant leap forward...

One of the most thought provoking movies you ever see. Aside from the groundbreaking special effects and classic Kubrick cinematography, 2001 speaks on so many levels about technology and the extent we rely on it. A fact which grows truer with every day that passes. A great film...

An glorious take on classic film noir's and utterly exceptional performances by the entire cast bring Roman Polanski's mystery to life. Jack Nicholson is extraordinary, as usual, and twist and turns in the plot definitely make this film stand out. Roman Polanski did an excellent job. This is highly recommended...

'Apocalypse Now' is a twisted journey with an extraordinary outlook and commentary on war and on man. No other film will ever contain a cast of this caliber ever again with Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Dennis Hopper, Laurence Fishburne, and, my personal favorite, Robert Duvall. The cinematography and shooting locations were gorgeous and perfectly chosen. With some of the greatest dialogue ever written (and delivered) and the classic sequences of war and madness, it is no wonder why Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now' is revered as being one of the greatest films ever made...

I gotta say, I don't really enjoy writing reviews for films such as this that are larger than life because I have little to no new input. It's one of those cases where you just have to see the film for yourself to believe everything that's been said over the last 70 years, and, in this case, I'm glad to say they have been. I've always been a fan film noir, and 'Maltese Falcon' embodies everything a noir should be. John Huston definitely knew how to make fantastic film, and having Humphrey Bogart on you roster doesn't hurt anything. This is one you can not afford to miss...

An epic tale of pride, duty, and, well, war. 'Bridge on the River Kwai' is a flawless film and quite possibly David Lean's greatest work. Every moment is used to enhance the film and progress to the harrowing final act. Alec Guiness, as always, steals the show and delivers a performance that will always be remembered. This is about as perfect as movies come and recommend watching it as soon as physically possible...

Not my favorite Kubrick film, but definitely a memorable and classic motion picture. Peter Sellers was brilliant in his multiple rolls and George C. Scott does a great job supporting him. This film is hilarious and does a great job joking about nuclear war, a subject that during the time period was nearly impossible to joke about...

A film everyone must see. Scorsese brilliantly traces a fine line across what makes a 'maniac' and what makes a 'hero'. Robert De Niro performs in one of his most memorable roles as the psychotic Travis Bickle, while Jodie Foster and Harvey Keitel also deliver note-worthy performances. This has been mentioned as being Martin Scorsese's greatest achievement. Scorsese has an extraordinary filmography, and this one definitely ranks up there...

Absolutely fantastic and thought provoking film. It would've been perfect but the entire wedding sequence at the beginning seemed to drag on a bit too long for my taste. Amazing acting and gorgeous cinematography during the hunting sequences as well...

'MASH' was one film that remained on my must view list for quite awhile before actually getting around to it and, when the time finally came, I was disappointed I put if off for that long. It's all about the characters here, and the amazing directing ability of Altman amongst his actors. Donald Sutherland and Elliott Gould were terrific. If this film still goes unseen on your list or it's just been awhile since you've seen it, I strongly suggest changing that status and giving it a view...

Quite possibly Stanley Kubrick's greatest achievement. Classic Kubrick visuals combined with a disturbing, twisted plot, and terrible, yet likeable characters makes this film an absolute classic. Everyone must see this film...

Speilberg's extraordinary WWII film defined the way that all war movies that followed were made. This picture still contains one of the most brutally realistic depictions of war ever made. A hard film to watch, but an important one as well...

An utterly brilliant picture. Frank Darabont is an tremendous director and he clearly put that on display in this film. The entire cast was great, with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman having exceptional performances. Very highly recommended film...

'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' contains one of the greatest on screen duos put on film in Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and is one of the best American made westerns of the sixties. The charming and witty dialogue are delivered with such ease while the screenplay translates perfectly to the screen. Even after almost forty years, 'Butch Cassidy' is still as vibrant and absorbing as it was when it was first created. For those that have never seen it or haven't seen it in awhile, this film is highly recommended...

To avoid the the fear of being repetitive, I will resist the urge to start my review by say "I am Spartacus", because that just wouldn't be classy. After watching all of Stanley Kubrick's films over the last few years, 'Spartacus' was amongst the last I watched, and for that I reason I think it was out shined by his later works. After having said that, this film also outshines countless other of the same generation. The combination of Kirk Douglas/Stanley Kubrick is sure to please, and I still think they did better work together in 'Paths of Glory'. If you're in the mood for an epic tale told by one of the greatest American film makers, you'll want to see this...

After much anticipation to see 'Easy Rider', I must say it was a bit more trippy than I was expecting but very interesting to say the least. The most disappointing parts of the film were Jack Nicholson's short lived turn as George Hanson and the abrupt ending, which both seem to be frequent complaints. Hopper and Fonda both did a terrific job, and the soundtrack fit perfectly. This picture is far from flawless, but you can easily see it it's inspiration in many other films following it. Time is taking, and will continue taking it's toll on this picture but this will always be a blueprint for 60's pop culture...

The give a synopsis for this film may turn some people off, but the fact that you can create such a terrific film by merely having a group of men talking, which takes place mostly in one room, is truly a testament to how great a film maker Sidney Lumet is. The characters present in the film are an interesting bunch, and the actors portraying them do an outstanding job. One other very curious aspect of the film is how well it has withstood the test of time. Lumet has made some of my favorite films with 'Network', 'Dog Day Afternoon', and even the more recent 'Before the Devil knows you're Dead', but '12 Angry Men' may still be the best of the bunch...

Possibly the greatest gangster film ever made. Ray Liotta does a great job heading a wonderful cast and Scorsese directs his best film since Raging Bull. Goodfellas has inspired many great writers including David Chase(The Sopranos) and also many other gangster flicks in years past. This picture is a must see...

An absolute classic by Quentin Tarantino which redefined modern crime drama. It's nonlinear story telling, exceptional script, and the absolutely brilliant performs by John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson makes this an instant classic. This picture has easily earned it's way to the top of many people's favorite films lists, and I'm certainly proud to be one of them...