#101 - Shrek
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz
Runtime: 90 minutes
Released on May 18, 2001
Plot: An ogre, in order to regain his swamp, travels along with an annoying donkey in order to bring a princess to a scheming lord, wishing himself King.
My thoughts: This movie works because it's so edgy. Not South Park edgy, but Simpsons edgy. It definitely garners it's PG rating, and that's what makes it so good. The lack of this edgyness is what kills it's two sequels. Shrek Forever After looks promising, but Shrek 2-3 were crap. The soundtrack and writing are top notch, not to mention the acting. Not Pixar quality, but still great.
Robby014's thoughts: I'm not gonna lie, normally I don't like things that everybody else likes. I'm strange like that. But for some reason, I, like lots of other people, really enjoyed this movie. It's the definition of a good time at the movies. Not only is it good for kids, but there's still jokes for the adults. I feel that it was kind of like the Ice Age trilogy, in the fact that the first was better than the two sequels.
#100 - Paranormal Activity
Directed by Oren Peli
Starring Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, and Mark Fredrichs
Runtime: 86 minutes
Released on October 16, 2009
Plot: After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.
My thoughts: Being a horror fan, I am almost never scared by movies. I often boast that I was not scared by The Exorcist. Still, every once in a while a film comes along that scares the living shit out of me. Paranormal Activity is one of those movies. Reminiscent of Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity is honestly one of the most frightening films I have ever seen. It's amazing to see what a few thousand dollars and the right talent can do for a movie. Did I mention that after this movie ended, I threw up?
Robby014's thoughts: I heard this movie was absolutely incredible. Apparently, they managed to pull off a Hollywood quality horror film with a really low budget. Still, it's not my genre of movie, but I'm still somewhat interested in seeing this one. Oh, and Retro... I threw up after watching Disaster Movie, but that didn't make it any better.
#99 - Child's Play 2
Directed by John Lafia
Starring Alex Vincent, Brad Dourif, and Jenny Agutter
Runtime: 84 minutes
Released on November 9, 1990
Plot: Chuckie's back as the doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer, butchering all who stand in his way of possessing the body of a boy.
My thoughts: In my opinion, one of the best slasher films I've ever seen. While most Child's Play fans consider the first movie superior to the sequels, I found that the second film was scarier, had better kills, and was overall more effective. This was one of the first horror movies I had seen, and it remains one of my most watched. While I enjoyed most of the films in the series, Seed of Chucky was a piece of horror-comedy trash. P.S., you know in a slasher movie at the end, where the bad guy is killed? Boy, do they fuck Chucky up!
Robby014's thoughts: Bleh... Sorry, but I didn't see this one, nor will I ever. The reason for this is simply because it's not my style of movie. That, and it didn't look interesting at all. End of story.
#98 - Anaconda
Directed by Luis Llosa
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight
Runtime: 89 minutes
Released on April 11, 1997
Plot: A "National Geographic" film crew is taken hostage by an insane hunter, who takes them along on his quest to capture the world's largest - and deadliest - snake.
My thoughts: I have a strong feeling that when I get feedback on this article, more than a few readers are going to give me shit for putting this on my list. "How could you put a J-Lo/Ice Cube creature feature on your top 101 films of all time?". Because it kicks fucking ass! Jon Voight is brilliant in this movie as the villain and his personality comes off to be snakier than the anaconda's.
Robby014's thoughts: These movies are great because everyone dies in them, one-by-one. There is no subtlety to it. Dead. Dead. Dead. But, it's always fun to watch the black guy die first. Don't act like it doesn't happen, people. They might as well just slap a red shirt on them.
#97 - Eight Crazy Nights
Directed by Seth Kearsley
Starring Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, and Austin Stout
Runtime: 76 minutes
Released on November 27, 2002
Plot: 33-year-old slacker Davey Stone gets arrested for being drunk in public. He's offered to work as a co-referee for the local youth basketball team, or go to jail. Thinking he's gotten off easy, he takes the ref job, and soon realizes he's bitten off more than he can chew.
My thoughts: I'm a casual Sandler fan. I remember renting this movie on VHS one Christmas, and being surprised at the quality of this hidden-treasure. I'm not partial to holiday movies, but this one has the Sandler spin on it, and ends up being a winner in the end. Not his best movie, but definitely not his worst. One of the better holiday movies I've seen.
Robby014's thoughts: Hey Retro, you have very nice boobs...
#96 - 8 Mile
Directed by Curtis Hanson
Starring Eminem, Brittany Murphy, and Mekhi Phifer
Runtime: 110 minutes
Released on November 8, 2002
Plot: A young rapper, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make the most of what could be his final opportunity but his problems around give him doubts.
My thoughts: 2002 was a great year for Eminem. In that year he released his best album, The Eminem Show, and also starred in this great inner-city drama from the director of L.A. Confidential. Unfortunately, his recent work has been just okay at best, but this is a testament to his acting and rapping abilities. An underdog story comparable to Rocky or The Karate Kid.
Robby014's thoughts: I'm not a fan of Eminem, but this movie didn't seem like a loss. I haven't seen it yet, but from what I have, this film looks interesting. I'm not so sure how good of an actor Eminem is, but, quite frankly, I'm curious to see the end product.
#95 - Cast Away
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, and Michael Forest
Runtime: 143 minutes
Released on December 22, 2000
Plot: A FedEx executive must transform himself physically and emotionally to survive a crash landing on a deserted island.
My thoughts: This is not just a movie, this is an experience. I felt like I was on the island with Tom Hanks' character and I ultimately cared about him. I triumphed when Chuck succeeded and I was disappointed when he failed. Robert Zemeckis never disappoints, however, and he always impresses me with his outstanding vision of what films should be.
Robby014's thoughts: Haven't seen this one, and that's sad because I've heard so much about it. Maybe it's coming to a TV in someone's livingroom near me...
#94 - Wayne's World
Directed by Penelope Spheeris
Starring Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, and Rob Lowe
Runtime: 95 minutes
Released on February 14, 1992
Plot: Two slacker friends try to promote their public-access cable show.
My thoughts: There was Abbott & Costello, Chris Farley & David Spade, Bill & Ted, and then there was Wayne & Garth. Mike Myers and Dana Carvey were the perfect comedy duo. Their off-screen friendship read well on-screen and their comedic chemistry was unlike no other. Unfortunately, Myers and Carvey had a falling-out, so I don't expect a third film to be made. One of the better SNL movies.
Robby014's thoughts: Ugh... This was an alright movie, but it's another annoying quote movie. "Party on Robby!" "What?" "I said party on Robby!" "I don't get it." "You're supposed to say 'party on' back!" "Why?" But, seriously, this is how I'd rate it... Wayne's World: Party time, excellent.
#93 - Avatar
Directed by James Cameron
Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver
Runtime: 162 minutes
Released on December 18, 2009
Plot: A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.
My thoughts: I hate to be obvious, but the effects in this movie are the all-time greatest. Seriously, how do we top this? A friend of mine told me that this film was a rip-off of Pocahontas and Dances With Wolves. You know what, Mav? This movie may be derivative of those films, but Avatar does it better than either of them! BURNNNZ!!!!!11!!!one!!!!!
Robby014's thoughts: I love this movie. People argue that there's no story to it, and it's just about the special effects. In a sense they're right, but I'll disagree for the most part. Most films have a great story with a few explosions here and there, but Avatar had a great story with special effects that masked it. What I mean by that is, people were so baffled by the effects that their minds were numbed and they forgot there even was a story. Great film, go see it.
#92 - Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
Directed by Danny Leiner
Starring John Cho, Kal Penn, and Paula Garces
Runtime: 88 minutes
Released on July 30, 2004
Plot: Harold Lee and Kumar Patel are two stoners who end up getting the munchies. What they crave the most after seeing a TV advertisement, is a trip to White Castle.
My thoughts: This is a great stoner movie. It's not self-important. It's not overly-dramatic. It's just great entertainment. If you're stoned, than go see this movie, and if you're sober, than go see this movie anyways.
Robby014's thoughts: I honestly didn't expect to be entertained by this movie. I thought it would appeal solely to stoners, but amazingly, I wanted Harold and Kumar to get to White Castle! Aside from this film giving me the utmost cravings for White Castle Sliders, this was a great movie.
#91 - Cabin Fever
Directed by Eli Roth
Starring Rider Strong, Jordan Ladd, and James DeBello
Runtime: 93 minutes
Released on September 12, 2003
Plot: A group of five college graduates rent a cabin in the woods and begin to fall victim to a horrifying flesh-eating virus, which attracts the unwanted attention of the homicidal locals.
My thoughts: I think Eli Roth is a splatter-film genius. I believe this movie works because it's so silly, i.e. Evil Dead II. The gore is magnificent and the acting is knowingly cheesy. And just like The Evil Dead films, this movie is highly quotable, for instance "PANCAKES!!!!".
Robby014's thoughts: Never saw this one, and I can't even remember a trailer or anything. Though, from the plot description, it sounds quite crazy.
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