Here’s the next installment of Fazil’s Top 100 Must Watch Movies of the Decade, following on from the previous ten from 100 to 91.
Why is it on the list?
Haha! You can’t expect me to leave this one out, can you? This made it on the list because it’s the best mindless action-packed popcorn flick of the decade. It doesn’t get any better than this. It’s a nice little blend of cheesiness and fun, with a little sprinkle of hotness, courtesy of Rachel Nichols and Sienna Miller. What you get is the perfect recipe for a perfect summer flick. As i have stated in my review, its a cheesy film based on a cheesy 80s cartoon, so you cant complain much. This is one of those movies that will make you feel like you’re 7 years old again. So if you’re a fan of the cartoon or was a kid before, this film can be nostalgic as you will be blasted back to the past.
Favorite scene
Difficult. I love the intro bit where the convoy carrying the nanomites were hijacked by Cobra and then the Joes came to the rescue. I say this is my favorite scene because its an introduction to the sick and cool world of G.I. Joe. I had a little glee on my face when the Joes came jumping down one by one and I was saying their names out loud. That was the scene that made me felt most like a kid.
Favorite line
General Hawk: Technically, we don’t exist. We answer to no one. And when all else fails, we don’t.
89) HOT FUZZ
Why is it on the list?
In a way, this movie is a spoof of cop-related action movies, but a smart one. That is to say its not ‘Epic Movie’ or ‘Disaster Movie’ or ‘Date Movie’. It has its own storyline but at the same time it pays homage to the great cop films of the last 3 decades. Perfect chemistry between actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Not to mention the interesting characters that they play. Pegg’s Sgt. Nicholas Angel is a sort of supercop from London, but when he was transferred to the little town of Sanford, where the crime rate is so low, we find him doing petty things such as capturing a swan and arresting under age drinkers. Frost’s Danny Butterman on the other hand is a little village cop who doesn’t get to see much action but is obsessed with cop films such as ‘Bad Boys 2’ and ‘Point Break’. He is inspired to be like the characters in those films, and thus, having Sgt. Angel around means that he gets to work with one of his heroes. Watch it if you have not!
Favorite scene
The scene where Nicholas asked Danny if he has taken a shortcut before, and proceeded to flip over the fences. Then Danny, instead of performing sommersaults, just crashed into the fence. Not only was the scene itself funny, but was even funnier because its a nod to the head of a similar scene from ‘Shaun of the Dead’, also starring the duo.
Favorite line
Danny Butterman: Where’s the trolley boy?
Nicholas Angel: In the freezer.
Danny Butterman: Did you say “cool off”?
88) THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS, THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT and FAST AND FURIOUS
Why is it on the list?
I have decided that this entry is not for the first film, but for the quadrilogy (is this a word?). The first film was great as it introduced us to the genre of racing-action movies. It certainly introduced me to drag racing, which I was oblivious to before. The movie was a phenomenon, spawning 3 other sequels. Then ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ came out, without Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto. That sucks, but the movie was still considered ok with its fast cars and awesome races. We were then introduced to the world of drifting in ‘Tokyo Drift’. Many hated this film but not me. Just like how the first film introduced me to drag racing, this film introduced me to drifting, which is something i have only played on ‘Need for Speed: Underground’. I didnt know that they could actually do that until i saw the movie. Not being a car person, i thought the drifting was done pretty well in the movie. Then ‘Fast and Furious’ came with “New Models, but Original Parts”. This movie is a shift from the previous films as its focuses more on the action aspect rather than the cars or racing aspect. And it was good. Basically, I love the whole series and i love the pair of Dominic and Brian and it deserves to be on this list.
Favorite scene
The intro to ‘Fast and Furious’, where Dominic and his chronies are hijacking a petroleum tanker vehicle and was later trapped with a burning tanker flipping towards them. Although I have seen 70% of the scene in the trailer, it did not fail to thrill me in the cinema. I have watched it over and over again on blu-ray, knowing full well what is going to happen, but it gets suspenseful every time.
Another scene that was another favorite of mine is the parking lot drift race in ‘Tokyo Drift’. That was when I got my drift-cherry popped and I was very impressed. Again, some of my friends have seen ‘Initial D’ and hence did not get excited over that scene. As for me, that was the first time seeing for real, what I have thought is only doable in video games.
Favorite line
Dominic Toretto: I live my life a quarter mile at a time. Nothing else matters: not the mortgage, not the store, not my team and all their bullshit. For those ten seconds or less, I’m free.
87) STAR TREK
Why is it on the list?
I was never a trekkie, or the correct term being trekker. I am more of a Star Wars guy but when the trailers for J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ were released, I find it somewhat different than what I have always thought Trek was all about. I have only seen ‘The Wrath of Khan’ and though I love the movie, I find ‘Star Trek’ to be a bore because most of the action takes place within the starships and in space. We hardly get to explore the vast world that these characters live in. Again, I could be wrong because I wouldn’t know what happened in later movies but based on observation, and also on the TV series, I find it dull. However, Abrams gave ‘Star Trek’ a complete makeover. I love the young cast and the fact that they’re starting from a young age gives us audience a chance to experience Star Trek from the beginning. And everything doesn’t take place in the USS Enterprise only but we were able to explore the world that I so dearly wanted to witness. The movie doesn’t disappoint and I can say that I will be looking forward for more adventures aboard the USS Enterprise.
Favorite scene
When Kirk and Sulu went out for their little sky-diving excursion and the fight that ensued on top of that thingy. Man, that was fun and at the same time thrilling to watch, though I can’t exactly remember why they did that. They were supposed to fix something, right?
Favorite line
Christopher Pike: Your father was captain of a starship for twelve minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother’s and yours. I dare you to do better.
86) WANTED
Why is it on the list?
If nobody ever told you that bullets fly straight…you would probably enjoy this movie. Much criticism came from this film due to the illogical concept of bending bullets and instructions coming from a Loom of Fate. Do they make sense? No? Was it fun to watch? Freaking yes! I know things do not make sense here as it is after all based on a comic book but I do believe that it all comes down to the explanation. As far as the Loom goes, it was rather interesting to see how the names were being selected, as nonsensical as it was. As far as bending bullet goes, I didn’t quite understand that bit about slowing down your pulse and all that but its curving bullets! You don’t need to understand how it works to enjoy the awesome spectacle. Yeah, yeah some people are meticulous over these things but not me. Not when I am enjoying every single minute of the film due to James McAvoy superb performance, well-crafted action scenes and Danny Elfman’s beautiful score. We have seen many good realistic action films. Personally, I don’t think there’s any harm when a film comes in every once in while and crosses the boundaries of realism, to deliver us fantastic gun-fights and terrific action sequences. This is certainly one of the best action films of the decade for me.
Favorite scene (s)
Can I please say two? There’s actually more than two but I am going to narrow it down to just two. First scene is when McAvoy’s Wesley Gibson was telling his fat boss Janice to go fuck herself, and then he walks off from his little cubicle, pulling away his ergonomic keyboard and then approach his best friend Barry and slapped the keyboard across his face and his tooth came off, spelling the words ‘fuck you’. And right after that, the best part, “jeng je reng, jeng je reng, jeng je re re re re re jeng je reng, have you heard the news, bad things come in twos, but I never knew, ‘bout The Little Things”
The other best part was in the final action sequence at the Fraternity, when Wesley just blew up half of the place with the peanut-buttered rats. And then he storms in and starts dancing gracefully with his two guns and bullets were flying everywhere hitting multiple enemy targets. That was a well-choreographed scene. It reminds of that film Equilibrium.
Favorite line
Sloan: Shoot the wings off the flies
85) RUSH HOUR 2
Why is it on the list?
I remember when I first saw this. It was funny as hell. It makes me crave more of Chris Tucker. Of course, I have ended up watching the film many times after that but I wouldn’t forget the first viewing. It’s one of those comedies that hurt your stomach and the jokes are some of the more memorable ones I’ve heard. As far as the plot goes, well, this is an action-comedy and there is apparently a plot but not something you’ll commit to memory. The pulling factor here is the on-screen team of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. One a martial artist and the other one a comedian. A combination that I dare say worked. It puts a balance to the film that is when you’re not laughing, you’re overwhelmed by the action scenes. Director Brett Ratner aka The Rat was born to direct this sort of film, and not ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’.
Favorite scene
When the duo walked into the Versace store at Ceasar’s Palace and were attended to by this gay salesman. The dialog was just hilarious and the Versace salesman was such a joy to watch and listen to. And after a few years, I was watching Jeremy Piven on Entourage and my brother pointed out to me that he was the Versace Salesman in ‘Rush Hour 2’. I was like “that was him?!?” Nobody knew who he was back then, I think.
Favorite line
James Carter: You just jealous, Lee, ’cause women like me. I’m tall, dark and handsome and you third world ugly.
84) ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY
Why is it on the list?
I love Will Ferrell. Nobody acts stupid like he does. Its freaking hilarious how he actually makes you think that his character is really that dumb. ‘Anchorman’ is one of the funnier Will Ferrell comedies, besides ‘Elf’. Here, his jokes are at an acceptable level and Ron Burgundy is an interesting character indeed and the story flows wonderfully, despite it being a Will Ferrell comedy. Its starts off with a man at the height of his career, who then met a woman, fell in love, and then she screws him over and he reaches rock bottom. As a conclusion, this movie gives a very important lesson in life; do not eat where you shit.
Favorite scene
The battle between the four TV stations, led by Will Ferrell, Tim Robbins, Luke Wilson and Ben Stiller. Stiller of course stole the show appearing as an anchorman for a Spanish News Channel, screaming ‘Policia! Policia!’. The scene was a nice mixture of comedy and ridiculous violence.
Favorite line
Ron Burgundy: Go fuck yourself San Diego.
83) PEARL HARBOR
Why is it on the list?
Hollywood’s version of Bollywood 1964 classic, ‘Sangam’. A man disappeared during war and his good friend moved in on his girlfriend. Then one day, the man presumed to be dead, returns, only to find his best friend screwing his girlfriend. In this movie, Ben Affleck is Sundar, Josh Hartnett is Gopal and Kate Beckinsale is Radha. But enough of that. Though love is an important plot here, with Michael Bay being Michael Bay, the more important part of the story, which somehow seems secondary in this film, is the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese and the consequences it had on the Americans, which led to their subsequent attack on Japan. Why I like this movie so much is because I have visited Pearl Harbor when I was 14. I was there and I felt what the attack was like when I was there, being told of the attack by Vets who survived the attack and visiting the war memorial. Thus, when I initially heard they were making this movie, I was highly anticipating it because I will finally get to see how it all went down. I wasn’t disappointed. Perhaps only the ‘Sangam’ bit, though I wouldn’t mind seeing Ben Affleck perched on a tree with a bagpipe, singing Bol Radha Bol.
Favorite scene
This is a no-brainer. The best part of the whole film is obviously the attack on Pearl Harbor and nothing else. Michael Bay, despite his disastrous action sequences in ‘Transformers’, did a good job here. Its a very intense sequence, from the moment the civilians started noticing the Japanese flying over the island of Oahu. It captured the fear of the American people very well. The choreography of the Japanese fighter planes in action were done almost spectacularly. Not to mention Michael Bay’s trademark explosions are at its best here. The scene is beyond awesome.
Favorite line
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: You know at Pearl they hit us with a sledgehammer. This raid, even if it makes it through, it’ll only be a pinprick… but it’ll be straight through their hearts.
82) FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
Why is it on the list?
Obviously this is a comedy, but unlike the mindless comedies that we are so accustomed to, this movie has a beautiful story to it. Its like the funny bits are secondary to the interesting plot. Basically, why I say this movie is beautiful is mainly due to two beautiful characters; Mila Kunis as Rachel Jansen and Russell Brand as Aldous Snow. Surprisingly, those are not the two main stars. Rachel is the hotel receptionist in Hawaii, where Jason Segel’s Peter Bretter escaped to after his break-up with Kristen Bell’s Sarah Marshall. It also happens to be the very same hotel that Sarah and her new boyfriend Aldous are honeymooning. Rachel took pity in Peter and assisted him in any way that she could to get him over it. It’s not only the things that she did that made me love her character, but also the fact that she is a super cool chick that any guy out there would want as a girlfriend. Not to mention she’s a cutie. I totally fell in love with her, though I bought the DVD initially due to my crush on Kristen Bell. Now, I heart Mila. And then there was Aldous Snow. A super cool guy. In fact, he is the coolest character I have seen in many years. Of course, he could be every girl’s nightmare, but his chilled attitude towards life and everything around it makes it hard for anyone to hate him, especially Peter. Seeing that he is the new guy going out with his ex-girlfriend, Peter is supposed to hate him on principle but its difficult to hate a guy like Aldous. There was also that fat f*ck Jonah Hill, whom I love, playing a minor role as a hotel employee but had its moments. If you look at the poster above, it says ‘from the ones who brought you ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. I think that this movie is far more superior than those two to have that line on its poster. Just my opinion.
Favorite scene
And if I see Van Helsing, I swear to the Lord I will slay him…..Ah-ha-ha-ha
He’d take you from me, but I swear, I won’t let it be so…..Ah-ha-ha-ha
Blood will run down his face when he is decapitated…..Ah
His head on my mantle is how I will let this world know, how much I love you
Die, die, die
I can’t…
Dracula’s Lament by Peter Bretter
Favorite line
Aldous Snow: I would rather have my testicles spread out like a wafer and then have them covered in a layer of honey and then have wasps come and sting me and then have them covered in another layer of vinegar and then have it worn as a swimming cap by a Nazi. I’d rather have that than spend another second with her.
81) V FOR VENDETTA
Why is it on the list?
A movie that thought people to stand up against their government. I am not a political person. I am never into politics. The only politics I know of are what I see in movies. For me, this is one of the best political movies I’ve seen. The totalitarian government portrayed in this film reminds us all of the Nazi regime, and one cant help but compare the striking resemblance between John Hurt’s Chancellor Sutler and Adolf Hitler himself. Then, in the midst of all this tyranny, there is Natalie Portman’s Evey Hammond, who befriended Hugo Weaving’s V, a vigilante trying to topple the government. An unaccomplished deed set out centuries ago by his hero, Guy Fawkes. A rather odd relationship blossomed between Evey and V due to their mutual goal in overthrowing the despot, Sutler. It was not love, but stronger. These are two people who love and care for each other but are simply not meant to be with each other. Sad, but their love for Britain proves to be even stronger, as each made their own sacrifices for the good of the country.
Favorite scene
The fight scene in the alley between V and the bad guys, the Fingersmiths. Not only was the action well done but the fact that the movie was following more of a drama approach earlier and then suddenly, a brilliant action sequence was drop on us, catching us unaware. The scene will make you shift on your seat slightly. And V’s only using knives!
Favorite line
Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it’s my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V.
Fazil got so into this, he’s reworking the list as you read this right now. You can read the first part of the movies ranked 100 to 91 here. Stay tuned for the next episode of… 🙂
thoughtsonfilms.com 