Fun Rankings: Part 2

Following my previous post, we're going to be ranking my five favourite movies this time! Again, this is subjective only. I also don't claim to be an established film critic or reviewer, I just enjoy movies a lot! Full scale reviews of these films should hopefully be making their way to the blog soon. For now, enjoy my favourite films list!

5: The Nice Guys

Director: Shane Black

Actors: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Angourie Rice

Genre: Drama/mystery

Released: 2016

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Kicking off the list is this fun and comedic detective film from 2016. Hilarious, well shot and very 70's, this encapsulates the best of the 'buddy cop' genre without being too gratuitous. Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) are both incredibly likeable characters, with their fair share of recognisable and relatable flaws. However, it is Angourie Rice as March's mature and witty daughter, Holly, who steals her scenes, being both charismatically grown up and purely innocent. Shane Black created an incredibly memorable detective story, being both hilarious and wrapped in an intriguing mystery throughout.

4: Her

Director: Spike Jonze

Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams

Genre: Drama/romance

Released: 2013

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Her is an insightful look into love and loneliness, and how much of each one human can take. Joaquin Phoenix is Theodore, a writer and hopeless romantic without any romance to share. He acquires an AI companion (voiced beautifully by Scarlett Johansson), with whom he begins to develop and intense emotional relationship with. Equal parts uncomfortable and heart-warming, Her is one of the best filmic examples of the relationship between man and machine, and how it may evolve in the future; for better or worse.

3: Drive

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Actors: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks

Genre: Drama/crime

Released: 2011

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Another Ryan Gosling movie? I assure you his role in Drive couldn't be more different from The Nice Guys. Framed as a drama/crime film, drive is also one of the best romance stories of the 21st century. Without giving too much away, the chemistry between Gosling's Driver and Carey Mulligan's Irene is filled with silent intensity, showing the world that separates the two so drastically. Albert Brooks plays the role of Bernie Rose to perfection; an old mobster who isn't above getting his hands dirty, who can believe this veteran actor voiced Marlin in Finding Nemo? I definitely didn't. But without a doubt, this trio performs exceptionally, creating one of the most thrilling and unique crime dramas put to film.

P.S. Credit to Nicolas Winding Refn, who didn't know anything about cars yet created tense and (mostly realistic) chase scenes.

2: Spirited Away

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Actors: Rumi Hiiragi (Daveigh Chase), Mari Natsuki (Suzanne Pleshette), Miyu Irino (Jason Marsden)

Genre: Fantasy/mystery

Released: 2001

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Hayao Miyazaki. One of the greatest directors of animation of all time. Spirited Away still stands tall as his masterpiece. A beautiful look into childhood and innocence, Miyazaki takes us on a journey through a world of spirits, ghosts and love, all on the back of one of the most wonderful soundtracks in film. A childhood film that's messages and themes ring equally powerful for adults, there is a reason I credit this as the first film to make me cry; from fear (I'm a wimp sometimes, what can I say), sadness and happiness, Chihiro's journey is our journey. Her struggles are our struggles, her triumphs our triumphs, her love our love. A masterpiece in animation.

1: Apocalypse Now

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Actors: Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall

Genre: Drama/adventure

Released: 1979

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

Apocalypse Now is more than the Vietnam War. It is more than the violence, the jungle, the struggle. It is the breakdown of human society in the face of war, a pointless war of ideals, fought on the back of greed and hunger. It's messages of false civilization and overwhelming aggression from one source to another are still scarily relevant to our world today. The challenges faced by Martin Sheen's Captain Willard, both physically and psychologically, are as draining for us as they are for him. No film has made me question my morals and beliefs as much as this film, and it stands as a testament to film making that Francis Ford Coppola was able to produce this masterpiece under such gruelling circumstances. A true master of film making and a true genius of a film.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my post. These films are by no means the 'best ever made' or even classics, but for me, they are the most enjoyable, thought provoking and emotional experiences I've had whilst watching films. There are dozens of films that could have potentially made this list, and I may one day list those too. For now, these five films are the ones I count as my best. Be sure to let me know whether you think differently and look out for the next post. For now, stay comfortable and stay dumb.