My Top 20 Movies: A Four Part Series

Over the course of high school, I've had the pleasure of watching many movies, some which I've enjoyed more then others. I've watched the Oscars since 2006, and while I rarely agree with them, they're still good fun. But the time has come, the time to give movies that I have really, REALLY, loved, and watched more then once over the years. Most people have a top 5, 10,etc. Well this is my top 20 favourite movies of all time, in a 4 part series. Waste no more time shall we, here we go.

20. (500) Days of Summer Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87% (2009)

This movie came and went last year, and I was surprised how many people didn't see this. I feel like this movie was like Juno with the wide release, and every ones approval, romantic comedy/drama, etc. What really puts this movie over Juno for me however is Joseph Gorden-Levitt. For girls, he's that nice guy we'd like to know, and for some guys(most likely every guy who watched this), we've all been in this position. Also, the non-linear style of storytelling works well, unlike some other movies(which shall remain nameless at this time), and this movie never gets tiring for me. Plus, they're not one but two Regina Spektor songs in this movie, a definite plus in my books. I'm sure by now most have seen this movie, and it is a treat if you enjoy romantic comedies, but are sick of the same type of Rom-Com's. This movie stands out in my mind, and is a movie I would watch with anyone anytime, anywhere.

19. Beauty and the Beast Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93% (1991)

Everyone has their favourite Disney movie, and this is mine. Strangely, despite all the critical acclaim over Pixar, and their global domination, very few true Disney movies are as highlighted. This is the peak of old-fashion Disney. With some of the catchiest songs written for a feature, this film uses bright colours, unforgettable characters and Celine Dion to their potential. There is more character development in this movie then you can find in most Tarintino movies(with a few exceptions, I know), and it makes you feel for both Belle and the Beast as the film goes on,and you want to see them get though to the end, even though you know they will(trademark of Disney no less). I've seen the Broadway version of this, and it only reconfirmed what I though of this movie. Some pick The Lion King, Cinderella, or Sleeping Beauty. I pick Beauty and the Beast, the only Disney movie to get me teary eyed.....well that and Toy Story 3, but the doesn't count.

18. Sweeney Todd: The Demonic Barber of Fleet Street Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86% (2007)

Tim Burton has a thing for remaking movies in his own vision, be it Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(yay!) or Planet of the Apes(nay!) and Sweeney Todd is the culmination of this. He puts more into this movie then anything since Big Fish, and does it oh so well. Now despite how the list looks, I'm not a huge musical fan, and this is my favourite one. And what a musical it is. For those who somehow haven't seen this, you haven't lived until you see Johnny Depp and Alan(Hans Gruber)Rickman duet about what they would do to pretty women. The Gothic style is Tim Burtons trademark, as is Helena Bonham Carter in all his films(sigh). But she is very well written for the part, and does it well. But Johnny Depp just steals the show. There is no good in this mans heart, no love, no happiness and he breathes anger. You want to see him do what he does best(kill), and let me say, this he does. Oh yes, he does. If you need to knock Alice in Wonderland(nay!) out of your head, do so with Sweeney Todd(yay!)

17. Black Swan Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

This is probably one of the most powerful performances I've ever seen anyone do. This is a amazing movie where Natalie Portman really does shine. She puts so much to make her character strong, weak, determined, deterred and tragic all at once. This could almost be a bookend to Darren Aronofskys film The Wrestler, as both touch on similar themes, except this time from the perspective of a female, and at least she was rewarded by the Academy for her efforts. I saw this in theaters and lets just say I was extremely moved by this movie, more then any I've ever seen. I walked out with tears in my eyes. If any movie can make you do that, that's a incredible movie. So it goes without saying that I'll never see Natalie Portman as Padme anymore, no, I'll always see her in my eyes as Nina, the ballet dancer in this sometimes imperfect, but incredible film.

16. The Tracey Fragments Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 35%

(Nice change of pace). You hear about art-house movies that some people just get, and other don't. This movie is one of them. I don't really know what makes this movie so good. It stars Ellen Page, pre Juno in that movie that you have to watch, cause there was nothing else available by the actress, while you waited, and waited, and waited for Whip It to come out(another good movie by the way). But this one filled all that I needed to know about her and the roles she's willing to take, be they good or bad. I doubt very many of you have seen this movie, as it didn't get a wide release, but if you know a video/movie store that has this, rent it, and you may be in for a surprise. With crazy editing, unique dialogue, and shot in Hamilton(or Toronto, not sure), this movie did for me what Juno did for a lot of other people.
Stay Tuned for Part 2.