Great Performances, Scenes In First 50 Films

 

By Mark Pukalo

Some movies are a very good one-time watch. Others can stick with you forever.

Whether it's a character you like, a scene that you can't get out of your head or an unforgettable and thoughtful story, the best are often in the eyes of the beholder.

I'm not a horror fan. It has to be interesting for me to like something from that genre, such as the surprise ending of The Sixth Sense or the recent Talk to Me and All of Us Strangers. I don't mind being scared and you will see many thrillers on my best-of lists. But I like thinking man's movies.

The first one on this next list is a perfect example. Many might see "Aftersun" as a bit too abstract, but I wanted to watch it three or four more times because I thought about it so much afterward. Same with the timely "Never Rarely Sometimes Always," about a minor's emotional abortion journey.

Others on this list are just fun like the goofy "Better off Dead," the unique "Birdman," the emotional "Elizabethtown," the quippy "Fletch," and the cringy-funny "Shiva Baby,"  - among others.

Then there are the important films like "Oppenheimer," "Philadelphia," "Platoon," "Shut up & Sing," "The Tillman Story," and "Wind River." 

One of the best lines among these 50 came in a forgotten little film called "Saved!" Jena Malone, a pregnant high schooler, arrives at her Catholic School prom with two suspended classmates, her gay former boyfriend and his friend. But they are told to leave. 

Jena replies: "If God wanted us to all be the same, why did he makes us all so different?

There are great performances in these first 50 films on my list, which is technically and roughly 101-150 all time for me. Many Oscars were won on these films. 

Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Burt Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Robert Forster, Cillian Murphy, Jeremy Renner, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mickey Rourke are among the most notable efforts. 

If you don't like the list, "Argo Fuck Yourself." LOL. Sorry. 

If you see any of these on streaming services, give them a watch.

THE FIRST 50

Aftersun - A young woman looks back on the last days spent with her father when she was just 11 and unable to comprehend the mental pain he was in before his apparent suicide. Frankie Corio is adorable as Sophie, a smart mature little girl. It is both heartwarming and very sad.

The American President - Aaron Sorkin wrote the romantic comedy and Rob Reiner directed as a widowed president (Michael Douglas) - up for re-election - courts a beautiful lobbyist (Annette Bening). Bening plays Sydney Ellen Wade with grace and power while the film mixes plenty of humor with a little politics. You wonder what would happen if we had a single President.

Argo - The intense film is based on the escape of six US diplomats from Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis from 1979-81 and it won Best Picture at the 2012 Academy Awards. Ben Affleck plays CIA operative Tony Mendez, who helps get the people out with the help of the Canadian Embassy. While the final scene was not how it actually happened, it is spine-tingling. If you don't like the drama added, Argo Fuck yourself again!

Begin Again - A brilliant songwriter (Keira Knightley), about to head back to England after a breakup, and a down-on-his-luck record producer (Mark Ruffalo) meet by chance and make wonderful music together in New York. It is imperfect at times and the music is perfectly simple, but there are so many great heartfelt scenes.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes – Beneath was a strong follow up to the original classic as James Franciscus, Charlton Heston and the beautiful Nova (Linda Harrison) encounter an underground race of humans worshiping an atomic bomb. There is plenty of symbolism in this one and a strong plot that provides a powerful ending.

Better off Dead - Sure, it is somewhat formulaic and Siskel & Ebert hated it, but this zany 1985 romantic comedy still makes me laugh. John Cusack plays Lane Meyer, a man "who knows how to ski" but develops a death wish after his girlfriend Beth dumps him. French exchange student Monique (Diane Franklin) tries to save Lane, but can't help when the paperboy stalks him. Two Dollars!

Birdman - Former super hero star Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) tries to find legitimacy on the Broadway stage in this fast-moving, unique "black comedy" directed expertly by Alejandro Inarritu. It won Best Picture in 2014 and Keaton should have won Best Actor after his masterful effort, but Emma Stone and Edward Norton also make the movie go with their performances.

Black Panther - Marvel provides another unique and compelling super hero with Chadwick Boseman taking over as king of Wakanda - only to be challenged by his evil cousin. The story and the characters are rich.

Bohemian Rhapsody - The story of the historic rock group Queen and its amazing front man Freddie Mercury is hated by some critics, but it won Best Picture at the Golden Globes. I call it a beautiful mess. While it is far from perfect and some of the time line changes can annoy you, I was incredibly entertained for more than two hours.

Boogie Nights - Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 film explores the porn industry of the 1970s through the eyes of young star Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg). Burt Reynolds provides the best performance of his career as a film maker who finds Dirk while Heather Graham, Don Cheadle, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Julianne Moore add to an amazing cast. The scene at the druggie's house with the young Asian setting off firecrackers is one the weirdest, intense scenes of all time.

Breaking Away - The 1979 film, based in Bloomington, Ind., follows a group of young townies who enter "The Little 500" bicycle race against the snooty college teams. Dennis Quaid is one of the kids and Dennis Christopher is the talented lead cyclist for the "Cutters" in this likable, humorous slice of life. The movie was nominated for Best Picture and won a Golden Globe.

Cha Cha Real Smooth - Cooper Raiff wrote, produced and starred in this story about a man trying to figure out where his life goes next after finishing college. Andrew falls for the single mother (Dakota Johnson) of an amazing autistic high school girl (Vanessa Burghardt), which both enriches and complicates his days. The slice of life is smart, heartwarming and sad.

Chasing Amy - Kevin Smith's off-beat film stars Ben Affleck as a comic book artist who falls in love with his lesbian friend (Joey Lauren Adams) and both go through soul-searching issues. Basically, it's just about how difficult love and relationships are. Some critics thought it was too stereotypical and narrow, but in my mind it was thought-provoking, unique - sometimes crude - and hilarious.

Da 5 Bloods - Spike Lee's latest joint came out on Netflix in 2020 and it had to be added to the list immediately. Four African-American Vietnam vets return to the place where their friend died in battle and a box of gold bars were buried some 40 or 50 years earlier.

Elizabethtown - Cameron Crowe's most under-rated film stars Orlando Bloom as a young man, embarrassed by a huge failure in business, who must deal with death in many different ways. His journey leads him to the realization of what life is all about. Kirsten Dunst has never been cuter as friendly stewardess Claire Colburn. Some think her character was not real, that she was supposed to be an angel that saves Bloom. So many great scenes.

Fever Pitch - The Farrelly Brothers' 2005 film is loosely based on Nick Hornby's book "Fever Pitch, A Fan's Life" about his time rooting for Arsenal in the English Premiership. The Farrellys adapted it to the life of "one of God's most pathetic creatures" - Boston Red Sox fans - with Jimmy Farrell in the lead role. The movie concludes with the end of the Curse of the Bambino. "Remember when Roger Moret went catatonic?"

Fletch - Chevy Chase reportedly said this was his favorite movie role as a crack investigative reporter for the LA Times working on a drug trafficking story before getting embroiled in a devious plot. Irwin Fletcher's witty remarks make the movie, especially in his romance with a millionaire criminal's wife (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson) at the club. Just charge your next bill to the Underhills' tab.

Ghostbusters - Scientists Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis get slimed while vacuuming up ghouls and ghosts in the 1984 classic comedy. The sequels never could reach the level of the original, but they are always fun.

The Holdovers - Paul Giamatti plays a grumpy teacher at a prep school, who must stay over through the holidays with students that can't go home. While all but a single student find another adventure, Giamatti is left with one boy battling family issues and a grieving mother who runs the kitchen  The three characters go on a amazing journey together and find peace.

The Hurricane - I was captivated by William Nack's amazing 1992 story on Rubin "Hurricane" Carter in Sports Illustrated and was anxious to see the movie in 1999. While some of the facts were fudged, as usual in the films such as this, it did not disappoint with Denzel Washington producing one of his best performances as a boxer who was wrongly-convicted of a triple murder. "Hate put me in this place. Love's gonna bust me out."

Independence Day - The science fiction film won an Academy Award for best visual effects in 1996, but it was ultimately just a fun ride with a great cast. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum blow up and punch the nasty-looking creatures while Bill Pullman makes impossible decisions as President before a rousing final speech. The sequel was not good, but the original was one of the most entertaining of its genre.

Jackie Brown - Director Quentin Tarantino's third film is a crime caper about "colorful low-life characters" as Roger Ebert put it. Samuel L. Jackson uses flight attendant Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) to smuggle his money in from Mexico. Jackie outsmarts everyone by teaming with smitten veteran bail bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster), who was deservedly nominated for Best Supporting Actor. A just-out-of jail Robert DeNiro and a ditsy Bridget Fonda add humor..

Jersey Girl - Love this Kevin Smith film even though he apparently wasn't happy with the final product. Ben Affleck takes care of a their child after J-Lo dies and Liv Tyler's character ignites the movie, which has a heartwarming ending.

Jurassic Park - Developing a remote island with cloned dinosaurs from the DNA of very old frozen mosquitoes - what could go wrong? The 1993 Steven Spielberg film was the best of the series by far and won for sound and the amazing visual effects at the Academy Awards. Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum lead a solid cast, who try to avoid those pesky raptors.

The Lookout - Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a young man dealing with the aftermath of a horrific accident that he caused and a head injury that allows people to take advantage of him. “I wake up. I get dressed. I take my meds.”

Lord of War - The under-rated 2005 film stars Nicolas Cage as Yuri Orlov, an illegal arms dealer from Brighton Beach who becomes a major player in the world. Orlov makes deals with horrible dictators, along with his drugged-out and conflicted brother (Jared Leto), while fooling his dream woman (Bridget Moynihan) into marrying him. An agent (Ethan Hawke) is constantly on his tail.

Love Actually - Several intertwining stories that all have a heart. Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Adam Rickman, Bill Nighy and Liam Neeson add spice to cast while Keira Knightley's smile in one all-time great scene caps it for me. A cult favorite, it has become a staple on Christmas.

Meet the Parents - Gaylord Focker (Ben Stiller) makes a comedy of errors in an attempt to impress his scary future father in law, played by Robert De Niro. Losing the beloved Jinxy and a fated pool volleyball spike don't help Focker join the "circle of trust." Naomi Watts was originally slated to play Pam, but Teri Polo proved perfect for the role - and in Playboy afterward.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always - An underappreciated 17-year-old high school student (Sidney Flanigan) travels from suburban Pennsylvania to NYC to abort an unwanted pregnancy with her loyal cousin (Talia Ryder). It shows, as director Eliza Hittman,says, "what it takes to stand in a woman's shoes." It is real, sad and gripping from start to finish.

Oppenheimer - An epic film about the father of the atomic bomb Robert Oppenheimer, how the Manhattan Project came together and how the main character was treated after the deed was done. Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Robert Downey Jr. and director Christopher Nolan won Oscars. The only thing it was missing for me was a little more time around the actual dropping of the bomb.

Parenthood - The 1989 comedy-drama tells the story of an extended family and how wonderful life can be despite the constant struggles. The cast, which incudes Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne West, Keanu Reeves and Rick Moranis, is brilliantly directed by Ron Howard.

Philadelphia - It's rare when a movie has the ability to adjust your philosophy on issues - even slightly - and late director Jonathan Demme's film about a man dying of Aids is one. Tom Hanks took Best Actor for his portrayal of Andrew Beckett, a gay man who is fired after his disease is discovered, and Denzel Washington provides one of his best performances as his lawyer. The movie is filled with powerful scenes and beautiful music.

Platoon - Oliver Stone's Vietnam War drama won Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 1986 and provided some incredible images along with strong performances. The story follows Charlie Sheen through his first tour of duty and the horrors he encounters while trying to stay sane. The scene where dead bodies are pushed into a hole by bulldozers is one of the most numbing few minutes in movie history.

Saved! - Mary (Jena Malone), who attends a devout Christian high school, gets pregnant after trying to "cure" her boyfriend of his gayness. Mandy Moore, Patrick Fugit and Macauley Calkin join a solid cast in this satirical comedy with a strong message.

School of Rock - Substitute Jack Black pushes aside the textbooks to teach his class rock and roll, and they warm to the task. It is funny, smart and has a great ending at a battle of the bands contest. "For those about to rock, I salute you."

Searching for Sugar Man - A fascinating documentary about Sixto Rodriguez, a sort of Latin Bob Dylan from the streets of Detroit who did not make it in America but became a superstar in Apartheid-infested South Africa without knowing it. Two fans from Cape Town attempt to unlock the mystery of Rodriguez and tell an incredible story that is sad and ultimately uplifting. It won the Oscar for Best Documentary of 2012.

Serendipity - Apparently it means "a fortunate accident." Talk about fortunate, how about having a choice between Bridget Moynihan and Kate Beckinsale? You...can't... lose. John Cusack has that tough decision in this likable romantic comedy. Jeremy Piven also plays a key role as Cusack's friend in the film that ends on the ice in New York City.

Shawshank Redemption - The 1994 film follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a man wrongly-accused of a double murder who finds a way to cope with prison life and wins in the end. The movie was not a huge hit out of the gate, but became more popular as time went on. It might be higher on many lists, but I understand the power of the film and Morgan Freeman's performance is amazing. "Hope is a good thing."

Shiva Baby - Smart, cringy comedy about a recent college graduate Danielle (Rachel Sennot), who must endure several embarrassing issues at a reception following a Jewish funeral, including her sugar daddy showing up with a beautiful wife and baby.

Short Term 12 - A terrific cast that includes Brie Larson, Rami Malek, Kaitlyn Dever (she hasn't seemed to age since then) and John Gallagher Jr. weave an interesting story about a residential treatment center for young people.

Shut Up and Sing - Terrific 2006 documentary about how a portion of the American society over-reacted to a simple anti-war statement by Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks at a 2003 concert in London. The controversy led to death threats, a backlash from country radio stations and corporations, and spawned a powerful album with songs about the trio's ordeal called "Taking the Long Way."

The Tillman Story - The amazing, but disturbing, 2010 documentary follows the tragic death of Pat Tillman and the controversial aftermath. The former Arizona Cardinals defensive back, who gave up his NFL career to join the army, was found to be killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan - a fact that was originally covered up before his family helps to reveal it.

Top Gun - The iconic 1986 film was one of Tom Cruise’s first big roles as he plays Maverick, a reckless but talented Naval aviator. Cruise’s battles with Ice Man (Val Kilmer) and the forbidden courtship with teacher (Kelly McGillis) are classic. The music pushes the intensity of the movie, especially Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone.”

The Town - Director Ben Affleck co-wrote and stars in the 2010 crime drama based on Chuck Hogan's book "The Prince of Thieves." A group of long-time friends from Charlestown, Mass. rob banks in the area and Affleck falls for one of the managers (Rebecca Hall), who may be able to identify them. Jon Hamm and Jeremy Renner are also terrific in their roles.

Up in the Air - George Clooney plays a man who lives his life on the road, working for businesses who don't have the guts to fire workers themselves. His regimented routine changes when he meets two different women (Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga). I enjoyed this movie and it also makes you think about what's most important in life.

War Games - The 1983 film stars Matthew Broderick as an innocent young hacker, who easily works his way into a government computer and plays a dangerous game. Every guy in my age group's crush Ally Sheedy plays Broderick's girlfriend as he rushes to save the world from "thermal nuclear war." Words to live by from computer Joshua - "A strange game. The only winning move is not to play."

While You Were Sleeping - Sandra Bullock in probably her best and most underappreciated role as subway token collector Lucy, who finds love in a roundabout way. Lucy is one of the most likable female characters of all time.

Wind River - Jeremy Renner should have been nominated for Best Actor in this 2017 movie as he plays a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent who finds an 18-year-old girl dead in the frozen tundra of an Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The mystery of her death takes several turns into a violent, but compelling and emotional ending.

The Wrestler - Mickey Rourke plays a past-his-prime wrestler named Randy "The Ram" Robinson, who is dealing with health and family issues as his standout career comes to an end. Rourke should have won Best Actor at the 2008 Academy Awards for his believable performance - over Sean Penn, who took the Oscar for "Milk." Marisa Tomei shines as a stripper.

50/50 - Joseph Gordon-Levitt, one of my favorite actors, plays a young man who is forced to deal with a rare form of cancer. Anna Kendrick is adorable as a young hospital therapist finding her way and Seth Rogan's humor does not screw up the movie, which was nominated for a Golden Globe. It is an emotional journey and the story is very intelligently told.