This ranking system is based purely on my opinions. This post is intended for debate and discussion, supporting your views with rhymes or reasons. One where we can share on social media together.
10. RocknRolla
‘In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, attracting some of the city’s scrappiest tough guys and its more established underworld types, all of whom are looking to get rich quick. While the city’s seasoned criminals vie for the cash, an unexpected player — a drugged out rock ‘n’ roller presumed to be dead but very much alive — has a multi-million dollar prize fall into his hands.’ (IMDb)
I don’t want to give too much away about the movie so I shall just…here it goes…This is better than your average gangster film, however, I do not understand its lack of hype. Was it the cast? Surely not, that is very strong (Gerrard Butler, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong, Idris Elba and Tom Hardy). The director? Who? Guy Ritchie, one of the best. If this is not a big enough of a pull, then you’re never going to watch this movie. Plus the soundtrack is the nuts!
9. Into The Wild
‘After graduating from Emory University, a top student and athlete abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.’ (IMDb)
An absolutely amazing film by Sean Penn. The objective of trying to minimalise the importance of material things to seek the true meaning of life…this film delivers on all levels. It beautifully portrays the tragic real life story of Christopher McCandless.
8. Layer Cake
‘A successful cocaine dealer gets two tough assignments from his boss on the eve of his planned early retirement.’ (IMDb)
This was Daniel Craig’s audition to the producers of James Bond to go “Hello, I am perfect for this role!”. The storyline was spot on with a great establishment of actors to be considered as one of the best British gangster/crime movies. Furthermore, it throws in the odd hint of comedy, which is never a bad thing. If you want to see the reason why we have Craig as Bond today, watch this movie.
7. Law Abiding Citizen
‘A frustrated man decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family’s killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney and others involved in the deal.’
It’s not just the great acting that makes this film strong but the thought process into making it – the depth of it’s characters rather than churning out a macho-explosion-filled action. Don’t get me wrong, it’s full of extreme action but you feel that it also gives more of a meaning or there is an objective to it. I believe this film has got lost amongst the plethora of similar films over the years like White House Down.
6. Hanna
‘A sixteen-year-old girl who was raised by her father to be the perfect assassin is dispatched on a mission across Europe, tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent and her operatives.’ (IMDb)
Such lack of recognition for the movie and actress Saoirse Ronan. Hanna is an original and enjoyable thriller, as well as a welcome break from the standard, churned out thrillers such as Sucker Punch, In Time and I am Number Four.
5. The Island
‘Lincoln Six Echo (McGregor) is just like everyone else-he’s waiting to go to the island-the only place left in the world to actually live a life. It all sounds like paradise but Lincoln Six Echo soon discovers that there’s actually a sinister purpose going on at that facility and must escape. Not only that but he also realizes that he must stop the sinister plan going on at that facility.’ (IMDb)
I absolutely loved this film – so much so that I saw it twice in the cinema and countless times on TV. It has all the ingredients of a great film – a dystopian storyline, considered action, well-blossomed romance and gradual suspense. Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson gel so well together, making you route for them all the way to the end…
4. Looper
‘In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits – someone like Joe – who one day learns the mob wants to ‘close the loop’ by sending back Joe’s future self for assassination.’ (IMDb)
Minority Report meets Terminator. This science fiction film of 2012 was mind-blowing and really stood out in the crowd of Hollywood regurgitated action movies. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis really own their roles of Joe and Old Joe. They masterfully make their mannerisms so similar to one another, along with the beautiful recreation of Gordon-Levitt’s face to look like one of a young Willis that you truly believe this is the same person. Furthermore, the supporting cast of Emily Blunt and Jeff Daniels increases the quality to push this movie into higher regard.
3. Crimson Tide
‘On a US nuclear missile sub, a young first officer stages a mutiny to prevent his trigger happy captain from launching his missiles before confirming his orders to do so.’ (IMDb)
Despite being received fairly well, it hardly got any recognition at the awards ceremonies. Did you know that Quentin Tarantino was one of the screenplay writers – if not, then surely that’s a seller enough for you? The ebb and flow combined with the powerful duo of Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman is a sight to behold. Two of the strongest actors bashing heads, and creating this beast of a film – watch it now! It’s on Netflix too!
2. Source Code
‘A soldier wakes up in someone else’s body and discovers he’s part of an experimental government program to find the bomber of a commuter train. A mission he has only 8 minutes to complete.’ (IMDb)
A mix of Groundhog Day and Inception, Source Code is an edge of the seat and thought provoking film. It will not only make you think about the possibility of alternative universes but also appreciate Jake Gyllenhaal’s acting abilities and talent, which carries this film from start to finish. If you haven’t seen this film yet, why not?
1. Drive
‘A mysterious Hollywood stuntman and mechanic moonlights as a getaway driver and finds himself trouble when he helps out his neighbour.’ (IMDb)
This film was absolutely terrific and personally, it was criminally underrated. This film for me launched Ryan Gosling to the top of Hollywood’s actors list. How he managed to convey so much emotion and drama with very little talking and purely body action, I’d never know. This film is like Fast and the Furious (if it was tasteful and elegant), with a little bit of the Italian Job thrown in. Get this film on your TV now!
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