Top Movies 89-91 in Brief
91. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939)
I have a soft spot for Capracorn and this movie tries hard to make you believe in the system—or better yet, the fact that an individual can make a difference in our system. That may be true, but these days we see a different sort of influence from an individual who went to Washington. More of a Mr. Potter than a Mr. Smith type. SAD.
91. “Candyman” (1992)
One of the first films I remember treating the ideas of belief and philosophy of religion in this way. It is interesting to think about the way that society thinks can feed evil and violence. Belief in an evil god-like entity can give power to that spirit. Or, in other ways, the Zeitgeist of an era can turn the whole world into supporters of evil, hateful ideologies. Horror can be smart in the way that it disturbs.
91. “Bridge of Spies” (2015)
Tom Hanks is the modern-day Jimmy Stewart. In this story about one of the most fascinating moments in modern history, we get the same sort of message as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” An individual who stands up for what he believes in opposition to a majority can be an inspiring thing, but here we also see how challenging that can be. Sometimes people are hated for daring to think that the principles their country was founded upon are not as important as just defending the country, be she right or wrong.
90. “Wait Until Dark” (1967)
I have heard this film listed as the scariest of all time on multiple occasions. I’m not sure about that, but it is super effective and it places us in the shoes of someone who “sees” the world in a completely different way.
90. “Alien” (1979)
This too has been nominated for “scariest movie of all time.” It is a bit too slow for young people these days, but it is a great example of claustrophobic, can’t-get-away-from-danger, horror. And Ripley is a great feminine hero. The subplot of corporate greed outweighing any other considerations—including the good of the whole human race—that carries on in the multiple sequels is also a great realistic horror concept.
90. “Get Out” (2017)
This clever, original horror movie is also a great satire of current culture. Written during the Obama years, when many naively assumed that the race issue had been overcome in America, it is a keen indictment on the continuing racial fiasco that the US faces. It probably won’t win Best Picture, but it may be the most definitive film of 2017.
89. “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948)
This seventy-year-old film is still one of the best stories analyzing the destructive power of greed.
89. “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988)
Another take on greed and betrayal, this time from a thirty-year-old film that is one of the funniest comedies of the eighties.
89. “El Espinazo del Diablo” (2001)
And, I didn’t plan it this way when making these lists, but the 89th newer film is also about greed, desire, and betrayal. It is one of the best and most original ghost stories ever put to film. Taking place in an orphanage during the Spanish civil war, it is all about characters who want things they don’t have, and the things they are willing to do to get them.
I have a soft spot for Capracorn and this movie tries hard to make you believe in the system—or better yet, the fact that an individual can make a difference in our system. That may be true, but these days we see a different sort of influence from an individual who went to Washington. More of a Mr. Potter than a Mr. Smith type. SAD.
91. “Candyman” (1992)
One of the first films I remember treating the ideas of belief and philosophy of religion in this way. It is interesting to think about the way that society thinks can feed evil and violence. Belief in an evil god-like entity can give power to that spirit. Or, in other ways, the Zeitgeist of an era can turn the whole world into supporters of evil, hateful ideologies. Horror can be smart in the way that it disturbs.
91. “Bridge of Spies” (2015)
Tom Hanks is the modern-day Jimmy Stewart. In this story about one of the most fascinating moments in modern history, we get the same sort of message as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” An individual who stands up for what he believes in opposition to a majority can be an inspiring thing, but here we also see how challenging that can be. Sometimes people are hated for daring to think that the principles their country was founded upon are not as important as just defending the country, be she right or wrong.
90. “Wait Until Dark” (1967)
I have heard this film listed as the scariest of all time on multiple occasions. I’m not sure about that, but it is super effective and it places us in the shoes of someone who “sees” the world in a completely different way.
90. “Alien” (1979)
This too has been nominated for “scariest movie of all time.” It is a bit too slow for young people these days, but it is a great example of claustrophobic, can’t-get-away-from-danger, horror. And Ripley is a great feminine hero. The subplot of corporate greed outweighing any other considerations—including the good of the whole human race—that carries on in the multiple sequels is also a great realistic horror concept.
90. “Get Out” (2017)
This clever, original horror movie is also a great satire of current culture. Written during the Obama years, when many naively assumed that the race issue had been overcome in America, it is a keen indictment on the continuing racial fiasco that the US faces. It probably won’t win Best Picture, but it may be the most definitive film of 2017.
89. “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948)
This seventy-year-old film is still one of the best stories analyzing the destructive power of greed.
89. “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988)
Another take on greed and betrayal, this time from a thirty-year-old film that is one of the funniest comedies of the eighties.
89. “El Espinazo del Diablo” (2001)
And, I didn’t plan it this way when making these lists, but the 89th newer film is also about greed, desire, and betrayal. It is one of the best and most original ghost stories ever put to film. Taking place in an orphanage during the Spanish civil war, it is all about characters who want things they don’t have, and the things they are willing to do to get them.
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