Cinemavens' Top 100 Films: 91-100

Starting today we will release a list of our top 100 films for the next few weeks. Each of us made our own list of favorite movies, and then we used a point system to compile our lists and create the Cinemavens’ Top 100 Films. When we completed the list, some of the rankings surprised us, and we think you will be surprised as well.

We realize that you may think, “How could they forget [such-and-such movie]?” We admit that there are a lot of movies we have not seen , so the absence or low ranking of a great movie will most likely indicate that most of us have not seen it yet.  If you have suggestions for films that deserve to be in the Top 100, let us know in the comments below, and we will try to watch them!

We also anticipate that you may think, “How can that movie be listed in the Top 100?” If you disagree with our rankings, please comment below! We love discussing movies, so we welcome your thoughts and criticisms.

So, without further ado, we present numbers 100-91 of our Top 100 Films: 

Lars Van Trier wants to show us the paradox of mental illness. During Part One, one easily judges that Justine has mental problems, and that Claire is perfectly normal. Claire is level headed and tries to make the evening run smoothly. She planned and ran this elaborate wedding party, while Justine seems incapable of even simply going through the motions. In Part Two however, the roles reverse, as the planet Melancholia draws nearer to Earth Claire becomes less and less capable of rationality while Justine calmly embraces the inevitable. Who is crazy then? Who has mental illness? She who is calm and organized during a frivolous, meaningless formality or she who is calm and collected at the possible destruction of all living? Read the Cinemavens' review of Melancholia here.

What a twist! “The Sixth Sense” arguably contains one of the most surprising twists in cinematic history, but that is only one element that makes this film superior to other modern thrillers and ghost stories. M. Night Shyamalan masterfully maintains a cold, moody, and suspenseful tone throughout “The Sixth Sense” and peppers the film with brief moments of horror to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Haley Joel Osment also deserves special mention. Child actors tend to be the “kiss of death” for many films due to their inexperience, but Osment delivers a superb and believable performance in "The Sixth Sense.” Too bad we haven’t seen much from this talented actor since this film.

"Fiddler on the Roof" combines relatable and likable characters, incredible musical numbers, powerful and universal themes, and an epic story in the cold of Tsarist Russia to be arguably the greatest film adaptation of a Broadway musical. The film has an ensemble of great characters, but the movie is anchored by Chaim Topol’s perfect performance as the brash, struggling Tevye, who finds himself torn between his love for his family, his traditions, and the increasingly dynamic and dangerous political climate of the time.

"Traffic" is a complex, multi-layered film with a great ensemble cast ranging from Michael Douglas to Benicio Del Toro to Katherine Zeta-Jones. It is constantly surprising and even shocking, with a pronounced style and solid acting all around.

"Gandhi" is a film that appropriately takes its time to fully explore the life of the titular character. Who but Ben Kingsley could embody this remarkable man with poise, grace, and spirit, allowing viewers to experience a characterization that offers not only depth, but a natural sincerity as well?

"A Clockwork Orange," directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a film about extreme violence and cultural decay. Inspired by the satire in the 60’s and 70’s on crime and punishment, "A Clockwork Orange" is set in futuristic England where a gang of teenagers get high and run around the town finding people to fight and harass. The leader of this group is caught after killing someone and is then “treated” to abhor violence of any type. This film slowly draws the viewer in with its atmosphere, music, and the disturbing question of what will happen next. Kubrick uses amazing juxtaposition of ultraviolence and calmness to create an in-depth look at how society deals with violence and how we treat it.

Not only did "Raiders of the Lost Ark" introduce Indiana Jones, one of the most iconic characters to appear on the big screen, but it also stands among the greatest action-adventure movies ever filmed.  We follow Jones from thick jungles filled with booby traps, to the snow-capped Himalayas in Nepal, to the Egyptian desert as he races to discover the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. The exotic destinations and characters, witty humor, enthralling action, and Jones’ charming machismo (i.e., pure awesomeness) in “Raiders” establish the film as the epitome of escapism.

"The Philadelphia Story" is easily one of the top movies of 1940.  It features an all-star cast: Oscar nominee Katherine Hepburn for Best Lead Actress, Oscar nominee Ruth Hussey for Best Supporting Actress, and Oscar winner James Stewart for Best Actor.  Even though he was snubbed by the Academy, Cary Grant still delivered a superb performance.  Combine these with an Oscar winning script, and you’re in for a real treat.  With all three main male characters falling for the same girl, you don’t know how it finishes until the very end.  Movies like this remind us of what romantic comedies should be: light, romantic and quick-witted.  Some lines give it a slight hint of a screw-ball comedy, but the audience is never distracted from the film's true romantic nature.  Romantic comedies today are so predictable and boring, thus making this movie a must-see for all generations.  

"Network’s" themes of dehumanization, insanity, and corporate exploitation along with insights of human nature are impeccably elucidated by an ensemble of excellent acting, so excellent, in fact, that the movie won five acting Oscars. The movie is also incredibly ironic and darkly funny; and it contains some of the best rants ever heard on screen. We love a good rant, especially when the time we live in is so chaotic and political; and frankly we're sick of it all too. “I’m a human being goddamn it, my life has value! I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

All the elements of "Apollo 13" come together seamlessly under Ron Howard's solid direction. The drama is handled with realism and a fitting level of intensity, combining historical accuracy with cinematic excitement.

What did you think of our list so far? Feel free to comment below or on our Facebook page! 

Next week we will unveil numbers 81-90 in our Top 100, so please stay tuned! Also, if you missed our recent reviews of "War Horse" and "Iron Lady," be sure to read them by clicking on their links. 

Tweet