by: Gary Whittaker
This list is based on what our editors consider the most
groundbreaking and influential, while at the same time
provide a complex plot and quality acting. Animated
films are not considered, as they would be a category
all their own. Sequels, Trilogies and associated films
were all be considered in the entirety and measured
against single films as 1 entity. The movie, or at last
one in the franchise, must have been available on DVD in
2005. We fully expect this list to change dramatically
over the course of the next few years due to the quality
of movies in this gendre having greatly increased over
the last decade.
10. The Princess Bride
This movie has all the elements a family adventure film
should have, with sword fights, comedic dialogue,
interesting characters, and of course, a central love
story. This movie proved that you did not have to have
huge explosions, grotesque villains and a huge body
count for people to enjoy it.
9. Donnie Darko
This movie has almost no special effects, but was very
well received by those searching for a more intelligent
science fiction based movie. In this movie, the plot
drives the story, not the special effects.
8. Alien, the trilogy
Not one of our favorites, but we cannot ignore the
impact this movie has made since its original release in
1979. So many other movies have tried, and failed, to
use this movie’s “there’s something in here” plot while
the characters get picked off one by one. This movie
gave fear to regular stomach aches for months.
7. Twelve Monkeys
Brad Pitt gives a stellar performance, and special
effects be damned, this is a truly incredible movie to
watch. Some actors are made for a role, and both Brad
and Bruce Willis work marvelously together to keep you
glued to your seat.
6. Blade Runner
Speaking of actors that are perfect for certain roles,
Harrison Ford brings realism to a role of a private eye
in the not so distant future when artificial life become
self aware.
5. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Not only does Jim Carrey prove that he can play someone
that is not a complete moron, he shows that he can
completely keep his zany side in check and performs
brilliantly in this incredible movie that shows you the
depths of love. The story continues to surprise and
entertain you throughout. A great movie to share what
that special loved one in your life.
4. E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial
You should get a kick out of seeing a young and adorable
Drew Barrymore. This movie is for kids, or for you to
relieve a part of your childhood. It is very well put
together, and fun to watch even if it is just a puppet
from space.
3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The only reason why these movies are not in the number
one spot is because of the fact that it is an adaption
of an existing novel, whereas the top two are actual
original stories. That being said, no movie is as well
put together as Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth. If I have
one complaint, it is the ending of the last movie that
just never seemed to end!
2. The Matrix Trilogy
If not for the commercial success the movie in the
number on spot, this would be considered the all time
best. No other movie is as well thought out as Matrix.
It’s only danger that could have befallen this movie is
to get into the Robert Jordan trap (never ending series)
so as to stretch out the story beyond recognition. There
were many critics of this last movie in this series, but
what could the producers do? There will always be
critics and you cannot satisfy everyone.
1. Star Wars Saga
Darth Vader is the only thing coming this now over
commercialized movie in the top 3. I am personally
disgusted with how commercial episode 6 was, and the
fact that Mr. Lucas tried to continue that aspect with
Jar Jar Binks, and then ultimately failed in his
attempts to get back to what had been missing since the
Empire Strikes Back in Episode 3. But, the characters
behind the franchise has stayed in our hearts, as we
have played out many stories with our friends, on board
games, and online.
