Part 2
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60: Lucy
The Conflict: Lucy is a gal who unwittingly becomes a drug mule. When the drugs bust loose in her body, she gains superpowers!
The Film: Most people complain that this movie is not as smart as its premise claims to be. As an action movie, it's short, fast, and it has plenty of awesome stuff to behold. There's a brisk car chase, lots of scenes where Lucy uses wild powers to mess up bad guys, and the finale is an explosive all-out battle between gangsters and cops. It's pretty wild and messy, but it's fast, easy, silly entertainment.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: Most people complain that this movie is not as smart as its premise claims to be. As an action movie, it's short, fast, and it has plenty of awesome stuff to behold. There's a brisk car chase, lots of scenes where Lucy uses wild powers to mess up bad guys, and the finale is an explosive all-out battle between gangsters and cops. It's pretty wild and messy, but it's fast, easy, silly entertainment.
My current score: 4/5
59: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
The Conflict:
After confronting the pirates of the South China Seas, everybody brings
Jack Sparrow back, and they go into all-out war with other pirates and
the East India Trading Company.
The Film: Many have felt that this was quite the messy film. It's definitely the longest and most exhausting, but that's ultimately why I like it so much, if not the best of the lot. I have always admired the trippy scenes of Jack in the alternate dimension, and the last act of the movie is pure carnage as ships battle it out in the middle of a maelstrom. I never found it dull -- it's a huge climax that rounds off the events of the first two movies nicely.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------The Film: Many have felt that this was quite the messy film. It's definitely the longest and most exhausting, but that's ultimately why I like it so much, if not the best of the lot. I have always admired the trippy scenes of Jack in the alternate dimension, and the last act of the movie is pure carnage as ships battle it out in the middle of a maelstrom. I never found it dull -- it's a huge climax that rounds off the events of the first two movies nicely.
My current score: 4.5/5
58: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
The Conflict: Jack Sparrow and the gang go up against Davey Jones, in search of the Dead Man's Chest.
The Film: Considered my most to be a crazy mess, I felt that this film boasts some of the best action setpieces of the series. A lot of them are pretty zany and over-the-top, including a crazy scene where Jack bounces off the cliffs while being chased by cannibals, or the sword fight on top of a rolling wheel. The filmmakers flexed impressive imagination in their designs of this fantastic pirate world, and the film overall is fun.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------The Film: Considered my most to be a crazy mess, I felt that this film boasts some of the best action setpieces of the series. A lot of them are pretty zany and over-the-top, including a crazy scene where Jack bounces off the cliffs while being chased by cannibals, or the sword fight on top of a rolling wheel. The filmmakers flexed impressive imagination in their designs of this fantastic pirate world, and the film overall is fun.
My current score: 4.5/5
57: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
The Conflict: Jack Sparrow and Will Turner team up to save a woman from undead pirates.
The Film: This film is crammed full of pirate-themed adventure and escapism. Aside from all the usual tropes of pirates on ships blasting each other with cannons and guns, there are a ton of swashbuckling sword fights, and a lot of really cool fantasy effects. Best of all, the film hinges its story on quality characters, who would go on to become endearing heroes for another 2 - 3 films.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------The Film: This film is crammed full of pirate-themed adventure and escapism. Aside from all the usual tropes of pirates on ships blasting each other with cannons and guns, there are a ton of swashbuckling sword fights, and a lot of really cool fantasy effects. Best of all, the film hinges its story on quality characters, who would go on to become endearing heroes for another 2 - 3 films.
My current score: 4.5/5
56: Underworld: Evolution
The Conflict: Vampires continue fighting lycans.
The Film: In the aftermath of the first film, this sequel goes even bigger and bloodier. There is a whole plethora of violent fights to behold, especially in the last act, which seems to be nothing but fighting. It can be exhausting at times, but I found the film to be interesting, exciting, and a satisfying follow-up on its predecessor.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: In the aftermath of the first film, this sequel goes even bigger and bloodier. There is a whole plethora of violent fights to behold, especially in the last act, which seems to be nothing but fighting. It can be exhausting at times, but I found the film to be interesting, exciting, and a satisfying follow-up on its predecessor.
My current score: 4/5
55: Olympus Has Fallen
The Conflict: Terrorists attack the White House; it's up to one secret service man to stop them!
The Film: Generally, this is Die Hard set in the White House, with all the usual action-movie tropes in play. The film tends to be rather bland and cheap-looking, but the action is really impressive as Mike Banning shoots and stabs his way through an army of bad guys to save the day.
My current score: 3.5/5
--------------------The Film: Generally, this is Die Hard set in the White House, with all the usual action-movie tropes in play. The film tends to be rather bland and cheap-looking, but the action is really impressive as Mike Banning shoots and stabs his way through an army of bad guys to save the day.
My current score: 3.5/5
54: Charlie's Angels
The Conflict: Charlie's Angels are three detectives who help a guy recover some stolen technology...or is it?
The Film: This is just silly...in all the right ways. Maybe. It might to too silly and zany for some folks, but I grew to appreciate the onslaught of color, comedy, sex appeal, and over-the-top action. There are tons of impressive martial-arts fights, plenty of chases, and some really huge explosions. There's hardly a dull moment to this film, and I find it to be pretty easygoing entertainment, despite all its excesses.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: This is just silly...in all the right ways. Maybe. It might to too silly and zany for some folks, but I grew to appreciate the onslaught of color, comedy, sex appeal, and over-the-top action. There are tons of impressive martial-arts fights, plenty of chases, and some really huge explosions. There's hardly a dull moment to this film, and I find it to be pretty easygoing entertainment, despite all its excesses.
My current score: 4/5
53: Tomorrow Never Dies
The Conflict: James Bond goes up against a madman who starts wars to create news.
The Film: This film has always felt like one of the purest and most satisfying action films of the 90s. It has all the normal Bond elements - gadgets, cars, ladies, locations - in addition to lots of military hardware, lots of loud gunfights, lots of then-new technology, and lots of stunts. The plot is generally interesting, the cast is swell, and the film overall is just plain fun.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: This film has always felt like one of the purest and most satisfying action films of the 90s. It has all the normal Bond elements - gadgets, cars, ladies, locations - in addition to lots of military hardware, lots of loud gunfights, lots of then-new technology, and lots of stunts. The plot is generally interesting, the cast is swell, and the film overall is just plain fun.
My current score: 4/5
52: The Italian Job (2003)
The Conflict: Thieves band together to pull off a heist against one of their own, who betrayed them on the Italian job.
The Film: Nothing but a good, fun heist film with equal parts comedy, drama, action, and style. The film is pretty lightweight, but the plot and characters are halfway decent, and the chases/heist scenes are pretty cool. It's an easy and pleasing film, and I believe it surpasses the original 1969 version.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: Nothing but a good, fun heist film with equal parts comedy, drama, action, and style. The film is pretty lightweight, but the plot and characters are halfway decent, and the chases/heist scenes are pretty cool. It's an easy and pleasing film, and I believe it surpasses the original 1969 version.
My current score: 4/5
51: Goldfinger
The Conflict: James Bond has to stop Auric Goldfinger from executing an elaborate plot to nuke Fort Knox.
The Film: Despite its age, this film is pure action. From start to finish, the film tracks Bond as he breaks into places and fights goons, using his brawn, his brains, his charm, and a whole plethora of outlandish gadgets. The film is loaded with iconic scenes, and there's hardly a moment that isn't just plain cool.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------The Film: Despite its age, this film is pure action. From start to finish, the film tracks Bond as he breaks into places and fights goons, using his brawn, his brains, his charm, and a whole plethora of outlandish gadgets. The film is loaded with iconic scenes, and there's hardly a moment that isn't just plain cool.
My current score: 4.5/5
50: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)
The Conflict A man and his wife turn out to be spies working for opposing agencies. Oops.
The Film: A smooth combination of dry comedy and cool action, this film provides an even and stylish viewing experience. As far as action goes, there is one great car chase, and plenty of fights, including a really intense and explosive gunfight at a mall. When the bullets aren't flying, the comedy and romance keeps it floating along pretty nicely. It's quite the hip and fun spy flick.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: A smooth combination of dry comedy and cool action, this film provides an even and stylish viewing experience. As far as action goes, there is one great car chase, and plenty of fights, including a really intense and explosive gunfight at a mall. When the bullets aren't flying, the comedy and romance keeps it floating along pretty nicely. It's quite the hip and fun spy flick.
My current score: 4/5
49: White House Down
The Conflict: Terrorists attack the White House.
The Film: Similar, but arguably better than Olympus Has Fallen. In this film, a number of treacherous situations occur simultaneously, causing the heroes to act and react in a whole string of great action setpieces. It all builds up to an explosive and satisfying climax. It's all good action-packed popcorn entertainment.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: Similar, but arguably better than Olympus Has Fallen. In this film, a number of treacherous situations occur simultaneously, causing the heroes to act and react in a whole string of great action setpieces. It all builds up to an explosive and satisfying climax. It's all good action-packed popcorn entertainment.
My current score: 4/5
48: Unleashed
The Conflict Danny is a literal attack dog.
The Film: When the collar comes off, Jet Li goes wild and kicks a lot of butt. That in itself is pretty cool. The fights are hard-hitting and smashing. But what makes this film most worthwhile will be the character; it is inherently sobering to watch a grown man being treated like a literal dog, but the film's main struggle is in watching him rise out of the gutter and become a more dignified fellow. It is an emotionally-compelling goal worth fighting for, and it makes for a rather touching martial arts film.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: When the collar comes off, Jet Li goes wild and kicks a lot of butt. That in itself is pretty cool. The fights are hard-hitting and smashing. But what makes this film most worthwhile will be the character; it is inherently sobering to watch a grown man being treated like a literal dog, but the film's main struggle is in watching him rise out of the gutter and become a more dignified fellow. It is an emotionally-compelling goal worth fighting for, and it makes for a rather touching martial arts film.
My current score: 4/5
47: The Transporter
The Conflict: Frank Martin takes a job, winds up confronting human traffickers.
The Film: This film boasts some great car chases and some superb fight scenes. The story is somewhat compelling, as it hinges on a subject that warrants attention. Above all though, Jason Statham brings his character to life really well and makes him compelling as a reluctant hero who can kick a lot of butt.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: This film boasts some great car chases and some superb fight scenes. The story is somewhat compelling, as it hinges on a subject that warrants attention. Above all though, Jason Statham brings his character to life really well and makes him compelling as a reluctant hero who can kick a lot of butt.
My current score: 4/5
46: The Protector (Tom-Yum-Goong)
The Conflict: A man wants his elephant back.
The Film: If nothing else, The Protector delivers one epic scene in which the hero fights through four floors of bad guys, and the camera never cuts until he reaches the top. But really, most of the movie boasts superb choreography and stunts. The story is notable for tackling the heavy-duty subject matter of trafficking endangered animals, and the film's hero carries a good amount of emotional resonance because of it. For the most part though, it's the impressive action and fights that makes this a worthy title for action fans.
My current score: 3.5/5
--------------------The Film: If nothing else, The Protector delivers one epic scene in which the hero fights through four floors of bad guys, and the camera never cuts until he reaches the top. But really, most of the movie boasts superb choreography and stunts. The story is notable for tackling the heavy-duty subject matter of trafficking endangered animals, and the film's hero carries a good amount of emotional resonance because of it. For the most part though, it's the impressive action and fights that makes this a worthy title for action fans.
My current score: 3.5/5
45: District B-13
The Conflict District B-13 is a walled-off ghetto in Paris; an undercover cop has to find a gang with a bomb and stop them.
The Film: Within some really grungy settings, this film sports some pretty awesome martial arts and parkour scenes, the likes of which are on-par with Ong Bak. David Belle pulls off some impressive moves throughout, and the picture is a total blast from beginning to end. The story's pretty breezy with some interesting ideas, but it's the action and style that takes the spotlight.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: Within some really grungy settings, this film sports some pretty awesome martial arts and parkour scenes, the likes of which are on-par with Ong Bak. David Belle pulls off some impressive moves throughout, and the picture is a total blast from beginning to end. The story's pretty breezy with some interesting ideas, but it's the action and style that takes the spotlight.
My current score: 4/5
44: Quantum of Solace
The Conflict: James Bond vs members of a secret society called Quantum.
The Film: This film picks up where Casino Royale left off, and provides a decent resolution that rounds off the characters and paves the way for Skyfall. Much of the film is a frenetic rush that pushes Bond through intense car chases, boat chases, plane chases, and various fights. There's a ton of action -- unfortunately, it can be rather agitating thanks to its breakneck editing. The story's a bit choppy too, but the film looks great and covers some relevant content concerning the environment, resource depletion, and warlords.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: This film picks up where Casino Royale left off, and provides a decent resolution that rounds off the characters and paves the way for Skyfall. Much of the film is a frenetic rush that pushes Bond through intense car chases, boat chases, plane chases, and various fights. There's a ton of action -- unfortunately, it can be rather agitating thanks to its breakneck editing. The story's a bit choppy too, but the film looks great and covers some relevant content concerning the environment, resource depletion, and warlords.
My current score: 4/5
43: Die Hard With a Vengeance
The Conflict: John McClane plays a game of "Simon Says."
The Film: A notable difference from the last two films of the series, this sprawling cat-and-mouse chase takes McClane across an entire city, solving riddles and resolving complex situations while bad guys pull off an ambitious heist. This film looks a little rough around the edges, but it's still quite the thrill ride with an interesting cast.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: A notable difference from the last two films of the series, this sprawling cat-and-mouse chase takes McClane across an entire city, solving riddles and resolving complex situations while bad guys pull off an ambitious heist. This film looks a little rough around the edges, but it's still quite the thrill ride with an interesting cast.
My current score: 4/5
42: Mission: Impossible III
The Conflict: Ethan Hunt tracks down an arms dealer.
The Film: The third time's the charm; the first two movies have their moments, but this is the one that elicits the right emotional resonance, thanks to the personal stakes that Ethan endures in the film. Despite the shakey cam, the film's action scenes are top-notch and leave quite the impact.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------The Film: The third time's the charm; the first two movies have their moments, but this is the one that elicits the right emotional resonance, thanks to the personal stakes that Ethan endures in the film. Despite the shakey cam, the film's action scenes are top-notch and leave quite the impact.
My current score: 4/5
41: Sherlock Holmes
The Conflict: Sherlock Holmes investigates some murders, winds up confronting cultists.
The Film: This has always felt like a weird film to me. It updates the classic character and mysteries by turning Sherlock into an eccentric, whose OCD actually helps him in combat. And yes, there is a shocking amount of action to this picture, with lots of gratuitous slow motion. Despite the oddness of this picture, I've grown to admire its storytelling, which is quite dense and satisfying, and the visual flair, which is not only impressive in its action, but also in its incredible production design. It's nothing like the original novels, but it is a really fun adventure nonetheless.
My current score: 5/5
--------------------The Film: This has always felt like a weird film to me. It updates the classic character and mysteries by turning Sherlock into an eccentric, whose OCD actually helps him in combat. And yes, there is a shocking amount of action to this picture, with lots of gratuitous slow motion. Despite the oddness of this picture, I've grown to admire its storytelling, which is quite dense and satisfying, and the visual flair, which is not only impressive in its action, but also in its incredible production design. It's nothing like the original novels, but it is a really fun adventure nonetheless.
My current score: 5/5
To be continued...
