Category Archives: The Phenomenal 5

The Top 5, The 5 Best, we love to list things. Here we call it “The Phenomenal 5”. Sure it sounds lame, but at least it’s uniquely ours!

5 Phenomenal Working Directors

by

49

PHENOM 5

Can anyone question the fact that we have an exceptional group of directors making movies these days? From gorgeous visual spectacles to unique humors and styles, many directors have established themselves in the art of filmmaking. Many have developed such director-specific styles that you immediately recognize their work in their films. I restricted this Phenomenal 5 list to working directors – in other words directors who are still currently making movies. I factored in not just a director’s body of work but also their influence on the industry and creative uniqueness. There are so many great directors out there and certainly some that I hated to leave off. So, as always, I wouldn’t call this the definitive list, but there’s no denying that these working directors are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – STEVEN SPIELBERG

SPielberg

Steven Spielberg has solidified his status as one of the most accomplished director’s in film history. He has received six Oscar nominations for Best Director and has won twice. He has directed several critically acclaimed films but he’s also directed some of the most successful box office pictures in film history. His directing credits reach back into the 70’s where he brought us “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and the wonderful classic “Jaws”. He really excelled in the 80’s directing the fantastic “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and two “Indiana Jones” sequels, “E.T.”, and “The Color Purple”. The 90’s were just as good as Spielberg directed two “Jurassic Park” pictures and the Oscar-winning “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan”. Since then he’s directed a wide variety of films such as “Minority Report”, “Catch Me if You Can”, “War of the Worlds”, “The Adventures of Tintin”, and “Warhorse”. There are several forgettable films sprinkled throughout that I haven’t mentioned and there is a good argument that Spielberg has become more about presentation than substance. But you can’t question his contributions to cinema and I couldn’t leave him off this list.

#4 – MARTIN SCORSESE

SCORSESE

From priesthood to filmmaking, Martin Scorsese’s life took a major turn when he entered the movie industry. He started his career directing shorts but it was 1973’s “Mean Streets” that gave moviegoers their first real look at a style and grit that would become synonymous with a Scorsese film. He has been nominated for the Best Director Oscar five times, winning once and has had memorable collaborations with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. Scorsese’s early career includes films such as “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”. But other than “Raging Bull”, Scorsese didn’t offer much in the 80’s. Then along came “Goodfellas” in 1990, a film considered by many to be the quintessential gangster picture. The 90’s also gave us “Cape Fear”, “The Age of Innocence”, and “Casino”. In 2002 Scorsese garnered more critical praise for his gangster period piece “Gangs of New York” followed by his 2004 Howard Hughes biopic “The Aviator”, and the film that earned him his one Oscar, “The Departed”. Recently he has reached into new genres with the underrated psychological thriller “Shutter Island” and the fine family film “Hugo”. Scorsese may not appeal to everyone mainly due to the large number of his films that share the same dark and violent themes and tones. But there’s no denying his filmmaking skills and I love that he’s expanding into new genres.

#3 – RIDLEY SCOTT

RIDLEY

It says a lot when only your second film becomes an all-time science fiction classic. Such was the case for Ridley Scott and 1979’s “Alien”, a movie that inspired many sci-fi films that would follow. A three-time Oscar nominee for Best Director, Scott’s resume is filled with a variety of films but he seems to be at his best making historical period pictures. After starting his career with the period film “The Duellists”. He followed up “Alien” with the sci-fi cult classic “Blade Runner” and the less impressive “Legend”. He jumped into the 90’s with “Thelma and Louise”, a critical and commercial success. But it was in 2000 and 2001 where Scott directed two films that have become favorites of mine: “Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down”. Both are gritty action movies and both are made with such sharp detail and a visual flair that Scott has become known for. Scott then directed the underrated historical epic “Kingdom of Heaven”, the crime drama “American Gangster”, and the spy film “Body of Lies”. In 2010, Scott directed the epic-scale “Robin Hood”, his fifth movie with Russell Crowe. In 2012 Scott returned to science fiction with “Prometheus”. Scott may not have the fattest resume but his contributions to the sci-fi, action, and historical genres can’t be questioned. He’s a director with a gripping visual style and many of his films have really resonated with me.

#2 – CHRISTOPHER NOLAN

NOLAN

I figure several jaws will drop and eyes will roll at me putting Christopher Nolan ahead of such greats as Spielberg and Scorsese. But Nolan has won me over with his incredible style and storytelling skills. Nolan’s genius is also tied into his ability to write. He’s written almost every film he’s directed and the personal connection shows itself on-screen. His films are layered and often challenging. And while his resume isn’t as full as other directors, he has yet to make a bad movie. That’s quite a compliment. Nolan started with the intriguing small independent film “Following”. But in 1998 he caught they eyes of movie fans with his complex but mesmerizing “Memento”. The film won him several independent movie awards. He then directed Al Pacino and Robin Williams in the well received “Insomnia”. But it was in 2005 that Nolan stepped into the superhero genre and directed “Batman Begins”, the reboot of a franchise that had been left in shambles. It was a brilliantly crafted picture that truly legitimized the genre. After 2006’s fun movie “The Prestige”, Nolan made “The Dark Knight”, the second film in his Batman trilogy and a movie that’s become one of my favorites of all time. It went beyond just being a comic book movie. Then in 2010 Nolan made the intensely challenging and beautifully structured “Inception”, a dream-based heist picture unlike anything that’s been done before. Nolan nicely wrapped up his Batman trilogy with “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Interstellar” is on the way. Nolan has shown himself to be a creative genius and true visual storyteller. His ability to write allows him to craft stories that directly connect to his own unique directing style. The results so far have been incredible.

#1 – JOEL & ETHAN COEN

COEN

Much like Christopher Nolan, The Coen brothers have a personal connection with the material they direct. As writers they have created some of the most memorable films of the last 30 years. As directors they have brought those projects to the big screen with a signature style that is unlike any other. You truly know a Coen brothers film when you see one. They examine familiar themes and weave them throughout their unique assortment of movies. They also use familiar performers and create films with different regional flavors. There first movie was 1984’s “Blood Simple”, a crime thriller that immediately revealed the brothers style of filmmaking. In 1987 they made “Raising Arizona”, one of the funniest movies of all time that showed the brothers’ quirky off-the-wall sense of humor. The 90’s brought several great films including “Miller’s Crossing”, an underappreciated gangster picture, the critically acclaimed “Barton Fink”, and the quirky crime thriller “Fargo”. In 2000 the brothers made “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, their first of three collaborations with George Clooney. Three movies later, the Coens directed what is one of my favorite films “No Country for Old Men”. They won three Oscars for the movie including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay. They followed it with two comedy’s “Burn After Reading” and “A Serious Man”. In 2010 they stretched their boundaries again by remaking the John Wayne classic “True Grit” and more recently they went “Inside Llewyn Davis”. The Coens are filmmakers that may not appeal to everyone but there’s no denying their craftmanship and unique style. Their movies are unlike any other and if I see their name attached, I’m automatically intrigued.

So there you have my list. I automatically know some directors that many will think of. Tell me about them. Who are your Top 5 working directors. Be sure to share them in the comments section below..

5 Phenomenally Fun Facts About “Casablanca”

by

24

PHENOM 5

This entire week I am celebrating my favorite movie ever made – “Casablanca”. I’m launching it with a Phenomenal 5 focused on some amazing fun facts surrounding this great picture. Naturally with such great appreciation for a film comes tons of wonderful trivia bits, cool details, and fun facts. Here are just five of the many I could mention. Now considering the greatness of “Casablanca” I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there is no denying that these five fun “Casablanca” facts are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – The Unlikable Paul Henreid

HENRIED

The key character of Victor Lazlo was played by the accomplished Austrian actor Paul Henreid. Henreid wasn’t keen on the role from the very start because he felt it shed a bad light on him. In fact, he would only agree to do the film if his name was included in the top billing with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Apparently this dissatisfaction carried over into his relationships with his co-stars. It was reported that Henreid viewed Bogart as a mediocre actor and his attitudes led Bergman to label him as a “prima donna”. With that kind of stress it’s amazing that things went smoothly at all.

#4 – “Play it again, Sam”???

Rick and Sam

“Casablanca” is known for having some of the greatest quotes in cinema history. It also has one of the most commonly misquoted lines. The frequently quoted “Play it game, Sam” never leaves the lips of Rick yet most people identify that line with the movie. Woody Allen even made a film with the misquote as the title. Actually neither a heartbroken Rick nor a reminiscing Ilsa utter the words. Rick says “You played it for her, you can play it for me.” Ilsa says “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By”‘. They are both great moments but neither feature the popular quote we hear so often.

#3 – Sam the Drummer

SAM

Every fan of “Casablanca” has a strong affection for Rick’s best friend and club pianist Sam (played by Dooley Wilson). Sam was there when Rick and Ilsa fell in love and he saw the painful effect Ilsa’s departure had on Rick. He knew the importance of the song “As Time Goes By” and he played it on his piano with such passion. Sam’s piano playing was as much of a part of Rick’s Café Américain as anything else. But here’s the funny thing – Dooley was a professional drummer and he faked playing the piano in the movie. In fact, during the scenes pianist Elliot Carpenter was actually playing behind a curtain.

#2 – “Here’s looking at you, kid”

LOOKING ATYOU

I talked a little about the timeless quotes sprinkled all throughout “Casablanca”. One of the most well known and beloved ones is Bogart’s incredibly cool line “Here’s looking at you, kid”. We hear it during the wonderful Paris flashback sequence and then later on close to the end. What’s amazing is that the line was completely improvised by Bogart. It was never a part of the script but Bogart, who had actually used the line in an earlier film, threw it out there and it absolutely worked perfectly. It’s amazing that one of cinema’s greatest lines was actually a product of improvisation.

#1 – Bogart vs. Bergman: Who was really the tallest?

TALLER

As a huge Humphrey Bogart fan there are several facts about the actor that are well known to me. One such fact centers around his height. Bogart was a short man measuring in at 5’9. Ingrid Bergman was actually a little taller than Bogie and a number of adjustments were made to remedy that on screen. Bogie sometimes sat on pillows while Bergman slouched in order to make him appear taller. Other tricks required Bogart to stand on boxes strategically hidden out of the camera’s sight. But despite his height restrictions, Bogart still gave us one of film’s coolest characters.

So “Casablanca” week is officially underway. Hope you enjoyed this “Casablanca” based Phenomenal 5. What did you think of the list? Any thoughts about these cool facts? Have some more you would like to share? Please take time to toss them out in the comments section below.

5 Phenomenal Movies from 1987

by

45

PHENOM 5

As a kid of the 80’s I have enjoyed these looks back at that wonderful decade. I grew up watching a lot of films during those years and they provided us with some true classics. Some 80’s movies have aged really well while others haven’t. Then there are those that actually have gotten better. So now we are up to 1987, a year that brought a ton of fun genre films and some of my personal favorites. As always, since we are looking at a full year of movies I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these five films from 1987 are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “Wall Street”

I’ve never been the biggest Oliver Stone fan but his 1987 gem “Wall Street” is still a movie that I can turn on at any time and watch. A lot of it has to do with Michael Douglas’ Oscar-winning performance as the classic character Gordon Gekko. Douglas dominates every scene he is in and his Gekko character is as mesmerizing as he is devious. Charlie Sheen is great as Bud Fox, a young broker who quickly learns that shortcuts and trampling over others may get you some quick money but there are always consequences. The movie also boasts a fine supporting cast including Martin Sheen, Hal Holbrook, James Spader, and the great Terence Stamp. I love “Wall Street”.

#4 – “The Untouchables”

In 1987 Brian De Palma gave us the crime thriller “The Untouchables”. Kevin Costner, who also starred in another 1987 favorite of mine “No Way Out”, plays Elliot Ness and the film is loosely based on the real Ness’ pursuit of Al Capone in gangland Chicago. Costner is solid and he is surrounded by a strong cast including Andy Garcia as a young trainee who is chosen for Ness’ task force and Robert DeNiro who is a lot of fun as Al Capone. But there is no one better than Sean Connery who plays a seasoned and honest Irish cop who not only helps Ness in his pursuit of Capone but mentors him as well. Connery deservedly won the Academy Award for the performance. The movie looks great, is filled with gritty period action, and moves at a sizzling pace. It’s a film that is still fun to watch.

#3- “The Lost Boys”

Talk about a different take on vampire movies. “The Lost Boys” was a great mix of horror and comedy and was by far the best movie from ‘the two Coreys’. Corey Haim plays Sam. He moves to Santa Carla, California along with his mother Lucy (Dianne Wiest) and his older brother Michael (Jason Patric) to live with his grandpa. The problem is Santa Carla has a serious vampire problem. Michael gets involved with four local teen bikers led by David (wonderfully played by Keifer Sutherland) who turn out to be, you guessed it, vampires. What makes the movie work so well is that it never takes itself too seriously. While it certainly has horror elements it’s also genuinely funny especially after we’re introduced to the Frog brothers, comic book store owners by day, vampire hunters by night. A wonderful cast, some creepy moments, and some great laughs.

#2 – “Predator”

Look, I make no apologies for being a fan of the cheesy, over-the-top, action genre that was big during the 80’s. But John McTiernan’s “Predator” was different on many levels. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s special forces team are sent into the dangerous Central American jungles to find out what has happened to a missing chopper. The movie follows some of the typical but fun formulas of the action genre but things change dramatically when an alien hunter shows up. Schwarzenegger, who was never accused of being a strong actor, is actually quite good here. The special effects are fantastic and the film features one of the single greatest military action sequences in movie history. Throw in Alan Silvestri’s unforgettable score and you have what I think is one of the best action movies of the 80’s.

#1 – “Raising Arizona”

With all of the quirky movies that Joel and Ethen Coen have given us since 1987, none show their wacky sense of humor better than “Raising Arizona”. This hysterical film centers on a habitual convenient store robber (Nicolas Cage) and his police officer wife (Holly Hunter) who come up with a hair-brained plan to take a baby from a wealthy couple who just had quints. Cage is simply perfect for the role and unlike most of his recent work, he really sells his character. The Coen’s unique brand of comedy is stamped all over this picture from the region specific humor to the hilarious array of side characters that pop up along the way. Also add in some incredibly funny work from John Goodman, William Forsythe, Sam McMurray, Frances McDormand, and Trey Wilson. “Raising Arizona” is still as funny today as it was when I first saw it. This brilliantly written and masterfully directed picture was only the Coen’s second film but it clearly revealed that the brothers would be a fantastic creative force for a long time. That’s shown to be true.

There they are – five phenomenal films from 1987. Now I have several others I could add to this list right now – movies I truly love and that have stuck with me over the years. What about you? What would be your favorite films of 1987?

5 Phenomenal Kevin Costner Films

by

31

This coming weekend will bring the release of Kevin Costner’s third (yes I said third) film of 2014. I’m a huge fan of Costner and I can say it’s great to see him back after a lengthy hiatus. So in light of his return I thought it would be cool to spotlight this great actor in this week’s Phenomenal 5. Now the wonderful movies that didn’t make this list are a testament to the fantastic career he has had. Considering that I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. Still I have no trouble calling these five Kevin Costner films absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “Open Range”

In 2003 Costner headed back to the old west alongside Robert Duvall in “Open Range”. Costner also hopped back into the director’s chair and reminded us of what an incredible cinematic eye he has. The story revolves around free grazing cattlemen who run into an Irish land hoarder who doesn’t want them anywhere around. A violent wild west clash explodes between the two groups ending in one of the best western shootouts ever put on screen. Costner is fabulous both in front and behind the camera which is the main reason the movie works so well.

#4 – “Field of Dreams”

FIELD

Kevin Costner has always had a heart for baseball movies. He made several throughout his career but for me his best is also the quintessential baseball film. “Field of Dreams” works for a variety of reasons. It captures everything that makes baseball so special to me. It also pricks my heart by telling a moving family story with a father as its centerpiece. And what a great cast. But Costner leads the way and he doesn’t miss a best. There is so much heart in this film and it’s one of those that I never get tired of watching.

#3 – “No Way Out”

No Way Out

If you look at Costner’s great filmography “No Way Out” is one that may get lost among the bigger titles and bigger hits. But I absolutely love the film and it is one of the best thrillers to come out of the 80’s. Costner plays a U.S Navy Lieutenant who gets caught up in a web of scandal, corruption, and espionage. There is a great supporting cast featuring Gene Hackman, Sean Young, and Will Patton but it’s Costner who ratchets up the nervousness and intrigue. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the story and it will keep you on edge right up to its big surprise finale.

#2 – “The Untouchables”

Untouchables

In many ways this is a nostalgic and sentimental choice but I can’t help myself. I love Brian De Palma’s “The Untouchables”. The film gives a very cinematic version of Agent Eliot Ness (Costner) and his Prohibition Era mission to bring gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) to justice. The movie takes a ton of liberties with the characters and the actual accounts but in terms of pure cinema it is hard to beat what De Palma gives us. Costner is perfectly cast and alongside the great Sean Connery he gives this story such vivid life.

#1 – “Dances with Wolves”

DANCES

Many critics have viewed “Dances with Wolves” as a good movie but undeserving of the Oscar accolades it received. I have to disagree. I think the film is beautiful, captivating, and epic. Costner directed and starred in the film which won seven Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. There is no doubt that “Dances with Wolves” tinkers with historical fact for dramatic effect but it also tells a moving story and challenges many perceptions. But most importantly it is a great overall movie and despite the naysayers Costner pulled off a grand achievement.

So there are my five phenomenal movies from Kevin Costner. I automatically know a few that will be brought up (and should be) in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear them and other Costner movies that may have made your list.

5 Phenomenal Arnold Schwarzenegger Films

by

40

PHENOM 5

Anyone who grew up during the 1980’s remembers how big the action movie genre was. Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the headliners of the era and his movies were often big budget events. I was a huge fan of those old-school action pictures so naturally Arnie was a mainstay at my house. So why not tip the hat to the Austrian bodybuilder turned movie star by listing my five favorite Schwarzenegger movies. With such a heavy filmography I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But still I have no trouble calling these movies phenomenal.

#5 – “Total Recall” (1990)

RECALL

In the 1990 science-fiction action film “Total Recall” Arnie goes to Mars…or does he? Paul Verhoeven’s wacky and sometimes metaphoric futuristic world is filled with corporate politics, social injustice, and various other milder commentaries. But what makes the film great is Schwarzenegger’s Douglas Quaid and the jam he gets into. While simply yearning for a better and more exciting life, Quaid finds himself caught between militaristic assassins and an underground rebel movement. It’s crazy, filled with big action, and it features some really cool special effects. “Recall, Recall, Recall”.

#4 – “Raw Deal” (1986)

RAW

Of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s early movies “Raw Deal” is one that may have gone unnoticed by many. Personally I think it is one of the actor’s best films. Sure it contains his signature wooden line reading, but I think it is the film that first showed Arnie trying to expand himself as an actor. He plays a small town sheriff who returns to the FBI in order to infiltrate and take down a Chicago mob boss. Great supporting work from Darren McGavin, Robert Davi, Sam Wanamaker, and Kathryn Harrold is just icing on the cake. “Raw Deal” has its share of action, but it is also a cool crime thriller that many may have missed.

#3 – “Commando” (1985)

Commando

In many ways “Commando” helped launch the one-man-army action films that were so prevalent during the 1980’s. It was the first to really accentuate the cheesy one-liners (that were actually considered cool at the time) and massive body counts. But hey, what do you expect when you kidnap the daughter of ex-military commando Arnie? This was also the first film that put Schwarzenegger as the starring lead in a modern day action setting. There are so many quotable lines, memorable moments, and of course the bullet-ridden finale. I still love “Commando”. Yes it feels almost like a time capsule movie today but is that a bad thing?

#2 – The Terminator Franchise

TERMINATOR

Instead of taking up multiple spots on this list I thought I would just put Schwarzenegger’s most memorable character in one place. The Terminator movies not only feature Arnie in his most recognized role, but they are also his biggest moneymakers. Everyone loved the Terminator films starting with the first film in 1984. There Arnold was a supporting player but he gained a lot of attention. In 1991 “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” came out and it blew up the box office. With James Cameron at the helm, T2 proved to be one of the best sequels ever made. Arnie was the star, the action was intense, and the special effects where groundbreaking. More movies would follow but the first two stand of huge cinematic accomplishments in my book.

#1 – “Predator” (1987)

Predator

Is it blasphemous to put anything about “The Terminator” when mentioning Arnie’s best movies? Not in my book. “Predator” is hands-down my favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. The film pulls from all sorts of genres including science fiction, military action, survival, and thrillers. Schwarzenegger is larger than life leading his band of special operations buttkickers on a mission into a Central American jungle. But they soon encounter something far more deadly than rebel forces. “Predator” works on every level. Arnie and company are great, the setting is perfect, Alan Silvestri’s score is fabulous, and the action is some of Arnie’s best. I never get tired of it.

So there are five phenomenal movies from Schwarzenegger himself. What do you think of my list. Which of his movies would have made your list. Please hit the comments and let me know.

5 Phenomenal Movie Police Partners

by

44

PHENOM 5

If I asked you to count how many cop movies you’ve seen in your lifetime it would be a difficult task. Policemen of all types have found their ways into countless movie storylines spanning a number of genres. Today I’m looking at some of cinema’s best police pairings. Now I’m not just looking at your standard buddy-cop stuff. I’m listing police partners that I found the most compelling for a variety of reasons. Obviously with so many to choose from I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But I do firmly believe that these five movie police partners are certainly phenomenal.

#5 – Harris and Hoyt (“Training Day”)

TRAINING

Talk about a rough first day. Ethan Hawke plays Jake Hoyt, a rookie cop during his first day as a narcotics officer. He is paired with a seasoned street-savvy veteran Detective Alonzo Harris played by Denzel Washington. The movie takes place during Hoyt’s first 24 hours on the job. Harris quickly initiates him into the dark and violent narcotics scene mainly by exposing his own vile corruption. Hoyt wants to do the right thing. Harris is rotten to the core. That makes for one mesmerizing and intense partnership.

#4 – Mills and Summerset (“Se7en”)

SEVEN

David Fincher’s crime thriller “Se7en” is about as dark as it gets. With a serial killer who patterns his murders after the seven deadly sins on the loose, two detectives are put together to track him down. Brad Pitt plays the young and impulsive Mills while Morgan Freeman plays the cautious veteran. The story grabs you from the start but another reason the film works so well is the great chemistry between Pitt and Freeman. I really went for these two which makes the movie’s big ending all the stronger.

#3 – White and Exley (“LA Confidential”)

LA

Yes I know there is technically a third police partner involved in “L.A. Confidential” but I really want to focus on the strained and sometimes violent partnership between Guy Pierce’s Exley and Russell Crowe’s Bud White. Frequent readers of this blog know that these are two of my favorite working actors and their ability to relay the friction of these two cops is brilliant. Along with Kevin Spacey’s Jack Vincennes, a group of very different policemen find themselves in a seedy noir world of corruption and Hollywood sleaze.

#2 – Tibbs and Gillespie (“In the Heat of the Night”)

HEAT

They may not have been partners by choice but Philadelphia detective Virgil Tibbs and Sparta, Mississippi police chief Bill Gillespie had one of the most tense but compelling police partnerships in cinema history. This 1967 mystery/drama dealt with an assortment of issues but the anchor of the movie was the strained relationship between these two cops. Hampered by their own personal prejudices and a very unhappy local citizenry, Tibbs and Gillespie gave us one great scene after another.

#1 – Riggs and Murtaugh (“Lethal Weapon”)

LETHAL

I’m not sure if any two people define the ‘buddy cop’ subgenre better than Mel Gibson and Danny Glover did in their hugely popular “Lethal Weapon” series. There was such a great chemistry between these two guys. Riggs is the unhinged but good-hearted man with a ton of emotional baggage. Glover is the safe, by-the-books family man who is looking forward to retirement. The camaraderie that forms between these two polar opposites is what gives the films crazy humor and wild action its fantastic appeal.

So those are five choices of great movie police partners. What do you think of my list? Do you see some that I missed? Please take time to share your thoughts on this list and others that you would include.