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 MOVIE HERO DEATHS

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SPOILER: THESE ARE 5 FILMS WHERE THE MAIN HERO DIES. BE FOREWARNED!

Everyone loves a great hero. In fact, entire movies can stand or fall on how good the main hero of the story is. We’ve all seen the “ride off into the sunset” endings where everything is happy and uplifting. The boy gets the girl (or vice versa) and all is right with the world. But then there are the movies where the good guy may win, but dies in the process. If you think about it, there are several films that feature their hero dying. I’ve chosen five fantastic deaths that are worth some praise. Now there are many I had to leave off so this certainly isn’t the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these five movie hero deaths are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “ROAD TO PERDITION”

Sam Mendes’ “Road to Perdition” may have one of the saddest hero deaths in cinema. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, a mob hitman who gets revenge on his bosses who turn on him and kill his wife and younger son. The mob higher-ups seek to silence him and he escapes to a small town on Lake Michigan called Perdition. Sullivan stands by a window of a beach house looking out over the lake waters when two bullets hit him from behind. Jude Law walks out of the shadows as Sullivan falls to the ground. Sullivan kills his killer then dies in the arm of his crying son. It’s a devastating scene involving a young boy losing his father and even though Sullivan isn’t the most upright hero, we still root for him.

#4 – “THE PROFESSIONAL”

Jean Reno stars as Leon, the most loveable movie hitman who befriends and shelters a troubled young girl named Matilda (Natalie Portman) who has witnessed the murder of her family at the hands of Standfield, a corrupt DEA agent played by Gary Oldman. Stansfield brings his forces for a big final showdown in Leon’s apartment building. He gets Matilda to safety before sneaking out after a massive gun battle. He makes it out of the building and while hobbling down an alley Stansfield shows up and shoots him. Leon hands him a grenade pin that he says is “from Matilda”. Standfield rips open Leon’s jacket to expose a number of live grenades. BOOM! Leon take Stansfield with him. A hero going out with a bang.

#3 – “PAN’S LABYRINTH”

While young Ofelia isn’t your typical hero especially for this type of list, I had to put her on here. Fleeing from her brutal stepfather, Ofelia carries her infant brother into a garden labyrinth. She puts her life on the line to save her brother but her stepfather soon catches up with her and shoots her dead. He gets his when he reaches the exit of the labyrinth and plenty of people are waiting. But one of the most devastating scenes is when they discover Ofelia. What makes her death so powerful is the sad life she was confined to throughout the movie. In her fantasy world she went on to rule. But in our world she died a true hero’s death.

#2 – “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD”

After all Ben had been through the night before, to be killed the way he was just stinks. Zombies corner up seven people in a Pennsylvania farm house and only Ben (Duane Jones) survives the night. After barricading himself in the cellar, he comes up after all seems quiet upstairs. It’s daylight outside and Ben hears dogs barking. He sneaks up to a window and peaks out. At that second he gets shot in the head by a group of men who mistake him for a zombie. Just like that. Ben was cool and calm and managed to survive the zombies. It’s too bad he was later mistaken for one.

#1 – “GLADIATOR”

Russell Crowe’s performance as Maximus in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” was exceptional and his death was certainly that of a hero. After being stabbed while chained up by the sniveling Emperor Joaquin Phoenix, the wounded Maximus is then brought out to fight the Emperor and die in front of the huge crowd in the Coliseum. But just like a true hero, Maximus prevails and kills the Emperor just before passing out. He dies there in the Coliseum and we see him being reunited with his wife and son through a dying vision. Maximus is carried off while the Emperor is left laying in the dirt. It’s a poignant and moving ending and it still gets to me no matter how often I see it.

There ya go – 5 Phenomenal Movie Hero Deaths. Now I could easily have done a top 20 so I know I’ve left some good ones out. What’s your favorite movie hero death?

5 PHENOMENAL VAMPIRE MOVIES

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Vampires has seen a rise in popularity over the past several years. Both television and movie theaters have experienced an influx of vampire movies and shows. Now I have to admit that none of the current vampire stuff have impressed me, but there have been some really great movies about these blood-sucking creatures of the night in the past. Going all the way back to the silent movie era, vampires have been a part of cinema history. So with such a vast number of movies to choose from, I decided to pick five of the best vampire flicks. Now as always, I wouldn’t call this the definitive list, but there’s no denying that these five vampire movies are most certainly phenomenal.

#5 – “UNDERWORLD” (2003)

“Underworld” isn’t a typical vampire picture. It’s a full-blown action horror movie about a boiling conflict between vampires and lycans (also known as werewolves). Kate Beckinsale stars as undoubtedly the prettiest vampire in movie history and Scott Speedman is her hybrid lycan/vampire boyfriend. The dark, gloomy gothic tone of the movie is quite effective and the grisly action that takes the place of the normal vampire horror gives the movie its own special uniqueness. Several sequels have followed but none have matched the first film.

#4 – “DRACULA” (1931)

The images of Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula were the first I ever had of a vampire. Tod Browning’s 1931 horror classic was based on Bram Stoker’s chilling novel and Lugosi portrayed the character that would become one of the famous Universal movie monsters. The movie maintains a creepy vibe from the moment we enter Dracula’s castle in Transylvania until Van Helsing puts the stake through the heart. It’s a pure Hollywood classic.

#3 – “FRIGHT NIGHT” (1985)

Sure, 1985’s “Fright Night” has some issues but it’s one of those films that holds a special place in my heart. It’s the story of Charlie Brewster, a teenager who’s convinced that a vampire has moved in next door. He spies on and later goes too far in investigating his new neighbor and soon finds himself and the people he loves in some serious vampire-styled trouble. He teams up with a low-budget horror movie actor (played by the great Roddy McDowall) in hopes of ridding his town of the blood-sucking threat. It’s a fun mix of scares, gory special effects, and fantastic humor and I still love watching it.

#2- “THE LOST BOYS” (1987)

A truly funny and sometimes creepy teenaged horror tale about a vampire problem in a small California coastal town. This is hands down the best movie of “The Two Coreys” collaborations and it was certainly different from any other vampire film I had seen at the time. It features good work from Jason Patric, Dianne Wiest, Edward Herrmann, and especially Kiefer Sutherland who I felt stole the show. The movie has a great soundtrack and a cool 80’s vibe to it, but mainly it’s just incredibly fun and features more memorable lines than any other vampire film you’ll see.

#1- “NOSFERATU” (1922)

While it was a completely unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”, I still feel it’s the greatest version of the vampire classic ever put on film. While the names have been changed, the story is very much the same and the incredible vision of German director F.W. Murnau brings it to life in a genuinely eerie way. And Murnau’s ability to maintain such a level of creepiness through a silent movie is another testament to his incredible skill at visual storytelling. Max Schreck’s Count Orlok is both sinister and unnerving and I will always remember the scene of him rising from his coffin. This is an incredible film that should be seen not only by horror fans but also by fans of movies period.

Alrighty, there they are. And no, it’s not a mistake, no “Twilight” movies even came close to making this list. So what do you think? What did I miss? Be sure to take time to leave your favorite vampire movie below.

5 PHENOMENALLY UNDERRATED ACTORS

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We are all familiar with the big names that get most of the Hollywood press these days – Clooney, Streep, Pitt, Roberts, Cruise, etc. But there are a host of other great actors and actresses that never get the praise they deserve. In fact, many have faces that movie fans recognize but names they don’t. Of course movie-oholics know these performers well and it’s their work that I often times look forward to more than the work of the big shots. So I want to give them some love here. This week I’m listing 5 phenomenal actors who I feel are terribly underrated. The actresses will follow in a few weeks. There are so many that come to mind so naturally this isn’t what I would call the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these 5 underrated actors are most certainly phenomenal.

#5 – SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is a wonderful English actor who has played a wide variety of roles but has never received the recognition I feel he deserves. He’s had a few starring roles but he’s mostly known for some wonderful supporting performances. He’s played a wide assortment of baddies including a Bond villain (“Goldeneye”), an Irish terrorist (“Patriot Games”), a sicko scientist (“The Island”), and an evil treasure hunter (“National Treasure”). He’s also known as a wonderful period actor working in films such as “Troy”, “Black Death”, and of course his current work on the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones”. His probably most known for his role as Boromir in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Bean is a slick and polished actor with a lot of range. I just wish he was given a bigger chance to show it in starring roles.

#4 – MICHAEL SHANNON

Michael Shannon got his start in a small role in 1993’s “Groundhog Day”. Since then he has had bit parts in a wide variety of roles including “Vanilla Sky”, “Pearl Harbor”, “Bad Boys II”, and “The World Trade Center”. In 2007 Shannon starred in the fantastic and underappreciated “Shotgun Stories”, the debut film from director Jeff Nichols. Shannon’s performance was incredible. He followed that with a critically acclaimed performance in “Revolutionary Road”, a performance than earned him an Oscar nomination. From there is was back to a few smaller roles before teaming up with Nichols again for “Take Shelter”. Not only was “Take Shelter” one of the best films of 2011 but no other performance that year was as powerful as his. Sadly he was ignored by the Academy. He has several fun roles coming up in the films “Premium Rush”, “The Man of Steel”, and “Mud”- his third collaboration with Nichols. Shannon is an amazing talent that many people have never recognized. Here’s hoping he finally gets his due.

#3 – MADS MIKKELSEN

Mads Mikkelsen isn’t exactly what you would call “underappreciated”. In his native Denmark, Mikkelsen is recognized as a highly accomplished actor. He got his start there in the gritty crime thriller “Pusher”. From there he made a number of solid Danish films including the gangster comedy “Flickering Lights”, the Oscar nominated “After the Wedding”, and what I think is the greatest World War 2 film of all time “Flame and Citron”. He began showing up in several movies in the States including “King Arthur” alongside Clive Owen and Kiera Knightley. He was then cast as a Bond villain is the exceptional “Casino Royale”. Mikkelsen was simply wonderful. Since then he has played in the bloody viking film “Valhalla Rising” and the fantasy remake of “Clash of the Titans”. Most recently he was awarded the Best Actor prize at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival for his work in the Danish film “The Hunt”. Mikkelsen is an actor that has proven himself in his home country and in the states and he’s an actor that automatically draws my interest regardless of the project he’s involved with.

#2 – GARY OLDMAN

In one sense it’s hard to call Gary Oldman an underrated actor. Afterall, he has a long line of critically acclaimed performances. On the flip side Oldman has never received the praise that his acting should attract and he seldom gets powerful starring roles that allows him to flex his acting muscles. Oldman first became known as the quintessential movie bad guy. He played Lee Harvey Oswald in “JFK”, a detestable corrupt cop in “The Professional”, an evil corporate head in “The Fifth Element”, and an international terrorist in “Air Force One”. Recently he stepped back into the bad guy role in “The Book of Eli”. After several quiet years he reemerged in the “Harry Potter” franchise before being perfectly cast in Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins”. He would go on to be in two sequels “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises”. And just last year he received an overdue Oscar nomination for his starring performance in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”. Later this yet he will appear in “Lawless”. I’m hoping thanks to “Tinker Tailor” that the doors will be opening up for more big starring roles for Oldman. He’s certainly earned it and he certainly has the talent to carry a picture.

#1 – GUY PEARCE

Guy Pearce is someone who has received plenty of recognition as a wonderful actor but is hardly ever given the bigger roles that would allow him to show it to the world. He has a career that has sampled every genre including crime, western, period drama, sci-fi, war, and now superhero and through them all he has always delivered an undeniably strong performance. His first big film was the critically acclaimed “L.A. Confidential”. Soon after he caught a lot of attention for his amazing starring work in Christopher Nolan’s mindbender “Memento”. He received a lot of critical praise and several smaller nominations. He would then star in “The Count of Monte Cristo”, the criminally underrated “The Time Machine”, and the intense and gritty Australian western “The Proposition”. He had small but brilliant roles in “The Hurt Locker” and “The Road” before once again turning heads for his work in “The King’s Speech”. This year Pearce has a small role in Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus”, a starring role in the 80’s action movie homage “Lockout”, and is set to play a fun-looking role in “Lawless”. To top it off, he will also be in next year’s “Iron Man 3”. Pearce has some really good movies on his resume and he’s proven himself to the point of deserving more meatier starring roles. “Memento” showed us that he’s capable of handling even the trickiest material. Hopefully he will get a chance to prove that.

So there they are – 5 underrated actors who I think deserve more praise than they receive. What do you think of the list? Who am I missing? Who would you leave out? Please feel free to share your most underrated actor.

5 Phenomenal Movie Cars

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Many of us – and I point mainly to us sometimes one-dimensional, easily pleased males – attach ourselves to movies for the simplest of reasons. For me growing up, I remember several things about movies that attracted me including tough guys and cool cars. A while back I did a Phenomenal 5 on movie tough guys and tough gals. Shouldn’t it naturally follow that I now list 5 phenomenal movie cars? Now these cars are phenomenal in the sense that they really made an impression on me. In fact you could say that each was a key part of what made these movies worked. Ok, and they’re also incredibly cool and I would daydream about having one for myself. So here we go. Now as always, I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these 5 movie cars are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – ECTO-1 – “Ghostbusters”

The Ghostbusters major mode of transportation was the souped-up 1959 Cadillac ambulance known affectionately to fans as Ecto-1. Sure, it was a genuinely goofy-looking ride but for a young man like me – at the time – it was really cool. The undeniably unique siren and the Ghostbuster logos made the Ecto-1 a vehicle that really stood out when racing through the streets of New York City. Add the cool contraptions and modifications and you’ve got a perfectly fitting quirky car for a quirky group of guys. I just had to slip Ecto-1 on my list.

#4 – CAMERON’S DAD’S CAR – “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Any of us from the 80’s remembers Ferris Bueller and his day off from school with girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron. The movie came out in 1986 and became a classic. Ferris sets up a day trip for the three into Chicago but first has to fool both his parents and school principal. But they also need transportation. That’s where Cameron’s dad’s vintage 1961 Ferrari GT convertible comes in. The awesome fire-red sports car becomes a pivotal part of the film and not just because it’s extremely cool. I’ll forever remember Ferris slipping into the car for the first time while “Oh Yeah” by Yello plays in the background. A classic movie and a classic car.

#3 – THE TUMBLER – “Batman Begins”/”The Dark Knight”

While the first Batman movie franchise only provided us with one genuinely good movie, the different versions of the Batmobile were pretty cool throughout. But they haven’t aged well. That’s where Christopher Nolan comes in. In “Batman Begins” he introduced us to the Tumbler, a military prototype that resembled a high-speed tank more than a souped-up car. Unlike the previous movie incarnations, this Batmobile could move – zipping through freeway traffic, shooting up on rooftops, and as we see in “The Dark Knight” it has the coolest two-wheeled surprise. While the Tumbler was destroyed in “The Dark Knight” all indications are that it will be back in this year’s “Dark Knight Rises”. I can’t wait.

#2 – BULLITT’S CAR – “Bullitt“

Every movie fan has to be familiar with Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang GT Fastback in the 1968 classic “Bullitt”. The movie was a huge success and features what many call one of the greatest car chases in movie history. The adrenaline injected scene takes place through the streets of San Francisco and goes for over 10 minutes. “Bullitt” is considered an action movie classic and it’s one of McQueen’s signature performances. But it’s also a film just as well-known for Bullitt’s smoking-hot Mustang and the car chase that set the standard for many that followed.

#1 – BANDIT’S TRANS-AM – “Smokey and the Bandit“

As a young kid growing up there was no car I wanted more than Bandit’s black 1977 Pontiac Trans-Am from “Smokey and the Bandit”. Burt Reynolds speeds, spins, and jumps from county to county with Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) hot on his tail. The jet black paint with the gold firebird on the hood was one of the coolest things this little boy had seen. I had two different Bandit toy cars that I drove all over my room and even today I would love to have one of these 1977 beauties. There have been a lot of awesome cars that have zipped their way across the big screen. But for my money none will top Bandit’s Trans-Am.

So there’s my list. I can automatically think of several cars that some would certainly put on their list. Agree or disagree? Please take time to share your favorite movie car!

THE TOP 5 MOVIES OF 2012…SO FAR

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2012 has been an interesting year at your local theater. We’ve had our share of big budget, target audience pictures, some pointless and some amazing sequels, some highly anticipated films, and some smaller surprises. We’ve also seen several trends that mercilessly continue – a bombardment of raunchy comedies and the typical assortment of sub-par romantic comedies. I could point several other negatives about the 2012 movie year but this is all about the positive.

It’s July which marks the half-way point of the movie year. So in place of the normal “Phenomenal 5”, I’m going to look at my top 5 movies of 2012 so far. Mid-year lists do carry with them a disclaimer. Things can change throughout the movie year and when my year-end top 10 list is done, all of these could be in still here or left out. Second viewings always help in determining my overall feelings about a film and I’m really anxious to see some of these again. But, all have made an impression on me thus far so they have earned their spot on the list. With that, here we go….

#5 – “HAYWIRE”

I was stunned that I liked an action thriller starring a mixed martial arts fighter. But such was the case with “Haywire” and it’s largely due to the fantastic Steven Soderbergh. His direction, editing, and cinematography gives the film a slick stylish look which perfectly matches the unorthodox action movie vibe. Also surprising is the movie’s star, Gina Carano, who works in large part to her tremendous physical ability but also due to the measured way she is used. And how can I not mention the fantastic supporting cast featuring Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas, Ewen McGregor, Michael Douglas, and an even decent performance from Channing Tatum. “Haywire” went largely unnoticed by audiences but it’s a movie that I had a blast with.

#4 – “THE KID WITH THE BIKE”

From the Belgian filmmaking duo the Dardenne brothers, “The Kid with the Bike” is a foreign picture that debuted overseas in 2011 but made its US opening earlier this year. It’s an emotional drama that completely grabs you from its opening moments. The Dardenne’s use a visual style that pulls you into the story and that also engages the audience with the characters on pretty personal levels. Young Thomas Doret’s performance is quite good but it’s Cecile de France that really blew me away. Her character’s acts of grace combined with the personal void in her own life is a key component to what makes the movie work so well. It’s a great little movie with a punch and it’s one more people need to see.

#3 – “PROMETHEUS”

Many have voiced their problems with Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated return to the science fiction genre. And while I don’t deny the second half of the film isn’t as polished as the first and there are a few storytelling issues, I really responded to the film. The visual presentation is astounding and Scott’s mix of top-notch CGI and elaborate set  pieces make the futuristic world believable. For my money Scott asks enough questions to challenge the audience and his intentional ambiguity, a turn-off for some, worked for me. The cast is strong particularly Michael Fassbender who is already on my short list for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. I’m a huge Ridley Scott fan and “Prometheus” does nothing to change that. It may not have met everyone’s expectations but it certainly met mine (and they were high).

#2 – “CORIOLANUS”

“Coriolanus” is a movie that could also be considered a 2011 film but it made its limited premiere here earlier this year and I loved it. The film marks Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut and he really shines. He takes the Shakespeare story and throws it into a more modern setting while keeping the original language intact. It’s tricky material and the movie nails it. Fiennes also stars in the film and his towering performance is mesmerizing from his first appearance on-screen until the last scene. “Coriolanus” also features a fantastic supporting cast including Gerard Butler, Jessica Chastain, Vanessa Redgrave, and Brian Cox. The movie’s choice of language can be a bit jarring at first but it quickly becomes perfect for what the movie is shooting for. Fiennes’ first shot at directing is incredibly good and his performance reminds us that he’s one of the better actors in the business.

#1 – “THE AVENGERS”

Speaking of high expectations. In what may be one of the most ambitious projects in movie history, Marvel Studios not only succeeded in bringing their superhero team together on the big screen, they gave us an incredibly funny and action-packed movie that took the movie world by storm. What’s great is that “The Avengers” is actually a genuinely good movie. It’s not all explosions and spandex. One of the reason it works so well is because of Joss Whedon’s script. His familiarity with the characters and the injection of just the right amount of humor makes everything gel nicely. Whedon also had the challenge of taking the previous movies that have led up to “The Avengers” and giving them all a harmony. Mission accomplished. The cast, led by Robert Downey, Jr., is simply wonderful and Whedon (who also directed the film) uses them perfectly. “The Avengers” is a blast and Marvel Studios accomplished their goal. I think the over $1 billion box office proves that.

So what did I miss. There are a few other movies that were right there but just fell short of my Top 5. What are your top 5 movies of the year so far?

5 PHENOMENAL MOVIE SCENES SET IN PARIS

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Well, before I walk out of the door for our trip to Paris, France, I thought it would be cool to make my final pre-trip post tie in to our vacation. So how about we look at 5 phenomenal movie scenes set in Paris this week. Now there are some really great scenes that I left out but for good reason. I really wanted there to be variety in this list and I certainly think there is. I almost cheated simply because there are some scenes I HATE to leave out. But after much deliberating, here they are. Of course, as always this isn’t the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these 5 movie scenes set in Paris are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – THE RUDE WAITER (“National Lampoon’s European Vacation”)

Ok, I freely admit that this isn’t a great film. In fact, a good argument could be made that the ending derails the entire picture. But I have to admit that I laughed a lot as the Griswold’s stumble their way through England, France, and Germany. But for me, the funniest moment is at a cafe near the Eiffel Tower where they encounter a rude but hilarious waiter. Clark’s horrible French mixed with the waiter’s condescending mockery is laugh out loud funny. This will never be considered a classic movie, but I do love this goofy scene.

#4 – CLOUSEAU’S STREET PATROL (“The Return of the Pink Panther”)

Sticking with comedies, how can you not love Peter Sellers as Jacques Clouseau in Blake Edwards’ Pink Panther movies. I swear these are the rare comedies that I can watch anytime and still laugh even though I know the gags by heart. In this particular scene, Clouseau’s incompetence has resulted in his demotion to a beat cop. But always dedicated (and always the buffoon) he comes up on a blind accordion player playing on the street as his monkey collects money from pedestrians. A hilarious conversation follows as Clouseau pesters the man for not having the proper license. Meanwhile a real crime happens right behind him which, of course, he’s oblivious to. It’s vintage Sellers and a truly funny scene.

#3 – THE CAFE DREAM SCENE (“Inception”)

One of my favorite movies of the last several years is Christopher Nolan’s “Inception”. This particular scene is set in a quite neighborhood in Paris at a small corner cafe. Actually, to be perfectly honest, it’s not. It’s all a dream as Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) gives Ariadne (Ellen Page) her first lesson in shared dreaming. The scene starts as a cozy conversation set in an even cozier corner of Paris. But Ariadne begins to panic giving us one of the coolest special effects sequences of the entire movie. Shot on location in south Paris, the scene is visually stunning and beautifully crafted. It’s definitely not your traditional pick for a Paris movie scene but I love it.

#2 – THE OPENING MONTAGE (“Midnight in Paris”)

Many of my movie friends know that I LOVE “Midnight in Paris”. Originally I had several scenes from the film that could have made this list. It was incredibly hard to narrow it down to one scene from such a fantastic movie about a fantastic city. But after thinking about the film and thinking about Paris, how could I not choose the opening 4 minute montage? The opening introduces Paris as a major character by showing it’s history, charm, and beauty. We see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the cafes, and more. It starts in the morning, takes us through an afternoon rain shower, before showing us the city of lights at night all as “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” plays in the background. Could you find a better introduction to such a magnificent city.

#1 – WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS (“Casablanca”)

It’s fitting that the best Paris movie scene is also the most romantic movie scene of all time from my favorite movie of all time. Throughout the early parts of “Casablanca” it’s clear that Bogart’s Rick is a tough cookie. But his tough guy persona takes a big hit when he crosses paths with his old love Ilsa played by the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman. After the encounter, Rick drowns his sorrows while reflecting on memories of their romantic getaway to Paris. In the flashback we see the couple taking a drive down the Champs-Élysées. We see them enjoying a cruise on the Seine River. Then there’s the romantic night on the town topped by dancing and a kiss. It’s the perfect scene that not only gives us a look at their past relationship, but it also presents Paris as the link that will always connect them. I have no reservations about calling this the best movie scene set in Paris. “Here’s looking at you kid”.

And there they are? What are your thoughts on my picks. I know there are other great scenes that take place in the City of Lights. As my wife and I travel down the Seine River, please leave your comments and share your top 5 Paris movie scenes!