That time is approaching where all of us movie bloggers begin to ponder and discuss our favorite films of the year. We put together Top 10 lists that some people dislike but I personally love. That leads into awards season highlighted by the Oscars. In light of that I was thinking about past Oscar Best Picture winners specifically since the year 2000. That lead to this installment of the Phenomenal 5. Now Oscar’s choices are always subject to good debate and my list is no exception. Therefore calling this the definitive list would be silly. But I have no problem calling these five Best Picture winners simply phenomenal.

#5 – “A Beautiful Mind”

Ron Howard did some amazing things in 2001’s “A Beautiful Mind”. He puts us in the head of a brilliant man struggling with a mental disorder and creates a level of empathy only captured in truly great films. Russell Crowe shows off his immense acting range and a wonderful supporting cast featuring Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, and Paul Bettany make things even better. The film has been criticized for its inaccuracies and by those who don’t care for Howard’s style. I think it’s a beautiful movie that tells an incredible story.

#4 – “Slumdog Millionaire”

In 2008 “Slumdog Millionaire” was the movie that seemed to come out of nowhere. The vision of British director Danny Boyle was so vivid and energetic and the story was captivating. I remember the debate at the time particularly from those who couldn’t connect with the film. Personally I found it to be a magnetic, poetic, searing, and heartbreaking experience. I’ll give the detractors this, there are moments where the movie stumbles, but overall “Slumdog” is still a great film both from a story and style perspective.

#3 – “The Artist”

My appreciation for “The Artist” is hard to express in one simple paragraph. Looking at it one could say it was a film made for awards. I think that is cutting it short. Director Michel Hazanivicius deserves a ton of credit, not just for having the guts to make a silent picture in a finicky modern movie era, but for doing it with incredible detail and precision. And then there is the performances especially from Jean Dujardin. Watching it again only impressed me more and the perfection of his casting is undeniable. I love “The Artist”.

#2 – “Gladiator”

Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott teamed up for 2000’s “Gladiator” and the results were magical. Scott’s epic-sized direction and Crowe’s period-perfect performance drove what would become an enormous box office hit. The film had its critics including Roger Ebert who called it dull and indistinct. I couldn’t possibly disagree with him more. “Gladiator” has so many scenes that I adore and Russell Crowe owns the screen every time the camera is on him. Pulse-pounding action, glorious epic scale, and a fine central story. I’m a big fan of this film.

#1 – “No Country for Old Men”

Frequent readers of Keith & the Movies shouldn’t be a bit surprised to see the Coen Brothers’ near perfect modern day classic “No Country for Old Men” at the top of my list. For me few movies from the last fifteen years can compete with it. Joel and Ethan Coen’s faithful adaptation of the stellar Cormac McCarthy novel is a visual masterpiece laced with their signature quirky humor and gritty tone. Every performance hits the right note, and there isn’t a wasted scene in the entire film. I’ll say it again, “No Country for Old Men” is as close to perfection as I’ve seen in years.

So there you have my five top five Best Picture winners since the year 2000. What about you? See something that I missed? Please take time to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

As I’ve made this journey through the movie landscape of the 1980s, no year has had quite the variety of 1988. That made selecting just five phenomenal movies from 1988 pretty difficult. In some ways this list reflects the weirdness of that year which I guess is a good thing. There were several great films and several not so great but guilty pleasure movies. Considering that, I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there is no denying that these five films from 1988 are simply phenomenal!

#5 – “Beetlejuice”

When Tim Burton was on his game he could make some crazy and entertaining movies. And that is coming from someone who isn’t his biggest fan. “Beetlejuice” is one of those films. You could call the movie fantasy, horror, or comedy and all accurately fit. The wacky effects and the great cast make the film so insanely unique. But it’s Michael Keeton who makes the movie an 80’s classic. Keeton lets loose with an assortment of verbal and physical comedy that still cracks me up today. I’ve always been a fan of his and often point back to this movie to show why. “Beetlejuice” is a hoot.

#4 – “Coming to America”

Remember back when Eddie Murphy was funny. After Saturday Night Live Murphy made his name in movies like “48 HRS” and “Beverly Hills Cop”. But one of my favorites from Eddie Murphy was “Coming to America”. It’s the story of a wealthy African prince who comes to America to find his true love. And where would a prince go to find his soulmate? Well Queens, New York of course. Murphy and co-star Arsenio Hall play a number of different characters in the film, all of them hilarious. There are so many funny moments and hysterical bits of satire. If only he still made movies like this.

#3 – “Rain Man”

Talk about a movie that hit the world by storm. “Rain Main” was a huge box office success featuring two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. But it didn’t just rake in a ton of cash in movie theaters around the globe. Critics universally loved it and it would go on to win four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hoffman. The story of a self-absorbed yuppie (Cruise) who discovers he has an autistic brother (Hoffman) really connected. The two polar opposites clash but the story unfolds in a way that is both heartwarming and also informative.

#2 – “The Naked Gun”

Please don’t totally dismiss this list after seeing this selection, but I wouldn’t be an honest blogger if I didn’t include what I think is one of the funniest movies of the 1980s. “The Naked Gun” was based on the short-lived television series “Police Squad”. In both Leslie Nielsen plays Police Squad Lieutenant Frank Drebin, a moron with a heart of gold. This is close to the top of absurd comedies with more jokes and gags than serious lines. A great supporting cast including George Kennedy, Ricardo Montalban, Priscilla Presley, and O.J. Simpson all jump headfirst into this pond of hilarious nonsense. I love it.

#1 – “Die Hard”

As I look back over all of my Phenomenal 5 lists I’m surprised at how many times “Die Hard” has made its way onto them. Well here it is again and deservedly so. “Die Hard” came out during what could be called the action movie era. Bigger than life characters were everywhere in the movies of Stallone and Schwarzenegger. Then along comes Bruce Willis playing John McClane, an imperfect cop who felt refreshingly different than the Rambos of cinema. The film also created one of the most exciting scenarios, a terrorist overtaking of a skyscraper. Such a great movie filled with great action and great characters. It had to be tops on this list.

There are my picks. See something I got wrong? There are so many other deserving movies from 1988. Which ones would make your list? Please take time to let me know in the comments section below.

Movies have portrayed ministers and/or preachers in a variety of ways. Some have been impressive while others…well, not so much. But looking through the history of cinema it’s easy to recognize a number of great characters who serve as ministers. That’s what I’m looking at today. Now it should be said that this isn’t a list of the greatest movie ministers. These are the most memorable meaning they may not fit the proper role of a minister. In fact, some may be down right evil. Either way, with so many great choices I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there is no denying that these five movie ministers were phenomenally memorable.

#5 – Jacob Fuller (“From Dusk Till Dawn”)

We first meet Jacob Fuller (Harvey Keitel) at a motor inn with his two kids. Jacob has stepped away from his role as a pastor after the tragic death of his wife leads him to question his faith. Little does he know that in the same motor inn are the Gecko brothers – two killers who kidnap Jacob and his family. Danger, death, and vampires alter the courses of all of their lives. For Jacob these events provide him the opportunity to find his faith and use it against the unholiest of creatures. Keitel is perfectly cast and watching his portrayal of a struggling minister in the middle of such craziness is a treat.

#4 – Reverend Oliver (“The Patriot”)

Roland Emmerich’s historical drama finds its way back on a Phenomenal 5 list this time due to its character Reverend Oliver. While he is the shepherd of a small community church, Rev. Oliver still joins the local militia to help fight the British but also offer spiritual advice to his fellow soldiers. Rev. Oliver has several great scenes and he is brought to life by actor Rene Auberjonis. Star Trek fans will remember him as Otto from “Deep Space Nine” but he was also one of my favorite movie ministers.

#3 – Reverend Harry Powell (“Night of the Hunter”)

As I hinted at above, not everyone on this list is the ideal minister. Reverend Harry Powell from the 1955 classic “Night of the Hunter” is a shining example. Robert Mitchum gives one of his best performances as a self-ordained preacher who is really a wanted serial killer. Mitchum is chilling as he unfolds this evil and manipulative character to a gullible small town. There are so many memorable moments sprinkled throughout this intense thriller. Director Charles Laughton’s style would influence a number of top tier modern directors. But it’s Mitchum and his despicable character that is the most memorable for me.

#2 – Preacher (“Pale Rider”)

Clint Eastwood, western, preacher. Put those things together and I am instantly intrigued. In 1985’s “Pale Rider” Eastwood plays a mysterious stranger who appears to a group of persecuted minors seemingly as a result of an answered prayer. The character is known only as Preacher and very little else is ever known of him. He comes between a villainous corporate miner and a small group of families who mine a small portion of land to survive. And you know Clint, six-shooters pop and bullets fly as Preacher makes things right and protects the innocent families by any means necessary.

#1 – Father Barry (“On the Waterfront”)

One of Marlon Brando’s very best performances came in 1954’s “On the Waterfront”. But the movie wasn’t just about Brando. It was filled with great performances. One of those came from Karl Malden who played a burdened minister named Father Barry. He finds himself in the middle of a mob-controlled waterfront and the workers who are the victims. He struggles with balancing his clerical duties with pushing the bounds to end the mob’s violent grip on the docks. Malden is spectacular and he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. In fact, three of the five nominations in that category were from “On the Waterfront”. But for me Malden is right there with Brando in offering a pivotal performance that serves the classic well.

So there are my five phenomenal movie ministers. So many more are swirling in my mind including ministers from films like “Signs”, “Sleepers”, “Dead Alive” etc. etc. How about you? Agree or disagree with my picks? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

I think it’s safe to say that very few movie stars have seen their careers decline like that of Mel Gibson. I also think it’s safe to say that some of his past actions, framed or not, have been terrible. Personally I think Mel Gibson became a target and he doused fuel to the fire with some horrible behavior brought on by his alcoholism. But personal past conduct aside, I still think Gibson is a great actor and I really miss seeing him on the big screen. Today’s Phenomenal 5 is looking at some of Gibson’s best movies. If you think about it Gibson put out a lot of good films so I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there is no denying that these five Mel Gibson movies are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “Lethal Weapon”

I have heard 1987’s “Lethal Weapon” called the quintessential action buddy movie. I think a good argument could be made for that. “Lethal Weapon” encapsulated almost everything that was great about the 80s action movie genre. But while the action was great, the movie excelled thanks to the great chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The two played polar opposite characters but the actors played off of each other in perfect and sometimes chaotic harmony. “Lethal Weapon” had laughs, charisma, and some great action. Lots of fun.

#4 – “Braveheart”

Mel Gibson made a lot great impressions both as an actor and director with his 1995 epic “Braveheart”. Huge in scope and ambition, “Braveheart” was a movie that was incredibly immersive. It was filled with beautiful landscapes and tremendous battle scenes. But it was also anchored by a fantastic personal story of William Wallace. Gibson would win the Oscar for Best Director but he also gave a tremendous lead performance. It’s definitely one of the actor’s best films.

#3 – “The Beaver”

After his personal troubles many felt that Mel Gibson may never work again. But his close and dear friend Jodie Foster pushed for him to play the role of a mentally troubled husband and father in “The Beaver”. Gibson was absolutely amazing. He gives a genuine performance and it feels as if he’s pulling from real places in his life. “The Beaver” is a smaller movie but Gibson’s performance and great chemistry with his friend Foster is a joy to watch. Many people may have skipped or missed out on “The Beaver”. It’s a movie that deserves to be seen.

#2 – “The Road Warrior”

It was Mel Gibson’s second stint as the post-apocalyptic rebel Mad Max that introduced me to the actor. Even with the host of great movies he has made since then, “The Road Warrior” continues to be one of my very favorites of his. He’s definitely not required to be the most emotionally layered character you’ll find. But there is such an undeniable toughness and charisma in his performance. Gibson has the snarl, the look, and the grit to sell the role. And then there is the great vehicular action sequences that are still awesome today.

#1 – “The Patriot”

When you take “The Patriot” as a whole it may not be the most convincing movie. But in terms of cinematic storytelling I love it. Director Roland Emmerich has a very sketchy filmography, but this is far and away his best picture mainly because of Mel Gibson. Gibson is committed and charismatic and he gives us one of his most layered and emotionally complex characters. He also works so well with the assortment of great supporting characters. None are better than his spirited father/son relationship with Heath Ledger. Tons of drama, some great action, and a rich and sometimes heart-wrenching family story. I’m a big fan of this film.

So there are my Mel Gibson films. What say you? I would love to hear what you think I missed or what I got right. Just let me know in the comments section below.

I don’t think any fellow die-hard cinema fan would argue that music plays a tremendous part in successful movies. Today I’m taking time to focus on the music in movies, particularly popular theme music. To clarify, these aren’t popular songs featuring great lyrics and great voices. I’m talking specifically about theme music that everyone knows. Music that immediately registers with anyone who knows movies and enjoys them. Now with so many examples of great themes I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But no one can deny that these five movie themes are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Ok seriously, what person reading this can’t hum the Indiana Jones theme to themselves right now? Indy is a truly iconic movie character. I mean who doesn’t love him? The toughness, the humor, and the wild adventures certainly contribute to the character’s popularity. But then there is that equally iconic theme music from the legendary John Williams. It’s rousing, exciting, heroic, and recognizable. But it’s also always used at the exact right moment in the film. It makes so many of the scenes all the more thrilling and it is music that everyone knows the moment they hear it played!

#4 – “Chariots of Fire”

Hugh Hudson’s 1981 inspirational drama is a movie I have been meaning to revisit for a while now. It was a huge Oscar success receiving seven nominations and winning four including Best Picture. One of those Academy Awards was for the brilliant music score from Vangelis. Within that score lies some of the most beautiful and magnetic theme music ever put to film. I remember after first seeing it and how it added so much to the picture. It was a shining example of how music can strengthen any film. There’s so much about the movie which I have forgotten, but one thing I remember with great admiration is the amazing theme music.

#3 – “Halloween”

The 1978 film “Halloween” is a genuine horror classic for a number of reasons. It was a tense and uneasy movie that launched an entire sub-genre of horror. And then there is that unforgettable theme music. Part of the reason that “Halloween” was so effective was its basic but incredibly moody theme music which consisted of a fairly simple piano melody written and played by director John Carpenter himself. There is nothing difficult or complex about it yet it is so fitting with the films atmosphere. In fact, it could be said it’s a key component to the movie’s scary vibe. It’s so good and incredibly easy to recognize.

#2 – “Star Wars”

As a Star Wars fan very few things get me going like the musical transition from the 20th Century Fox logo to the Lucas logo to the scrolling intro in the Star Wars openings. When (once again) John Williams’ blast of horns simultaneously appears with the Star Wars title I want to burst out in applause. And talk about theme music that everyone knows. Whether you’re a full-fledged Star Wars geek like me or not, the Star Wars theme music has etched itself in movie history. Williams created an assortment of brilliant music for the film’s score some of which have earned their own individual praise. But it’s the theme music that resounds and instantly identifies this science fiction classic.

#1 – “Jaws”

Without a doubt one of the greatest movie themes of all time came from the Steven Spielberg classic “Jaws”. The 1975 thriller features a creepy, moody tune that is so effective it terrorized audiences during its initial release. It’s the perfect tension-building device that amps up the intensity every time it’s used. In fact John Williams’ simple music is used more to announce the shark’s presence than anything we see visually. It’s importance in the film can’t be overstated. This score introduced Williams’ brilliance to the world and it has become some of the greatest and most suspenseful theme music ever made.

So there are my selections. Surely you’ve heard of each, right? Which ones did I miss? Please take time and share your picks in the comment section below.

Marvel’s superhero movies have certainly made their mark on the cinematic landscape. One of the real treats for comic book fans has been the inclusion of cameos by the man himself Stan Lee in almost every Marvel movie that has been made. So in honor of the man who created so many of these characters that many of us grew up reading and now enjoy watching, I thought this week I would focus on his best cameos. Now considering the number of cameos he has done I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these five Stan Lee cameos and most certainly phenomenal.

#5 – “Hulk”

There aren’t many good things I can say about Ang Lee’s long, boring, and at times infuriating 2003 film “Hulk”. It was a monumental disappointment and, aside from some pretty good performances and a great Stan Lee cameo, I consider it one of the worst Marvel movies. But Stan’s cameo is a blast not so much for anything that happens. Lee is walking out of a building with none other than Lou Ferrigno. Both are security guards which provides a hilarious contrast. The small elderly guy and the hulking giant (pun absolutely intended). Watching these two, men who are ingrained in Hulk’s history, discuss security concerns is such a hoot.

#4 – “Iron Man”

When Tony Stark arrives at a big public gala you can expect a number of things: nice cars, beautiful women, camera flashes, and the quick, dry wit that only Downey, Jr. could bring to the character. Stark briskly strolls through this sea of attention, taking time to insult one woman and intentionally mistaking one man for Hugh Hefner. We see the man from behind. He has slicked back gray hair, a fancy smoking jacket, and he’s bookended by two gorgeous woman. Obviously it’s Hefner, right? Nope! The man turns around and it’s none other than our guy, Stan Lee. It’s a hilarious scene as Lee confusedly looks around to see who just walked by.

#3 – “The Amazing Spider-Man”

I wasn’t too keen on there being a Spider-Man reboot so soon but that’s what we got in 2012. “The Amazing Spider-Man” was an okay movie (head and shoulders above this year’s lame sequel) but certainly not at the top of the superhero movie list. But one great thing it did have was one of the best Stan Lee cameos of them all. Spidey and the Lizard are engaged in a pretty brutal scrap which boils over into a library. The librarian is none other than Stan the Man. He is checking in some books while listening to music through noise-cancelling headphones that Stark Industries must have created. Behind him a huge fight is going on with tables and books flying everywhere. But he doesn’t see it. He just carries on with his duties.

#2 – “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”

The Fantastic Four films were Marvel movies that had some really strong moments but are ultimately forgettable especially when compared to the better superhero movies out there. But the second film, Rise of the Silver Surfer, featured a Stan Lee cameo that I just can’t get enough of. The film starts with New York’s wedding of the century. Reed Richards and Sue Storm are about to be married and all of the guests are arriving. Well up walks Stan Lee, only the man who CREATED the Fantastic Four. He’s greeted by a strict doorman who stops him. Stan says “I must be on that list” and then gives him his name. The doorman will have none of it and pushes him back all while Stan keeps pleading his case. Great scene.

#1 – “Thor”

“Thor” was one of the Marvel movies that I thought had a real chance to flop. It was such fantastical material and it could have been a disaster when brought to the big screen. But Marvel knew what they were doing and they knew the tone the film needed. That’s why I thought it really worked. It also featured what is my favorite Stan Lee cameo. Thor’s hammer, the deceptively pronounced Mjolnir, has crashed to Earth. It has been found in New Mexico by a redneckish crowd who have brought out the pickup trucks, beer, and lawn chairs. As hard as they try, none of them are able to lift Mjolnir so they tie a chain to the back of a truck and floor it. The back end flies off of the truck and the driver looks out the window. Of all people it’s Stan Lee who simply asks “Did it work?” No Stan it didn’t, but you did give us what I think is your very best cameo!

So those are my choices. Do you see a Stan Lee movie cameo that I missed? Please share you thoughts on these or others in the comments section below.