By: Dilpreet Raju
My reviews/picks for the best movies of all time.
Note: These are in no particular order and are my sole opinions.
Sofia Coppola captures the emptiness of life through a movie star's inner raging battle for self worth and understanding.
Best Parts: Beautiful cinematography, great soundtrack, overall message, fantastic character development.
10/10
The Dark Knight(2008)
Christopher Nolan's dark take on the beloved superhero creates one of the best genre films ever. Batman must take on the Joker who is ravaging Gotham City.
Best Parts: Hans Zimmer's score, acting, immense set pieces.
10/10
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind(2005)
Jim Carrey takes a new, dramtic role in this sci-fi/romance/drama about strangers falling in love, it poses the question: "What do we love for?" A unique film on the surface and within.
Best Parts: Acting, cinematography, themes.
10/10
Her(2013)
Director Spike Jonze captures the essence of relationships, selfishness, help, and what provokes true emotion in this Sci-Fi Drama where a man falls in love with a machine. Although we never witness Scarlett Johansson, she delivers one of her best perfomances with nothing but audio. Joaquin Phoenix establishes his mark on Hollywood and we are entertained by the two for 2 hours.
Best Part: Themes, acting, set pieces, cinematography
10/10
12 Years A Slave(2013)
A free black man is sold into slavery, he must prove his freedom so he can go back to his family up north. Acting from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o elevate an already great story and script. This is a heart wrenching film that will leave you scarred and needing a cold shower.
Best Parts: grittiness, not afraid to show what slaves went through, good narrative.
10/10
Fight Club(1999)
Visionary director David Fincher displays all his talents in this film about 2 men who try to free themselves of the social norm, although things go much deeper. This movie has many messages about the way humans live life now, especially in America. A must watch.
Best Parts: Themes, acting, narrative, engaging scenes throughout.
10/10
Memento(2000)
Guy Pearce has short term memory loss caused from a traumatic incident where he lost his wife, he now embarks on a journey for Justice. A film that goes deep beyond surface value, has multiple viewing pleasure. Christopher Nolan puts his first imprint on Hollywood, best picture winner.
Best Parts: Narrative, film structure, Guy Pearce's performance.
10/10
The Master(2012)
Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman perfom a story about "The Cause," a cult religious group that is trying to gain a following. Although not a typical linear film, it has a stylistic element and has a lot to say about religion and our purpose on earth.
Best Parts: Phoenix and Hoffman's on screen chemistry, style, themes.
10/10
Donnie Darko(2001)
Donnie is a child who's upset with his life and where it's headed, but once he's plagued by visions of a bunny his life changes drastically. Widely unpopular when first debuted, however it gained a following soon after DVD release. The film explores a variety of topics and truly immerses the viewer in this world.
Best Parts: Narrative, climax, themes.
10/10
The Departed(2006)
A story about corruption and honor within the Boston police force and the Boston mob led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Although a somewhat complex plot, if you follow along it is easy to understand and easier to enjoy. A massive thrill ride with multiple plot turns and twists.
Best Parts: Character development, plot twists, acting.
10/10
Inception(2010)
A man who was separated from his children has a way of getting back to them, and it lies within a dream, within a dream, within a dream. Christopher Nolan's mindbending sci-fi thriller is jam packed with action and great screenwriting. One that will leave you on the edge of your seat till the credits roll.
Best Parts: Acting, character development, special effects, story telling.
10/10
The Royal Tenenbaums(2001)
When an estranged father gets cancer he tries to reconnect with his wide spread family. Wes Anderson creates a comical, quirky, yet true and dark story about family and its importance.
Best Parts: Script, jokes, story telling, exposition.
10/10
Fantastic Mr. Fox(2009)
Based off the Roald Dahl's child book, Wes Anderson creates a stop-motion movie that has subtle yet effective comedy. Voiced by a star studded cast of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and others.
Best Parts: Stop motion, voicing, comedy
10/10
Moneyball(2010)
A true story about Billy Beane's journey to win a World Series. A stunning performance from Brad Pitt leads this film with a fantastic narrative and good storytelling in one of the best baseball movies ever.
Best Parts: Storytelling, narrative, baseball story.
10/10
Drive(2010)
A man's certain criminal world job endangers him and a family he has grown close with, this leads to desperate decisions and a lot of problems. Nicolas Winding Refn delivers a powerful and edge-of-your-seat thriller with a fantastic performance from Ryan Gosling.
Best Parts: Acting, use of dialogue, script, storytelling, cinematography.
10/10
Up In The Air(2009)
Mr. Clooney stars in a drama where his job is to go around the country firing people. In a very original screenplay and story, George Clooney and Anna Kendrick deliver. There is a plot twist that leave you with your heart in your stomach.
Best Parts: Acting, screenplay, script.
10/10
American Psycho(2000)
Commonly mistaken for a horror/thriller, this film is a satire for America and the business world. A hilarious yet suspenseful film, fully immerses the view in Christain Bale's mind, the mind of an American Psycho.
Best Parts: Comedy, acting, screenplay.
10/10
The Wolf Of Wall Street(2013)
The true story of Jordan Belfort, the news York stock exchange's prime stock trader. A movie that was called a "disgrace" to cinema during initial screenings due to its vulgarity is now praised for its realness. Leonardo DiCaprio performs as Scorsese directs another memorable film.
Best Parts: Script, comedy, acting.
10/10
The Descendants(2010)
A story about one family's journey to recover after the mother is put into a coma.George Clooney puts on a masterful performance in this dark yet beautiful drama.
Best Parts: Story, script, cinematography.
10/10
500 Days Of Summer(2009)
A romance from Marc Webb that shocked many indie viewers. Joseph Gordon-Levitt proves he is a talented actor in this creative film. Marc Webb shows a masterful hand at making characters connect.
Best Parts: JGL, screenplay, script.
10/10
There Will Be Blood(2007)
A man searches for land to mine oil and goes to lengths of true desperation to do so. Paul Thomas Anderson creates a film of true emotion and deeper meanings than what is actually on screen.
Best Part: Acting, screenplay, climax, themes.
10/10
Se7en(1995)
David Fincher's mystery/crime movie is one of true reverence. Brad Pitt establishes himself as a true lead in Hollywood and Morgan Freeman is consistent as always.
Best Parts: climax, mystery effect, acting.
10/10
Zodiac(2007)
Based off of the true zodiac killer, David Fincher creates another amazing mystery film with haunting suspense. There is little to complain about with this movie, great cast lead by Jake Gyllenhaal, good narrative, consistent suspense.
Best Parts: narrative, acting, screenplay, suspense.
10/10
