Kiwi Film Review: Top 10 Film Trilogies

So, we all have our own favorites when it comes to trilogies. I think that a lot of people also become pretty passionate about their favorites, because unlike just one movie, you get tons of time for character development and therefore you get much more attached to the characters and the story lines are able to become more more intricate. So here is this weeks Top 10 list: Top 10 Film Trilogies

10.) Jason Borne Trilogy

I actually almost forgot about these ones when I was first making the list. I've only ever seen each one once, so theres actually a huge possibility that they should be higher, but until the day comes that I decide I need to see them again, they will stay at #10. These made me have some serious respect for Matt Damon, especially in The Borne Ultimatum, where he did a lot of the stunt work himself. These films are a perfect example of how to have an action movie with a real story to it. Really great.

9.) X-Men Trilogy

I adore practically everything that is fantasy/geeky, and X-Men definitely fits into that category. I have to say though, that I think the more recent ones are much better, and I think that First Class tops them all. I'm super excited about the new one coming out later this year. Of the trilogy the first is definitely my favorite, but the second two are great as well. I really don't think they're for everybody, but if you like action movies with a twist, especially superhero mutants, you'll definitely like these!

8.) Die Hard Trilogy

Technically there are 5 Die Hard movies but I've only seen the first 3 so I'm counting it as a trilogy, plus the last 2 came much later then the first ones. I only watched these for the first time earlier this year, so they're still pretty fresh in my mind. The first one is widely considered the greatest Christmas movie of all time, I don't think I'd go that far, but its definitely in my top 5. I never really understood the love for Bruce Willis until I saw these, but then I got it full on. I was pretty surprised to see Alan Rickman as the villan in the first one but it was awesome! Also has one of the best quotes of all time.

7.) Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes IV, V & VI)

A lot of people are going to think I'm crazy for not having it higher then this, but I can only love something so much. I think if I had seen it more then once when I was a child I'd like them more. I mean, I'm all about Star Wars, the only thing that holds me back is how awful some of the acting is. The awesomeness of the rest of it makes up for it for sure though. I just wish George Lucas would cut it out and stop updating some of the effects. It really took me out of it a couple of times when there were clearly 21st century special effects happening in a movie that was released in the early 80s. I really do enjoy them and will definitely be having a marathon on this upcoming Star Wars day (May the 4th). Everyone on earth should see these at least one time in their lives.

6.) Back To The Future Trilogy

Somehow I only saw these movies for the first time last year. The same thing will definitely not happen to my children, it is seriously unfair that my parents didn't show this to me when I was growing up. They are seriously so awesome! Such an awesome concept, who doesn't love time travel? I love the 80s version of what they think the future will be like, but going to the past in the first one was also very cool. I loved that they even kept the minor characters in all of them, very cool. Like I said, I really wish I had seen it when I was a kid because I would have enjoyed them even more, but I seriously sat down and watched them all in one day, once I got the first one into me I couldn't stop! I think its a general consensus that the third one is definitely the worst of the 3, but even that one was enjoyable. If you haven't seen them yet (which I doubt because everyone has) you should go see it now. Its never too late!

5.) Hannibal Lecter Trilogy 

I think these might actually be the movies that really pushed my love for  movies over the edge. In my first year of university when I was procrastinating my school work and saw it online and thought that I might as well try out Silence Of The Lambs because I'd never seen it before and I'd heard great things about it. Thats really when I started going crazy for movies, after I'd seen what I had been missing I decided I needed to watch every movie I'd ever wanted to see that I "just hadn't gotten around to." Thus  began my addiction passion. The Silence Of The Lambs is one of my favorite films of all time and I think it definitely deserves it. It won 5 Academy Awards; Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, Best Actress for Jodie Foster, Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hannibal dropped the ball a little bit for me, as much as I love Julianne Moore, I really wish Jodie Foster had stayed for this one as well, but I think Red Dragon picked it back up again by recruiting Edward Norton and Ralph Finnes. Everyone assumes that these are scary movies but they really aren't, its definitely more of a thriller then a horror. Definitely check them out.

4.) The Godfather Trilogy

To be completely honest, I haven't seen the third movie yet, but I think the first two are so good that even if Part III was horrifyingly bad, I still wouldn't be able to put it below #4 on this list. These movies are mind-blowingly good. Part I was my first taste of Marlon Brando, and I have to say I was blown away with his unbelievably acting skills. These were also by far the best movies that I had ever seen Al Pacino in so it really changed him in my eyes. Most of his more recent movies have been pretty awful, so I'm glad I saw these to prove to myself that he hasn't always made bad decisions. All-around great acting and writing, the storylines were fantastic. I never thought I would enjoy gangster movies(despite the fact that I loved The Departed), but after seeing this one I went back and watched all of the big ones; Goodfellas, Casino, Untouchables, Once Upon A Time In America, still haven't gotten around to Scarface yet.

3.) Lord Of The Rings Trilogy

I've loved these movies since I saw Fellowship Of The Rings when I was 10 years old and nothing has changed. They are completely fantastic films in every way. They are beautifully shot, impressively acted, and perfectly written. Its hard to believe they've been out for as long as they have been. I can't wait until I'm able to put The Hobbit Trilogy on this list as well, which I'm sure I will as An Unexpected Journey was fantastic. I really think Peter Jackson did a really phenomenal job on these movies and if for some reason you haven't seen them, give them a chance. It still blows my mind that some people haven't seen them yet. This summer my friends and I took a Sunday and sat down and watched all 3 of the extended editions on blu-ray and it was fantastic. Only took 12 hours!

2.) Indiana Jones Trilogy

My Dad introduced me to these when I was a pretty young kid, and if this isn't an example of ways that films influence your life I don't know what is. When I graduated High School I went into University to study Archaeology. Obviously that didn't stick because I'm not doing that now, but I did do 2 years. I love these movies, I love the history, the mystery, the treasure hunts, but most of all, I absolutely adore Harrison Ford. I mean honestly, just try to watch these movies without falling in love with him. He's not an overly emotive man, but he's definitely what would be considered to be a "man's man." I mean, just look at that hat and whip. So attractive. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was definitely my least favorite, but I still enjoy watching it. I actually think that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was my favorite.

1.) The Dark Knight Trilogy

I know most people will disagree with me, but I don't care. I have loved Batman my entire life, and Christopher Nolan only helped me with that. I even love all of the 90s Batman movies, but not like I love these ones. I really think that Christopher Nolan changed superhero movies forever. Before this they very rarely appeared vulnerable, but that has been the case in one way or another in all three of these. It wasn't until The Dark Knight Rises came out that I could say for sure that this was my favorite trilogy, but I think that this final film weaved the trilogy together as I have never seen before. There was so much interaction between all three films that it just flows so beautifully. There is some absolutely incredible acting in all of the films from Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and especially Heath Ledger who won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance, but everyone else does an awesome job as well, Michael Caine steps up his acting in every movie. The cinematography is beautiful as well as the writing. I have no idea how its possible that Christopher Nolan or the films in general haven't won any Oscars for Directing or Best Picture, but its a shame. Anyone who enjoys any kind of films at all will enjoy these movies. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying them, they are just so good.

Honourable Mentions: The Matrix Trilogy, Mighty Ducks Trilogy, Toy Story Trilogy, Free Willy Trilogy

Kiwi Film Review: My Top 10 Films of All Time

First off, I've decided that I'm going to try and make an honest effort at posting a review or list every Sunday starting this week. This doesn't mean that I won't be posting more then that every week, but I just wanted to have a day where I definitely posted something. Thanks and enjoy the rest of the post. --Gill.

Some of these movies will probably be confusing (ie Perks of Being a Wallflower as there were a number of other films before it on my Top Films of 2012 list) but I think that theres a difference between an excellently made film, and a film that you feel a connection to, or one that really stands out to you. I chose most of the pictures because I felt they really represented what each film was about. So here they are, my top 10 films of all time.

10.) The Godfather

A lot of people are definitely thinking that this should be higher on the list, but there are just more movies that I had a stronger reaction to.

This is my first introduction to Marlon Brando, who was such an epic character as Don Vito Corleone. Everything about this movie is perfect. It is clearly the greatest gangster movie of all time, and many people believe it is the greatest film of all time, and clearly I definitely think it's up there.

Check out my review HERE

9.) Mystic River

The first time I saw this movie I had  no idea what it was about, and I like it that way. I think this was probably the movie that made me really love Sean Penn. It was so intense and if you were able to call the ending you deserve a high-five. 5-star acting all around, made me want to watch the rest of Clint Eastwood's movies.

You can find my review HERE

8.) The Silence Of The Lambs

The first time I watched this film I had no idea what I was getting into, I knew it was a murder mystery but that was about it. I can't even put into words the calibre of Anthony Hopkins in this film. So much excitement, so many memorable, and quotable moments. No one does a Silence of the Lambs parody like Kevin Smith in Clerks II.

7.) Midnight In Paris

I seriously adored every moment of this film. I loved how its definitely a fantasy film, but has so much history and romance that its almost not fantasy at all. The entire premise is clearly fantasy-based but everything around it is mostly historical using real people. Woody Allen is so good at capturing the "what if's" we have in our minds and creating a story around it.

You can find my review HERE

6.) The Dark Knight Rises
Christopher Nolan knows how to make an awesome movie. With Batman Begins he re-created how to make an action-hero movie. The thing that made this film for me was how amazingly he tied his trilogy together. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. His characters were so strong, and deep that you couldn't help but feel everything for them.

You can find my review HERE

5.) Perks of Being A Wallflower

I'm a sucker for movies like this, with such loveable characters who go through such horrible events. The book is even better, but since the author of the novel was also the writer and director of this film, there has never been a better book to film transfer. I dare you not to love this film.

You can find my review HERE

4.) Dirty Dancing

I know after the list of fantastic films I just presented many people will look at this film and dismiss the entire list, but let me explain. There is no doubt that this film doesn't have anywhere near the best writing, acting, or directing, but there is something so charming about it that there is no way I can allow it to not be on this list. 

Nothing hooks you quite like a coming of age/discovery of love and lust story. Patrick Swayze is a total hunk in this film, and I will never renounce my love for him.  Jennifer Grey is a charming, beautiful young girl that allow all of us ladies to live through her discovery what life is really about and the hardships that people face. The soundtrack is also one of my favorites for any film, so many great songs, including some originals just for the film.

3.) A Beautiful Mind

Before I saw this film I honestly only thought of Russell Crowe as "the guys from Gladiator" which is obviously fine as its also a great movie, but I had no idea what kind of pure, raw, talent this man had inside of him. Absolutely amazing film. Based on a true story too!

2.)  American Beauty

If you've never seen this film you are seriously missing out on the awesomeness that is Kevin Spacey. This film turned it all around for me, I don't know how I didn't see his amazing abilities before this, but I did. This film absolutely blew my mind. I don't even know how to explain what kind of movie this is other then to explain that you HAVE to see it ASAP. Kevin Spacey 4 Life.

1.) The Breakfast Club

It all comes down to this. I love this film for a similar reason as why I love Perks of Being a Wallflower. You cannot help but fall in love with the characters. There is not a more powerful scene in film then the one on top of the the library when they all share their deepest thoughts and secrets. No one makes a better heartbreaking/heartwarming film about teenagers then John Hughes, what a genius. 

In a world full of movies/TV shows of dumb teenagers who only care about sex and underage drinking, this movie comes out as a champion showing that they can understand life, and how hard it can be sometimes. It shows that they can be real people, and not just kids who don't deserve an opinion.





Honourable Mentions: Shawshank Redemption, Fight Club, An Education, Never Let Me Go, American Psycho, The Sound of Music, Sleepers, Cloud Atlas, and The Phantom of the Opera.

*Please note that I have not included any documentaries, and have tried to limit the number of movies in trilogies as I am going to make a top 10 list of both.