The Big Lebowski
Hands down my favorite comedy of all time. Just bizarre but utterly brilliant. Only the Coens could have made a film like this, which is a film like no other. It may well be one of the most truly original films ever written; I can't rightfully fit it into any single genre, and it contains some of the most original characters ever, backed by wonderfully hilarious performances. I don't honestly know anyone that doesn't enjoy this film, and if I do, I probably don't really care about them. It gets better and better every time, as little, subtle, hilarious details expose themselves. There's something new and hilarious to discover every time you watch it.
Boogie Nights
Was listed in my top 10 films of all time. Just a fun, free-flowing, ensemble about the rise and fall of a porn star. The filmmaking is just plain goddamn fun to watch, and the performances are amazing.
The Celebration
One of the classic Dogme '95 films. Shows what a great story and great acting can do: make a film work and work incredibly well. Natural lighting, available sets; minimalist in every technical way possible, but certainly not minimalist on story, character, or tension. Not only highly enjoyable, but also fascinating as you consider professionalism channeled through amateurism.
Clueless
Reveals much greater depths beyond its initial 5 minute opening. Anybody that enjoys great irony and wit will enjoy this comedy, which is much more mature, truthful, and genuinely funny than any plot synopsis could ever convey.
Fargo
One of the best Coen brother's films, and one of the best films ever. Darkly funny, with great performances all around. Beautiful cinematography, and the screenplay is ace. There's nothing to dislike here.
Good Will Hunting
This is just one of those films that entertained me from beginning to end. Occasionally feels a little cliched, but it overcomes that with fantastic performances and a huge heart. Completely deserving of its Oscar wins.
Pulp Fiction
Also listed on my top 10 of all time, this is just one of the most daring, successful, funny, and original works of all time. It's also ridiculously fun. Tarantino at his finest.
The Shawshank Redemption
Kind of cliche it seems to list this film, but it really is one of the best and most entertaining films of all time. The ending can be considered nothing but perfect, splendid catharsis; probably why this film is beloved by practically anyone that sees it. Just perfect story-telling that offers total satisfaction in every way imaginable.
The Silence of the Lambs
Just a flat out entertaining, twisty, dark film. Hopkins' performance as Hannibal Lecter is without a doubt one of the finest performances of all time. Jody Foster matches up as Clarice Starling, and along with an innovative directorial style, the result was an absolutely amazing film.
A Simple Plan
This Sam Raimi directed film is unlike any of his prior films, and any of his future films. It bears more resemblance to a Coen brother's (who consulted on the film's cinematography) film, both in its style, as well as its story. One of its great many pleasures is the delightfully subtle but highly effective performance of Billy Bob Thorton. Bill Paxton is always a pleasure to watch as well. Emotional tension is one of the film's strongest elements.
Sling Blade
I was fascinated with this film from the very beginning. One of the best examples of the star directing himself, along with Unforgiven, and The Apostle. Billy Bob Thorton as Karl Childers is just brilliant and a sight to behold. Thorton totally disappears into the role, almost unrecognizably so, and stands as his best performance along with A Simple Plan.
The Sweet Hereafter
A devastating drama about the aftermath of a bus crash full of children. The story, much like Egoyan's earlier film Exotica, weaves several stories in its complex and emotionally rich plot. The performances, particularly that of Sarah Polley, who would go on to direct the beautiful Away from Her. Having worked with him multiple times, she probably learned a lot from Egoyan.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
While it starts off slow, The Talented Mr. Ripley slowly evolves into a smart, complex thriller as well as a character study of a very disturbed young man. With great performances from Jude Law and Matt Damon, the film entertains and informs.
Three Kings
I stumbled upon this film by accident. It wasn't recommended to me, and I knew nothing of it, but saw it for $5 at Wal-Mart, and it sounded interesting, but I had just seen and loved David O. Russell's The Fighter, so I bought it. I was delighted from beginning to end. It's a satire. It's dark comedy. It's an action film. It's a political film. It's a goddamn great movie.
The Truman Show
When I first saw this, I found it to be a hilarious, brilliantly written piece of satire. It's just flat out entertaining and interesting. Probably the best direction Peter Weir has ever demonstrated, and perhaps the best performance from Jim Carrey. My favorite line comes from Ed Harris: "I am the creator... of a television series." That subtle but amazingly effective pause gets the satire of the point across without seeming awkward, and in and of itself deserved an Oscar nomination (which Harris receives).
Runners Up:
American Beauty
Audition
Dazed and Confused
Dead Man Walking
Election
Go
Jurassic Park
L.A. Confidential
My Own Private Idaho
Run Lola Run
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