The 100 Greatest movies of the 1990s 7. Hoop Dreams (121 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

it won Best Picture.

I don't mean to be argumentative but you've said this before and I don't quite get it. Why would people be upset that it won an oscar? Now I do think there could be legit criticism over movie A winning over movie B. Is that what you mean?

If anything, I think Titanic is labeled as a "chick flic" and that will generate some "hate".

I think it deff deserves to be on a list of the 90's though.

I think the bolded is a reason it gets the double hate that I posted above. I agree it's labeled at that, but more specifically it's coded as a TEEN chick flick. Even less cool to get caught watching as a dude.

Again, I like the movie but as far as winning Best Picture that is often tied into what didn't win because of it. IMO 1997 was one of the best years for movies, and a couple other movies that were nominated were pretty mainstream so I think people had stronger opinions than other years. As Good As It Gets and Good Will Hunting were nominated as was LA Confidential.

For me it's also Exhibit A for a great example of why the Academy Awards are mostly a joke. Also released that year: Boogie Nights, Jackie Brown, The Ice Storm, Face/Off, The Sweet Hereafter, The Apostle, and a few others. A top notch year for the dramatic fare people usually associate with the awards. The only recent year I can think of better is 2007, but that year the Academy had way more correct than '97. (imo). I

The Sweet Hereafter was awesome. I'm sure Tim won't have it on his list and may not even have heard of it.

I actually am aware of it, I read the fine but very depressing novel by Russell Banks years ago. Alas have not seen the film.

Many of the films mentioned that do not show up on this list I simply haven’t seen.

Hereafter is phenomenal. Tough watch, but phenomenal. Easily in my top 20, likely top 10 for the 90s.

 

[Gally]

I was looking at some of Roger's lowest rated movies, and it's a list of some of my favorites: Dead Poets, The Master, Usual Suspects, Elephant Man, Clockwork Orange, Fight Club, Fast Times. Beetlejuice is on there so I did agree with something on the list. It's just hard for me to imagine a movie critic thinking none of these movies deserved even an average rating.

I remember when he gave a Thumbs Down to the Natural.
There's no way that it is below average.

Sure there is. It's just awful. Dorky, maudlin plot that makes no sense at all. The only thing good about it is Newman's score.

Strong agreement. It’s all wrong even down to Redford being totally miscast. Sure he had a great look for the part, if he had played it in the late 60s but but 84 he was almost 50 years old. Insane to cast him as a young naive baseball prospect.

This is amazing. I have never met anybody that didn't like The Natural. I am not saying everyone I have ever talked to about thinks it is the best movie of all time but everyone thinks it is an entertaining movie and that it is a good movie.

There are definitely things to nitpick (like Redfords age) but it's a movie. Every movie you have to suspend some disbelief but it's a great sports movie and hits all the checkpoints.

Love the Natural, the music, the scenery, the old time baseball atmosphere, the admittedly cliche plot....
...I think you have to recognize that there is a bit of fairy tale/fantasy to the story and not dismiss it because it's "unrealistic". I don't think any storyteller thinks someone believes a season with covers coming off balls, dudes dying running through walls, and fireworks displays from a baseball hitting a bank of lights is some sort of true-to-life story.

Never thought it was true to life. Just stupid. Boring. Uninspired.

It's the fantasy that makes it great. So many young baseball players that get the game taken away from them for whatever reason always wonder what if and would love a chance to give it a try at some point. This taps into that and does it well. If you can't identify with that premise you probably don't get the inspiration.

 

[timschochet]

8. Quiz Show (1994)

Directed by: Robert Redford

Starring: Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Paul Scofield

Synopsis: A 1950s television quiz show is rigged.

I thought we were gonna get television. ..the truth is, television is gonna get us. - Rob Morrow as **** Goodwin

This is another brilliant film, beautifully acted and directed. While the story is largely true Redford uses it to make a number of statements about society, greed, class distinctions, and of course television. While Rob Morrow is fine, Fiennes, Turturro and Scofield offer master class level acting. (Not to mention David Paymer who is always great as well.)

 

[Ilov80s]

Shocked to see Quiz Show so high and have to wonder what else gets bumped but it’s a great movie but maybe more in the 25-50 range than top 10.

 

[Jayrod]

Guilty confession: I've never actually seen Quiz Show from start to finish.

 

[AAABatteries]

Did not see that coming

The Nazis?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Guilty confession: I've never actually seen Quiz Show from start to finish.

I've never seen any of it. I'm just not really a Redford fan.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Did not see that coming

The Nazis?

The Spanish Inquisition

 

[Jayrod]

Did not see that coming

The Nazis?

The Spanish Inquisition

Well, nobody expected it anyway.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Anyone else expecting Rocky V to finish top 5 here now?

 

[zamboni]

Anyone else expecting Rocky V to finish top 5 here now?

There's no easy way out of it.

(Rocky IV, I know)

 

[Alex P Keaton]

9. Titanic (1997)

Directed by: James Cameron

Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane

Synopsis: A very old lady recalls her survival of the sinking of the Titanic.

I’ll never let go, Jack. I promise. - Kate Winslet as Rose.

Of course she did let go. Liar. And I’ll always argue there was room on that door anyway, if she had just moved over a little…

Anyhow I’ve never understood why (some) folks rag on this movie. Because they can’t stand romantic love stories? This is an epic Hollywood film, thrilling and dramatic, with a tremendous villain in Billy Zane. The early scenes are fine and get us to know the characters and then once the iceberg is hit the movie has that great James Cameron rush to it that he also achieved in Aliens- there is, for my money, no finer director of action. Definitely belongs in the top 10 of the decade.

Wouldn’t make my top 100. Saw it once in the theater. It was fine. Can’t imagine bothering to watch it again.

Best part of the movie was seeing it with my hot Colombian college friend and all that followed after.

Did he treat you right?

His name was D-O-M-I-N-G-O. So yes.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

9. Titanic (1997)

Directed by: James Cameron

Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane

Synopsis: A very old lady recalls her survival of the sinking of the Titanic.

I’ll never let go, Jack. I promise. - Kate Winslet as Rose.

Of course she did let go. Liar. And I’ll always argue there was room on that door anyway, if she had just moved over a little…

Anyhow I’ve never understood why (some) folks rag on this movie. Because they can’t stand romantic love stories? This is an epic Hollywood film, thrilling and dramatic, with a tremendous villain in Billy Zane. The early scenes are fine and get us to know the characters and then once the iceberg is hit the movie has that great James Cameron rush to it that he also achieved in Aliens- there is, for my money, no finer director of action. Definitely belongs in the top 10 of the decade.

Wouldn’t make my top 100. Saw it once in the theater. It was fine. Can’t imagine bothering to watch it again.

Best part of the movie was seeing it with my hot Colombian college friend and all that followed after.

Did he treat you right?

This was hilarious. Ha ha

I also enjoy a good gay joke during pride month

 

[Alex P Keaton]

8. Quiz Show (1994)

Directed by: Robert Redford

Starring: Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Paul Scofield

Synopsis: A 1950s television quiz show is rigged.

I thought we were gonna get television. ..the truth is, television is gonna get us. - Rob Morrow as **** Goodwin

This is another brilliant film, beautifully acted and directed. While the story is largely true Redford uses it to make a number of statements about society, greed, class distinctions, and of course television. While Rob Morrow is fine, Fiennes, Turturro and Scofield offer master class level acting. (Not to mention David Paymer who is always great as well.)

Really big fan of this movie. And even I wouldn’t have it top-20. But it is a great movie.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Never seen it, probably better than Shawshank though

 

[timschochet]

Never seen it, probably better than Shawshank though

I would say so yes.

I don’t want to disparage The Shawshank Redemption but in terms of it being one of the greatest films of all time it isn’t. In that sense it’s way overrated. It’s a fine Hollywood film, uplifting but not at the level of any of the movies I have ranked above it. It’s actually pretty formulaic. In truth the novella it’s based on is probably better.

 

[FarFromHome]

9. Titanic (1997)

Directed by: James Cameron

Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane

Synopsis: A very old lady recalls her survival of the sinking of the Titanic.

I’ll never let go, Jack. I promise. - Kate Winslet as Rose.

Of course she did let go. Liar. And I’ll always argue there was room on that door anyway, if she had just moved over a little…

Anyhow I’ve never understood why (some) folks rag on this movie. Because they can’t stand romantic love stories? This is an epic Hollywood film, thrilling and dramatic, with a tremendous villain in Billy Zane. The early scenes are fine and get us to know the characters and then once the iceberg is hit the movie has that great James Cameron rush to it that he also achieved in Aliens- there is, for my money, no finer director of action. Definitely belongs in the top 10 of the decade.

Wouldn’t make my top 100. Saw it once in the theater. It was fine. Can’t imagine bothering to watch it again.

Best part of the movie was seeing it with my hot Colombian college friend and all that followed after.

Did he treat you right?

This was hilarious. Ha ha

I also enjoy a good gay joke during pride month

My sons gay so that gives me some latitude to laugh. Well. He isn't, but that's how I convince myself I'm not a bad person my laughing. Ha ha

 

[General Malaise]

Seems like some of the "just turn off your brain and enjoy a movie" crew are coming out for Titanic.

So are the "turn off your heart and hate it" crew.

Good Will Hunting had 1000x's the heart of Titanic.

Your move, Chief.

Heck, Robin Williams' monologue in that scene is better than the entirety of Titanic.

Love GWH and I love Titanic. Both were in my top dozen films. Neither was the best movie of 1997 IMO.

OHHHHH I think i know what it is and I have a big exicte!

 

[KarmaPolice]

Seems like some of the "just turn off your brain and enjoy a movie" crew are coming out for Titanic.

So are the "turn off your heart and hate it" crew.

Good Will Hunting had 1000x's the heart of Titanic.

Your move, Chief.

Heck, Robin Williams' monologue in that scene is better than the entirety of Titanic.

Love GWH and I love Titanic. Both were in my top dozen films. Neither was the best movie of 1997 IMO.

OHHHHH I think i know what it is and I have a big exicte!

As big as the final reveal?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Guilty confession: I've never actually seen Quiz Show from start to finish.

I've never seen any of it.

 

[General Malaise]

Shocked to see Quiz Show so high and have to wonder what else gets bumped but it’s a great movie but maybe more in the 25-50 range than top 10.

I could be very wrong, but Tim may have mentioned this movie a time or two in his twenty years of service here. I only say that because Quiz Show is one of my favorite movies too but it's not one that too many bring up when discussing favorite films. I've watched it a handful of times and hope to watch it a handful more. Brilliant performances and great story from start to finish.

Siskel and Ebert had it in their top 10 from 1994; Siskel at #4.

 

[TripItUp]

9. Titanic (1997)

Directed by: James Cameron

Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane

solid movie, maybe even a great movie, but not in my top 30 due to it being relatively uninteresting to me and a movie I'll never re watch.

Trip's Official Ruling: Over Ranked.(not in my top 30)

 

[TripItUp]

8. Quiz Show (1994)

Directed by: Robert Redford

Starring: Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Paul Scofield

Synopsis: A 1950s television quiz show is rigged.

Really good film and definitely should be ranked ahead of Titanic, but not something I'll ever rewatch. But a smart, well-put together film that deserved the critical acclaim.

Trip's Official Ruling: Slightly Over Ranked(around 25 for me)

 

[timschochet]

7. Hoop Dreams (1994)

Directed by: Steve James

Starring: William Gates, Arthur Gates

Synopsis: Two aspiring basketball players navigate the pressures of being given high school scholarships.

I’m ready to leave. Because everybody here is going to jail or on drugs or dead. - Arthur Agee

This brutally realistic work at the world of high school basketball in the 1990s is widely considered one of the greatest documentary films of all time, and It’s certainly the best of the ones I’ve seen. While 30 years have past and I would imagine many of the details have changed, there are core truths told here which still remain relevant I believe. How many young black athletes continue to hope for basketball or football as a means to escape the doomed nature of their current existence only to discover crushing defeat? I’m afraid it’s still way too big a number.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Many of the films mentioned that do not show up on this list I simply haven’t seen.

sounds like you have some movie watching to do

 

[El Floppo]

Hoop Dreams.

if anybody questions this one, I quit.

 

[General Malaise]

On the Mount Rushmore for Documentaries for sure. Excellent work.

 

[General Malaise]

Hoop Dreams.

if anybody questions this one, I quit.

1994 Top Ten List:

Gene Siskel - Hoop Dreams #1
Rober Ebert - Hoop Dreams #1

1994 was a strong year overall....Siskel had Ed Wood, Quiz Show, Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption on his top 10 in addition to Hoop Dreams (and I imagine Tim is going to list another that I won't name here).

Ebert also had Forrest Gump and Quiz Show + Hoop Dreams (and the other one I'm leaving out until Tim posts it).

 

[Andy Dufresne]

"The late Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both championed this film on their television show and were both clearly and visibly upset when the film was not chosen or even considered as a 1994 Best Picture Contender or even in the Best Documentary Category. What made them upset was the way the voting process went about. An Entertainment Weekly article that ran in July 1995 featured the proof that they both personally felt that the film was completely snubbed by what they felt was a group of people who were only interested in "talking heads" or "old documentary stock footage" that ran no longer than 90 minutes or longer, which were pretty much the same as other documentaries that had come out before and when Hoop Dreams was released. The other complaint, which had further proof, was that the Documentary branch of the Oscars was mostly composed of people who were volunteers who had no Chairperson and had to watch as many of these types of films as possible within a certain time frame during the day. This also led to the films' quick dismissal, as those voters gave it a low score on purpose when many critics and other voters gave it the highest score possible. If it had been nominated many have stated it would have won the Oscar for Best Documentary. This lead to serious reform within the Documentary branch within months after the controversy.

In addition, according to an angry Roger Ebert, reliable sources said members of the Academy's documentary nomination committee had a system in which one would wave a flashlight on screen when they gave up on the film. When a majority of the lights flashed, the film was turned off. Hoop Dreams did not even make it to 20 minutes. In response to the controversy, Bruce Davis, the Academy's executive director, asked accounting firm Price Waterhouse to turn over the voting results, in which each voter had given a rating from zero to ten to each of the eligible documentaries. According to Davis, "a small group of members gave zeros to every single film except the five they wanted to see nominated. And they gave tens to those five, which completely skewed the voting... There was one film that received more scores of ten than any other, but it was not nominated. It also got zeros from those few voters, and that was enough to push it to sixth place."

 

[General Malaise]

"The late Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both championed this film on their television show and were both clearly and visibly upset when the film was not chosen or even considered as a 1994 Best Picture Contender or even in the Best Documentary Category. What made them upset was the way the voting process went about. An Entertainment Weekly article that ran in July 1995 featured the proof that they both personally felt that the film was completely snubbed by what they felt was a group of people who were only interested in "talking heads" or "old documentary stock footage" that ran no longer than 90 minutes or longer, which were pretty much the same as other documentaries that had come out before and when Hoop Dreams was released. The other complaint, which had further proof, was that the Documentary branch of the Oscars was mostly composed of people who were volunteers who had no Chairperson and had to watch as many of these types of films as possible within a certain time frame during the day. This also led to the films' quick dismissal, as those voters gave it a low score on purpose when many critics and other voters gave it the highest score possible. If it had been nominated many have stated it would have won the Oscar for Best Documentary. This lead to serious reform within the Documentary branch within months after the controversy.

In addition, according to an angry Roger Ebert, reliable sources said members of the Academy's documentary nomination committee had a system in which one would wave a flashlight on screen when they gave up on the film. When a majority of the lights flashed, the film was turned off. Hoop Dreams did not even make it to 20 minutes. In response to the controversy, Bruce Davis, the Academy's executive director, asked accounting firm Price Waterhouse to turn over the voting results, in which each voter had given a rating from zero to ten to each of the eligible documentaries. According to Davis, "a small group of members gave zeros to every single film except the five they wanted to see nominated. And they gave tens to those five, which completely skewed the voting... There was one film that received more scores of ten than any other, but it was not nominated. It also got zeros from those few voters, and that was enough to push it to sixth place."

Wow. That's hard to believe but also, not hard to believe. Good for the Thumbs Bros for shining a light on this traveshamockery.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

never seen or heard of hoop dreams. A lot of docys on this list. After googling a bit I think I'll check out The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl

 

[TripItUp]

7. Hoop Dreams (1994)

Directed by: Steve James

Starring: William Gates, Arthur Gates

Synopsis: Two aspiring basketball players navigate the pressures of being given high school scholarships.

I'm good with this, but I'm a sport nut, played HS basketball etc. I could see how it wouldn't appeal to those that don't care for sports.

Trip's Official Ruling: Appropriately Ranked(in my top 20)

 

[BlackCrowes]

Never seen it, probably better than Shawshank though

It’s not. Very good movie though.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

With 6 left some very well known films that should have made the top 50, let alone top 25/10 etc are going to miss out

Spoiler

5 have to come from here
Heat, Titanic, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List, Malcolm X, Silence of the Lambs, Hoop Dreams, Fargo, Magnolia, Dances with Wolves,

Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List and Silence of the Lambs have to be certainties. Don’t they?
Only 1 from the rest, but if we are seeing Quiz Show in the top 10 who tf knows anymore

At least 1 has to come from here with Tim’s hint
1997 - L.A Confidential, Jackie Brown, Boogie Nights, 5th Element, Men in Black, Lost Highway, Donnie Brasco

Probably Boogie Nights, but L.A. Confidential should be on this list. So should the others

 

[General Malaise]

With 6 left some very well known films that should have made the top 50, let alone top 25/10 etc are going to miss out

Spoiler

5 have to come from here
Heat, Titanic, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List, Malcolm X, Silence of the Lambs, Hoop Dreams, Fargo, Magnolia, Dances with Wolves,

Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List and Silence of the Lambs have to be certainties. Don’t they?
Only 1 from the rest, but if we are seeing Quiz Show in the top 10 who tf knows anymore

At least 1 has to come from here with Tim’s hint
1997 - L.A Confidential, Jackie Brown, Boogie Nights, 5th Element, Men in Black, Lost Highway, Donnie Brasco

Probably Boogie Nights, but L.A. Confidential should be on this list. So should the others

Maybe I'm on an island but the best film from 1997 isn’t listed here either. If that's the case, then as Tim admitted earlier today, he just hasn't seen it. Only explanation available.

 

[KarmaPolice]

With 6 left some very well known films that should have made the top 50, let alone top 25/10 etc are going to miss out

Spoiler

5 have to come from here
Heat, Titanic, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List, Malcolm X, Silence of the Lambs, Hoop Dreams, Fargo, Magnolia, Dances with Wolves,

Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List and Silence of the Lambs have to be certainties. Don’t they?
Only 1 from the rest, but if we are seeing Quiz Show in the top 10 who tf knows anymore

At least 1 has to come from here with Tim’s hint
1997 - L.A Confidential, Jackie Brown, Boogie Nights, 5th Element, Men in Black, Lost Highway, Donnie Brasco

Probably Boogie Nights, but L.A. Confidential should be on this list. So should the others

Maybe I'm on an island but the best film from 1997 isn’t listed here either. If that's the case, then as Tim admitted earlier today, he just hasn't seen it. Only explanation available.

Nixon mask?

 

[KarmaPolice]

I'll guess: Boogie Nights, Pulp Fiction, Silence of the Lambs, and Fargo. One of Goodfellas/Heat and one of Malcolm X/Dances being the top 6. Plenty of great movies left undrafted, but that's what makes these threads fun too.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

alot of good stuff from 1997 isn't on here

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

With 6 left some very well known films that should have made the top 50, let alone top 25/10 etc are going to miss out

Spoiler

5 have to come from here
Heat, Titanic, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List, Malcolm X, Silence of the Lambs, Hoop Dreams, Fargo, Magnolia, Dances with Wolves,

Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List and Silence of the Lambs have to be certainties. Don’t they?
Only 1 from the rest, but if we are seeing Quiz Show in the top 10 who tf knows anymore

At least 1 has to come from here with Tim’s hint
1997 - L.A Confidential, Jackie Brown, Boogie Nights, 5th Element, Men in Black, Lost Highway, Donnie Brasco

Probably Boogie Nights, but L.A. Confidential should be on this list. So should the others

Maybe I'm on an island but the best film from 1997 isn’t listed here either. If that's the case, then as Tim admitted earlier today, he just hasn't seen it. Only explanation available.

Nixon mask?

I bet he means Contact

 

[KarmaPolice]

Hoop Dreams.

if anybody questions this one, I quit.

1994 Top Ten List:

Gene Siskel - Hoop Dreams #1
Rober Ebert - Hoop Dreams #1

1994 was a strong year overall....Siskel had Ed Wood, Quiz Show, Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption on his top 10 in addition to Hoop Dreams (and I imagine Tim is going to list another that I won't name here).

Ebert also had Forrest Gump and Quiz Show + Hoop Dreams (and the other one I'm leaving out until Tim posts it).

They were just being Chicago homers.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I'll guess: Boogie Nights, Pulp Fiction, Silence of the Lambs, and Fargo. One of Goodfellas/Heat and one of Malcolm X/Dances being the top 6. Plenty of great movies left undrafted, but that's what makes these threads fun too.

You dont think Schindler’s list makes Tim’s top 6?
Or think Goodfellas is a certainty?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Guilty confession: I've never actually seen Quiz Show from start to finish.

I've never seen any of it. I'm just not really a Redford fan.

Don't like Redford at all. Give this one a chance ayway. Always worth it to see Scofield.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Silence of the Lambs
Pulp Fiction
Goodfellas
Malcolm X
Schindler's List
Fargo

 

[KarmaPolice]

I'll guess: Boogie Nights, Pulp Fiction, Silence of the Lambs, and Fargo. One of Goodfellas/Heat and one of Malcolm X/Dances being the top 6. Plenty of great movies left undrafted, but that's what makes these threads fun too.

You dont think Schindler’s list makes Tim’s top 6?
Or think Goodfellas is a certainty?

Yeah I forgot Schindlers's. I am pretty sure tim likes to Boogie, so my best guesses are Pulp, Boogie, and Schindler's List. I don't click with Goodfellas, so I am biased there. When I looked at your list, I could see one coming from each style of movies and maybe only one gangster/crime movie and tim feels like a Heat guy more than a Goodfellas guy, so I wasn't confident in Goodfellas either. I will round out my last 3 with Silence of the Lambs, Fargo, and Malcolm X. I will go off the board and say he doesn't go with either.

Schindler's List
Boogie Nights
Pulp Fiction
Silence of the Lambs
Fargo
Malcolm X

Long shot surprise movie: Wag the Dog

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Hoop Dreams.

if anybody questions this one, I quit.

Bye bye then. This is just so awful, and I love documentaries.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Hoop Dreams.

if anybody questions this one, I quit.

Bye bye then. This is just so awful, and I love documentaries.

You have the strangest taste in movies. I would love to see a Mrs R top 30 thread.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

7. Hoop Dreams (1994)

Directed by: Steve James

Starring: William Gates, Arthur Gates

Synopsis: Two aspiring basketball players navigate the pressures of being given high school scholarships.

I’m ready to leave. Because everybody here is going to jail or on drugs or dead. - Arthur Agee

This brutally realistic work at the world of high school basketball in the 1990s is widely considered one of the greatest documentary films of all time, and It’s certainly the best of the ones I’ve seen. While 30 years have past and I would imagine many of the details have changed, there are core truths told here which still remain relevant I believe. How many young black athletes continue to hope for basketball or football as a means to escape the doomed nature of their current existence only to discover crushing defeat? I’m afraid it’s still way too big a number.

1994 might be my favorite movie year of all time. It’s at least in the ballpark.

Hoop Dreams. Oh wow. I really hoped this would make tim's top-10, because it so truly deserves this slot. It’s my favorite documentary of all time, just so heartbreaking to watch. I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t seen it yet, but there are scenes with both of Arthur’s parents that absolutely gut me to this day. Kids deserve a better upbringing than that kid got. This movie isn’t just about basketball. It’s about poverty, hope, disillusionment, dreams, the human experience.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I just didn't expect a top 10 flick I had never heard of

I am at 11 movies so far that I have never heard of.


95. Army of Darkness
93. Guilty By Suspicion
92. The Commitments
88. Defending Your Life
87. Reversal of Fortune
85. Leon: The Professional
77. Crumb
68. The Witches
55. Life Is Beautiful
54. To Die For
10. Europa Europa

Many of these I can see missing, but I’m surprised on Life is Beautiful. I thought the movie would at least be memorable for Begnigni jumping over the chairs at the Oscars when he won for it.

Top 5 for me. Nowhere near as obscure as double E.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Life Is Beautiful

It won an Oscar for best picture.

Was it animated?

Benigni certainly was.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I just didn't expect a top 10 flick I had never heard of

I am at 11 movies so far that I have never heard of.


95. Army of Darkness
93. Guilty By Suspicion
92. The Commitments
88. Defending Your Life
87. Reversal of Fortune
85. Leon: The Professional
77. Crumb
68. The Witches
55. Life Is Beautiful
54. To Die For
10. Europa Europa

I am genuinely surprised about 95

I could easily see it falling out but Army of Darkness is a cult classic. I approve of it at 95.

I meant surprised he hasn’t heard of it. I thought Evil Dead movies were pretty mainstream and well known. Especially among men of our age. I don’t care for them but am not surprised or bothered by it’s making the list.

Ah, gotcha. I misinterpreted.

Of those, I'm mostly surprised he hasn't of Leon.

Never heard of that either