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During these times when we work and do a whole lot more more from our living or recreation rooms whether it is due to the winter weather or other restrictions due to the current pandemic, I would like to share some not so old movies that will help take some of the blues away. Many of these are award winning reels and the roles played and directed by some of the industry’s best.I know that you will enjoy and we have been over the years. Here are my top picks, not in any order, of my all time best movies that never gets old or boring , They cut across different genres such Dramas , Fiction , Action, Romance , History etc. some of them even cuts across multiple genres. Get your popcorn ready and let’s dive right into it.
The Guardian – 2006
This action drama with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher is a great story of selflessness that will captivate you again and again. It is based on champion a swimmer who discovers the true meaning of heroism and sacrifice when he meets his new trainer at the Coastguard’s swimmer’s academy. Both characters have a story that makes you groan on the inside. Certainly, one of my favorites.
Braveheart – 1995
This was filmed in Scotland and Ireland, was another Mel Gibson masterpiece as William Wallace, a Scottish rebel, along with his clan, sets out to battle King Edward I of England, who killed his bride a day after their marriage. There is a love story in this movie that gives meaning to the drama and bloodshed, nominated for and won many academy awards.
The Departed – 2006
This all-star Martin Scorsese film will keep you glue to your seat, he used lots of big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Vera Farmiga, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin to name a few. It is about an undercover agent (DiCaprio) and a spy (Damon) constantly try to counter-attack each other in order to save themselves from being exposed in front of the authorities whiles trying to infiltrate an Irish gang.
Gangs of New York – 2002
Another Martin Scorsese work, recreating New York’s Five Point in Rome, Italy. DiCaprio starring as Amsterdam sets out to avenge the death of his father who was killed in a gang fight at the hands of a crime lord, Bill ‘The Butcher’. Whilst doing so, he gets caught up in the Civil War.
Rambo First Blood – 1982
This is another Stallone classic that stays fresh for every kid growing up in the 80s and 90s, Stallone plays John Rambo, a former US soldier traumatized by memories of the Vietnam War, gets into trouble when an incident with a small-town sheriff triggers his violent side. The way this action pack movie ended was a perfect set up for the next Rambo installment, enjoy!
Draft Day – 2014
A great day at the office from Kevin Costner and team acting as Sonny Weaver Jr. who is the general manager of the Cleveland Browns and with one of pro football’s most important days, NFL draft day, is drawing near, but Sonny has much more on his mind than just which players to recruit. His lover is pregnant, and the team’s owner wants to fire him. After Sonny accepts a deal with Seattle that nets him that team’s first-round pick, he immediately wonders if he has made the right choice for himself and the Browns. Great role from the late Chadwick Boseman.
The Thomas Crown Affair – 1999
Pierce Brosnan as Billionaire Thomas Crown is bored of his luxurious life and starts stealing precious works of art. However, he meets his match in Rene Russo who played Catherine Banning, an insurance investigator looking into the thefts whiles discovering an adventure, Brosnan is never boring, enjoy!
After the Sun Set – 2004
Another day out for Pierce Brosnan pairing up with Selma Hayek acting as two retired jewel thieves and FBI Agent played by the incomparable Woody Harrelson teaming up with Naomie Harris play a game of cat-and-mouse. This was filmed in the picturesque Bahamas and scenes from the Atlantis Resort is really breathtaking.
The Punisher – 2004
This the epitome John Travolta playing a bad guy’s role and owning it. After his wife and family are murdered by a gang of ruthless criminals, special agent Frank Castle takes it upon himself to hunt down and punish the criminals responsible for his loss. Very entertaining from start to finish.
A Time to Kill – 1996
Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, & Samuel L Jackson, that is concoction already this will result in a movie masterpiece. After his ten-year-old daughter is raped, Carl, played by Samuel L Jackson murders her perpetrators. He then faces a trial and calls upon his friend Jake Tyler, a lawyer, to help him win the case.
Field of Dreams – 1989
When Iowa farmer Ray portrayed by Kevin Costner hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying “If you build it, he will come,” he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.
The Bodyguard – 1992
A former Secret Service agent played by Kevin Costner takes on the job of bodyguard to an R&B singer played by the late great Whitney Houston, whose lifestyle is most unlike a President’s. Great songs in a romantic thriller.
Catch me if you can – 2002
This is a Steven Spielberg masterpiece using the talents of Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio and company to bring this biographical crime film to life. Notorious con artist Frank Abagnale has duped people worth millions of dollars with his masterful art of deception. With his scams getting bolder, he is soon pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty.
Forrest Gump – 1994
This film needs no introductions , Forrest, a man with low IQ, recounts the early years of his life when he found himself in the middle of key historical events. All he wants now is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.
Erin Brockovich – 2000
One of Julia Roberts best playing Erin, a single mother, becomes a legal assistant and comes across a case against Pacific Gas and Electric. When she discovers that the company is poisoning a city’s water supply, she seeks justice.
Wedding Crashers – 2005
Two womanizers who love to gatecrash weddings find themselves in a fix when one of them falls in love with the bridesmaid at one such wedding. Big roles by this all-star cast Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Bradley Cooper with special appearance by Will Ferrell
Behind Enemy Lines- 2001
American naval flight officer Chris Burnett ( Owen Wilson) must evade the Bosnian Serb forces and run to safety after uncovering a proof of mass genocide against paramilitary commander Miroslav Lokar.
American Gangster – 2007
You cannot put a list together and leave out Denzel Washington, playing Frank Lucas takes control of his boss Ellsworth Johnson’s business after the latter dies of a heart attack and expands his control to various businesses while secretly running a drug cartel. Denzel is great, but Russel Crowe and Denzel on different sides is a recipe for a great movie. One my all-time favorites
Gladiator – 2000
One of Russel Crowe’s best work , he is young, fit and muscular acting as the general of the Roman army under Emperor Marcus Aurelius , but when the emperor is murdered , Commodus takes over power and demotes Maximus, one of the preferred generals of his father. As a result, Maximus is relegated to fighting till death as a gladiator. “what we do in life… echoes in eternity” This movie will make you choke up a bit.
Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any favorites.