Frag's Favorite Films - 21 Through 25

If you were to sit down and ask any series movie fan what their favorite movies were, you'd get a smattering of responses, ranging from time-tested favorites to newer films that show the age of the person asked. But generally speaking, the person answering the question finds it incredibly easy to spin off some titles.

However, if that person were to ask themselves the same question, it becomes much more challenging. I mean, it's easy to throw out well known or unforgettable films within the context of conversation without much recourse. But if you were to sit down, and then have to justify the inclusion or exclusion of any given title you choose, not to mention where you would rank them, therein lies the true challenge.

In fairness, I don't expect it to be a walk in the park, not by any means. I can honestly say that before I finish this quest, I will probably strike one from the list, or move one or two up and down to a place more deserving of their spot. But at the end of the day, the toughest critic in the world has to look this over and feel that the list really has been done justice. At the end of the day, that critic is me.

25.) Kung Fu Hustle

The first film to kick off the list is easy. It's been a guilty pleasure of mine since its release in 2004. Hell, I'd probably rank it higher if I thought it was a truly good film.

Kung Fu Hustle is what every kung fu movie should be seen as; a spoof. While simultaneously ripping its own genre and creating a love story, this comedy from China tells the story of Sing, a young man whose greatest desire is to make a name for himself in order to join the notorious Axe Gang. The only problem is, Sing can't get out of his own way. In an attempt to make others believe he is already a member, he accidentally gets an innocent group of alley dwellers on the wrong side of the real Axe Gang. But nothing is what it seems in this tale, complete with dance numbers and ridiculous fight scenes spoofing Japanese Anime, with a little touch of the Naked Gun to boot. Kung Fu Hustle hits on so many levels, it is literally the end result of multiple genres smushed into one outrageous film.

24.) American History X

From a guilty pleasure to one of the most powerful and controversial films I have ever seen, we move on to American History X.

Starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, American History X is a story of hate, discovery, self-realization, and consequences. Norton plays Derek Vinyard, a man whose father's death shaped his ill-conceived view of the world, relives the errors of his ways through the memories of the pain his actions caused. As a reformed skinhead, Derek tries to use what he learned through his own incarceration to try and guide his brother off the same path before it is too late.

The subject matter of this film is not for kids, and the film itself is very heavy. I suppose that this film could be taken the wrong way by those that don't see it through to the end. But to those that wish to see a fantastic film that carries with it a powerful message, then I implore you to see this film.

If there is one thing that you take away from this film, pay close attention to the usage of film stocks. When reliving the moments of his past, Derek's memories are portrayed in black and white, to show the contrast that Derek saw the world in during those moments. With a clearer head, the present is seen in full color, showing Derek the full scope of the world around him.

23.) Spirited Away

I'll admit it, I have a soft spot for animated films and shows. Maybe it is the child inside me that still wants to believe anything that the imagination can hold. Then again, maybe it is just the adult inside me not wanting that child to go away either.

Spirit Away, the 2003 Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, is a tremendous film from legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of Chihiro (Sen), a little girl who moves to a new town with her parents, who after trying a shortcut to find their new home, stumble upon an ancient world where spirits, gods, and witches outside the site of the everyday human. However, after watching her parents greed turn them to pigs, Chihiro must become a part of the spirit world in order to restore them.

A beautifully drawn and crafted story throws everything whimsical to the air, all the while carrying with it a message of peace and morality. This is a fantastic film to watch with young children and adults alike and was well deserving of the Oscar it brought home!

22.) Cool Hand Luke

Time for another confession. I have to admit that having spent the majority of my impressionable years in the late 80's and early 90's, there is a small likelyhood that I would have never picked this movie up if it wasn't for one thing; Guns N' Roses. Leading into the song Civil War, off the Use Your Illusion II album, Guns used the famous "Failure To Communicate" sound bite from Cool Hand Luke. Having memorized it as part of the song, I was unaware where it came from until I stumbled across the movie on television one afternoon. To this day, I stop and watch it anytime I see it.

Cool Hand Luke is that tale of a man who goes to a rural prison camp after severing heads off of parking meters one drunken night. This would seem like nothing major, except that Luke continually makes it worse for himself by trying to escape the prison camp. It is the classic tale of one man trying to break another and the power of a man's spirit. Every time I watch this movie, I'm reminded why people thought Paul Newman was the MAN!

21.) The Goonies

Another guilty pleasure, Richard Donner and Stephen Spielberg's Goonies is a film that I think I will probably still be watching when my grandchildren start watching movies. You could say I have a certain level of obsession here as well, as I use Sloth as an avatar at multiple sites.

The Goonies was as close as anyone is ever going to get at making a kid friendly version of Indiana Jones. A treasure map, lost pirate ships, the last hurrah for the neighborhood outcasts, this film has everything going for it. Spielberg and Chris Columbus crafted an intelligent, yet endearing script to work with, filled with fun characters and unlikeable villains. Those things in combination with an excellent set design completely sold the quest to find One-Eyed Willy, making it believable to kids of all ages, and some adults too. This is the epitome of a fun film!

And with that, we get this little countdown started with a little variety. Again, this isn't a ranking of the best films of all-time, I'm pretty sure I'd get strung up for putting Kung Fu Hustle or The Goonies on that list, but it is start to ranking of my favorite films. Feel free to comment on my choices thus far.