Time For Some GREAT Movies With An “S”!
My “Movies A-Z” list has come to the letter “S”, which as usual, is so full of great films that I left off a ton of stuff – but here are ten films that capture everything I love about cinema.
Remember, these are not in any order, just a list of stuff I love – beginning with the most successful 007 film of all time:
10 – “Skyfall”
Yes, this is the biggest box office success of any film in the 55+ year history of the franchise, encompassing 24 released films with the 25th due any time theaters reopen!
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It was Daniel Craig’s third outing as the world’s most popular spy, and this film really delivers! Oh, and it also had one of the better theme songs as well!
Check out the trailer for “Skyfall” AKA “Bond #23!”
James Bond’s loyalty to M – played beautifully by Dame Judi Dench – is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, while also overcoming his own personal demons!
This is a terrific action film with some real dramatic heft as well – I personally think that Daniel Craig is only “2 for 4” in his 007 films so far, so we’ll see how he ends his reign with “No Time To die” when it is released…
As as for the theme song, Adele knocked it out of the park with the title track, but this is also a dicey thing – what are the best and worst bond themes? Click here to see my ranking and add your own as well – plus see the 2 that were censored!
Time now for my first of Brad Pitt films on the list – as he gives one of his greatest – and most “unintelligible” performances ever!
9 – “Snatch”
In 2000, Director Guy Ritchie delivered one of the most entertaining crime films ever – with a terrific cast that included Jason Statham, Benicio Del Toro and Dennis Farina. But it was Pitt, playing a “fighting Gypsy” who stole the show.
Here is the trailer:
Brad Pitt steals every scene he is in, as the gypsy thug who is literally unintelligible – in fact, here is a scene so you can hear for yourself:
“Snatch” is one of the most entertaining action films ever – one of the many British movies I love so much – you can read more about it here:
https://johnrieber.com/2012/06/08/shallow-graves-disappearing-creeds-and-of-course-snatch/
Next up, one of only THREE films in motion picture history to win “the big 5”: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay!
8 – “The Silence Of The Lambs”
The 1991 Oscar winner is as terrifying – and relevant – today as when it was released. Here is the trailer:
No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Everett Collection / Rex Features ( 411879fv )
‘THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS’ – Anthony Hopkins – 1991
VARIOUS
Anthony Hopkins gave one of cinema’s greatest performances as Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant Doctor who also happens to enjoy eating people.
And as you know, you can now live in serial killer Buffalo Bill’s house!
Yes, the house is for sale! Click here to see details on the creepiest new home you could buy this Halloween season!
Another Best Actor Oscar winner admits that he fired HIMSELF from a movie!
7 – “Straight Time”
In 1978, Dustin Hoffman planned to direct himself in a gritty crime thriller, but after the first day he fired himself so he could just focus on acting!
Check out the trailer to “Straight Time”:
The late great Harry Dean Stanton also stars in this great, under-seen crime drama. Hoffman is an ex-con who has no intention of going straight. Warner Archive has this now, so you can buy a copy – it also includes a very young Kathy Bates and Gary Busey in a great role as well!
If you want a deeper dive into this gritty crime drama, click on my story here:
Next, time for one of the funniest films ever about life in high school, when you are an outcast and just want to fit in!
6 – “Superbad”
Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg began writing this when they were 13 years old, growing up in Canada…over the years it evolved into a “buddy” movie starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christoper Mintz-Plasse as the decidedly “uncool kids” who have a chance to change that, as long as they can supply the alcohol to Emma Stone’s party!
Here is the hilariously red band trailer:
“McLovin'” To The Rescue!
Yes, “McLovin'” is just one of the hilarious treats in store for you when you see this film…
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Speaking of iconic characters…time to meet Tony Montana…
5 – “SCARFACE”
Yes, let’s all say it together:
“Say hello to my little friend!”
Al Pacino delivered one of his most “over the top” performances in Brian DePalma’s 1983 crime thriller!
“He loved the American dream – with a vengeance!”
Here is the trailer:
“Scarface” has achieved iconic status in pop culture, and is wildly entertaining every single time I watch it!
Next up, my second Brad Pitt movie has one of the most shocking and unsettling endings in movie history:
4 – “Se7en”
Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are Detectives trying to find a serial killer, who is using the seven deadly sins to carry out his murders.
Here is the trailer for the powerful film “Seven”:
Brad Pitt stars as a hot-headed Detective, with Morgan Freeman as his world weary Senior partner. Oh, and what about:
THAT ENDING. THAT ENDING.
This is a dark, brooding thriller with an ending that never fails to shock. Director David Fincher gave us one of the modern masterpieces in cinema, even though it’s a very tough watch.
You really can’t do a list of “S” films without acknowledging the one that changed cinema forever:
3 – “Star Wars: A New Hope”
One of cinema’s greatest franchises started as a low budget effort from George Lucas – but has now encompassed nine films, multiple spin-offs across all media, and a theme park attraction as well! It all began so simply “in a galaxy far, far away…”
As the original trailer states:
“The story of a boy, a girl, a universe!”
Here is the original trailer, including that line:
The Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” just won the service’s first ever Emmy Awards, so the march across all media continues.
Now, time to check out a much more intimate film from 1973, starring Gene Hackman and Al Pacino:
2 – “Scarecrow”
This cult 1973 film told the story of two unlikely friends who meet while hitchhiking across America – here is the trailer:
This is a character-driven drama that is pure 70’s – if you haven’t seen it, it’s worth the effort to find, because they both give incredible performances.
You can read more about the movie here:
Finally, another all-time favorite, with one of the most inspiring and uplifting endings of all!
1 – “The Shawshank Redemption”
Yes, it’s an adaptation of a Stephen King short story – and simply one of the most uplifting and beloved movies of all time.
Here is the trailer:
It’s the story of survival, redemption and the never-ending spirit in us all. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are perfect in the film, the story of a wrongly convicted prisoner who finds a way to break free. Director Frank Darabont tells the story beautifully, and yes, it made one Mexican town iconic as well: Zihuatanejo!
You can get much more insight and trivia about this incredible film by clicking on my story here:
https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/18/zihuatanejo-the-inspiring-greatness-of-the-shawshank-redemption/
There you go, ten great movies with an “S” – let me know your favorite!
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Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities
I hardly know where to begin, as your picks are terrific! Of course Star Wars is one of the best. I still think 007 is Sean Connery and no one else. Jodie Foster was outstanding playing the role of a girl from WV who was smart and did well. You have to be from WV to pick up some of the parts in the movie. She deserved an Oscar! Thank you, John.
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I agree with your comments on Jodie AND Connery!
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😀
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I don’t watch Bond films, (or Superbad) but I am on board with your other choices, John. I have a few to add of course.
‘Suspiria’.
Seven Samurai’.
‘Le Samourai’.
‘Sanjuro’.
‘The Searchers’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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For the next go round, Pete…two of those were bumped at the last minute…and watch “Superbad” – it’s hilariously funny AND a poignant look at friendships in high school…
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Wonderful picks as usual John. My favs are Seven, Star Wars, Skyfall, and Shawshank Redemption. I’d also throw in: Stand By Me, The Shining, Super 8, and Saving Mr. Banks.
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I am going around the alphabet again and will include those I missed this time…I LOVE “The Shining” and really wanted to love “Doctor Sleep”…LIKED it but am going to watch the expanded Directors Cut to see if I like it more!
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The Directors Cut is definitely better.
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I’ve seen and loved your s’s, other than straight time, which I’m going to look for. I promoted 7 and remember how creepy the very first screening was. people gasped.
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“Se7en” is SO dark…perfect I guess for Halloween with all the lights off…same for “Silence Of The Lambs”!
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So terrifying, both of them
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