Time For Some GREAT Movies With An “S”!
I have been looking at great films in my “Cinema A-Z” series, and the letter “S” 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 60+ year history of the franchise, encompassing 25 films!
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 was only “2 for 5” in his 007 film work, and if you don’t know I have been re-watching and reviewing each of the films in order!
Here is a look at the very first 007 film:
Click here to see how it all began:
Time now for my first Brad Pitt film 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 more of them here:
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:
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 was for sale! Click here to see details on the creepiest new home on the market!
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…hilariously and profanely funny, but emotionally powerful as well…we love it!
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.
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:
There you go, ten great movies with an “S” – let me know your favorite!
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Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Art, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Exploitation films, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
What a great line-up here, John. I still think Star Wars gets #1, but only by a small margin.
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It’s a classic to be sure!
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😀
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So many movies, so little time. There are even a couple on here I’ve never seen (Straight Time and Scarecrow).
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Thanks for the note! “Scarecrow” won the Palme d’Or in Cannes the year it was released…a masterclass of acting from Hackman and Pacino both!
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The Shawshank Redemption makes my Top Ten List of all-time favorite films.
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Yes, it’s an incredibly powerful film – one of those that, if you come across it somewhere, you immediately put it on!
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wow, you really hit a home run with S! I loved all of these for different reasons. I’m currently listening to the Pacino’s autobiography, with him reading it and it’s so good
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Oh that must be so much fun!
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I’ll meet you in Zihuatanejo! Ha, ha. A great list. You could leave Seven out, ha, ha, but I only say that because it still sends shivers down my spine.
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I will tell you that I am torn on that film now…a bit like I am about to”Fight Club” and “Raging Bull” as well…the darkness makes re-watching now a bit more difficult…but since I’ve seen them all so many times already over the years I can offer up something else once in a while! Thanks for the comment!
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Some excellent choices, John. Whilst I think that ‘Scarface’ is a fun action film, I do think that Pacino should have been given a ‘special award’ for ‘Overacting in a drama’. 😊 ‘Carlito’s Way’ is a much better film, IMO.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, DePalma clearly knew how to rein him in, as “Carlito” shows, so perhaps he wanted that OTT acting…either way I love them both! Thanks for the comment!
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