Top 100 Movies of the Last 50 Years (1960-2010): Part II

90. Dead Man Walking (1995) - Tim Robbins only dipped his toe into the directors chair a few times, but in 1995, his emotional and heart-wrenching tale of a sympathetic nun forming a relationship with a convicted killer was so convincing that I don't think his career will not soon be forgotten. Dead Man Walking was handidly directed, impeccably written, and most importantly, carried by the weight of its two lead performances. Between an emotional Susan Sarandon, and a tense Sean Penn, the film is truly an acting showcase. Sarandon won her Oscar for her incredible role, and Penn should have. Despite the power of this film, it did not manage a Best Picture nomination, a travesty for sure.

89. Blade Runner (1982) - Ridley Scott can sometimes be hit and miss, but he definitely had a hit in 1982, with this one of a kind sci-fi adventure. A wild story, with stunning visuals (particularly for the early 80's), and some kick-ass performances from not only action superstar Harrison Ford, but a lot of the supporting cast including Edward James Olmos and Darryl Hannah. But this is really Scott's baby. Like Alien before it, Scott pores his heart, soul, and more importantly, his extraordinary vision to help make come to life in this thrilling, unforgettable film.

88. Do the Right Thing (1989) - Spike Lee has had his ups and downs, but no one can deny that his highest peak came in 1989, with his contemporary classic Do the Right Thing. Set around a violent, hot day, similar to that of the L.A. race riots, tensions about race and class explode on the gang-ridden streets. While this is not an unusual story for any of us who have graced the multiplex in the last twenty years, Lee's vision is so much more realistic, does not pander or overdo the issues of race, and more importantly, preaches the notion that violence does not solve our problems. This visionary outlook, combined with some incredible performances, including the greats Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, gives us a poignant message that still carries weight to this very day.

87. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) - As much as I am excited about Peter Jackson directing The Hobbit, I was looking forward to seeing what the visionary Guillermo Del Toro would do with the story. That is because in 2006, del Toro created one of the strangest, yet most masterful fantasy creations of the last half-century. Set in war-torn Facist Spain in 1944, a young girl escapes her stepfather, and the devastation she faces, into an eerie fantasy world, that cannot save her from her own reality. Some may find it too out there to grasp all of it, and that is completely understandable. But for those of us who were captivated from its first frame to its last, this horrific fantasy, with its stark story and stunning visuals, all thanks to del Toro's vision and talent, is one that will stay with us for a long time.

86. Airplane! (1980) - Sometimes when I'm feeling down, or am having a bad day, I filter through my DVD collection for something to make me laugh. However, it never takes me long to find exactly what I'm looking for because I always go for the same thing: the 1980 screwball classic, Airplane! Before Family Guy and South Park were stuffed full of random irreverant jokes, there was Airplane!. Like many of the Mel Brook's comedies, it banked on the outrageous, and while some may find its humor stupid, I personally think it is one of the funniest movies ever created. Of particular interest is the recently deceased Leslie Nielson, whose Dr. Rumack has been forever cemented in film history, as one of the most obliviously funny characters of all time.

85. Secrets & Lies (1996) - Most people don't like Mike Leigh movies, they range from subtle to subtler, and they borderline between soft British humor and emotional heavyweights, and most people don't take the time to sit down and figure out the nuances. But if you do decide to take the time to journey through his collection, you'll realize that Leigh is definitely one of the best directors of the last couple of decades, and while his films may not be the most popular, they are stunning pieces of cinematic achievement. At the top of the pile should be the emotional story of race mixing and family roots, Secrets & Lies. Anchored by incredible performances, particularly the Oscar nominated ones by Brenda Blethyn and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, this is one that while hard to watch at moments, is definitely worth your time.

84. Back to the Future (1985) - In 1985, the team of Robert Zemeckis, Michael J. Fox, and Christopher Lloyd, effortlessly combined screwball humor and sci-fi adventure, to create one of the best action-adventure family films of all time. When Marty McFly travels back in time, he almost risks his own existence, and must make the past right in order to make the future bright (sorry that was cheesy). Back to the Future works because it is thoroughly entertaining, well-paced, well-acted, bright, full of wonderful visuals and witty dialogue, aka everything you could want from a perfect summer movie. And that was exactly what Back to the Future was, and still is.

83. Deliverance (1972) - In 1972, John Boorman created one of the most haunting, sparse, disturbing pictures of all time. Filled with little dialogue, plenty of wilderness shots, and plenty of gritty action that will give you nightmares for weeks, Deliverance is an interesting look at the back woods of America. When a group of friends gets seperated on a canoe trip, two mountain men rape and terrorize half of the seperated group. Between the terrorizing individuals and the treacherous nature path, this group of friends learns that the old outdoors is not as calm and majestic as it appears. Between the minimalistic nature of Boorman's direction and James Dickey writing, the beautiful cinematography, and the gritty performances, particularly Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds, Deliverance is not one to miss, if you can stand the sight long enough to make it through.

82. Heat (1995) - The fact that Heat received no Oscar nominations in 1995 is a travesty for sure. An underrated film at its debut, Heat has quickly become a crime classic, and has been cemented in crime film history. Michael Mann's impeccable, gritty direction showcases why, when he is on the mark, he is one of the best in the business. But that is just the start, the Departed-like story of two men on opposite ends of the law, is gritty and interesting. Not only is the story line and direction top-notch, but the electrifying performances, including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, and many others, are simply impeccable.

81. Dog Day Afternoon (1975) - Sidney Lumet passing away is such a saddening event, but if you ever miss the dynamic director, go back and pop in this 1972 classic about a bank robbery with an important motive that turns into a sensationalistic story for the media. Al Pacino's performance is simply electrifying, and the moral dilemma that Lumet poses to the audience involving extreme measures for the people we love, and the impact of the media, are issues that still are imporant 36 years later. In many ways, applying his messages and themes to modern day is the best way to honor one of the greatest directors of all time.