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Here is my first top 5 movies list from James: 1)The Rocky Series- The role that Sylvester Stallone was born to play and the film that launched him to international fame, Rocky is perhaps the most uplifting film ever made. The series tells the grand tale of Philadelphia club fighter Rocky Balboa and his illustrious career. Perhaps what makes the series so uniquely special is the characters and how they make you believe in them. From down-and-out Rocky Balboa to the shy and repressed Adrian the series really touches the human soul and shows what we are capable of when we have the drive and ambition to do so. Despite two mediocre sequels (3 & 4), the Rocky series is a fulfilling tale and a true American classic. Touched by a tremendous musical score by Bill Conti and great performances by all castmembers (Sylvester Stallone included), Rocky is a tale of struggling with the self and ultimate redemption. 2)Tied-Raging Bull/Godfather-Both are extremely powerful movies and film classics. Robert DeNiro's impeccable performance in Raging bull makes the movie one of the most realistic films ever made and rightfully so--it's based off of real-life fighter Jake LaMotta and his struggles as he tries to prove his manhood at the cost of everything he's gained. The Godfather is the powerful story of the Corleone family as a mob war runs out of control and a reluctant son chooses to forsake everything and uphold the family honor. A series that inspired a variety of mob family movies and one of the true greats of all time. 3)The Indiana Jones series-Here, film master George Lucas takes the classic action hero archtype into a realm of mystery, danger, suspense, romance, and legend. Indiana Jones is a world-renowned archeologist who's knack for uncovering the truth about ancient relics is astounding. Highlighting the series is perhaps the greatest assortment of action scenes ever filmed as Indiana braves the most deadly death traps and faces the world's most vile villains. Perfectly tying the series together is Harrison Ford's phenomenal portrayal of the greatest adventurer to walk the Earth. Indiana Jones provides the ultimate action films for any generation of movie viewer. 4)Superman I & II- The definitive superhero takes the lead in the definitive film. Showcasing the talents of an all-star cast including film legend Marlon Brando, this series has since become a film classic. The films both have tremendous special effects and the first has even won an Academy Award for its efforts. The heart of the films, Christopher Reeve, does his job so well it's nearly impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. Boasting a tremendous musical score and beautiful cinemotography, Superman is a delight for all ages and makes the viewer "believe a man can fly." 5)Drunken Master series- Perhaps the greatest kung fu saga of all time, this series takes classic Chinese folkhero "Wong Fei Hung" and shows him in his early years as a goof-off, punk kid who's only thoughts are girls and eating. Despite his father's attempts at disipline the boy's bad manners and habits persist. He then gets an old drunken martial arts expert "Su Hua Chi" to train him and set him straight. Displaying a variety of pulse pounding and beautifully choreographed fight sequences, Drunken Master is a martial arts fan's dream come true. The series that catapulted international action star Jackie Chan to stardom, it showcases his best work to date and the second film's grand finale has been called the greatest martial arts fight scene ever. |