Top 6 Movies from the Cast of Firefly

Any excuse to discuss Firefly I am there for, as we all know that it was an amazing show, killed off in it's prime and had a stellar cast. So as the cast was so good there just has to be great movies in the mix. I don't care whether the movies were pre or post the show, these special people deserve as much attention as we can give them.

So hold on tight whilst we find the Top 6 Movies from the cast of Firefly.


6. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story [DVD]

Steve the Pirate is played by Alan Tudyk in this hilarious comedy masterpiece. I know what you are thinking, let's not go over the top here, and you are right, obviously masterpiece is too strong, anything involving Ben Stiller is normally a no go for me, but as he was playing a jerk then that's ok as it fits with his personality. Average Joe's gym goes head to head with Globogym in this modern day David vs Goliath story and their weapon of choice is the mighty dodgeball. Vince Vaughn is the anti-hero of this tale as he competes with Ben Stiller for the life of his gym and the heart of Christine Taylor.

I really like this film, some great performances in it, special attention has to be paid to Justin Long, Alan Tudyk and Rip Torn, with amazing lines like, 'if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball,' it is impossible to lose.



5. I, Robot

Alan Tudyk sponsors our next major movie marvel, taking his place as the voice of Sunny a robot who has been programmed to ignore the basic principles of his existence. This Will Smith blockbuster is a really good film with an old premise, the biggest threat to mankind is mankind.

Really fun look at the futuristic civilization mixing old and new but showing that there are some luxuries we shouldn't take for granted. Some good twists but not that original, making it an enjoyable movie but nothing you haven't seen before. The only issue I had with the film was that it reminded me of the old Dr Who Episode Robots of Death with Tom Baker. Which adds fuel to the theory that Hollywood is indeed running out of original ideas. Worth a watch if you haven't before.



4. Saving Private Ryan [DVD] [1998]

This film was ground breaking due to the action sequences, drama and heart that was put across to the viewers. Nathan Fillion takes up the role of Ryan in this action packed war memorial, wait I know what your thinking, was that Matt Damon? Well yes it was, but must I remind you that the whole story of the film was of how Ryans mother had 4 boys who went to war and three of them died on the same day. Nathan Fillion was Minnesota Ryan, one of those three who were killed. So it's a bit of a cheat I know, but this is such a great film I couldn't resist including it. So as I mentioned Ryan's mum loses 3 boys in one day so the US Army having a heart sends a small squad of men into very dangerous circumstances to try and find the one surviving son who had dropped in with the US Airborne behind enemy lines, with one goal in mind, bring him home safely.

I wasn't sure about this film first time around as the opening sequence is so violent and traumatic that it spoiled the film for me. Watching it again many years later I was better prepared for what was coming and was able to enjoy the storyline for what it is. You really can't go wrong with Tom Hanks in the lead role, but this was a really moving and emotional film. If you liked Band of Brothers then you'll love this and vice versa.



3. Independence Day [1996] [DVD]

Despite the disappointing feedback from the release of this films sequel, the original was undoubtedly the blockbuster must see film of 1996. Adam Baldwin was lucky enough to pick up a supporting role in the film as Major Mitchell, who was station at the legendary Area 51.

I can't imagine there is anyone who hasn't seen this film, but just in case there are those poor few who haven't, the idea is quite simple. Aliens happen by Earth on a quest for invasion and destroy all initial efforts to stop their progress. However the aliens didn't account for 1 Navy Pilot, 1 Crop Duster, the President of the US and a Sky TV repair man. I remember seeing this film at the cinema and I have enjoyed it every time I have watched it since, I can even remember jumping at the bit that is supposed to make you jump and telegraph that that is what is going to happen, but you jump anyway.



2. Deadpool [DVD] [2016]

This years biggest surprise and a really funny film to boot, the X-Men spin off Deadpool has delighted audiences all over the world, with fun action sequences, witty banter, awkward sex scenes and the trashing of the 4th Wall. Morena Baccarin is Wade Wilsons rather sexy girlfriend Vanessa, the kind of girl that all guys would want, but might be slightly unsure at taking her home to meet mum (well at least at the start).

Although the story is not overly original and a little weak due to Wade Wilson literally being a bit butthurt about becoming ugly, it's a movie that does not take itself seriously and is very crowd pleasing with plenty of pop culture references included. If you haven't had the opportunity yet then get it and see it at your earliest opportunity.



1. Serenity [DVD] [2005]

Was it ever going to be anything else, of course not, this epic film includes all the regular cast of the of the TV series and was a great way to introduce the characters to a group of viewers who didn't watch the series and it was the more that fans of the series had been waiting for.

There is no part of this film that I didn't enjoy with the exception of the end, I did not want it to finish. There were surprises, deaths, explanations, space fights, hand to hand combat, kick ass martial arts, one liners, story and a lovebot, what more could any film provide. If you are not a Browncoat, watch this movie anyway, if you serve with Captain Reynolds then you will have already seen it, if you have watched more times than you can count, then it must be time to put it on again. If you want to do it right, then watch the series in it's entirety first and then watch the movie.

This is it Top 6 Films from the cast of Firefly, I look forward to your comments until then 'I aim to misbehave'.

Top 6 Movies from the cast of Grey's Anatomy

Whether you were a McDreamy or McSteamy fan or if you had a ying for Yang, most if not all of us have been exposed to the poor excuse for a medical drama that is Grey's Anatomy. Don't take that criticism to mean that I don't enjoy watching the show, I just don't think it's a very good medical drama, if you were to categorise it as a hook-up show then you would be right on the money. That said, the substantial cast of the show must have been responsible for some good movies along the way, either before or after, mustn't they?

So here they are the Grey's Files.


6. My Father The Hero [DVD] [1994]

Kicking us of on the campaign is one of many films that Katherine Heigl doesn't like to mention, why? Because she was only 15/16 when she made it and men kept telling her she was hot. Although I agree in principal that that is pervy, if you haven't seen the film then I have to tell you that it was kind of the point of the film. Dad (Gerard Depardieu) takes his daughter on holiday, she pretends to be older to attract a guy and tells him that her Dad is actually her lover. It's a very risqué film in that way for being a family movie, needless to say she is supposed to be hot. I was like 12/13 when I saw it so I was allowed to think she was hot at the time.

This is a funny film, probably a little out of touch with today, but for 1994 it was a decent movie, all I can say as I have kids now, fathers and daughters and what we wouldn't do for them. I have fond memories of this film, it had a lot of funny parts to it, none funnier than an entire ballroom of strangers assuming that Gerard's character is some kind of paedophile (unbeknown to him) and he chooses to entertain them all with a rendition of the song Thank Heaven for Little Girls . Worth a watch on a Sunday afternoon when there is nothing else on the TV.



5. Catch Me If You Can

I resisted this film for so long as I had a general dislike for DiCaprio and I thought the film would make Tom Hanks look like a bumbling buffoon, but it didn't, it was actually a clever and well told movie detailing the deceptions of young Frank Abagnale Jr. Ellen Pompeo plays one of a string of women to fall into the clutches of this young con man, the film features a surprising amount of well known actresses relevant right now, including Jennifer Garner, Amy Adams and Elizabeth Banks.

Tom Hanks is the FBI man pioneering the fight against cheque and money fraud which was still in it's infancy when this was set and young Frank was a genius at learning new ways to cheat the system. If you didn't enjoy the film you weren't trying hard enough or paying attention, this was a good movie, I am glad I found my way to it eventually.



4. Sweet Home Alabama [DVD] [2002]

McDreamy was his dreamy self again in this Rom-com featuring Reese Whitherspoon and Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey proposes in the poshest way possible to his girlfriend Melanie (Whitherspoon) and of course she accepts. One slight issue remains, she never did quite get divorced from her childhood sweetheart, so off she goes, the former country girl turned city slicker back home in Alabama trying to get her seemingly stuck in the past ex-partner to give her what she wants whilst being tackled by a number of colourful characters that she grew up around and you hope could never exist in the real world.

This film is not ground-breaking, neither is it especially original, but it is fun, if you like Reese you will like this film, if you have ever went back to see people you grew up with and found that they hadn't changed you will like this film. If you a are a sucker for a good rom-com then you will like this film. I recommend it, but then again I am a Reese fan.



3. Under Siege 2: Dark Territory [DVD] [1995]

We are back with Katherine Heigl for more of her teenage exploits, this time she plays niece to everyone's favourite ex Navy Seal Casey Ryback (Steven Seagal). So what's it about? You will be surprised to know terrorists take over the train that he is travelling on with his niece and are using it as a moving target whilst they take over the US most powerful new weapon. A train full of armed hostiles, an evil genius at the helm and Casey's niece has been taken hostage, there is only way this situation can turn out.

Overall a decent film, not as good as the first one (I realise we are grading on a sliding scale) but I think this was due mainly to the villain lacking the personality of Tommy Lee Jones. The Heigl didn't do a bad job in the film showing that she was a promising young actress. If you like over the top 90's action movies then you will find some enjoyment in this film, I like it but won't go out of my way to put it on.



2. The Ringer

The Heigl is back for the third time on our list in this potentially diabolical film with Johnny Knoxville. Knoxville owes some money and decides to win it back by knobbling the Special Olympics by faking a disability and competing with the intention of winning. I'm sure there is no more contemptible an activity that someone could carry out for money. Heigl portrays the character of a support worker who is helping the competitors and becomes a distraction for the con-man.

I was really worried about this film as knowing the types of pranks that Knoxville is known for I didn't want to see him point fun at the mentally disadvantaged, but that isn't what happened at all, in fact this ended up being quite a heart warming film, showing that you should never under-estimate someone just because they weren't given the same opportunities as you. I really liked the film, I was impressed with the way the subject was handled and thought they did it well.

Favourite line in the movie; 'When the Fuck did we get ice-cream?'


1. Old School

Ellen Pompeo takes the top spot as the love interest of Luke Wilson in this middle aged frat comedy, about three men who embrace their youth too much when Mitch takes on a new house inside the college zoning, meaning the only way he can keep it is to turn it into a fraternity. With the like of Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell this was always going to get out of hand, but no one is really prepared for what it may cost them.

It does not require much in the way of brains to watch and understand this film, but that is part of what I love about it, it doen't take itself too seriously and it is fun, rude, sad, stupid and inspiring all at the same time. You will not lose anything by not watching this film but you may just laugh a lot if you do. Who says you have to be young to make new friends, these guys show how to make a new family. I can certainly recommend it and as a note, the Dan Band version of Total Eclipse of the Heart is brilliant.




There we have it, that's my list, some good films on this one too and the cast of Grey's were a lot more involved in making it so. There may be hope after all that TV stars can make good movies.

Top 6 Movies from the cast of Charmed

The Charmed ones are the next targets on my list of our favourite shows cast, but have they done any good movies. I will be very honest I haven't watched a lot of Charmed personally, but I am familiar with the talented actresses in the show, when I say talented I am obviously excluding Shannon Doherty from that, as such she is unlikely to appear on this list.

So here it is the Cast of Charmed: Complete Seasons 1-8 [DVD] Top 6;



6. Bio-Dome [DVD]

Rose McGowan is our number 6 entry, for this camp comedy she played Denise, not a particularly big role if I remember correctly and certainly she was not pivotal to the 'storyline' in this guilty pleasure of a movie but all the same I can say I enjoyed this movie enough to include it on the list.

I will never know why I like this film, Pauley Shore and Stephen Baldwin are terrible actors and not even Kylie or the legend that is William Atherton can save this from the weirdness that it portrays, maybe it's just the soundtrack that I love, but all I know is if it's on the TV I have to watch it.

See it or don't, it won't change your life, but if you watch it you will laugh and come away feeling slightly happier even if you are a few brain cells lighter.




5. RED

This the only movie to include a dude from the show on the list, Julian McMahon plays Cole in the series and is well known for playing a bad guy in motion pictures like The Fantastic Four, he also carries that mantle into the action film starring Bruce Willis as a retired CIA operative Frank Moses.

This is a good action flick, based around the fact that just because people are old doesn't mean they are over the hill and you should never under-estimate what they can do. I really liked this film and although our Charmed sponsor for the film wasn't in it very much it is still very much worth inclusion in the list. If you haven't seen it, do so, you won't be disappointed. Other reasons to watch it include Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich, not to mention Mary Louise Parker.





4. Ocean's Eleven

This one is a little bit of a cheat to be fair, Holly Marie Combs appears as herself close to the start of this movie, Brad Pitt's character Rusty is teaching her and some other young stars to play poker. She isn't in any way important to the film and her on screen time is literally a couple of minutes, but her inclusion on the cast list allows me to utilise this smart and savvy heist movie.

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his band of brothers set out to rob 3 casino's in one night under the nose of the very dangerous Terry Benedict played by Andy Garcia. It is a very clever movie, funny and enthralling, if you haven't watched it, why the hell not? Warning though, don't expect Oceans 12 to be as clever as the first one, or you will be deeply disappointed.





3. The Wedding Ringer

Kaley Cuoco survivor of many a sitcom (including Charmed), stars as the would be wife of the very boring but wealthy Doug (Josh Gadd). Doug doesn't have any friends and nobody to be his best man, however his fiancé doesn't know this, so he enlists the help of professional best man Jimmy (Kevin Hart) to be his best friend and hook him up with some groomsmen.

As you would expect from Kevin Hart, the film is laugh out loud funny and Josh Gadd shows that he is more than just the voice of a snowman, I didn't know what to expect from this film, but I was so impressed by it I couldn't stop laughing at the mere thought of it for days after.

As I have said about other films, this is not a game changer, but it will definitely make you laugh when having a quiet night in with the other half.





2. Scream

Hollywood takes on the Horror genre with their funny horror thriller starring Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and Rose McGowan. I have never been a fan of horror films and I am well aware that true lovers of the genre hate that Hollywood interfered with their passion. But I really liked it, it made fun of the genre before falling for the same tricks, they made the audience aware that they knew they were in a horror film, having an geeky expert give the characters and audience a play by play as the film went along.

If you like the true gory horrors of the past then this film wasn't for you, if you wanted a thriller set in a horror set in an after school special then this is the film for you. Watch it on a Friday night with popcorn and your partner and get ready for laughs and squeals aplenty.




1. Commando

This is the only time Alyssa Milano appears on this list, but you knew when she did it would be in the top spot as no body can fail to mention the legendary Commando. Milano is Schwarznegger's daughter Jennie who is kidnapped in order to blackmail him into carrying out an assassination. Never a good idea to do this to big Arnie, who goes through hell and a lot of bullets in his attempt to get her back. Anyone who wanted to be Liam Neeson in Taken needs to know that we all wanted to be Arnie in Commando first.

Milano was just a child during this film, but she was a good little actress, one of my favourite lines in the film is when the terrorist says to her;

'you will see your father again soon, won't that be nice?'

She replies
'Not half as nice as watching him smash your face in.'

The film is full of one liners and quips, that makes you laugh as you watch Arnie attacking, beating, dropping, shooting and blowing up bad guys. I genuinely love this film and if you haven't seen it, go now and get it, what's stopping you, it's brilliant and that's why it's in the top spot.



So there it is, that's the list, there are some great films on this list including one of my all time favourites, however I am sad to say with exception of maybe one the Charmed team weren't really responsible for these films being so good. I am starting to wonder whether or not TV stars from our best loved shows are really any good on the big screen.

Top 6 Movies from the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The next set of Blogs will have a certain theme to them (I mean other than Top 6 Movies) we will be concentrating on the stars from our best loved TV shows, who are they and what else have they done? Do we know them solely from the work on TV shows or have they made their mark on the silver screen as well? The rules are simple, for a movie to be mentioned on this list a major cast member must have appeared in the credits of the film and preferably have a significant role, wherever possible. Kicking us off on this pursuit is the one and only Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Complete Seasons 1-7 [DVD] .



6. My Stepmother Is an Alien [DVD] [1988]

We start off with a double whammy, both Alyson Hannigan (Willow) and Seth Green (Oz) appeared in an out of this world comedy featuring the legend that is Dan Aykroyd and siren that was Kim Basinger. This late 80's comedy was exactly what it said in the title, single father (Aykroyd) meets a beautiful blonde woman (Basinger) who marries him and becomes stepmother to his daughter (Hannigan).

Aykroyd is a nerdy scientist who is overwhelmed by the attention of this attractive alien in disguise, who has been sent to Earth to try and stop the impending doom to her home planet caused by an experiment being carried out by her new suitor.

This is a fun family film, very standard for the type and time it was made, but still wortha watch if you are sitting on a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do, you'll have a laugh and cringe a bit but it serves it's purpose. The funniest link to the Buffy series we are exploring is that Seth Greens character is Alyson Hannigan's boyfriend in the film, highlighting the future romance shared in the Vampire show.


5. Bring It on [DVD] [2000]

Another double whammy, Eliza Dushku (Faith) and Claire Kramer (Glory) star in this film that it's totally wrong for me to watch and enjoy. It's about a group of cheerleaders who under the direction of their new Captain are trying to qualify for the National competition despite finding out that all of their well rehearsed cheers had been stolen from another less fortunate school.

The film enjoys some funny moments, a fun soundtrack and too much eye candy, but there are also some great flips, jumps and general athleticism on show, so if you are looking for a film that is the movie equivalent of an after school special then this is your film. Notable performances from Jesse Bradford, Eliza Dushku and Claire Kramer. This will never be an Oscar film, but is well worth a watch if you want something fun and silly on a weekend afternoon.


4. True Lies [DVD] [1994]

Eliza Dushku plays daughter to the legend that is Arnold Schwarznegger in this Spy action comedy, featuring the brilliant Tom Arnold, Jamie Lee Curtis and Tia Carrera, with a shout out to Art Malik who was a brilliant terrorist in the film. I should also point out that Bill Paxton is in the film and as I would normally characterise that as a low point, the character he is playing works with his particular set of skills.

This is an over the top pop at the older James Bond style films, but actually carries it's own storyline pretty well and is great fun if you like 90's action movies. Probably up there with my favourite Arnie films like Predator and Commando , but more light-hearted than either one. Well worth a watch, enjoyment guaranteed.


3. Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery

Here we find Seth Green playing Scott, the love child of Dr Evil and Frau Farbissina, (although we don't find this out until the sequel, so for now we will say he was a test tube baby) in this very camp send up of James Bond. Scott's role in the film is to say what everyone at home is thinking, why not just shoot the hero while you have him tied up?

This film is over the top in every way from it's use of music (Divynals I Touch Myself ) to the way multiple roles are played by Mike Myers, taking on Hero and Villain in this comedy. One of the best parts of this whole film though are the scenes just after whenever Austin kills a henchman they cut back to that characters family and home-life when they get the call to say he is dead, remembering that even evil henchmen have lives too. At times you might find the film too stupid, but it really is a classic, better than the sequels but the third one Austin Powers in Goldmember [DVD] [2002] is worth seeing too.


2. Cruel Intentions [DVD] [1999]

Quite literally every young mans wet dream, Sarah Michelle Gellar playing the over sexualized Katherine who makes the forbidden bet with her step-brother Sebastian (Ryan Phillipe) that if he can seduce the new headmasters daughter (Reese Whitherspoon) before the end of the summer, then he can get in on with her and quote 'put it anywhere.'

So fundamentally this is a film about greedy, horny, privileged teenagers, featuring the legendary on screen kiss between SMG and Selma Blair. If you can get over the constant sexual tension of the movie it is actually reasonably clever and well made, acting is brilliant and believable, overall a good film, but not one to watch with your parents/kids in the room.


1. American Pie 3: The Wedding [DVD] [2003]

Easily my favourite of the bunch of American Pie films, this one features Alyson Hannigan's Michelle getting married to Jim, yeah that's right the Perv and the Nympho made it to a Wedding. I love the set-up of this one as all of the guys have basically finished college and are very much heading into adulthood, but they still have that crazy juvenile side to them, Stifler was the stand out character in this one between trying to play it straight to impress Michelle's sister, having a dance off in a Gay Bar and eating dog poo.

The film rounded off the trilogy the way it should have been, without all of those annoying additional American Pie movies that have all been written off with the arrival of American Pie: Reunion [DVD] [2012] (which I still haven't gotten round to watching). Overall a good film that I can't help but watch whenever it's on, so good for a laugh with so many memorable funny moments.


So that it, there is the list. I'm sure I have probably missed something better, but I will leave it to you guys to tell me what else should have been in there.

Top 6 Movies from the MCU

It's time to weigh in on one of the most controversial topics of the moment, what actually are the best Marvel Studio movies to date? There is controversy over what makes a good movie and what makes a bad one, here at Top 6 Movies we have 1 criteria, what one are we most likely to watch again and again, what ones when sitting bored on a Saturday night whilst the kids are in bed will we put on the DVD/Blueray/Netflix/Amazon device.

We will likely put the cat amongst the pigeons with this one and there may be some strong disagreements, but this is our list and if your favourite doesn't feature it's not because we didn't like it, I can say whole heartedly that I have enjoyed every Marvel movie so far, but not every film was created equal.

MCU Movies

6. Captain America: The First Avenger

I had never seen or read anything of Captain America prior to the release of this film, my brother watched the cartoons when he was younger but I had no recollection, so I came to this character completely fresh without any expectations or bias. I was a little worried as I could only remember Chris Evans from the first Fantastic Four film and he was awful in that, but then again so was the movie, so much so that I didn't bother watching the second one.

I was impressed, the CGI work to make Evans look small was good, Stanley Tucci, Haley Atwell and Tommy Lee Jones put in great performances, Chis Evans was convincing as the weakling turned super soldier and as far as origin stories go I was very impressed. I felt like I understood the character, what motivated him and I loved the WW2 setting.

I don't have many down sides to the film other than Hugo Weaving sounding like he was impersonating Sam Neil in the Hunt for the Red October and my massive doubts that anyone other than the title character could have boarded that high speed train. Other than these little issues, I found this to be a highly enjoyable film.



5. Iron Man

Another origin story and another character I had no experience of until the film, Robert Downey Junior however I did know, I loved his earlier films like Air America and Back to School but I wasn't sure if I was ready for him to take the lead role. My expectations for this film were not high but I was pleasantly impressed with the thought process involved in bringing this relatively unknown character into an instant fan favourite.

RDJ was the only real choice to display the arrogance and brilliance of this character and he mastered it well, it's hard for one actor to carry a full movie of this type on their own but he did, without disrespect to Paltrow or Howard I didn't feel that they contributed much in the way of character to the story. Jeff Bridges was a convincing but obvious bad guy, the ending went the only direction it could with a David and Goliath type finale. Overall a great film which kick-started the whole MCU as we know it.




4. Captain America: Civil War [Blu-ray] [2016]

The latest instalment from the MCU showing what could happen if superheroes can no longer play nicely. By this point we are invested in the characters, we know who we like and we know where they have come from, but they have been set apart. Stark convinced that the Avengers need oversight and can no longer operate as an uncontrollable entity, Cap obviously looking for some kind of Airwolf The Movie [DVD] [1984] type arrangement where they will help out when asked but are free to do what they want the rest of the time.

Stark is trying to wear his big boy pants and Cap is being unbelievably naïve, but there could be a way through until Bucky is in trouble, unfortunately this presents a blind spot for Cap who doesn't think twice about interfering and going against the newly ratified accords, pitting Avenger vs Avenger.

Overall this was a fun action flick, the airport scene was very good, with Ant man and Spiderman bringing the humour during the fight, the almost sibling rivalry of  Cap and Ironman is pushed to breaking point, Black Widow is her usual impressive self and I was especially impressed with the Scarlett Witch who I believed explored her character better. I have liked Falcon since he first appeared in Winter Soldier and this outing was no different, also we enjoyed a really good first impression from the Black Panther.

Downsides had to be Thaddeus Ross who was as two dimensional and unimpressive as he was in the Hulk film, his appearance was not required. Noticeable absences were Nick Fury and Maria Hill, it made absolutely no sense for neither of them to be present in this film, when they were probably needed more than ever.

This was a really hard film to get right as it was a Cap movie but he did seem to be on the wrong side of the fight. It served it's purpose which I am sure is to create the rift that will be prevalent in the first Infinity War film.




3. Marvel's The Avengers: Age Of Ultron

Some people may be surprised to see this film so highly placed on the list, but you shouldn't be because despite critic abuse it was a fun action packed movie that worked well for introducing new characters and developing existing ones.

The Avengers have clubbed together to take out the remnants of Hydra and in doing so they discover Loki's missing sceptre. Research of the glow stick results in Stark and Banner attempting to build their suit of armour around the world an artificial intelligence called Ultron that would help protect the planet against invading armies like those from the battle of New York that they were completely unprepared for. The first attempt unfortunately fails and results in a death-bot who would like to destroy the Avengers along with pretty much the rest of the human population.

There are some amazingly good bits in the film including the initial attack on Hydra, the after party with the superheroes chilling and winding down, the Hulkbuster and the Sokovia battle. All great scenes which helped make the film so enjoyable and one that I would watch again and again, not to mention the introduction of great characters such as Scarlet Witch and Vision. Yes there were some downsides, most of which were out of the control of Whedon who was dealing with the pressure of a growing franchise filled with other directors who refused to play ball for the larger story. The Thor and Selvig part was a little weird but served two purposes, one to set up the third instalment of the Azgardians series and secondly to motivate him to back Starks second attempt to create the artificial intelligence. Thoroughly enjoyable film, saddened that Whedon will not be on board for Infinity War.




2. Guardians of the Galaxy

When I first saw this film come up on the to be released list for the MCU I didn't yet trust that Marvel knew what they were doing. My expectations were not high for the film, but yet again I dragged my long suffering wife along to the cinema to check it out. I have to say I was so impressed right from the start, the soundtrack kicked in and suddenly I found myself looking at a modern day sci-fi hero surrounded by a comic book environment.

From start to finish I enjoyed every minute of the film, I had never heard the names Star Lord, Rocket, Gamora, Groot or Drax before in my life and now I wanted to be a part of that universe. Amazingly well told story, good action scenes, well acted parts, brilliant humour and a kick ass 70's soundtrack, that how you make a hit film out of something that very few people had ever heard of.

I am concerned about the follow up as I worry that they will struggle to repeat the originality of the first one, but I trust that Marvel will do me proud.




1. Avengers Assemble

Total game changer for movies of the type, the most charismatic villain in the franchise to date aligned with a powerful staff weapon, mind control ability and a huge army of aliens. Defending the Earth we have the most powerful creature in the franchise with his best personification yet in the Ruffalo's Hulk, the super smart and arrogant Ironman, the God, the super soldier and two master assassins.

The action sequences in the movie were fantastic and faultless, the dialogue was clever and witty as you would expect from the Firefly - The Complete Series [DVD] [2003] and Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Complete Seasons 1-7 [DVD] creator and their was the heart, the emotion urging the Avengers on and the audience with them, the killing of Phil Coulson, Whedon not afraid to do what the Russo brothers haven't managed to achieve yet, the unexpected death of a well known character. Coulson had appeared in two Ironman films and Thor up until this point, no one saw his life being ended in such a brutal unforgiving way. (For all of those who will claim he was brought back to life in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Season 1 [DVD] , he wasn't revived in the MCU, he is still dead in that).

Some will claim that the attacking aliens story wasn't developed enough, but the truth is who cares, what good is it to have superheroes without a big bad to battle, so as far as enjoyable movies are concerned this one is right up there and that is why it is number 1 on my list.

There's something missing

There of course are films that did not make my list, many people may be surprised that Captain America: The Winter Soldier hasn't appeared, so let me clear this up; I enjoyed the second instalment of the Captain America Trilogy, but it didn't impress me as much as it did others. I'll tell you why, I didn't find the film as clever as so many others thought it was, it was obvious that Bucky was a pawn who had had his mind altered, Rumlow seemed dodgy right from the start, it was obvious that Robert Redford was bent the moment he appeared on screen, why? Because he had to be, he was to big a star with an unknown name in the MCU thus far to be a good guy. I like the film, the introduction of Sam was good, Black Widow fun as always, but even she wasn't on top of her game, the masks came straight out of Mission impossible and the biggest hole in the film was that they felt they had to do it alone, no Ironman, Hulk or even Hawkeye, after the bond that had been created in the Avengers I don't know if it was believable to have them all sitting out when three giant death machines were taking off over Washington.

So that is it, this is the list, if you have any comments below is where to put them.

Top 6 Movies set in a Courtroom

Top 6 Movies The concept is simple, everybody always asks about top 5 things, top 5 movies, songs, dinners, cities, sexual positions etc... But 5 can be a easy number to hit, 6 however, finding that extra 1 is difficult. So this blog will focus over time on finding the Top 6 Movies in any category, whether its top 6 movies based on comic books, set in a sky scraper or starred in by a particular actor/actress, we will find the top 6 movies of any type of all time.

Courtroom Drama's

I love a good courtroom drama, the thrills, the tension, the objections and the intrigue, it was my belief that if law could be like it was in the movies then I would want nothing more than to become a lawyer. As I got older I realised that the law profession was nowhere near as exciting in real-life as it is in the movies. So I will continue to enjoy the law through my TV screen the way it's supposed to be.

Here is my Top 6 List

6. John Grisham's the Rainmaker

A young Matt Damon alongside a never young Danny DeVito bring to life the first of the John Grisham movies featured on the list. Idealist Rudy Bayler (Damon) comes out of law school looking to make his mark on the world but is only able to get work with a dodgy ambulance chasing law firm owned by Bruiser Stone (Mickey Rourke). After one illegal dealing too many Bruiser absconds for safer climates leaving Rudy and law clerk Deck Shifflet (DeVito) to set-up shop together, whilst they battle a fraudulent insurance company.

Really good look at the American legal system along with the difference that can be made when the opinions of the judges match up with the lawyer. Some really good courtroom scenes in the film along with an array of nice personal interactions with the cast. Happy o have the first of our John Grisham movies at number 6.

5. The Lincoln Lawyer [DVD]

Show me a legal thriller with some intimidation and immorality and I am there, Matthew McConaughey puts in a stellar performance as smug lawyer Mick Haller who since losing his licence is driven around all day in a black Lincoln. No real need for an office Haller conducts his business on the road. Smart enough to play the angles to get his clients off of serious charges it's better that he stay on the move, until he gets Louis Roulet (Ryan Philippe) off of a serious charge and Haller life and ex-wife Maggie (Marisa Tomei) suddenly become in danger.

Great story, portrayed well, McConaughey, Philippe and Tomei give great performances, the film deserves higher recognition than it gets, number 5 on the list it is.

4. Runaway Jury [DVD] [2004]

John Cusack, Rachel Weisz, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman, what more reason could anyone need to watch a movie. But this one delivers it, suspense, drama, action and all the thrills you can handle. This is a clever thought-provoking movie which deals with the very real issue of who is responsible for the control of guns, the people who buy them or the people who sell them. As with all John Grisham novels this one is as exciting as it is original, the story has been adapted well for film, the performances from the main and supporting cast are brilliant and showcase their strengths properly. A film that can be enjoyed time and time again.

3. A Time To Kill [DVD] [1996]

The last of the John Grisham books on our list and the second movie we have featuring Matthew McConaughey. If you haven't seen it, why not? This is a great film, Samuel L Jackson is the father of a young girl who is raped by 2 young white guys in North America's deep south, however justice isn't always recognised properly for a black family, forcing Jackson to take matters into his own hands. Jake Brigance is the young lawyer trying to prove that anyone can receive a fair trial even in the deep south. This is a very exciting, drama filled courtroom thriller with one of the best closing statements I have ever seen.

2. A Few Good Men [DVD]

Before he wrote the legendary West Wing, Aaron Sorkin gave us A Few Good Men. An intelligent, exciting drama combined with a stellar cast, Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Jack Nicholson and Kiefer Sutherland to name but a few. What happens when a rookie lawyer with a history for plea bargains gets handed a high profile case? Lt Daniel Kaffee (Cruise) has to figure it out whilst dealing with pressure from all sides in this thrilling courtroom drama.

Good performances all around and a story that is as believable as it is morally questionable, the only downside of the entire film for me was Demi Moore, she doesn't do a bad job but she is far from being on par with the rest of the cast.

1. My Cousin Vinny

A personal favourite of mine, less serious than the other movies on the list, this comedy drama ticks the boxes for great storyline, compelling case for the prosecution, witty dialogue and loads of laughs, due mainly to Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei and the late great Fred Gwynne. Two students take the summer off to travel the country, unfortunately during a swing through Alabama a shopkeeper is murdered during a robbery and three eyewitnesses are sure the students done it. Joe Pesci is Vinny a newly qualified litigator and cousin of one of the accused who rolls into town to defend him, unfortunately his knowledge and experience is outweighed only by his bad attitude and dress code problem.

If you have never seen this movie, you need to, it's a great film and you will laugh all the way through it, you will also see why Marisa Tomei won her well deserved Oscar.

Well there you have it folks, that's the list, let me know what you think below.