Top 6 Movie Actresses

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.

Top 6 Movie Actresses

The world is populated by many fine actresses, however there are only a few who would make me watch a movie I wasn't otherwise considering. I am laying down the gauntlet to anyone out there who would challenge me that their list is better. The only rules are that the actress must have starred in a motion picture and you must be able to reference at least 1 movie where they put in a stellar performance. Here is my list;

6. Anne Hathaway
Movie Reference; The Devil Wears Prada

I have to admit to having movie love for Anne since seeing her in The Princess Diaries  then so far every movie I have seen her in to date I have thoroughly enjoyed her performances, consistently getting into the role and being likeable no matter what. A very credible actress dealing with difficult subjects such as in the comedy drama Love and Other Drugs [DVD] to playing the style challenged Andy in The Devil Wears Prada. A very strong start to the list as my number 6.

5. Reese Whitherspoon
Movie Reference; Just Like Heaven [DVD]

 

I didn't really like Reese first time I saw her, which was in Cruel Intentions [DVD] [1999] , however that was probably more to do with the fact that I like so many other men were having a serious Sarah Michelle Gellar fascination. After re-watching the film I can appreciate how good Reese was in the part, however films such as Legally Blonde [DVD] [2001] and Sweet Home Alabama [DVD] [2002] made her a household name, turning the blonde bombshell into a fan favourite. Despite her growing stardom it wasn't until her fantastic performance in Just Like Heaven [DVD] that I feel she makes my list, it was such a fun, romantic, feel good film with some really good one liners. Reese is a solid actress and I would be much more inclined to put on a movie knowing that she is in it.

4. Morena Baccarin
Movie Reference; Deadpool

Morena was always on my list, ever since I fell in love with her on Firefly - The Complete Series [DVD] [2003] , I would have changed the rules to get her on the list even if she hadn't followed it up with a movie. But she did and with credits such as Serenity [DVD] [2005] and Deadpool to her name the jobbing TV actress has been given the key to the holy land. An engaging actress in TV shows including Stargate SG-1 - Complete Season 1-10 plus The Ark of Truth/ Continuum (New Packaging) [DVD] , Firefly - The Complete Series [DVD] [2003] , V - Season 1-2 [DVD] [2011] and Homeland - Season 1-4 [DVD] [2011], Morena has shown how diverse an actress that she is, her recent turn in Deadpool was no different, taking every advantage of her talent to show she was every bit a match for Ryan Reynolds. Despite my wife's distain for my emotional attachment to her for all these years I would certainly go and see a film with Morena in the cast list.

3. Marisa Tomei
Movie Reference; My Cousin Vinny

Mona Lisa Vito was the first experience I had that a woman could be like that, mouthy, tough, beautiful, knowledgeable, sexy, clever and right. The fact that Marisa won an Oscar for the part is of no surprise to me at all. Unfortunately she suffered from what is sometimes a curse of the golden statue, in that everybody wants you and unless your careful the parts they want you for aren't good enough. Seeing Marisa sitting next to Robert Downey Junior on the sofa in the new Captain America: Civil War [Blu-ray] [2016] reminded me about the rather lacklustre romcom that the two starred in many moons ago called Only You [DVD] [1999] . I couldn't fault either Tomei or Downey as they were both good in the film, it's just the storyline that let them down. Since then she has been putting in great supporting roles in films such as The Guru [DVD] [2002] , The Wrestler [DVD] and The Rewrite [DVD] . We are all getting excited to see more of her as Aunt May in the upcoming Spiderman Homecoming film. I have loved watching Marisa Tomei since the first time I saw her, luckily for me that first time wasn't Sylvester Stallone's Oscar [DVD]. Always on my list.

2. Natalie Portman
Movie Reference; Thor [DVD]

A strange choice picking Thor [DVD] as my movie reference I know as she has done much more varied work and I know it was a part that she felt under-utilised in. However I can't keep harping back to Leon I need to credit her for film she has done more recently and as the Star Wars prequels are largely out of favour, Mars Attacks! [DVD] [1996] can't really be taken seriously neither can Your Highness (Extended Edition) [DVD] . A lot of the other films such as Closer , Black Swan and V for Vendetta [DVD] [2006] I didn't like enough to credit them, so there it is Thor. The sheer range of parts that Portman has played combined with the fact she has been good in every one of them shows why she is on the list. I could never tire of watching her in a movie and am quite saddened by reports that she may not return as Jane Foster in the third instalment of Thor.

1. Emma Stone
Movie Reference; Easy A

Anybody who does not think Emma Stone is talented needs to go outside and beat themselves with a cricket bat and try again. When I saw Easy A I wasn't expecting much from it, the film had been recommended to me by someone else and I thought 'fine I'll give it a try.' I was so surprised by how witty and clever the film appeared to be, held together by the fantastically charismatic Stone who owned every scene she was in. This film made me hungry for more, Zombieland came next, followed by Superbad . I was hooked, The Amazing Spider-Man finally gave viewers a Peter Parker love interest worthy of the character, no more Kirsten Dunst, yay! She followed that up with the film The Help [DVD] which was phenomenal, showing some great depth to her skills, not only love interest, mild action starlet, comedy performer but also clever and witty. We are still very much at the start of the Emma Stone tidal wave, there is plenty more to come and like a fine wine I am sure she will only get better with age.

Well there you have it, that is my list, I challenge you all to suggest a better list, however if you feel I have forgotten someone or you believe I am totally wrong then please post your list in the comments.

Top 6 Movies with Ryan Reynolds

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.

Ryan Reynolds

Very much the man of the moment, Ryan Reynolds is stealing the show as anti-hero Deadpool, however not everything this actor touches turns to gold. But that aside he has given us some fine films, so now is the time to review the record of what he has achieved.

There will be arguments to this I know, but I am going with films that I believe he put in a top notch performance.

6. The Croods

A bit of a cop out I know putting an animated film on the list, but I have to admit I really enjoyed the movie, but then again I am a bit of an Emma Stone fan like most people. But Ryan Reynolds has a really good recognizable voice that lends itself well to the animated genre especially when it's a smart mouth charmer like Guy. A very appropriate choice for a male love interest that woman will love and fathers will detest.

Ryan's voice and mannerisms worked well in the part and I couldn't fault him for his contribution, so there it is number 6 on list.

5. Waiting

This film grossed me out to my very soul and I am now unlikely to ever send back food in a restaurant again. Ryan Reynolds character Monty provided that respite from complete madness having at least one semi-normal person in the joint, however his propensity to justify sex with minors is a little disturbing.

Altogether a funny and enjoyable if not disturbing film, a fun flick to watch and a worthy contender for the list at number 5.

4. Definitely Maybe

Before we had 'How I met your Mother' we had the film 'Definitely Maybe,' with Ryan playing the male lead Will, father of a young daughter destined for therapy, who is badgered into telling the story of how he met her now estranged mother. In a strange turn of events he chooses to tell her his whole back story which includes three attractive women and he has changed there names so his daughter can't figure out who her mother is until the end.

In the end it's actually quite a sweet film, far too much detail is given to the young daughter that isn't really required, but allows Ryan the opportunity to play different ages with strange haircuts. I liked the film overall and would definitely maybe have it on the list.

3. Van Wilder: Party Liaison

The first film I ever became aware of Ryan Reynolds in, my first thoughts were 'ah, he's like a young Chevy Chase.' Taking on the part as Van Wilder, he is the king of Coolidge College, the man everyone goes to when they need hooked-up, the reason he is so well connected is that he has been at the College for about 8 years refusing to graduate. After he is cut off by his father he pays his tuition by throwing kick ass parties for anyone who can pay whilst catching the attention of a beautiful journalist for the school paper, played by Tara Reid.

The film is an obvious funny frolic, with nothing overly original going on, but it will keep you laughing from start to finish, a well deserved number 3 on the list.

2. Deadpool

I know a surprise that this is only number 2, but still a fine placing for the anti-hero movie. Ryan Reynolds is brilliant at his portrayal of the profanity ridden Merc with a Mouth. Although a bit hard-core for the missus it was a really well put together production, however I was happy to the ten kids that had got into the movie somehow marched out before the picture started. The graphic sex scenes between Reynolds and his on screen love interest Morena Baccarin were more humorous than nasty (and I must say, any guy not ok with seeing Inara from Firefly showing some flesh, needs to leave this blog). I enjoyed the action, the sex, the innuendo, the humour, the breaking down of the 4th wall and all the naughty Easter eggs.

Deadpool helped to show that it was not Reynolds fault that the Wolverine Origins version was not his fault. Deadpool will be back for a sequel, lets just hope they don't ruin it by going too over the top.

1. Just Friends

We have all been there, that girl that friend-zoned us in high school, all you ever wanted to do was show her how awesome you really were. That dream of going off and making something of yourself so she would realise her mistake, we that's what Chris Brander (aka Reynolds) tried to do in this slapstick comedy. Unfortunately as with all best laid plans, nothing quite happens as he would want it to. So many funny moments in the film it's hard to keep track, brilliant performances by Reynolds, Anna Faris, Amy Smart and Chris Marquette.

If you are wondering why this film takes the number one spot from Deadpool then I would ask you to turn your attention to Reynolds in a fat suit singing I swear and Anna Faris with the toothpaste. I rest my case.



I hope you like my selections, if you don't and want to suggest something different, then that's what the comments are for.

Top 6 Movies of Tommy Lee Jones

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 six 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.

Top 6 Movies of Tommy Lee Jones

We are starting with the legend that is Tommy Lee Jones, why? I caught sight of him in the clip for the new Bourne 5 movie and that got me thinking, this is an actor who gives a solid performance in every film he is in so what are his Top 6 Movies?

6. Space Cowboys 

Tommy Lee Jones makes up part of an all-star cast led by Clint Eastwood bringing life the concept of dinosaurs in space. Part of an elite air-force team scheduled to take part in their first space mission which was cancelled due to the space operations being handed over to a civilian run organisation, that we all now know as NASA.

The original mission is green lit 40 years later after a Russian satellite falls into a decaying orbit due to a faulty guidance system that was designed by Clint Eastwood's character many years before. Brilliant performances all around from Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, James Garner, Donald Sutherland, James Cromwell and William De Vane.

This definitely belongs on the list of Tommy Lee's Top 6.

5. Captain America - The First Avenger

If you haven't seen the first Captain America movie then why the hell not? Marvel done wonders with this film setting up a great introduction for shield and the larger MCU/Avengers universe, especially after the success of Iron Man and Thor.

It's safe to say there were a number of great performances in the film Chris Evans, Haley Atwell, Stanley Tucci to name but a few, but Tommy Lee Jones for me brings his usual solid presence to the film as the Colonel in charge of Cap. Great film, great performance.

4. Under Siege

Safe to say this was Tommy Lee's break out performance really putting him on the map. Tommy plays William Stranix part of a dissolved CIA wet team who aims to take over the Battleship Missouri, which unfortunately for him has on board former Seal Casey Ryback played by martial arts master Steven Segal. Although it's not hard to shine next to the acting talents of Segal, Tommy Lee portrays a likeable rogue, very clever, ruthless and a bit unhinged, just like the all the best ones.

 

3. US Marshals

This was Tommy Lee's second outing as Sam Gerard from the US Marshalls office, hunting the lethal Wesley Snipes accused of murdering two government agents. The character of Sam Gerard is an intelligent leader and investigator, hard and precise about carrying out tasks yet fair and thorough when it comes to understanding his fugitive. Normally movies portray government agents to be foolish or blind, Jones character is nothing of the sort, he is firm, organised and ruthless, but he is also not one to suffer fools.

Brilliant film and great furthering of the character.

2. The Fugitive

Who can deny that this is a great film? Dr Richard Kimble convicted for the murder of his wife, escapes custody after the bus carrying him to prison crashes. Deputy US Marshal Sam Gerard is brought in to track Kimble down. Very rarely in movies do you want the wrongly convicted man and the government agents tracking him to succeed, but the Fugitive did that for me. This wasn't the usual case of the bungling marshals letting the good doctor get away, this was intellect meets intellect and a bit of bravery thrown in.

Classic film and I defy anyone who would disagree with this. Jones puts in an astounding performance winning him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It is impossible not to like Jones in this film.

1. Volcano

This is probably a surprise for most of you reading and may not instantly jump out as a classic film, but I have to admit this is a personal favourite of mine, if ever you wanted someone to take charge of an emergency you won't go far wrong with Michael Roark.

Unlike most disaster movies this film doesn't entirely focus upon saving one family, (see Dante's Peak and San Andreas) Volcano presents a scenario of a natural disaster that although cannot be stopped but can be controlled in order to save lives and reduce damage. Mike Roark with the help of meteorologist Amy Barnes (played by Anne Heche) works to save lives and stem the flow of the lava tide. This is an exhilarating thrill ride of a film, combining adventure, emotion and action. For me this is Tommy Lee Jones best outing to date.

Well that's my list, I have no doubt that there will be disagreements to this list, there are good films that have been missed, JFK, The Company Men Double Jeopardy and Rules of Engagement to name a few, but these are mine. If you have some other thoughts on the subject then please put them in the comments below.

See you next time :)