Recently, I came across Ron Howard's tweet about a challenge to post stills of the 20 movies that made an impact on the intended reader for 20 days. I took this challenge just for fun, and today I just finished it. I'd like to share my own list, by order of the 20 days.
- Mission: Impossible - Fallout
It is arguably the best action film of last year, from death-defying action sequences by Tom Cruise to the visual feast that it is.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
The movie that turned me on into Kubrick's genius. It made the science fiction genre respected across cinematic circles.
- Platoon
It is such a visceral, realistic look into the horrors of the Vietnam War, directed by war veteran Oliver Stone. Elias's death scene, scored to Adagio for Strings, still gets me every time.
- A Clockwork Orange
This is one of my favorite Kubrick films primarily because it is an arresting satire on social conditioning, and also because it is visually stunning.
- The Hunt for Red October
As a fan of the Tom Clancy novel (and the series), I find it mostly true to the book. And it is such a groundbreaking submarine thriller.
- Die Hard
This action film introduced a trope. It had an everyman for the hero and a memorable villain. And lots of impressive action. And it's a Christmas film.
- JFK
A powerful conspiracy thriller that really makes you think about the circumstances behind JFK's death. The editing is so top notch.
- Baby Driver
This was my first Edgar Wright movie, and I simply love it because of how it effectively integrates music into the story.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford was one of my favorite actors growing up. He shines in this stylish Spielberg film that's basically about an American, pre-Cold War James Bond.
- Apocalypse Now
This is quite a powerful Vietnam War movie that showcases the horrors of that conflict, and has brilliant visual flourishes, from the napalm scene in the beginning to the various battle scenes throughout.
- Blade Runner
A thought-provoking science fiction film that offers a gritty, philosophical take on humanity.
- Taken
It was one of the first action films that I was exposed to as a kid, and Liam Neeson kills it in this action thriller.
- Air Force One
Harrison Ford as the President of the United States. What more do you want?
- The Departed
This Scorsese crime masterpiece made me appreciate his craft.
- The Shining
A unique, meticulously detailed horror film from Kubrick.
- Snowpiercer
One of the best sci-fi movies I've recently seen, with intense scenes, a stellar cast, and philosophical overtones.
17: Barry Lyndon
Arguably the most beautiful Kubrick film ever made.
- Schindler's List
This is such a stunning epic that makes you choke up in tears at its beauty and its madness.
- The Bourne Identity
A thinking man's spy thriller.
- John Wick
An action movie that revolutionized the action genre. For one thing, it replaced the shaky cam technique for standard action films in favor of just one take of pure mayhem. Oh, and it's such a stylish film with a wildly original plot.
I'm sure this list of mine will change as I navigate through the world of cinema. So, what are the 20 movies that made an impact on you? On a side note, you can join in on Howard's challenge on Twitter.
Submitted May 30, 2019 at 11:02AM by thegrayman9 http://bit.ly/30Txepp