Lists are great. They inspire discussion, create arguments, and tend to spiral off into fun new lists. When you do a list about the “BEST” of anything it goes from being fun to becoming a hotbed for arguments. There’s no such thing as a definitive list but I’ve decided to pull from my rather extensive life of film watching and put it to good use.
This is not the “film critic’s top 100” list. There’s no guarantee Citizen Kane or The Bicycle Thief will be in the top echelon or even on the list. This is the 100 movies I would put my name on as my top 100. If I died tomorrow this would represent the 100 films I find most vital, special, or ones that bonded to whatever it is that makes me me. I’m not including documentaries, though that might make for a nice supplemental list.
The first 80 will be in no particular order. The last 20 will be in very particular order. One a day, you have my word.
#86 – Time After Time
Message Board Thread Discussion.
Master Index of the 100 Best Movies Ever.
Why is it here:
This is a sleeper. And it’s downright quaint after all these years, but as imaginative and wholly entertaining science fiction/fantasy films go this is near the top of my lifetime list. What a great premise: H.G. Wells actually invented his time machine and back in the day one of the dudes in his circle of friends happened to be Jack the Ripper. The Ripper uses the machine and takes it to 1979 San Francisco. Lacking the key to return the machine goes back to Wells who must travel ahead in time to undo what he does. What follows is at times funny, creepy, and extremely effective storytelling from Nicholas Meyer (who you all worship for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn). It’s a charming and delightful movie and a great Saturday afternoon time suck. If you haven’t see it, do so immediately.
Moments to savor:
David Warner at the absolute top of his game. Mary Steenbergen being adorable as always. McDowell as a great leading man. Great pop culture jokes. The most pro-french fry movie ever made.
Rewatchability:
Once a year worthy. I’m anxiously awaiting introducing my kids to it.
Miscellany:
This was my first introduction to Malcolm McDowell, so I had a rosy and cheerful approach towards the man. Then I saw literally every other film he was in and realized I fell in love with the EXCEPTION.