The Odd Duck's 100...Greatest Movies

Over the holiday, I was tasked by Eva's older sister to name my top 10 favourite films of all time. I won't lie, I struggled like hell and still wasn't satisfied with the list I came up with. Like always, my perfectionism has reared its ugly head and for your viewing pleasure I will list my 100 most enjoyed films...along with commentary. So sit back. Relax. And enjoy.

A word of warning, this list is HIGHLY subjective and you're more than likely going to disagree. Remember this is all in fun.

100. Hellraiser (1987)
I first saw this film when I was about 7 or 8 during a Thanksgiving trip to New Jersey to see my grandparents. Within the first few minutes of his appearance, Pinhead was one of my favourite movie monsters plus the idea of killer sentient chains was freaky. Even now, I will pull out my VHS copy if I want a good horror movie to watch. Side note, since watching this movie Clive Barker has become one of my favourite authors. Next time you pick up an innocent toy, ask yourself, is it really innocent?



99. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Another favourite from my childhood, this movie follows the journey of the widowed Mrs. Brisby as she discovers her husband's past as a lab experiement. Easily some of the best storytelling I have seen in an animated film, this movie is one for the ages. Although I must admit that seeing Nicodemus and his glowing eyes gave me nightmares. If you enjoy Don Bleuth's works, then I urge you to give this film a look-see.



98. Princess Diaries (2001)
The movie that introduced me to Anne Hathaway and featuring the fabulous Julie Andrews (Sound of Music, Mary Poppins). Mia is a high school girl who is a fellow "odd duck" until she discovers that she is actually the heir to the throne of Genovia. A rather lighthearted comedy, it is a great teen film. Don't think so? "Shut. Up."



97. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The debut film of Quentin Tarantino, it was what first got me into the gangster genre in the first place. Filled with pop culture references, quotable dialogue, excessive profanity, and Tarantino's trademark nonlinear storytelling. Highly recommended for any fan of action movies.



96. Big Momma's House (2000)
Growing up as a fan of Martin's eponymous show, this movie was a must-see for my family. We laughed until we cried. Between the basketball and baby delivery scene, the laughs never really stopped. I remember during the church scene at the end, the theater was on their feet clapping along. Good times indeed.



95. Jerry Maguire (1996)
The dramedy from Tom Cruise, Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr. about a sports agent and his pro football client. Featuring a very young Jonathan Lipnicki. This movie, even if it was crappy, would have made it to the list for this one scene:



94. Lucas (1986)
The tale of an extremely intelligent and equally nerdy high school freshman, Lucas remains to this day one of the few movies that can make me cry. When I first watched this I was scared it was going to end like Carrie (sans telekinesis) or a suicide, instead I watched as the same teenagers who tormented our hero throughout accepted him after one of the most daring stunts I've ever seen. He wants so badly to be accepted and when it happens...manly tears. Side note, scope out the young Charlie Sheen and Winona Ryder.



93. Big Fish (2003)
Hailed as Tim Burton's masterpiece, this easily made my list. Told from the prespective of a dying father as his son tries to uncover his dad's life (filled with fantastic events) and comes to realize that storytelling was indeed his finest achievement. A truly brilliant and inspiring film.



92. Boondock Saints (1999)
This one I actually learned about from Mass, as it was criticized for its potrayal of Catholicism. Curious, I rented it and loved it from the get-go. Fraternal twins go on a Divinely inspired killing spree as they (along with a mob-connected friend) clean up the streets of Boston. And of course, we can't forget the cat.



91. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
The first musical I ever saw and it remains one of my favourites to this day. As someone who grew up gardening, that isn't all that surprising. I think this is also the first time I saw Steve Martin (not sure if I had seen Father of the Bride yet) and he scared the hell out of me. Because of this movie, I was terrified of any dentist with black hair until I was about 9.



Well folks, that's it for today. I'll be back with movies 90-81 as we continue counting down toward number one.

Stay tuned.