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Must-see Man Movies

Now, I'm not saying you should turn in your man card if you missed any of these, but I think you'll enjoy them - especially with the boys over for a night of BS and drinking.

So, here in no particular order are movies I think any man - especially a film buff - should catch at some point.

Pulp Fiction, 1994 This film surprised everyone with its success, and re-established Travolta as a star after a series of flops. Also starring Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis and others. Incredible dialogue and direction partially account for why this $8M fim grossed over $100M.

The Godfather DVD Collection (DVD)
The Godfather (DVD)
The Godfather II (DVD)
The Godfather III(DVD)
Marlon Brando gave perhaps his greatest performance in the original. DeNiro was of course amazing. Pacino take's over the family's reins as the saga progresses and then retires himself in Part III. Classic.

Gladiator, 2000 Starring Russell Crowe as a hero general who wants to restore Rome to a Republic and Joaquin Phoenix as a jerk of an caesar. (One of my favorite villians ever.) I took Latin so I would have loved it anyway, but it is true to the spirit of what was happening politically in Rome even if the actual events did not occur as depicted.

Braveheart, 1995 Oscar-winner Mel Gibson may be the most politically incorrect star around, but what a talent. He plays William Wallace, who leads a revolt against the English invaders, as well as directs the amazing battle scenes - arguably the best of the time period on film.

Unforgiven, 1992 There had to be at least one Western so why not Clint Eastwood's masterpiece? An incredible character study of a killer turned gentle widower farmer who goes on one more bounty hunt out of desperation. If Eastwood is the avenging angel for wronged innocents, then Gene Hackman is the satanic nemesis. Four Oscars for this film, all earned as Eastwood finally got his due from Hollywood.

Jaws, 1975 Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw are all magnificent. How many films are actually original, basically establishing a new genre. Now we are cursed by bad films about giant gators, snakes and whatever but the original is a true essential classic.

300, 2007 IMHO, Americans are too ignorant of history, especially world history. I think its great when Hollywood takes one of the most amazing stories from the past and makes it this entertaining. I generally am not a big fan of blending animation with live actors, but this works. The combat scenes are incredible.

Animal House, 1978 This frat-house farce also created a new genre, as evidenced by the successful American Pie series of films. This is one of those rare movies where the tenth viewing is as funny as the first. Belushi, we still miss ya.

Apocalypse Now, 1979 I had a hard time choosing just one Vietnam film, but decided to go with this one. I was influenced greatly by the opinions of so many who seem to consider this one the best. Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and everyone else give top-flight performances.

Goodfellas, 1990 One of the great De Nero-Scorsese collaborations, I had to include this even though The Godfather is already listed. This story is actually true, and the performances of all are top rate.

Rocky, 1976 Was there any doubt that Stallone's original would be on here somewhere?

Bang the Drum Slowly, 1973 The best movie you've never seen, the best acting you've never seen. De Niro is over the top as a terminally-ill catcher trying to hang on long enough to help his team win a title. i can't believe this film is not better known.

Rudy, 1993 An inspirational true story of an undersized undertalented young man who would let nothing stand in the way of his dream.

Hoosiers, 1986 The comeback movie for Dennis Hopper, Gene Hackman also gives a worthy performance. Great basketball film, unmatched.

. . . and a bodacioously bogus bonus - Invasion of the Bee Girls

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