Steve's Top 250 Films (Comedies not included)

"All the Dude ever wanted was his rug back." It's ironic that such a simple concept could create such a legendary movie about everything from rug pissers to nihilists. An all-time classic and a film I've personally seen over 70 times. Certainly hope the Dude abides!

From beginning to end, this timeless classic always provides the viewer with a breathtaking experience. Between Brando, Duvall, Pacino and Caan, there may never be a better ensemble cast in the history of film. If you haven't seen it, clear the schedule for the week and enjoy.

"Oh *beep* I just shot Marvin in the face." It's hard to track the turning point in this non-linear masterpiece, but when John Travolta's Vincent Vega accidentally fires a weapon inside the car driven by Samuel L. Jackson's Jules, the movie shifts from radical to timeless. Bring in the wolf and QT himself, and that's when the movie gets really great. The conclusion in diner is a scene I could watch any day of the week. Are you a Shepard or a wolf?

Many would argue that Coppola actually bested himself with this sequel, and I would listen to that argument with open ears. There is nothing wrong with this flawless film. Robert DeNiro desrvingly took home his first academy award for playing young Vito, providing an already dense story with even more depth. However, the final scene is what all remember this movie for - the darkness in Michael takes over and suddenly our hero is the greatest villain in cinematic history.

On a list that fluctuates with every new screening, it's hard for me to put Forrest this low, considering at one time it was my all time No. 1. However, mood's change, as do preferences. Nonetheless, Robert Zemick's classic film is one I could watch over and over again. Too many scenes to note in a short summary, but when Forrest leaps off his boat when he sees Lt. Dan still gives me goosebumps when I see it. Can't say that about any other scene really.

"I can't feel my legs, Keyser." Similar to the Godfather, this movie is from beginning to end, simply unbeatable. If you haven't seen it, dedicate a few hours to Bryan Singer's masterpiece. Kevin Spacy is a revelation, delivering one of the top 5 performances in cinematic history. The supporting cast is too good. The line-up scene is high-quality film making and screen writing, but then again, so is the entire film. Hockney, McManus, Fenster, Dean Keaton and Verbal Kint are certainly the best quintet of characters I've seen in any film.

As an aspiring journalist, the plot of this film resonates with me in particular; however, there is a lot more to Cameron Crowe's tour de force about rock 'n roll than a young journalist trying to find himself. Rather, it is a film that speaks so many truths about living and loving. The scene where the band all sings "Tiny Dancer" in the bus together is one of my top 5 favorite scenes. I am a golden god!

It's almost impossible not to have this film in your personal top 10. The story of Andy Dufrane and Red in Shawshank is a can't miss.