Top 10 Disney "I Want More" Songs.

This is a continuing mini-series where I detail my favorite songs from Disney animated musicals via specific categories. Next on this journey is what I call the "I Want More" songs. These are those songs where our lead characters longingly wish to be somewhere/someone/something more than they currently are. This is the song that basically sets up what will happen a little later when they eventually gain that wish. The "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" moment, if you will.

TOP 10 DISNEY "I WANT MORE" SONGS

Honorable Mention: When Will My Life Begin (Reprise 1)

The reason this is just an honorable mention is this reprise isn't actually in the movie. It was cut for time purposes. But it's a very lovely rendition of the main version that is a lot less tongue-in-cheek and more straightforward about what Rapunzel wants in her life.




10) A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Cinderella)

A very sweet song, but as I'm really not a huge fan of this movie (not due to the film, just due to a lack of exposure in general), I only found the song through research. After listening to it, it's lovely... but it doesn't resonate with me like a lot of the other songs do.




9) Go The Distance (Hercules)

I liked this flick when I was a kid. But in retrospect, it is kind of a mess. Still, this is a pretty decent song. However, it isn't very long or detailed, and it really cuts to the point and gets him to his destination without much struggle or even a lengthy montage. And that kind of makes it not hit as hard as some of these other songs. But still, it's a nice one.




8) Just Around The River Bend (Pocahontas)

Another one I haven't seen, but I knew the song this time. I'm not crazy about the song, but it's nice in that the entire thing is one long metaphor for her behavior and life. She's struggling with her decisions and if she should coop up and become a wife or continue with her adventurous life and keep flowing. It's a much more female empowerment song (as, of course, she chooses to not go with the guy and instead live her own life and make her own choices). It's interesting in that she wants more... but she's not sure exactly what it is she wants beside the ability to want and achieve more.




7) Almost There (The Princess and the Frog)

This was a song I didn't much care for when I first heard it, though I think it was mostly due to a drastic animation style change that went with it and caught me off-guard. This is another song that's a little different from the lot. Tiana isn't longing for what she wants. She's working hard for it. There's no "if, ands, or maybes" for her. She knows what she wants and she's gonna get it, no matter what. So we're treated to a number about what she wants to achieve.




6) I've Got A Dream (Tangled)

This is another song I wasn't too sure about the first time I saw it. For the type of song it is, it's way too happy and silly and not the typical ballad-types they usually are. But it's really grown on me over repeated viewings. Not only is this a song about what Rapunzel wants, but what a whole bunch of minor side characters want. Is it a little goofy? Yeah. But its heart is in the right place. And strangely, when I read early reviews, this was one of the songs most people really liked. So there has to be something to it! (And it's not entirely pointless, as entire moments later in the movie are set up in this scene.)




5) When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio)

Yup. It's only at #5. Sorry! Still, it's such a classic and beloved number that I couldn't fathom putting it outside the Top 5. I really don't think I have to explain it further. Though I couldn't find a video of it from the film, so this is the best I got:




4) TIE: Belle (Reprise) (Beauty and the Beast)/One Jump Ahead (Reprise) (Aladdin)

I tied them for fourth because both are incredibly short. They'r both just reprises of their Character Introduction songs that build into how they feel about themselves and their current situations. Belle's is a bit grander (and has a funny, smart-ass beginning to it), but I love Aladdin too much not to include it. So here they are together.







3) I Just Can't Wait To Be King (The Lion King)

This was originally going to be the #2 spot, but after some further, ahem, reflection... I just couldn't put it over what's there now for this particular category. Similar to "Almost There," this is an upbeat song about what our protagonist already knows he's gonna have by strives to exceed at anyway. He wants to be king and he, well, can't wait. It's pretty self-explanatory. Though has anyone ever noticed that Zazu is destroyed much more in this one song than Mufasa is in the stampede scene, yet Mufasa dies and Zazu is left without a scratch?





2) Reflection (Mulan)

This is such a great song. Mulan is basically having an existential crisis. She wants to honor her family, but she also wants to be herself. And she's starting to question who she really is and how she can just be herself while adhering to the social norms and familial respect. It's easily the most adult song on this entire list based on its themes alone. And I love the symbolic shot of her wiping the makeup off and you see half her face normal and half her face in the makeup, and then she wipes the rest off and turns to the dozen reflective surfaces around her. A really strong song and a good scene to go along with it.




1) Part Of Your World (The Little Mermaid)

It's pretty much the ultimate "I Want More" Disney song. Sure it's more childish than, say, "Reflection." But it's such a strong ballad. And it has some strong pre-Brave red hair animation going on, to boot.

Top 10 Disney Villain Songs.

[I plan on making this into a mini-series involving different types of Disney songs and whatnot, so keep an eye out for newness over the next couple weeks.]

Last year I did Musical Mondays throughout the year. And while I did that, I often mentioned how I adored Disney musical villain songs (in fact, my #1 song on the countdown was one). So while the topper of this list might not exactly be a shock, I decided I'd give a solid look at the songs and give what is at least my current feeling toward them.

TOP 10 DISNEY VILLAIN SONGS

Note: I have not seen Hunchback of Notre Dame. I know a lot of people really like "Hellfire," and I've seen it through YouTube, but while I find it a good, dark psychological look at a twisted character... it's just not fun and catchy enough for me. I also have not seen Pocahontas, and while the likes of "Savages" is catchy... there's something about it I couldn't quite get behind.

Honorable Mention: I've gone on record as saying that while I love Tangled, "Mother Knows Best" is by far the worst Disney villain song ever written. However, there is a reprise late in the film (at the very end of the second act) that is much better. It's really hard to find a good video of that, and it's only about 30 seconds long anyway, so I'm not going to bother. I just thought I'd give that a special mention.

10) I Want To Be Like You (The Jungle Book)

This song maybe-sorta implies racism, and it might not exactly be what most people think of when they think of villain songs. But I count it. Louie is definitely a villain, albeit a fun-loving one. But it has all the tropes. He's making a shifty deal with the naive hero, and the naive hero is definitely in potential danger. And it's incredibly fun and catchy.




9) We Are Siamese If You Please (Lady and the Tramp)

Whereas the last song is maybe racist, this one definitely is. I haven't seen this movie in YEARS (like, I was probably a toddler the last time I saw it). But everyone remembers this song. These cats are just evil little creatures!




8) Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmations)

This is the first of two songs on this list where the villain song isn't really sung by the villain (this is the only one, though, where the villain doesn't sing any part of it). This is a song about the villain... and it's arguably one of the most famous villain songs.




7) Les Poissons (The Little Mermaid)

This one is just goofy, sadistic fun. From the perspective of a French chef, the song has him singing about what he's gonna do to all of the food he's going to cook and serve in very violent, disturbing ways. Made even the more disturbing due to the fact Sebastian is watching the entire time. It's a very minor villain song, but it's still worth mentioning. And it's super catchy.




6) Friends on the Other Side (The Princess and the Frog)

This is the newest song on the list, and it's the best song from the movie. Why? Um... it's an updated "Poor Unfortunate Souls." Seriously. Just listen to/watch it. It's not as good as the aforementioned song, but it's bright, colorful, and catchy while being dark and ominous. Oh, and it's sung by Keith David. And that's awesome in and of itself.




5) The Mob Song (Beauty and the Beast)

This is a song I always forget about when thinking about Disney songs. I'm not saying the song is forgettable. It's a very good song (and Pocahontas' "Savages" is basically just a poor rehash of this song... maybe that's one of my issues with that song?). Just give it a go.




4) Prince Ali - Reprise (Aladdin)

Jafar was originally going to have his own song in the film, but it was eventually cut. Instead, all Jafar gets is about a very short reprise of "Prince Ali" that is dark and a lot of fun as it turns it around on Aladdin.




3) Gaston (Beauty and the Beast)

This is the second song I alluded to early where it's a villain song that is more about the villain than sung by the villain. Though Gaston does have some very strong and memorable lines in the song. It's just an insanely catchy and very fun and light song in comparison to a lot of the darker, more sinister fare on this list.




2) Be Prepared (The Lion King)

Everything has been said about this song. It almost always makes either the #1 or #2 spot on this kind of list (it typically flip-flops with the following song depending on the person). It has such strong, symbolic visuals. And don't forget that Jeremy Irons actually stops singing 2/3s of the way through due to his voice giving out and hands it over to Jim Cummings... and you can't tell.




1) Poor Unfortunate Souls (The Little Mermaid)

'Nuff said.

The best video of this is not embeddable, so this will have to do: Click here.

Top 10 Favorite Films Of 2011.

It occurred to me that I actually have yet to do a Top 10 of what I feel were my favorite films of last year. I know I'm kinda late to the game, but now that I think I've finally seen practically everything 2011 had to offer, I can pretty safely share my list. And not only is it a relatively different list than it was at the end of 2011, but it was a really tough list to make. By now, I've had a chance to see a bunch of other films from the year. I've been able to rewatch a bunch of others, and let even more sink in on my feelings towards them. So all of that came into play while formulating this new list. So without further ado, here it is.

Top 10 Favorite Films Of 2011

10) Immortals

This made the list purely for the visuals and the action sequences, because you really won't see anything nearly as awesome in any other movie last year. On the other hand, it gets kind of dull and dry when it's not being all action-y, which is why it ends up at the #10 spot.

9) Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

On the other hand, we have what is easily one of the most entertaining action films of last year all around. The action, the comedy, the chemistry between characters. I actually watched this movie twice within weeks of each other not that long ago, something that I rarely do these days.

8) The Skin I Live In

This film totally caught me by surprise... and in more ways than one. To go too much into it would be to ruin the experience. Let's just say it's one messed up movie, and I love it for that.

7) Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Even if the rest of the movie was terrible, this would have made the list for the backyard scene alone. But the rest of the movie isn't terrible. In fact, it's rather good.

6) Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen tends to be hit or miss with me. But this is very much a hit, playing up to my English teacher sensibilities. And although I'm actually not a big fan of reading Hemingway, his portrayal in this film is fantastic and hilarious.

5) Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

Probably one of the biggest shocks, if you know me, is to see this bumped down to the #5 spot from the #2 it had been at around the end of last year. It's still good. I still love it. But other loves got in the way.

4) Attack the Block

On the other hand, this one got bumped up. The language of the film is what really gets me. The interactions with the other characters and the chemistry between them is great. And it's just a funny, fun little movie.

3) Hesher

And I'm pretty sure this stayed in the exact same spot. I thought about moving it up one, but decided it stays here. I've been an advocate for this movie and still think it's pretty damn smart... a lot smarter than people might give it credit for. You know... if they ever saw it.

2) The Artist

Biggest shock even for me. I adored this film in theater and bought it the second it hit the shelves. It even inspired me to make my own silent short film (well, this and some Chaplin films I've watched recently). It's just... really hard not to like this movie.

1) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Duh. You thought this was going to change? Yeah, didn't think so.

(*Note: Although some consider We Need To Talk About Kevin a 2011 film, I am following the listing of it as a 2012 film, since it basically hit theaters early January. Otherwise, it would have made this list.)

Top 10 Favorite Horror/Comedy Double Features.

Yesterday's list was on my Top 10 Favorite Horror Films. Well, part of the stipulations for that list was that it could not include horror/comedies. To remedy that little issue, I've decided to put together a list of nothing but horror/comedies. Unfortunately, this is one of my favorite genres, and it was incredibly hard choosing. Because of this, I came up with a bit of an ingenious idea. Instead of doing your average Top 10 list, how about going the extra mile? Everybody loves a good double feature... so this list details what my Top 10 favorite double features would be for horror/comedies. This adds a bit of a twist to the countdown, because whereas one movie might go higher on the list than another, one double feature might be made of such pure awesome that I couldn't help but place it higher. So without further ado, here's the list.

Top 10 Favorite Horror/Comedy Double Features

10) Dead Alive/Planet Terror

Connection: Gory, gross-out horror with mutant pseudo-zombies.
Thoughts: Dead Alive is one of the goriest films I've ever seen, but done in such an over-the-top, gross-out way. Robert Rodriguez's Grindhouse flick took a page from the same book, even keeping in the insanity of the violence--just exchanging a lawn mower for a gun-leg. Both are campy and bizarre with regular monsters and even a "final boss"-type climax. Good stuff.


9) Evil Dead II/Army of Darkness

Connection: Part of the same series.
Thoughts: There's no denying the campy fun of either of these movies, from the gore and violence to the batty craziness and awesome one-liners, these two films take the seriousness of the original film and completely go the other direction... but you can't deny it worked out quite well.


8) Snakes on a Plane/Flight of the Living Dead

Connection: Creatures on a plane.
Thoughts: Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherf*ckin snakes/zombies on this motherf*ckin plane! You can't deny the fun factor of Snakes, but it also spawned a great little Asylum flick. The Asylum makes a lot of terrible knock-off films, but Flight manages to actually be a great one. Why? Because you can tell how passionate the filmmakers were. Just listening to the audio commentary is enough to know how much fun they had making it, which translated into how fun the final product turned out.


7) Idle Hands/Beetlejuice

Connection: Ghosts and wacky possessions.
Thoughts: This is the biggest stretch double feature, I know. In the first, Devon Sawa's hand gets possessed by the devil and goes on a killing spree. Meanwhile, his two best friends come back from the dead to help defeat the evil and get back to normal. Beetlejuice, on the other hand, is about a couple that comes back from the dead and tries to kick out the tacky new owners of their home and get back to normal. They take the help of the titular bio-exorcist, but that just causes more harm than good. Both are a little too underrated and would work well together, I think.


6) Ghostbusters/Ghostbusters 2

Connection: Original and Sequel.

Thoughts: 'Nuff said.



5) Feast/Hatchet

Connection: Breaks genre rules while paying homage to said genres.
Thoughts: Feast breaks all the rules, making it a truly unexpected ride. First time through, you honestly will not be able to figure out what happens next. Not to mention it's totally fun and has some dark comedy. Hatchet, on the other hand, pays homage to 80s slashers (even going so far as to have cameos by some of the big names of those times). And, like the former film, you probably won't be able to figure out who will live and who will die.


4) Tremors/Tremors 2

Connection: Original and Sequel.
Thoughts: I know a lot of people don't like any after the first film, and while I agree with the third and fourth... the second one is still awesome to me. It might not have Kevin Bacon, but Fred Ward returns, as does Michael Gross. And how can you not love Burt? It amps up the thrills, the comedy, and everything else that would typically make people like a sequel... so both are awesome in my book.


3) Tucker and Dale vs. Evil/Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

Connection: Turns the slasher genre on its head by giving an unexpected look at the killers and victims.
Thoughts: I've only seen both of these once, but they're both new favorites, easily. Tucker and Dale looks at slashers by making the apparent villains the good guys and the victims more villainous. Leslie Vernon, on the other hand, takes a much more meta approach by explaining the intricacies and minute details of slashers. Both are fantastic takes on the genre and I can't wait to check them out again.


2) Shaun of the Dead/Zombieland

Connection: Zombies
Thoughts: Similar to my #1 spot, there was probably no doubt in anybody's mind that Shaun was going to end up in at least the Top 2 or 3. The former is one of the best horror/comedies ever made, as well as one of the best zombie movies ever made. And Zombieland is often considered its American equivalent. Not to mention the latter is already mixing in with popular culture with its survival rules. You can't tell me you didn't watch the last episode of The Walking Dead (Season 2, episode 2) and not think "Cardio!"


1) Little Shop of Horrors/Repo! The Genetic Opera

Connection: Bloody Musicals
Thoughts: There was probably no doubt this (or something similar) was going to end up in the number 1 spot. We all know my undying adoration for Little Shop, as well as my unexplainable love for Repo. They go together quite nicely, and I don't think anything else would have hit this top spot.


Runner-Up: Hide and Creep/Undead. Low-budget indie flicks with zombies... and aliens. No further explanation needed.

Top 10 Favorite Horror Films.

So, roughly a week ago, Kai at Man, I Love Films made a list of his Top 10 Favorite Horror Movies. His stipulations? They are FAVORITES, not BESTS. These are the films that might not necessarily be high caliber, but they're the ones we always go back to because we just love the hell out of them for one reason or another. And they couldn't be horror/comedies. This second rule made it most difficult for me, as I love horror/comedies. Anyway, he inspired me to make a list of my own following his same rules. So here we are. Now, these might not all necessarily scare me (or do I even think are scary). I'm not rating these on scare factor, but rather ones I just love. So here are my Top 10 FAVORITE Horror Films (horror/comedies not included).

Top 10 Favorite Horror Films

10) The Evil Dead

Unlike the other films in the trilogy, this one is a straight-up horror flick. And it works its atmosphere like a mofo. Sure, the effects might be cheesy, but it's a fantastic little film with some truly creepy scenes. It's like if old school horror were done with the 70s and early 80s shock value. Great stuff.


9) The Hills Have Eyes (Remake)

Alexandre Aja's remake is pretty damn good. Not only is it hella creepy and disturbing, but it's incredibly intense. The last 20 minutes with Aaron Stanford going hardcore badass is probably one of my favorite parts of any horror film. Oh, and the rest of the movie is pretty good, too.


8) The Mothman Prophecies

I might get some flak for this one, but I think this is one of the freakin' scariest movies out there. A lot of people find it dull or just a flat-out snooze-fest. But this movie terrifies me for some reason. I can't watch this and then drive at night for at least a week. The telephone call scene in the motel room, the car wreck... a lot of it is just totally freaky to me.



7) Trick R Treat

Out of all the movies on this list, this is the one I've seen the least. I watched it for the second time just the other day. It's on Instant Streaming, but I also now own it on Blu-Ray. It's a fantastic mix of style and cleverness. It has a comic book feel, but it's also an anthology feature. But unlike most anthology collections, these are intertwined and play out in a non-linear fashion... and I do love it when storytellers take this kind of approach. It's a new holiday staple for this time of the year.


6) Final Destination

The first one is the best one (though the fifth wasn't all the bad, either). From the second on, the series tried to be too goofy. The first one is more serious, though, and it's quite an original premise. Not to mention it has a fantastic cameo by Tony Todd that carried over into (most of) the rest of the films.


5) Dawn of the Dead (Remake)

I'll be honest. I love and respect George Romero. Night and Dawn are fantastic bits of horror history (I can take or leave Day). And while his original Dawn of the Dead might be responsible for almost everything we know and love about zombies today (I'd argue even moreso than Night)... I find it to be kind of a boring flick overall (Night, on the other hand, holds up much better). That being said, Snyder's remake is a fantastic one. Sure, it introduces a thousand more characters and loses a little of the intimacy of the original for the sake of a body count, but it gives us some really memorable characters and moments. Hell, even Andy, the gun store owner across the street whose voice you maybe only hear for 30 seconds of the film... is a compelling character. Oh yeah, and the first 10-15 minutes is one of the best segments in a zombie movie.


4) Pitch Black

OK, I know I'm going to get some arguments here. You probably think this is more sci-fi than horror. Sure, it does have some heavy sci-fi elements, but they're being stalked and killed by freaky aliens... so I count it. Not to mention Riddick is a murderer. Speaking of, Richard B. Riddick is one of my favorite antiheroes ever and would easily be in my Top 5 favorite sci-fi characters. And I personally can't wait for the Chronicles sequel that is supposed to be more like this film than that other... thing.


3) Cube

I've seen and own all three of these films, but none of the match up to the original. It's insanely smart and makes me love Vincenzo Natali more and more every time I see it. And I hate a certain death at the end of the film every time I see it. And it hurts just as much the hundredth time as it did the first. And... I could keep going, but you should just go out and see this if you haven't already.


2) Saw

It's been said a thousand times (most of those times by me). The first film is unfairly lumped in and given a bad rep due to its sequels, which it is almost nothing like. I'll admit--I'm a fan of the entire series. Think whatever you want about the gore or what have you, but this series has some of the best continuity, hands down, of any film series in history. It's pretty outstanding. Regardless, the first is the best and will always be the best. And I'll never forget when I saw this in theater, thought I had it figured out, and then proceeded to sit with an open mouth throughout the credits. And the main theme (Hello Zepp) is awesome.


1) 28 Days/Weeks Later...

Yeah, yeah, call it a cheat. I couldn't choose one, so I lumped both together. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. The first one is all about the characters and their relationships with each other. The sequel is all about the tension and suspense. And Jeremy Renner is in it (and he's also gone on record saying that he, along with the director and Danny Boyle, do not see these films as zombie movies, no matter what others say)... no, I'm not letting that go! Anyway... not to mention that both films have fantastically brilliant openings. The first one is more drawn out in confusion of the main character, while the second is more in the quiet opening that turns into a chaotic escape. And the main theme is awesome.


Runners-Up

I know some people don't like runners-up because they feel it makes the idea of having a cut-off to the top list moot... but there are some that barely missed this list... whether for reasons that I haven't seen them enough times to yet become favorites (I Saw the Devil, The Shining); them being more atmospheric than scary or iconic (1408, Stir of Echoes, The Orphanage); them having a great atmosphere and scares, but with a controversial ending that could make or break it (Silent Hill, The Mist); or them being favorites I just couldn't fit in (Misery, Pontypool, The Faculty).

Top 10 Favorite Luc Besson Productions.

I've always stated that Luc Besson is a favorite of mine. Either directing, writing, or producing, I always tend to enjoy (almost) whatever the man touches. Sure, a lot of it is mindless action, but some of it is much more than that. So today, inspired by Steve's review of The Fifth Element at Man, I Love Films, I'm going to share with you my Top 10 Favorite Luc Besson Productions--and I say productions because I'm including not only what he's directed, but things he's written or produced, as well. Here we go...

Note: I have yet to see The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec, so I can't include that on this list.

Top 10 Favorite Luc Besson Productions

10) La Femme Nikita (1990)

Affiliation: Directed, Wrote, Co-Produced

About: This was the film that somewhat started his popularity. It's about a female felon who is given the chance to become an assassin instead of going to jail. It received 2 spin-off TV shows (one in the 90s, and one very recently). And it was remade 3 years later as Point of No Return. Jean Reno's character in this was also the inspiration for another one of Besson's films...

Thoughts: I'll be honest, I've only seen this once, and I wasn't all that enthralled with it. It's OK, and I respect it for what it is, but I honestly can't say I love it enough to put it past the number 10 spot on this list.

9) District B13 (2004)

Affiliation: Wrote, Produced

About: Made in conjunction with parkour inventor David Belle (who also stars), this is a pure dystopian action film that really shines with its parkour style. It's a 'near future' film where the ghettos of Paris have been split up into districts, and a cop teams up with a criminal in order to infiltrate a gang and stop the detonation of a bomb. It recently received a sequel... but it's not that good.

Thoughts: As I said, this is a fun action film thanks to its parkour stylings. If you don't know what parkour is, it's the urban ninja free-running stuff you see all over the place these days. This movie has a very minimal plot, and it's not deep whatsoever, but the only reason you'd want to see it is for the action anyway.

8) Wasabi (2001)

Affiliation: Wrote, Produced

About: Teaming up yet again with Jean Reno, Luc Besson wrote this strange action/comedy. Reno plays a French cop who is forced to take some time off. He goes to Japan to settle some issues with his ex-girlfriend, only to discover he has a teenage daughter... and that he's also inherited a lot of other problems, including the reason why his girlfriend left him in the first place.

Thought: It's a fun movie, but it's definitely not perfect. It's the strangest mix of French and Japanese cultures that I've ever seen in a film, though. If you like Besson's more recent productions of action/comedies, definitely check this one out. It's not fantastic, but it's worth your time if you're a fan.

7) The Transporter (2002)

Affiliation: Wrote, Produced

About: Not necessarily the film that made Jason Statham famous (you can thank Guy Ritchie for discovering him), but definitely the film that brought him to popularity in the States. For those that don't already know, Statham plays a hired driver who will help get you out of sticky situations or deliver packages--all with no questions asked. But when he breaks his own rules and discovers his recent package is a young woman, things get complicated. The film has received 2 sequels, only one of which is actually worth watching.

Thoughts: I love this movie. Statham is a badass, and there are a ton of amazing action sequences--the famous oil slick scene merely one of many. Sure, there's very little substance to the film, but this is a pure popcorn action flick.

6) From Paris With Love (2010)

Affiliation: Story, Produced

About: Like Wasabi, it's an action/comedy that mixes cultures--this time British, French, and American. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays an assistant to the US Ambassador who is hired to drive around John Travolta, an American spy who is out to stop a terrorist attack... and a few other things along the way. Chaos ensues.

Thoughts: The first 15 minutes of this film prior to Travolta's introduction is painfully dull. But Travolta is truly what saves this picture. He's hilarious and awesome in this movie. And while I didn't love it nearly as much the second time through, I was still thoroughly entertained on all fronts by this flick.

5) Taken (2008)

Affiliation: Wrote, Produced

About: Everyone knows this movie by now. Liam Neeson once had a job where he had acquired many skills. But when his daughter is kidnapped and brought into a sex trafficking circuit, Neeson turns into a badass and goes out of his way to shoot first and ask questions later.

Thoughts: Like The Transporter, the plot is just a vehicle to give us some great action. Sure, there's a bit more substance to the film than the former, but not much. Even so, Liam Neeson is freakin' awesome in the film, and you truly believe him and are scared of him when he threatens the men over the phone. Chilling stuff.

4) Angel-A (2005)

Affiliation: Directed, Wrote, Produced

About: Here's one of his directorial efforts not too many people have seen. It's essentially a dirtier, more grown-up version of It's A Wonderful Life. A con man is in some serious trouble and owes a lot of money. When he tries to kill himself, a very tall woman jumps off the bridge first and he ends up saving her. Turns out she's an angel, and she helps him get his act together and get some money to straighten his life out. Unfortunately, love gets in the way.

Thoughts: I own this movie, but I've only seen it once. I really need to watch it again, but I loved it when I saw it. The acting is great. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous (and the whole film is in black-and-white). Is it the most original film in the world? No. But it's still one I'd highly recommend.

3) Unleashed (2005)

Affiliation: Wrote, Produced

About: Otherwise known as Danny the Dog, this is one of Besson's most underrated productions... and one of my favorite Jet Li films. Li is stolen as a child by Mario himself, Bob Hoskins, and is trained to be a dog and used as the man's personal attack force whenever his collar is taken off. But after an accident, Danny escapes and is taken in by a blind Morgan Freeman and his white (older-)teenage daughter. He's slowly shown the beauty of human life... but things go out of whack again when Bob Hoskins returns to the scene.

Thoughts: Another film I love, love, love. If you haven't noticed, a lot of Besson's productions are low on substance and high on action. This is one of those exceptions. It has a great story, some good substance, and some amazing and brutal action. If you're a fan of Jet Li or action movies in general, and you'd like to see one with a lot of heart to it, I strongly recommend this one.

2) The Fifth Element (1997)

Affiliation: Directed, Wrote

About: Strange that this is the one film on this list he didn't actually act as producer in any kind of capacity. Originally meant to be a trilogy of films, they couldn't get the budget to pull it off, so the three scripts were shoved into one and we're left with 3 very different acts to one very awesome Sci-Fi movie. Bruce Willis plays an ex-military cab driver in the future (where cars fly!) when a strange, young, half-naked Milla Jovovich almost literally lands in his lap. He discovers that she's the key to stopping the universe from ending, so he must go on a mission to find 4 stones that, when aligned with Milla's fifth element, will stop the big bad destruction blob thing from taking over. Unfortunately, Gary Oldman is after the stones, too.

Thoughts: One of my favorite Sci-Fi films ever. I loved this movie when I was growing up (it came out when I was about 11, so I was basically the perfect age for it). Despite having been in other films prior to this, it popularized Milla Jovovich and kick-started her career. Yes, it has some really weird costumes (I still have no idea what that is on Gary Oldman's head). Yes, it has Chris Tucker being really, really hyper. But I find all of it vastly entertaining and I can't help but love this movie.

1) Leon, The Professional (1994)

Affiliation: Directed, Wrote, Produced

About: Could there have been any other in this spot? Inspired by Jean Reno's character in La Femme Nikita, Leon is a professional assassin who lives right down the hall from a young Natalie Portman (in her debut role). Portman's father is a drug dealer that tries to steal from a crooked DEA agent played by Gary Oldman and ends up getting the whole family (sans Portman) killed. In order to not get killed herself, Portman ends up at Leon's door. He takes her in and, despite the mixed emotions at first, ends up caring for her and teaching her the ways of assassination. But things go downhill when Portman wants to get revenge on Gary Oldman--not for her parents' deaths, but for her little brother.

Thoughts: I'll say this again: If you're going to see this movie (and you should), you NEED to see the director's cut entitled LEON, not the American release entitled solely THE PROFESSIONAL. The latter is an abomination to this film, cutting out over 30 minutes of footage, removing the heart and soul of the film. Leon gives us every taboo moment, from them going around with Leon teaching her how to kill people... to her getting drunk... to her admitting her love for him and wanting to sleep with him. The American version makes it a senseless, shallow action film, while the original/director's cut gives it the depth and heart that Besson originally intended. This used to be my favorite film prior to Shaun of the Dead (remember, I never include Little Shop of Horrors, as that's an automatic Top Spot), when it changed. It's a fantastic film, and Luc Besson has unfortunately never been able to top it since.


So what are your favorite Luc Besson productions?

Top 10 Favorite Narcissistic Characters.

Throughout literature and, of course, into film, there have been those characters that are--how you say--full of themselves. They're usually used as comedic relief and are hardly ever taken seriously. They see themselves as the best thing in the world, and it doesn't matter what you say, as they're always right (How silly of you to think otherwise). According to TV Tropes, this character is often called the Ted Baxter. So today I'm going to be focusing on my favorite narcissistic characters from movies. And today's list is in honor of yet another dear friend and fellow LAMBCaster, one Kai Parker of The List. I'll let you figure out how on your own...

Top 10 Favorite Narcissistic Characters

10. Zaphod Beeblebrox

Movie: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Played By: Sam Rockwell
About: I haven't seen this movie in ages (despite owning it), which is why it's at number 10. And while Zaphod (and Sam Rockwell) is great, the character didn't stick with me strong enough to put him any higher. But he's still fun for the role he has.


9. Miranda Priestly

Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Played By: Meryl Streep
About: I've only seen the movie once--again, why it's so low on the list. But this is a character that sticks with you.


8. Patrick Bateman

Movie: American Psycho
Played By: Christian Bale
About: Bale plays the role with what appears to be ease. However, I've got to be in a certain mood to catch this flick, so the role isn't too often seen by these eyes. That being said, he's a completely memorable character with some very iconic scenes.


7. Kieran Vollard

Movie: Dinner for Schmucks
Played By: Jemaine Clements
About: I'll probably get some hell for this one, particularly with its placement. But this is a favorites list, after all. But whether or not you liked the movie, most have agreed that Jamaine Clements was the best part. And there's another, very similar character a little higher on the list...


6. Steve Stifler
Movie: The American Pie Trilogy
Played By: Seann William Scott
About: Stifler thinks he's hot stuff, almost obnoxiously so. But he's not without his insecurities underneath it all. He's probably not a true narcissist as the rest of this list--it's much more of a front, at least partially. But there's no doubting he thinks highly of himself, and he's funny while he thinks so.


5. Derek Zoolander

Movie: Zoolander
Played By: Ben Stiller
About: "I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is."


4. Aldous Snow

Movie: Forgetting Sarah Marshall/Get Him To The Greek
Played By: Russell Brand
About: I've yet to see Get Him To The Greek, though I've heard it's good. I wasn't crazy about Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but I thought he was hilarious in it--clearly the best part of the whole thing.


3. Vizzini

Movie: The Princess Bride
Played By: Wallace Shawn
About: Vizzini: "I can't compete with you physically, and you're no match for my brains." Westley: "You're that smart?" Vizzini: "Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato? Aristotle? Socrates?" Westley: "Yes." Vizzini: "Morons." And you best not disagree with him! That'd be inconceivable!


2. Ron Burgundy

Movie: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Played By: Will Ferrell
About: It's my second-favorite Will Ferrell movie (after Stranger than Fiction). And the narcissism is right there in the title of the film! He's a fun character, wrapped up in his own little world.


1. Gilderoy Lockhart

Movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Played By: Kenneth Branagh
About: This is definition narcissism. I think Lockhart is hilarious. One of my favorite comical moments from the series is when Lockhart is talking to Harry during his detention and says "Fame is a fickle friend, Harry. Celebrity is as celebrity does. Remember that." *turn and smile* Seriously, he goes to such lengths as to fake his fame and risk the deaths of many-a-student to keep his ego fed. Though I was sad to see him not make an appearance in Order of the Phoenix, as he does in the book, his portrayal in Chamber of Secrets was excellent.