Top 10 Films of 1994

1. Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino)


2. The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont)


3. Forrest Gump (Robert Zemekis)


4. Quiz Show (Robert Redford)


5. The Lion King (Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers)


6. Leon: The Professional (Luc Besson)


7. Clerks (Kevin Smith)


8. Heavenly Creatures (Peter Jackson)


9. Ed Wood (Tim Burton)


10. Speed (Jan de Bont)
 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the 2nd Captain America film and follows up The Avengers. In this film, we get a more in depth look at Steve Rogers as he struggles to deal with the modern world.

As Rogers focuses on adjusting to his new life, a new enemy threatens mankind. This time, the threat comes from the same organization that Rogers has worked to protect: Shield. Nick Fury reveals Shield's plan designed to set off spy satellites in order preemptively eliminate threats before they happen. Rodgers questions the moral and legal ramifications of spying on the American public. He fought for freedom in WWII and feels this goes against everything America is about.

While working through this plan, Fury realizes this Shield is compromised. The enemy plans on using these satellites to kill everyone who might become a threat to their own agenda. Their super assassin, also known as the Winter Soldier, proves to be a worthy, yet familiar foe for Rogers.

After Fury is attacked, Rogers embarks on a mission to discover who is behind this and to stop them before they can go through with it.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is more of a political, spy thriller than the typical superhero movie. It's a welcomed change of pace because these superhero films can become a bit repetitive after a while. This film tries to tone down the heavy CGI effects used previous superhero films and return to realistic action. This sets it apart from the rest of the Marvel films.

Captain America has always been my favorite Avenger. He's everything you want in a hero and Evans plays the part perfectly. Evans has terrific chemistry with Scarlett Johansson, who plays a major role here as well. It's one of the highlights of the film.

As evident by the plot, it has many moral and political themes that are relevant in society. This world may not be to far off from today as these ideas seem eerily similar to issues we are dealing with today. It's clear that the film has more to say than a typical blockbuster. It's an aspect that just adds to the film.
 
I'm partial to the first Captain America because it felt so unique. When are we ever going to see a superhero film set during WWII again? But this is a worthy successor and definitely one of Marvel's best. The Winter Solider proves that Captain America is the best superhero series running. I can't wait to see where they go from here.

(8/10)

Top 10 Films of 1995

1. Toy Story (John Lasseter)


2. Seven (David Fincher)


3. Casino (Martin Scorsese)


4. Apollo 13 (Ron Howard)


5. Heat (Michael Mann)

 
6. Braveheart (Mel Gibson)


7. The Usual Suspects (Bryan Singer)


8. GoldenEye (Martin Campbell)


9. Before Sunrise (Richard Linklater)


10. Leaving Las Vegas (Mike Figgis)

Actors That Deserve Better Careers

By "better" I mean in terms of more popularity, better roles/movies, or more recognition/respect awards wise. It might not have worked out because of some of their choices or they haven't been given enough opportunities. Feel free to add your own to the list. The pictures highlight their best performances.  

1. Guy Pearce

He starred in 2 of my favorite films of all time in Memento and L.A. Confidential. Yet, it seems he hasn't gotten many other good opportunities. He was great in Animal Kingdom, but seems relegated to extremely minor roles (The King's Speech, Prometheus, The Hurt Locker)

2. Sam Rockwell

Maybe not a leading man type, but he's great in everything he does. Standouts include Matchstick Men, Conviction, Moon, and The Way Way Back. He could be a perennial Best Supporting Actor contender with the right roles.

3. Nicolas Cage 
 
What happened to him? A two time Oscar nominee who's been doing films like Season of the Witch and Ghost Rider lately. Since 2006, he's been in 3 "Fresh" movies and 14 "Rotten" ones according to Rotten Tomatoes. He needs a new agent.

4. Edward Norton

Another actor who's career started off so great by quickly earning 2 Oscar nominations by the time he was 29. Yet since his last nomination in 1998, he hasn't really done much besides Spike Lee's fantastic 25th Hour. I'm hoping Birdman brings Norton back to greatness.
 
5. Jim Carrey

This could stem from his image as a comedic goofball, but he can act (See The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). I'd like to see him take on some more dramatic roles because he's proven he can handle it.

6. Casey Affleck

More talented (acting wise) than his more famous older brother, but has never been able to make it big. He's fantastic in The Assassination of Jesse James and Gone Baby Gone. He could also be getting a bunch of juicy supporting roles instead of appearing in something like Tower Heist.

7. James Franco

Mostly his own doing by wanting to dabble in a number of different arts. If he just concentrated on acting, he could be great. He's fantastic in 127 Hours, Spring Breakers, and James Dean. I wish he did more films like that.

8. Ben Foster

Here's another overlooked actor with a ton of talent (See 3:10 to Yuma, The Messenger, and Ain't Them Bodies Saints). Let's up he finally gets some recognition for his portrayal of Lance Armstrong in the upcoming biopic.

9. Kevin Spacey

Yes, Kevin Spacey is a pretty big star. But for a 2 time Oscar winner, he should be getting better roles. He was the king of the 90s with performances in the The Usual Suspects, Seven, L.A. Confidential, and American Beauty. All great films. Since 1999, he's he hasn't been nearly as relevant. The success of House of Cards certainly helps though.

10. Ray Liotta 

As the star of one of the greatest movies of all time, he outshined Robert DeNiro and and Joe Pesci in Goodfellas. With his fantastic work in such a classic, high profile film, you would think he could get better roles than the small cameo parts he's mostly been getting lately.

Actresses That Deserve Better Careers

By "better" I mean in terms of more popularity, better roles/movies, or more recognition/respect awards wise. It might not have worked out because of some of their choices or they haven't been given enough opportunities. Feel free to add your own to the list. The pictures highlight their best performances.

 

1. Viola Davis

A great actresses who doesn't seem to be getting many good opportunities. A lot of people seem to be predicting her for "Get On Up" in 2014 though.

2. Kate Hudson

Everyone knows her story. She was fantastic in Almost Famous, but seemed content with just doing romantic comedies after that. I'd like to see her at least attempt some more dramatic roles.

3. Neve Campbell

She's great in the Scream series. It never seemed like she wanted to become a big star, but she deserves better than just guest starring on T.V. shows now.

4. Winona Ryder

She was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s, also racking up 2 Oscar nominations in that time. Then in one fell swoop her career is stopped dead in its tracks for a minor crime. She never seemed to get back on track after that.

5. Evan Rachel Wood

I think she has a ton of potential but hasn't gotten the right parts yet. She's amazing in Thirteen, Mildred Pierce, and Across the Universe. I also loved her in The Wrestler.

6. Linda Cardellini

She was the star and MVP of Freaks and Geeks, yet her co-stars Jason Segal, James Franco, and Seth Rogen went on to become much bigger stars. She hasn't really done anything since besides a few TV Guest appearances.

7. Ellen Page

She's great in Juno, which earned her an Oscar nomination. But she hasn't really been heard from since. I almost forgot about her until the story of her coming out, well, came out.

8. Marissa Tomei

While she may have one of the best careers of the actresses on this list, I still don't think she gets the respect she deserves. The backlash/controversy over her 1992 Oscar win may have something to do with it.

9. Mary Elizabeth Winstead

She definitely has the talent (see Smashed and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), but it's a shame that she's not getting bigger roles after her outstanding performances in those films.

10. Rachel McAdams

After her huge years in 2004-2005 (Mean Girls, The Notebook, Red Eye, Wedding Crashers), it seemed like she was destined to become a star. She's got the talent for more respectable roles, but she seems fine with minor romantic comedies (The Time Traveler's Wife, The Vow, About Time).

Top 10 Films of 1996

1. Fargo (Joel and Ethan Coen)


2. Jerry Maguire (Cameron Crowe)


3. Scream (Wes Craven)


4. The People vs. Larry Flint (Milos Forman)


5. Trainspotting (Danny Boyle)


6. Primal Fear (Gary Hoblit)


7. The English Patient (Anthony Minghella)


8. The Rock (Michael Bay)


9. Courage Under Fire (Edward Zwick)


10. Swingers (Dough Liman)