TOP 10 OF 2010

Hands down the best movies of 2010. I'm going to keep this short and sweet because I'm sick.

10) "True Grit"

Anything the Coen brothers make is worth your time. "True Grit" is no exception. The old west feel is some of the best I've seen in recent film and there are a lot of good characters and actors to back the story up. This is definitely one of the best movies of 2010, it will range all over many top 10 lists, but I'm keeping it at #10 because I have unrealistic expectations of the Coen Brothers. As good as it is compared a million other movies in 2010, it could have been even better in my opinion.

9) "The Fighter"

"The Fighter" was as good as I thought it would be, but in a different way. I've been following the real Micky Ward for years now and his trilogy with Arturo Gatti are some of the best fights in combat history. Here we have a look at his up and coming years. Wahlberg is pretty good, but Bale steals the show as his crack addict brother. Once again Bale slims down and takes the spotlight with his off the wall characterization of a broken man. The family puts together some good performances and the boxing scenes are realistic.

8) "The Ghost Writer"

2010 started off slow, but "The Ghost Writer" pumped some much need life into the film industry during the early half of the year. While not Polanski's best work, he proves to still be a viable director. He makes films masterfully. He was able to take a subject I'm not particularly interested in and keep my attention the entire time. Great performances by McGregor and Brosnan as well.

7) "Winter's Bone"

One of the smallest films of the year is also one of the best. Also having the best atmosphere of the year really catapulted this slow film for me into the top 10. It has some slow moments, but it always redeems itself with the mood and sense of hopelessness. The surprise of this film is the star making performance by the young lead actress.

6) "Inception"

Everyone saw it. Everyone knows it. "Inception" is just a solid movie made by a master director and exceptional actors. The best "blockbuster" of the year and up there with recent blockbusters in the past few years.

5) "The Town"

I wasn't sure what to think about "The Town" going into the theater, but I'll tell you, I was along with it the entire time. Kind of a "Point Break" meets "The Departed", Ben Affleck does a not so surprising great job as a director, but definitely redeemed himself as an actor in this one. All the performances are good though. This is flat out an exciting movie.

4) "Shutter Island"

While people will agree this was a good movie, it didn't seem to get the fame and recognition it deserved. I actually heard from a lot of people they didn't really like it. I don't know why, but Scorcese put together a creepy mystery with some of the best setting and wonder in 2010 filmmaking. It may not be as good as "The Departed" or "Goodfellas", but what really is? Also this is the better performance of the big 2 by Leo this year in my opinion.

3) "The Social Network"

The surprise hit for me this year. I loved this movie. Every second of it. I knew Fincher was capable of making a good movie, but I wasn't compelled by the subject matter and the actors involved going in. I was wrong, this may be one of Fincher's best movies ever and is a solid top 3 movie of the year.

2) "Black Swan"

Lets get the cliches out of the way. This film is "haunting", "beautiful", and Natalie Portman is "mesmerizing". This movie is nuts and I haven't heard any negative feedback really. Throw in Vincent Cassel for some good old asshole male bravado, a crazy mom, and a slutty Mila Kunis and this film is hard to forget. DA does it again, not surprising in the least. This is the best American film of 2010.

1) "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

I thought I was going to hate this movie for more reasons than one, but I decided to give into the hype and rent it. I was absolutely blown away. Never have I seen a "crime/thriller/drama" movie be so original in recent years. The lead actress puts together an amazing performance. There is a lot of brutality and vile things going on in this movie, but just look past that, it is an excellent example of impeccable film making. I can't recommend this movie enough. The sequel is worth your time, but it doesn't measure up the magic of the first film. Just see it if you haven't.

YEAR END AWARDS: HONORABLE MENTIONS

I saw a lot of movies I liked this year. While I was not completely blown away by anything like in years past (ex: "No Country For Old Men", "Tyson", "There Will Be Blood", etc), I found myself having a hard time limiting my list to a top 10. So here are my honorable mentions of the year, maybe not quite worthy of my top 10, but worth checking out and worth being recognized.

1) "The White Ribbon"

This film is slow. It is in black and white. It is also foreign and classical. A lot of these elements may sway a young audience to avoid it, but the grim life this film portrays is enough to keep me interested. The acting is superb and there is a sense of mystery and uneasiness throughout the whole film. This is your typical film that will be ignored by the American masses, but praised by the critics. You be the judge, but I recommend it based on it's brooding style and the filmmaker's careful analysis of evil.

2) "Let Me In"

This film falls into the category of films I generally have a distaste for. A remake that isn't even a couple years old. An American remake of a excellent foreign film. AND in an even more broad sense, a remake in horror. While I don't like it as much as "Let The Right One In", I was thoroughly surprised at how engaging it was. The film is almost slower than the original, something unheard of in American Hollywood remakes. I think the filmmakers took the best possible approach they could with this film and I believe "Let Me In" is the 2nd best modern day vampire film, only behind the original it is based off of.

3) "Splice"

While I wouldn't call this movie good, it was a shocker for sure. Adrien Brody's career seems to be going down the tubes, but at least he's doing it in style by playing over the top roles that B-movie nerds can get down with. This is the most pure 80's style horror B-movie I've seen in recent years. There are a lot of low budget/B-movies out there right now, straight to DVD or in theaters, but they don't embody the characteristics of the old style B-movie that made these films more watchable and respectable. Horrible/heinous things happen in this movie, but you are right there along with it. You don't hate the characters and there is genuine emotion involved to go along with the disgusting moments. If I had to give a recommendation this year to go along with the bad films I review on this blog, "Splice" is probably the closest recommendation in that department you will get from me.

Other films maybe worth checking out:

"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

"127 Hours"

"Predators"

films I still haven't seen that could possibly make the list (worst of 2010/best of 2010/honorable mention):

"Mesrine: Killer Instinct & Public Enemy #1"

"Valhalla Rising"

"Due Date"

"Cyrus"

"Tron: Legacy"

"Restrepo"

"Collapse"

"Best Worst Movie"

"The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest"

2010 FAIL: "DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS"

Once again, all the makings for a funny movie. 2 funny lead actors. A story based off a unique foreign remake. Hollywood's favorite "new" comedian in a co-support role. Off the wall characters and situations to compel the audience to laugh. I could go on about the possibility of this movie being the funniest film of the year. But where is the fun in making something good? This film is just awkward. Not only in the situations and characters, but in the storytelling and pacing. I found myself laughing a little at one point, then maybe waiting another 45 minutes to laugh at something else. A few decent laughs spread out very far apart in a long comedy movie does not make it worth my time. Steve Carell may be quitting "The Office" to do bigger and "better" movies, but if he keeps producing trash he'll end up the stereotypical comedian that only does movies for cash and never revisits his brief moment of glory. I expected more, even from a "stupid comedy", but "Dinner For Schmucks" is just plain stupid.

*1 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

2010 FAIL: "THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS"

I don't know what I expected going into this movie. I am a huge Terry Gilliam fan, but I wasn't that fond of his latest works. I knew this was the last picture Heath Ledger had part in before his untimely death, but knew that he didn't finish it which may cause some issues with the story. Luckily, his death and the addition of many other actors playing the role of his character wasn't an issue. Sadly, the rest of the film is an issue in the department of compelling film making.

Is "Imaginarium" original and visually stunning? Of course. But I expect that with any Terry Gilliam film. While it didn't WOW me in visual and storytelling aspects like "12 Monkeys" or "Brazil" it certainly held its own as one of the more interesting looking films of the year. Thats about where the positive feedback ends for me. I was extremely bored and uninterested with the character and stories. I'll usually stick through a bad movie, but I may have drifted off for a minute or two in this one. I understand the order and financing of the film was probably effected by the death of Ledger, and yes he is one of the better things about this film. But just because you know a movie had a problem, doesn't mean you should give it some slack. I wanted "Imaginarium" to succeed, but it just lacks the spark to ignite my imagination.

*2 Lance Approvals*

2010 FAIL: "THE WOLFMAN"

It pains me that this list is dominated by horror, but when you invest a lot in a modern version of your favorite genre that gives you nothing back in return, it is easier to become upset. "The Wolfman" is the latest in a long line of remakes. At least with this film, there was room for an update unlike the remakes of movies no one cared about in the 80s and 90s. Also, "The Wolfman" had the benefit of a huge budget and quality actors. As Hollywood as we knew it was going to be, it had a decent shot at being entertaining and an updated classic. Sadly, we aren't given anything worth our while.

Maybe the fact that we already knew the outcome before even viewing this movie ruined "The Wolfman" for many people. I think that is just searching for a decent reason behind the horribleness that is the 2010 version of this classic monster movie. While the actors/actresses are top notch, they aren't given much to work with. I don't think they really cared even if the script was better. I got the impression that the big 4 involved in this film just made it in between the films they took more seriously for that big pay day. Although the special effects are grand, I don't necessarily think they are that good. Like many movies these days, "The Wolfman" relies too heavily on CGI and not enough on story and suspense. Sure there are cool settings and costumes, but does it really matter when there is nothing of interest inside these settings and costumes. There is no mystery. There is no wonder. All we are left with is a somewhat boring but decent looking picture that could have been so much more.

*2 Lance Approvals*

2010 FAIL: "THE CRAZIES"

It really pains me that my favorite genre usually dominates these bad lists I do. It pains me even more than a Romero film has made it's way twice into this year's list. Although Romero was not as involved with this as he was "Survival of the Dead", it is still a remake of one of his cult classics. Let me start off by saying I am not some biased fan of the original that thinks it can't be beat. I haven't seen the movie in years and frankly, from what I remember, it won't lead me to giving it a second viewing. What I will say about "The Crazies" is that is follows the same cliches that all new horror movies, especially the remakes, use.

Sure there is better graphics. Sure there is some cool gore. But what is missing is something I discussed in an earlier horror/2010 fail (A Nightmare on Elm Street). There is no emotion. There is no character. There is nothing unique to separate it from it's peers. Some overall bad acting and predictability also helps it lead it's way onto this list instead of just simply being forgotten. Although the original may be low budget and hard to watch, it has originality and character. There is nothing unique about "The Crazies". All it is is another sad rip off of "28 Days Later" and all the other recent zombie/apocalypse movies out there. What confuses me even more about "The Crazies" was that it actually had some hype. People on the internet and friends weren't touting it as the best new horror film, but put it a big step above the recent garbage being produced. Critics went so far as to give it a semi-shitty review instead of just a flat out fuck off. I was intrigued, but now I'm just wondering what was wrong with these people? Maybe just the hope of anything better than what has been coming out? There is a serious problem with originality in the horror genre these days, and Hollywood will continue to pump out sub par remakes until someone comes along with something better. Here's to hoping "The Crazies" badness will help end this horrible trend.

*1 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

2010 FAIL: "SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD"

I usually do my top 10/bottom 10 in film at the end of the year. As I looked through the movies I saw this year, I noticed I did a pretty good job of avoiding the garbage. Obviously there were endless amounts of bad romantic comedies and generic action movies out there, but I somehow avoided the majority of them. This left me with a little problem. I saw a lot of movies I liked and I lot I thought were OK. Not much swayed me into hate territory, at the same time a lot didn't blow me away. I don't even have enough for a bottom 10 that could be justified as the worst of the year so I'm just going to review the movies that I thought had potential and were a letdown for me. This specific film was the biggest blow, not because it's a terrible movie, but because of the history behind the series.

I'm not even going to go into "Night/Dawn/Day", etc. Everyone knows those are amazing movies and not just standards in zombie film, but horror. Romero in his later years has produced 3 other "Living Dead" films. "Land of the Dead", while far less superior than the original 3, is not as bad as critics and fans have made it out to be. Especially after viewing the next 2 films. "Diary of the Dead" was a huge disappointment. The docu-drama style that horror has adopted in these days can work effectively at times, but "Diary" just wasn't that good. In the end, at least I wasn't bored though. In comes "Survival of the Dead". I thought Romero might be able to redeem himself here. I was hugely mistaken. Not only is this film an embarrassment to the series, it is an embarrassment to Romero's horror legacy. Why this film was even made, and why he thought it was a product worth putting out, I'll never know. I never thought "Diary" wouldn't be the worst film in the franchise, but "Survival" proves my theory wrong and makes "Diary" look like "Terminator 3" in that franchise.

"Survival" is low budget. It has no famous actors. It has cheesy special effects. I am OK with all of this. The problem lies in what Romero tried to do with this film. Not only does the bad comedic acting take away from the film, the social commentary is gone, and the zombies aren't even threatening. We have a black comedy that isn't funny and doesn't show any of the hopelessness of the films before it. This is no "Shaun of the Dead". Zombies have made a comeback in recent years, almost to the point of annoyance. Zombies are in. Movies like "Zombieland" have added a comedic look to zombies for the masses. The Walking Dead has provided a dramatic look at human nature and surviving the zombie apocalypse. Even literature and art have jumped aboard the zombie bandwagon. It's a shame that the creator of the genre has put together something so sub par. Romero may have some film making left in him, but hopefully he stays away from the zombies.

*1 Lance Approval*

HALLOWEEN 2010 MOVIE GUIDE

Wow, I somehow made it a year with this blog. When I first did my 2009 Halloween piece, I never thought I'd still be putting time and effort into this blog. Usually that is how things go with me, but my passion for film has somehow kept me going, even through the non-active spots. Anyway, this is what I think you should watch this year. Face it, you are probably a nerd anyway if you are reading this blog and won't be going to any Halloween parties with cool costumes and slutty chicks. Here is my official guide to 2010 Halloween night viewing, hopefully I'll still be around for 2011...

5) Night of the Living Dead (1990)

Yes, this is the remake of the ultra classic black and white original. Yes, it is not as good as that film. But, I have to say, it is still extremely enjoyable. I would rank it among one of the better remakes and you can start your night off with something solid. There are scares, extra gore, and pretty decent performances by the actors. I recommended the original last year (obvious choice), but the less obvious choice of the remake may be a good choice to start off your night in the dark...

4) Tales From The Darkside: The Movie (1990)

Now move onto something a little more fun. "Tales From The Darkside" was the less popular more low budget show compared to "Tales From The Crypt", but it still had its fanbase, enough to produce multiple seasons and a movie. You don't have to take this movie seriously, but it is quite enjoyable. Personal favorite story in the anthology is the gargoyle one, but all are pretty cool really.

3) Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

It seems like this year, I'm advocating movies that are generally not liked. "Halloween III" was hated by many. A sequel to the classic original and the slasher gem 2nd film not involving Michael Myers? WTF people were outraged and it still seems to carry over into today's world. In the midst of all the hate, people don't realize they are watching an awesome movie. As far as plot goes, it actually makes no sense. Things happen that really have no reason for happening, but I have to say this is one of the most unique and entertaining low budget films of the 80s. And along with the cool deaths and gore, you have B movie icon Tom Atkins playing a detective type character. You also have the signature eerie John Carpenter score and feel to this movie. Something that is lacking from Halloween 4 and on. I prefer it to all the other sequels where they brought Michael Myers in fact. Maybe if it had a different name, it could have been more successful...

2) Dead Snow (2009)

"Dead Snow" is my more modern pick for the year and I was thoroughly entertained by it. Yes, it is foreign, but it seems that only foreign film directors seems to get the B movie genre these days. You can still create an exciting and fun movie, without making it a complete joke. "Dead Snow" falls under that category. It has an extremely ridiculous premise; Nazi zombies attacking some young kids in a cabin. There is a ton of over the top gore and violence, and some intentionally comedic moments, but somehow it just works. This is a good movie, one that will entertain you, but satisfy your sick needs. Zombies are getting more and more popular it seems, but if I have to go with a modern zombie flick, I'm telling you to watch "Dead Snow".

1) "The Shining" (1980)

I could pick any number of classics as the #1 pick this year, but there is a reason I picked this one. "The Shining" will always be one of the top 3 scariest movies of all time. If you try to argue otherwise, you are just wrong. I am desensitized to scares at this point, but "The Shining" still evokes a little emotion out of me. If you are a wuss, this is not the movie to be watching alone in the dark tonight. But if you want a really solid scary end to your night, you aren't going to find much better than "The Shining".

HORROR FAIL PART 3: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2010

Everyone that knows me knows my stance on remakes. I pretty much hate all of them, unless they were remade in the 80s. There have been a few "ok" ones here and there, but not enough to sway my opinion. In comes a remake of one of the most legendary slasher movies of all time. I was not excited about this project, but I have to say, the trailer put some hope in my heart. Upon release, the film was pretty much blasted, but I still decided to ignore the critics and my friends and decide for myself. I kind of wish I had listened to the opinions. This isn't the worst movie ever, but it just doesn't live up to the original, or even add any exciting elements like the sequels. You can definitely argue part 5 and 6 are worse than this movie, but they had originality, something the 2010 remake completely lacks.

In this film we have better special effects, better actors, better cinematography, and pretty much everything else that comes along with a bigger budget. But what is the major fail that holds this film down? It just isn't scary in the least. I may be desensitized to horror at this point, but I can still detect when a movie has legitimate scares and thrills. The remake fails on all levels in the scare department, and goes for the loud screeching noise at a "jumpy" part to scare the audience instead. In all seriousness, they could have just ripped off the mood and scenes of the first movie frame for frame and they would have produced more scares. The only plus about this movie is we get a decent backstory involving Freddy Krueger. Jackie Earl Haley is one of the best current creepy actors and I actually think they did a fine job in casting him. He adds some more seriousness to the role that was made a little more comical by Robert Englund. But sadly, he doesn't have much to work with. Take a bunch of generic teenagers and use different kill tactics from other movies but throw then in dream sequences and that is what you have with this movie. I like the casting, the backstory, and I'll go as far as to say it isn't at the bottom end of recent horror remakes. But still compared to the OG Nightmare, it is an epic fail.

*2 Lance Approvals*

HORROR FAIL PART 2: THE MANGLER

"The Mangler" had all the makings for a 90's horror classic. Based off a Stephen King story: Check. Starring horror icon Robert Englund: Check. Directed by influential "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" director Tobe Hooper: Check. Decent special effects and gore: Check +! Even the premise is somewhat cool and unique; a massive laundry machine in a factory starts to go haywire when it tastes the blood of a worker involved in an accident with the machine. Somewhere between pre-production and the filming something went completely wrong though. I've heard of people referring to this film in the "so bad it's good" category, but I wouldn't even classify it in that. The acting and script is atrocious. Something else about the movie makes it unwatchable, at least sober. I'm not sure if they were trying to be funny with the cop's nerdy sidekick or the over the top makeup and performance of Robert Englund as an old man, but they really missed the "black comedy" boat. I found myself surfing the nerd more than paying attention to this film. What boggles my mind even more is that is has somehow produced multiple sequels. Everyone knows that the sequel usually sucks, especially in horror, but at least the original has something worthwhile to make it into a series. I guess when it comes to "The Mangler", it didn't matter. Only gets 1 approval for some savage gore and some cool effects.

*1 Lance Approval*

HORROR FAIL PART 1: SCARECROWS

It is almost Halloween, which means this blog has been around for a year. How that happened without me completely losing interest, I don't know. I've been watching a lot of horror lately, as I always do during this season. I was thinking of just doing your basic reviews of unknown horror movies you probably haven't seen and why I am recommending them. But I decided to do something different, probably because I've been extremely disappointed in some films I've been really excited about seeing or that I remember being a lot better when I was younger. I will be posting my Halloween film viewing guide as I did last year, so you will be getting the gems soon. But for now, let's take a look at some films I say you should avoid....

"Scarecrows" is one of those movies I've wanted to watch for years just based on the cover and premise. The VHS cover was even cooler looking than the DVD cover I posted above and it was somewhat hard to find at one point. When I was looking for it, I could never find it and when it was finally widely released on DVD there were times I considered buying it without viewing it. It just sounded so awesome. I've always been down with scarecrows, but was always let down by the films involving them. If there was one genuinely creepy scarecrow movie out there, I figured this was it.

Sadly, "Scarecrows" is not the film I've been waiting for. After it sitting on my queue for a couple months I finally bumped it up and was extremely excited to finally view one of the most hyped horror movies I hadn't seen in my mind. Even a lot of the reviews online were pretty decent. Once I started watching it was very apparent I was going to be let down. I'm all for the "bad" movie. It can still have certain elements to make it enjoyable, but the combination of bad acting, bad pacing, bad screenplay, and bad buildup really make this movie an EPIC FAIL. What you have hear is a story that really doesn't lead to much of a horror movie. It follows the guidelines more of a "Predator" or "Aliens" movie, but without the budget and fantastic film crew. You have some characters that are considered bad, stuck in a farm area, where Scarecrows are killing them off and you really don't know why. Some innocents are involved, and there are some cool deaths, but even those fall a little bit flat. The only thing going for this movie is it is somewhat unpredictable, but probably because it just doesn't make much sense.

"Scarecrows" had all the makings to be a decent B horror movie. It comes from the 80s, has some creepy looking Scarecrows, some dark atmosphere, and a cast of totally different characters to work with. What we end up getting is a C grade action movie rip off in the dark, with scarecrows that have no motives as the villains, when really the main characters are the villains. "Scarecrows" may have introduced the scarecrow sub-genre of horror movies, but it hardly is a film to set a standard.

*1 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

VAN DAMME: A RETROSPECTIVE (25 Career Highlights Good & Bad) PART 4

Sorry, its been a week since I last posted. But hey, at least you had something to look forward to. This is the final list and BEST of the man JCVD:

7) In Hell

It has been awhile since I've watched this movie all the way through, but I remember being completely surprised by it. Not only are the action scenes realistic and raw compared to the choreographed ballet of violence we are used to getting in Van Damme movies, but the story itself is good and the performances are moving. This is actually a good prison movie as well, not just a Van Damme action flick. There is a sob story involved, but if you ignore the horrible CGI butterfly, then you can appreciate this film for what it is.

6) TIE: Hard Target & Cyborg

Yes, "Hard Target" is the movie where Van Damme rocks the southern mullet and knocks out snakes. It is also the movie filled with over the top villains played by the likes of B movie stars Lance Henriksen and Arnold Vosloo. Throw in Yancy Butler "Witchblade: The Series" and veteran Hong Kong action director John Woo making his American debut and you have a full package. A lot of people didn't like the story, but watching the film you can't help but marvel at the director's signature touches. Only Woo can make gun violence and explosions look so beautiful. Woo and Van Damme might not have been the best mix and this is neither of their greatest works, but coming together is a pretty decent early 90s action flick. If it wasn't for the style of Woo this film probably would have floundered, but he makes it one of the most visually interesting Van Damme films to watch.

"Cyborg" may not have won any awards for, well anything really, but it holds a special place in my heart and was one of the "Big 3" early Van Damme pictures that put him on the map. As you see above, Van Damme is somewhat of a futuristic Jesus in this movie and must take down a band of villainous pirates named after guitars who have captured a cyborg that contains important information to help save the future. I'm not going to commend any of these performances, but what I do like is the fight scenes and the gritty future this film sets up. "Cyborg" is not a good movie in the classical sense, but it is extremely entertaining. And really, who hasn't wanted to do a spin kick to someone's throat with a knife attached to their shoe? You are probably wondering why I made it a tie with "Hard Target", and the answer is I just couldn't put it above it or above any of the next films I'm going to talk about. Or it could be I just forget to list it properly until I started writing this piece. Who's to say?

5) Universal Soldier

Besides "Timecop", this might be Van Damme's other most successful film. Honestly, it is just a really good action flick. There are hints of science fiction and drama, but as far as pacing and an action film playing out with exciting moments and tension, it doesn't get much better than "Universal Soldier". Dolph Lundgren puts on one of his best performances as a lunatic soldier and Van Damme does surprisingly well as a machine like killer, but also a man who is starting to have feelings. Plain and simple, an action classic.

4) Universal Soldier: Regeneration

Some people would think I'm insane for putting this so high, or even above the original "Universal Soldier". I mean, this movie wouldn't exist without the original right? Well, for "Regeneration" the answer is more of a maybe. This movie would be really good even if it didn't have Van Damme and the "Universal Soldier" history attached to it. This film goes the smart route and ignores everything from "The Return" and creates an edgy new look for the franchise. The cinematography is amazing. The action sequences are brilliantly filmed. All around this movie is just plain good. The most surprising thing to me was mma fighter Andre Arlovski putting on a decent performance as a silent killer and lesser known mma fighter Mike Pyle holding his own as the hero soldier. You have to see it to believe my words and I know that is hard to accept coming from a straight to DVD sequel to a movie from many years ago. Just judging from the cover it looks like a disaster, but with the promise of approval by Death of the B-Movie, I strongly recommend giving "Regeneration" a try. To me, it is the best straight to DVD movie of all time and one of the best movies of the year.

3) JCVD

The movie that single handedly pumped new life into Van Damme's direct to DVD career and FINALLY gave him the acting credit he deserved. This is not an action movie. This is a drama and character study of a man broken and beaten. This film is very smart to use Van Damme's native tongue instead of english. His acting chops really show and the fact that the story is so closely based on his real life, adds extra heart to the most unique film of JCVD's career. Some people may say it is the best film he has ever done. It depends on what you are looking for. From a pure entertainment standpoint, probably not. But from a personal level, it may be his best work.

2) Kickboxer

I really struggled between putting "JCVD" ahead of "Kickboxer" or after. They are both so different, but so good for many reasons. Technically, in pretty much every aspect, "JCVD" is a better movie. But "Kickboxer" will go down as one of the most influential martial arts movies of the 1980s and one of the most entertaining martial arts pictures ever. Van Damme travels to Thailand with his kickboxing champion brother. His brother is brutally hurt in the ring when he can't adapt to the Thai style rules and JCVD must avenge his brother in an epic battle with Tong Po, the man who permanently paralyzed him. Chances are if you've never seen "Kickboxer" you won't go see it now and you probably won't even like. "Kickboxer" isn't for those people, but for the Van Damme fans, for the martial arts fans, for the 80's B movie fans, montage training fans, etc. This is just classic Van Damme and classic martial arts action. If you didn't grow up on this film then you probably don't understand, but those of us who were violence craving young boys understand the importance of this movie.

1) Bloodsport

For those who have seen "Bloodsport" does it really need an explanation? I guess I'll humor you, even though anyone reading a B-movie blog has probably seen this martial arts classic. Where to start? "Bloodsport" is the first starring role picture by Van Damme and the movie that put him on the map. The studio didn't give it a chance and no one liked JCVD, but it was a surprise hit and a whole slew of copy cat movies have been made since it's release, some even involving Van Damme himself. "Bloodsport" is probably the most important martial arts movie of the 80s and did many things for the genre just like "Enter The Dragon" did in the 70s, and Jackie Chan pictures did in the 90s. One could also argue that this was the first time different styles of martial arts were mixed and recognized this extensively and detailed. Besides the general overview of why this film rules, what about the other small things that make this picture so special? So many little things can be mentioned that it is nearly impossible remembering them all, even after hundreds of viewings. The classic one liners from Jackson aka Ogre in "Revenge of the Nerds", the brutal battle scenes, the colorful characters, the old asian man saying "OK USA!", and Van Damme showing his butt for the first time (although not last) make this movie unique compared to other pictures of the same genre. Van Damme does his best spin kicks and has his best training montages. He battles the most classic villain of any of his films, Chong Li. And with "Kickboxer", "Bloodsport" packed a one two punch that could have only catapulted Van Damme to higher stardom.

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There you have it, the essential list. I'm wondering what other people's favorite Van Damme movies are and why. I actually put time and effort into this one, so hopefully you enjoyed.

VAN DAMME: A RETROSPECTIVE (25 Career Highlights Good & Bad) PART 3

JCVD hanging with the russians and taking in the fights...

13) Death Warrant

JCVD goes undercover as a prisoner to investigate some disturbing murders going on in Harrison State Prison. This is basically classic Van Damme. Some great martial arts, cheesy one liners, and outrageous early 90s outfits. It doesn't live up to some of the other classics, but it belongs in the category. JCVD is probably the worst undercover cop of all time, doing everything wrong left and right, but blame it on the script. We get one of the best villains though in The Sandman, played by B-movie creep Patrick Kilpatrick ("The Stand", "The X-Files")

12) Replicant

Like everyone else, I wasn't expecting much from this film. But I still remember sitting by the TV waiting for the debut of this straight to DVD picture on USA network. And like everyone else, I was surprised at how decent this film was. Not only was this the first time we got to see some genuine emotion from JCVD (much better than "Nowhere to Run"), we have a film that had the story come first, and the action second. Not very often did we get this in a Van Damme picture. Always classic Michael Rooker adds some flavor to this film and veteran action director Ringo Lam puts some extra pizazz into this science fiction themed action drama.

11) Maximum Risk

Also directed by Ringo Lam, "Maximum Risk" will always be the sleeper hit by JCVD. It was right at the beginning of his downfall and pretty much forgotten in the grand picture of his career. A little more serious than his other movies at the time, "Maximum Risk" is basically just a well done action thriller. People were disappointed because Ringo Lam brought some serious steam to America and this was considered a let down, but even in critic's minds this was above average for a Van Damme film. Throw in "Species" hotty Natasha Henstridge and some bath house violence and you get a great Van Damme vehicle.

10) Double Impact

From a critical standpoint, "Maximum Risk" and "Replicant" are probably better movies than "Double Impact", but what we have here from this twin Van Damme picture is pure entertainment. Like "Replicant" we have Van Damme in a dual role where he may not show as amazing acting chops in this movie, but he provides some of the best action and comedic moments of his career (whether they are intentional or not I don't know). We get some cameos from "Bloodsport" co-stars to add a little something extra for Van Damme fans to nerd out about.

9) Lionheart

This was a personal favorite of mine growing up, but as an adult it is easier to pick up on the flaws. Still "Lionheart" has a special place in my heart. There is just something really cool about a foreigner coming to America and being forced to fight in an underground street fighting circuit. Ignoring the emotional cheesy family sideplot, JCVD provides some of the best fights against some of the most unique characters in cool settings of his career. For some extra fun they threw in some cool roles by Brian Thompson ("The X-Files", "Terminator" need I say more?), a bad ass bitch and fake Sharon Stone, and the guy who also beats up Van Damme in "The Quest" and "The Order".

8) Timecop

"Timecop" will probably be known as the most financially successful film of Van Damme's career, but it certainly isn't his best. From a plot stand point, it has more holes than a golf course, but what we get is a lot of fun. Van Damme travels through time beating up bad guys and trying to get over the death of his beloved wife Mia Sara ("Legend", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off") and also my 1980's crush. Van Damme does the splits to avoid electrically charged water in his kitchen and he also reps the mullet which shall be seen again on this list. "Timecop" goes in the summer blockbuster category. Some cool action and science fiction special effects, but not the most challenging plot and unpredictable story telling. Still, I love this movie and will always think about Cartman buying 4 copies of "Timecop" on dvd at Walmart for $9.95. Such a deal.

The final part coming soon....