10 Kurt Russell Movies Everyone Should See

It's been quite awhile since my last 10 Movies Everyone Should See entry. For anyone who is unfamiliar, this is an ongoing (although sporadic) series highlighting some of the notable movies of a person's career. The reason the series is called 10 Movies Everyone Should See rather than a "Best of" or "Top 10" is because a lot of those types of lists are usually based on box office numbers or critical acclaim. I wanted to take a more comprehensive approach when looking at a film career; combining the good, the bad, the most financially successful, the breakout films, the iconic roles, and the forgotten gems. Previous entries have taken a look at the careers of Sean Connery, Tom Cruise, Alfred Hitchcock, Sylvester Stallone, John Travolta, Tom Hanks, Chuck Norris, Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Stewart, and Burt Reynolds. 

This time, as the title of this post indicates, I'll be giving you 10 Kurt Russell movies that I think everyone should see.

#10 Death Proof (2007)

"...Alcohol is just a lubricant for all the individual encounters that a bar offers."

Kurt Russell plays 'Stuntman' Mike in this Tarantino directed peddle-to-the-metal grindhouse film. Whether he's playing a good guy or a bad guy Russell always has a degree of likeability. Stuntman Mike is a murderous psychopath but, he's also charismatic and the best part of the film.

#9 Tombstone (1993)

“You tell 'em I'm coming! And Hell's coming with me”

The golden age of the Hollywood Western has long since past but, we do get a few good ones from time to time. One of the best that the genre had to offer in the 1990's was Tombstone. The film has a really solid cast lead by Russell, and I consider it a must-see for those who enjoy films about the old west.

#8 Escape from New York (1981)

“ I don't give a f*** about your war... or your president."

Kurt Russell has teamed up with Director John Carpenter several times over the course of his career, with Escape from New York being the first. It's a really good movie, just be sure to steer clear of 1996's Escape from L.A.

#7 Dark Blue (2003)

“I may be a goddamn alcoholic but that doesn't mean I can't tell the truth - and I've got all the deep deep dirt right here. Somebody put the cufs on me - let me start talking!”

Set in Los Angeles in 1992, during the days leading up to the verdict in the Rodney King trial, the movie is a thriller about corruption at every level of the L.A.P.D. Kurt Russell is fantastic in the film as Sergeant Eldon Perry, a seasoned officer who is teaching his young partner Bobby (played by Scott Speedman) how to plant evidence, lie on reports, and cover up cold-blooded murders.

#6 Backdraft (1991)

"How do you do it, man? How do you come up with new and amazing ways to f*** up?"

I really like this movie. It's not the best film Russell has starred in and it isn't without its shortcomings. However, when you add in the impressive effects, the solid supporting cast, and the Hans Zimmer score, there was no way I was going to leave it off this list.

#5 The Hateful Eight (2015)

“You only need to hang mean bastards, but mean bastards you need to hang.”

 Featured alongside other Tarantino favorites like Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen, Kurt Russell plays John "The Hangman' Ruth in this wintery Western set almost entirely in a secluded haberdashery. It's a Tarantino movie and those are always good and, as for Russell...

… C'mon, it's worth watching just based on that image.

#4 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

"You know... everyone's just out for himself. It was like that everywhere I went. Everyone's just... out for himself."

I was born in the 80's, so to me Kurt Russell is Jack Burton, Snake Plissken, a bit later Wyatt Earp etc. However his career goes all the way back to the 1960's and I wanted to include on this list at least one of his early films. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes is cheesy and dated but, it's wholesome, harmless fun too.

#3 Miracle (2004)

“When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates; and the name on the front, is a hell of a lot more important, than the one on the back.”

This film about the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' sees Kurt Russell playing Herb Brooks, the coach of the men's hockey team that, against all odds, won the gold medal. It is the Disney-fied version of the actual events but a pretty good sports movie nonetheless. 

#2 Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

"Just remember what ol' Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, 'give me your best shot, pal. I can take it'"

Big Trouble in Little China has become something of a cult classic over the years. It's a weird but entertaining film. It isn't my favorite Kurt Russell movie, but Jack Burton might just be the best Kurt Russell character.

#1 Bone Tomahawk (2015)

“Pain is how your body talks to you. You'd do well to listen to it.”

This movie is great. I actually reviewed this one earlier this year and, if you want, you can check out that post out HERE. In short, Kurt Russell turns in a solid performance and I highly recommend the film, I think it's one of his best.




Honorable Mentions: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), The Thing (1982), Tango & Cash (1989), The Barefoot Executive (1971), Overboard (1987)

10 James Stewart Movies Everyone Should See

There aren't many actors that have filmagraphy that boast as many great films as James Stewart. I've previously written list like this about Sean Connery, John Travolta, Alfred Hitchcock, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Hanks, and Chuck Norris, and easy part in creating this particular list was that I had so many quality films to choose from. Anyone who frequents this blog or has talked with me about movies knows I'm a huge fan of James Stewart and, unfortunately, there were so many good choices that I had to leave a lot of films that I really enjoy off of the list. Like all previous entries this isn’t necessarily a ‘Top 10’ but rather a list of films that is both some of my personal favorites and that I think best represent the person’s career.

#10 Rope -1948

"... You've murdered! You choked the life out of a fellow human being who could live and love as you never could, and never will again!"

You're going to find a couple of James Stewart-Alfred Hitchcock collaborations on this list, but that's bound to happen when an on-screen legend and one of cinemas best directors work together on a handful of films. This one is about two college friends who commit a murder just to see if they can get away with it. It's a simple plot done so well that it is, in my opinion, one of the great psychological-thrillers.


#9 The Spirit of St. Louis -1957

"The idea of committing suicide never crossed my mind except when I took this cigar"

There probably wasn't anyone more fit to play American icon Charles Lindbergh, than perhaps the greatest 'American every man' actor James Stewart. This biographical film focuses on the time leading up to Lindbergh's historic trans-Atlantic flight, as well as the flight itself. And even as someone with very little interest in aviation history, I still think this is a really interesting and entertaining movie.

 

#8 The Stratton Story -1949

 "I'm through gambling. Well, I found out what it's like to lose, and what it's like to win. Why keep at it?" 

This is one of my favorite Baseball movies (maybe I'll write a piece on all of those sometime). Stewart plays Monte Stratton, and it's the true story of a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox in the 30's who has his leg amputated after accidentally shooting himself in an offseason hunting accident, but against all odds plays ball again. It's a great film.

#7 The Man from Laramie -1955

"I figure this place owes me somethin' and I'm gonna make it pay" 

 James Stewart was in a number of Westerns over the course of his career, but while some of his most famous ones How the West was Won and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance are both really good films, they also starred Western legend John Wayne. This one is 100% a James Stewart picture and I honestly think it's just as good.

#6 The Shop Around the Corner -1940

"I think people who like to smoke candy and listen to cigarettes will love it"

I'm not usually the biggest fan of romantic-comedies but this film about two shop employees that can barely stand each other but, without realizing it, are falling in love through letters as eachother's anonymous pen pal is a really fun movie. Both James Stewart and Margret Sullavan are really good, and Felix Bressart cracks me up.

#5 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington -1939

"...You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well I'm not licked. And I'm gonna stay right here and fight for this lost cause. Even if this room gets filled with lies like these. And the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place. Somebody will listen to me" 

What can I say about this one? It's an all-time classic, well written, well directed, the whole package... but most of all, and this isn't something I claim very often, this is an important movie. On the surface it's just a film about an idealistic young Senator who goes to Washington D.C. and learns about corruption. It's both inspirational and cynical in many ways. I first saw it in school as a kid and, even though it's not always easy to get kids to sit and watch a black & white movie about government, I think it's something everyone should see at least once.

#4 Rear Window -1954

"...she didn't know she was going on a trip and where she was going she wouldn't need any luggage"

Look on any Alfred Hitchcock or James Stewart "Best of" list and you'll find this one near the top, it's a masterpiece. Stewart plays a photographer who, because of a broken leg, is confined to his apartment for a bit. So, he spends his days curiously watching his neighbors through his back window, but things get really interesting when he suspects one of those neighbors of being a murderer. It's a must-see especially if you like really suspenseful movies

#3 It's a Wonderful Life -1946

"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word, and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down"

This one also made a 10 Christmas movies everyone should see list I wrote (you can check out that article here) and it's not just a great Christmas movie or just a great James Stewart movie, it's one of the all-time great films period.


#2 Harvey -1950

"Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say...'In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

Harvey is not the most critically acclaimed film on this list but, for me, it couldn't come in any lower than the #2 slot. Stewart is fantastic as Elwood Dowd, one of my all-time favorite characters across film history. There are very few actors that can play a man who's best friend is an invisible 6'-3 1/2" tall rabbit and still come off so genuine and sincere that you find yourself thinking that the people who don't believe in Harvey the rabbit are the one's with a problem.

#1 Vertigo -1958

"You shouldn't keep souvenirs of a killing. You shouldn't have been that sentimental."

I could go on and on about this one, but I'll keep it simple and if you want more check out a piece I wrote called "The Greatness of Vertigo". This is one of those films and performances where everything works and, no matter how many times I've seen it, the movie always sucks me in.

Honorable Mentions: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) , The FBI Story (1959), Broken Arrow(1950), Bell Book and Candle (1958), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)


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10 Tom Hanks Movies Everyone Should See

Here it is, my latest ’10 Movies Everyone Should See’ List. This one is a look at the quintessential everyman of modern American cinema, Tom Hanks. Like all previous entries this isn’t necessarily a ‘Top 10’ list but rather a list of films that best represent the person’s career.

1)      Forrest Gump -1994

It’s the story of a kind of dumb guy with a heart of gold that accomplishes more than any regular guy ever would. Tom Hanks would go on to win his 2^nd Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in this film and it’s a nice blend of comedy, drama.

2)      Cast Away -2000

It's still kind of surprising how good this movie is. 2hrs of Tom Hanks alone on an island, talking to volleyball doesn't sound all that great, but 'Cast Away' is enjoyable start to finish. It says a lot about Hanks’ ability to single-handedly carry a film.

3)      Apollo 13 -1995

After an oxygen tank explosion, the Apollo 13 astronauts soon find that their spacecraft is low oxygen, experiencing power failure, and the mission is no longer to land on the moon but to make it back to Earth alive. This movie is tense, exciting, and one of Tom Hanks’ best performances.

4)      Big -1988

A kid wants to be an adult and by way of a magical fortune teller machine his wish comes true and hilarity ensues. This could've been a really dumb movie, but instead it turned out to be one of Tom Hanks' best.

5)      Bridge of Spies -2015

The 4^th pairing of Director Steven Spielberg and Actor Tom Hanks (the previous three films being ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Catch Me If You Can’ and ‘The Terminal’) may actually be there best. It’s a pretty outstanding Cold War, espionage movie.

6)      Road to Perdition – 2002

Tom Hanks stars alongside screen legend Paul Newman in this exciting crime film set in the 1930’s. In addition to Tom Hanks’ solid performance, the cinematography in this film is great, and this would also end up being one of Paul Newman’s final big-screen roles.

7)      Toy Story -1995

Every so often a movie comes along that is a complete game-changer for the industry. This is one of those films. Tom Hanks voices a toy cowboy named Woody who is jealous of new toy, Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) in this computer animated, comedy. Pretty much every animated movie since has strived to be the next ’Toy Story’.

8)      Splash -1984

Over the years Tom Hanks has been in some great and memorable movies. So it's easy to forget the one where he falls in love with a mermaid... It's not great or his best, but it is fun, light-hearted entertainment.

9)      Philadelphia -1993

Up until this film Tom Hanks had best been known for his comedic roles in film like ‘Big’, ‘Bachelor Party’, ‘The Money Pit’, etc. However, this movie about HIV, homosexuality, and homophobia proved that Hanks could tackle some heavy dramatic roles too.

10)   Saving Mr. Banks -2013

The film is about Walt Disney’s desire to obtain the film rights ‘Mary Poppins’ from author P.L. Travers. The dynamic between Tom Hanks (Disney) and Emma Thompson (Travers) is really entertaining. Also, Paul Giamatti is in the film, so that’s a plus.

Honorable Mentions: Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Green Mile (1999), Catch Me If You Can (2002)

For more like this one, I’ve also previously posted ’10 Movies Everyone Should See’ lists focusing on the films of Sean Connery, John Travolta, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alfred Hitchcock and Chuck Norris.

Have a suggestion for a review or a ’10 Movies Everyone Should See’ list?

Leave it in the comments below.

10 Chuck Norris Movies Everyone Should See

While sitting in my screen room, drinking my coffee during a hurricane, I thought to myself “Today’s blog entry should be about a true force of nature: Chuck Norris”. 

So, like my previous ‘10 Movies Everyone Should See’ lists (the others being Sean Connery, John Travolta, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Alfred Hitchcock), this list will focus on 10 films that I think best represent the person’s career.

1)      Lone Wolf McQuade -1983

This always made my think of a sort of alternate universe version of the TV show ‘Walker Texas Ranger’. Chuck Norris still plays a Texas Ranger, except this one he is more violent, drinks heavily, and is a total badass. This one is also my personal favorite of all his films

2)      Missing In Action -1984

Norris plays a Vietnam vet who goes back into Vietnam to rescue some prisoners of war. The 1980’s were full of action flicks set in Vietnam, but I’d put this one up there as one of best. Its two sequels ‘Missing in Action 2: The Beginning’ and ‘Braddock: Missing in Action III’ are also good movies for any 80’s action fan.

3)      Forced Vengeance -1982

Chuck plays the Head of Security for a casino named ‘Lucky Dragon’. One day some mobsters kill the casino’s owner, but the head of mob didn’t realize that Chuck Norris would be looking for revenge.

4)      The Delta Force -1986

When terrorist hijack a plane, the Delta Force is called in take care of things… that’s uh, pretty much the whole plot. It’s as much of a hostage drama as it is an action movie, but it is one of Chuck Norris’ most well know films and so it deserves a place one this list.

5)      Top Dog -1995

It’s a pretty standard buddy cop action/comedy except it’s Chuck Norris and a dog. I’m not gonna lie and tell you that it’s a good movie. It’s dumb, but fun-dumb and entertaining.

6)      The President’s Man -2000

A simple but enjoyable movie about a Secret Service agent (Chuck Norris) that is ready to retire but needs to train his replacement.  And here’s a Fun Fact: Chuck’s son Eric Norris actually co-Directed the film.

7)      Good Guys Wear Black -1977

Though generally not thought to be one of his best films, it’s entertaining to watch Chuck Norris roundhouse kick his way through this action/thriller. At one point he even jump kicks his way through a car windshield to kill the driver, you just don’t get that in every movie.

8)      The Way of the Dragon –1972

This movie has Bruce Lee fighting Chuck Norris in the Roman Coliseum. That alone makes this one worth watching at least once.

9)      The Hitman -1991

Chuck Norris plays a cop who gets shot and is believed to be dead. And since everyone thinks he’s dead, it seems like a perfect opportunity to give him a new identity and send him in to infiltrate the mob. 90’s Norris movies generally are not as memorable as his films from the 80’s but this one is still enjoyable.

10)   Hero and the Terror – 1988

 After a serial killer breaks out of prison and goes back to killing in L.A. there is only one man who can stop him. That man is, you guessed it, Chuck Norris!

Honorable Mentions: Invasion USA (1985), Hellbound (1994), A Force of One (1979)


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