The Unmissables Vol. III

These are Unmissables numbers 21 through 30. Enjoy!



21.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
When the earth is destroyed, one man embarks on a journey that will take
him far beyond his wildest dreams, not to mention his galaxy. He meets the
president of the universe, an depressed robot, and the love of his life along
the way. If you like and understand British humor (ie. Monty Python),
Hitchhiker's Guide is a must.
Starring
Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel, Mos Def, and Sam Rockwell
Tagline
Don't Panic

22.
Rat Race
Nine people are chosen at random to race across the country where two
million dollars awaits the first to cross the finish line. Rat Race is hands down
one of the funniest movies you will ever see as the incidents that occur along
the way become more and more full of unbelievable hilarity.
Starring
John Cleese, Whoopie Goldburg, Seth Green, Rowan Atkinson, Amy Smart,
Brekin Meyer, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jon Lovitz
Tagline
563 miles. 9 people. $2 million. 1001 problems!


23.
The Sixth Sense
In M. Night Shyalmalan's masterpiece thriller, a psychologist must help a little
boy, Cole, who believes he can see dead people. The ghosts don't know
they're dead, but Cole must find out why they haunt him. Excellent, filled with
suspense and intrigue.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Bruce Willis, and Toni Collette
Tagline
Not every gift is a blessing


24.
Airplane!
At 41,000 feet, the two pilots and the navigator are dead, and the
passengers are falling ill as well. It seems as though the only ones who can
save the dayare an ex-pilot who hasn't flown since the war, a stewardess,
and a wacky doctor. Despite its apparent seriousness, Airplane! is a
comedy that willleave you rolling on the floor laughing.
Starring
Robert Hays, Leslie Nielson, and Julie Hagerty
Tagline
What's slower than a speeding bullet, and able to hit tall buildings at a single bound?


25.
Blades of Glory
After being banned from Men's Singles Ice Skating for life, Chazz Michael
Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy must work together to be the first mens team
in the history of Pairs Ice Skating. It won't be easy, since Chazz and Jimmy
are polar opposites. This is Napolean Dynamite meets Talladega Nights. On
ice.
Starring
Will Ferrell and Jon Heder
Tagline
Kick some ice


26.
300
The Persians are hell-bent on ruling all of Greece, only Sparta stands in their
way of complete domination. King Leonides and only 300 faithful soldiers
stand up to the Persian army, numbering more than one million. Based on
Frank Miller's graphic novel, 300 is a gory, stunning, and stylized
Unmissable.
Starring
Gerard Butler and Lena Heady
Tagline
Prepare for glory


27.
Sin City
In the city of sin, trouble is brewing. A serial killer is on the loose, the fragile
peace between the prostitutes and the police is about to be broken, and the
only heroes are the worst of criminals. Sin City is based on Frank Miller's
graphic novel and is a stylized portrayal of true justice, honor, and loyalty.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood, Anthony Hopkins, Alexis Bledel, Rosario Dawson,
Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Murphy, and Mickey Rourke
Tagline
There is no justice without sin.


28.
Sleepy Hollow
In the town of Sleepy Hollow, a monster has awoken: The Headless
Horseman rides again, claiming the heads of those involved in a secret
conspiracy. Inspector Ichabod Crane is sent to investigate, but he must
uncover the truth before the Horseman comes for him. One the best Tim
Burton/Johnny Depp collaborations, full of thrills, chills, and plenty of morbid
humor.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, and Christopher Walken
Tagline
Heads will roll.

29.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
In the sleepy town of Endora, nothing much happens, especially for Gilbert
Grape, who must care for his obese mother and handicapped brother after
his father's death. When he meets Becky, everything changes and he begins
to see that life can be beautiful.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis
Tagline
Living in Endora is like dancing to no music.


30.
Top Gun
Maverick is a student at Top Gun, the best flight school in the nation. He is
determined to live down his father's reputation and make a name for himself
as the best pilot in Top Gun history. But he won't get there without a little
help from his friends.Dramatic and funny.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis
Tagline
I feel the need, the need for speed.

Out of these last ten, I would especially recommend Sin City or Rat Race- completely opposite films, but superbly done. Second choices would be Sleepy Hollow and The Sixth Sense. (Or 300 if you like gore.)

The Unmissables Vol II

This is Vol. II, numbers 11-20, of the 100 movies you can't miss and must see.


11.
Braveheart
The story of how a man became a legend and how the Scottish people
fought back against tyranny.
Starring
Mel Gibson


12.
Lord of the Rings, the Trilogy
Join Frodo, Aragorn, and their friends as they embark upon an epic
adventure to fight for good and destroy evil forever. Based upon the beloved
masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkein.
Starring
Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, and Ian McKellen


13.
A Beautiful Mind
A mathematician, possibly the most brilliant in the country, finds himself at
odds with his own mind. Will he overcome, or will madness consume him?
Starring
Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly


14.
Last Samurai
When American military captain Nathan Algren is recruited to train the
Japanese army to fight against the uprising Samurai, he never could have
dreamed that it was his destiny to become one of them.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe


15.
Garden State
A young man returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral. He must come
to terms with his father, whom he hasn't spoken to in ten years. When he
meets a girl named Sam, he may just realized that life is worth the living.
Starring
Zach Braff and Natalie Portman


16.
Titanic
This heartwrenching tragedy is seen through the eyes of Jack and Rose, two
passengers on the great oceanliner, Titanic. They find themselves madly in
love with each other although their social status forbids such union. Will love
triumph?
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet


17.
Chocolat
When a woman and her daughter come to town to open a chocolate shop,
the townspeople find that such sinful temptation will teach them about love,
acceptance, and forgiveness.
Starring
Juliette Binoche, Alfred Molina, and Johnny Depp


18.
War of the Worlds
Aliens are attacking the earth, and it's one man's mission to keep he and his
family both alive and together.
Starring
Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, and Justin Chatwin

19.
Pay It Forward
A class assignment to better the world becomes a nation-wide movement.
One boy decided to change someone's life for the better and instead of
asking for a favor in return, he asked that the favor be passed forward.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Jim Caviezel

20.
Mission:Impossible
Ethan Hunt, a top spy for his agency, finds himself under suspicion of being a
mole. Hunt must discover the true mole before it's too late- without his
agency's help.
Starring
Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, and Jon Voight


Recommendations: Titanic, Braveheart, and A Beautiful Mind

The Unmissables (Vol. I)

The 1-10 of the 100 movies you MUST see in your lifetime. According to me.

1.
Boondock Saints
Two brothers are determined to rid Boston of its worst criminals, but they
must avoid the FBI agent hot on their trail.
Starring
Sean Patrick Flannery, Norman Reedus, and Willem DaFoe.


2.
V for Vendetta
The hero is a terrorist who fights for freedom. The heroine is a girl uncertain
of where she stands in the fight.
Starring
Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, and Stephen Rea


3.
Forrest Gump
Forrest tells the story of America through his eyes; from JFK to Elvis to
Vietnam. All the while he is searching for his one true love, Jenny.
Starring
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, and Gary Sinise


4.
The Notebook
The story of two young lovers, separated by time. The story is read to an old
woman by an old man in a nursing home. Dramatic and romantic.
Starring
Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, and James Garner


5.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
El Mariachi, his two partners, a corrupt government, an errant CIA agent,
and one too many lovers. Not to mention blackmail and betrayal. Love
hurts. But revenge is sweet.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Antonia Banderas, and Salma Hayek


6.
Gladiator
A Roman general is betrayed by a emperor, his family brutally murdered. He
He returns as a gladiator to seek revenge, defying emperor and empire.
Starring
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielson


7.
Snatch
Everyone, including ruthless hitmen, bumbling burglers, bare-knuckle boxers,
crooked collectors, and clever gypsies, are racing to possess a diamond
worth millions. The confusion makes for one of the most hilarious movies.
Starring
Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, and Stephen Graham


8.
Armageddon
Time is running out as a Texas-sized meteor heads for earth. The world
depends on a team of deep-core drillers who must nuke the meteor from the
inside.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thorton, Liv Tyler, and Ben Affleck


9.
Orange County
When his dreams of going to Stanford are shattered, Shaun Brumder sets out to put those dreams back together with the help of his brother and girlfriend.
Hilarity ensues.
Starring
Colin Hanks and Jack Black


10.
The Fifth Element
Far into the future, a corrupt bussinessman, Mr. Zorg, wants to destroy
Earth. It's up to a former military man, a clueless priest, a warrior princess,
and a clueless talk show host to save the day in the funniest action movie
you'll ever see.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Mila Jovovich, Chris Tucker, and Gary Oldman


The movies above all deserve at least four out of five stars. Superb acting, real plots, excellent storylines, comedy, drama, romance, and action. Stay tuned for the next ten!

Special Recommendations: Boondock Saints, Snatch, and Forrest Gump (And the Notebook.)

Cirque du Soleil

On April 13^th, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada, I received the opportunity to attend a performance by a world famous company. This company currently has five separate shows performing at five of the most luxurious casinos in Las Vegas, doing two performances a day. “Ka”, “O”, “Mystere”, “Zumanity”, and the Beatles “Love” are unbelievable presentations of the beauty of the human body, music, and interpretive dance by Cirque du Soleil (Serk doo So-LAY).

“Love” is a phenomenal Cirque du Soleil exhibition of grace and fluidity. Set to various Beatles songs (original tracks only), “Love” is a flurry of activity. Featuring “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “While my Guitar Gently Weeps”, and “Yesterday”, dancers show their skill in more and more astonishing ways. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, think again, because Cirque du Soleil is about to bring out something so fantastical, you won’t believe your eyes.

Ethereal fairies descend from the heavens, octopi leap from the depths, Eleanor Rigby makes multiple appearances, and ever more colorful dancers emerge from the curtains. Blackbirds swoop overhead, hippies bounce away from policemen, and mourning lovers twist and tumble in ways you’ve never seen before. Nothing will prepare you for the spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil.

A true tribute to the Beatles and the phenomenon known as Beatlemania, Cirque du Soleil brings to the stage a performance that will blow your mind. The psychedelic colors and the classic rock with a twist highlight the dancing styles, which include (to name only a few) break dancing, stomping, and ballet, will take your breath away.

All in all, the Beatle’s “Love” performed by Cirque du Soleil is a performance no one should miss, Beatles fan or no. Afterwards, you’ll have to reassure yourself you haven’t been dreaming. Welcome to Cirque du Soleil.

Shooter

Wind speed, humidity, temperature, location, “even the rotation of the earth” are all important. No, this isn’t the weather channel, this is Shooter, an action film starring Mark Wahlburg, Michael Pena, and Danny Glover. Filled with eye-popping explosions, car chases, and gun fights, Shooter is a movie with a message: any problem you have, no matter how big or how small, can be solved with a really big gun.

Mark Wahlburg is Bob Lee Swagger, an ex-Special Operative who happens to be one of only a few snipers in the world who are capable of hitting a mark from over a mile away. When the government comes knocking on his door, asking him to foil a sniper’s plot to assassinate the president, Swagger is unknowingly framing himself. Realization hits and Swagger is off, running from the government he trusts, accused of a crime he tried to stop. The pressure mounts, a girl enters the picture, and so do lots of bad guys. Again and again Swagger proves the movie’s message right. Guns are the answer. Always.

Luckily, Shooter has a pretty good plot, excellent special effects, and superb acting to make it on the whole a good movie. When you think you have everything figured out, you’re probably wrong. Make a special trip to see this film because it’s definitely worth it.