#31 Senna (2010)

Directed by: Asif Kapadia
Starring: Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams

Being massively into Formula 1, I was excited to Senna at the cinema. Seemingly, I wasn't the only one as queues at the box office went out onto the street. After watching it, I can see why. This film is as powerful as they come. It delivers emotion like no other documentary/biography i've ever seen. It's edited excellently and rightly won a BAFTA for this category. It really is superb and whether you're into the sport or not, I would wholeheartedly recommend this.

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#30 The Sting (1973)

Directed by: George Roy Hill
Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw

I've seen The Sting countless times, but with each viewing it gets better and better. The chemistry between the characters is electric and the story is mesmerising. The script is well written and the dialogue exchanges are terrific. The plot is detailed and smart, rewarding multiple viewings. An absolute classic.

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#29 Triangle (2009)

Directed by: Christopher Smith

Starring: Melissa George, Joshua McIvor

This film is fascinating. It's one that asks you, the viewer, questions all the while delivering a mystery thriller. It demands attention from its audience, which can work against many films. This, however, is so well made and intense that I could not help but be drawn in, in an attempt to notice the small details hidden throughout the film. Ultimately, this is an incredibly rewarding and complex thriller that has to be seen.

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#28 Tombstone (1993)

Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer

The first time I saw Tombstone, I really wanted to love it and while I enjoyed it, I found it to be a missed opportunity, especially with the cast involved. As expected, the acting is solid with Kilmer being the stand out performer. I did, however, feel the story lacked ambition and it meant the narrative became laboured at times. It was a well told story but there could have been much more done with it. It has received many positive reviews but, for me, it falls slightly short.

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#27 Texas Chainsaw (2013)

Directed by: John Luessenhop
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Trey Songz, Scott Eastwood

Another decade, another TCM film. The original being superb, all other sequels and spin-offs have come off short, very short. This follows suit with laughable acting and a script that makes you wonder what the writers were on during production. Avoid at all costs.

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#26 Brothers (2009)

Directed by: Jim Sheridan

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman

Brothers is a film that I feel has never received the respect that it deserves. It's gripping and features outstanding performances from the three main characters. The story is told beautifully and the the film in general delivers a very powerful and dramatic punch. It's paced superbly and was one of my favourite films from 2009.

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#25 Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin

For me, Kubrick is very hit and miss. While I love some of his work, there are times where his films leave me unsatisfied. Full Metal Jacket is definitely a Kubrick film I have respect for. It's an almost anti-war film set amongst characters which leave nothing to the imagination. Every part of this film is played out exactly how Kubrick intended and for that, I credit the superb script and camerawork, which is excellent throughout. It's not always easy viewing but it's certainly a powerful ride.

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#24 Headhunters (2011)

Directed by: Morten Tyldum
Starring: Aksel Hennie, Macody Lund

A smart, sophisticated Norwegian thriller that's superbly acted. There is the occasional plot hole but these are few and far between and can be forgiven. It's interestingly written and will keep you hooked until the credits roll. It's surprising throughout and full of unpredictability, tension and thrills. One of the better foreign language films I've seen recently. Recommended.

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#23 Whiteout (2009)

Directed by: Dominic Sena
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht

Watching Kate Beckinsale is always a pleasure, especially when she's in the shower.... But even that can't save this average film. It's not that it's bad, it just has a poor plot and very predictable twists which make the 90 minute run time a bit of a chore. Apart from the aforementioned shower sequence, it's all just very forgettable.

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#22 Batman Returns (1992)

Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito

After watching one, I thought it only right to watch the other! Batman Returns is an enjoyable ride featuring some top performances. Danny DeVito as the penguin is excellent and the scenes in which he features are outstanding. The score is terrifically put together by Danny Elfman and only adds to the atmosphere of the film. Enjoyable, it's just a shame Burton didn't go on to direct other sequels.

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#21 Batman (1989)

Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton

Tim Burton's first of his two entries into the Batman saga is a solid one. It's darker and grittier than the previous TV shows featuring the Dark Knight and the performances are excellent. Jack Nicholson as the Joker is superb as is Michael Keaton's Batman. I don't feel it's as strong as Batman Returns or the newer Nolan films but it's still a solid entry and a very good film.

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#20 The Ruins (2008)

Directed by: Carter Smith
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone

The Ruins is a reasonably interesting foray into the modern horror genre. As usual, it's all about watching a bunch of 20 somethings die in a multitude of gruesome ways. However, the underlying theme of the film itself was actually interesting to me which made for an enjoyable 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the characters are poorly developed and therefore I was devoid of feeling any emotion towards them. Still, there is much worse out there at the moment.

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#19 Taken 2 (2012)

Directed by: Olivier Megaton
Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace

A failure. An unmitigated disaster. Laughable. Three phrases that sum this garbage up perfectly. Neeson looks disinterested and only there for the paycheque, which is highly disappointing when you think of the talent he possesses. The script is sloppy and the storyline completely ludicrous. This is, like the first, far fetched and over the top. Where the first succeeds with incorporating suspense and thrills, even in the most unbelievable moments, this instalment is devoid of anything except nonsensical dumb action sequences. Avoid!

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#18 Taken (2008)

Directed by: Pierre Morel
Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace

It's far fetched, over the top, loud and violent. Beyond that though, is a great performance from Neeson and a story which is as adrenaline fuelled as it is shocking. It's all a little predictable but it doesn't seem to matter. Taken is a straightforward story delivered in a high octane way. Enjoyable and recommended.

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#17 Up (2009)

Directed by: Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer

Up is yet another gorgeously looking Disney Pixar Blu-ray. It's not just visuals that impress here though. Up is full of imagination, originality and loveable characters. It works so well by focusing on these characters and drawing you in to what is is wonderfully made world.  While it's not my favourite animated film, Up is certainly yet another triumph by the boys at Pixar.

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#16 The Change Up (2011)

Directed by: David Dobkin
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde

The cast of The Change Up make this comedy rather enjoyable. Yes, it's predicable. Yes, it lacks substance. And yes, it's nothing original. It does, however, promise a funny and easy going film, which is delivered here. The whole body switch idea may have been done to death, but there is enough laughs to make this a pleasantly enjoyable ride. Plus, Olivia Wilde in a skimpy red dress is worth the price of the film alone.

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#15 The Grey (2011)

Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Starring: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo

Released in late January 2012, The Grey was a complete bust at the box office and received mixed feedback from critics and moviegoers alike.

I'll start off by getting the main negative point out of the way. The Grey does have its flaws, with the biggest being it's unrealism. There were too many moments where I questioned what I was actually watching and at times, it can take away from the dramatic elements of the film. I think many negative reviews have stemmed from this point, and while I do agree that some scenes come across as dumb, there is enough good here to overthrow them.

I thought it was excellently written with the character develop
ment being top notch. I really felt for the individuals in the film and I found myself constantly wondering what I would do under those circumstances. The way Neeson's character is introduced to the story, I found myself rooting for him from the outset. The other major plus point here is the scenery and location. The snowy Alaskan backdrops look gorgeous and make for some eye popping scenes. Similarly, the darker and eerier aspects of the film work brilliantly alongside the cold and frozen weather.

Personally, I really enjoyed it. The beautiful scenery, top performances and careful character development make this, for me, one of the more watchable films from 2012. Recommended

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#14 Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Directed by: Rupert Sanders
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth

An intriguing re-design of the Snow White story. It's a shame that it loses its way about half way through. The beginning of the film offers some potential but it quickly turns into nonsense. Some great visuals are on offer here and the Blu-ray looks and sounds terrific. Unfortunately, there is very little in the way of substance. Oh, and why is Kristen Stewart an actress? Seriously, I'm asking.

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#13 The Birds (1963)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor

Hitchcock's thriller delivers on so many levels. Some terrifying scenes that will leave you on edge the next time you step outside. Not his best work however, and pales in comparison to the likes of Psycho and North by Northwest. Still, the birds offers a thoroughly gripping and captivating ride.

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#12 The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Directed by: John Huston
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre

A film with Bogart and Lorre is right up my street! An amazing detective story that's a milestone in the film noir genre. A magnificent script coupled tremendous performances make this classic one of my all time favourites. If you've not seen The Maltese Falcon, make a point of doing so... Immediately!

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#11 Final Destination 5 (2011)

Directed by: Steven Quale
Starring: Eric Heisserer, Jeffrey Reddick

Another Final Destination flick, this time with even worse actors than its predecessors. A poor entry into the franchise, although it does offer some imaginative death scenes and the odd bout of humour. It's nothing that hasn't seen before, but if watched with low expectations and the mindset that 'this is a Final Destination film', it's not a totally  dire experience.

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#10 Contraband (2012)

Directed by: Baltasar Kormacur
Starring: Mark Whalberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster

This is my third viewing of Contraband. It's unremarkable and yet I have a great time with it, every time. Call it my slight obsession with Kate Beckinsale, but this goes down as one of my guilty pleasure movies. I want to hate it,  I just can't. A pretty standard crime thriller that's just easy to watch.

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#9 Island of Lost Souls (1932)

Directed by: Erle C. Kenton
Starring: Charles Laughton, Richard Arlen

In my top ten films of all time. Terrifying to this day, the themes in the island of lost souls mark this as one of the most daring films produced in the 30's. wipes the floor with other monster movies of its time. Charles Laughton is outstanding as the mad Dr. Moreau. 

ARE WE NOT MEN?!

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#8 Contagion (2011)

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet

An A-list cast assemble for Steven Soderbergh's thriller about a deadly virus taking over the world. It's gripping, thought provoking stuff and we get some great performances. With so many story lines, the film is slightly let down by a lack of character development. I can, however, forgive that as it's superbly paced and a unique take on the genre. Recommended.

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#7 Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Directed by: Billy Wilder

Starring: William Holden, Gloria Swanson

A marvellous film, rightly heralded as one of the greatest motion pictures to date. Excellent performances and a gripping story make for a timeless classic. 

Now, is it Boulevard or Blvd? I'm never quite sure.

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#6 Straw Dogs (2011)

Directed by: Rod Lurie
Starring: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth

A dire remake and an instantly forgettable movie experience. Everything the original did well is lost in this pointless garbage. Do yourself a favour and watch the Peckinpah version. You're welcome.

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#5 Schindler's List (1993)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes

Believe it or not, this marks the first time I've actually watched Schindler's list. An extremely powerful film that will live long in my memory. Stand out performances and terrific cinematography make this one of the best war films I've ever seen.

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#4 Gran Torino (2008)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang

Directed and acted by one of the Hollywood greats, Gran Torino delivers an awesome movie experience. It's gritty, dark and full of old fashioned story telling. Eastwood gives a terrific performance, and shows he's still a dab hand behind the camera. Recommended.

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#3 Commando (1985)

Directed by: Mark L. Lester
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya

Cheesy one liners, 80's music, mindless violence and... Arnold Schwarzenegger! Count me in! It may be loud and brash, but what it lacks in substance, it makes up for with some over the top 80's action. An enjoyable popcorn flick.

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#2 Red Lights (2012)

Directed by: Rodrigo Cortes
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro

Buy into the main theme of red lights and it's actually a very captivating movie experience. However, the second act of the film suffers from becoming too grand and overwhelming, hurting the narrative of the story. Still, the ideas in the film are intriguing and had me engaged for the majority of its 113 minute run time. A recommended watch, even if it is just for the initial 45 minutes.

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#1 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by: Jonathan Damme
Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine

Kicking things off with IMDB's 23rd best films ever. Not a bad start!

Easily the best Hannibal Lecter film to date. Hopkins and Foster are magnificent and their exchanges are among many standout moments. Clever camerawork, especially in the prison sequences, make for a gripping film from start to finish. Excellent.

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