#1, Robert De Niro

Actor: Robert De Niro

#1 Film: Raging Bull (1980)

4 other top films: #2, The Godfather Part II (1974), #3, Taxi Driver (1976), #4, The Deer Hunter (1978), #5, Goodfellas (1990)

Critique: Reaching out into the stardom of film, Robert De Niro has showed me throughout his film career that he deserves to be the #1 actor of all time not because of his acting but because the amount of films he has produced that have been great. In his best film, Raging Bull, De Niro takes on to me his hardest, yet most impressive role as Jake La Motta and executes it to technicolor. In another premiere role as cabbie Travis Bickle, De Niro proves to me to what level he could take his acting to. As an actor, Robert De Niro has always exemplified to me that he is the best actor of all time because of everything he has proved throughout his career. Because De Niro has the sort of gangster look to him he has been able to take on his mob roles to the extreme acting as, young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, Al Capone in The Untouchables, Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas, and many more. Robert De Niro does not just act, he creates a platform to which he acts to. Acting to perfection throughout his films, Robert De Niro, is a hero to young actors to look up to and watch films about because they learn how great one man is able to act when he pushes himself to the ultimate limit and that is why he is #1 on the countdown.

Recognitions: Robert De Niro has been nominated for 6 Academy Awards and has won two, for Best Actor in Raging Bull, and for Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather Part II. De Niro has also been nominated for 8 Golden Globes, but has only won 1 for his performance in Raging Bull.

#2, Tom Hanks

Actor: Tom Hanks

#1 Film: Forrest Gump (1994)

4 other top films: #2, Philadelphia (1993), #3, Saving Private Ryan (1998), #4, Big (1988), #5, Apollo 13 (1995)

Critique: Some people say Tom Hanks is the greatest actor of all time, others think he shouldn't be named in the top ten actors of all time. To me when you make a difference and you act differently from other actors you are great cause you create your own style of acting. I consider Forrest Gump one of the greatest pictures of all time, the reason why it is such a complete and dynamic film is because of role Tom Hanks plays in it, without Tom Hanks there would be no Forrest Gump. It could be easy to say that Forrest Gump defines Tom Hanks cause it does, he performs to the best level of acting I've ever seen in film, and he does to such a level of perfection it is stupendous. Tom Hanks not only performs great in that film, but also in Philadelphia as Andrew Beckett he is extraordinarily original and comparing his performance in Forrest Gump to his performance in Philadelphia one can see how he can be such a versatile actor. So that is why I state everytime when talking about great actors the name of Tom Hanks because he just doesn't regular acts, he adopts his roles and plays them as he would in real life. Tom Hanks may not be one of the better actors, but to the caliber which he comes and performs in every film he should be.

Recognitions: Tom Hanks has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards and has won 2 for Forrest Gump and Philadelphia. Hanks has also been nominated for 7 Golden Globes including 4 wins for his performances in Big, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Philadelphia.

#3, Dustin Hoffman

Actor: Dustin Hoffman

#1 Film: Rain Man (1988)

4 other top films: #2, Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), #3, Tootsie (1982), #4, The Graduate (1967), #5, Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Critique: Dustin Hoffman has been gracing us with his presence in film for more than 4 decades showing us what he is capable of performing and to what level he is able to do it to. Let me just state now that while doing his top 5 best films, I had to exclude some extraordinary films. So now I give Honorable Mention to Hoffman's performances in John and Mary (1969), Lenny (1974), All the President's Men (1976), Marathon Man (1976), and Wag the Dog (1997). As you see and listen to Hoffman act, you will begin to notice the fact that he never stops performing great. In Rain Man he never fails to stop the level to which he is performing to in the film and is always persistent getting every line right down to the tip. So when you think of the perfect actor and all the right tools he needs to make himself excellent in a movie, everybody in the film industry wants a someone like a Dustin Hoffman, someone who never complains and comes in and does what they need to get done to perfection. This leads you to the assumption, that Dustin Hoffman could easily be the greatest actor of all time, yes it is true he has a exceptional track record and does his roles almost spotless, but the reason he is not #1 on my list is because he has failed to win Academy Awards. Hoffman has only been able to win a Academy award twice out of his 7 Best Actor nominations.

Recognitions: Dustin Hoffman has been nominated for 7 Academy Awards, and has won two for his performances in Rain Man and Kramer vs. Kramer. Hoffman has also been nominated for 11 Golden Globes and 9 BAFTA Awards. He is mostly recognized for his first appearance and one of his best performances in The Graduate.

#4, Jack Nicholson

Actor: Jack Nicholson

#1 Film: As Good As it Gets (1997)

4 other top films: #2, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), #3, Chinatown (1974), #4, About Schmidt (2002), #5, Prizzi's Honor (1985)

Critique: As I arrive to the top 5 actors in the

countdown, I begin to see more and more excellence. Today as I was doing Jack Nicholson's top films, I noticed neither of them are bad in any way whatsoever. Jack Nicholson's performances throughout the years emphasize the fact that an actor grows to become better by coming out with more films a year.

Recognitions: Jack Nicholson has been nominated for 11 Academy awards and has won 3 of them for his performances in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, As Good as it Gets, and Terms of Endearment (1983). Nicholson has also been nominated for 16 Golden Globes and has won 6 of them.

#5, Al Pacino

Actor: Al Pacino

#1 Film: The Godfather Trilogy (1972,1974, and 1990)

4 other top films: #2, Scent of a Woman (1992), #3, Scarface (1983), #4, Serpico (1983), #5, Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Critique: When an actor is defined by three films, it pretty much spells out greatness. What Al Pacino has established in film is unaccounted for from his performance as Michael Corleone to Tony Montana, Al Pacino gives his best everytime he is on the big screen. Shortly after his Godfather debut was Pacino recognized by the film industry as a great actor. Even though he has only won one award for Best Actor, Al Pacino has been able to demonstrate professionally to what means a actor could reach.

Recognitions: Al Pacino has been nominated for 8 Academy Awards and 14 Golden Globes. He won the academy award for his role as Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman , and has won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his performances in Scent of a Woman, and Serpico.

#6, Johnny Depp

Actor: Johnny Depp

#1 Film: Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

4 other top films: #2, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2008), #3, Finding Neverland (2004), #4, Edward Scissorhands (1990), #5, Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Critique: For 25 years now, Johnny Depp has been gracing us with his presence on the big screen. His daily work in and out of the office requires no effort whatsoever and yet it still continues to be excellent. Pirates of the Carribean: The Dead Man's Chest , is ranked 4th overall in the all time box office and was primarily seen for Johnny Depp's performance in it. Starting in 1984 with A Nightmare on Elm Street to continuing now with Public Enemies Johnny Depps' performances are truly masterpieces.

Recognitions: Johnny Depp has been nominated for eight academy awards and has only won 1 for his performance in 2008 for Sweeney Todd . He has also been nominated for 3 academy awards, but unfortunately he has not won any.

#7, Morgan Freeman

Actor: Morgan Freeman

#1 Film: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

4 other top films: #2, Driving Miss Daisy (1989), #3, Million Dollar Baby (2004), #4, Seven (1995), #5, Street Smart (1987)

Critique: From narration in many films, voicing in many films, and acting in many films, Morgan Freeman has changed the thought of acting in various different ideals. In by far his best performance ever in The Shawshank Redemption , Morgan Freeman plays his character Red to perfection.

Recognitions: Morgan Freeman has been nominated for 4 academy awards and 4 Golden Globes. He has won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his performance in Driving Miss Daisy.

#8, Russell Crowe

Actor: Russell Crowe

#1 Film: Gladiator (2000)

4 other top films: #2, A Beautiful Mind (2001), #3, The Insider (1999), #4, Cinderella Man (2005), #5, L.A Confidential (1997)

Critique: Though he has only produced 29 films in his career, Russell Crowe has taken on his roles to perfection. In a span of three years from 1999 to 2001 Russell Crowe was nominated for back to back academy awards for his perfomances in The Insider, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind. Till today I have not seen anyone who can match that record, he has done it and with ease because he is able to bring such greatness to his roles as an actor.

Recognitions: Russell Crowe has been nominated for 8 Screen Actor Guild Awards and has won 1 for his performance in A Beautiful Mind. He has been nominated for 3 academy awards and won 1 for Maximus Meridius in Gladiator. To add to those he was also nominated for 5 Golden Globes and has won 2, so even though he has only made 29 films, he has gotten much recognition for them.

#9, Denzel Washington

Actor: Denzel Washington

#1 Film: Training Day (2001)

4 other top films: #2, The Hurricane (1999), #3, Malcolm X (1992), #4, Glory (1989), #5, Antwone Fisher (2002)

Critique: For 28 years now, the work of Denzel Washington has been seen on the big screen and awarded for his performance. The platform on which Washington has appeared as an actor is incredible from his performance in Glory till now in The Taking of Pelham 123, he has not stopped to show us any less of what he is capable of doing. His acting is beyond excellent, his movies are great, and the caliber to which he sets films is astronomical. I speak for everyone when I say, Denzel Washington is nothing less of a great actor in the world of film.

Recognitions: Denzel Washington throughout his life has been nominated for 72 awards, 5 of them academy awards and 5 Golden Globes. He won 4 awards including the academy award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Glory as Private Trip, he has also won 7 awards for his performance as Malcolm X in Malcolm X. He has won 4 awards for Best Actor in his performance in The Hurricane including the Golden Globe. In his best film, Training Day, Washington won 7 awards for Best Actor including the academy award for his performance as Detective Alonzo Harris.

#10, Leonardo DiCaprio

Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio

#1 Film: The Aviator (2004)

4 Other Top Films: #2, The Departed (2006), #3, Blood Diamond (2006), #4, Titanic (1997), #5, Catch Me if You Can (2002)

Critique: As I was accumulating the data for this countdown I did realize how much of an impact Dicaprio made for it. His work has been acclaimed for 16 years and the movies he has starred in have been magnificent. Films that also deserve some recognition for his work are Revolutionary Road (2008), Gangs of New York (2002), Romeo and Juliet (1995), and his earliest acclaimed film, What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993). What I notice as I continue to see Dicaprio's work, is that he has created every role he has been given a complete work of art.

Recognitions: Dicaprio has been nominated for 30 awards in his film career, but only 2 of those have been for academy awards, and 7 for Golden Globes.

Actor/Actress Countdown Week

In these following weeks, I will be counting down from 10 to 1 the best actors and actresses, this week starting with the actor day by day I will be stating the name of the actor, his best films, his #1 film, a critique for his acting and the recognitions they have received.

#1, Beauty and the Beast

Title: Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Signature Quote: "Of course I came back, I couldn't let them hurt you."

Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.9

Acting/Voices: 4.9

My Grade: 4.9

Abstract: Belle is a nice and ordinary girl who lives a simple life in town with her father. The Beast is a arrogant man who in reality is a prince, who was transformed to a Beast. When Belle's father is taken prisoner in a castle by the Beast, she is forced to find him and persuade the Beast to let him free, but when she arrives at the castle the Beast influences her life more than she could ever think of and in a way, she transforms him into someone he never knew he could become.

Critique: Indeedly the most beautiful love story ever told, Beauty and the Beast to me is the greatest achievement in the world of film. The only animated feature ever nominated for Best Picture in 1991, Beauty and the Beast is by far the best animated film ever drawn up and that is why it is ranked #1 on my countdown. Ressurecting the world of animation to me in the early 90's shows why Beauty and the Beast is much more than just an ordinary film, it is an extraordinary love story. Incredible and excitedly genius Beauty and the Beast, is a very indulging and enjoying film to watch. The most beautiful love story ever told, Beauty and the Beast, is #1 on my animation countdown for now and ever because it reached new heights in the world of animation.

Recogntions: Beauty and the Beast, was nominated for four academy awards including Best Picture, Best Score, and Best Song. It received the award for Best Score and Best Original Song, though it failed to receive the award for Best Picture it is widely accalaimed as the best animation film ever made.

#2, The Lion King

Title: The Lion King (1994)

Signature Quote: "Remember who you are, you are my son, the one true king. Remember.."

Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.9

Abstract: After the death of his memorable father, a young lion cub, Simba longs to take the throne of king in the circle of life.

Critique: Greatness is the word which I think of in The Lion King. This film was not great because of it's animation, but because of it's story. The circle of life in animals which is constantly displayed in this film is amazing in everyway. A great film to watch overall.

Recognitons: The Lion King won the award for Best Score in the academy awards, but failed to win the award for Best Original Song.

#3, Toy Story 2

Title: Toy Story 2 (1999)

Signature Quote: "Ride like the wind Bullseye."

Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.9

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.9

Abstract: All the toy's are back, but this time their back to save Woody. After Woody is stolen from a yard sale, which he was there by an accident, the whole group led by Buzz is on a mission to rescue Woody before he is sent to a museum in Japan to be put on display forever.

Critique: Bringing back with them the whole gang, this full length film is filled with much more than the first and is in a category of it's own. This to me is hands down the best sequel in film ever created because of the brilliant story and animation created. Toy Story 2, is much more than just an animated film, it is a breakthrough in film and in animation. After seeing Toy Story 2, I realized what Pixar's greatest film was. A great, great movie to watch and observe the greatness of 3-D animation at it's best.

Recognitions: Toy Story 2 was nominated for 1 academy award for Best Original Song, and for 2 Golden Globes including Best Original Song. It received the award for Best Film in a comedy or musical in the Golden Globes as well.

#4, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Title: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Signature Quote: "Magic Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?'

Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: A grueling and masterful tale about love, death, jealousy and evil spins in all different ways.

Critique: An everlasting classic throughout 72 years Snow White yields so many different themes in ideas in itself. Each character represents a symbol to the extreme and exemplifies greatness in them. For example the queen represents envy and jealousy to great heights, Snow White herself love and kindness. If one were to think about it long enough this film is truly one of the best ever produced in film. Perfect to so many levels Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs anchors a creative and timeless classic in so many ways.

Recognitions: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first feature film created by Walt Disney Pictures and was ranked 49th on American Film Institute's 1998 top films of history.

#5, Pinocchio

Title: Pinocchio (1940)

Signature Quote: "I'm a real boy!"

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.9

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: This film tells the story of one magical night in the toy shop of Geppetto and how a little man Jiminy Cricket helps change a boy's life in many ways.

Critique: A timeless classic in many ways, shapes, and forms Pinocchio is one of the greatest films in existence. The story Walt Disney was able to create with this film was one of the greatest ever.

Recognitions: Pinocchio won the academy award for Best Song and for Best Score.

#6, Toy Story

Title: Toy Story (1995)

Signature Quote: "You are a toy!!"

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.9

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: Woody(A toy cowboy) fears that his owner Andy has a new favorite toy (buzz lightyear) and now he is on a race against to keep Andy's preference with him instead of Buzz.

Critique: As I said in a previous blog, Toy Story in the world of animation is a monumental achievement because of it's 3-D animation and it's incredible characters. The story John Lasseter creates on toy's is nothing short of genius in a single word. Toy Story still continues to be renowned as one of the greatest reached goals in the world of film using technology. Toy Story stands #6 on my blog not for it's animation alone, but also for it's amazing use of story writing in all aspects.

Recognitions: Toy Story was nominated for many awards in different award ceremonies, it's greatest win came when Director John Lasseter won the award for Special Achivement in the acadmey awards.

#7, The Incredibles

Title: The Incredibles (2004)

Signature Quote: "My name is not Buddy! It's not Incrediboy either, that ship has sailed. I only wanted to help, and what did you say? Fly Home, Buddy, I work alone. It tore me apart."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: In his prime, Bob Parr "Mr. Incredible" was the best superhero anybody could offer. He had super-strength he was married to the prettiest superhero "Elastigirl" and he took down all the villains in town. Now Bob Parr works behind a desk, listens to a police scanner and tries to relive "the glory days" of when he was a superhero. When Bob learns the identity of a new villain Syndrome (an ex-little boy who used to be Mr. Incredible's #1 fan) he and his family of crime fighters are on a mission, a mission to destroy Syndrome and save their town from destruction.

Critique: The Incredibles is once again another great achievement by Pixar in the field of animaation. The reason it has a lower score than Aladdin is because it is a more recent film and is graded harder. But if you were looking at which is the better film, The Incredibles is definitely a better film.

Recognitions: The Incredibles was nominated for 4 academy awards. It received the award for Best Animated Feature and Best Achievement in Sound Editing. It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Achievement Sound.

#8, Aladdin

Title: Aladdin (1992)

Signature Quote: "I can show you the world."
Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: Aladdin is a local street rat, he and his pet monkey Abu make a living stealing from the local marketplace. Once Aladdin and Abu get stuck in the Cave of Wonders they awaken a Genie who has been prisoner in his lamp for many years. Once the Genie has awaken he grants Aladdin any three wishes of his choice. After Aladdin has figured out what he wishes to do which is get closer to one of the women he once met in the marketplace, Jasmine, he is on a mission to free the Genie.

Critique: Once the glow of 1991's epic Beauty and the Beast escaped the world of animation, Walt Disney pictures created Aladdin which is single handily one of the best animation films made and that is why it is ranked 8th on my countdown. The script John Musker and Ron Clements were able to create with this film is one of the best.

Recognitions: Aladdin received the academy awards for Best Score and Best Music. The song "A Whole New World" received many awards and continues to be acclaimed to this day as the best song ever in an animation film.

#9, A Bug's Life

Title: A Bug's Life (1998)

Signature Quote: " They can't know the truth, the truth you see is bad. I will be branded for this mistake for the rest of my life, my children's children will down the street and people will point and say. "Look, there goes the spawn of Flik the Loser".

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: Among millions of ants, Flik an inventor is a gifted and skilled ant. When Flik accidentally loses all the food of his colony, he is determined to help rescue them from the threatening grasshoppers that want to take over them.

Critique: A Bug's Life, is one of Pixar's greatest films for it's animation and incredible story tale. Flik, I believe resembles the strong willed and creative main character which puts life in a story. Because of Flik's determination is why A Bug's Life is great. Thrilling, funny, and fantastic A Bug's Life is a great film to watch.

Recognitions: A Bug's Life made four times it's budget in the box office and received a 91% from Rotten Tomatoes.

#10, Wall-E

Title: Wall E (2008)

Signature Quote: "Waaaaall-E"

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.7

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Wall-E is a earth robot programmed to find and locate pieces of remains and allocate them. When Eve, a space robot arrives to earth to find traces of life, Wall-E falls in love with her. As a gift, Wall-E gives Eve a plant he found on land. Once Eve receives the plant she is sent back to her command center in space, which hoists people who have awaited to go back to earth for 800 years. So now, Wall-E is on a chase to find Eve and save the fate of humanity.

Critique: As I said in a previous post about WAll-E, is indeedly is a great film to watch and enjoy. Wall E is a story unlike any other. Wall-E is a film unlike any other Pixar are film, because it relates to the older ages and deals with serious and beneficial issues. Wall-E is a film to savor and enjoy watching as Wall-E chases Eve across the universe.

Recognitions: Wall-E won the award for best animated feature in 2008 and was nominated for five more including Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Score.

#11, Ratatouille

Title: Ratatouille (2007)

Signature Quote: "Where are you going?, Back to the restaurant, they'll fail without me! Why do you care?, because I'm a cook!

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.6

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.8

Abstract: Remy is a rat, however unlike many of the rats in his pack he loves to cook. After Remy is seperated from the rest of his pack, he ends up in his idol's(Gusteaus) Paris restaurant. Now Remy has the chance to become a chef, the only problem is he is a rat. So now, Remy must cook and act through the body of a garbage boy, Linguini in order to become the star chef he has always wanted to be.

Critique: Winning the award for Best Animated Feature in 2007, Ratatouille is one of Pixar's best. The story of a rat dreaming to be a chef in Paris is like no other. Grossing 150 million in the U.S, Ratatouille remained at the top of the box office for several weeks.

Recognitions: Ratatouille was nominated for five academy awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Score. It received the award for Best Animated Feature in 2007 and is ranked #1 on Rotten Tomatoes Best Film of 2007.

#12, Monsters Inc.

Title: Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Signature Quote: " Leaving the door open is the worst thing an employee can do, because it could let in a child."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: In Monstropolis there is one combined fear and that fear is a child. Sully and Mike are bestfriends which work at Monster Inc., Monstropolis's main source of energy. When Sully lets Boo (a little girl) into Monstropolis, he and Mike must find a way to send her back to the human world before they are found with her.

Critique: When people ask me what the foundation of 3-D animation is, there are three two films that come to mind, Toy Story and Monsters Inc.. What Pixar was able to establish with these two movies is beyond my imagination. Monsters Inc. , is a exceptional film for everyone to enjoy and treasure. To think that Pixar was able to establish such a completely great film with great characters is incredible. 2001's best animated feature without question.

Recognitions: Monsters Inc. was nominated for 4 academy awards including Best Animated Feature and Best Score. It won the award for Best Song, If I Didn't Have You. Unfortunately, it lost to Shrek for Best Animated Feature.

#13, Kung Fu Panda

Title: Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Signature Quote: " There are no accidents."

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.7

Acting/Voices: 4.7

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: In Valley of Peace, China lies the furious five of Kung Fu Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane, and Viper. These five have practiced Kung Fu their entire lives, but when Po, a civilian is chosen as the Dragon Warrior they are not as enthusiatic as him about being the savior of China. Po has always heard about Kung Fu, but he never expected himself to accept the highest honor of receiving the Dragon Scroll and defeating the greatest enemy of China, Tai Lung (an ex-Kung Fu Master). So now Po, must master Kung Fu in a matter of days and be able to stop Tai Lung from destroying the Valley of Peace and getting the Dragon Scroll.

Critique: Personally I believe Kung Fu Panda was the best movie of 2008. Besetting on the rest of the films of 2008, Kung Fu Panda had the best script and appealed to the audience more than any other film. Yes, I believe Wall E was an excellent film and I have it on my countdown as well, but for my own personal preference I believe Kung Fu Panda was more suited to the audience of younger ages and Wall E appealed more to audience of older ages.

Recognitions: Kung Fu Panda won 11 Annie Awards including Best Picture over Wall E, but when it came down to the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes Wall E edged out Kung Fu Panda in the awards for Best Animated Feature.

#14, Cars

Title: Cars (2006)

Signature Quote: "Cars didn't drive on Route 66 to make great time, they drove on it to have a great time."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting/Voices: 4.6

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Lightning McQueen is a egotistic racecar who's only goal in life is to become the first rookie ever to win the Piston Cup, but after he gets sidetracked and ends up in Route 66 he learns a lessons on life and how to be a better person.

Critique: Cars to me is much more than just an animated feature, it is a breakthrough when speaking of animated films. The visual work that Pixar performs in this film is beyond amazing and the message they get across is memorable.Whythis film did not win best animated feature in 2006, I don't know because it is one of the best when talking about animation in films.

Recognitions: It was nominated by many as the Best Animated Feature of 2006. "Our Song" won the academy award for best original song, and the film itself was nominated for Best Animated Feature in 2006.

#15, Finding Nemo

Title: Finding Nemo (2003)

Signature Quote: "My son, he was taken by these divers."

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.6

Acting/Voices: 4.7

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: From the Creators of Monsters Inc., comes the tale of father who would do anything just so he can reach his son. Marlin's life is made special by one person, his son Nemo. After he is taken he goes across the entire ocean in search of him.

Critique: Acclaimed as one of the best animated films of all time, Finding Nemo is a animation masterpiece. Swimming and Searching the entire ocean, Marlin the clown fish is the main character everybody searches for in an excellent film. Winning Best Picture in 2003 Finding Nemo is considered Pixar's Best Film produced.

Recognitons: Finding Nemo won the academy award for Best Picture in 2003.

Animated Week

Today will be the beginning of animation week for flixtrends. When people look and watch animated features they believe they're films simply for kids and people of younger ages., but animated films speak to the audience in more ways than we are aware of. So throughout this week I will be displaying different animated films that have had success in the box office and in the academy awards as well. And I will also be counting down from 15 to 1 everyday the best films.

91, Awakenings

Title: Awakenings (1991)

Signature Quote: "Hello, My name is Leonard Lowe, It has been explained to me that I've been away for quite some time, I'm back."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.2

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Dr. Malcolm Sayer(Robert De Niro), is a quiet, but smart Doctor who stumbles across a remedy that could awaken hundreds of people who have been away, that fell to a strong disease that occured during the 1920's. What he doesn't know is that one of those people is Leonard Lowe(Robert De Niro) will change his life forever.

Critique: This movie could have been much better than it really was. The only reason I gave it a 4.6 is because the film itself drags on and doesn't get to the point quickly. The directing to me was very poor, but the acting and script were marvelous without reach. I could only imagine how great this film could have been if it had not dragged on.

Recognitions: Awakenings was nominated for three academy awards including, Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, unfortunately it could not receive the award however for any of them.

1971, The French Connection

Title: The French Connection (1971)

Signature Quote: "All right, Popeye's here! get your hands on your heads, get off the bar, and get on the wall!

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: A cop(Gene Hackman) tries to intercept a drug shipment coming in from France.

Critique: This 1971 Best Picture winner is a suspensful and exciting film to watch. Probably one of Gene Hackman's best film, great picture to watch and enjoy.

Recognitions: The French Connection was nominated for 8 academy awards. It won the award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

08, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Title: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Signature Quote: "My name is Benjamin Button, and I was born under unusual circumstances."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.5

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: Born as a old man, Benjamin Button embarks on a journey that will change his life forever. Growing up in a retirement home, as a old man Benjamin was taught many philosophies and lessons from many people whose lives had ended, and in a way had began his own. Experiencing love, hurt, and an odd age Benjamin Button lives a simple yet insightful life to the fullest.

Critique: Adapted from the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is a interesting and innovative film to watch. I enjoyed this film for the amazing visual effects and acting that was portrayed. I believe Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt once again have created a great film together.

Recognitions: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. It received the award for Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup, and Best Art Direction.

The Green Mile

Title: The Green Mile (1999)

Signature Quote: "What happens in the mile, stays in the mile."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: Paul Edgecomb had seen just about everything in life, by working of Block E of Death Row, but the thing he least expected arrived, a miracle.(Michael Clarke Duncan)

Critique: This movie is viewed as a great film to many and acclaimed by many critics as a exceptional film. The story of Paul Edgecomb is a great one to see and imagine what he must of gone through while having to deal with such a tremendous individual.

Recognitions: The Green Mile was nominated for 4 academy awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

97, Titanic

Title: Titanic (1997)

Signature Quote: "I'm the king of the world!"

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.9

Acting:4.8

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: On board the new Titanic, Jack Dawson and Rose Bukater experience a love that lasts a lifetime.

Critique: A box office giant, Titanic leads the worldwide bo office with a gross of 1,835,300,000 dollars. Titanic is acclaimed by viewers all over the world for it's beautiful love story and it's masterful plot. Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet anchor a tremendous film without match.

Recognitions: Titanic won 11 academy awards, including Best Picture, and Best Director. Titanic is tied for it's 11 wins and it is considered one of the best films of all time.

99, The Talented Mr. Ripley

Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Signature Quote: " I always thought it be better, to be a fake somebody than a real nobody."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Tom Ripley has a gift, a gift of impersonating anybody he wishes to. He has a problem that he himself is unaware of, but just how far is he willing to go to disguise it and pretend to be someone he wishes he was.

Critique: Why this film was not nominated for Best Picture

in the Academy Awards strikes me. Just who is Tom Ripley and why does he try so hard to be someone he is not?, is the true question. Warping and twirling your brain into all shapes, this film will interest you and at the same time it might seem weird to you. Nonetheless, it is a very intriguing film to watch.

Recognitions: The Talented Mr. Ripley, was nominated for 5 academy awards, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Beginning of T Week, The Truman Show

Title: The Truman Show (1998)

Signature Quote: "Good Morning, and in case I don't see you, Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Goodnight."

Abstract: Picked from a group of babies when he was born, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) has been videotaped his whole life. From birth till present people have watched his everyday move. He is unaware that there are actors everywhere, a huge t.v set surrounding him, and his whole life being viewed by the world, but the remarkable thing is that millions don't watch the show because of him, they watch the show because of the admiration they have for his life.

Critique: This film spells out the words critique in every scene, it has been studied by hundreds around the world, and examined by many philosophers. The Truman Show, is much more than just a movie, The Truman Show, is a completely philosophical application that takes a lot of inspection and reasoning to fully understand the foundation of why it was made. It will stimulate your instinct and force you to project your own principle after watching it. A very indulging film to watch and analzye for many.

Recognitions: The Truman Show, was nominated for three academy awards including, Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. In the Golden Globes, Jim Carrey won the award for Best Actor.

Late 80's, Driving Miss Daisy

Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1999)

Signature Quote: "I'm going too Miss Daisy, Good!"

Script: 4.3

Directing: 4.4

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.4

Abstract: Hoke(Morgan Freeman), is a kind gentle man who would work and not complain. Miss Daisy(Jessica Tandy), is a very strong and proud woman who has nothing to hide, but when Hoke starts to work for Miss Daisy, he meets and struggles to deal with her everyday needs. As time passes though, they evolve a minor interaction into a long lasting friendship.

Critique: There are many things to say and not to say about this movie. It is a good movie don't get me wrong, but I feel the film did not finish or seem to be complete to me, there was something missing. A film I myself expected more from turned out to be a humoress, but still boring film. It tends to drag a bit, but like I said it is not that bad of a film. If you want to see it, see it, if you don't, don't.

Recognitions: Driving Miss Daisy was nominated for nine academy awards, and received 4 including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Sincerely Yours, The Breakfast Club

Title: The Breakfast Club (1985)

Signature Quote: "Dear Mr. Vernon: We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But, we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us: in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. We found out is that each one of us is: a brain ,and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: 5 different people stuck in school on a Saturday have nothing to talk about, but each other.

Critique: Many different reviews and articles classify The Breakfast Club as the best movie of the 80's. I classify it as one of the top 5 of the 80's, let me explain why it is acclaimed so highly. A story that talks about nothing but the variety and complexities of different lifestyles of people who don't care, teenagers. Telling this film from a perspective of a teenager is what makes it such a remarkable film, theses 5 teenagers talk about nothing, but their own lives and how it effects them.

Recognitions: #1 high school film on Entertainment Weekly and on many more as the best high school film in history.

86, The Mission

Title: The Mission (1986)

Signature Quote: "Your, Holiness, now your priests are

dead, and I am left alive. But in truth it is I who am

dead, and they live."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: The journey about two Jesuit priests Father

Gabriel(Jeremy Irons) and Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro) who together try to salvage a mission in Brazil created for the Guarani people, whom are threatened by the Spanish.

Critique: In life everyone has a journey to reach a destination. Father Gabriel's journey in this film is to save a civilization from being destroyed by Spaniards. There are two factors which appeared to me while watching this film, which are courage and love. The brave act these two men underwent by trying to keep these missions alive was incredible, and there struggle to fight for them was even greater. A great film of the late 80's.

Recognitions: The Mission was nominated for 7 academy awards including best picture, it's most recognized award was for Best Cinematography.

Great Life,Great Meaning, Gandhi

Title: Gandhi (1982)

Signature Quote: "What you cannot do is accept injustice from Hitler or anyone, you must make the injustice visible."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: This film traces the life of Mohandas K.Gandhi, beginning as a lawyer in South Africa fighting for his rights as a citizen to then becoming an inspirational and political leader for the country of India. The film shows how he spoke of non-violence and the fall of evil men, and how he liberated his country from the hold of the British empire. Many followed and chanted his name"Gandhi G." throughout India, but little did they know he would soon change the world forever and muse millions to follow in his teachings.

Critique: Springing from all angles of the screen, Gandhi, is a touching and amazing picture. The winner of Best Picture in 1982 is like no other biography or documentary. The life of Gandhi is something millions strive for everyday. A four star film lead with great acting and a insightful leader. A great motion picture for people of all ages to rejoice in. Gandhi is a stepping stone that reached greatness in the 1980's.

Recognitions: Gandhi was nominated for 11 academy awards. It accepted the award for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor,Best Director and many more.

3,2,1 Blast Off 80's, Rain Man

Title: Rain Man (1988)

Signature Quote: "Quantas never crashed."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Charlie Babbitt(Tom Cruise), lives a life of luxury in Los Angeles, but when he finds out he has a autistic brother(Dustin Hoffman) he has not heard about, he wants to know him more. And in a way, they teach each other lessons and develop a strong brotherhood.

Critique: Rain Man is a very strong and inspirational movie about a brotherhood and how strong it can be if it is kept alive. One of the best movies I have seen of the 80's. It is ranked 14th on my own personal favorites of all time, and it is on my top 2 films of the 80's as well.

Recognitions: Rain Man was nominated for 11 academy awards. It won the award for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

1991 and JFK

Title: JFK (1991)

Signature Quote: "Let justice be done though the heavens fall."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Why did they kill him? How did they kill him?. New Orleans District Attorney, Jim Garrison is determined to uncover how the assassination of John F. Kennedy took place, even if it means losing his job, and risking the life of his family.

Critique: JFK is a film with spice and life, it will never stop getting interesting it will keep the audience wondering at the end of every scene and it will make them understand more and more about the JFK assassination. If someone doesn't know about the conspiracy or plot against JFK this is the film everyone should watch.

Recognitions: JFK was nominated for 8 oscar's including, Best Picture and Best Director, it won the awards for Best Cinematography and Best Editing.

99, The Cider House Rules

Title: The Cider House Rules (1999)

Signature Quote: "Goodnight, you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Homer Wells(Tobey Maguire), grown up by Dr. Larch in St. Clouds Orphanage, has known nothing else his whole life but how to live as an orphan and serve as a doctor. Now he is leaving the only life he knows , to journey on a new one of he longs for.

Critique: Learning is one of the many tools one can obtain from watching so many films. One of the tools everyone can learn from this film is to be careful in life, to follow rules and at the same time sometimes break them. This is a film that everybody can learn something from one way or the other. Almost everybody will appreciate a film like this, and everybody will enjoy it. This film is ranked 4th among my own personal favorites of all time, great film for anyone to watch.

Recognitions: The Cider House Rules was nominated for 7 academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Film Editing, but the film only won the award for Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Mid 90's Forrest Gump

Title: Forrest Gump (1994)

Signature Quote: "My momma always said, Life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Born in Greenbow, Alabama, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) a slow, but extraordinary man lives a incredible life.

Genre: Drama

Critique: If I were to write a critique about this movie, there would not be enough words to describe how great it really is. Let me start here, Tom Hanks hands down deserves his academy award for this role, because I believe it is the best he has ever done. The life of Forrest Gump is a hard life to reach, because he exams life, he loves, he respects, and he learns. Meeting 3 presidents, going to war, having a beautiful relationship with his mother, and falling in love, Forrest achieves what every human on earth wishes to achieve and that is to live a perfect life. Yet, many don't see how he can do what he does, but whatever he does he completes with absolute perfection. Living extraordinary, having a marvelous friend, and learning from a terrfic mother, Forrest still deals with the everyday struggles a normal person would encounter, however he learns to cope with the situations and obtain knowledge from each of them to improve his life more than what it is. This movie is truly not matched with many, this is a film considered to be a magnificent life story with a beyond belief leading character. Hands down one of the top movies of the 90's.

Recognitions: Forrest Gump was nominated for 13 academy awards including, Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Cinematography, it won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Forrest Gump is ranked 71 on American Film Institute top 100 films of all time.

97, L.A Confidential

Title: L.A Confidential (1997)

Signature Quote: "Off the record, on the QT and very hush-hush."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.5

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: A film about cops organizing crimes in Los Angeles during the early 1950's. The question was why? and how? did they get away with it. In the particular crime portrayed in L.A Confidential, Bud White(Russell Crowe) and Liutenant Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) try to discover the outcome of a bloody murder scene including a ex-cop.

Genre: Action/Drama

Critique: L.A Confidential, is a excellent film not because of the story or the location, but because of the acting. Russell Crowe is great is this film, because he fits the police officer role to authenticity. Kevin Spacey no need for words on how great he acts, but Guy Pearce performs a incredible role in this film as well. One of the best police films known to date, I consider this film to be one of the best of the late 90's.

Recognitions: L.A Confidential won the academy award for best supporting actress and best adapted screenplay.

Late 90's, Life is Beautiful

Title: Life is Beautiful (1998)

Signature Quote: "The prize is tank, a real tank."

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: A Jewish father and husband (Robert Benigni), protects his son from gaining knowledge about the Holocaust, after they are both taken from their home in Italy to a concentration camp.

Genre: Drama

Critique: The story about how far a parent is willing to go in order to secure a better life for their child. The purpose of Life is Beautiful is to explain how significant a role of a parent can be and to what lengths they will go to keep their children alive and safe.

Recognitions: Life is Beautiful was nominated for eight academy awards including, Best Picture, Directing and Best Original Screenplay. It won the award for Best Actor, Best Music, Best Score, and Best Foreign Language Film.

Early 90's, Pulp Fiction

Title: Pulp Fiction (1994)

Signature Quote: "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."- Ezekiel 25-17, Jules

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Three stories, one meaning. Story one, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) escorts Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) out for dinner and a night of exciting twists and turns. In story two, The Gold Watch, Butch Coolidge(Bruce Willis) star boxer, breaks the pact he had with gangster Marsellus Wallace and hides out in order to keep himself from dying. And now the only way he can get out of it, is saving Wallace from death. In story three, Jules(Samuel L. Jackson) and Vince have to disguise a accidental killing of a innocent victim and escape the hands of their own death by local criminals who rob a coffee shop and threaten both of their lives.

Genre: Action/ Drama

Critique: Pulp Fiction , two words which define a revelation in the world of movies. I guarantee no one will ever see a movie to this caliber with this kind of storyline and with this much action. The film, screenwriter Quentin Tarantino has created in this fashion with this much interest is hard to recreate. I will say no one dislikes this film they either love or hate it, there is no in between. I consider it to be an excellent film, it is one of my favorites of all time.

Recognitions: Pulp Fiction was nominated for 7 academy awards including, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, but the film only one the award for Best Original Screenplay.

American Beauty kicks off 90's week.

Title: American Beauty (1999)

Signature Quote: "My name is Lester Burnham. I am 42 years old, in less than a year I'll be dead. Of course I don't know that yet and in a way, I'm already dead."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Lester Burnham(Kevin Spacey) is a 42 year old father and husband, whose life can't seem to favor him in anyway. His wife(Annette Bening), cheats on him, his daughter(Thora Birch) hates him and his neighbors are not interested. Though, one thing which seems to motivate Lester is Angela, a friend of his daughter whom he dreams and fantasizes about with rose petals surrounding her body.

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Critique: Look Closer.., is the theme, Screenwriter Alan Ball, portray's in this film about a family that deals with their issues in a different way than most others. In this film, hate, fear, aggression, and love anchor the greatness of it's true meaning, Look Closer. Alan Ball establishes in this film, a family just like any other that performs a show when they are in public, but when they are at home it is their hate towards each other which pilots their actions and emotions. A Honorable film, I consider to be one of the best in the 90's.

Recognitions: American Beauty was nominated for eight academy awards in 1999 and won 5 including, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture.

Taxi Driver

Title: Taxi Driver (1976)

Signature Quote: "I'm waiting for the sun to shine."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.8

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a loner, lives a life of solitude in New York City as taxi driver trying to rid all the streets of injustice and scum he feels should vanish from the earth.

Genre: Drama/Action

Critique: This movie does not have one of the best scripts ever, but it does have one of the best messages ever. If one wants to understand a movie like this, one must look deeper at it's true meaning. Travis Bickle lives what one may call a odd life, but nobody can really fully understand what he wishes to do with it, and that is achieve justice in places where many think it cannot be reached.

Recognitions: Taxi Driver was nominated for 4 academy awards including, Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, but unfortunately it did not win any of them.