Best of the Decade: Top 5 Overlooked Films of “The Oh’s”
The past decade brought us an onslaught of new films. Some were great, most were mediocre, and some never got their time to shine. Below are my 5 films that I feel were overlooked over the past decade. All 5 were thought provoking, original, and better than 90% of the films that got more traction during “The Oh’s”. For various reasons, they didn’t get their due respect when in the theaters. If you haven’t seen any of these films, I highly recommend them. With no further adieu, here are Film Savior’s “Top 5 Overlooked Films of The Oh’s”:
5. The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford” (2007)
“By his own approximation, Bob assassinated Jesse James over 800 times. He suspected no one in history had ever so often or so publicly recapitulated an act of betrayal.”
With a ridiculously long and expositional title, a lengthy running time (159 minutes), and western epic feel, it’s no wonder many people passed on this film. And it’s a shame. This psychoanalytical historic epic takes an interesting approach on the tale of Jesse James. At 34 years old, he seems to be in a fog, just waiting to be killed and put out of his complicated life. Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell, and Casey Affleck all put in brilliant performances (Affleck was nominated for an Academy Award as the creepy Robert Ford), The haunting score from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is a must add to your iTunes if you are music score connoisseur (you can get a taste of it in the trailer HERE). If you have the time (or watch it in two shifts), give this one a chance. You’ll be surprised that this one passed you by. NETFLIX it!
4. Brick (2005)
“Throw one at me if you want, hash head. I’ve got all five senses and I slept last night, that puts me six up on the lot of you.” – Brendan
Similar to the straight approach to Baz Luhrmann’s modern twist to Romeo + Juliet, Brick takes the 1940′s film noir into modern day high school. The actors speak and act like detectives/criminals/femme fatales, but live the everyday high school experience. The fearless performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt brought him from TV sitcom actor to a serious film actor. This role was a career page turner for him in every sense of the word. First time writer/director Rian Johnson does not flinch in his abstract, sometimes zany, original detective story. The film only opened in two theaters in ’06 after its film festival run in ’05. While this original and fantastic film barely was seen, The Benchwarmers, Scary Movie 4, and RV was defecating on thousands of screens each. Really.
Check out the trailer HERE. You’ll get a better sense of how whacked out, yet true to the detective genre it is. Here is NETFLIX link.
3. The Squid and The Whale (2005)
“I’ve got an elegant new house across the park. It’s an elegant block — the filet of the neighborhood.” – Bernard
Noah Baumbach’s best film to date perfectly captures the comedic drama of a family going through a divorce in 1980′s Brooklyn. Each character is flawed, cringe inducing, yet charming in their own unique ways. As nasty and acidic as the characters are, they all seem real–human, three-dimensional. Jeff Daniels is outstanding (as always) as the self-centered author. Every one of his lines is delivered with stinging realism and calculated anger. Funny, despairing, and real – The Squid and the Whale is an acutely sad/humorous look at family collapse. The verbal ping pong slinging between Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney is worth the price of rental in itself. Check out the trailer HERE. And the NETFLIX link.
2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
“Wow, I feel sore. I mean physically, not like a guy who’s angry in a movie in the 1950′s.”-Harry
One would think “from the writer/director of Lethal Weapon” and “starring Robert Downey, Jr.” would be a blockbuster movie. How quickly things change in Hollywood. Around 2005 Robert Downey, Jr. was making his slow climb back up the Hollywood ranks. He had a guest starring role on Ally McBeal, he starred in The Shaggy Dog, and had a starring role in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. What a shame that this one got lost amongst his bad acting choices. As a buddy comedy and Hollywood detective satire, it’s consistently funny, full of meaningfull pop culture dialogue, and filled with great action. The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer (as PI Gay Perry) is undeniable. They are fantastic together. This film has generated quiet home rental buzz, but cannot be recommended enough as a fun, entertaining rental.
1. 25th Hour
“I have been in three different prisons, Montgomery. Three different countries. And you know what I learned? I learned prison is a bad place to be.”-Uncle Nikolai
Spike Lee’s first post 9/11 film couldn’t have been more tragically prophetic. Based on David Benioff’s novel about a drug dealer’s last day before he heads off to prison, Lee’s decision to shoot the film through the viewpoint of the recently scarred New York City added a brilliant dimension to the strong script. 25th Hour isn’t just a story about one man’s mistakes, it also opens into a love letter to the American Dream, the diversity of the country, and the potential to keep things moving forward, even in the darkest days. Ed Norton, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Rosario Dawson all give powerful performances. And the infamous “F$ck you” 5 minutes rant from Ed Norton. Wow. I’m pretty sure he offended every walk of life. Amazing speech. You can see it HERE if you so choose.
This is easily one of Spike Lee’s best films. This is also one of the best films of the past decade. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a MUST SEE.
Check out the trailer HERE.
Best of the Decade: Top 5 Films That Will Be Known as Classics
Naming your child, your fantasy football team, or your boat…these are difficult decisions that must be carefully thought out. Who would have thought naming a decade would be so difficult?! I was born in the seventies, grew up in the eighties, became a young stud in the nineties, and then the year 2000 came along. Yes, it’s the new millenium. But what is the DECADE from 2000-2009 called? As it comes to a sudden close, no one seems to know. Some reference the “aughts”, which is what folks called the decade between 1900-1909. That’s a term I’ll gladly repudiate. The “2000′s” is another name which is completely unoriginal and nonsensical. In the distant future, what the hell does the “2000′s” really mean? For lack of a better name, I’m simply going to reference this turbulent decade as “The Oh’s”.
Over the next week or so, I am going to pay tribute to some of the best things to happen in the film world during The Oh’s. It seems so fitting that this CGI heavy decade will conclude with James Cameron’s “game changer” in Avatar. As the world around us changed and became more paranoid and cynical, the films released in The Oh’s became a mirror image. Comic book adaptations became darker, horror became more violent, and the apocalypse was insinuated in many plotlines.
This week I’m going to provide you a list of all this decades’ films that are deserving of your first or second (or third) viewing. Some of these films you may have seen. Others you might have never even heard of. But I can assure you one thing, they are all deserving of your time. I’ll include video links and Netflix links for each of them. You can thank me later.
First up are the 5 films that you’ll find in the classics section of the video store sometime in the year 2050. Our future children will see the extreme cynical views we had on our world through these films. These 5 films accurately portray the inner thoughts amongst many during this trying decade. These aren’t films like The Ugly Truth or Spiderman 3 that you’ll forget the second you leave the theater. These will linger with you, remind you of your place in the world during The Oh’s, and grow in stature as time moves forward.
5. The Departed (2006)
“Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe f#$k yourself.” – Staff Sgt. Dignam
When the name Martin Scorsese is mentioned, I’m sure you immediately think about his classic films of long ago: Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, etc. Many began to wonder if he simply was too old to continue making the brilliant pieces of art that he seemed to create so easily in the past. Gangs of New York was met with a shrug. The Aviator was overdone. And then Scorsese announced that he was going to make another mob film (cinephiles met this news with cautious excitement). Scorsese’s new DeNiro, Leonardo DiCaprio, instantly signed on. Then Jack Nicholson. And Matt Damon. Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg. Everything was too good to be true, right?
For once, a film went beyond the hype. Scorsese fearlessly took us into the cat and mouse game of Irish mafia and undercover cops set in parts of Boston I want nothing to do with. Jack Nicholson proved he’s still on top of his game as Frank Costello. And in a move that was obviously a make-up for Scorsese having ZERO Best Director Oscars, he finally received the award he should have won 3 times over. This film gets better with each viewing. The acting is superb. The directing is breathtaking. And the screenplay is top notch. Here are two great dialogue heavy scenes from the film which show the subtle humor in a mob based thriller. For anyone who hasn’t seen the film, F-bombs are dropped often. Apparently they come hand in hand with a Boston accent. There’s your warning. See the clip HERE. Add it to your NETFLIX queue.
4. No Country For Old Men (2007)
“Call it…friendo.” – Anton Chigurh
Here’s a film that echos the cynicism and paranoia in the modern world perfectly. What kind of world do we live in? Is there purpose in moving through life morally? What truly is right and wrong? The essence of these thoughts is played out by one of the scariest “villains” in film, Anton Chigurh. The Coen Brothers will have you at the edge of your seat from the moment Llewelyn Moss has the bright idea to bring the wounded man water to the abrupt conclusion. This film leaves so many questions, which only adds to its brilliance. All the answers are in the film if you watch carefully. A close examination of the film reveals the exploration of true evil in the world and a study in obsolescence. This along with the Coen Brother’s wink-wink-wit provides a roller coaster ride. Chigurh is unrelenting. Moss is bumbling, yet prideful. Something has to give. The film won Best Picture in a tight race with There Will Be Blood. This one will haunt generations to come. If you want to revisit the amazing trailer, see it HERE. Add it to your NETFLIX queue.
3. Children of Men (2006)
Tagline: “No children. No future. No hope.”
Want a swift kick in your ass? Watch Children of Men. This will jump into your favorite movies list. Powerful, beautiful, and thought provoking — this film still sticks with me to this day. Director Alfonso Cuaron has created one of the most fascinating, coherent futuristic dystopias I have ever seen. The terror of the film revolves around the idea that women can no longer become pregnant. The countdown begins to the end of the world. But one woman has been found to be pregnant, but how? It would be easy to find the story of a crumbling world devoid of procreation faced with its first pregnancy extremely cheesy. Instead, this film is a landmark achievement with scenes that must be seen to be believed. There are brilliant tracking shots without edits that last over several minutes. The beginning desperation of the world is portrayed brilliantly through amazing set design and cinematography. Unfortunately, the film was released on Christmas Day 2006. Not the ideal time to watch the potential end of the world with the family. And after that, the film was swept under the rug. It received Oscar nominations for editing, cinematography, and screenplay, but was mostly forgotten. The more that people discover this film, the more that everyone will realize how shunned it truly was. Check out a clip of the film HERE. And add it to your NETFLIX queue.
2. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
“Will you keep out all the sadness?” – Carol
Spike Jonze took a classic children’s book and brilliantly expanded it into a worthy adaptation for adults and older children. As the hourglass continues to pour, so will the love and respect for this piece of art. I’ve poured my heart out in my review of the film HERE. If you were ever a kid…truly a kid–you will appreciate the richness and subtly this film brings. This isn’t a movie about talking hamsters or about a princess. This is about childhood. For better or for worse.
Check out a clip from the film HERE.
1. There Will Be Blood (2007)
“You’re a bastard from a basket.” – Daniel Plainview
Paul Thomas Anderson is my favorite modern day writer/director. Watch any of his films and you’ll find brilliance. Enough said.
There Will Be Blood is a masterpiece. It’s not for everyone. But neither are pieces from Picasso. Daniel Day-Lewis does some of the greatest acting since the heyday of Marlon Brando. He IS Daniel Plainview. This tale of corruption, ambition, and industry is a slow burn that takes multiple viewings to truly grasp the layered scope. This is alot to ask for a 158 minute film. But it is worth it. Between the acting, Jonny Greenwood’s (Radiohead) haunting score, and PTA’s masterpiece screenplay, this film is destined to be a classic. It has put Paul Thomas Anderson in the same breath as Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Federico Fellini, and Sergio Leone. It’s that perfect. See a clip of it HERE. Don’t be surprised when you still hear about this film 60 years from now.
Oh yeah, Paul Thomas Anderson just announced his next film. It’s a “fictional” look at Scientology.
Top 5 “Great” Movies I Can’t Get Myself to Watch
5) The Pianist (Winner of 3 Academy Awards: Actor, Director, Screenplay)
Every time I tell someone that I’ve never seen Roman Polanski’s The Pianist, I get the same reaction. A look of shock that transformers into disappointment. I’m well aware that Adrian Brody won best actor, Polanski won best director, and also won for best screenplay. But damn. I usually am not in a hurry to watch any films that revolve around American Slavery or the Holocaust. I’ll eventually get to them (I FINALLY just watched Hotel Rwanda…good times), but something about the title + subject matter just has held me back. That being said, I just saw The Road. Dark, depressing, and sad but at least it wasn’t the Jewish Holocaust.
4) Ben Hur #72 AFI Top 100 American Movies
I honestly can’t tell you why I haven’t seen this movie or why I can’t get myself to watch it. I know it’s supposed to be epic. It won 11 Academy Awards. As a connoisseur of all things film, I feel like an ass for 1) Never seeing this film and 2) Having no interest whenever I have the opportunity. It just seems like potential Chinese water torture to me.
3) Amadeus #53 AFI Top 100 American Movies
I love the music. I’m interested in the man. But the film…BLAH. I just don’t have any interest in sitting through this. It got nominated for 11 Academy Awards in 1985. Guess what? I don’t care. More importantly, how was THIS SONG a huge hit?!
2) Letters of Iwo Jima/Flags of Our Fathers
Clint Eastwood has been at the top of his game since he hit the ripe old age of 107. For some reason, I cannot get myself to put either of these films at the top of my Netflix Queue (*If you want to be my Netflix “Friend”, contact me! I only have good films to recommend…promise). Anyone out there…are either of these actually worth watching?
1) Singin In the Rain #10 AFI Top 100 American Movies
The musical is my least favorite film genre. Unless you are on a Broadway stage, breaking into song mid sentence is cringe inducing to me. That being said, I really enjoyed Moulin Rouge, Chicago, and looking forward to the upcoming Nine. The above picture is one of the reasons I despise the thought of watching this movie. It’s just terrible. People sing in showers, not the rain. Nothing can be so great and jolly that you’re enticed to twirl around street lights and belt out a cheesy song at the top of your lungs. It was #10 on AFI’s Greatest American Movies List. It was ranked as the #1 musical of all time. I’ve seen 95% of the films on AFI’s Top 100 Movies list and I doubt I’ll ever see this one. Terrible on all levels. Yes, I’m judging a book by its cover. Just like I do to you.
A Random Tangent: Sweet, Sweet Love
Since my sister and her husband live up in Portland, Oregon, I’ll randomly check their 10 day forecast. I have no real reason to check the weather here in Southern California. It’s annoyingly predictable: 72 degrees and sunny. All Los Angeles weather newscasters should be fired. Seriously, what are they doing? When I saw the Portland forecast, I had to laugh. They have enough rain to help a stripper retire. Then a random thought popped into my head. How do you function in a town where the weather simply does not let up? Do you call in sick to work and stay in your pajamas all day? Do you brave the elements and actually go about your business? I thought long and hard and could not figure out how you people outside of Southern California handle it. So I did what I usually do to solve any problems, questions and issues I may have. I went into my movie memory base. How does a downpour of rain effect an individual? Suddenly an LED light bulb popped above my head. Rain + No Umbrella = SWEET, SWEET LOVE.
Now stick with me here. I have the proof in how rain makes a person mad (via movies, of course). You can’t tell me that you didn’t first profess your love for your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, grandma, whatever, under the downpour of the elements. When it was sunny, you could care less. Now it’s pouring rain, you are in love. If you are still reading this, you know what I’m talking about. Even Rusty, that Golden Retriever next to you has experienced this downpour of emotion through your soaking wet jeans.
Here is proof of what rain will do to you. It makes you mad. It stirs up passion. And you’ll forget all about the hood and umbrella.
Example 1: This particular individual was waiting 7 years for this dude. 7 years! She hates him. Wants nothing to do with him. Uh oh…the rain is falling. Scratch that, she wants to make sweet love! See proof HERE.
Example 2: According to these Men’s Wearhouse Tuxedo Rental Terms and Conditions, I don’t think a soaking wet tux would be considered damaged. Great news. If you happen to be at a fancy charity event or a groomsman at a wedding, be prepared if it starts to rain. Something strange will build up inside of you (no, not that). You’ll feel the sudden urge to run outside in the pouring rain and profess your love to “the one.” Don’t be surprised when it happens. When you find her, stop trying to talk to or kiss her indoors. The hours she spent on her hair and makeup is irrelevant. Remember: Rain + No Umbrella = SWEET, SWEET LOVE. More proof HERE! (Note: I am a straight man who absolutely loves this movie…sorry ladies, but I am already taken. And not to ruin the ending, but Rosebud was a sled.)
Example 3: Sometimes the rain works AGAINST you. It’s the equivalent of beer goggles. There you are, having a normal day of dressing up in spandex. And then it rains. Shoot. What to do. And then that girl with the annoying face and yellow teeth (yes, Kirsten Dunst) confronts you. At least you have the mask on…no one will know it’s you. Take her to the back alley…time for some swee—wait. Let’s try something different. How about I hang upside down. That way I really don’t have to look at you. Ah yes, time for sweet, sweet lovin. See it HERE!
Example 4: Don’t you dare wipe that rain off your face. It’s pouring at an obnoxious pace. You probably can’t even see right now. That’s OK, though. All that’s on your brain is SWEET, SWEET LOVE. See the overwhelming facts HERE.
So there you have it. Rain. Metaphorically it represents passion — but realistically, it’s just really annoying.
2009 Movie Inspired Halloween Costumes
********************************************************************************************************************************
The 2009 Halloween season is upon us. If you’re one of the cool kids, you’ve been invited to a Halloween party. And being that it’s on a Saturday this year, your lame excuses to stay home won’t fly.
As the great Bushwick Bill proclaimed “This year Halloween fell on a weekend, me and Geto Boys were trick or treatin’…” I digress.
If you’re an avid Film Savior reader, we know that you will not be amongst the hoards of people dressing up as Michael Jackson. You are better than that. 90% of people on the streets and at parties will be some version of MJ, mostly the “Thriller” one. That being said, it’s always fun to dress up as something creative and relevant to the times that proves you are smarter, funnier, and frankly, better looking than the masses. Here at Film Savior, we will give you the secret to this success. In a few easy steps, you can recreate memorable characters from your favorite 2009 films. Below are 7 examples and ideas for you to receive that “slow clap to standing ovation” entrance you’ve deserved.
- Costume: Old Man Chic / Hipster 50′s Secretary
- Inspired by: (500) Days of Summer
- What You Need (Men): Sweater vest, tight pants, a tie, messenger bag, and paper mache bird. This one is simple. If you wear a large, buy a medium. If your waist size is 34, buy a 32. Keep it tight. Keep it nerdy. Keep it real. To add extra emphasis to the character’s look, gaze at the bird as often as possible. Make love to it with your eyes. And speaking of your eyes, try to squint them at all times like Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
- What You Need (Women): The problem with trying to dress like Summer Finn is everyone will assume you are trying to be a character from Mad Men. She dresses like a 50′s secretary that was mugged by a hipster. To keep the time period unquestioned, wear an iPod and blast The Smiths all night. Whenever anyone asks what you are supposed to be, act annoyed but offer them that “I love The Smiths”
- Costume: Cranky Old Man from “Up”
- Inspired by: Up
- What you Need (Men): Tie as many balloons as possible to your body. Put on glasses. Do your best not to float away.
- Costume: Twilight Douchebag
- Inspired by: Twilight Series
- What You Need (Men or Women): Stay out of the sun for, um, about 2 months. Don’t take a shower for a full week before Halloween. Wear the dirtiest clothes at the bottom of your laundry basket. At the actual Halloween party, act like you don’t want to be there. But make sure all eyes are on you at all times.
Continue reading “2009 Movie Inspired Halloween Costumes” »
Top 5: 2009 Summer Movies
Summer 2009 is officially over in Hollywood and I’ve barely started pulling myself from the rubble of trainwrecks.
- Transformers 2 and the Jive Talking Robots.
- Terminator: Salvation or How I Ruined the Terminator Franchise and Stole Your Money (maybe this is why Christian Bale had his meltdown)
- G.I. Joe – The Definition of Trainwreck
- Land of the Lost – R.I.P. Will Ferrell?
Luckily, there were some great surprises that helped wash out the bad taste. Below are the Film Savior favorite films from Summer 2009. You might notice that I did not include The Hurt Locker (a shoo-in for Best Picture Nomination). That’s because it didn’t really come out this summer…so get off my back. If you missed them in the theater, queue em’ up on Netflix. They are all worth checking out. Continue reading “Top 5: 2009 Summer Movies” »
A Note to Judd Apatow: Top 5 Ways Funny People Could Have Been Brilliant Instead of Pretty Good
-
The 40-Year-Old Virgin — 133 Minutes
Knocked Up — 133 Minutes
Funny People — 146 Minutes
After watching the pretty good, yet grueling Funny People over the weekend — the Film Savior staff has been wondering: Why the hell are Judd Apatow comedies so long?! Each of his 3 films could have easily been cut down to 2 hrs max, but for some reason Apatow falls in love with scenes/actors and can’t let go. The universal complaint about his latest film is that its too long. The sails lose wind about 2/3 of the way through and it becomes a marathon. See reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.
I will say that there are some great cameos along the way. Watch for the Ray Romano/Eminem scene. Hilarious.
***Below are some spoiler heavy (i.e. – don’t read if you haven’t seen the movie) ways that he could have made this film brilliant. Continue reading “A Note to Judd Apatow: Top 5 Ways Funny People Could Have Been Brilliant Instead of Pretty Good” »
Top 5 New DVD Reviews of Movies I’ve Never Seen
Fast and Furious (DVD Release Date: 7/28): All of the original cast is back together–Yay! All of their careers have gone nowhere since the original, and I’m guessing this 4th installment of The Fast and the Furious is NOT going to put them on the map. Haven’t seen it, won’t see it, and I don’t care what you think.
Knowing (DVD Released 7/7): Nicolas Cage can see tragedy in the future. Too bad he didn’t have this ability after winning an Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas. He should get the Cuba Gooding Jr, award for “Most Terrible Movies Post Oscar.” I know something about this movie…I’ll never see it.
17 Again (DVD Release Date: 8/11): If you’ve lived in a bomb shelter for the past 25 years, this premise will be brilliant. Don’t ever see Big or 13 Going on 30 as the entire premise, storyline, and ending of this movie will be ruined for you. I’ll give it an “F” for originality and “F-” for casting Zak Efron.
Hannah Montana: The Movie (DVD Release Date: 8/18): Don’t ever see this! Even if you are a 12 year old girl…you are a moron. Stick with the Jonas Brothers if you must…but stay far away from this soon to be trainwreck.
Obsessed (DVD Release 8/4): Beyonce, the girl from Heroes, and some other guy in yet another Single White Female, Fatal Attraction hybrid rehash. Girl gets obsessed, girl gets crazy, yada yada yada. Oh, wait. This one is different! This is an interracial version…Phhrrt! Skip it if you want to make the most of your time on this Earth.
Consider yourself saved!
-Corey @ FS
Top 5: Cannibalism Movies
Hold up.
Before you rent any of these films, we would like you to do the following:
1) Go to your local grocery store/butcher/meat market.
2) Purchase a savory steak.
3) Fire up the grill.
4) Cook it slowly; cook it rare.
5) Enjoy.
Nothing spells comedy like a good ole fashioned film involving cannibalism. Whether it be for survival or insanity, the result is still the same. Below is a list of what we believe to be the Top 5 films involving canibalism. We’ve thought long and hard on this and feel that you should add all 5 to your Netflix queue if you have not seen them. Eat your heart out, Jeffrey Dahmer. Continue reading “Top 5: Cannibalism Movies” »
Top 5 Reasons G.I. Joe Movie WILL Suck
#5 – Stephen Sommers, the director of The Mummy, Scorpion King, Deep Rising, and Van Helsing is at the helm. Although the first Mummy was almost decent, all of Sommers other movies are embarrassing. Early reports are saying the movie has received such harsh feedback from screenings that Sommers has been fired and the film is being re-edited as we speak. That can’t be a good thing. Note: Paramount now claims that he wasn’t fired. Spin spin spin!
#4 – Cobra Commander is played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun). Wow.
#3 – Marlon Wayans is in this movie. And he’s not playing a White Chick.
#2 – Those flying spacesuit things in the trailer made us cringe. The CGI was flawed and felt like a knockoff of the videogame Halo.
#1 – Did we mention that Marlon Wayans and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are in it?
Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
Top 5 NFL Athlete Movie Roles
It’s inevitable for many NFL players — when they retire, they can’t handle being out of the spotlight. Because of this, we are blessed with their assumption they can take Hollywood by storm. There have been many laughable acting careers within the NFL elite (hello Howie Long). But that’s not the focus. Today we want to recognize the most memorable character acting from the gridiron.
#5 - Bubba Smith (NFL 1967-1976)
Character: Moses Hightower (Police Academy 1-6)
What’s NOT to love about Lieutenant Hightower? He was the muscle of the Police Academy gang and always kept calm, cool and collect. Smith’s brilliant acting has not gone unnoticed here at the Film Savior headquarters. Here’s the proof (skip to the 3:08 mark): Yama, Yama, Yama, Yama, Yaaama
#4 – John Matuszak (NFL 1973-1981)
Character: Sloth (Goonies)
This scene explains it all. Bravo John! The Goonies
#3 – Jim Brown (NFL 1957-1965)
Character: Napoleon Jefferson (The Dirty Dozen)
The ultimate tough guy on suicide mission war film, The Dirty Dozen, is a must see film. Brown announced his retirement from football while filming this movie. The Dirty Dozen Intro
#2 – Carl Weathers (NFL 1970-1971)
Character: Apollo Creed (Rocky 1-4, RIP)
This was a tough one to pick. Carl Weathers has starred in gems such as Action Jackson and Predator. But who can forget Apollo Creed? We all know that he fell to the hand of the Russian Ivan Drago. But here is an interesting tidbit “...For the most recent film in the Rocky series, Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone asked Weathers, Mr. T, and Dolph Lundgren for permission to use footage from their appearances in the earlier Rocky movies. Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren acquiesced, but Weathers wanted an actual part in the movie, even though his character died in Rocky IV. Stallone refused and Weathers decided not to allow Stallone to use his image for Rocky flashbacks from the previous movies.” Seems like a nice humble guy. Here’s a clip: Apollo Creed
#1 – O.J. Simpson (NFL 1969-1979)
Character: Nordberg (Naked Gun 1 – 33 1/3)
Putting O.J./Nordberg as #1 was a no brainer. Not only is OJ the best football player on this list, he also had the most memorable role. What can be more funny than seeing OJ get snapped with a bear trap on the boat? Or pushed down the stairwell on his wheelchair? Simply put, OJ as Nordberg was an instant classic from first viewing. Too bad his personal life got in the way of part 4. Another lifetime, I guess. Nordberg Clips
If you liked this post, please follow me on Twitter HERE or become a fan on Facebook HERE. You’ll get more film insider scoop than your brain can handle! Thanks all.