Top 50 -- 10-6

Sorry for the delay. Work calls. Work and Netflix. And writing. But here I am.

10. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) || IMDb
Last Year: 8, down 2

I've come to the conclusion it is impossible to dislike this movie. If you don't enjoy this film, you're simply a shallow human being. The whole movie plays on morality, where we sympathize with prisoners and side against the staff of the prison. But Andy and Red's separate journey through the movie takes a toll on me every time. The scene where Andy escapes in the rain and tears off his shirt in the creek is one of those few moments that cannot be described, but must be experienced on film.

9. Amelie (2001) || IMDb
Last Year: 12, up 3

Over the last year I've watched numerous movies with Audrey Tautou (The Da Vinci Code, Dirty Pretty Things, A Very Long Engagement, etc.). While she is a good actress, none of them are even close to being on par with Amelie. Amelie is so selfless that, in her endless want to please others, we wish her happiness more than anyone else. Plus she's just so damned pretty.

8. Mulholland Dr. (2001) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

A new addition to the list, and at a high position. I love a movie that takes a risk. Sometimes we get a bad finished product (Southland Tales), and others we get great movies. Mulholland Dr. is the latter. Some movies take only one viewing to 'get,' others two or three. I think for me Mulholland Dr. took three viewings and a bit of research to 'figure it out' (all of it, I got the gist on two viewings). At least I think I got all of it. I don't know, and that's all the fun. This movie should not be seen by everybody--only those who like to think about their films.

7. The Princess Bride (1987) || IMDb
Last Year: 7, no movement

Best fantasy film of all time? Maybe, maybe not. But it's my favorite. This movie has everything--the best sword fight of all time, comedy, love, castle sieges, quicksand, ROUSes, and everything else. What is there not to love about this film?

6. Some Like It Hot (1959) || IMDb
Last Year: 6, no movement

Some Like It Hot, and if you don't like this movie, you have bad taste. That's not an opinion, it is a fact. AFI voted this the funniest movie of all time a few years ago, and there's good reason. You have the all-star cast of Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis (all three great here, naturally). Billy Wilder writing and directing, and also I.A.L. Diamond, who would later co-write The Apartment with Wilder. But not only name-dropping, there are so many moments in this film that are small, subtle touches that make the experience enjoyable. Sure, the trans-gender comedy is great (even better than the countless movies that would try to mimic the jokes [only Tootsie was successful]), but the whole package is one to be enjoyed.