Number 49
Raging Bull
People who are impressed with Renee Zellwegger adding a couple pounds to do a movie must have missed this movie on video. Robert DeNiro's performance and physical transformation as Jake La Motta is remarkable. Jake is tough as nails in the ring, but that same toughness causes problems away from boxing and eventually leads to his downfall. I haven't seen it in a while, but I hear the boxing scenes are kinda-sorta well done, too.
Also Recommended Viewing: On the Waterfront, Rocky, The Untouchables

Number 48
Psycho
Once again, Hitchcock just gets it done! This film is getting close to 50 years old, yet the first time I watched it, I was probably as surprised at the ending as people in the 1960. The phrase "timeless classic" gets thrown around entirely too much, but it certainly fits when you are talking about this movie. While it may not be considered as scary as it once was, it does mess with your mind a little. This is one of those movies that just should be required viewing if you consider yourself a fan of the cinema in general.
Also Recommended Viewing: Vertigo, The Shining, What Lies Beneath

Number 47
Lion King
Remember the days when the big summer animated Disney flicks were actually good? Seems like a long time ago, huh. This movie is an epic unlike any movie in the history of animated film. I see no reason why someone who is 88 years old couldn't enjoy this as much as someone who is 8 years old. The animation is beautiful, the story is quite interesting, and the humor works very well within the course of the movie.
Also Recommended Viewing: Aladdin, Finding Nemo, Emperor's New Groove

Number 46
Boyz N the Hood
While I've never lived in the hood or grew up in a single parent family, watching this movie made me feel like I knew what Tre (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) was going through. Even though many of his friends fall to crime, drugs, alcohol and violence. With the help of his father Furious (Laurence Fishburne), Tre is trying his best to stay clear of all trouble and learn how to become a successful, responsible adult. This movie jump started the careers of some great actors (Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, and Angela Bassett) along with first time director John Singleton.
Also Recommended Viewing: Menace II Society, The Brothers, Friday

Number 45
Scent of a Woman
Can you believe I'd been avoiding this movie for so long because I thought it was a chick flick. Charlie (Chris O'Donnell) needs some money so he agrees to babysit the blind former army Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino). Pacino is wonderful in this role in which he won a best actor Oscar. Director Martin Brest started his career strong with Beverly Hills Cop and then Scent of a Woman, but has recently made a couple movies that are only great for catching a snooze (Meet Joe Black & Gigli).
Also Recommended Viewing: Outside Providence, A Beautiful Mind, Finding Forrester

Number 44
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Right about the time I first saw Crouching Tiger is right around the time I would also associate with me become a film buff as opposed to someone who just liked watching movies (there is a difference!) Some of that I attribute to the people I hung out with in college epecially Tristan and Jason, with whom I went to see this with at the Fargo Theater. The cinematography is gorgeous, the action is unlike I'd ever seen, and the story is something that truly deserves a repeat viewing. I think this was the first subtitled movie I'd ever went to, and in all honestly, this probably was the film that changed the way I watch movies.
Also Recommended Viewing: Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Enter the Dragon

Number 43
Thirteen
Once a straight A student, thirteen year old Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) turns rebellious once she enters the world of sex, drugs, and alcohol. This movie is written by 15-year old Nikki Reed who plays Tracy's persuasive best friend Evie about her experiences just a few years ago. Much like Requiem for a Dream, part of me thinks this movie should be required viewing for kids entering high school. While this isn't exactly the most fun movie watching experience I've ever had, it definitely was something that made you stop and think.
Also Recommended Viewing: Ghost World, Spun, Requiem for a Dream

Number 42
21 Grams
If imitation is a form of flatery, Quentin Tarantino must've been just floored after watching this movie by newcomer director Alejandro González Iñárritu. With impressive lead actors Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, and Benicio Del Toro in this movie, you had to know going in that it would be something special. A freak accident brings together the lives of Paul Rivers (Penn), Jack Jordan, (Del Toro), and Cristina Peck (Watts). Told in a rather non-linear fashion (a la Memento or Pulp Fiction), 21 Grams is a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end and then pondering well after the movie is over.
Also Recommended Viewing: Pulp Fiction, Memento, Better Luck Tomorrow

Number 41
Do the Right Thing
I said in my short review of 25th Hour that I thought Spike Lee has been underrated and this piece of work is my proof. Since being nominated for two Oscars, the accolades for Do the Right Thing has been few and far between. Although Mookie's (Spike Lee) neighborhood in Brooklyn is largely black, the only businesses around are a Korean grocery store and an Italian pizzeria, Sal's, owned by Sal (Danny Aiello). One day, the heat gets to everyone and violence erupts. The real question is what is the right thing to do when both sides think they are right? Spike Lee takes a big risk and, in the end, you the viewer are rewarded with one of the best movies around. Also, the Criterion DVD is as good as they come.
Also Recommended Viewing: Clockers, Malcolm X, Juice