Eric Prime

You're a B+ list placement.

#9 The Departed 1404 points, 25 lists "Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe fuck yourself." Box Office: 291.5M Rotten Tomatoes: 90% Metacritic: 85 Awards: 4 Academy Awards and 1 nomination, 6 BAFTA nominations, 1 Golden Globe Award and 5 nominations, 1 Grammy Award nomination, 1 MTV Movie Award Its Legacy: Brought Infernal Affairs more recognition to Western waters. Earned him the Best Director Oscar he deserved ages ago. Was Scorsese's highest-grossing film until Shutter Island. Brought the story of Whitey Bulger to light before Johnny Depp had the chance. Had a sequel in development that never got made. Gave Anthony Anderson a paycheck. Commentary: Taking the iconic Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs and giving it a Boston creme coat of paint, Martin Scorsese’s crime drama is a non-stop thrill ride, full stop. So many moments of treachery and deception, oftentimes under the protagonists’ noses. A phenomenal premise of two moles going into the FBI and Boston mob, with neither even aware of each other’s existence. Action setpieces that utilize Boston to its fullest advantages. A cast full of all-stars and also Mark Wahlberg. It’s easily one of Scorsese’s most handsomely-made features and one that, for a lot of millennials, served as their big introduction to the man’s work. You’re in high school or your 20s in 2006, you hear about this cool crime movie with all these actors you and your parents love from a director your movie-loving uncle can’t stop talking about. And well, this left an impression on you and introduced you to one of, if not the greatest director working today. This will always be shared and passed down to generations, but I feel for a lot of BOT members here, this was a core memory when it comes to movies.

#10 Interstellar 1390 points, 23 lists "Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here." Box Office: 773M Rotten Tomatoes: 73% Metacritic: 74 Awards: 1 Academy Award and 4 nominations, 1 BAFTA Award and 3 nominations, 1 Critics Choice Award and 6 nominations, 1 Golden Globe Award nomination Its Legacy: One of the highest-grossing science fiction movies ever made. One of the few films shot on 35mm film and IMAX 70mm. Considered one of the most scientifically accurate movies ever made. Part of the epic McConaissance. The 20th most profitable movie of 2014. Gave Timothee Chalamet, the most beautiful man in the world and the reason I get up every morning, a paycheck. Commentary: Papa Nolan’s attempt to be cool like Stanley Kubrick, Interstellar also serves as Nolan’s attempt to be more sentimental and humanist, focusing on a father who just wants to make his life better for his young children. One of them includes Timothee, my beloved and pure and wonderful. So you know, smart dad, this Mr. McConaughey. Still bitter Papa Nolan made Timothee grow up to be sexual abuser Casey Affleck. This man is going to hell, and I can't wait to meet him there. 😈 It’s incredible to behold visually, and its insights into the world of climate change and famine and how close we are to a dystopian future rings true. With this being a film about boldly going into a new world, finding better life for humankind, it makes things oddly inspirational for a filmmaker known for being cold and methodical. With it also being one of the most scientifically accurate movies ever made, it benefits the story and characters and makes the film all the more powerful. With its jaw-dropping visuals and IMAX wizardry, this film cast a spell on Nolanites and sci-fi fans alike and still serves as a fine example on what this man can do. Bring people in just on his name alone and give them enchanting visuals and stories that are wholly is, for better or for worse. What does his new home at Universal entail? Well, it’s still early. Guess he just has to be like his Interstellar heroes and go boldly where nobody’s gone before.

@Cap Just letting you know Insomnia came in at #150. I know I said all the Nolans made it in the top 100, but I was wrong. Sorry! Oh and Batman was #101. Surpised me too, though I've always been a Returns guy.

Discuss

Discuss

https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-equalizer-3-box-office-projection-1235521751/

https://www.boxofficepro.com/long-range-box-office-forecast-a-haunting-in-venice/ Long Range Box Office Forecast & 2023’s Upcoming Calendar (as of 8/17/23) Release Date Title 3-Day (FSS) Opening Low/High Range Pinpoint % Chg from Last Week Domestic Total Low/High Range Pinpoint % Chg from Last Week Distributor 8/25/2023 Golda Fathom Events 8/25/2023 Gran Turismo (Sneaks on 8/11 and 8/18 weekends) $17,000,000 – $22,000,000 $40,000,000 – $61,000,000 Sony Pictures 8/25/2023 The Hill Briarcliff Entertainment 8/25/2023 Retribution Roadside Attractions 9/1/2023 The Equalizer 3 $25,000,000 – $32,000,000 $65,000,000 – $88,000,000 Sony / Columbia Pictures 9/8/2023 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 $8,000,000 – $13,000,000 $24,000,000 – $43,000,000 Focus Features 9/8/2023 The Nun II $30,000,000 – $45,000,000 $70,000,000 – $97,000,000 Warner Bros. Pictures 9/15/2023 A Haunting in Venice $11,000,000 – $16,000,000 $37,000,000 – $57,000,000 Disney / 20th Century Studios 9/15/2023 Amerikatsi Variance Films / Everest Films 9/15/2023 Camp Hideout Roadside Attractions 9/15/2023 Dumb Money (Platform LA / NY) Sony Pictures / Columbia

Will this forum survive once High School Musical gets more votes than the entire Three Colours trilogy combined? I think not.

Well...only 10 movies left. It's crazy to me that I only have 10 to go, since I've been working on this whole countdown for years, but we're this close to that fateful end. Could still get some more out later today, but this is still a great achievement. And hey, that means you guys can predict what you think the top 10 will be! Whoever gets it right gets my love and affection as a prize. And that's the greatest prize of all. 😘

#11 The Iron Giant 1386 points, 26 lists "You are who you choose to be." Box Office: 31.3M Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Metacritic: 85 Awards: 8 Annie Awards and 6 nominations, 1 Hugo Award nomination, 1 Saturn Award nomination Its Legacy: Brad Bird's directorial debut. The film that gave Bird the chance to direct The Incredibles and Ratatouille. Has appeared in Ready Player One, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and MultiVersus. Considered one of the greatest animated movies of all time. Recieved a remaster in 2015. Gave Harry Connick, Jr. a paycheck. Commentary: Arguably the finest example that being a financial failure doesn't equate to a bad movie. WB infamously abandoned and ignored this after Quest for Camelot bombed, and didn't realize until it was too late they had something special on their hands. Promptly ignored on its theatrical release, things very quickly turned around when Warner advertised its VHS release like there was no tomorrow and later aired the movie on Cartoon Network in big 24 hour marathons, knowing they should have made money on an obvious hit. And now, nearly 25 years later? It's now a masterpiece millions have seen and adore to pieces. A fantastic commentary at 1950s hysteria and a powerful anti-gun message is all anchored in a gorgeously-told story of friendship between a young boy and his giant robot buddy. It's far and away Vin Diesel's finest work as an actor, though Fast X obviously comes close, and its themes and ideas on peace and paranoia still resonate today, even if we are long past the Cold War. It boasts an incredible finale that still hits us all in the feels, and has incredible and expressive animation, that deliver on the laughs and on the emotion. Director Brad Bird is still feeling the positive impacts from this once-famed bomb, and would later be a part of the Pixar family, developing some of the greatest animated movies of all time. But for many, his best will always be this tender-hearted story. One that only just missed the actual top 10.

#12 Unforgiven 1357 points, 22 lists "That's right. I've killed women and children. I've killed just about everything that walks or crawled at one time or another." Box Office: 159.2M Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Metacritic: 85 Awards: 4 Academy Awards and 5 nominations, 1 BAFTA Award and 4 nominations, 2 Golden Globe Awards and 2 nominations Its Legacy: Considered one of Eastwood's best movies and one of the best Westerns ever. The former biggest August opener of all time. The third Western to ever win Best Picture at the Oscars. Remade in Japan in 2013. Eastwood's final traditional Western #30 on WGA's greatest screenplays of all time. Joined the National Film Registry in 2004. Gave Gene Hackman a paycheck. Commentary: Everybody loves to throw the word “masterpiece” around like no tomorrow. But to me, that term applies to somebody’s greatest, most defining work. Not necessarily your personal subjective favorite, but a work that takes everything the artist has learned, cultivated, and developed over years and years of artmaking. Typically made near the end of an artists’ life, all their skills, tools, crafts, and understanding of what makes a good work of art are used to great effect here to create something that summarizes their works and exemplifies why they’re so good in the first place. And for me, Unforgiven is Clint Eastwood’s masterpiece. It’s far from his last movie of course, since Clint refuses to die, but it really feels like the perfect swan song for a certain aspect of Eastwood’s life and career. The moment where we all realized that he isn’t the emotionless, stone-cold badass we all associate him as. His two most iconic roles are The Man With No Name and Harry Callahan. People who shoot first and talk later. People who are the epitome of toxic masculinity. Figures who every conservative uncle idolizes. But Unforgiven shows the dangers of such people in real life. This is a man who was once in that mold, who wants to be far away from that. He is of course pulled into one last cowboy adventure, and it’s here he realizes just why he went away from that lifestyle. It’s a film that breaks down the black and white morality found in the Westerns of old, as we follow a man haunted by his past mistakes and his horrible actions. That the epic heroes are in fact just cowards and ninnys. That being a merciless figure who is harsh and cruel in the name of the law is in fact the worst thing possible. It all culminates in a surprisingly sensitive, yet still enthralling look into a genre that was only now getting deconstructed and subverted. It’s the spiritual successor to another WB classic The Searchers, and is frankly just as strong and effective as that film. And while Eastwood has made many more films after this, none of them have captured the raw emotion and powerful storytelling as Unforgiven. And this is far and away y’alls favorite from a man synonymous with Warner Bros.

#13 The Prestige 1323 points, 24 lists "Now you're looking for the secret. But you won't find it because of course, you're not really looking." Box Office: 109.7M Rotten Tomatoes: 76% Metacritic: 66 Awards: 2 Academy Award nominations, 1 Empire Award and 2 nominations, 1 Hugo Award nomination, 5 Scream Award nominations Its Legacy: The Nolan movie for hipsters. A reunion between Papa Nolan, Bale, Caine, Wally Pfister, Nathan Crowley, and Lee Smith. One of the best movies about magicians ever. A rare collaboration between bitter rivals Disney and WB. Gave Scarlett Johansson a paycheck. Commentary: It's the movie from Papa Nolan that everybody who thinks they're too cool for Inception or Interstellar love to hype up. A film that is, simply put, a powerful story about rivalry and obsession. Two magicians from different backgrounds, desperately trying to one up one another, whether it be through crazier and crazier odds, or even deception and theft. It's a powerful insight into how dedicated people are to winning over the crowd, as well as just how far one will devote themselves into the name of art. For something that most don't really recognize. While already well-recieved at the time, the film's plot and themes have only grown in stature and popularity since its release, with more and more citing it as an underrated classic within the WB and Touchstone library. And while we are all enamored by Nolan's recent works, which are more handsomely made and feature audacious ideas and special effects, it's important to recongize little movies like these. And yeah. To all the Nolanites out there, remember that this was released by Disney here in North America. So when we do the Disney countdown in a couple months...you got a good option to put on your list.

#14 Zodiac 1308 points, 22 lists "I am not the Zodiac. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you." Box Office: 84.7M Rotten Tomatoes: 90% Metacritic: 78 Awards: 3 Satellite Award nominations, 1 Saturn Award nomination, 3 Empire Award nominations, 1 Teen Choice Award nomination Its Legacy: One of David Fincher's most acclaimed works. #12 on BBC's Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century. Relitigated interest in the Zodiac Killer in the San Francisco PD. In contention for the 2007 Palme D'Or at Cannes. Considered one of the best films of 2007. Gave Brian Cox a paycheck. Commentary: Based on one of the most infamous unsolved cases in history, director David Fincher captures the paranoia and fear that comes from such a terrifying piece of San Francisco history. With a 2.5 hour runtime, audiences are trapped in a story full of suspense, paranoia, and dread, perfectly capturing the fears that come from a man who nobody knows and could attack at any minute. Add on phenomenal digital cinematography and expert lead performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Jake Gyllenhaal, and we have ourselves an enthralling insights into the evil of Ted Cruz--I uh...I mean, the Zodiac Killer. There's also a Dirty Harry reference in here, which is pretty cool for Warner Bros. nerds like myself.

#15 Blade Runner 1285 points, 25 lists "Quite an experience to live in fear, isn't it? That's what it is to be a slave." Box Office: 41.6M Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Metacritic: 84 Awards: 3 BAFTA Awards and 5 nominations, 1 Golden Globe Award nomination, 2 Academy Award nominations, 4 Saturn Award nominations, 1 Hugo Award Its Legacy: Has way too many cuts to count. A landmark of neo-noir and cyberpunk. Considered one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. Influenced way too many video games, anime, and TV shows to count. Caused Atari, Bell, Coca-Cola, Cusinart, Pan Am, and RCA to see financial setbacks after its release. #54 on Sight & Sound's Top 100 Films by Critics, #74 on AFI's Top 100 Movies, and #97 for the 2007 edition. Joined the National Film Registry in 1993. Kickstarted a whole multimedia franchise. Commentary: A film that audiences, frankly, just weren’t prepared for. Even outside of the fact the original cut was not what Sir Ridley Scott wanted to show, the film’s slow pace, limited action, and contemplative sci-fi storytelling just didn’t fit in a post-Star Wars environment. Arguably, not even a post-Close Encounters environment. Still, a film this audacious and unique was bound to gain a cult following, especially amongst science fiction fans. And once it came out on home video, the tides quickly turned. It’s not only a fascinating neo-noir story, but also one of the best examples of a dystopian storyline and setting. One that still influences cyberpunk works and dystopian works in general. No Blade Runner? No Hunger Games. And man, what a world Scott has created. Even today, it still looks visually incredible, with its neon lights and massive city landscapes. You could release this today, and people would probably think this was a recent release. Since then, Blade Runner still has a devoted following, regardless of what cut of the movie you watched. And that led to a surprisingly robust franchise that is still going and still popular, if 2049’s placement in this countdown is anything to go by. Even now, a new TV series is in production, continuing Scott’s original legacy. It’s one of those classic cult hits that has now become mainstream, way past that original 2019 setting. And it will likely continue to be mainstream and beloved by the time we reach the year 2049 and beyond.

It was the second-biggest movie ever made domestically and fourth worldwide. What more do you want?

#16 Superman 1268 points, 25 lists "Lex, what has chewing gum got to do with the secrets of the universe?" Box Office: 723.2M Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Metacritic: 96 Awards: 7 Academy Awards and 3 nominations, 6 BAFTA Awards and 5 nominations, 7 Critics Choice Awards and 3 nominations, 1 Golden Globe Award and 3 nominations, 1 Grammy Award nomination Its Legacy: The most expensive ever made at that time. Broke ground in visual effects and science fiction storytelling. The beginning of the modern superhero movie. Made Christopher Reeve a household name. The former sixth highest-grossing film of all time. The most successful Warner Bros. movie ever made at the time. Created four sequels and a reboot. Helped revitalize the sci-fi genre alongside Star Wars and Close Encounters. #26 on AFI's Top 100 Heroes. #174 on Empire's Top 500 Movies. The main reason the MCU exists and DC movies still get made. Gave Ned Beatty a paycheck. Commentary: The one that started it all. It wasn’t the first superhero movie technically, but in our modern era where Marvel and DC dominate the film conversation, this is the first film in our hearts. And looking back, it’s easy to see why this film laid the template for the biggest genre out today. And also looking back, it’s insane that very, very few films in that genre stack to a masterpiece like this. Of course the film’s incredible visual effects were the big selling point, as audiences saw a man fly and do incredible feats that seemed impossible. Alongside the phenomenal casting (Christopher Reeve is the best Superman, go argue with a wall) and incredible John Williams score, it only further cemented this film as something special. But it was Richard Donner who really made this come together, as he and Tom Mankiewicz really understood not just why Superman is great, but why superheroes are such an amazing concept. Superman isn’t just a guy with amazing powers. He isn’t somebody we can never be. Rather, Superman is a symbol of who we should be. Not because of his strength or abilities. But because of his heart and kindness. This is a man who was taught about the values and importance of bravery, hard work, determination, and humility from his birth and adoptive father. This is a man who does heroics not for fame, but because it’s the right thing to do. It’s a man who will do anything to protect people, a planet he isn’t even from, out of the goodness of his own heart. We can all learn something from this movie. It’s one of the rare movies that makes me tear up every time I watch it and while the other Superman films since then have been...flawed to say the least, if James Gunn can capture at least a tiny bit of that Donner magic in 2025, it’ll be the greatest gift in the world to me. Your MCU/DCEU fave could never.

#17 Gravity 1259 points, 22 lists "You just point the damned thing at Earth. It's not rocket science." Box Office: 723.2M Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Metacritic: 96 Awards: 7 Academy Awards and 3 nominations, 6 BAFTA Awards and 5 nominations, 7 Critics Choice Awards and 3 nominations, 1 Golden Globe Award and 3 nominations, 1 Grammy Award nomination Its Legacy: The highest-grossing film of Sandra Bullock and George Clooney's careers. The highest-grossing October release until Joker. The eighth most profitable movie of 2013. Part of a banner year for women in blockbusters. Praised by Daddy Cameron. Gave Ed Harris a paycheck. Commentary: Where's John Mayer when you need him? Okay, I’m being silly. The actual movie. What a masterclass of visuals and storyline. Alfonso Cuaron uses VFX wizardry to really make it feel like we are in outer space, in the precarious situation Bullock and Clooney are in. If the film didn’t look as good as it did, we would not be as stressed or terrified for our heroes like we are here. And yeah, as a story, this is the best survival tale you can possibly have. There is nothing more terrifying and scary than being in outer space. A never-ending place with no air, no gravity, no food, no nothing. One wrong mistake, and you are screwed. This does amazing work putting so much tension and fear into every single frame, while also making sure Bullock’s character is a memorable and endearing one, making it easier for us to empathize...although I guess just being trapped in outer space is more than enough. The film would of course become a gargantuan success. The kind of success story that Hollywood should cultivate and learn from more. This wasn’t a film that relied on a nostalgic brand or shared universe to get people in. And this is a film that is designed to not have any sequels. Yet people came because it was a great concept executed by an amazing filmmaker, and everybody was rewarded for it. I hope one day we can get more movies like Gravity some day. I really, truly do.

lmao what

Quorum Updates Back on the Strip T-2: 20.61% Awareness My Big Fat Greek Wedding T-23: 35.38% Awareness It Lives Inside T-37: 18.64% Awareness Ferrari T-131: 16.93% Awareness The Tiger's Apprentice T-156: 12.27% Awareness Blue Beetle T-2: 42.2% Awareness Final Awareness: 89% chance of 10M, 59% chance of 20M, 37% chance of 30M, 22% chance of 40M, 11% chance of 70M DC/MCU Awareness: 100% chance of 70M Strays T-2: 47.95% Awareness Final Awareness: 89% chance of 10M, 59% chance of 20M Original - Low Awareness: 100% chance of 10M, 25% chance of 20M Retribution T-9: 30.23% Awareness Final Awareness: 33% chance of 10M, 2% chance of 20M Original - Low Awareness: 22% chance of 10M A Haunting in Venice T-30: 21.03% Awareness T-30 Awareness: 51% chance of 10M, 19% chance of 20M Sequel Awareness: 67% chance of 10M, 33% chance of 20M Expend4bles T-37: 33.49% Awareness T-30 Awareness: 87% chance of 10M, 61% chance of 20M Sequel Awareness: 50% chance of 10M

Weirdly, I’d argue PVOD helped that movie’s theatrical legs in particular. Feel like a ton of the memes came out after it was available in HD with no cam footage, alongside a bunch of “WOAH THIS ANIMATION IS SICK” posts. Like it would probably still be leggy, but it probably got a 50M boost from that early PVOD launch or whatever.

It’s because Ryan Gosling is in it.

#18 Malcolm X 1248 points, 19 lists "That's too much power for one man to have." Box Office: 73M Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Metacritic: 72 Awards: 2 Academy Award nominations, 1 Golden Globe Award nomination, 1 MTV Movie Award and 1 nomination, 1 MTV Video Music Award nomination, 4 NAACP Image Awards and 1 nomination Its Legacy: Gave the defining portrait of a legendary activist. The first Hollywood film to be shot in Mecca ever. Gave tons of Black interviewers and journalists a chance to get their foot in the door. One of Spike Lee's highest-rated and grossing films ever. The second of four collaborations between Lee and Denzel Washington. Features cameos of Bobby Seale, Al Sharpton, and Nelson Mandela. Joined the National Film Registry in 2010. Gave Delroy Lindo a paycheck. Commentary: Biopics are a lot harder to nail down than a lot of people give credit for. Detailing the accomplishments of one person through just one movie is difficult. Especially when you have to detail Malcolm X, a man who throughout his 39 years on this Earth had worn a lot of hats. An activist for civil rights, an activist for Islam, an activist for Black empowerment, an activist for Black separatism. A figure that was derided by white folks, highly controversial for statements that frankly have aged like wine, and, frankly, had changed his viewpoints constantly over his life. People evolve, think differently, learn new information, and don’t become the same person that they once were even a couple years ago. So trying to capture all of that in one movie, especially trying to show the real version of a figure that most had vilified as evil (he isn’t), is a herculean task. Yet through it all, the legendary Spike Lee, with the help of financial backing by every major Black figure in Hollywood, gave us the definitive biography of Malcolm (well, if you ignore the Alex Hayley novel it was based on). And what a fucking biography. No stone was left unturned in Malcolm’s life, with every aspect of him dissected and analyzed. From his emotions to how the public perceived him to how his contributions changed everything for millions of Americans and Muslims. And it’s done through snappy editing, gorgeous cinematography, a rollicking tone and atmosphere, and so much pop and excitement and style in every frame that the whole 201-minute feature flys by without anybody even noticing. It’s a film that teaches us that Malcolm wasn’t one thing. He wasn’t set in his ways, and he frankly had so many more stories to tell before he was wrongfully assassinated. Some of us already knew that, but for others (you know, the whites), this was the first time they ever saw a public portrayal of Malcolm that actually gave the truth. And while WB did try to stifle it by giving it a lower budget and try to take over control (corporations are not your friend), they still put it out for the world to see. And what we have here is one of Denzel’s best performances in one of my, and many others, favorite movies of all time. The kind of film I wish existed more in this world. But I suppose that having fewer movies like this means it’s extra special.

#19 Batman Begins 1246 points, 25 lists "Does it come in black?" Box Office: 373.7M Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Metacritic: 70 Awards: 1 Academy Award nomination, 3 BAFTA Award nominations, 3 Saturn Awards and 6 nominations, 1 MTV Movie Award and 2 nominations Its Legacy: Saved the Batman movie franchise. The blueprint for every reboot ever made ever. Influenced the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Daniel Craig's James Bond, the Planet of the Apes reboot series, etc. The second-highest grossing Batman movie ever at the time. Kickstarted the iconic Dark Knight trilogy. Gave Katie Holmes a paycheck. Commentary: Before Heath Ledger, we had Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson. And boy oh boy, what a revelation this movie was. Dropping 8 years after the infamous misfire of Batman and Robin, this promised to be a total reinvention of everything we knew about Batman. It was grounded, it was realistic, it was serious. Yet it also promised high-octane action and, for the first time, a greater emphasis on Bruce Wayne as a character and figure. Christain Bale got to play the iconic Caped Crusader and really made it his own, seamlessly combining the suave billionaire playboy with the hardened, stone-cold hero we all know and love. We all make fun of his silly Batman voice, but he’s always been a main part of these movies’ appeal and Papa Nolan smartly made him the focus before the bad guys took over in the sequels. And speaking of, what a cliffhanger. That little tease, that the Joker was going to fuck shit up, got everybody buzzing. Whether it be the lucky ducks who saw it on the big screen or the millions more who watched it on DVD. That alone probably helped The Dark Knight be the phenomenon that it was...alongside Batman Begins being a very good movie I suppose. But is this highest Batman movie on the coun--okay, no it isn’t. But how close are to Dark Knight? Who knowssssssssssssssss??????????????????????