EW names the ‘new classics’
18 comments June 23rd, 2008
In the latest issue of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (the 1,000th), the magazine lists what it calls “the new classics” of movies, books, music, etc. This being a movie blog, we’ll focus on the cinematic list here. So, without further ado, the top 10 films of the last 25 years, according to EW. (The rest of the list, along with the other categories, can be found here.)
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)
3. Titanic (1997)
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
5. Toy Story (1995)
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
9. Die Hard (1988)
10. Moulin Rouge (2001)
I was surprised SCHINDLER’S LIST didn’t make the top spot (or even the top 20), but PULP FICTION is, frankly, a better pick. For one thing, I think it has held up better than Spielberg’s Oscar winner, which looks like a movie from an earlier era (and that’s one of its strengths). PULP FICTION heralded a new era in movies, when the independent studios (whatever that means) grew to have real influence and movies about pop culture-obsessed killers dominated the screen. I saw it way back in 1994 on opening night, and I last watched it a couple of years ago on DVD — and it still holds up. The next time you watch it, focus on Samuel Jackson. It’s really his story, and it’s a great one.
I’m not going to comment on the whole list — I do have a day job — but I will say that it’s nice to see BLUE VELVET so high on the list. It’s a pretty amazing movie, and one that looks better (and stranger) every year. If you only know Dennis Hopper from those baby boomer retirement commercials, you really need to see him as Frank Booth. Hooo boy!
Also: TITANIC? Really?
And, in case you were wondering, I would’ve put GOODFELLAS in the top spot. BOOGIE NIGHTS, THE MATRIX, JFK, RUSHMORE, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, TOY STORY 2, MEMENTO, FIGHT CLUB, THE INCREDIBLES, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND and BRAZIL also would’ve ranked high on my list.
And you?
