BLOG TASK #009 - THE TOP 10 HOLLYWOOD FILMS

BLOG TASK #009 - THE TOP 10 HOLLYWOOD FILMS.

Hundreds of Hollywood movies have been released over the last decade. Discuss with your group and identify 10 films that you think deserve to be the Top 10 produced by Hollywood in the last decade.

"Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teaches

my hands to the war and my fingers to fight."

-Private Jackson

To start of our top 10 Hollywood Films, that was a quote from another one of our favourite films named 'Saving Private Ryan' which sadly could not be part of our list due to it being too old.

Nonetheless, here's our top 10 list of Hollywood Films in no particular order!

#010.

Film name:

Transformers: Dark of The Moon

Year Released:

29th June, 2011

Director:

Michael Bay

Main Cast:

Shia LaBeouf as "Sam Witwicky"

Rosie Huntington Whiteley as "Carly"

Josh Duhamel as "Lennox"

John Turturro as "Simmons"

Tyrese Gibson as "Epps"

Studio:

Universal Studios

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 1,123.7 million.

Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):

The Autobots; Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide and the rest were led by Optimus Prime, and yet again are back in action as always to defeat the scourge Decepticons which seek for revenge on their previous defeat. This time, both the Autobots and Decepticons are involved with the US and Russia into reaching the fallen Cybertronian spacecraft which is on the moon to retrieve its hidden secrets. A new villain Shockwave has tapped into the human satellite to steal data and share with the Decepticons Witwicky has once again came to aid his Autobots team to stop the Decepticons from getting that info.

Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):

The reason why I choose this is because it is Transformers! An action packed movie with gigantic robots fighting for justice. I could imagine that if it were to happen, fighting side by side with the Autobots against the Decepticons would be awesome. Although there will be war going on around but at least it will happen in a few decades time because the Decepticons always take their time to avenge their defeat. Another cool part is we are being protected by these robots from any terrorism which I personally feel is much safer when you wonder around.

Best scene:

One of the best scene of this movie is when Sentinel Prime turned his back against all the Autobots including Optimus Prime to use his creation of a seed like object to open up a portal and rebuild Cybertron on earth alongside with Megatron. After everything is in its place, Sentinel dispose of Megatron and fought with Optimus which he almost lost the fight. What Sentinel did not know is Carly bumped into Megatron and persuaded and reminded him that he is the leader of the Decepticons. So, Megatron turned up in time to wipe out Sentinel Prime and this gave time for Optimus to recover. Lastly as Optimus recovered, he successfully defeated both Sentinel Prime and Megatron. The Decepticons retreat like they always do and never to be seen again as their leader has finally fallen.

#009.

Film Name:

The Devil Wears Prada

Year Released:

2006

Director:

David Frankel

Main Cast:

Meryl Streep,

Anne Hathaway,

Emily Blunt,

Stanley Stucci,

Simon Baker,

Adrian Grenier

Studio:

Fox 2000

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$326.5 Million

Brief Synopsis:

In the crazy, mad world of New York fashion, it is been emphasized that size zero is the new 2, size six is the new 8 where bad hair and a bad wardrobe can end a career in a blink of an eye. Runaway Magazine is the ‘Holy’ place for this standard. Overseen by a finely fashionable, cold woman, Miranda Priestly - the most powerful woman in fashion - Runway is a ‘Millions of girls would kill for this job’ fashion industry. In order to make Runway the fashion bible of the whole of New York City and beyond, Miranda will keep moving forward, especially when there are so many assistants who are not up to par. Whoever takes this job will lose their self respect yet it will be a privilege to be the ‘chosen one’ out of millions of girls out there.

Why this movie rocks:

This movie rocks because of the way they portray the fashion industry in a realistic way. Many people think that fashion is all fun and it is enjoyable where you get to be in the limelight, dress up fashionably and meet famous, powerful people. It shows the struggles of being in the working world and you must be more than hard working to be able to be on the top of the career ladder. Charla Krupp, one of the executive editor for SHOP Inc also mentioned that this film is the first one who got it right - the realness of this industry. It has nuances of the politics and the tension - the backstabbing and sucking up attitude. Joanna Coles, editor of ‘Marie Claire’ also agreed. The actors and actresses in this film also deserves more than praise. The way they portray their characters are excellent. Miranda managed to show an unsympathetic and minimalist performance.

Best Scene:

Andy Sachs realizes that in order to stand in the Fashion industry she is required to change and embrace the DNA of being part of the fashion bible. Andy also became the best personal assistant for Miranda Priestly. This scene is the climax of the whole film. From this ‘midpoint’ of the film it is where it all begins as the unfolding of the film is being revealed.

#008.

Film name:

Snowpiercer

Year Released:

2013

Director:

Joon Ho Bong

Main Cast:

Chris Evans,

Song Kangho,

Tilda Swinton

Studio:

Barrandov Studios

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 86.7 mil.

Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):

After a failed climate-change experiment kills al life on planet except for the few ones who boarded Snowpiercer, the train that travels infinitely around the globe. In the train, a class system emerges. For boarders who are at the front section of the train, they live lavishly with drugs and good food; for those in the lower class tail section, life is short and cruel. But Curtis (Chris Evans) plans an uprising that soon started a mass revolution against the elite boarders of the front section of the train.

Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):

Snowpiercer not only has a brilliant setting with all of humanity contained in one train, but it also touches on global warming; the possibilities that could happen if we ever corrected the problem (and also has a possibility of making things worse). The movie also delve into class system that showed how the poor are oppressed and used for the betterments of everyone's lives. Snowpiercer was filmed with such realism even though it was a sci -fi movie.

Best scene:

One of the best scenes in Snowpiercer would be the ending. Curtis had sacrificed himself in order to save the last hope of humanity. It was heart tugging and full of emotions. The last scene was captured so aesthetically and the sound effects were absolutely on point.

#007.

Film name:

Inside Out

Year Released:

18th May 2015, at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Director:

Pete Docter & Ronnie Del Carmen

Main Cast:

Amy Poehler as “Joy”

Phyllis Smith as “Sadness”

Richard Kind as “Bing Bong”

Bill Hader as “Fear”

Lewis Black as “Anger”

Mindy Kaling as “Disgust”

Kaitlyn Dias as “Riley”

Studio:

Pixar Animation Studios

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 552,744,913 (28th July 2015)

Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):

Inside Out tells the story of a young girl named Riley Andersen and her five personified emotions that try their very best to lead and guide Riley through a rough time, leaving her old life and moving to a whole new city with her parents. These manifested emotions live in a control center inside Riley’s mind, where they guide her through her life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to cope with the new life in the city, turmoil ensues. Although Joy, Riley’s most highlighted emotion tries to remain optimistic, things eventually start to crumble as the emotions start having conflicts as to how Riley should adapt to her new life.

Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):

Disney has done it again. The entire plot and concept behind the whole movie was just so inspiring and insightful, instilling into a viewer’s mind prompting them if they have ever wondered what actually goes inside their brains, and how our thought processes could actually be controlled by tiny little beings deep in our brains. The entire movie was also very relatable to us, as teenagers who also have faced many hardships growing up through this phase in our lives and how the different moral values that was manifested with the film could actually shock us to the core.

Best scene:

The best scene in this movie would probably be the emotional ending when Riley just breaks down, and cries out while she confesses everything before her parents as we cry with her.

#006.

Film name:

Ratatouille

Year Released:

22nd June, 2007

Directors:

Brad Bird & Jan Pinkava

Main Cast:

Patton Oswalt as “Remy”

Ian Holm as “Skinner”

Lou Romano as “Linguini”

Janeane Garofalo as “Colette”

Peter O’Toole as “Anton Ego”

Brad Garrett as “Gusteau”.

Studio:

Pixar Animation Studios

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 623,722,818 (13th December 2007)

Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):

A rat named Remy aspires to become a French chef despite his family's wishes and the obvious issue of him being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. But fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, and he finds himself situated beneath a fine dining restaurant made famous by his culinary idol, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely - and certainly unwanted - visitor in the kitchen of a French restaurant, Remy's passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):

First of all, let’s just embrace the fact that almost everyone loves food, and that his movie is all about it. Now that we’ve got that out of our minds, a few reasons why we think this movie rocks is basically because of the whole concept and plot of how the movie plays out. A rat, out of all things; an animal that most regard as filthy and plague carriers, aspiring to be different, to pursue his dreams of becoming a culinary artist in Paris and how everything falls into place for him and his human friend though it took some time and some struggles to settle down. Simply mind-blowing.

Best scene:

The best scene from this movie would definitely be the part when the highly acclaimed food critic, Anton Ego, takes his first bite into the delicate and well prepared ‘peasant’ dish named Ratatouille and how that one bite took him down memory lane, which brought in a rush of nostalgia and emotions that could not be contained in words.

#005.

Film name:

It’s Kind Of A Funny Story

Year Released:

2010

Director:

Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck

Main Cast:

Keir Gilchrist,

Zack Galifianakis,

Emma Roberts

Studio:

Misher Films

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 6,491,240.

Brief Synopsis:

Craig wanted to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge as he was stressed and pressured of the things going on in his life. He then thought about it and checks himself into a mental hospital instead, but the youth wing was closed so he has to be placed in the adult psychiatric ward. Throughout his stay, Craig bonded with the other patients like Bobby, who is suicidal and Noelle, a teenager like him that self-harms. Craig explores and discovers more about himself through singing, painting and being around other people who are mentally ill.

Why this movie rocks:

It depicts a mental health institution in a good way and shows that everyone has their problems. It tells us not to be afraid of voicing out our problems and that there is always a solution to them. It shows that sometimes people feel worthless and depressed but they is always hope for them as long as they try. It also shows that out of all the bad things that happen, something good might happen as well. In the end, it is all about finding yourself again and accepting the entirety of it. All the good and bad is you.

Best Scene:

My favourite scene would be when Craig lends his father’s work shirt to Bobby for his interview. He helped reassure him that it would be fine and that he could go through with the interview. He cares about Bobby and helps him even when he is unsure about his life and problems.

#004.

Film name:

End Of Watch

Year Released:

8th September 2012, at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.

Director:

David Ayer

Main Cast:

Jake Gyllenhaal as “Brian Taylor”

Michael Peña as “Mike Zavala”

Natalie Martinez as “Gabby”

Anna Kendrick as “Janet”

David Harbour as “Van Hauser”

Frank Grillo as “Sarge”

America Ferrera as “Orozco”

Studio:

Studio Canal & Exclusive Media

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 48,126,384 (17th January 2013)

Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):

Based in South Central Los Angeles, street cops Brian and Mike are partners - balls-out cops patrolling the streets as Latino gangs are in a power struggle with African Americans. The partners hit jackpot a couple of times, making big drug and human-trafficking busts, hence, a Mexican cartel orders their deaths. We meet Mike's pregnant wife and watch Brian's search for a soul mate. There are internal squabbles within the ranks of the LAPD and lots of squad-car conversation. Can the lads escape the cartel's murderous reach?

Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):

This action packed movie brings us the core of what it’s like having to keep an eye out on a vicious and powerful cartel line and puts us into the shoes of two cops who are also best friends, and we love it. The action packed scenes intertwined with intensity, put together with the vivid and realistic storyline are what draws our interests toward this movie and the different moral values that come with it were really inspiring too, one of it being that best friends would give anything to see you succeed.

Best scene:

The best scene in this movie would probably be the heart-stopping scene where both Brian and Mike reach a dead point where there is nowhere else for them to run but to face death together as they are both mercilessly gunned downed by the cartels; and the transition to a plot twist at the ending where Brian miraculously survives but only because his best friend, Mike, had the compassion to not only stay with, but hug and shield his already injured and dying friend from the array of bullets being fired at them.

#003.

Film name:

The Conjuring

Year released:

2013

Director:

James Wan

Main cast:

Vera Farmiga,

Patrick Wilson,

Lili Taylor,

Ron Livingston

Studio:

New Line Cinema

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 259,855,274 (13th September, 2013)

Brief synopsis:

In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron move their family into a dilapidated Rhode Island farm house and soon strange things start happening around it with escalating nightmarish terror. In desperation, Carolyn contacts the noted paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, to examine the house. What the Warrens discover is a whole area steeped in a satanic haunting that is now targeting the Perron family wherever they go. To stop this evil, the Warrens will have to call upon all their skills and spiritual strength to defeat this spectral menace at its source that threatens to destroy everyone involved.

Why this movie rocks:

The Conjuring is the most terrifying film I've ever seen. On looks alone this movie should be a PG movie, which would normally be frowned upon by the horror junkies. If you're wondering how frightening it actually is I think the MPAA has spoken on its behalf. Most horror films these days climax somewhere in the middle; and in turn everything that follows doesn't really have the same affect. In The Conjuring there is comic relief brilliantly placed throughout to bring you down from your own climax so they get another chance to build your fear up and startle you again. Wan understands the psychology behind tension and builds suspense through mere scene construction.

Best scene:

During another night of investigation, nothing seems to happen until nightfall, when Cindy begins to sleepwalk again. While walking upstairs, thermal cameras observe a temperature drop around her as she enters into the wardrobe, whereupon the door slams shut behind her. The others force their way into the room and find a secret passage behind the wardrobe. After Cindy is taken out, Lorraine enters the wardrobe and falls through the floor boards down into the cellar. There, she sees the spirits of people whom Bathsheba has possessed, and realizes Bathsheba's purpose: to possess mothers and use them to kill their children.

#002.

Film name:

Up

Year Released:

2009

Director:

Pete Docter and Bob Peterson

Main Cast:

Edward Asner,

Christopher Plummer,

John Ratzenberger,

Delroy Lindo

Studio:

Pixar Animation Studios

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$ 731,342,744 (25th November, 2011)

Brief Synopsis:

A young boy named Carl Fredrickson meets a young adventure-spirited girl named Ellie. They both dream of going on an adventure somewhere in South America. Almost 70 years later, Ellie has passed on. Carl remembers the promise he made to Ellie. Later, when he inadvertently hits a construction worker, he is forced to stay at a retirement home. But before they took him, Carl and his house fly away in baloons. However, he has a stowaway aboard; an 8-year-old boy named Russell, who's trying to get an Assisting the Elderly badge. Together, they embark on an adventure, where they encounter talking dogs, an evil villain and a rare bird named Kevin.

Why this movie rocks:

This movie made it onto our list because of how amazing the storyline is. A man in his golden age, longing to fulfill him and his deceased wife's dream of going on an adventure. We loved the eye-tearing and inspiring story of the love shared between the two; a love so strong that even after the wife's death, an elderly man like Carl would not even think twice about leaving his comfortable life behind, going on an absurd adventure, not knowing where he would end up. This has truly showed us how far intergrity and love can take you in life.

Best scene:

The best scene in this movie has to be the part where Carl releases thousands of helium balloons that detached his house from its foundation. Everyone was surprised when they saw the old man's house being slowly lifted up into the air as the balloons carried him and his home far away.

#001.

Film name:

Fast and Furious 7

Year Released:

April 3rd, 2015

Director:

James Wan

Main Cast:

Vin Diesel as "Dominic Toretto"

Paul Walker as "Brian O’Conner"

Jason Statham as "Deckard Shaw"

Michelle Rodriguez as "Letty"

Jordana Brewster as "Mia"

Tyrese Gibson as "Roman"

Ludacris as "Tej"

Dwayne Johnson as "Hobbs"

Nathalie Emmanuel as "Ramsey"

Studio:

Universal Studios

Worldwide Box-Office Gross:

US$1,511.63 million. (9th July, 2015)

Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):

Dominic and his crew had just defeated an international terrorist named Owen Shaw and thought that was the end of their problems. What Dom and his crew did not know was that now, Owen Shaw’s elder brother; Deckard Shaw is on the hunt for Dominic and his crew to avenge his little brother. Another problem that they faced was they had to team up with a shadowy government called “Mr Nobody” and dealt with a Somalian terrorist named Jakarde who intended to use God’s Eye to take over world. The gangstruggles to juggle between saving the world, and also stopping Deckard.

Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):

The reason why we choose this movie to be in our top 10 was because the movie shows respect and bonding towards loved ones. No matter how bad the situation is, a family is still a family. Although Paul Walker had passed away in an accident, the movie was still magnificent. Fast & Furious 7 also had a special credit for the late Paul Walker at the end of the movie and it was really touching. The meaning of “One last ride” in this movie was to Paul as this was his last movie that he is going to be in, NOT the last movie.

Best scene:

One of the best scenes in this movie was when Toretto and Brian were in the Prince’s penthouse in Abu Dhabi, both of them had stolen the most expensive car from the Prince which was a Lykan Hypersport in order to get the God’s Eye program which was installed in the Prince’s car. They had no choice but to drive the car around the penthouse and they eventually ended up flying from building to building, and we loved and laughed the moment Brian said to Dom “Dom! Cars don’t fly! CARS DON’T FLY!” and they flew off. Another scene was when Deckard Shaw and Dominic Toretto had a final showdown on top of a carpark building. The two of them rushed towards each other with their respective cars, what Shaw did not know was that Dom’s Charger (which is the name of Dom's car) has the power to lift the head of the car up and bang into Shaw’s car. They both had to then crawl out of the wreckage and have an epic fist fight.

Unfortunately, this concludes our list of top 10 Hollywood Films!

We wish we could add more, since there are tons of other movies out there that we love but oh well. Hope you had a good read!

THE END.

Writer:

Everyone.

Editor:

Matthias.

Researchers:

Everyone.

SOURCES:

IMAGES

http://www.cutpricewallpaper.co.uk/product-category/samples-themed-wallpaper/ http://roadshow.com.au/movie/end-of-watch.aspx http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/ http://www.impawards.com/2010/its_kind_of_a_funny_story_xlg.html http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/07/how-an-old-jazz-song-pays-homage-to-stanley-kubricks-the-shining/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers:_Dark_of_the_Moon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fast-Furious-DVD-Vin-Diesel/dp/B00PXZRBAO http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_conjuring/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Wears_Prada_%28film%29 http://www.playbuzz.com/theeagleseye10/which-movie-had-the-saddest-scene