Happy Birthday, Johnny Depp!

Today, I am happy to celebrate the 49th birthday of Oscar-nominated actor Johnny Depp. A native of Kentucky, Depp has spent his career making a name as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. Originally, he aspired to be a rock musician, but after nabbing a leading role in the television show "21 Jump Street," he shifted his aspirations to the silver screen. Over the years, Depp has formed a very close relationship with director Tim Burton, and he has appeared in seven of Burton's films. It is this relationship for which he is most known, but Depp has managed to wow audiences and critics on a number of other occasions as well. His superstardom skyrocketed with his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He based the character off Keith Richards, a member of the Rolling Stones, and one could say that Depp finally got the opportunity to be a rock star, if only for a little while. Depp's performance as Jack Sparrow has opened a number of doors for his career, and he has only continued to grown in popularity ever since. Here's a look at some of the fun facts and accolades that Depp has earned throughout his career:

Acting

First Film: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Last Film: Dark Shadows (2012)

Next Film: The Lone Ranger (2013)

Academy Awards

Nominated: Best Actor, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Nominated: Best Actor, Finding Neverland (2004)

Nominated: Best Actor, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2009)

Over the years, I've managed to see twenty of Depp's films, and on average, his films have received a 'B+' grade. From these twenty, I have created the following list of my five favorite of his performances: 

5. John Dillinger

Public Enemies (2009)

*****

4. Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

*****

3. Sir James Matthew Barrie

Finding Neverland (2004)

*****

2. Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

*****

1. Captain Jack Sparrow

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Once again, I would like to wish Johnny Depp a happy 49th birthday!

Top 10 Films of 2003

The year is 2003, and a lot has happened in the movie world. To help take you back in time, here's a look back at some of the film-related events that took place:

Former action star Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the Governor of California.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King becomes the year's highest-grossing film, earning over $1.19 billion at the worldwide box office.

Both sequels to the 1999 film The Matrix (The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions) are released and finish the year as the third and eighth-highest grossing films of the year, respectively.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King sweeps its eleven nominations at the Academy Awards, including wins for Best Picture and Best Director (Peter Jackson).

The world loses the likes of Michael Jeter, Gregory Peck, Katharine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Charles Bronson, John Ritter, Elia Kazan and Art Carney.

I've been able to see 56 films released in 2003, and from those, I've compiled my own top ten list. As one can imagine, some great films had to be left off the final list. Here's a look at some of the movies (listed alphabetically) that just missed the cut:

21 Grams
Big Fish
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
The School of Rock

But enough about the runners-up; here's the list you've been waiting to see! Counting down from number ten to number one, I've listed each film and have given the principal cast list as well as if and how fared at the Academy Awards. Also, I've listed the film's rank on my "Best Films of All-Time" list, if applicable. So without any further delay, here's my top ten movies of 2003!

*****

10. Open Range
Rated: R
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Starring: Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, Michael Gambon, Diego Luna, Michael Jeter
***
It's not often in today's cinematic world that a fine western film is released, but Open Range managed to bring back the beauty of a solid western flick to the screen. Anchored by great performances from the likes of Duvall, Costner and Gambon, this film offers a clear sense of just and unjust as is the typical manner of a western film. And, at the end of the day, it brings one of the better shootouts I've happened to see in a movie.

*****

9. American Splendor
Rated: R
Directed by: Robert Pulcini, Shari Springer Berman
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis
Academy Awards: 1 nomination
***
American Splendor is an biographical film that tells the story of cartoonist Harvey Pekar, but this particular biopic goes about it in a rather original fashion. Rather than just tell the story in linear fashion, the audience is subjected to cuts to Pekar himself talking to Paul Giamatti, who plays the fictional Pekar, about his life. The chemistry between the two is fantastic, and we get a firsthand look at the real man as Giamatti does his best to portray him honestly and accurately.

*****

8. City of God (Cidade de Deus)
Rated: R
Directed by: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Alice Braga, Phellipe Haagensen
Academy Awards: 4 nominations
***
It's been a while since I've seen Cidade de Deus, but I can remember the raw power that the film presents and conveys throughout its run-time. The audience is thrust into the slums outside Rio de Janeiro, and we're immediately caught in the allegedly true events being portrayed on-screen. There's a very visceral and realistic element to this film that makes it so intriguing, but be prepared for the harsh realities of life just outside paradise.

*****

7. House of Sand and Fog
Rated: R
Directed by: Vadim Perelman
Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ron Eldard, Jonathan Ahdout, Frances Fisher
Academy Awards: 3 nominations
***
When I first watched House of Sand and Fog, all I could think was how Shakespearean it felt. Centered around great performances by Connelly, Kingsley and Aghdashloo, we as the audience are taken into the depths of depression and the desire to thrive in an ever-changing world. It's a deep and honest film, but be ready for the slew of emotions that it's going to dish out.

*****

6. Lost in Translation
Rated: R
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi
Academy Awards: 4 nominations, 1 win
***
Lost in Translation is the film that made Sofia Coppola the darling at many of the year's award ceremonies, and there's quite a good reason she earned such accolades. The interplay and sporadic romance between the Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson characters is awkward but beautiful, and I'd say the film works more as a character study than as a story-oriented flick. And it's always fun to guess what Murray might have whispered in that final scene.

*****

5. Finding Nemo
Rated: G
Directed by: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Geoffrey Rush, Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson
Academy Awards: 4 nominations, 1 win
All-Time Ranking: 101
***
Stunningly beautiful animation aside, Finding Nemo marked the first Pixar film since 1995's Toy Story that I absolutely loved. With a story that tells of a father on a seemingly worldwide quest to find his lost son, you can be sure there's going to be a lot of emotions involved. And let's not forget the slew of laughs that Pixar has always been able to produced in their animated fare. Just a fantastic film all the way around.

*****

4. Whale Rider
Rated: PG-13
Directed by: Niki Caro
Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Cliff Curtis
Academy Awards: 1 nomination
All-Time Ranking: 91
***
I saw Whale Rider during its initial limited release almost by accident. I had gone to the theaters to see something else, but after learning it was sold out, I figured I'd give this one a shot. Boy, did I make the right decision. A quiet story about a girl trying to come into her own as her people's future leader, Whale Rider offers an emotional but inspiring tale that's sure to captivate your interest and may just draw a tear or two from the toughest of us.

*****

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Rated: PG-13
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Jack Davenport, Jonathan Pryce
Academy Awards: 5 nominations
All-Time Ranking: 58
***
I'll probably raise a few eyebrows with how highly I've ranked this film, but let me try to explain. First, we're being given a rather well-crafted storyline that offers twists and turns around every corner, essentially keeping you guessing until the final credits. Second, the cast is near pitch-perfect (with the exception of Bloom, who does his best to keep up). Depp and Rush are utterly brilliant in their roles, and I've heralded Jack Davenport for his turn as Norrington. Finally, the film's orchestral score perfectly sets the tone of the film, bringing everything together. It's just a well-made adventure film, and it should be applauded.

*****

2. Mystic River
Rated: R
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Emmy Rossum
Academy Awards: 6 nominations, 2 wins
All-Time Ranking: 53
***
I remember seeing Mystic River in theaters and thinking it was one of the greatest films I had ever seen. I recall cheering for it at the Academy Awards, applauding when Penn and Robbins took home statuettes before grinding my teeth when it lost out on the Best Picture to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Emotions run rampant in this film, and it offers a story that will keep you engaged until the utterly depressing finale.

*****

1. Manic
Rated: R
Directed by: Jordan Melamed
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Don Cheadle, Sara Rivas
All-Time Ranking: 2
***
While it's not a film that most people are going to have seen - or ever heard of, for that matter - but there's a fantastic dramatic story to be told here. I do have to say that I can probably relate to this film a little more than I would like to admit, but that doesn't take away from the film's overall power. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel deliver powerhouse performances, and Don Cheadle is fantastic as usual. Manic is going to stop and make you think, and that's part of the reason I find it to be so good.

Movie Review: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

2011
PG-13

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a 2011 action film directed by Rob Marshall that serves as the fourth installment in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The film opens with our favorite hero, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) traversing the streets of London in the hopes of finding a ship that will take him to the fabled Fountain of Youth. After meeting - and fighting - a former lover named Angelica (Penélope Cruz), Sparrow finds himself a deckhand on the Queen Anne's Revenge, ship of the feared Blackbeard (Ian McShane). Angelica, who happens to be Blackbeard's daughter, has learned of a prophesy saying that her father will be killed by a one-legged man unless they can reach the Fountain of Youth and guarantee his immortality. So, with the help of "Captain" Jack, the Revenge travels across the Atlantic Ocean, sailing through mermaid-infested waters to the island where the Fountain of Youth is said to be. To make matters worse, the crew has to keep a weather eye out for their competitors: a mysterious band of Spaniards and a crew of British privateers led by none other than the all-too-familiar Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), all who also seek the Fountain's amazing power.

When I first heard about the idea for On Stranger Tides, I was immediately filled with a sense of glee and fanboy-ish excitement. As you may or may not have noticed from my posts in the past few days, I'm quite a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, so taking another venture with good ol' Captain Jack seemed like a fantastic idea. However, as some of the details of the film started to be released, I started to question whether the franchise was going in the right direction. (I think a lot of the questions I had were raised in my trailer breakdown for On Stranger Tides). It seemed like there were just too many changes: the characters of Will and Elizabeth wouldn't be returning; Rob Marshall had replaced Gore Verbinski in the director's chair... I'm sure I could list any number of deviations from the original trilogy. So I feel like my concerns were somewhat justified. One piece of information that kept my hopes up for On Stranger Tides was the fact that the screenplay was going to be loosely based on Tim Powers' novel of the same name. The fact that they actually had award-winning source material for the storyline gave me a little bit of hope that we might have a legitimate screenplay this time around. But that's neither here nor there, I suppose. But I digress... Let's get into my review of the film.

I don't think I need to say much about the acting that I haven't already said before. Depp and Rush are their fantastic selves once again, and Kevin McNally does well reprising his role. Aside from those three, however, we have an entirely new cast, and I think that was the most off-putting part of the film. Because we the audience had spent three films with the same characters, something felt a little amiss without Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley running around and falling in love. I even missed our little bits of comic relief from some of the minor characters. That being said, I didn't think that our newer characters were all that terrible. Academy Award-winner Cruz does well with her role, but I don't think she was given a lot to work with (more on that in a moment). McShane is also a force on the screen, and although I think they could've gone a little deeper with his character, he was definitely serviceable. Also be on the lookout for cameo appearances from Keith Richards and Dame Judi Dench.

The storyline is also serviceable, but it's lacking a little bit of the bite that the previous films have seen. But I have a bit of a theory on this. Let's think back to 2003 when The Curse of the Black Pearl hit theaters. No one really knew what the film was going to be like - I mean, it was a movie adapted from a theme park ride, so it probably could've gone either way. As we all know, it turned out to be a smash hit, but critically, financially and personally for me (the original film ranks as the fifty-fifth greatest film I've ever seen). Because no one knew it would have such success, however, the film was crafted so that it could stand alone as its own story. After its massive popularity, two sequels were shot simultaneously, and they were both completely connected, creating two films that cannot stand alone - they need each other to make sense. The reason for this complementary nature is the amount of exposition we're given - information given in Dead Man's Chest is essential to understand At World's End completely. The first film didn't delve into the exposition because we didn't know whether it would click with audiences in the first place.

Fast forward to 2011, and we have the fourth installment in a highly successful franchise. All reports currently say that two more Pirates films will be on the way, crafting a second trilogy for the series. Because these films are almost certain to rake in huge numbers at the box office, I think it's safe to say that Pirates 5 and Pirates 6 loom on the horizon. Because of this, I think the filmmakers chose to give On Stranger Tides - the first film in their NEW trilogy - a different feel. With the certainty of successive films, they could delve into exposition with this particular installment. The whole feel of On Stranger Tides gives the sense that there's much, much more to come.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is just the start of another continued adventure into the Jack Sparrow saga, and it should be viewed as such. Some people may be put-off by the slightly slower pace, but this second trilogy is already looking to have a vastly different face than its predecessor. I for one am excited by the prospect, and I shall eagerly await the next installments. Maybe it's just me being a fanboy, but I'm expecting some great things from the next couple of Pirates adventures.

(Oh, and as is the usual with the Pirates films, don't forget to stay through the end credits for one final scene.)

Movie Review Summary:

Grade: B
1.5 Thumbs Up

Addition to Rankings
Best Sequel - #32

DVD Challenge #8: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
2007
PG-13
Run-time: 2 hours, 49 minutes

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Yun-Fat Chow, Tom Hollander, & Bill Nighy


The third and then-final chapter in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may have garnered the worst critical reviews of the original trilogy, and it may have been the least-understood and least-loved installment of the films to that point, but I for one have always rather enjoyed it. Sure, I'm a bit of a Pirates fanboy, and I have no qualms with admitting myself to be as such. I can see where some may have been put off by At World's End - it's twenty minutes longer than Dead Man's Chest, making it the longest film in the series, On Stranger Tides included. At nearly three hours long, it definitely feels it at certain moments. But I still find it to be a romping ride into pirate mythology and lore.

As I mentioned in my write-up of Dead Man's Chest, the second and third films in the Pirates franchise held relatively true to the basics of pirate mythology. I didn't learn any of this until after seeing the third film in theaters. At the time, I was as confused as everyone else with all of the goofiness of Davy Jones' Locker in the film and its continuation in the film's reality. In addition, the concept of the goddess Calypso got a lot of people scratching their heads as well. As far-fetched as it sounds, it all holds true to the mythological basis of many a supernatural pirate story. And as we saw in The Curse of the Black Pearl, the filmmakers had no problem delving into the supernatural.

And so, if you can suspend your disbelief for the epically long adventure, you're in for quite a treat. Yes, there's a bit of pirate politics involved, and at points, the film moves a little bit slower than the previous films in the franchise. However, it all serves as quite a bit of exposition which may have been better served to be spread out throughout the franchise. We get it all here, as it were, and for those of you who are able, there's a lot to be had. I know that the screenplay offers quite a bit to digest, and I think the sheer magnitude of information we're given pushed a lot of viewers away when the film hit theaters back in 2007. There's so many intertwined storylines that it's a little bit difficult to follow at times, but multiple viewings definitely allow a better understanding.

As usual, we get a slew of legitimate performances. Johnny Depp is Jack Sparrow once again, delving into a bit of a weirder portrayal of him as he battles the doldrums of Davy Jones' Locker. The return of Geoffrey Rush to a starring role is also a welcome sight as his absence in the second film definitely caused me to miss him. We even get a cameo from famed Rolling Stones rocker Keith Richards, whose screen presence is so dominant that it's hard to take your eyes off him.

So although there's many an individual who wasn't fond of this ending to the trilogy, I for one love it equally and find it a legitimate finalé. Had the series ended on that note, I would have embraced the trilogy as it held. Fortunately for everyone, On Stranger Tides hits U.S. theaters tonight at midnight, so we shall see where the winds will take us. I couldn't be more excited.

Previous DVD Challenge: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (2007)

DVD Challenge #7: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest
2006
PG-13
Run-time: 2 hours, 31 minutes

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander & Jack Davenport


As we in the United States get closer to the opening day of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, I've decided to watch the original trilogy in preparation. Some of you may have seen my "DVD Challenge" for the first film, but now we're getting into the central film in the original three. I know there's many an individual who isn't terribly fond of the second and third films in the Pirates franchise, but I myself am a bit of a fanatic when it comes to the Jack Sparrow saga.

I think a lot of people got a little too mired in the eccentricity of the storylines in the second and third films. Whereas it took very little imagination to suspend our disbelief for the original flick, adding the concept of Davy Jones and his "pet beastie" the Kraken asked for a little bit more of belief suspension. Originally, I was also a little put-off by the creatures on the Flying Dutchman, but after taking to some reading, I found that the latter Pirates films actually held true to basic pirate mythology. But more of that conversation will come after I re-watch At World's End.

Basically, we get another fantastic performance from Depp, although it's not quite as close to the Oscar-nominated portrayal he gives in the first film. Bill Nighy also does quite well with our villain this time around, bringing a real believability to the computer-generated Davy Jones. And as I stated in my post about my favorite Pirates characters, Jack Davenport brings another facet to his character Norrington.

Overall, we get a movie that's a little bit goofier than the original but still entertaining and engaging enough to be considered a success in my eyes. It doesn't come close to reaching or matching the original film, but it serves well as its immediate successor. It's terribly difficult to create a sequel that outdoes the original, so anyone hoping for something grander than The Curse of the Black Pearl set their standards a little too high. Dead Man's Chest is a fun and energetic film that sets up the final piece of the trilogy well. And the ending of this film still gives me chills every time I see it.

Previous DVD Challenge: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (2003)

DVD Challenge #6: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
2003
PG-13
Run-time: 2 hours, 23 minutes

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom & Jack Davenport



When I first heard about the decision to make a film based off the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland, I had just as many reservations as so many others had as well. Adapting a story is one thing, but adapting a ride into a movie is something entirely different. And, like everyone else, I was utterly blown away by just how good the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, The Curse of the Black Pearl, turned out to be.

One of the best decisions they made was to take the step into the PG-13 realm, making Pirates the first PG-13 film ever to be released by Disney. In doing so, the filmmakers gave themselves the opportunity to craft a true swashbuckling tale that wasn't held back to the necessity to remain entirely family friendly. And while it's nowhere near the edgiest PG-13 movie I've ever seen, it's definitely a step further than anything Disney had ever done prior.

Obviously, the first thing that anyone remembers about this film is the brilliant, Oscar-nominated performance of Johnny Depp as our lead Captain Jack Sparrow. And though he's definitely the scene-stealer of the bunch, he's not the only actor giving a fantastic performance. While Captain Jack is off doing his stylish version of piracy, we get a pitch-perfect portrayal of the stereotypical pirate from Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush. And how can I forget how good Jack Davenport is as the "villain" from the Royal Navy? For a full breakdown of my opinions on the characters, check out my post about my favorite characters from the entire franchise.

We also get a rather strong screenplay, much stronger than one would imagine could come from a film like this. It offers quite a few twists and turns, and it brings the story full circle (for which I'm a total sucker). We also receive a rousing musical score from the mind of Klaus Badelt. It's so good, in fact, that it made it onto my list of favorite film scores from all of cinematic history.

Overall, the first installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is a definite must-see. It's one of my favorite films of all time and ranks at #55 on my list of greatest films ever made. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for the fourth installment (On Stranger Tides), due in theaters on May 20. I'm going to watch the other two Pirates films before the new one hits theaters, so be on the lookout for those issues of my DVD Challenge.

Previous DVD Challenge: THE HAPPENING (2008)

Favorites: VILLAINS

So yes, I'm bringing you my favorite movie villains. In all honesty, this post should have come a while ago, but I've finally taken the time to put it all on paper, so to speak. As per usual, I only went with films that I've actually seen. I also only included characters who were established as the villain and the person to root against. Ergo, there won't be any "anti-heros" (i.e., Christian Bale in 2000's American Psycho or Daniel Day-Lewis in 2007's There Will Be Blood) on this list. Just straight villains. The bad guys. I'm sure there are some you won't agree with, but it's just my opinion. There may be spoilers on this list, so if you're not into those, then perhaps you shouldn't keep reading. However, if you do read the list, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did in making it!

25. The JokerBatman (1989)

Played by: Jack Nicholson
I know that a lot of people reading this blog will automatically assume that any reference to the Joker will be to Heath Ledger's take as the character; however, we cannot forget the manic brilliance that Jack Nicholson brought to the screen back in 1989 when he was doing battle against Michael Keaton's Batman. It's a little bit comical, but what's not to like about a little bit of laughter?
Memorable Quote: "Haven't you ever heard of the healing power of laughter?"

----------

24. Harlen Maguire
Road to Perdition (2002)

Played by: Jude Law
I only recently saw Road to Perdition, and although there's a couple of different villains, Jude Law's psychopathic hitman definitely stole the show. There was something so innately creepy about Harlen Maguire that it caused me to be deeply disturbed. I guess that happens when you've got a deeply disturbing character.
Memorable Quote: "I shoot the dead. Dead bodies, that is. I don't kill them."

----------

23. Jigsaw
Saw (2004)

Played by: Tobin Bell
I know that the Jigsaw character gets a little bit more face-time in the six subsequent sequels, but it all starts with the original 2004 film. Technically, he's on-screen for most of the film; the audience just doesn't really know it. It takes the sequels to understand fully his devilish schemes, but every journey has to have a beginning.
Memorable Quote: "Game over."

----------

22. Anton Chigurgh
No Country for Old Men (2007)

Played by: Javier Bardem
Aside from being constantly mocked for his dashingly terrible haircut, Chigurgh proved to be one of the creepiest characters to ever grace the silver screen. The subtle and emotionless performance nabbed an Oscar statuette for Javier Bardem, just going to prove the brilliance he brought to the role. I certainly wouldn't want to meet Chigurgh and his cattle gun walking down the street.
Memorable Quote: "What's the most you ever lost on a coin toss?"

----------

21. Pennywise
It (1990)

Played by: Tim Curry
There's only two reasons to watch It: first, for the terrible acting of the terrible acting of the main ensemble, and second, for the brilliance that is Tim Curry. Although the intention was never to have the audience laughing at the rest of the cast and the so-so screenplay, Pennywise the clown is supposed to be laughed at. That's why he's a clown, right? Curry is downright brilliant in the role, being both hilarious and creepy all at once.
Memorable Quote: "Want a balloon?"

----------

20. Azrael
Dogma (1999)

Played by: Jason Lee
In a film stuffed with an impressive comedic cast, it would have to take quite a bit for anyone in particular to stand out among the rest. Thankfully, Jason Lee does just that as one of our central villains in the film. He's world-savvy (despite not being of this world...) and knows how to work the system. His plan for the extermination of existence is brutally cruel and fueled by his own pain, but Azrael never lets that get into the way of being bitingly sarcastic and brutally hilarious.
Memorable Quote: "I'm a fuckin' demon."

----------

19. Hayley Stark
Hard Candy (2005)

Played by: Ellen Page
Of all the films featured on this list, Hard Candy is most likely the one of which you've never heard. It's a small-time flick with all of five actors, and only two are featured for more than a minute or so. One of them is a pre-Juno Ellen Page who proves to be absolutely, bat-s*** crazy, but it's a wonder to watch. You'll probably never see her in a role like this again, so I suggest you give this one a watch if you have the time. Just be forewarned: it's not the easiest watch.
Memorable Quote: "Well, four out of five doctors agree that I am actually insane."

----------

18. Bill 'The Butcher' Cutting
Gangs of New York (2002)

Played by: Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is just an amazing actor. He's very selective with his roles, but when he does find one he likes, he knocks it outta the park. He nabbed a nomination for Best Actor for this particular role, and there's no doubt in my mind why he did as such. He's the epitome of a villain as Bill the Butcher, playing antagonist to Leonardo DiCaprio's character. I don't really know what else to say. He's just amazing.
Memorable Quote: "I took the father, now I'll take the son."

----------

17. Oogie Boogie
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Voiced by: Ken Page
As the only animated character to make this list, Oogie Boogie has some rather large shoes to fill. I mean, there's been some maniacal animated villains in the past, but something about this charismatic, chronic gambler made me love him instantly. Nevermind that he sounds a a little bit like a racial stereotype or that he's ultimately just a bunch of bugs covered by something like a burlap sack, but his one-liners and his energy are too much to deny.
Memorable Quote: "Are you a gambling man, Santa?"

----------

16. Frank Costello
The Departed (2006)

Played by: Jack Nicolson
This marks Nicholson's second appearance on this list, making him the only actor to crash it more than once. I'd have to say that's quite impressive. What makes Frank Costello so entertaining is the fact that, while he is ultimately a very bad man, he's so charismatic and funny that you almost want to be his friend. But then you realize how crazy he can get when things don't go his way, and you start to wonder whether your original thoughts on him were right. He keeps you guessing, is basically what I'm saying. And I loved that about him.
Memorable Quote: "When I was your age, they would say we can become cops or criminals. Today, what I'm saying to you is this: when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?"

----------

15. Vincent
Collateral (2004)

Played by: Tom Cruise
You can say what you want about Tom Cruise and his overall philosophy on life, and you demean even talk about his acting ability, but I will always point you to a couple of films that prove he's a brilliant actor. This is one of them. I'd never seen Cruise in a role so vile before, and I was totally blown away by his performance. It's stuck with me since I saw the film in 2004, and I'm sure it'll stick with me for a long, long time. Kudos, Mr. Cruise. You may be crazy, but you sure can act.
Memorable Quote: "I shot him. Bullets and the fall killed him."

----------

14. John Doe
Se7en (1995)

Played by: Unknown
Part of the magic of John Doe's brilliance in Se7en was that absolutely no one knew who he was until he showed up on-screen. Therefore, I won't be putting the actor's name on this blog, just to continue with that train of thought. The actor had it written into his contract that no mention of his name was to be used in the lead-up to the film, including in the opening credits. And I can see why. The man delivers a tour-de-force performance that should easily go down as one of the greatest of all time. When you're dealing with a killer that murders based on the seven deadly sins, you know you're in for quite a ride, and Se7en does not disappoint.
Memorable Quote: "It's more comfortable for you to label me as insane."

----------

13. Judge Doom
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Played by: Christopher Lloyd
One of my favorite childhood films - and still one of my favorite adulthood films - used to give me nightmares because of our central villain, Judge Doom. He's quite creepy through most of the film, but the level of creepiness skyrockets in the film's climactic moments. Christopher Lloyd is simply great in those final moments, delivering a series of scenes that have stuck with me for most of my life.
Memorable Quote: "I'll catch the rabbit, Mr. Valiant. And I'll try him, convict him and execute him."

----------

12. Freddy Krueger
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Played by: Robert Englund
I'm going to be honest and tell you I've only seen the original Nightmare on Elm Street film and the 2010 remake, but I've never seen any of the sequels to that original flick. Still, Krueger stamped his place onto this list with a goofy but brutal showing as our deranged killer. While I thought Jackie Earle Haley was decent as our remake's Krueger, Robert Englund created the role and made him into the lasting icon he has become over the years.
Memorable Quote: "I'm your boyfriend now, Nancy."

----------

11. T-1000
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Played by: Robert Patrick
I struggled with whether I wanted to put Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800 from the original Terminator film rather than his T-1000 counterpart from the sequel, but then I realized that the T-1000 is just a little bit cooler. Whereas the T-800 is a creation of brute force, the T-1000 is more sleek and innovative, giving it an edge that should have driven it to victory. Robert Patrick burst onto the scene as this villain, and he's been playing off that success ever since. And for good reason. He brings a stoic presence to the character that makes him all the more alarming.
Memorable Quote: "Get out."

----------

10. Frank
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

Played by: Henry Fonda
Part of the reason Frank is such an iconic character is because he was played by Henry Fonda, who had previously portrayed such good-guy types as Tom Joad (in 1940's The Grapes of Wrath) and Abraham Lincoln (in 1939's Young Mr. Lincoln). So seeing him come on-screen in the film's early going and stamp himself as the villain must have been brutally shocking for audiences back in the late-1960s. He still brings that subtle characterization to the screen, but when employed as a villain, Fonda is so entirely effective that it's downright scary.
Memorable Quote: "People scare better when they're dying."

----------

9. Dr. Evil
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Played by: Mike Myers
I know some of you are thinking, "How did Dr. Evil possibly make it this high onto the list? Every other character has been truly maniacal and bad!" And while I tend to agree, the basic tenet of being a villain is to be evil, and when the word "evil" is in your name, you've gotta have something going for you. Sure, he's a bumbling fool who's plans never truly pan out, but he tries as best he can. And he survived three films without being killed by his nemesis, Austin Powers. You've definitely gotta give him credit for that. Oh, and how many people were putting their pinkies to the corner of their lips after this movie came out? Enough said.
Memorable Quote: "Why must I be surrounded by frickin' idiots?"

----------

8. Michael Myers
Halloween (1978)

Played by: Tony Moran
So we move from a Mike Myers character to a character named Michael Myers (I know, poetic, right?). Halloween is still the movie that scares me more than any other, solely because of the trudging behemoth carrying a massive knife. His silence only adds to his aura, and that William Shatner mask doesn't really help the situation at all. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in the middle of the night and looked out my window expecting him to be standing right outside. Sure, subsequent films in the franchise proved to be downright terrible, but that doesn't take away the fact that Michael Myers is one scary son-of-a-gun.
Memorable Quote: N/A

----------

7. Tyler Durden
Fight Club (1999)

Played by: Brad Pitt
Holy manifested subconscious, Batman! Who didn't absolutely love Tyler Durden when he began gracing screens just before Y2K? The guys loved him for his anarchy and his "fuck the world" attitude, and the girls loved him for his abs (who are the shallow ones now, ladies?). Because I'm a guy, I fell for the mayhem he spewed on a constant basis, ultimately changing Edward Norton's character entirely from the beginning to the end. Brad Pitt gives arguably his best career performance as Durden, a character that will always live on in the collective consciousness of anyone who has seen Fight Club.
Memorable Quote: "Fuck damnation, man! Fuck redemption! We are God's unwanted children? So be it!"

----------

6. Darth Vader
Star Wars (1977)

Played by: David Prowse; Voiced by: James Earl Jones
My dad once told me that when he saw Star Wars in theaters back in 1977, the entire audience booed Darth Vader the moment he stepped on-screen. Nothing had yet said that he was the villain; instead, my dad said what clued the audience to his bad-ness was the all-black suit. Luckily, the audience guessed correctly, and the rest is history. Darth Vader is easily the most iconic villain on this list, and although he doesn't top it, there isn't a person in the world who hasn't heard his name, regardless of whether they've ever seen the movie.
Memorable Quote: "I find your lack of faith disturbing."

----------

5. Hector Barbossa
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Played by: Geoffrey Rush
While Johnny Depp was prancing around as our beloved Jack Sparrow, we actually got a taste of a brilliant pirate stereotype from Geoffrey Rush. When you watch him as Barbossa, you can't help but think that this is what a pirate should be like and act like. Sure, Depp steals the show, but Rush is right behind him, bringing a real legitimacy to the pirate name. Watching those two cross swords throughout the franchise has been fun, and it will continue upon the sequel's release in May.
Memorable Quote: "I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request. Means 'no.'"

----------

4. Colonel Hans Landa
Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Played by: Christoph Waltz
Christoph Waltz nabbed an Oscar statuette for his performance as Col. Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino's World War II re-imagining. Landa pulls a number of languages on-screen - off-hand, I remember English, German, Italian and French - and adds that to a truly evil character hell-bent on furthering himself by bringing everyone else down. But it's his charisma that truly makes him such an appealing villain. You like him almost as much as the rest of the characters even though you know you should rooting against him. That very well may be the epitome of evil, and it definitely applies to the final three villains on this list. Keep reading!
Memorable Quote: "Ooh, that's a bingo!"

----------

3. The Joker
The Dark Knight (2008)

Played by: Heath Ledger
You all knew that Ledger's Joker had to make this list somewhere, and let me tell you: it took a lot for me not to place him at the top immediately. In fact, the debate between the top three characters on this list was quite a long one, and Ledger's Joker had to take the bottom of the three. But he is the villain of my generation, proving to be so entirely psychotic that it ultimately led to Ledger's premature death. When a character can haunt the actor's dreams that much, you know that it's pure brilliance. As much as I miss Ledger and the brilliant career that he was only just beginning, I have to applaud him for completely losing himself in the role of the Joker. He brought the comedy and the horror of the character's past, creating the most tragically evil character in recent memory. His sense of anarchy completely trumps that of Tyler Durden's, if that goes to say anything about him. Pure brilliance, Mister Ledger. Rest in peace.
Memorable Quote: "This city deserves a better class of criminal And I'm gonna give it to them!"

----------

2. Dr. Hannibal Lecter
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Played by: Anthony Hopkins
If you want to talk about brilliance, then you need look no further than Anthony Hopkins's Oscar-winning turn as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Although he doesn't have a ton of screen-time, Lecter makes the most of what he gets, proving to be one of the most devilishly brilliant personas ever to grace the silver screen. It's hard not to watch this movie and not be completely intrigued by his bravado and his intelligence. Lecter hooks you in and never lets you go. Perhaps that's how he gets to his victims...
Memorable Quote: "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."

----------

1. Norman Bates
Psycho (1960)

Played by: Anthony Perkins
And yes, the villain from the greatest film of all time (in my opinion) has to take the cake as the greatest villain of all time (in my opinion). I could go on for hours and hours about the too-good-for-his-own-good Anthony Perkins (who was somehow snubbed from an Oscar nomination), but if you read my recommendation for the film - which is linked above - you can get a full breakdown of my thoughts concerning his role. Absolutely astonishing, though. That's the best way to describe Norman Bates. Absolutely astonishing.
Memorable Quote: "We all go a little mad sometimes."