Elmer Gantry
The valid criticisms of the Evangelical movement introduced by Elmer Gantry are brought home by the strong performances from Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, and Shirley Jones in a way that makes the film a flawed but effective member of the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Two Popes
As a film about the interconnectedness of humanity based around a niche story of two different approaches to religious leadership portrayed by two great actors, The Two Popes earns its place as a Great Film.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Tom Hanks’s award-worthy performance as Fred Rogers combines with production design and storytelling that capture the world and message of Mr. Rogers beautifully in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Bicycle Thieves
A perfectly executed final act and climax portrayed skillfully by its two amateur leads leaves the audience equally satisfied and pensive at the end of Bicycle Thieves, an ideal combination for a film in this particular niche.
Fruitvale Station
Strong performances from Spencer and Jordan support a well-crafted message of humanity and the need for police reform in Fruitvale Station, making its place among the Greatest Films of All Time unquestionable.
Beasts of No Nation
As a well-crafted study of masculinity and dangerously charismatic leaders, Beasts of No Nation shines thanks to strong performances from both Abraham Attah and Idris Elba, who help the film communicate its message effectively.
F for Fake
With the personality of its writer/director/narrator Welles coming through in every meticulously edited moment, F for Fake delivers a shining example of what documentaries/film essays can be – worth watching, entertaining, and informative all at once.
Monsieur Lazhar
Monsieur Lazhar is a triumph of emotional storytelling, combining an authentic look at life on a school’s campus with a deeply touching story of grieving in a narrative that is carried by its three lead actors.
Nobody’s Fool
Nobody’s Fool takes a strong lead performance in Paul Newman, supported by solid outings from Bruce Willis, Jessica Tandy, and Melanie Griffith, and combines it with a wholesome story that blends comedy and drama masterfully to create a film that deserves a place among the Greats.
Stand by Me
Stand by Me’s familiar coming-of-age narrative is bolstered by its leading performers and a deep level of emotional poignancy, making this particular Stephen King adaptation worthy of its place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Passenger
Nicholson’s uncharacteristically subtle and nuanced performance played against a script with themes of dissatisfaction that many can relate to combined with an incredibly shot climax help make The Passenger as great as it is.
Blood Simple
The Coen Brothers’ first outing – Blood Simple – suffers at times from its small budget and limited scope but is bolstered by their familiar style, a proto-No Country story, and a stellar breakout performance by Frances McDormand as their leading lady.
Tender Mercies
Tender Mercies is perhaps the quintessential country music film, combining original music with a deeply emotional performance and a very real-feeling setting to produce something that embodies country music as a genre.