Top 5 Favorite Film Series' of All Time
5 - "The Godfather" Series
Before you all kill me with comments as to "how can this be #5?", you have to remember that this is my FAVORITE list. It is not the BEST list. That will come along later on. If you don't enjoy the first two installments of "The Godfather", you must not like almost perfect films. The first film is considered by many as one of the three greatest films of all time. The second? Considered better than the first by some. Francis Ford Coppola's masterpieces are great for those sick days at home, and the great thing is that they're so long, it will take up half of your day. Just do yourself a favor. Do not watch these films on channels like TCM and AMC, because of two major reasons: Commercials and graphic editing. Watch these the way they were made, and the way they were supposed to be seen.
4 - The "Rocky" Series
Big surprise, the kid from Philly puts the "Rocky" series in here. Yeah, I did. Now, let me clarify one thing: I think that Rocky III and V are two pieces of shit. They are the only two "Rocky" films I will not watch. If I, II, IV or "Rocky Balboa" are on, I leave them on. Being a kid from Philadelphia who majored in Film, these films really speak to me because of Sylvester Stallone's story. He wrote and starred in every one of these films. He directed most of them, and it kind of shows me that if he could do it, anyone can. "Rocky' won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977. None of the others come close to the original, but they're entertaining as hell. They also tell great stories about struggle. No doubt, "Rocky" will live on as one of the best films of all time.
3 - The "Harry Potter" Series
Yeah, my obsession has gotten to this point. The main reason why Harry, Hermione and Ron are above The Don and Rocky is because of consistency. Every one of the "Harry Potter" films is great. The characters and story suck you in, and even though each has its own individual story, everything ties in. The directing is phenomenal throughout. the effects are almost flawless.
I started watching these films as a 24 year old. I was sucked in from the beginning. Sure, I like the later films better. I think anyone my age would, because as the characters get older, you can relate to them more. (Plus the fact that Emma Watson is absolutely gorgeous now helps too.) I almost wish that I had caught on sooner. On the bright side, now that the entire series has been completed, you can catch on in a matter of a day. (As long as you can stay up and watch movies that long.)
2 - The Christopher Nolan "Batman" Series
I know what you're going to say, "It's not complete yet man!" I know, I know. The first two episodes of the Christopher Nolan revamp have been so damn good, I have to put the series at the number two spot. I was one of the skeptical people before both of these films came out. Before "Batman Begins," I didn't know what to expect. I was blown away. It showed a lot of things that were never brought up in the previous "Batman" series. It brought a "real feel" aspect to a super hero movie.
Then came the casting for "The Dark Knight." When they announced that Heath Ledger would be playing The Joker, I didn't know what to think. But all of the thought that was done about the move was unnecessary. Ledger's portrayal of the make-up faced killer was in fact flawless. To this day, and as far as I can see, that is one of my favorite performances of all time. So, when people question Nolan's casting of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, I just shrug my shoulders. I have put my full faith in Christopher Nolan, and I cannot wait for "The Dark Knight Rises."
1 - The "American Pie" Series
Just to reiterate, this is my FAVORITES list. That is why the "American Pie" series is number one. I think that the main reason why is because this is the series that I can relate to the most. I'm not a Don, a boxer, the "chosen one", or a flying rodent. I did go to high school and college, I do see changes in everyday life, and sometimes wish for the simpler times. Now, I have friends getting married. I've always seen this series as a commentary on life as I know it. I have a group of friends similar to the characters in the films. No, no one has ever banged a pie, but we have done some screwed up stuff along our journey. With "American Reunion" filming now, I can't wait to see how far these characters have come. Although I may be in the minority, I feel like a "reunion" movie is the perfect way to say goodbye to the group.
Well, there you have it. These are my favorites. What are yours? Do you absolutely hate one of my selections? Tell me what you think, hell, give me your own countdown. Until next time (which will be sooner than later, I promise) I'll be kickin' back, sippin' beers. You should join me!
(all photos courtesy of imdb.com)
