Phil’s Top 5… Movie Trilogies

Each week Phil, from Phil’s Quick Capsule Review, takes a look at a different movie or TV related Top Five. This time out: Movie Trilogies

For most a sequel is an unwanted thing. And rightly so, after all most can be let downs and for every Godfather 2 there is an Independence Day Resurrection. However their are also some great sequels and in fact some great threequels out their. This week I take a look at the best movie trilogies (and no the Matrix is NOT included).

Close But No Cigar: Bourne Trilogy, The Indiana Jones Trilogy, Evil Dead, The Godfather Trilogy, Die Hard, Mad Max

5. Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (The Fellowship of the Ring,The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
It’s no mean feat, adapting a multi-tome epic source novel over nearly 5 years with a cast and crew almostly permanently relocated to New Zealand by a director best known for low budget shlock films. But man did Peter Jackson pull it off. Epic does not even come CLOSE to describing the Rings trilogy (and the multiple endings of Return Of The King for that matter) but even now, over 10 years after it all finished, they still stand out as some of the best films of the last few decades.

4. Back To The Future Trilogy
There may be technically better films out their for sure, but the story of Marty McFly which spans over a hundred years, is everything that is right with how blockbuster films should be. It defined a career for Michael J Fox, allowed my fascination with Elisabeth Shue to continue and gave us the iconic Doc Brown. “What the hell’s a gigawatt?”. Indeed.

3. Aliens Trilogy (Alien, Aliens, Alien 3)
It’s a testament to just how good the first two films are that you almost ignore the fact that Part 3 is considered by most to be a disappointment. Thing is… it’s not. In fact Alien 3 is probably my second favourite of the whole trilogy (just under Aliens and just above Alien). Okay yes I’m mad but still! The key point here is just how good the first two films are, with both rating as best of their genre (Sci-fi and Sci-Fi Action). And trust me… whilst it’s FX’s are dated, try alien 3 Directors cut again. You MAY be pleasantly surprised.

2. Toy Story
Toy Story not only defined a genre, it also redefined how animation was done for ever. It’s groundbreaking and things would never be the same again. Yet at it’s heart of every one of the films is a great story, expertly told and brilliantly voiced. Pretty much perfect.

1. Star Wars (A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return Of The Jedi)
The trilogy that defined my childhood, that ignited my love with film and that left me playing in my room with 3″ plastic toys for years to come. Ageless (in it’s original form, not the horrid CGI remasters), this is epic storytelling, grandstanding action and odd plot twists at their best. Iconic.

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8: Aliens (1986) – Phil’s Top 10 Films

by Phil Hobden Hall of Fame Quick Review

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review:
Aliens is the template for how to make a sequel. Whilst Alien was a sci-fi horror, Aliens is pure action wrapped in a sci-fi narrative. And it works. Up the Aliens, add in more cannon fodder and take Ripley from a victim to killer. A quotable script, memorable characters and some of the most tense set pieces film has ever delivered. Yup Aliens is that good. Pretty much perfect.

Best Bit: Special Edition sentry guns!

Buy, Stream, Avoid: Buy

If You Liked this Try: Alien, Terminator 2 Judgement Day, Alien 3

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10: Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) – Phil’s Top 10 Films

by Phil Hobden Hall of Fame Quick Review

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review:
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is a near flawless action film and one of the greatest sequels of all time. It takes the formula set out in Cameron’s original Terminator film and flips it on it’s head. It was the second time Cameron would make a sequel better than the original and in the process would revolutionise cinema forever. CGI was here to stay. Cameron has never topped Alien’s & Terminator 2 and it’s not hard to see why. T2 is pulse pounding sci-fi action from start to finish. In short: it’s bloody superb.

Best Bit: The viaduct chase

Buy, Stream, Avoid: Buy

If You Liked this Try: Terminator, Aliens, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

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Phil’s Top 5… Summer Blockbusters Of All Time

by Phil Hobden Other Cr*p Top 5

Each week Phil, from Phil’s Quick Capsule Review, takes a look at a different movie or TV related Top Five… this time out: The Top 5 Summer Blockbusters Of All Time

Close but no cigar: Speed, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, Aliens, ET, Top Gun

5 – Die Hard (1988)
Possibly the best action film ever made, Die Hard is iconic from start to finish.

4 – Back To The Future (1985)
Innovate for it’s day, Back To The Future is still fantastic all this years later.

3 – Jaws (1975)
The original blockbuster.

2 – Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
One of the best sequels ever made, James Cameron’s second Terminator film is an action epic from start to finish full of iconic moments and groundbreaking FX.

1 – Star Wars (1977)
One of the best sci-fi action films of all time, Star Wars does everything right, cemented a legacy and still holds up all thee years later.

The 25 Best… Action Films of All Time

by Phil's Quick Review Best... Other Cr*p

In our continuing regular feature, Phil (of Phil’s Quick Capsule Review) along with podcaster Josh Morris, Writer Mike Parkin, Grosse Point Geek’s Will Strong and Motion Picture Manic Jamie Robinson breakdown the 25 Best Films Of a particular genre…

This time out: The Best Action Films of All Time

The close but no cigar Films: The Bourne Supremacy, Men of War, Speed, Captain America: Winter Solider, Fast Five, Hardboiled, Inception, Battle Royale, Speed, The Book Of Eli

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The 25 Best… Films OF The Modern Era (1970’s – Now)

by Phil's Quick Review Best... Other Cr*p

In our latest regular feature, coming out the first Friday of each month, Phil (of Phil’s Quick Capsule Review) along with podcaster Josh Morris, Writer Mike Parkin, Grosse Point Geek’s Will Strong and Motion Picture Manic Jamie Robinson breakdown the 25 Best Films Of each major film decade.

This time out: Films OF The Modern Era (1970’s – Now)

The close but no cigar Films: Apollo 13,Starship Troopers,Little Miss Sunshine,Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship of The Ring,The Descent,The Warriors,Airplane,Ghostbusters,The Thing,Top Gun,Social Network,The Cabin In The Woods, The Dark Knight Rises,Tree Of Life,Whiplash

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Podcast: The Smoking Lamb #068 – Drunk DVD Commentary: Aliens

by The Smoking Lamb The Podcasts The Smoking Lamb Podcast

It’s The Smoking Lamb Movie Podcast. A weekly, no-holds-baa-aa-arred, and R-rated look at the world of movies.

On this episode:

WARNING! THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY IS BEST LISTENED TO ALONG WITH THE FILM AS THERE ARE PERIODS OF SILENCE. HOWEVER, IT IS STILL ENTERTAINING EITHER WAY!!!!

The Drinking Rules are as follows (we hope you play along).
Drink Everytime:
1) Hudson Panics
2) Newt Screams
3) Bishop Looks Creepy
4) A Xenomorph Gets Killed

Down Your Drink:
1) When You Hear “Get away from her YOU BITCH!!!”

Check it out and BLEAT THE WORLD and don’t forget to follow up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

#TheSmokingLamb #MoviePodcasts #Podcasts #FilmPodcast

My life In Movies… (Best Film from EVERY Year I’ve Been Alive)

by Phil Hobden Best... Other Cr*p

A look at the BEST films, one from each of my years on this planet…. (Yes ’86 and ’84 was impossible to split!)

… And yes a few do differ from my Annual ‘Film of The Year’. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!!!

The 70’s

1976 – The Outlaw Josey wales
1977 – Star Wars
1978 – Dawn Of The Dead
1979 – Alien

The 80’s

1980 – Empire Strikes Back
1981 – Raiders Of The Lost Ark
1982 – The Thing
1983 – The Return Of The Jedi
1984 – Ghostbusters/ Gremlins
1985 – The Goonies
1986 – Aliens/ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off/ Top Gun
1987 – The Lost Boys
1988 – Die Hard
1989 – Tango & Cash

The 90’s

1990 – Goodfellas
1991 – Terminator 2 Judgement Day
1992 – Reservoir Dogs
1993 – The Nightmare Before Christmas
1994 – Pulp Fiction
1995 – Heat
1996 – Trainspotting
1997 – Con Air
1998 – Lock Stock & Two Smoking barells
1999 – Fight Club

The 2000’s

2000 – Snatch
2001 – Black Hawk Down
2002 – 28 days Later
2003 – Love Actually
2004 – Shaun Of The Dead
2005 – Serenity
2006 – Children of Men
2007 – Bourne Ultimatum
2008 – The Dark Knight
2009 – Slumdog Millonaire
2010 – The Social Network

The 10’s

2011 – Hugo
2012 – Skyfall
2013 – Rush
2014 – Wolf Of Wall Street
2015 – Whiplash
2016 – The Nice Guys

Phil Hobden
Editor – Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

The 25 Best… 80’s Movies!

by Phil Hobden Best... Other Cr*p

This time out: The 80’s.

The close but no cigar Films: An American Werewolf In London, Rambo First Blood Part 2, Full Metal Jacket, Rocky 4, My Neighbour Totoro

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Phil’s Best To Worst: Alien Franchise (Updated)

by Phil's Quick Review Best... Other Cr*p

In our latest regular feature, coming out the first Friday of each month, Phil (of Phil’s Quick Capsule Review) breaks down a film related subject in order of his own personal enjoyment from Best To Worst. This time out: Alien Films!

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Best: Aliens (The Directors Cut)

Aliens is not just a high water mark for the Alien franchise itself but it’s also a high watermark in sequels, action and science fiction films. Yes – its that good (in fact one of my top 5 films of all time). Especially in it’s extended edition (Sentry guns!). James Cameron has never been better (T2 was close) and delivers action & thrills alongside a memorable quotable script. A classic. (Side note it also gave us a piece of music that has been used in almost every action film trailer since…)

★★★★★★★★★★

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2. Alien

Alien is a tense science fiction survival horror with an award worthy central performance by Sigourney Weaver and career making direction from Ridley Scott. It’s aged well and still today, over 35 years after it was released stands up as one of the best films of its genre.

★★★★★★★★★★

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3. Alien 3: The Alternate Cut

Alien 3 is much and unfairly maligned as a film. This “Alternate Cut” (listed here as a separate film as that is pretty much what it is) restores some of David Fincher’s original vision for the film as well as taking away some of the less liked elements. The effects on this restored version aren’t great but what IS pretty stunning is how much better this film is that it’s studio messed with original.

★★★★★★★★★★

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4. Alien 3

Growing up I watched Alien 3 almost as much as I did Aliens. It’s gritty approach, limited technology and the way it tossed aside the more upbeat ending of Aliens appealed to me. Yes it’s flawed for sure and the studio enforced ending doesn’t work but it has moments that show just how great this could have been had the studio let Fincher do his thing.

★★★★★★★★★★

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5. Alien Covenant

Alien Covenant isn’t perfect. But it’s a far more enjoyable movie than Prometheus was, finally delivering us the Alien we wanted alongside a story that, whilst I don’t always like, at least mostly makes sense. Visually great but still full of dumb people doing dumb things, it ramps up the action and is never dull. Pulp Alien for sure but good pulp…

★★★★★★★★★★

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6. Alien: Resurrection

There’s a sharp drop off between Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection but it’s not a film without merit. The issue here come from the franchise bring back Weaver after her death in Alien 3. There were so many directions the film could have gone in but sadly it ends up as a much lesser retread of the three films previous. And don’t even get me started on the new born.

★★★★★★★★★★

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7. Prometheus

Great idea. Badly done. Prometheus is a mess of a film which offers a stupid script with stupid characters doing stupid things. It’s dull at times, makes no connection in production design to the previous films (the technology is well beyond Alien Resurrection which is set years ahead) and wastes what could have been an interesting film.

★★★★★★★★★★

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8. Alien Vs Predator 2: Requiem

Alien Vs Predator Requiem is bad. It’s just slightly less bad that the original. The main issues (other than story & cast) come from the filmmakers desire to shoot everything so dark that you cant see anything for the bulk of the movie. Totally forgettable, it’s a low point for the franchise.

★★★★★★★★★★

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Worst : Alien Vs Predator

You take the two most iconic creatures from cinema. Ignore the excellent games and comic books which offered far superior storylines and you deliver what is an utter mess of a film. Nonsensical, boring and badly made this film does nothing with it’s concept. One to avoid.

★★★★★★★★★★

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