As those wonderful Nike adbots would say...

Just Do It

Totally agree. It's really odd to see Matrix is standing along with them.

I have to agree with you there.... and it does seem a bit pointless to try to argue against a movie that got that many votes already. However, there's already 3 of us who don't seem to agree with that choice, so maybe there IS a reason to debate it?

It doesn't seem impressive anymore but when The Matrix came out it was pretty groundbreaking and was very influential. I think it gets a bad reputation due to the horrible sequels that followed. The first movie though had a great story, exciting and fresh visuals and started a trend of sci-fi action films. It looks strange among the other movies listed but I'd argue its inclusion.

I'm good with the rest of the movies as well.

I am not a big fan of weterns, but I am fine with those choices. Of the ones I have seen, they were all tremendous films.

I have to disagree strongly. unlike my minor criticisms of Star Wars, I have literally no criticisms of this film. In my opinion, it is without a doubt one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. The special effects were amazing for the time. I believe they did things never done before. The performances were all amazing. They added the perfect compment to the film. It was interesting to see the evolution of Keanu Reeves as Neo from the start to the end when he finally accepts who he is. Joe Pantolino was excellent as the devious Cypher. I thought the whole regret motive was perfect. And, of course, the main villain Agent Smith played by Hugo Weaving. Definitely an amazing performance and excellent addition to the list of science fiction villains. I especially love his whole speech to Morpheus in the skyscraper. Then, you have Laurence Fishborne as Morpheus, who had a unexplainable, sinister element to him, which I loved. Those are the most noteworthy performances and they all added the perfect element to the film. Then, you have the story, which was appropriately complex and interesting. While there are certain logical questions, it remains an excellent premise. One that I have always found especially mind bending. Related to this, the film is absolutely loaded with philosophy. This topic alone could be the topic of an entire book. Questions like what is reality, does fate exist, and much more. I also loved the whole "Alice in Wonderland" theme. I have always been a fan of dark films and there is no doubt that this is one both in theme and visuals. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect. The rain sequences were magnificent. The score perfectly complements the film as well. To be honest, I could go on and on. Is this film good? It's not just good, it is a masterpiece. I would place it in a top 20 list any day without a second thought.

Again, I have to wonder what else is coming up... We're choosing our top 100, and if I remember correctly, there are something like 269 films on the master list. What happens when we've passed through 50 films with little comment, and we've only got 50 spots left, with over 200 films to pick through?

We can put those films which don't feel like belonging into the final list, in a backburner, and come back to debate them when there's a race for the final spots. See how these films, which don't feel like they are good enough to pair up with the rest, stack up against those films which got only 1-2 nominations but are excellent ones.

Of course, that would mean taking Raiders, Star Wars, Citizen Kane and Matrix to the backburner, since these 4 films have received objections till now.

IMO if everyone knew what films are on the master list, they would be more selective on what films they pass each round.

I know what you mean. In the (Horror by decade list) per decade approach, we saw all the possibilities, so we knew what films we were comparing each individual film to. In that way, it was a very nifty process approach. We don't have that here. As I know you know, we're sacrificing (at least so far) that upfront comparison in order to include all worthy films without the horridly arbitrary cutoff of a decade.

However, V is telling us, unlike the stringent cutoff deadline of the per decade process, we can reconsider these films at a later date.

Still, I think Never has a point. V, would you consider posting a link to the entire list (if it's not a lot of work). At least then everyone CAN see all the choices, and end the discomforting thought that an informed comparison isn't being made. (Logically, a list of 200 some films is hard to process, but it still accomplishes the task).


Matrix -
Let me join Metternich in my very high praise of the all-around film quality of The Matrix. In these great films we're looking at, most of us see very few flaws. In the Matrix, I see no major film flaws. On the contrary, I think it's a masterpiece of film, extremely high quality craft in all areas- impactful premise, story telling, character development, suspense, martial arts, stunts, action, sets, costumes, cinematography, sound, special effects and heart.

Of course, let everyone judge themselves, but I think some objections to these "top rated" films comes from a personal lack of interest (or distaste) in the subject matter. Something to watch in oneself.

* I'm fine with these films.

Once Upon a Time in the West -
I watched this film in it's entirety recently. I wasn't impressed with it. As others have offered, I also am not going to place an Objection to it. I freely admit, it wasn't that I thought the quality of the film craft was poor... I just didn't find the story or characters compelling. This film is highly regarded by critics and the general public. But I'm willing to step up and say, there are 100s of films that are technically sound, and so more is required from a film to make a Top 20 or Top 100... for me it's not there. But I'm obviously one of the few who find it so.

So be it.

Posting the entire Master List in the next post, along with the number of nominations each film has received (if more than ONE).

I have been really sick for the past week or so. Might have to get admitted in the hospital for a few days if the present meds don't work. Right now I can barely keep my eyes open. If anyone wants to take up the project from here on, feel free. I might not give this the required time.