Top 10 Best Best Picture Winners

Like I said in my last list, I haven't seen every Best Picture winner ever, but I can safely say there have been at least 10 films worthy of Best Picture. So, today, I'll count them down! I'll judge them by quality of the film, and the competition. So, let's begin!:

10. The Artist (2011)

Let's start this film with the most recent winner, The Artist. While I don't think The Artist should have won Best Picture, that's only because it was up against another one of my favorite films, Moneyball. However, The Artist is still a fantastic film, and besides a few flaws, it really does capture the silent era of film.

9. The Sound of Music (1965)

This is a film with plenty of imagination, but the characters and the story to back it up. Also, the direction by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Wise is just amazing. Even the songs have a nice melody and are very memorable. A lot of people dislike this film, but I personally love it.

8. Wings (1927)

This film often slips under peoples radars, even though it's the first Best Picture winner, which is sad, because this film is just outstanding. Besides one scene in the middle of the film, which is pretty bad, the rest of the film is very entertaining, well acted, well directed, and just all around classic. A definite watch.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

While the 5 minutes of this film are kinda cartoonish and silly, the rest of the film is so gritty and so hardcore, I find it extremely hard to watch at times, especially for the amazing characters. You have to watch this film, but trust me, it's pretty hard to watch at points.

6. Mrs. Miniver (1942)

While the film itself is great, the two things that pushed it to a Best Picture win were the direction and the characters. You felt like these people were real, and it was almost like you were really there with them. The lighting is dark, but you can still see the action, the sets are sometimes small, but with the sound effects, it gets you on the edge of your seat, etc. No wonder this film got a sequel (I just wished it was good)!

5. Casablanca (1943)

What can I say, it's Casablanca! It's one of the most amazing romances you'll ever see, great story, characters, direction, acting, it's just an overall outstanding film. It's considered one of the best films of all time for a reason, you know.

4. On the Waterfront (1954)

The performances are by far the best part of this film, but that doesn't mean the rest of the film isn't awesome... Because it is. If you haven't seen On the Waterfront yet, watch it. NOW.

3. From Here to Eternity (1953)

Let's admit it right here, right now: 1953 was a pretty weak year for the Oscars, and I'm glad to see the only outstanding nominee of the bunch was the one to take home the biggest and best award. From Here to Eternity is probably the film I'd like to watch the most, it's epic, but well edited. Great story, but not a long run time. It's brilliant and timeless.

2. The Godfather (1972)

When I went into this film, I knew it would be long, and I expected myself to be bored, but surprisingly, it was a movie where I was glued to the screen the whole time. The first half is the build up, the second half is the pay-off, which isn't an uncommon thing, but the way this movie portrays it is so amazing, it's considered the second best film ever on IMDb, and why not?

1. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

I know, lots of people hate this film, but it's my personal favorite film for a reason. From the opening scene, I was interested in the story, the main character, the relationships, everything, and from that moment on, it just gets better. Probably my favorite moment is the song sequence, where they show about 4-5 songs, and they're all amazing, epic, and all that stuff. If you're not a fan of musicals, you'll hate this film, but if you just give it a chance, you may end up loving it, like I do.

What's your 10 favorite? Leave your lists in the comments.

Top 10 Worst Films to Win Best Picture

I haven't seen every Best Picture winning film out there, I do admit, but I have seen a majority of them, and while the Oscars often get it right, such as The Godfather, Casablanca, or The Great Ziegfeld (There, I said it), they do tend to make mistakes. And so, let's begin my Top 10 Worst Films to Win Best Picture!:

10. The English Patient (1996)

Even though I kinda like this movie, it was overlong, dull, and the acting isn't Oscar worthy. I know, I know, that was a weak year for film, and they had to pick somebody, but why not Fargo?

9. Around the World in Eighty Days (1956)

Another film I enjoyed, but definitely not the best choice for Best Picture. This was up against The Ten Commandments, Giant, and The King and I, and any three of them would have been better picks for Best Picture (As for Friendly Persuasion... I don't think anyone remembers that film.)

8. Shakespeare in Love (1998)

The final movie on this list I thought was pretty good, but you know the drill, a soft and decent romance VS. one of the greatest war films of all time, Saving Private Ryan, it's bound to create a few controversies here and there.

7. An American in Paris (1951)

While I did enjoy PARTS of this film, and Gene Kelly is always amazing, the story, characters, and songs in this movie could have been improved GREATLY. The worst thing about this film: If this didn't get the award for Best Picture, the Academy might have considered giving a nomination to Singin' in the Rain.

6. The Last Emperor (1987)

Alright, this is where my list starts to get controversial. The Last Emperor wasn't up against any real ground-breaking movies, so of course it was going to win, but I found it so dull and way longer than it needed to be. Sure, the direction is good, and the main character is developed well, it still can't save this film.

5. The Departed (2006)

Another weak year for film, so the Academy decided to give the Best Picture award to Scorsese, not the film itself, which is poorly acted (Even though the cast is great), has a messy and uninteresting story, and the characters are cliches. The Academy should have just gave the Oscar to Goodfellas or Raging Bull, instead of holding off.

4. The French Connection (1971)

Do you have a film that you just hate, but everyone else loves to death? And I'm not talking about Crash, Forrest Gump, Chicago, etc, where it's easy to find someone who agrees with you, I'm talking about 100% on the Rotten Tomato meter. For me, it's French Connection. I hated the characters, the plot was boring, the action scenes were boring since I didn't care what happened to either the characters OR the plot, the movie was just a mess. No disrespect too Gene Hackman or anything, I just could barely sit through this film.

3. The Hurt Locker (2009)

All this movie is, is waiting for things to happen. And while that could kinda work, it doesn't work in The Hurt Locker. Every review I've seen of this film mentions the word "Suspenseful", but it's not suspenseful if you don't care about the characters. Half the time, I was just hoping they would die or something. And also, the cinematography is AWFUL. At least movies like The Hunger Games and Blair Witch Project had EXCUSES for the shaky cam, to build suspense for the characters you know and love, and to also show urgency and quickness, as if something serious is happening. In here, they shake the camera when ONE PERSON IS WALKING DOWN A DIRT ROAD!!! I hate the film, but if I had to find something good about it, it would be the scene where the guy has a bomb to the chest, I was nervous at that point, *SPOILERS* but when he died, I just hated the other characters more. *END OF SPOILERS*

2. Gladiator (2000)

The only things I like about this film: Russell Crowe did alright, and the special effects were good. That's it. The action was choppy and non-exciting, the characters were horrible, the dialogue was terrible, and worst of all, this movie had great potential, with a big budget and Ridley Scott as director. However, the film didn't turn out good, at least from my perspective.

1. Cavalcade (1933)

This movie is so horrible, so boring, so worthless, and so offensive in it's existence that it's one of my ten least favorite films of all time. Why is it so bad? Well, think about it. Grand Hotel, could it be re-released today? Of course, the story's great, the characters are wonderful, and the movie is timeless. Could Casablanca? Definitely. All Quiet on the Western Front? Sure! Wings? Why not?!?! These films came out before and after this film, and the stories and characters can still hold up today. However, this film is the worst acted film next to Reefer Madness and Manos, boring and horrible direction, and a story so ambitious it could only be pulled off by a person with extreme talent, which this director doesn't have. If you want to see how life was like from 1899 to 1933, just watch a documentary.

What are your least favorites? Post them in the comments below!

My Reaction to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft

Welcome Back! Now, a few days ago, I made my Top 20 Prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. And now, here is what I thought of the draft itself!
And by the way, I will not be talking about the trades, even though seeing Jordan Staal playing with his brother will be a nice little treat.
But anyways, let's get started:

1st Overall: Edmonton Selects Nail Yakupov (RW)

My Reaction: Was their ever any doubt? Edmonton is stacked with young defensemen, so they decided to go with a forward, and most people agree; Nail is the best forward in the draft.

2nd Overall: Columbus Selects Ryan Murray (D)

My Reaction: While I don't think Ryan is the best defenseman in this draft, I do think Columbus made a good pick selecting him, as they don't have many well rounded defensemen in the system right now.

3rd Overall: Montreal Selects Alex Galchenyuk (C)

My Reaction: Even though I thought Mikhail Grigorenko was a better choice for Montreal due to his size and ability, I think Montreal really needs a future centre, and Alex is a good choice.

4th Overall: New York (Islanders) Selects Griffin Reinhart (D)

My Reaction: While I think New York needs a good sturdy young defenseman, I really don't think they should have selected Griffin. Morgan Rielly, Cody Ceci, Matthew Dumba, and Jacob Trouba were ALL still available, and they went with Griffin. The same thing happened with Calvin De Haan a while back. Who knows, I may be proven wrong in the future, but I don't think this guy should be in the top 5.

5th Overall: Toronto Selects Morgan Rielly (D)

My Reaction: Even though I'm not a fan of Toronto, I do admit, this was a good choice. You may have said: "Oh, but Toronto needs a forward, not a defenseman!", but with all the rumors of a future trade coming up, I don't think Toronto fans have much to worry about, so just enjoy having Morgan on your team, he may be a superstar someday.

6th Overall: Anaheim Selects Hampus Lindholm (D)

My Reaction: ... Really? I didn't expect to hear this guy's name until the last first round, but 6th overall? Was Cody Ceci to good for you?

7th Overall: Minnesota Selects Matthew Dumba (D)

My Reaction: Even though I like Ceci a little bit more, Matthew was still a great choice by Minnesota. However, I feel a forward would have been better for Minnesota, but I don't think anyone matched their criteria for that (Except maybe Tomas Hertl, but you know, he's from a foreign country, yuk yuk).

8th Overall: Pittsburgh Selects Derrick Pouliot (D)

My Reaction: Again, not my favorite defenseman of the defensemen still undrafted, but I still think this was a good pick by Pittsburgh. He's got plenty of skill, and he's improving every year, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the pieces towards Pittsburgh's future success.

9th Overall: Winnipeg Selects Jacob Trouba (D)

My Reaction: While I think Jacob is a really talented defenseman, and one of the best ones still available, I just think Winnipeg should have went with a forward. But, again, none of the forwards available would have fit their criteria. Still, I can see Jacob playing in the NHL very soon.

10th Overall: Tampa Bay Selects Slater Koekkoek (D)

My Reaction: Another defender that really shouldn't have been picked until later. Also, why would Tampa Bay, TAMPA BAY, be trying to pick up supposed "Undiscovered Gems"? They're really just getting worse and worse, even with Stamkos, so I think they should have went with someone more certain to be a NHL player.

11th Overall: Washington Selects Filip Forsberg (RW)

My Reaction: Geez, when I said he was the 11th best prospect, I didn't expect him to get 11th overall! Many people thought he would be in the Top 5, and even though he's another guy that's slightly overrated in my opinion, I thought he would too! But, I think this was a good pick by Washington, Filip meets all the criteria that they need.

12th Overall: Buffalo Selects Mikhail Grigorenko (C)

My Reaction: I was pretty disappointed he fell so low in the draft because people weren't certain of his dedication, but I guess that's understandable. As for Buffalo, I think this was a great pick by them, and if Mikhail DOES decide to stay in the NHL, they'll definitely have a future 2nd or even 1st liner!

13th Overall: Dallas Selects Radek Faksa (C)

My Reaction: While I think Tomas Hertl would have been a better choice for Dallas, I still think they got a decent player. And also, a centreman is just what Dallas needs, and if Radek develops quickly, they got a good player on their hands.

14th Overall: Buffalo Selects Zemgus Girgensons (C)

My Reaction: Not the best selection of the night, but not the worst. I guess since Buffalo wasn't entirely sure of Grigorenko, they decided to get another centre, just in case. Zengus is a great player, who just barely missed my Top 20 Best Prospects list, but again, players like Tomas Hertl and Brendan Gaunce (Especially Gaunce, as he can fill a leadership role) would have been better picks.

15th Overall: Ottawa Selects Cody Ceci (D)

My Reaction: Even though a forward could have been a better choice, I still admit, Cody Ceci, who played for another Ottawa team beforehand, was a great pick as well. Also, he was my third favorite defenseman in the entire draft.

16th Overall: Washington Selects Tom Wilson (RW)

My Reaction: Okay, I could forgive Buffalo for picking to centres, as they were just being safe, but Washington? Two right wingers, and for little reason. People like Tomas Hertl (I know I bring him up to much) and Pontus Aberg would have been MUCH better choices. Tom Wilson himself isn't even an outstanding player? Late first round at best, in my opinion.

17th Overall: San Jose Selects Tomas Hertl (C)

My Reaction: Good for you, San Jose. Picking a great player that doesn't have to join your team right away. Good. Tomas is probably the second most underrated player in this entire draft (You'll see number one later), and San Jose was the perfect team to pick this guy up.

18th Overall: Chicago Selects Teuvo Teravainen (LW)

My Reaction: If Chicago keeps him in the AHL for a little bit, then this pick would have been completely worth-while. Teuvo is a great player, and shockingly enough the first LW picked in this draft. I think he'll fit right in with Chicago.

19th Overall: Tampa Bay Selects Andrei Vasilevski (G)

My Reaction: Andrei was my second favorite goalie from this draft, and even though I think Tampa Bay should have just picked Malcolm Subban, I'm not to angry they picked up this guy. He's not the best goalie in my opinion, but he's a good one.

20th Overall: Philadelphia Selects Scott Laughton (C)

My Reaction: ... Meh. He's not really somebody I can see making the NHL in a year or two. They should have just went with Brendan Gaunce.

21st Overall: Calgary Selects Mark Jankowski (C)

My Reaction: ............................ He should have been picked late in the second round, and Calgary is another team that needs a Gaunce type player, but I guess they don't realize that.

22nd Overall: Pittsburgh Selects Olli Maatta (D)

My Reaction: Another great defenseman by Pittsburgh, and probably the most well fitted out of the entire draft class for Pittburgh (Still available, that is).

23rd Overall: Florida Selects Mike Matheson (D)

My Reaction: Definitely not the best pick of the night, but Florida's got tons of prospects, so I think they can take a risk like Matheson. But, again, I think a forward would have been more appropriate.

24th Overall: Boston Selects Malcolm Subban (G)

My Reaction: I just felt that if Boston is looking for a back-up to Rask, they should at least wait until the second round to do it. Oh well, Malcolm is still a great player, but I just don't see him being better than Rask anytime soon.

25th Overall: St. Louis Selects Jordan Schmaltz (D)

My Reaction: I just don't think St. Louis needed a defenceman like this guy. Why not a tough guy, like Dalton Thrower, or an all rounded guy like Matt Finn? But still, Jordan is a good player, but St. Louis could have picked someone different.

26th Overall: Vancouver Selects Brendan Gaunce (C)

My Reaction: While Vancouver may not be the best team to pick this guy up, I still think he'll make the NHL soon. Even though Vancouver's got plenty of depth, Brendan can still be a 3rd or 4th line centre for his rookie years. But yeah, good pick, but not great.

27th Overall: Phoenix Selects Henrik Samuelsson (C)

My Reaction: A talented young gun who, I think, will go well with the organization. Definitely a good pick by Phoenix.

28th Overall: New York (Rangers) Selects Brady Skjei (D)

My Reaction: Nice pick. As long as New York doesn't rush him into development, I can see this guy playing with the team for years to come.

29th Overall: New Jersey Selects Stefan Matteau (C)

My Reaction: A decent pick by New Jersey, even though I really don't think the team needs any more tough guys. The team is tough and hard-hitting enough, so I feel a more point-getting player would be in effect. But still, it was a decent pick, as Stefan CAN get a good amount of points.

30th Overall: Los Angeles Selects Tanner Pearson (LW)

My Reaction: Although he's older than many of the players in the draft, Tanner was a great choice for Los Angeles, as he's a talent guy who really can show off his skill.

Other Notable Draft Picks:

31st Overall: Columbus Selects Oscar Dansk (G)

My Reaction: A nice safe pick for Columbus, as the current goaltenders of Columbus aren't exactly "Solid" at the moment.

35th Overall: Toronto Selects Matthew Finn (D)

My Reaction: Matt is an outstanding defender, and even though the Toronto fans are STILL angry about the non-forward thing, I really do think Matt will be an amazing player for the team.

37th Overall: Nashville Selects Pontus Aberg (LW)

My Reaction: Pontus is awesome. I guess some teams weren't so sure of picking him up because he's foreign, but I think Nashville got a smart pick.

43rd Overall: Dallas Selects Ludvig Bystrom (D)

My Reaction: While I didn't think this guy should be picked in the first round (As everyone else DID), Ludvig was definitely a steal. A talented player, and a great pick by Dallas.

51st Overall: Montreal Selects Dalton Thrower (D)

My Reaction: YESSSSSSSSSS. As a Montreal fan, this is the best pick we have made in YEARS. We need defensemen, and we need tough players, and this guy is both. He needs a little bit of development, but besides that, I can't wait to see this guy turn our team around.

64th Overall: Montreal Selects Tim Bozon (LW)

My Reaction: Another good pick by Montreal. Tim is an underrated player, and I thought he would be selected early 2nd round! So yeah, another good pick for Montreal.

173rd Overall: Pittsburgh Selects Anton Zlobin (RW)

My Reaction: Another great pick, this time by Pittsburgh. Anton really knows how to score and pass, and the fact he was ignored this long is shocking. 

211th Overall: Los Angeles Selects Nick Ebert (D)

My Reaction: This guy was originally supposed to be a top 5 pick. So, what happened? I think Nick has plenty of potential, so if L.A puts him in the AHL for a while, he'll be NHL ready.

Undrafted: Anton Slepyshev (LW)

My Reaction: This guy was one of the most talented players in the entire draft, but because people were unsure of his dedication to the NHL, he wasn't drafted, which is a shame.

So, what were your favorite and least favorite picks? Leave your answer in the comments!