Best Films of the 90s - 65-61

65. The Hunt for Red October - (1990)

John McTiernan's follow up to Die Hard spectacularly juggles dozens of characters and many subplots as a CIA agent (a perfectly cast Alec Baldwin) tries to make contact with a Russian submarine commander (Sean Connery) during the Cold War. The characters on the US submarine (Scott Glenn, Courtney Vance) are more interesting than the Russian ones (Sam Neill, Tim Curry) but every scene with Baldwin (in his star-making role) works due to his energy and intelligence. The film actually speeds up the pacing as it approaches the climactic battle. Truly amazing how they condensed this from the complex novel.

64. Babe - (1995)
This charming fable about a pig who thinks it's a sheep dog has all kinds of things to say about pride and prejudice. There's plenty of laughs and director George Miller places and moves the camera with consistent confidence. James Cromwell plays the reticent farmer perfectly. Throw in themes about friends, expectations, courage, & endurance and you've got a classic family film.

63. Braveheart - (1995)

Make no mistake, Mel Gibson is certifiably crazy - but he's also a genius. No one else has envisioned and created such an epic film since (though Ridley Scott gave a valiant effort with Gladiator). There's no question that the political talk drags and seems ridiculously simple, especially for any scholar of modern politics. But the set-piece action scenes get my blood boiling like no other. I'm ready to jump on the screen and follow Mel into battle. The homophobic and racist accusations seem misplaced - Mad Mel goes after everyone without impunity.

62. Searching for Bobby Fischer - (1993)
A boy discovers "speed" chess during a family trip to Central Park and his natural talent becomes apparent as those around him (parents, teachers, friends) struggle to make sense of it. His competitive father (Joe Mantegna) pushes him to the level of exploitation while his mother (Joan Allen) protects his sensitivity and thoughtfulness. The last third is the best, beginning with the prodigy's reconciliation with Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne). The film champions education, hard work, and good sportsmanship.

61. Bottle Rocket - (1996)

Owen Wilson's "Dignan" persona has all but evaporated these days (now that he co-stars with canines) but his debut here is still as impossibly original as it was on day one. He interacts perfectly with his brother Luke and Robert Musgrave as 3 inept thieves trying to make the big-time. Their sincerity strengthens the uniqueness of that special Wes Anderson feeling. The climactic heist is hilarious, especially because of Kumar who, when he's not lost in the freezer, has trouble remembering friends or how to crack a safe. "Did you ever have a touch to lose, man!?"

100. Glengarry Glen Ross
99. Dead Again
98. Ed Wood
97. True Romance
96. The Commitments
95. Bound
94. Die Hard 2
93. In the Line of Fire
92. Affliction
91. Shakespeare in Love
90. In the Company of Men
89. Short Cuts
88. Copland
87. The Hudsucker Proxy
86. The Last Seduction
85. The Apostle
84. Burnt by the Sun
83. The Godfather Part III
82. Good Will Hunting
81. Speed
80. Reversal of Fortune
79. Forest Gump
78. American Beauty
77. Dazed and Confused
76. True Lies
75. Nixon
74. Malcolm X
73. Red Rock West
72. Hearts of Darkness
71. Wag the Dog
70. Thelma and Louise
69. Hoop Dreams
68. Quiz Show
67. Reservoir Dogs
66. Total Recall