Nic, Sam, and Dan at the Movies

I didn’t want to choose a movie where the actors made a cameo or had an incredibly minor role (so sorry Grindhouse, Kill Bill Vol. II, Goodfellas, and Iron Man). Also, I have not seen all of their films so I’m sure I’m leaving out good ones.

10) The Incredibles: This is not ranked higher on my list because Mr. Jackson only provided a supporting role. However, the film is just too good to leave off. Frozone’s argument with his wife while a robot attacks the city is classic. Mr. Jackson also provides some hilarious commentary to a bonus short film included on the dvd.

9) The Wicker Man: This movie is terrible. One of the most poorly conceived, shoddily directed efforts of recent years. However, Mr. Cage’s performance is so manic and over-the-top that its hilarity can only be intentional. His cries of, “Howdit get burned? HOWDIT GET BURNED???,” and, “Not the bees, you bitches,” are comedic gold.

8) Deep Blue Sea: Similar in quality to the Wicker Man, but featuring one of Samuel L. Jackson’s greatest scenes. I don’t wish to spoil it, but his speech to rally his scientists in their fight against the super-smart sharks is brilliantly handled.

7) Matchstick Men: This is a fun, if predictable, story about an obsessive compulsive con man dealing with the discovery of an estranged daughter. The tone remains light throughout, but Mr. Cage is able to anchor it with a strong performance.

6) National Treasure: I can’t help it, I really enjoy this movie. Although mildly corny, the comedy generally works and the action is fast-paced. I also love seeing movies that use Philadelphia well. Avoid the horrendous sequel at all costs!!!

5) Unbreakable: Mr. Jackson performs wonderfully as Elijah Price. I wonder if he spent time in comic book shops in order to perfect the air of desperateness that he surrounds Elijah with. “Mr. Glass” only fits in a fantastical comic book world, and even then he can’t be a hero.

4) Jackie Brown: This is definitely Quentin Tarantino’s most underrated film. Every cast member is at the top of their game, including Mr. Jackson as the weapons/drug dealer Ordell Robbie. You know you’ve hit the acting big-time when Robert DeNiro is playing second fiddle to you.

3) Adaptation: Nicolas Cage stars as screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his fictional brother Donald Kaufman in this film loosely based on Charlie Kaufman writing this film (of course with the addition of said fictional brother). The movie is by turns sad, zany, violent, but always brilliant.

2) Bringing Out the Dead: Another underrated film by a great director: this time it’s Martin Scorsese. Mr. Cage convincingly shows the mental breakdown of a New York paramedic who can no longer deal with the constant pressure of saving lives. The movie is filled with a twisted supporting cast of characters played by John Goodman, Tom Sizemore, and Ving Rhames.

1) Pulp Fiction: This is the movie that made Samuel L. Jackson into the icon he is today. Motherfucker wouldn’t be the same without this film. He may not have as large a role as Bruce Willis or John Travolta, but for my money Mr. Jackson is the highlight of this film. His appropriation of biblical psalms manage to sound both menacing and comforting. You’re never sure if Jules is going to ask you out for a burger or shoot you in the head.

Honorable Mentions:

Jurassic Park: The first time I ever saw Samuel J.

Star Wars Episodes I-III: His performance may be bordering on the wooden, but Mace Windu kicks ass.

Sphere: I liked this movie in sixth grade. There’s no accounting for taste, I suppose.

Lord of War: I don’t care what other people say, I enjoyed it.

Con Air: Almost knocked out the Wicker Man on my list.

Fire Birds: Nicolas Cage has sex with the oddly Nic Cage-ian Sean Young. Gross.

Raising Arizona: Enjoyed some of this on cable once, but didn’t see enough to justify putting on my list.