WHY: It was only recently that I finally saw A Fistful of Dollars, but now that I have seen it I truly believe this trilogy is one of the top five ever. I am sure several of you would have placed it higher, but a few logic issues (yeah, nitpicky) keep me from ranking it too high. The first time I was introduced to the franchise it was The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, that film remains my favorite of the bunch, but the rest sure are a lot of fun to watch and made spaghetti westerns a viable genre.
RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; #2 For a Few Dollars More; #3 A Fistful of Dollars
WHY: Even though it comes in at #4 I consider the original Star Wars trilogy THE trilogy. It might not be my favorite, but when the word trilogy comes up in conversation I don’t think Star Wars will ever be overlooked. The prequels may have been absolute garbage, but I think most film lovers have fond, fond memories of the trilogy that inspires people to boycott films, claim “Han Shot First” and inspired legions of fan sites, videogames and knock-offs. It really is epic.
RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Empire Strikes Back; #2 A New Hope; #3 Return of the Jedi
WHY: Because it is a franchise you can get lost in. All three films distinguish themselves from the other and even though the third film isn’t all that good it still has a couple of my favorite lines in film, “Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in,” and “Maybe they should fear YOU!” That second one makes me laugh every time I hear it.
Of course when it comes to quotes, acting, directing and story the first two films are far superior and the reason this trilogy is rated this high. Had all three films been like Part Three I really don’t think we ever would have heard of Don Corleone, but as it stands he is now a film icon.
RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Part II; #2 Part I; #3 Part III
WHY: Because it kicks ass! Seriously, the trilogy of Jason Bourne films are three quality action packed films, and the key word there is “quality”. Most action thrillers forego intelligent story-telling, but the Bourne series puts its story first and through terrific choreography and directing it takes hand-to-hand combat to a whole new level. It goes from blowing up a house with a toaster, to stabbing a guy in the hand with a pen, to combat with a book and a towel. Seriously, who could have predicted those three fight scenes? Also, after some soul searching, I think I am finally ready to concede that The Bourne Supremacy is my favorite of the bunch.
RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Supremacy; #2 Ultimatum; #3 Identity
