| 10. Bird On A Wire (1990) In 1990 there couldn’t have been two hotter actors to team up for this romantic-comedy splendorous in action. Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn both got to really showcase their talents in this film that contains the worlds longest chase. With non-stop action, hilarious romantic interludes, and a plot that doesn’t overdo itself Bird On A Wire is one of my favorite movies to re-watch. This movie is infectious, sexy, playful, and adventurous. It's one of Mel's better moments, and a fantastic example of action, comedy, and romance. |
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| 9. Signs (2002) The character’s are the driving force of Signs. Everything about the entire story is enhanced because of the three dimensional quality created involving the Hess family. Mel Gibson gives one of his best performances playing the grieving widower raising his children alone, yet morally. His interpretation of Rev. Hess shows a strength, but mostly a constant sadness always behind his eyes. Even in the most frightening moments, the flicker of pure loss still lingers in his eyes. Signs is M. Night Shymalan’s greatest masterpiece. It takes a genre that everyone is familiar with and instead of focusing on the many years of violent alien invasions with massive explosions and escape action sequences the story is structured around faith and the human psyche in a very realistic way. The terror Signs evokes isn’t from the actual aliens or the destruction, it comes from the everyday man situation. The inability to act, and the desolation of solitude are the main fear factors here. |
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| 8. The River (1984) This is the first film I remember seeing Mel Gibson in. I was extremely young, but somehow enamored with this story that I was convinced was going to result in utter heartache. The slow paced, simplistic story telling of a family struggling to get by, with what seemed like all the odds stacked against them, the real intrigue of the tale came between Gibson and Spacek who felt like a true married couple. |
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| 7. Conspiracy Theory (1997) What has happened to this forgotten film? I remember it’s release at the end of the summer of ‘97 and it lingering for quite some time after. Mel Gibson gets to play this insane character with essentially no restraints, who in his paranoid lunacy makes a strange amount of logic. His character Jerry is certain there are conspiracy’s all around him, lives in essentially fort knox, but has fixated on Julia Roberts character and brings all his delusions of conspiracy to her. Suddenly, it seems like Jerry’s paranoia is more than just delusions. Richard Donnor pulls together a movie full of twists, turns, and seemingly craziness, and unites a plot tthat is suspenseful, smart, and exciting. Gibson is allowed to go crazy in an exciting and vulnerable performance as Jerry, coupled by a Julia Roberts that I didn’t hate for once. This ones gotten lost over time but shouldn’t be forgotten. |
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| 6. Chicken Run (2000) There is something genuinely endearing about Chicken Run. It’s sense of humor reaches out to both child and adult and makes a film that is truly designed with love and affection for all the characters to be enjoyed. The wit and silliness of life from the perspective of a chicken is often scary and fun. While Mel Gibson has celebrated numerous action and dramatic roles over the years, his voice over of Rocky the studly Rooster is one of my most memorable actor voice overs in film ever. Supported by a lovely cast of voices, these clay chickens are completely unforgettable and have secured a spot on Mel’s best list. |
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| 5. Mad Max "The Road Warrior" (1981) For all it’s theatrical appearance and melodrama really captures the essence of a world gone wrong, and even though the world is trying to recover from what once was, the same barbaric and violent behavior that killed most of the human existence is still prevalent. Visually this is emoted and resonates just as strongly as the back story and characters who explain it through dialogue. Max is the disillusioned reluctant hero, inspired by his own set of morality and quick-fired temperament. He represents a man truly scorned by a cold world, that only has a small part of who he once was remaining. Truly wild and enamored by what he’s lost with a volatile temper but a secure sense of right and wrong, he is a formidable foe, that Mel Gibson truly makes come to life. This tells a story, another moment in time in a hero’s life that just happened to be captured along with great action, inventive new fight scenes, invigorating battles, and something altogether new and different in the science fiction genre. |
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| 4. Maverick (1994) A little action, some western goodness, comedy, and even some romance, but a constant tongue in cheek sense of humor makes Maverick one of the best homage flicks ever dealt. Movies just don't get more entertaining than this. From the first scene to the final moment Maverick is a movie that is so much fun you could put it on repeat all day and never tire of watching it. Gibson, Garner, and Foster have a kinetic energy that is palpable through TV and is my favorite film involving anything to do with cards. |
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| 3. Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) Some might argue this is actually the best of the Lethal Weapon films, and I wouldn't argue the point. While I prefer the first one myself (it does have Gary Busey-HELLO!), this flick stands up quite solidly on it's own. It mingles in comedy a lot more, and we get to enjoy the addition of Joe Pesci to the crew. The villains are great, the girl is hot, Glover and Gibson become even more fluid in their characters and with each other, and afterwords you'll easily find yourself saying, "Diplomatic Immunity" with a shitty South African accent for weeks. Great flick. |
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| 2. Braveheart (1995) The film was shot gritty, dirty, and graphic, but the actual visuals of Scotland itself were amazing. The rolling green hills, the endless forests, and the misty mornings. The countryside seemed peaceful and quiet until Wallace would march an army across it. The desire for freedom is what empowered everything about this movie. It is not a movie about hope, but about never giving up, no matter what the cost if what’s on the table is freedom. It’s what every man and woman desires and is what Braveheart is about. One man’s refusal to give up his freedom |
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| 1. Lethal Weapon (1987) Action, buddy cop, whatever. Stuff blows up with Mel and Danny and they do a fine job of delivering this smart flick with a clever amount of violence, sex, and humor. As a kid maybe the content seemed a bit much to fully grasp, but I managed. What really drives Lethal Weapon is the charisma of one of films greatest bromances that simply transcended age. Not only has it stood the test of time, but feels fresh every few years I watch it. When I think of action, it’s hard not to think about Lethal Weapon. |
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As difficult as it was to include some movies and opt against others these runners up show what a brilliant career Mel has had, and how much wonderfully entertaining film he has contributed to Hollywood over the years. In spite of his douche bag less than favorable behavior as of late, I can hope there are still some good movies left up his sleeve before he calls it a day and rides the crazy train.
Runners Up:
The Man Without A Face, Payback, Ransom, What Women Want, We Were Soldiers, Hamlet, Tequila Sunrise, Air America, and The Bounty
Love that you put Conspiracy Theory on this list! One his best, great movie!
Thanks Gweed! I can’t stand Julia Roberts and she doesn’t bother me in the slightest in it, so that says a lot about the quality of the film!
Yeah, same here, I cannot stand her, but in that one she wasn’t bad. Maybe the only movie I can tolerate her in.
I love Julia, but I hate her in that movie. Oh well.
Great list, other than My Blue Heaven, I think Bird on a Wire is the most underrated movie I have ever seen.
That definitely shocks me to read, but in a happy good way!
I LOVE My Blue Heaven!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
Okay, POCAHONTAS over Chicken Run. What is everyone’s obsession with that chicken movie? Oh, and is animated a performance???
I think Riggs is by far the best but I think Maverick would be my number 2. It showcases Gibson’s charm so well!!!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
The movie is hilarious! I quote it all day long. Gibson getting thrown into the mix just made it that much better.
I’m glad you love Maverick so much. It almost made it to my desert island movies, just because I can watch it over and over and never tire of watching it. James Garner and Miss Foster were incredible in it too.
It has a definate rewatchability factor!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
I’m with Kai there, why do people love that movie so much?
What about Year Of Living Dangerously? That is a great film.
Good one. I also remembered “Tim” and “The Patriot” afterwords. I wouldn’t have included either of them, but I did enjoy both. Tim was one of the first films I ever saw him in, but The River was the first film where I became a fan.
I’m so happy you included Conspiracy Theory! One of my favorites that everyone seems to forget about. I agree with Kai, though- Pocahontas over Chicken Run. Great list, though. I’m glad ‘What Women Want’ is NOT included
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I’m certainly partial to Chicken Run, and while I did dig Pocahontas, it isn’t even a film that I remember entirely when I think of his body of work.
I DO think of What Women Want, and I was never fond of it, glad you aren’t either!
See, everyone agrees with how much sense I always make! To that I say: adsjhfgajhgdfjgadgf!!!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
Unlike the many readers commenting here, I’ll go out and state that I DIDN’T like Conspiracy Theory. I remember being disappointed when I left the cinema, and it’s had a bad taste in my mouth ever since.
The rest, though, I agree with!
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Thanks Rodney.
Honestly, I’ve always thought that was a film of his people weren’t particularly fond of, Bird On A Wire as well. I just always thought they appealed to my personal taste specifically. Maybe I wasn’t wrong!
I just hate the bad juju it puts on The Catcher in the Rye which is a beautiful book that always gets associated with being the psycho’s Bible. Good flick though… Love Sir Patrick!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
It is a great book, but it make sense how the psychos associate with Holden, don’t you think? Before the vampire genre went all WB and Twilight, they were characters that were interesting because they were in this world, but not of it. The isolation of being a vampire is just a metaphor for a sociopath, which was clearly what Holden was. He tried and tried again to fit into society, and be like everyone else, but Holden was simply not like everyone else. I could go on forever, but it’s a magnificent book.
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Oh, I can completely understand why… I just think it’s a shame.
That line he says to his sister where explains being a catcher in a field of rye, saving all the kids, is one of the prettiest things ever written!
And I love the visual in my mind of him punching out all the windows. So young and filled with anger but not even aware of what he’s really feeling… SO GOOD!
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Road Warrior only at #%? Heresy! Fun list though, I still need to see The River.
should be #5…
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I totally forgot that Mel was in Chicken Run! He did a good job with that voice, and he does a good job in basically all of his movies. It just sucks that he’s such a deuche off the screen.
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Agreed Dan, agreed
Castor recently posted..
That’s kind of my motivation for the list. A lot of other sites are covering his behavior etc., but I don’t care about his personal life. I just enjoy watching his movies.
But yes, I concur with your assessment about his behavior otherwise.
Great list Heather and love the inclusion of Chicken Run, one of the most underrated animation ever! I was looking forward to Mel’s next movie, The Beaver where I really expected great things from him. Too bad we won’t get to see it for a while now given his recent antics.
Castor recently posted..
Hooray for the Chicken Run love! One of my favorite family flicks ever!
I was looking forward to The Beaver as well Castor. Hopefully it won’t be delayed for too long.
Slightly off topic, but I nominate Hoodwinked for most underrated animation last decade.
There was very good word of mouth for The Beaver before all the chaos ensued. We’ll see it soon enough and I’m sure he will be terrific in it!
“There was very good word of mouth for The Beaver” – hahaha!
You want to take that one Heather or should I?
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
Yes, I read the script for The Beaver and it certainly is a very good script which takes some unexpected turns and change of tones. Let’s hope it comes out soon, either on DVD or theater…
Castor recently posted..
Hopefully in the theatre and not straight to DVD.
Signs would have been higher for me. Any have Pocahontas on their Mel list?
Fitz recently posted..
Yup… said that above!
But I prefer Mel Dickson in Poke A Hot Ass!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..FILMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SEE 5
That won an Oscar didn’t it?
Fitz recently posted..
It won the AVN Award equivalent!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..MILFcast aka- the Man- I Love Films podcast – Episode 5
I’m a big fan of Gibson’s talent so kudos to you for composing such a list. I thought he was very strong/funny in What Women Want (even though I had to deal with watching Helen Hunt). Surprised to see Maverick rated so high. I thought Payback was awesome — and his Hamlet was a strong one. Good list, Heather!!!
I like What Women Want, thought he was perfect for the role. I’d include Air America on the list, too, such a fun film! Awesome list, Heather, and much love for including Chicken Run!
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Another admission, I kind of liked What Women Want
Castor recently posted..
Yes, a guilty pleasure I see we both share. He is very funny in it though!
It’s a shame they decided to make a sequel What Men Want with Cameron Diaz.
Fitz recently posted..
Now, Cameron Diaz is one I couldn’t care less about!
Castor recently posted..
As far as RomCom’s go, it wasn’t too bad. And it had Helen Hunt whom I’ve never been fond of. As far as Mel Gibson films go, it’s not one of the greatest.
I’m surprised you were the first person to mention Air America. It’s never been my personal cup of tea, but I figured it had mad love out there. Maybe not?
Awesome list, I always liked Mel because he has range, he can do romantic comedies (What Women Want), then do a film like Signs and then an all out action movie. Even his latest one Edge of Darkness wasn’t too bad. Great job guys!
P.S. Not to be a douchy nitpicker but my link on the August Borgata is listed wrong :<
Not douchey, will look into it and make a fix right away!
I really loved his early work in The Mutiny and Gallipoli! Both of these films are strong dramatic period pieces. He does have a nice range and can handle drama, comedy and action. I love all of the Lethal Weapon movies but love the first and second ones the best.
It is still cool that according to a poll that 76% of Americans still want to see Mel Gibson films!!!!
That’s because most Hollywood stars are douchers, we just don’t get the opportunity to see it if Access Hollywood doesn’t get it. Personally most of us just don’t care. We watch real news and care about real world problems and go to the movies to escape that, not worry about some rich guy who blows stuff up in his movies personal life!
Great list…. Don’t know if I could decide on a top ten – Mel is one entertaining actor and I think it’s cool that most people will still see his movies. I just don’t give a crap about their personal lives, just entertain me! Really really hope to see The Beaver released to the big screen. He and Jodi have something special together.
Gotta agree with you there Kim. From what I’ve read about The Beaver, I’d pay to see it in the theater for sure.
Great list. That Mel has been in some pretty good movies hasn’t he? Unfortunately he’s so busy messing up his personal life, it’s all too easy to forget how good an actor he really is.
Which is why I hope this list helps some of us remember how awesome he is, and maybe if others do he won’t shy away from making movies for awhile. Who cares if he’s a douche. I just want him to make great movies!
Exactly – I also had high hopes for “Cold Warrior” with Shane Black. Did you read that script? Was bloody perfect for Mel.
uhhhh.. I really disagree.. I loved “We Were Soldiers” that should really be five… or six..
It was an excellent movie, no question, but just not my top ten.
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Oh no, let me go out on a limb here……
Yeah, is it okay that I’ve noticed the media is totally out to screw Mel, and people still love him. I’m officially BACK as a fan now, especially that I have the whole story.
P.S. For those of you that don’t know, he DIDN”T knock that whores teeth out. All he did was say really angry things over the phone. Not pretty. But it doesn’t make you a bad person. As far as the jew thing gos, that was years ago, and he apologized. Maybe he DOES harbor some suspicious or even true feeling about politics regarding the middle east, etc, but I certainly don’t think he’s the Nazi deserving of the black listing Hollywood is out to give him.
I guess the whole point of this list was to ignore the personal aspect of what’s been going on with his life and just celebrate what a great professional life he’s had. Glad to hear you’re still a fan.
Heather recently posted..Opening This Week – The Town- Easy A- Devil
Oh, there has to be a place for Forever Young…that ending always has me in tears! Nice to see Bird on a Wire…definitely one of my faves.
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I saw that in the theater and got all choked up. Certainly an underrated flick Dan!
Heather recently posted..Opening This Week – The Town- Easy A- Devil
The patriot should defiantly be in there. Decent list though.
oh im a fan of Mel Gibson, i like his movies…he’s really a great actor.
april14344 recently posted..Cheap Car Insurance For Women
Good christ woman do even watch movies? Conspiracy Theory, Braveheart, Bird on A wire, Signs and Maverick all suck harder then a hooker at a political convention. BTW this list is totally illegitimate since THE ROAD WARRIOR WASN’T NUMBER 1.
How on earth is Edge of Darkness not on here? Also Apocalypto too (I know he directed it, but its his film through and through)
And yeah, Road Warrior, or Mad Max 2 for those not American
, should be number 1.
Tigh there is only one title and its THE ROAD WARRIOR
Conspiracy Theory would have been my number 1. I’m not a big Mel Gibson fan, but I enjoyed Chicken Run, Ransom wasn’t bad either.
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