Top 5 Thursday: Ron Howard Movies

Ron Howard is one of my favourite movie directors. Who knew that the Richie from “Happy Days” would be such a magnificent filmmaker? Here are my five favourite Ron Howard directed movies.

5. The Da Vinci Code
I know it was discussed when it came out, I was one of the few people that really loved this film. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m actually very sad that Ron Howard isn’t going to direct “The Lost Symbol” which is the next film in the Robert Langdon series.

4. Cinderella Man
One of the best boxing movies and such an amazing story. It’s a movie that people don’t really talk about anymore, but it should never be forgotten.

3. Apollo 13
I’m somehow always intrigued by space and “Apollo 13” is one of the best movies in this genre. Tom Hanks is fantastic as Jim Lovell.

2. Rush
Ron Howard managed to amaze me with this film, even though I don’t like Formula 1 racing. I was drawn into the world and it kept my attention at all times.

1. A Beautiful Mind
This is actually one of my all-time favourite movies. I was so amazed by Russel Crowe’s performance. I just love this movie, it’s so well made.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Frost/ Nixon, The Paper, Ransom, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Top 5 Thursday: Boxing Movies

There are so many boxing movies and for some reason the boxing in the films is more interesting then an actual boxing match. Here are my favorite movies about this sport.

5. Rocky Balboa
Off course my first reaction was; another Rocky movie. Who wants to see a 60 year old Sylvester Stallone in a boxing ring? But I came to love this movie, it really surprised me. And no matter how old he is, Rocky Balboa ends up being the most emotionally-touching of all the “Rocky” sequels.

4. Cinderella Man
One of director Ron Howard’s finest efforts to date. It is the heart-wrenching true story of Jim Braddock, a once promising fighter who lost almost everything after the great depression hit. Overlooked if you tell me, great acting by Russel Crowe.

3. Raging Bull
While “Raging Bull” isn’t necessarily a traditional movie about the sport of boxing, it is most certainly an incredibly deep character study of Jake LaMotta. Incredible movie.

2. Million Dollar Baby
This one was different from all the other boxing movies, because it was about a female boxer. What starts out as just another boxing story, suddenly takes a sharp turn into much darker and more dramatic territory. And fantastic performances by Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood.

1. Rocky
The ultimate favorite and maybe the best underdog story ever told. Rocky has a title-shot against the heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed. I love Rocky’s incredible determination and courage. And that classic scene with his fist up in the air.

They almost made the top 5: “The Champ”, “Rocky 2”, “Ali” and “The Hurricane”