Hey everyone, Happy 4th of July. I hope that everyone is enjoying their holiday. So since it is the 4th of July, I thought my next Top 10 list would be about movies that I believe celebrate America and its heroes. I know there are some movies on this list that will be controversial for some people, but that's what happens when everyone has their own opinion. Anyways I hope you enjoy my list and I hope that these movies will help you appreciate and celebrate America and its heroes just a little bit better.
10. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action
So to start of my list, I thought I would start off with the American superhero himself. The film takes place during the World War II era. Steve Rogers, a sickly but determined American, gets rejected again for military service. However, things change when he is recruited for a special project. Proving his courage, he undergoes the experience to turn his weak body into its maximum human potential. Though at first misused as a propaganda mascot, when his fellow countryman are in danger, he answers the call to help them.
Captain America is a great film to watch to get into the patriotic move. He is the only superhero out there that truly encompasses all of values that Americans hold dear. Captain America teaches all of us what America really stands for and shows us that we need to support our country. If you are a superhero fan then this is a must watch this holiday!!!
9. The Patriot (2000)
MPAA Rating: R for strong war violence
The next film on my list is The Patriot starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. The film tells the story of the Martin family during the country's war with Great Britain in 1776. When Benjamin Martin's farm is destroyed during the war, Benjamin is torn between protecting his family and protecting his new, young nation.
The thing I love about his film and the reason this film is on my list is because I love the perspective it takes on our fight for freedom. We always focus George Washington and all the other founding fathers when we talk about our fight for freedom, but we never focus on the individual Americans and their families who also risked their lives for the country we love. These people fight and continue to fight for the country we love and these people need to be celebrated.
8. An American Tail (1986)MPAA Rating: G
Next on my list is the animated classic An American Tail. The film tells the story of a Russian mouse who emigrates to America for a new and better life. On his way there, he gets separated from his family. Now as he is trying to find his family, he has to learn to navigate this new land with new rules and new friends.
This is a great animated film and one I think the whole family will enjoy. The reason this film is on my list is because it truly resembles the creation of our country. I know we sometimes forget that in our country's humble beginnings we were all immigrants trying to navigate this new world. This film shows us a little bit of what it was like for these new people in this new country. This film shows the hope that people have of a new life when they come to America and teaches all of us how good we actually have it here.
7. Saving Private Ryan (1998)MPAA Rating: R for intense prolonged realistically graphic sequences of war violence, and for language.
The next film on my list is the award-winning film Saving Private Ryan starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Vin Diesel. The film tells the story of the Allied troops during the 1944 invasion of Normandy. When the Allies are attacked while getting to shore, 3 brothers are killed and their mother has to receive 3 heartbreaking telegrams. However, when the troops figure out that the fourth brother is still alive, they make an incredible journey in order to find him and bring him home to his mother.
This film is absolutely amazing and one of the best war films ever made. The film shows how united our troops are and how they would do anything for their friends. We as Americans need to be more united and do things for our fellow countryman. Also, our troops sacrifice everything for us and we need to appreciate what they do for all of us more!!!
6. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language
Next on my list is Columbia Pictures' The Pursuit of Happiness starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith. The film tells the incredible true story of Christopher Gardner who is forced to live out on the streets with his son after he loses his job. With life seeming grim, he takes a job as a stockbroker, but unfortunately he needs to go 6 months without pay before he can see an real reward.
This is such a powerful film and one that I believe is one that whole family should see. In America we talked about the "American Dream," but none of us can really determine what that dream is. However, after watching this film, we find out that the "American Dream" is about hope and knowing that if we do good and work our hardest, this country will give us a great reward. We as Americans lose sight of that hope sometimes in our every day life, but we need to hold onto that hope or else America is not better than any other country.
5. Top Gun (1986)MPAA Rating: PG
The next film on my list is Paramount Pictures' Top Gun starring Tom Cruise, Meg Ryan and Tim Robbins. This film tells the story of Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell who after saving his wingman is sent to "Top Gun" Naval Flying School. There he fights with the attitudes of other pilots and the tainted history of his family. However, he strives to overcome all of this in order to be the best pilot he can no matter how many toes he has to step on along the way.
This film is fantastic and one of my all-time favorite films. However, the reason this film is on my list is because of its effect that it had on the American populations. When this film was released into theaters, there was a 35% rise in enlistments that year. Also this film caused many Americans to have higher confidence in the military after the Vietnam War. So after everything this film did for our country how can we not celebrate its accomplishments on this holiday.
4. Apollo 13 (1995)MPAA Rating: PG for language and emotional intensity
Next on my list is the incredible true story of the 13th Apollo mission to the moon. The film stars Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, and Ed Harris. This launch took place in 1970 right after America had already achieved their lunar landing goal. So with little excitement about this launch, something goes horrible wrong that may cost these astronauts their lives. However as America pulls together to support their countrymen, a new found hope and unity is placed upon the hearts of the American people.
This is another incredible film about the importance of America. During this time period America was all about space exploration. There were many astronauts and still are many astronauts that risks their lives in order to expand our understanding. This film reminds us the dangers that these people face so that we can know more about what is in our universe. It also shows how America pulled together when their countrymen needed it most.
3. Rocky IV (1985)MPAA Rating: PG
The next film on my list is MGM's Rocky IV starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire. The film is the fourth entry in the Rocky series and follows the heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky, as he trains Apollo Creed for an exhibition match against the Russian Ivan Drago. However, when Apollo is brutally killed in the ring by Drago, Rocky takes the blame upon himself and vows to avenge his friends death.
So during the time this film came out tensions between Russia and the United States were at an all-time high. Unfortunately this film didn't do anything to ease those tensions. However, the reason this film is on my list is the shear joy it is to see Rocky come out victorious in the end. Seeing the flag draped over his shoulders and seeing America so passionate and unified makes this film one great way to celebrate America!!
2. Miracle (2004)MPAA Rating: PG for language and some rough sports action
Next on my list is Walt Disney Pictures' Miracle starring Kurt Russell and Patricia Clarkson. The film tells the incredible true story of one of the greatest moments in American history. In 1980 at the Winter Olympic Games, a ragtag group of young, American athletes come together in order to represent their country. However, they are faced with the daunting task of competing against the juggernaut from the Soviet Union. With the world watching them, the team is able to show the world that miracles do exist.
This is by far one of my favorite sports moves of all time. This film has it all and is a fantastic way to celebrate America. Al Michael's famous question "Do you believe in miracles?" still continues to ring in the ears of all Americans. This film tells the story of a single event that unified Americans more than they have ever been united before. This film will bring on the tears and have you fall in love with America all over again.
1. American Sniper (2014)MPAA Rating: R for strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references
Finally, the last film on my list and my number one movie to celebrate America is Warner Brothers' American Sniper starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller. The film is based upon the book of the same name and follows the true story of Chis Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. history. It follows him in his early years as a simple Texan just wanting to be a cowboy, through his training to become a Navy Seal, his four tours in Iraq, and finally his life after his time in the war. The film focuses on his relationships with his wife and also those that he served with.
This if by far one of the best films I have seen all year. It is also probably the most controversial film on my list. This film came out early this year to mixed reviews from those in favor of the war and those against it. This film also made a lot of people debate about what truly makes hero. In my opinion those fighting for our freedoms overseas are true heroes. It takes courage, strength, and bravery for them to do what they do. We owe them our lives and this film shows us why we should. This is a fantastic film and one that I believe every should see.
Thanks again for reading!! I hope you all enjoyed this list and you enjoy your holiday. These are the films that I feel best celebrate America. You might have your own films and I would love to hear them. Just send me an email or comment below in the space below. Also, if you have any ideas for other Top 10 lists I am all ears!!!! Have a great holiday and God bless America!!!!!
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