As a film enthusiast with a particular interest in historical and thriller movies, I have had the pleasure of watching some truly remarkable films over the years. Among those that stand out as my all-time favorites are three masterpieces directed by none other than the legendary Steven Spielberg.
In the 1980s, Steven Spielberg made an indelible mark on cinema with his groundbreaking work for both Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. He directed blockbuster hits like “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and produced beloved classics such as “Gremlins” and “The Goonies.” During this period, Spielberg was a dominant force in Hollywood, earning the title of the industry’s golden touch. In the 1990s, he broke box office records with his films, including the highest-grossing movie ever made at that time, and won two Academy Awards for Best Director, finally receiving long-overdue recognition as a cinematic titan.
It’s quite intriguing that despite the significant advancements in technology and shifting trends marking the beginning of the 21st century, Spielberg continued to hold a notable position in the film industry, even if no longer at the pinnacle. New filmmakers emerged and rose to prominence within the studio system, yet this didn’t result in Spielberg being confined to producing lesser films.
On the contrary, Spielberg’s work expanded in the 21st century with movies of all genres and formats. This is our overview of Spielberg’s films since the turn of the century.
16 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
In simple terms, the film “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” features Indiana Jones, an adventurous professor with a knack for trouble despite his advanced age. This time around, the Soviets are pursuing him, and after being double-crossed by his companion, Indy is compelled to track down the remnants of the Roswell incident on their behalf. Fortunately, he manages to escape unscathed. However, Indiana Jones promptly joins another expedition with a young man who shares news that his friend, Ox, has discovered a valuable crystal skull.
In Peru is where they ultimately capture Indy, who had previously reunited with Marion. The hidden theme of the movie comes to light: this adventure centers around extraterrestrial beings.
The Return of an Icon That Nobody Seems to Like
Indiana Jones had a long hiatus from films starting in 1989. It took nearly twenty years for him to make another major appearance on the silver screen. Unfortunately, this comeback didn’t live up to expectations.
Spielberg continues to skillfully guide this film, offering up the signature Indiana Jones blend of excitement and laughter. However, the special effects feel outdated, and Jones’ portrayal in this installment seems over-the-top (Jones is notably more goofy than before). Consequently, this sequel falls short compared to previous entries in the Indiana Jones series. Nevertheless, it garners a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, likely because of Cate Blanchett’s exceptional performance as Irina Spalko; she is undeniably the film’s most captivating aspect.
15 Ready Player One (2018)
In the year 2045, as depicted in Ready Player One, the world has evolved to where people, finding it hard to break free from their digital personas, immerse themselves completely in the OASIS – a virtual reality platform. This alternate universe allows individuals to be who they truly want to be and engage in intense competitions with others. The game was developed by the late James Halliday, and since then, countless hours are spent trying to unlock the secrets hidden within it – the discovery of which would bring its finder the ultimate prize: control over this virtual domain.
Wade Watts, a young man with an impressive understanding of Halliday and the ’80s, stands as a strong contender for finding the Easter egg. However, there’s a looming threat – Innovative Online Industries could beat him to it.
An Audiovisual Pop Culture Festival
Using Ernest Cline’s book “Ready Player One” as inspiration, Spielberg’s latest film bears strong resemblance to the movies that made him a household name in the 1980s. He doesn’t hesitate to draw upon the very culture he helped shape, creating an enjoyable trip down memory lane for fans of ’80s pop culture.
Spielberg’s film, “Ready Player One,” was a huge success for him, leaving his distinctive mark on it. The movie is filled with numerous pop culture references, which fans will enjoy discovering – keep an eye out for more, as you may need to watch the film multiple times to uncover them all. But have they announced a sequel yet?
14 The Terminal (2004)
In the movie “The Terminal,” Viktor Navorski travels from Krakozhia to John F. Kennedy International Airport for a enjoyable visit. However, an issue arises when his country no longer exists due to a coup. Consequently, his passport is invalid since the United States does not acknowledge the new regime.
Navorski is stuck at the airport with his passport confiscated by agents. Unfamiliar with English, he must figure out how to exist within the terminal’s boundaries, constantly monitored by Frank Dixon, an airport manager who fails to see why Victor cannot seek asylum.
A Premise That Could Have Been More Complicated in Someone Else’s Hands
Drawing inspiration from Mehran Karimi Nasseri’s actual experiences, the movie presents a delightful blend of comedy and drama, with Tom Hanks shining brilliantly as Navorski. His charming portrayal is the heart and soul of the film, keeping it engaging despite its basic plot.
As a huge fan, I’d say that “The Terminal” is a delightful two-hour escape into watching Tom Hanks masterfully bring a character to life. Though it may not be Steven Spielberg’s most critically acclaimed work, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 61% – which is lower than “Hook,” “The Lost World,” and “1941” for him – it remains an enjoyable film for me.
13 The BFG (2016)
The Adventure of Sophie and the Benevolent Giant
A Beautiful and Underrated Fantasy Film
According to Roald Dahl’s novel “The BFG,” Melissa Mathison wrote the screenplay before she passed away. Notably, she had previously collaborated with Spielberg on the Oscar-nominated script for “E.T.”
Though “The BFG” doesn’t quite match up to the popularity of the friendly alien movie, it still offers an enjoyable and innocent experience for families, making it a heartwarming adventure worth watching for younger audiences. Unfortunately, the film didn’t perform well at the box office during its release, marking a less-than-ideal beginning for Spielberg’s collaboration with Walt Disney Pictures. However, “The BFG” remains one of the most overlooked gems in the fantasy genre today.
12 The Post (2017)
In “The Post,” The Washington Post has experienced little transformation since Katherine Graham assumed ownership following the demise of her husband and father. Ben Bradlee, the editorial head, supports her, yet struggles to persuade the rest of the staff that she’s an capable leader.
Only after the paper publshes a story with significant political consequences, the Pentagon Papers in Vietnam, does Graham finally earn the recognition she had longed for.
An Always Relevant Political Drama
Upon its premiere, the movie garnered rave reviews from critics, with Spielberg’s direction being praised as a standout performance in his recent career. The film earned two Oscar nominations – for Best Picture and Best Actress (Meryl Streep) – but unfortunately, public interest waned shortly after its release.
With an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film stands out as a compelling journalism thriller from recent releases. It invites viewers to ponder the depicted events and question their perspective on current politics and media influence: the subtle nods to real-world issues cannot be ignored.
11 West Side Story (2021)
The 2021 rendition of “West Side Story” shares many similarities with the original by Robert Wise. In this contemporary take on the classic Broadway musical, the Jets and Sharks continue their turf war over the influential circles in the Upper West Side community. Yet, when Tony, a Jet member, encounters María, the sibling of a Shark, they develop deep feelings for each other. Their romantic involvement intensifies the feud, as the heads of both groups vehemently oppose their union.
One of the Best Remakes in Recent Cinema
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spielberg’s new take on the musical faced production delays and didn’t hit theaters until late 2021. However, when it premiered, attendance was lackluster despite being directed by a renowned filmmaker. Musicals seem less appealing to contemporary viewers.
Despite being awarded seven nominations at the Academy Awards, and with Ariana DeBose taking home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Anita, this film has a strong approval rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. This could indicate that it’s one of Spielberg’s least recognized masterpieces and among the finest remakes produced in recent cinema history.
10 War of the Worlds (2005)
In a chilling retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic tale, “War of the Worlds” introduces us to a Brooklyn dockworker named Ray. He had planned for a reunion day with his estranged kids but was instead left in shock as alien ships rose from the earth, unleashing terror in the form of massive tripods spewing lasers. With survival on the line and no time to waste, Ray and his children embarked on a harrowing journey across the country, seeking refuge from the relentless extraterrestrial assault. This gripping adaptation remains one of the most heart-pounding alien invasion stories ever brought to life on screen.
Spielberg’s Modern Rendering of Horror
As a huge fan of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds,” I was beyond excited when Josh Friedman and David Koepp teamed up with Steven Spielberg for a modern adaptation. It felt like a dream come true, as Spielberg had taken a break from the scary thrillers that first put him on the map in the ’90s.
As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours at the cinema and binge-watching films at home, I can wholeheartedly affirm that this director truly shines with his exceptional storytelling abilities. His mastery of visual narratives through meticulous storyboarding and innovative sequence design sets him apart from many in the industry.
9 War Horse (2011)
In “War Horse,” set in South West England, Albert’s father purchases a horse named Joey for helping with the farming chores on their land. A deep bond develops between Albert and Joey right from the start, and he even trains the horse to follow his commands. However, tragedy strikes as war is announced, and the heavy rain ruins their crops.
In order to continue providing for his loved ones, Ted was compelled to part with his horse—a sad turn of events that left Albert devastated as he watched his cherished horse being taken away to support the war effort. However, the road ahead may bring new adventures for Joey and Albert, potentially leading them to reunite in the future.
The Most Beautiful War Drama You’ve Yet to See
Collaborators Lee Hall (known for “Billy Elliot”) and Richard Curtis (“Notting Hill,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral”) joined forces to adapt Michael Morpurgo’s namesake novel into a film. This marked Steven Spielberg’s initial endeavor to depict World War I, having previously explored World War II in his projects.
The film turned out to be a stunning production, drawing in audiences at the box office and earning six nominations for Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With its heartwarming tale and the director’s signature emotional balance, it was more than just an engaging story. Visually, War Horse stands out as a contemporary classic, paying tribute to the great Western films.
8 A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
In “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” we explore the story of a humanoid robot named David. Created with advanced artificial intelligence and designed to join a family whose young son is ill and unable to be with them, David becomes sentient and learns to feel love. However, when the boy recovers and returns home, David’s presence is met with uncertainty. But it turns out that the boy longs to become human again, hoping that Monica, his mother, might be able to show him affection in a different way.
A Tribute to a Master
Stanley Kubrick initially conceived the idea for A.I. Artificial Intelligence, which later became Steven Spielberg’s project. This thought-provoking sci-fi fantasy, inspired by Pinocchio and exploring our connection with technology, didn’t receive widespread acclaim upon release.
As a passionate fan, I’ve got to say that this movie wasn’t just a hit at the box office or with the Academy, but it truly shined in the long run. It may not have been an overnight sensation, but rather, it gradually earned its place among cult classics. Some fellow sci-fi lovers even went as far as praising it as a beautiful fusion of Spielberg’s wonder and Kubrick’s genius.
7 The Fabelmans (2022)
I was captivated by “The Fabelmans” tale, where I, as a young boy, belonged to a loving family that nurtured my creativity after I experienced the magic of motion pictures on the silver screen. With my father’s trusty camera in hand, I began recreating those enchanting scenes using miniature trains. As time passed and I grew older, my passion for filmmaking blossomed into a lifelong pursuit, eventually earning me recognition as an amateur director whose work left everyone in awe.
At home, nothing lived up to its appearance for Sammy. He was unfortunately privy to the disintegration of his parents’ relationship, resulting in Burt and Mitzy’s separation. This heart-wrenching turn of events left Sammy in an emotional maelstrom, a feeling he managed to alleviate by immersing himself in movie production.
The Stunning Autobiography of a Genius
Spielberg’s autobiography is not as “semi” as many said it was. The director, alongside screenwriter Tony Kushner, drew a great rendering of what modeled him to becoming Hollywood’s greatest storyteller.
Critics adored “The Fabelmans” due to its moving narrative, resulting in a remarkable 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, despite being recognized with multiple Academy Award nominations, such as for Best Picture and Best Director, it ultimately came up empty-handed.
6 The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Title character Tintin embarks on a new adventure after purchasing a miniature vessel named the Unicorn. Subsequently, he faces pressure from a persistent ship collector and an inquisitive Interpol agent. Determined to keep the treasure-laden Unicorn, Tintin flees with his loyal canine companion, Snowy.
As a curious gamer, when I delve into the lore of the Unicorn, I stumble upon an intriguing discovery: a hidden treasure lies within the sunken ship’s hull. And get this – there might be a clue to its location held by none other than Archibald Haddock, the captain’s supposed descendant! Eagerly, I team up with Haddock, ready to embark on an adventurous quest. However, as fate would have it, we’re not alone in our pursuit. Other treasure hunters have caught wind of this rumor and are also on the hunt. The race is on!
Spielberg’s Single Attempt at Animation
According to the beloved comic book collection by Hergé, “The Adventures of Tintin” comes to life as an impressive animated movie, filled with surprising plots that will brighten up your day. Collaborating with producer Peter Jackson and writers Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, and Joe Cornish, Spielberg assembled a talented group of artists to create this underappreciated animated production. The film was financially successful, earning $374 million in revenue, yet surprisingly, it failed to secure an Academy Award nomination.
5 Bridge of Spies (2015)
The film “Bridge of Spies” recounts an influential episode in international politics’ past. When pilot Francis Gary Powers’ plane is brought down in Soviet territory, he’s taken captive and exposed as a CIA operative. Concurrently, in the US, a known Soviet agent named Rudolf Abel has been serving time in prison for some years. The CIA discovers a letter from East Germany intended for Abel’s lawyer, James Donovan.
As an assistant to the government, I’m privy to their latest move: they’ve identified an opportunity and have entrusted me with the task of retrieving Powers and bringing him back in exchange for Abel.
A Modern War Thriller That Proves Spielberg’s Agency
According to a screenplay by Matt Charman and the Coen Brothers, Steven Spielberg’s film, “Bridge of Spies,” demonstrated his capability of creating both an engrossing political drama and an enjoyable movie. Featuring Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance in lead roles, this production was warmly received by critics upon its premiere. The motion picture continues to maintain a high approval rating with a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
At the Oscars, “The Contender” earned six nominations, among them Best Picture. Surprisingly, Rylance claimed the award for Best Supporting Actor that year, despite Stallone’s strong contention for his role in “Creed.”
4 Lincoln (2012)
In the film “Lincoln,” set in 1865 during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln endeavors to shape American history through unconventional means. His determination lies in passing the Thirteenth Amendment, which aims to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude. However, gaining support from the House of Representatives proves challenging as not everyone shares the forward-thinking politician’s vision for ending slavery.
A Near-Perfect and Ambitious Biography
The film’s production quality is impressive and vast, surpassing that of many other historical dramas. Critics praised it as one of Spielberg’s finest works, and at the Oscars, it received an astonishing 12 nominations – among them Best Picture and Best Director. It ultimately took home the award for Best Production Design. Daniel Day-Lewis, portraying Lincoln, earned his third Oscar for Best Actor. In terms of biographical dramas, few can match the authenticity of Lincoln.
3 Munich (2005)
According to George Jonas’s 1984 book “Vengeance,” the film “Munich” recounts the tale of a team of covert operatives seeking revenge. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, Palestinian terrorists abducted and murdered 11 Israeli athletes, then fled. In response, a group of Jewish volunteers, headed by Avner Kaufman, resolved to track down and eliminate 11 Palestinian militants believed to have been involved in the initial attack.
The Best Historical Thriller of the 2000s
In Munich, Spielberg takes creative liberties with historical facts, as put mildly. However, the filmmaker doesn’t strive for historical authenticity in his work. Instead, he crafts an engrossing political thriller that explores the moral dilemmas of revenge.
One of Steven Spielberg’s lesser-acclaimed films, “Munich,” was a subject of controversy then and now. Despite this, it managed to secure five nominations at the Academy Awards, including for Best Picture and Best Director. However, the industry surprise saw “Crash” taking home the award instead, raising some eyebrows due to its debatable merit.
2 Minority Report (2002)
I’m utterly captivated by the intriguing tale that is “Minority Report.” In this narrative, I play the role of a devoted fan. The protagonist is none other than John Anderton, an exceptional Precrime agent. With the aid of three extraordinary psychics, known as precogs, he prevents crimes before they occur. However, during a public demonstration, an alarming turn of events unfolds: Anderton’s image appears on the screen, seemingly committing a murder. Faced with this bewildering situation, I would join Anderton in his desperate quest to unravel the mystery and perhaps halt the impending crime. In this journey, I wouldn’t hesitate to accompany him in his pursuit, even going so far as to secure the assistance of one of the precogs, whose unique abilities hold the key to solving this enigma.
Spielberg’s Version of a Cyberpunk Thriller
As a longtime fan of action thrillers, I can confidently say that this particular film stands out among the best I’ve seen in the last two decades. The elaborate set pieces and stunning visual effects are certainly impressive, but what truly sets it apart is its intricately woven storyline. It raises thought-provoking questions about the morality of its premise, which is a topic that resonates deeply with my personal experiences and interests.
1 Catch Me If You Can (2002)
I was utterly captivated by the real-life exploits of the charismatic con artist in the movie “Catch Me If You Can.” As a teenager, I too felt helpless when my parents were going through a divorce. In response, I made a bold decision to leave home and embark on an extraordinary journey. Using my wit and charm, I convinced people that I was a Pan Am pilot, but that was just the beginning. I went on to assume new identities as a doctor and a lawyer by committing check fraud. However, my audacious acts did not go unnoticed. A tenacious FBI agent was hot on my trail, determined to bring me to justice.
A One-of-a-Kind Crime Drama
Spielberg’s perfectly-toned Catch Me If You Can is his best film in the past two decades. Several genres blend in a fast-paced film whose crime element is toned down by the witty script with constant winks at the absurdist comedy of Abagnale’s situation. Upon release, it was very well received by audiences worldwide as it made more than $350 million at the box office. Critics are still in love with its family-friendly plot style, as it holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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2024-07-25 04:03