The British Empire has been very influential and dynamic in bringing various forms of film genres to the silver screen. The country's ability to dominate the media has expanded decades. Her Majesty may not agree with all of the following films, but here are ten British films that catch this particular person's interest.
10. Love Actually (2003)
This is a very good romance flick with multiple storylines. I enjoy films that revolve around various people and events in the same location. This is England's installment in that type of film that I call "circuit" stories. The film is like a circular line that keeps going around an area. The ensemble cast are all wonderful in bringing about the humor and charm that makes Love Actually a winner.
9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
This is where it all started before a series of sequels with mixed results emerged. Harry's first adventure brought about a world of wonders that sparked an imaginative world. Later installments have also been entertaining. However, the very first adventures of the young wizard s still an adventure that is worth viewing more than once.
8. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
There really is not much of a story in the film debut of the Fab Four. It is basically just a day in the life of The Beatles. However, the four musicians are likable as they move along from one escapade to another while waiting to perform on a television special. Also, the film features a host of classic songs that come off like music videos before there actually were music videos. Films like A Hard Day's Night may have been the inspiration for that.
7. Chicken Run (2000)
Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, makes a Great Escape-type film with chickens trying to save themselves from being cooked. Chicken Run is very entertaining with its colorful characters, humor and story. British claymation is in top form in its tale of chickens who would rather fight than fry. The film proves that England is able to be creative in any area of filmmaking, including animation.
6. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Why did I choose this Holmes adventure over Robert Downey Jr.'s previous portrayal of the famous detective? I felt the sequel had a bit more style to it, with just as much action-filled excitement as its predecessor. The supporting characters were also a bit more colorful this time around. The best moments revolve around the battle of wits between Holmes and Professor Moriarty. The presence of a nemesis who becomes a threat by being just as clever as Holmes make Game of Shadows a worthy sequel.
5. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead is both a funny horror movie and a scary comedy. The balance between both genres is carried along nicely by the cast and writers of this humorously dark look at zombies. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are one of the best screen comedy teams! This film presents them at the top of their game as they make jokes and try to flee/kill zombies at the same time.
4. Goldfinger (1964)
The third James Bond adventure to be filmed is still a favorite film, even almost fifty years after its initial release. Goldfinger took the spy movie genre to a grand scale level. This is brought about with elements such as larger than life villains, the gadget-filled Aston Martin, elaborate sets, a great theme song, and non-stop action. Plus, there is Sean Connery in one of his best outings as 007. He is cool personified!
3. The Wicker Man (1973)
The dreadful remake starring Nicolas Cage (in a bear suit???) had been mentioned on the list of dreadful remakes. But here we have the real deal! This cult horror flick presents the horror genre in an artistic form. The story of a deadly religious community brings about shivers just by presenting the town's occupants dancing around as if they are in another world. The Wicker Man is superb at creating a location that makes religion a horrifying presence.
2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
The story of King Arthur that is all over the place. But that was probably the intention of the Monty Python comedy troupe. Those expecting a serious cinematic version of King Arthur are advised to look elsewhere. This gag-filled laugh fest is still entertaining. What other movie could there be consisting of killer rabbits, nasty French guards, a black knight who won't give up, and knights who say "Ni"? Medieval Times had never been this loony before onscreen!
1. 28 Days Later (2002)
28 Days Later is an intense horror thriller that brings about the question of "What if this actually happened?" What would it be like if a virus caused people to transform into psychotic zombies who are as quick as they are dangerous? A couple of questions crop up upon each viewing of Danny Boyle's film. Even the characters who make up the military can be deadlier than those who have been infected. There are also moments of the four survivors relaxing and perform everyday activities as if the virus has not spread. The film brings about different moments that make 28 Days Later unique.