Special Edition: Top 12 Robin Williams movies

Hello and welcome to a very special edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen to honor a recent loss in our entertainment industry. Robin Williams was a man with a large, eclectic body of work that has touched many people of my generation and earlier. From voice acting to comedic stand up, from comedy to suspense he has truly left this world with a body of work to be remembered for generations to come. My goal today is to touch on what I feel are his best performances in the film industry. So, let us get this memorial started.

12) "Toys"

Giving us a good impression of Robin Williams' wit, we start our list off with "Toys." A movie about a military General who inherits a toy company, leaving Robin Williams and friends to keep the toy company in tact before the general tarnishes it. This movie showed us how child like Robin Williams could be, and how quick his delivery is.

11) "Popeye"

One of his earliest (or first attempt) to get to the big screen Robin Williams gave life to this cartoon in ways no one imagined. We saw how good he could portray a different face, and how far he could take it. Without Williams this movie would have definitely been easily forgotten.

10) "Awakenings"

Showing us his more serious side, this movie is still shown to psychology classes in high school when the teacher doesn't have a lesson plan for the day, or there is a sub. This movie shows Williams as a doctor in charge of mental patient Robert De Niro, which I always thought was a charming a bit of role reversal when I first saw it (since his roles in the past suggested that he would have made the perfect mental patient).

9) "Jumanji"

A pleasant moment from my childhood, "Jumanji" brought us a board game that made the effects of a wild jungle come to life. This movie was so well received that it was made into a cartoon serial sometime later, which you could have taken or left. Despite the lack of technology available during it's release this movie still holds up with the adults that saw it as a child.
 

8) "Hook"

There are quite a few people that can remember Robin Williams' interpretation of an adult Peter Pan, even though it was heralded as a critical disaster. Whether someone says "Hook" and it makes you break out into the chant "Hook, hook, give 'em the hook" or you just want to scream 'Bangarang!" at the top of you lungs. There is no denying that this movie registered with children of all ages, despite the fact that I still wish I could remember all of Robin Williams' insults to Rufio.

7) "What Dreams May Come"

One of my favorite interpretations of the afterlife this movie always manages to reinstate my faith of something yet to come. A brilliant design team at the helm made this movie not only memorable; but, also a work of art to behold. Filled with enough twists to make M. Night Shyamalan wet his pants this movie became a roller-coaster and we all loved the ride.

6) "Dead Poets Society" 

Another movie used as a a lazy day for teachers (this time English teachers) this movie has been remembered for giving us the teacher we always wanted. I actually have talked to a few choice people that used this (among other movies) as their reason for perusing a career in education. Regardless of if it made you want to teach, made you laugh or made you cry there is no denying that this was one of his finest works.

5) "Good Morning, Vietnam"

This movie finally gave us a look at just how many characters Robin Williams could portray when he took on the role of a DJ that was deployed overseas during the Vietnam War. To me, this movie was the role that launched Robin Williams' career, and gave us the best look at his true talent. To this day, it can still brighten my mood and make me laugh.

4) "The Birdcage"

Even among the great talents of Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Hank Azaria, Robin Willaims still shined in his role of a gay cabaret owner. He gave us an insightful look at the life of a gay man trying to play straight for the benefit of his son. He also gave some inspiring speeches for the benefit of LGBTQ community after its release, and I can only assume that this movie had a fair amount to do with the reasoning.

3) "Mrs. Doubtfire"

Probably one of his most notable roles among the rest on this list we all can remember the time Robin Williams dressed as an old woman. This movie not only gave us a good message about smoking (which I didn't listen to), and a message about keeping true to your values in the first five minutes. It let us know the reasoning behind divorce in a time where divorce was every where, and showed kids that it had nothing to do with them.

2) "Aladdin"

Probably the most amount of characters Robin has portrayed in a movie, his quick timing and wit put animators to the test of keeping up with him. The final count of characters in this masterpiece was supposed to be in the ballpark of 52, which should be a triumph to any actor. This movie has lit my T.V. Screen multiple times every year, and never gets old.

1) "Good Will Hunting"

Of course the movie that got Robin Williams the "Best Actor in a Supporting Role" award at the Oscars was going to be number one on this list. It is still one of my favorite movies, regardless of what comes out because it was so smart. It may not have been Robin Williams in a comedic role, but it was Robin Williams at his absolute acting best.

Honorable Mention(s) )
"Insomnia"

Robin Williams plays a serial killer

"FernGully: The Last Rainforest"

Robin Williams is the voice of a bat

"Jack"

Robin Williams is a grown child, true to himself

"Patch Adams"

Robin Williams is a doctor

"Bicentennial Man"

Robin Williams is a robot

"Robots"

Robin Williams is the voice of a robot

"House of D"

Robin Williams is mentally handicapped

"Happy Feet"

Robin Williams is the voice of a penguin

"Night at the Museum" series

Robin Williams is Teddy Roosevelt

"Flubber"

Robin Williams is an inventor

"Moscow on the Hudson"

Robin Williams is Russian

......and more

Top 12 Marvel villain portrayals

Hello and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen, in honor of my newest review of "Guardians of the Galaxy" I decided to rate the top portrayals of  Marvel comic book villains in movies. In case you didn't read that review (shame on you) I stated that the acting in it was some of the best I have seen from a Marvel movie. I have taken "Guardians of the Galaxy" out of the equation for this list and focused specifically on portrayals before the movie released. These are all based off of my own opinion (as per usual) and have no basis in other critical acclaims. I have also limited the list to one per movie (not franchise). If their were two villains in a movie I had to choose between them. So let's get this bad guy bunch counted off.

12) Julian McMahon - Dr. Doom

This movie may have not heralded the same critical praise most Marvel movie's get today; but, as with most Marvel movies the cast was perfect. The plastic surgeon from "Nip/Tuck" may not have been anyone's first pick, but people are often happily surprised by these choices in the end. Julian brought a certain air of cockiness and obvious superiority to the role that Dr. Doom commanded from the comic books. It was easy to see through out the movie why Reed Richards hated him and why he became the Fantastic Four's greatest rival.

11) Michael Clarke Duncan - The Kingpin

You know the most disconcerting argument I hear about this casting choice? You guessed it, the race card. I am the type of person that likes to see this type of material played around with every once in a while. Whether it be changing a villain's race or changing a superhero's gender I really don't care, it can only enhance the story of the movie, and maybe even improve upon the original content. Michael was the most believable portrayal of this role I could even hope of seeing. The way he towered over Affleck as Daredevil to the way he spoke to his subordinates. His performance was commanding, abrasive, and at times a bit frightening.

10) Jeff Bridges - Iron Monger

Another choice no one really saw coming, but Marvel proved to be on top of the performances once again. Bridges didn't really surprise anyone when his character betrayed Tony Stark, but he did command a certain amount of respect. You could really believe he was this guy that lived in the shadow of better men while he got nothing. When he went up against Stark I could imagine myself in his shoes, punching the lights out of a few select bosses I have had in my time. If he wasn't such an obvious asshole I could have seen myself rooting for him, but he liked to sell arms to both sides so screw that guy.

9) Ben Kingsley - The Mandarin

I've gotten a lot of guff for saying this movie was the best in the series. I've especially gotten a lot of snarky remarks from loving what they did with The Mandarin's character, since it wasn't true to the comics. There was once a time I complained about things not being like they were in the comics, but if the movie was good I no longer have these complaints. Especially if the change that they brought to the table actually improved the character from the version it was in the original book. Kingsley slipped seamlessly from unattached terrorist to bumbling, drunk actor. The man did it so effortlessly you would think he had been acting for decades...oh wait.

8) Alfred Molina - Doctor Octopus

It is no secret that I have a special place in my heart for the original Spider-Man series, so it should surprise no one that the man that portrayed such an iconic character made the list. Alfred Molina had a wide range of chanters he has played  before he dawned his tentacles, so it should have came as no surprise that he would be good. Not only did he prove to be good, he proved brilliant during such scenes where he took control of the tentacles that to seemed have him under their spell. Moments where it seemed he was slipping slowly into madness, and scenes where he finally redeemed himself for the wrongs he has committed make him stand out among his peers.

7) John Travolta - Howard Saint

This is probably going to be one of the more controversial decisions on this list. Whether people say it is too high or just shouldn't merit any attention my choice stays. John Travolta has made it his hobby to slip back and forth between protagonist and antagonist roles, and every time he plays them he does so in his usual superior way. This role was seemingly perfect for him after you saw his portrayal of both good and bad guy in "Face-Off." You see anger in his eyes when he has to kill, you see fear cloud his face when his inevitable comeuppance is at hand and you never see real joy (which is what you would expect from someone in his position).

6) Sebastian Stan - The Winter Soldier

Why did a character who basically had no lines make this list? Because presence was everything with this character and Sebastian Stan had plenty of presence to go around. If you were unfamiliar with the comic book, the reveal of his true identity still probably didn't surprise you too much; but, the ride he led us on was a real roller coaster. Whether you were looking into his smoldering eyes, or feeling his pain during the mind washing scenes he fit the bill for this role perfectly and ultimately shined.

5) Kevin Bacon - Sebastian Shaw

This has nothing to do with the degrees of Kevin Bacon hype train. While that is kind of funny, Kevin Bacon really came into his own as an actor and this role was a big example of his talent. Basically he answered the question of how you play a character with seemingly limitless power? The answer was simplicity itself. You be the most menacing you, you can be. When he absorbs a blast from an exploding hand grenade and touches the person with his index finger you feel the presence of true power emulating from his performance. When you see him order the murder of a woman in front of her child as easily as he would order a pizza, you feel true fear in your heart. Kevin Bacon didn't just command respect, he embodied absolute power in this role.

4) Hugo Weaving - Red Skull

Mr. Smith, Lord Elrond, and all of his other roles culminating into a throw-down with America's best soldier as the Red Skull. His character was crazy, his demeanor was enforcing, almost as if he was trying to play a better version of Hitler. When he killed dozens, tore off his fake face or just got into a fist fight with Cap he was Red Skull incarnate While some people can take or leave his German accent, I can't stop loving his character.

3) Willem Dafoe - Green Goblin

You remember when I said it shouldn't surprise you that an original Spider-Man trilogy cast member made my list? It definitely shouldn't surprise you that THE Spider-man villain ranked among the top three. Willem Dafoe has a nack for playing dark characters, and this character was one of his more dark portrayals  Call it typecasting for his notable voice, I call it damn good acting. You can hear him battle with his inner demons until he takes on the guise of Dissociative Identity Disorder. One character a weak man trying to save what little good is left with in him, the other an evil man that will go through Mary Jane, Aunt May, even his own son to get things done and come out on top. The final scene when he utters the words "don't tell Harry" should make you shiver all over.

2) Sir Ian McKellen - Magneto

When you put Sir Ian McKellen in the driver seat of a major bad guy, you can only expect greatness. In fact when you put him in the driver seat of a major good guy you should expect the same thing.  I am not saying the man is the best actor in the world, I am saying he hasn't done a bad role yet. His portrayal of one of the biggest villains in comic books turned out to be exactly what Marvel intended it to be. Perfect. His one liners register with audiences and have us saying them for years after the movie's release. His presence is a mix between deity, cocky, wise, and corrupt. When Fassbender dawned the helmet in "X-Men: First Class" he was a very good fit, but when the two of them played the same role in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" it was as if Sir Ian McKellen was saying "Listen Jr. this is how it is done."

1) Tom Hiddleston - Loki

Who was this guy before he played Loki? The answer is no one really. This character made his career and it is not hard to see why people can't stop talking about him. We didn't really expect much from a no name actor, but what we got knocked our socks off and stole our hearts. Whether he is facing his brother Thor, or the entire Avengers team you see Loki in every part of his performance. From playful banter, to horrifying threats he puts your heart in an unstoppable emotional hurricane and leaves you begging for more. I have often imagined if he spent months preparing for this role, or if this is just his usual nature; but, whatever it is it sure is amazing to see. I can only hope his star keeps rising from here.

Honorable Mention) Stephen Dorff - Deacon Frost

Someone that seems like he had more fun with this role than most of the people on this list. If only he acted it out better.

Top 12 Movie and Television fandoms

Hello and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen, for the first time featured on Dustin's Disastrous Decisions. This is the first time I have done a list in a while so bare with me, but I had to do this (mainly because I might have offended one or two of these fandoms in my time on Facebook). The merit of this list is based on how much I have heard about it in my time on social media and what it has accomplished in it's time. If you are looking for impacts on society or what have you check another list.

12) Scoobies

Lasting for ten seasons "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans were never satiated. I might have been a little biased on this since I am personally a Scooby, but I have to look at the proof here. Joss Whedon was basically forced into continuing the series because fans could not shut up about the shows. You can still find people re-watching this series to this day, and it ended almost eleven years ago. Back in the day, a show being focused mainly on fantasy and being this popular was unheard of. So yeah I guess it earned its place.

11) Tributes

I didn't hear even ten percent as much about the first movie as I did the second movie. I had people giving the three fingers sign to me on deployment, and I wouldn't have expected half of these men to be into the series. This series has clamped onto society so much that the production company has seen a gold mine and split the final chapter into two installments. Merchandise flies off the shelves, and you see members of this fandom with a Mockingjay or giving each other the hand signal in a hallway. Not the biggest fandom I have seen by far, but if this keeps growing I might have to rewrite this list.

10) Colbert Nation

This man would be nothing without his fans. He would still be funny, but I highly doubt he would be getting the spot David Letterman has held for so long if not for the support of his fans. That is what they accomplished. They got this man into one of the most coveted comedic positions on television, and that is a big success.

9) Bronies

I am used to seeing "Star Wars" figurines fly off shelves, or fans waiting for the store to open on the day the figurine shipment comes in, or even (sometimes) reserving figures. I never thought I would see "My Little Pony" merchandise fly off the shelves faster than that did. Some Bronies get jobs at shopping centers just so they can be guaranteed a new figure of their favorite pony. This is also probably the most mocked fandom I have ever seen, (I never mocked them persay, I was just confused as to what they were and why they were such a big deal... I was educated by fans don't worry). The message these people preach is nice, and I can respect their fandom. Not long ago people said the same thing about comic book readers.

8) Twihards

Yes. Yes. Say what you will but I wouldn't have crossed a "twilight" fan back in the day. They were some of the most loyal, endearing fans I ever got to witness, and that is saying a lot. Yes, they were a bit intense; but, intensity is a good thing for a fandom. This book series merited five movies, four books, hundreds of thousands of fan websites, millions upon millions of dollars, and a civil war (don't know how else to describe the whole "Team Edward Vs. Team Jacob" thing). The fact that people kept talking about this on and on, and the accomplishments I mentioned more than make this a worthy addition.

7) Unsullied

I guess the fact that this fandom is so new is the reason I keep hearing the general populace scream about it from the top of their lungs. The accomplishments for this are a little less legal ("most pirated show"), also a little vague (it has been RUMORED the author of the book series is issuing another book because of the show's popularity). Mainly the reason this is up here is because of how many people I hear obsessing over this show. I kind of want to give it my own reward "Most spoiled show in history." (Since people love to spoil the television show for viewers that fall behind or haven't read the book).

6) Ringers

So, they made the first three movies and forgot A LOT of characters, but they still made three great movies that people went nuts over. Nine years after the release of the final installment Peter Jackson had to get back on the train, and make three more films about the first book. That is my accomplishment for this movie, the fact that the fans screamed so loud, they got more. Not unheard of and not the first time, but the community is so large they are hard to ignore. Oh and most community members can speak Elvish, also not unheard of to memorize a fictional language, but impressive.

5) Browncoats

Yes. The "Firefly" television show was cancelled after one season, we are all still grieving (I am also a browncoat...sue me); but, what happened after this show was cancelled? Fans went out in droves, creating website, after website. Used gorilla marketing for the home release of the series. Got every friend or family member they could together, and had the studio make a movie to finish up the series. I give this series all the credit in the world for fighting as hard as they did. It is ridiculous to think that a show that only lasted one season got so many people enthralled that they made a movie and are currently working on a game.  You just can't take the sky away from Browncoats. (had to say it)

4) Whovians

This is the longest running sci-fi series I know of. This is the second most talked about television show I currently have cluttering my Facebook wall. Fans are loyal to this series regardless of what happens, regardless of what the studio does, and will fight tooth and nail for its continuation. Hearing about all of the people into this show makes me wish I had given it a shot; but, I have way too many fandoms as it is. Hope you guys enjoy your new Doctor.

3) Potterheads

So the book series that got an entire generation into reading got a movie made after it (of course). The people that follow this series talk about the houses they identify with more than their major in college. They made the fictional sport of quidditch into a real game. They have memorized the spells in these books and have mock-duels. Universal Studios keeps on adding more to the Harry Potter section, because the fans just can't get enough of that part of the theme park. The author had to continue the series with Pottermore, so the fans would stop beating her door down with questions (I assume). I like Harry Potter, but these people are true die hard fans and I have to respect it.
 

2) Trekkies

Elvish? Try Klingon. Yeah, the original fictional language fans memorized. The accomplishments of this are too many to go into detail for so I am going to list a few. 2 brand new movies making the count for this: five different series (six if you include the animated one) and twelve films, conventions, merchandise flying off the shelves, the war between Wars and Trek, the civil war between the original series and TNG (more accurately Kirk Vs. Pickard). Countless more but that is a few. These people have been dedicated, and passed that dedication down to their children.

1) Star Wars Fans

Yeah. This one is definitely bigger. I know you are wondering how this can be the biggest fandom when a lot of fans hated the most recent three movie. Fans don't necessarily hate the new films, they just use it as a generational divider. Older generation likes the old three; younger likes the other three. The fact is that everything with the "Star Wars" name has made money and (usually) has been adored by fans. Video games, cartoons, merchandise. They have even created their own holiday, and have a following of troops called the 501st that do events for fans. This film has accomplished so much that it kind of blacks out everything else in the fandom universe. I am not just saying this because I am Star Wars nut, I love Star Trek too (weird right? kind of like a Romeo and Juliet unto myself). I am saying this because the Star Wars fans are the most vocal group ever.

Honorable Mention) Gleeks

Only reason this didn't make the list was because it fell off the radar. Still heard a lot about it when it first came out.