When it comes to a movie buff's home viewing library, no self-regarding film aficionado could ever be worth their weight in Godard laserdiscs without a myriad of films with the stamp of approval from the Criterion Collection. The collection highlights the most important films from the past and the present and gives them the lavish treatment that they deserve, in exchange for a $30 price tag. But after searching the entire collection, one that spans 340 and counting cinematic masterpieces, only one depressing figure stood out: zero Kurt Russell films. Deplorable, yes. Fixable? Most definitely. The Top 10 Kurt Russell films that should be in the Criterion Collection:
1. "Executive Decision" (1996) - Received more poorly than the somewhat similar "Air Force One," this lost classic has everything an action film needs: Steven Segal, stealth bombers and terrorists. Speaking of Mr. Segal, any film that features him being sucked out of an airplane to his imminent death is not only a classic, but also should be up for the National Registry.
2. "Captain Ron" (1992) - Russell shows his ever-expansive versatility by playing a wacky captain of a yacht formerly owned by Clark Gable, in turn making Martin Short play the straight man for once. Plus he looks adorable in that eye-patch.
3. "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986) - Some would say that this film rips off "Temple of Doom," but anyone who doesn't see the subtle satire of modern Asian and American relations doesn't deserve to critique a classic. After watching Kurt romance the sultry Kim Cattrall while battling a mystical Chinese sorcerer, I think it's very easy to see what film "Casablanca" stole its plot from.
4. "Fox and the Hound" (1981) - Produced when Disney was in a supposed creative lull, Kurt Russell brings his obvious "A" game to his voice work as adult fox Copper. Not only remarkable for the heartbreaking portrayal of a taboo friendship between hunter and prey, but for the groundbreaking animation that makes "Monsters Inc." look like "Oliver and Company."
5. "The Thing" (1982) - Just when you thought it didn't get any better than Kurt Russell doing the voice-work for an adorable little fox, it does. Kurt Russell in Antarctica, battling a shape-shifting alien beast that takes the form of the people it kills. Criterion, what are you even thinking?
6. "Stargate" (1994) - Any film that spawns two spin-off television series deserves to be immortalized in the Criterion pantheon. This movie not only amends the injustice brought on by the exclusion of Kurt Russell in the collection, but also the dearth of James Spader. We're still not sure if they travel to ancient Egypt or another planet that just looks like it, but either way, this movie rules.
7. "Dreamer" (2005) - A magical love triangle between a girl, her father, and her horse, this film spotlights Russell's rugged dramatic talent. Himself much like a stoic steed, Russell's acting is quiet and majestic, shiny with morning dew. Plus he has a crazy old dad who keeps his money in a coffee jar. And there are horses!
8. "Backdraft" (1991) - Four names: DeNiro, Sutherland, Russell, Baldwin. Which Baldwin? Billy, but who cares? This fire-quenching juggernaut of a film combines groundbreaking special effects with a hard-hitting crime drama. Director Ron Howard goes where other directors wouldn't dare by casting Russell as Billy Baldwin's brother. A risky maneuver, but ultimately rewarding.
9. & 10. "Escape from N.Y." (1981) / "Escape from L.A." (1996) - The first came as a response to implementation of Reagonomics. The second came as a response to Tupac's death. In many ways, the "Escape From" series is the only valid form of cultural anthropology the world has seen over the past 25 years. Yeah, anthropology - look that one up, Criterion.
- Compiled by the Scene Staff
