I was thinking more about the Oscar nominations and specifically Tony Gilroy. As I mentioned yesterday, he is nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director for the film Michael Clayton. He also wrote the screenplay for all three Bourne movies. I am a huge fan of the Bourne movies (The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum) which are exactly my type of action film. These movies feature fantastic car chases and fighting scenes as well as the outstanding character Jason Bourne brought to life by actor Matt Damon. It is difficult for me to mention Matt Damon without also mentioning his buddy, Ben Affleck. I am a big fan of both of them and their work. Speaking of Oscar nominations, Affleck wrote, produced and directed the film Gone Baby Gone which a received Best Supporting Actress nomination, but from what I hear should have received more. To my disappointment, I have not seen this film yet, but it would be the next movie I would see if I had the chance.

Back in 1992, Damon and Affleck appeared together in the film School Ties, both with minor roles. The two childhood best friends became superstars in 1997, when they won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay with Good Will Hunting, a film they both also starred in. They also formed a production company and sponsored Project Greenlight which promotes independent film making. One of my all-time favorite movies is Dogma which stars both Damon and Affleck together again. This made me start thinking about all of the quality films that each actor has made already in relatively short careers, so I decided to put together a Top 10 list. This was a little difficult to narrow down since I decided to combine both actors on to one list. Here is OLD SCHOOL'S TOP 10 MOVIES STARRING BEN AFFLECK OR MATT DAMON:
Honorable Mention. Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) - I list this film here because of one scene where the main characters are being chased through a movie studio and interrupt the filming of the spoof Good Will Hunting 2: Hunting Season. This scene stars Ben & Matt as themselves and shows that they don't take themselves too seriously. I am a huge Kevin Smith fan, so I love this movie anyways, but that scene makes it honorable mention on my list.
10. Changing Lanes (2002) Affleck as "Gavin Banek" - There were many movies that could have taken this spot on the list, but I decided to give it to this under-rated film that also starred Samuel L. Jackson.
9. Saving Private Ryan (1998) Damon as "Pvt James Francis Ryan" - Directed by the great Steven Spielberg, this film shows the harsh reality of war with stunning cinematography. Ranked #3 on yesterday's Top 10 list. Damon does not appear until the end of the movie, but plays his role to perfection.
8. Rounders (1998) Damon as "Mike McDermott" - I have always really enjoyed this movie about a reformed poker player who has to play again to help clear a friend's debt. Highlighted by a fantastic cast and interesting dialogue, I recommend this film to anyone who has not seen it yet.
7. Jersey Girl (2004) Affleck as "Ollie Trinke" - I am very fond of this movie written and directed by Kevin Smith (one of my very favorites) despite it getting panned by most critics. I feel that it was a touching story and that Affleck plays his role excellently. Matt Damon does make a cameo appearance in this film. I honestly don't know why this movie was not better received, but I definitely consider it a worthy effort.
6. The Departed (2006) Damon as "Det Colin Sullivan" - This very intense film directed by Martin Scorsese featured an outstanding cast. It won the Oscar for Best Picture last year... ‘nuff said.
5. Chasing Amy (1997) Affleck as "Holden McNeil" - This is the second of three Kevin Smith films on this list (4 if you count the honorable mention). Chasing Amy features outstanding dialogue and performances including Affleck's as a comic book artist who falls in love with a girl who happens to be a lesbian. It is a very original movie which I highly recommend to anyone who has never seen it.
4. Good Will Hunting (1997) Damon as "Will Hunting" and Affleck as "Chuckie Sullivan" - As mentioned above, this film won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, but lost the Best Picture to Titanic. Ranked #8 on yesterday's Top 10 list. Outstanding movie that really launched these two careers.
3. The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004) & The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) Damon as "Jason Bourne" - I mentioned these films earlier when briefly discussing Tony Gilroy. Damon plays this character with amazing depth and yet still shines in the action sequences, too. I hope they continue this franchise because these are the best all-around action movies I have seen in a long time (and maybe ever).
2. Ocean's Eleven (2001), Ocean's Twelve (2004) & Ocean's Thirteen (2007) Damon as "Linus Caldwell" - The first film is one of my all-time favorite movies. The second was only slightly above average based on my expectations, but the third film returned to the quality of the first. Damon is part of a superstar cast and definitely holds his own. I love these movies and hope they continue to make them.
1. Dogma (1999) Affleck as "Bartleby" and Damon as "Loki" - Yet another film written and directed by Kevin Smith, this is another of my all-time favorites. Affleck and Damon play two renegade angels trying to exploit a loophole to get back into heaven. Many felt that this film was against religion and Catholicism, but in fact, it was intended to promote the faith. Kevin Smith writes outstanding dialogue and always seems to appeal to my semi-warped sense of humor. I can't recommend this movie any more highly.

There it is. Some of the movies that were under consideration, but did not make the list, include: The Legend of Bagger Vance, Daredevil, Courage Under Fire, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Sum of All Fears, Forces of Nature, The Good Shepherd and Armageddon. What do you think??? Anything you feel is missing? If you take the Top 10 list from this posting and the Top 10 list from my last posting, you really start to get some insight into my taste in movies.

That will do it for another edition of Kickin' it. Thanks for reading. Y'all come back now, you hear!

Check this out: Big news the last couple days has been in regards to the New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, who was seen visiting his girlfriend in NY bringing flowers and wearing a walking boot. Is he injured? How bad? I came across this very funny account of what Brady really was up to. Click here to check it out...  www.bluemonkeydiscoparty.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=8 5&twindow=Default& ;mad=No&sdetail=202

Quote of the day: "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught." -Oscar Wilde

Download this: "Wait For You" by Elliott Yamin - This song by a former American Idol finalist is, in my opinion, one of the best songs from 2007.