Gabriel Lewis

Ranking the films of the greatest director of all time. Let’s get to it.

13. Fear and Desire (1953)

Kubrick’s first film isn’t really that bad. The camera techniques are very advanced for a debut and the script isn’t terrible either. But, the characters aren’t interesting at all and the acting is bad. I mean IT’S BAD! Paul Mazursky delivers one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen. Overall, the film is impressive on a technical level, but is pretty amateurish and boring. Definitely the weakest of Kubrick’s filmography.

12. Spartacus (1960)

This shouldn’t even be considered a Kubrick movie. Kubrick was hired one week after shooting began, and star/producer Kirk Douglas was the one who wanted to make the film. Kubrick added some touches that definitely improve the movie, but the performances are pretty hammy, even from the great Laurence Olivier. There’s too much time spent on the politics of Greece and not enough about the main plot. Pretty muddled movie, but it has it’s moments.

11. Lolita (1962)

A film that hasn’t aged well. The first half is definitely the best part, with Humbert Humbert internally going mad over Lolita, and Charlotte Haze literally going mad over Humbert Humbert. After that, the movie gets really boring and Sue Lyons isn’t that pretty, plus she can’t act for sh*t. Peter Sellers is fun to watch, but his character’s scenes seem like they’re from a completely different movie. So, it’s a decent movie, but not anything spectacular.

10. Killer’s Kiss (1955)

This is a truly underrated movie. It has a lot of problems; bad acting and writing and such. But, the atmosphere is so mysterious and symbolic. Individual scenes in the film are very interesting and very Kubrick-esque. The boxing scene, the ballet scene, the climax in the warehouse, they’re all creative and intriguing. However, the film as a whole isn’t entirely cohesive. Definitely a movie for completists, but still an interesting one, nonetheless.

9. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Yeah, so, I used to love this movie. It had a cool first half and the sniper scene was awesome. But, rewatching it now, after several rewatches of Platoon, Apocalypse Now, and other, better war movies, it kind of feels a bit empty. That isn’t to say the boot camp sequence isn’t amazing. It is. R. Lee Ermey and Vincent D’Onofrio should have at least been nominated for an Oscar. However, the second half is attempting at recognizing the surrealism of war by focusing on the realism of war. Only, it doesn’t work as well as it should. The sniper scene is petrifying, but the rest feels really weird. The dialogue is kind of pretentious and the acting isn’t great. Overall, an uneven film with more good than bad, but it’s still got some major issues.

8. The Killing (1956)

This is the first great movie on the list. I’ve only seen it once, but I think it’s amazing. The script is fantastic and the performances are astonishing. Sterling Hayden, Elisha Cook, and Timothy Carey being the standouts. The narration is a little distracting, but it’s not too distracting. The witty dialogue and creative direction are the highlights; this is an underrated gem from the master himself.

7. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

A film that has taken me a while to see, but now that I finally have, I can confidently say that it’s a masterpiece. The sex stuff is a little gratuitous, but it’s very effective because it does the impossible by making sex look creepy. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman are fantastic in their roles. I had the impression was that they’re performances would be very stiff, as if they were trying to prove that they could act. But, fortunately, that’s not the case. Anyway, an emotional experience with a tense atmosphere, it’s a great movie for Kubrick to go out on.

6. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

What a surprise to see this so low! I know, but while I don’t think it’s as good as  I originally thought, I still love it for the awesomeness it is. It’s a very theatrical movie with a lot of camp. While the rape is horrific, it’s even more horrific when you realize that it’s being treated as an afterthought. It’s Kubrick’s f*cked up, pitch black humor that actually works to the tone’s advantage. As I’ve said before, the message is very well portrayed and McDowell’s performance is astounding. Not much else to say accept, “I was cured alright!”

5. The Shining (1980)

Possibly, the scariest movie I’ve ever seen. It’s hard to say because I’m easily excitable, but this one keeps me up for days! The film’s brilliance is in the subtlety of the creepiness. For example, if you watch closely, the Overlook Hotel’s overall layout is entirely inconsistent, leaving the viewer with an uneasy feeling whenever a character is alone in the hotel. Also, a lot of people complain about Jack Nicholson’s performance in the film as being too crazy or psychotic, but I think it’s perfect. The film portrays him as a deeply troubled man with a struggle between work and family, and this job as undertaker causes him to finally snap. Anyway, a great film with thrilling scares. Just don’t go into Room 237.

4. Barry Lyndon (1975)

A beautiful film. That’s really all I have to say. The arch of Redmond Barry isn’t really an arch at all. He’s a spoiled, needy brat who becomes a RICH spoiled, needy brat. This makes his character all the more interesting and realistic. Every shot looks like a painting. Ryan O’Neal is surprisingly amazing as Barry, as is Marisa Berenson. What to say, but another underrated one.

3. Paths of Glory (1957)

Shocking, I know. It’s still in my top 10, but I think the top 2 are better. Only slightly. This movie deserves a lot of credit because it was the film that got me into making movies in the first place. The camera work is brilliant, the script is very well written, the acting is powerful, but Kubrick’s direction is the most amazing part. The overall dark tone really foreshadows the perfectionist’s future projects (Dr. Strangelove, Clockwork Orange, etc.) What else to say, but it’s a superb film that every film buff must see.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Another shocker. Every time I see it, it keeps on blowing me away. The visuals, the music, the direction, everything is great. It’s interesting that no one talks about how great the script is, but it’s arguably the greatest thing about the film. Then again, everything is the greatest thing about the film. I adore this movie and can now fully appreciate everything it has to offer. A true masterwork! 

1. Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Love the Bomb (1964)

The best satire ever, the best Kubrick movie, the best comedy, the best war movie, the best sci fi movie, and definitely one of the best movies of all time. Peter Sellers is great in all three of his roles. He’s so goofy, but he has a certain subtlety that makes it even more hilarious. George C. Scott as Buck Turgedson is one of the best screen performances of all time. It’s amazing that Kubrick actually convinced Scott that the takes he was using  were “outtakes.” It’s shocking. While the subject matter is definitely dated, the film is still as funny today as it was back 50 years ago. Happy birthday Dr. Strangelove!

So those are my rankings for Kubrick’s full 13 feature filmography. All I can say is that this man is truly extraordinary. I love him and his films, he is the greatest filmmaker of all time. Bravo, Stan!

What’s up with two deaths of awesome people in the same damn month? WTF? Anyway, Harold Ramis (Egon Spengler) died today at 69. It’s a pretty shocking and saddening loss, considering it’s one of the greatest comedy writers ever. Please keep him in your thoughts, and remember, DON’T CROSS THE STREAMS!

This is a strange idea for a post since I never really do anything involving music, but with such a cool dude like Tom Waits, I felt compelled to do this list. He’s one of my favorite artists to listen to. His signature growl, creative instrumentation, and earthy sound makes him a unique cat. Anyway, here are my 10 favorite songs from this strange jazz alien.

10. Martha 

From “Closing Time (1973)”

This is a song that feels like it’s from a completely different artist. Then again, so does this whole album, as it is the debut of Waits. It feels much more like the work of a wannabe Bob Dylan, but “Martha” is definitely the best track on the album. The beautifully tragic lyrics and Tom’s soothing vocals make this a memorable tune. Great song.

9. Earth Died Screaming 

From “Bone Machine (1992)”

“Bone Machine” is my favorite Tom Waits album. It may not be his best (That would be “Rain Dogs”), but it’s Waits at his most uncompromisingly unhinged. “Earth Died Screaming” is the chilling opener to the album, with dark, spooky lyrics and a strange other-wordly sound. The percussion sounds like a bunch of bones banging on the ground, and Tom’s haunting vocal entertain the hell out of me! Plus, the nice send-off with the horns is a satisfying conclusion to the song. Fascinating listen.

8. Hang On St. Christopher 

From “Frank’s WIld Years (1987)”

“Frank’s Wild Years” is an interesting, if uneven, concept album by Tom Waits. “Hang On St. Christopher,” coincidentally also an opener, is a strange song with a very mechanical feel. Tom’s voice feels like you’re hearing it from a walkie talkie, and the instrumentation is unique and creative. It’s definitely a highlight from an otherwise mediocre album.

7. Step Right Up 

From “Small Change (1976)”

“Small Change” is a very underrated album. Released during his rise to underground popularity, it is the first album in which Tom Waits gains his sound as an artist. “Nighthawks at the Diner” showcases the potential, but “Small Change” delivers the promise. Anyway, this fast paced, hilarious tune is fun listen. The jazzy, somewhat theatrical instrumentation and the absurd, satirical lyrics make it a definite favorite. Awesome track.

6. Goin’ Out West 

From “Bone Machine (1992)”

An unhinged, hard rocking one from possibly the most inaccessible album from a pretty inaccessible artist. It’s easily the best song on the album, and the charming lyrics mixed with the loud, clattering sound makes you feel like a total badass while you listen to it. And, of course, Tom Waits is a total badass while singing it. It also includes Tom Waits’ mantra: “I’m gonna do what I want and I’m gonna get paid.” Nice.

5. Gun Street Girl 

From “Rain Dogs (1985)”

The true masterpiece of Tom Waits long enduring career is his experimental “Rain Dogs” from 1985. It includes many of the recognizable tunes from the master including “Downtown Train” and “Anywhere I Lay My Head.” But, one of the best songs off a consistently amazing album is the country blues/folk track “Gun Street Girl.” It features a great sound, as most of the percussion is just Waits banging on a dresser with a two-by-four. The interesting lyrics and Waits’ gravelly voice create an earthy and smokey atmosphere. Cool song.

4. Warm Beer & Cold Women 

From “Nighthawks at the Diner (1975)”

“Nighthawks” is an interesting album. It’s a semi live album. The record company called a small group together to sit in the studio, as Waits performed a live show in the studio. While the majority of the songs aren’t entirely memorable, this one is certainly a great one. The amusing lyrics are great, the saxophone solo is soulful, and Waits compromise between gravelly voice and normal voice is interesting to listen to. Nothing else to say, but a nice, jazzy track.

3. Jockey Full of Bourbon

From “Rain Dogs (1985)

I first heard this song in Jim Jarmusch’s fantastic indie classic, “Down By Law” which also stars Waits as a down on his luck DJ who is framed for murder. Great film, definitely check it out. But, enough about that! Jockey Full of Bourbon is a cool-sounding smokey track with a low, but intense vocal and an echoing guitar. It makes you feel like a cowboy, with occasional audio of a whip sound effect in the song. Great listen, also check out “Down By Law.”

2. Time

From “Rain Dogs (1985)”

While I love Pink Floyd, Tom Waits’ track, “Time,” a mellow, haunting ballad on an otherwise wild and loud album, is superior to the song on Dark Side of the Moon. It features poetic lyrics with visuals of down and out loners and outcasts, the definitive theme of the album itself. It’s right smack in the middle of the album, which is the perfect placing of this tragic song. A cool off moment in an album of loud, fast songs. Definitely a great song.

1. Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

From “Blue Valentine (1978)”

If you’ve never heard of the album “Blue Valentine,” you’re not missing much. It’s a less than mediocre album with mostly forgettable songs. I say mostly, because it happens to possess the greatest song ever recorded by Tom Waits which makes it a contender for greatest song ever. The slow, brooding piano mixed with the bluesy electric piano and Tom Waits growling, vocal make it a true experience to listen to. Plus, the amazing lyrics, inspired by the poetry of Charles Bukowski, are great. The “twist” at the end is tragic and haunting. A beautiful song from the coolest guy ever. Awesome!

Tell me what you think of the list in the comments. Thanks!

One the greatest actors of all time, Philip Seymour Hoffman, died earlier today at the age of 46. It is depressing and utterly shocking that he is now gone. RIP Phil.

Hey, guys! I would like to say merry Christmas and happy holidays! I’ve decided to share my current Top 100 in time for Christmas, because I know it’s been in such high demand (that was sarcasm). While a lot of things are the same, more things are different (including the #1 spot). Anyway, without further ado, here it is!

1. 12 Angry Men (1957)

2. Taxi Driver (1976)

3. Paths of Glory (1957)

4. Annie Hall (1977)

5. Goodfellas (1990)

6. Apocalypse Now (1979)

7. Pulp Fiction (1994)

8. The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly (1966)

9. Brazil (1985)

10. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

11. The Godfather (1972)

12. Citizen Kane (1941)

13. Nashville (1975)

14. La Dolce Vita (1960)

15. Dr. Strangelove: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Love the Bomb (1964)

16. The Godfather Part II (1974)

17. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

18. Jaws (1975)

19. Amadeus (1984)

20. The Conversation (1974)

21. Seven Samurai (1954)

22. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

23. Fargo (1996)

24. Vertigo (1958)

25. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

26. Ghostbusters (1984)

27. Back to the Future (1985)

28. There Will Be Blood (2007)

29. The Night of the Hunter (1955)

30. Ed Wood (1994)

31. Raging Bull (1980)

32. Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

33. Evil Dead 2 (1987)

34. Eraserhead (1977)

35. Alien (1979)

36. Le Samourai (1967)

37. No Country for Old Men (2007)

38. The Bicycle Thief (1948)

39. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

40. Chinatown (1974)

41. Barton Fink (1991)

42. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

43. Schindler’s List (1993)

44. The Graduate (1967)

45. Trainspotting (1996)

46. Boogie Nights (1997)

47. American Graffiti (1973)

48. The Big Lebowski (1998)

49. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

50. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

51. The King of Comedy (1983)

52. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

53. Barry Lyndon (1975)

54. Mulholland Drive (2001)

55. The Exorcist (1973)

56. Die Hard (1988)

57. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

58. The Shining (1980)

59. Psycho (1960)

60. M (1931)

61. Zodiac (2007)

62. Badlands (1973)

63. Manhattan (1979)

64. Rushmore (1998)

65. Blow Out (1981)

66. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

67. La Haine (1995)

68. Se7en (1995)

69. Short Cuts (1993)

70. The Thing (1982)

71. Synecdoche, New York (2008)

72. Miller’s Crossing (1990)

73. Blue Velvet (1986)

74. Children of Men (2006)

75. The Thin Red Line (1998)

76. Withnail & I (1987)

77. Drive (2011)

78. Rear Window (1954)

79. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

80. The French Connection (1971)

81. Harold & Maude (1971)

82. Videodrome (1983)

83. Halloween (1978)

84. Platoon (1986)

85, L.A. Confidential (1997)

86. Ikiru (1952)

87. The Fisher King (1991)

88. Let the Right One In (2008)

89. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

90. After Hours (1985)

91. City of God (2002)

92. The Sting (1973)

93. Down by Law (1986)

94. The Fly (1986)

95. The Right Stuff (1983)

96. Punch Drunk Love (2002)

97. American Psycho (2000)

98. The Truman Show (1998)

99. It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

100. The Driver (1978)

For the second review in the Classics series, I have decided to review a film that is cherished by audiences and critics alike, The Untouchables. However, is this film really a classic? Roger Ebert gave the film 2.5/4 stars and the film’s score on Rotten Tomatoes is 80%. So, is this film worth the praise?

No. Definitely no.

I already reviewed the Untouchables and called it a great film. But, opinions can change, as I saw it a couple of months ago. I like the 30’s atmosphere and the dazzling photography, but, the acting, writing, and even De Palma’s direction all lack realism. It’s as if The Untouchables takes place in an alternate universe, where Chicago was the wild west and everyone on the windy frontier can shoot a revolver. The nail in the coffin was really when the dorky accountant actually kills people with a shotgun. He has never shot a gun before, and he can easily kill more bad guys than they can kill good guys. It’s absurd and unrealistic, and it ruins the dramatic atmosphere it has tried to create.

Sean Connery is okay, but he seems a lot older in this film than in real life at the time (he was 57). Robert DeNiro tries his best to work with the ridiculously stupid script. Seriously, one of his quotes is this.

“I want you to get this fuck where he breathes! I want you to find this nancy-boy Eliot Ness, I want him DEAD! I want his family DEAD! I want his house burned to the GROUND! I wanna go there in the middle of the night and I wanna PISS ON HIS ASHES!”

Jeez, that’s over the top! It actually surprises me that the screenwriter was David Mamet, one of the most gifted writers of the late 20th century. Sadly, this screenplay is pretty terrible.

Also, another major complaint is Kevin Costner’s acting. Not that this is a shocking criticism (seriously, have you seen The Postman?), but it’s annoying and very droll. Costner doesn’t seem to fully understand the words he’s saying, so it comes off as an awkward, monotone performance.

Anyway, the Untouchables is one of many films lost in 80’s nostalgia, that truly only people who grew up watching it can really appreciate. My overall rating for the film is a 5/10. It has some good technical abilities, but the main elements to make a good movie (good script, interesting characters, etc.) are all lacking. ‘Tis a failure.

Hey, guys. I’m going to start a new series called Classics, in which I talk about classic movies and discuss whether they’re classics or if they’re overrated. We’ll start today with Easy Rider.

Before we start, I’d just like to say this is entirely subjective. Okay, let’s begin.

Easy Rider was released in 1969 and starred Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, who also respectively Produced and Directed the movie. It’s about two hippies, Wyatt and Billy, who ride their motorcycles to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. On the way, they encounter communes, drug deals, acid trips, harassment, and Jack Nicholson.

When it came out, Easy Rider was a sleeper hit. It was made on a $400,000 budget and grossed $41 million in just the U.S. The film defined the hippie culture that was just emerging, and was hailed a revolutionary film by almost every critic and average moviegoer that went to see it. And it has been hailed a classic ever since.

But lately, critics and moviegoers alike have re-watched and re-analyzed the film and have come to the conclusion that it is overrated and really a film of it’s time. What used to be an undercurrent of hate is now a popular norm. If you look up “Dated Movies” on the web, almost every result has Easy Rider in it. But is the film really bad? Does it suck? Is it an overrated piece of garbage?

No.

The film is definitely dated, there’s no doubt about that. However, just because the film is dated doesn’t mean it’s bad. Films like Midnight Cowboy, The Graduate, The Terminator, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Top Gun are dated, but they’re still good movies no matter what. Easy Rider still has many interesting avant-garde filmmaking techniques that are still used today by premiere filmmakers. For example, the infamous acid trip in the cemetery uses many strange techniques such as fish eye, overexposure, and sound overdubs to set the uncomfortable tone of the scene. It was revolutionary at the time and without it, filmmaking wouldn’t be the same.

Also, the performances by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper have remained iconic in pop culture. They have been parodied many times in various forms of media. Even Jack Nicholson’s small role as alcoholic lawyer George Hanson has also remained memorable over the years. Plus, it kickstarted Nicholson’s career.

The film’s symbolism is also very sophisticated. Wyatt represents the American Dream and Billy represents freedom. When Billy (Freedom) is brutally gunned down at the end, Wyatt (American Dream) quickly perishes too. However, you never actually see Wyatt’s death, it is only implied. This means that while freedom is dead, the American Dream can always be saved. The end is also an homage to cliche westerns, for films like The Searchers and Stagecoach helped influence the western setting of the film.

So, there’s my analysis of Easy Rider. It’s definitely dated, but it still remains relevant not only in film, but in other forms of media. It truly is a classic.

I would just like to embrace the everlasting legacy of the greatest film critic of all time, Roger Ebert. Roger died earlier today, due to a resurgence of his cancer. Along with Gene Siskel, these two legendary critics helped reshape film criticism with their show, “At the Movies.” But, I also admire both critics for having the balls for liking what they like, and not what the public likes. For example, Ebert loved Last House on the Left, and disliked A Clockwork Orange. Anyway, the point is Roger Ebert will be missed forever.

Hey, guys. I just saw Skyfall. Here’s what I think.

This film was really hyped and I was very excited to go see it. For the first 20-30 minutes of the film, it’s really fast paced. Almost like a Bourne film, instead of a Bond film. That was my main problem with the previous two films. They were too much like a typical action flick and not enough like a “James Bond Movie.” But, as the plot started moving, the film took a very different style, where everything was fast, but it took it’s time with story and didn’t rely heavily on explosions. Visually, it was amazing! The scenes where Bond is in Shanghai are so surreal and bizarre. No wonder they got former theater director and Academy Award Winner Sam Mendes to direct.

Javier Bardem was great as the villain. He’s evil and psychotic, but in a sort of quirky, fun way. He’s always cracking jokes. Plus, the Bond girls were hot and were thought out characters.

Overall, I think it’s not only the best Bond film, but the best Bond film BY FAR. It takes it’s own, unique approach to 007, creativity I haven’t seen since GoldenEye in 1995. However, the first 20-30 minutes aren’t so good. So, I give it a 9/10!

Since I just finished watching it, I would like to make my top 10 list of my favorite characters in the Wire. So, without further ado, here they are.

10. Scott Templeton

Not that he’s a good person (he’s actually the complete opposite), he’s just a really interesting character. He first comes off as an ambitious reporter who, in order to get attention, makes up stories. But, he does this so much, it becomes a compulsive thing and by the end, he comes as mentally ill. That’s why I love his development. Not much to say, only more of a psychological character than other ones. So, yeah. Moving on.

9. Howard “Bunny” Colvin

In my opinion, there are only 3 characters in season 3 that fully develop. Carver, Cutty, and Bunny. Out of all of them, Bunny’s my favorite. He starts out a really tough cop. While he’s incredibly interesting here, this is his least interesting stage. Then, for the briefest time (like 2 episodes), he works at a casino. But, his hard cop antics cause him to get fired, again. Then, he starts working with delinquent kids at a urban school. This is where he learns to be mild mannered and shy, which is a contrast to him beating the crap out of a casino customer a couple of episodes earlier. Then, even MORE happens! He adopts Namond, after he runs away from home because of his abusive mother. He turns Namond into a highly educated student, in contrast to his delinquent behavior at the school. Those are more than enough reasons to include him on the list. Nuff said.

8. Kima Greggs 

 This counts for mostly seasons 1, 2, and 5. Kima is one of those characters that doesn’t change that much, she’s just a fun character. The best part about her is she isn’t a damsel in distress type. She’s tough and aggressive. Also she’s lesbian, which adds a really interesting and awkward twist. Anyway, not much to say, only she’s the Dirty Harry of women.

7. Bubbles

Bubbles is one twisty character. In season 1, he’s the comic relief character. You think he’s gonna die right off the bat. But, in seasons 2 and 3, he becomes the addict with a friend/apprentice and a shopping cart full of worthless sh*t. While this is the Bubbles we know and love, his persona in these two seasons seems unnecessary and forced. But, when Johnny weeks (his buddy) dies, he has new beginnings with a kid named Sherrod in Season 4. This is where things get interesting. Bubbles wants Sherrod to learn more and become more mature, but fails when Sherrod skips school and dives deeper into drugs. At the same time, Bubbles is getting his ass kicked by a “customer.” So, he gets a poisonous drug ready. But, Sherrod takes it and dies.

In Season 5, Bubbles has been clean for more than a year, but still has a bad reputation as being a junkie. Plus, he still feels guilt for being responsible for Sherrod’s death. This, in my opinion, is my favorite personality of Bubbles. He’s a very interesting character here. And at the end, he finally gets excepted into society, when he gets to eat dinner with his sister. It’s a touching story arch. While the Season 2/3 Bubbles can be annoying, it’s needed for Seasons 4 and 5. So, Bubbles is a great character. Nuff said.

6. William “Bunk” Moreland

He’s on the list. You happy now, bitch? Bunk is a funny character for the first 4 seasons. But, in season 5, when McNulty makes up the serial killer, Bunk becomes the straight man and honest cop because he believes in truth and justice. While my favorite Bunk is the season 1 Bunk, Bunk in season 5 proves he’s more than comic relief. He’s a good and honest cop. It just proves at least one thing, David Simon = Best TV writer ever!!!

5. Roland “Prez” Pryzbylewski

Prez in season 1 is the weirdest character on the show. But that’s not the end of it. He’s also selfish, brutish, sick, and even a little racist! But, in season 2, he becomes a very likeable character. He’s assigned to the Frank Sobotka case and is essentially a rookie on the team. But the moment when I think everybody earned respect for him was when he punched Valchek in the face. That made me think he was awesome! Then he had some hard times (he accidentally killed a cop, got arrested). But, when he became a teacher he earned back the respect. He’s definitely an up-down character. But, that’s why he’s great. He’s realistic. Add a great actor to play him (Jim True Frost) and you have an awesome character.

4. Jimmy McNulty

You know I had to include the main character on the list. McNulty is the best in Season 2. He has the most boring job in the world. But, knowing McNulty, he has to wander in the major crimes unit. And he becomes a major detective on the case. Classic McNulty. He also becomes the most interesting character in season 5, but also the biggest douchebag. But he’s a badass. It’s a shame he wasn’t in season 4. Well, anyway, McNulty is one of the greatest protagonists in the history of not only cinema, but in writing in general. That’s how awesome he is.

3. Lester Freamon

Lester is the wise man of the series. He’s a veteran and he always has the best quotes of the series. One of my favorites is, “All the pieces matter.” That’s a great quote. But, Freamon is also very enthusiastic about police work, which leads to his flaws. He decides to work on the fake serial killer with McNulty, which turns out to lead to nothing. But, Lester did it simply for the fun. I think his best moment is when he sets up the Frank Sobotka case in season 2. He’s great at making those tack boards. Anyway, a great wise man who has many flaws.  A great character in the least. That’s Lester!

2. Russell “Stringer” Bell

Stringer Bell is a great character. He’s a cold-blooded gangster, but he thinks like a businessman. He kills people, but he has manners. Plus, without him, the Barksdale organization would collapse. That actually happened when Stringer died at the end of season 3.  There are a lot of great Stringer moments, but one I can’t forget is the first time you see him in the courtroom in the pilot episode. He sees McNulty and draws a black Superman flipping McNulty off saying, “F*ck You, Detective!” That has to be, hands down, Stringer’s best moment. Stringer is the one cold-blooded bastard we all know and love.

1. Omar Little

You had to see this coming! He’s EVERYBODY’s favorite! And there’s a reason for that. Omar robs drug dealers and kills people left and right, but he only does this to people in “The Game.” So, you don’t feel bad for liking him. I also think he has the best death scene. Instead of a cop or criminal killing him on the run, he gets shot in a grocery store by a 10 year old kid! But, that’s the point of the Wire. It proves that our perception of tough is stupid because the most badass character on the show is killed by a kid. Also, Omar has the best quote. He’s testifying against the Barksdale organization. He’s asked his occupation. He casually replies, “I rip and run.” BADASS!!!!! Omar is a great character and should be respected. If you don’t respect him, you know what happens. Two words, OMAR COMIN!!!!