Mike Mitchell : May 2008 Archives

This might have been the hardest list I've ever compiled. If Steven Spielberg is not the greatest film-maker ever than I like to know who?

Even more difficult is judging his work. Which is the best?

Five best movies ever made by Steven Spielberg
5. "Saving Private Ryan": Truly a war epic that included a knockout cast.
4. "The Goonies," "Gremlins," "Jurassic Park," "Back to The Future": So what - I cheated. This is hardest list I've ever had to do. You try it.
3. "Jaws": A big fish and some men in a boat...and thus the start of the blockbuster era. Amazing.
2. "Indiana Jones": The whole franchise just gets better.
1. "Schindler's List": One of the saddest and more remarkable stories ever told. Telling the story in black and white worked.

- Staff writer Mike Mitchell

The criteria is that he must have been either the director or producer in the film.

After all the talk about "Indiana Jones," it got me thinking who is the greatest action character to ever grace the screen.

I'm not talking about the actor. I'm talking about the character.

What's your rankings?

Why do we get such a kick out of kicking a digital bad guy while he is on the ground?

The answer: It's fun to go against the grain when there are no reprecussions.

So, I'm wondering what violent video games are most fun.

Here's a short list.

5. EA Sports Boxing: It's realistic, competitive and rewarding when you knock your opponent to the mat.
4. Bully: For once, we get to be the terror in high school and get points for it.
3. Resident Evil 4: The good thing is, you're taking it out on zombies. And frankly, I've got a few friends who are less productive than the walking dead.
2. Grand Theft Auto: It might become the most popular video game in the modern era.
1. Mortal Combat: This started it all. It was legendary for finishing moves that allowed your character to decapitate the other guy.

Are the Black Crowes the most popular--subjective term, I know--band to ever play in Naperville?

Gin Blossoms, Ted Nugent, Heart, George Thorogood, Reo Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Ashlee Simpson are some of the most popular musicians to play in and around Naperville in the last couple of years at the assembly of summer festivals.

But are the Black Crowes the most popular ever?

They are, and it proves that Naperville is capable of attracting A-list talent. It's about time the city steps up and considers adding a major venue to the area.