Three inspirational films to come out of Hollywood in the past 50 years

All heart -- Joe Cianciotto

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Hollywood has come out with a number of inspirational movies in the past half-century, films that have made audiences tear-up at their most triumphant or emotional moments.

As the first part of a tribute to all the inspiring films in the past 50 years, here are three movies that have tugged at audiences’ hearts.

Rudy (1993): Americans love football, and they love football movies. And while there have been a dozen or so quality films on the sport, none of these films was as inspiring as “Rudy.” The film, based on the life of Daniel Ruettiger, wasn’t a box-office hit, but it created a cult following that endures until today, with many people saying that watching the “Rudy” saved their lives. Joe Cianciotto.

Rocky (1976): Probably the most inspirational film on combat sports ever made, “Rocky” is the original and definitive underdog Hollywood hero. In it, Sylvester Stallone plays the down-on-his-luck prizefighter who is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance and makes the most of it, finding redemption, love, and destiny all at once. Joe Cianciotto.

Braveheart (1995): “Braveheart” is a historical epic loosely based on Scottish medieval history. Mel Gibson both directs and stars in the Oscar-winning movie that’s both brutal and beautiful. At its heart, the film tackles one of man’s basic needs – freedom, and his determination to get it at all costs. Joe Cianciotto.

'The Crow': A classic that will never be forgotten

My name is Joe Cianciotto, and I’ve been a movie buff for as long as I can remember. Like many of you, I love a well-made superhero movie. As we know, not all films based on comic books are made equal. Some are just better than others. And one movie that in my mind, stands out from the rest is 1994’s "The Crow."

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Based on James O’Barr’s exquisitely dark graphic novel, "The Crow" has become one of the biggest cult phenomena in film history. And director Alex Proyas deserves a standing ovation for bringing the dark world of O’Barr’s masterpiece to life.

However, a huge part of the success of "The Crow" belongs to the late great Brandon Lee who like his father, the legendary Bruce Lee, lost his life way too soon. In Brandon’s case however, he was killed while shooting a scene from "The Crow" from a bullet in a gun that wasn’t supposed to be there.

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Lee’s death only served to deepen the lore of the film and create an aura of darkness and tragedy which a huge part of the film’s appeal is built upon.

Add to that a soundtrack filled with rising angst and fading hope, and you have one of the, if not the most iconic, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching comic book movie of all-time. It surely has the Joe Cianciotto seal of approval.

Joe Cianciotto is an architect based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Aside from architecture, Joe loves movies. Read more about his passion on this page.

What We Know So Far About 'Captain Marvel'

Moviegoers who were patient enough to watch the post-credit scene of “Avengers: Infinity War” were in for a treat when the ace up Nick Fury’s sleeve turned out to be Captain Marvel. For the initiated (those knowledgeable about Marvel Comics), they know that Captain Marvel is “Marvel’s biggest female hero” and “quite possibly Marvel’s mightiest Avenger.”

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Most viewers probably gasped at the aftermath of Thanos’s snap and wondered how what’s left of the Avengers would be able to defeat the Mad Titan, who was mighty enough to wield all six stones infinity at once. With the help of Captain Marvel, their odds of doing so will rise exponentially.

But before we get to see the Avengers battle Thanos again in the unnamed-yet sequel, Captain Marvel and her alter-ego, Carol Danvers (to be played by Brie Larson), will grace the big screen first in March 2019.

Marvel Studios have always been great at keeping things under wrap and preventing big spoilers from coming out prior to their movies’ release dates. However, some details have already been made public, such as the following:

It will be set in the 1980s and 1990s and serve as an origin story, telling of how Danvers gained her superpowers.

Nick Fury, who is portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, will be in the limelight once more – this time with both eyes still intact. The movie will also show Fury’s first encounter with a superhero.

Fan-favorite Agent Phil Coulson will make his way back to the silver screen. His role will be reprised by Clark Gregg.

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Captain Marvel will help protect Earth as the planet will be caught in the center of an intergalactic conflict between Skrulls, a shape-shifting alien race, and Krees, a militaristic alien race that was first introduced in the MCU in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

The film is currently in principal photography and already halfway completed.

Big superhero film fan Joe Cianciotto here. If you want more movie discussions, follow me on Twitter.

The Usual Suspects: My all-time favorite mystery movie

When “The Usual Suspects” first came out in theaters in 1995, it wasn’t a blockbuster hit. But those who got to see it left theaters wide-eyed and smiling, having seen one of the greatest Hollywood mystery movies of their generation. 

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Directed by Bryan Singer (who would later go on to direct most of the “X-Men” franchise), “The Usual Suspects” is a brilliant and stylish mix of mystery and action. The plot centers on five individuals accused of burning down a ship and killing all the mercenaries on it. These five men are all hounded by an FBI agent looking for the truth.

And there is one question everyone will be asking the entire time -- Who is Keyser Sose? Probably one of the most popular questions in film history, Keyser Sose here is referred to as “the Devil himself.” The harrowing tale of five hardened and formidable men reaches its climax in ways nobody could ever predict. 

The ending will hit you like no other Hollywood movie ever has, which is a testament to how great the buildup was. 

Truly, “The Usual Suspects” is Singer’s best film by far. Kevin Spacey, who has very recently, fallen from grace, won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Verbal Kint, the person with disability among the five tough guys. 

Plus, a huge chunk of the movie takes place in New York City, my favorite place in the world. 

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I'm Joe Cianciotto, an architect from San Francisco. I’m also a film buff and love talking about movies in general. For more articles on the stuff I love, follow me on Facebook.