Not many actors in Hollywood entertain audiences like Michael Caine. Ever since the 1960’s, Caine has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s caring butlers, scientists or detectives solving murders, Caine has portrayed several strong characters. In the wake of his recent retirement, Caine has become an icon in entertainment. Listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Dark Knight Rises
Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother has always appreciated. I vividly remember my brother was a huge fan of the caped crusader. A huge comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about a hero that made him feel heard. Shining bright light in darkness, Batman contributed to his happiness. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a brother that loved a superhero full of surprises, I adored “The Dark Knight Rises”. Released in 2012, Michael Caine’s movie did a great job of bringing the beloved Batman franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. In the greatest role of his career, Caine embodies a loyal butler that becomes concerned about the dark fate of his master facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most memorable role. As Alfred Pennyworth, Caine did an amazing job portraying one of the most iconic characters in the Batman franchise. Caine has always been one of those actors with a flair for giving dramatic monologues in movies, and “The Dark Knight Rises” showcased his strengths as an actor. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase a vulnerable side to Alfred audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the ending scene in which Alfred breaks down crying in front of Bruce Wayne’s grave asking for his forgiveness is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight Rises” Michael Caine’s best movie is its message. Unlike most comic-book movies, the film tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about housekeepers that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 25 years after the release of an inspiring comic-book film about courageous superheroes rising from pits to rescue cities from terrorists that are terrifying, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose movies are worth celebrating.
2. The Dark Knight
Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I bonded with a butler delivering a great message. Dedicated to doing every household chore, he was a person that my family had grown to adore. When he sadly passed away from Cancer, my family was emotionally affected in a huge way. As someone treasuring bright memories of a housekeeper, I adored “The Dark Knight”. Released in 2008, Michael Caine’s comic-book sequel captured butlers shaping superheroes’ destinies. In the most heartfelt role of his career, Caine embodies a loyal butler assisting superheroes facing fear. Caine has always excelled at playing mentor figures with wisdom, and his strengths as an actor are clearly evident in “The Dark Knight”. For instance, the scene in which Alfred offers Bruce Wayne wise advice arguing that some men just want to watch the world burn is one of the best moments of the actor’s carer. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” a comic-book classic is its humanity. The film turns a beloved superhero into a relatable person with flaws that anyone can identify with. As strong as Alfred’s desire to assist Batman fight crime at night, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose timeless movies have always earned the spotlight.
3. Inception
Dreams have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I bonded with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would love sharing her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. Sometimes, her dreams were joyous events about which she had come to care. However, she also had nightmares that caused fears. Few science-fiction films I’ve seen have captured dreams as powerfully as “Inception”. Ever since its release in 2010, Michael Caine’s movie has stood the test of time as a sci-fi classic. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Caine embodies a wise mentor concerned about the destiny of his son whose dreams cause despair. Caine has always had an aptitude for conveying emotions through wise monologues, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Inception”. For instance, the scene in which Miles offers valuable advice advising his son to come back to reality showcased the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a science-fiction classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Cobb’s desire to make his dreams come true, it’s a dazzling reminder of a phenomenal actor whose memorable movies audiences value.
4. Interstellar
Fathers are inspirational figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I’ve always admired my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams. However, career has affected our relationship forever. Focused on pursuing his competitive career, my father hasn’t always been available when I need him the most. As someone treasuring heartwarming memories of a father impacted by barriers, I appreciated “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, Michael Caine’s movie captured intelligent fathers embarking upon space travel. In the most intelligent role of his career, Caine embodies a professor guiding astronauts to embark upon journeys overcoming fear. Caine has spent most of his career playing wise mentors. With “Interstellar”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by demonstrating emotional vulnerability. For instance, the scene in which Professor Brandt dies bidding farewell to Cooper is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships astronauts face embarking on journeys through space, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor whose movies audiences embrace.
5. Sleuth
Murder mysteries are a genre of films that my grandfather has always loved dearly. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a grandfather that loved the murder mystery genre. He grew up to value movies about detectives seeking to investigate murders through finding a clue. My grandfather would appreciate detectives with murders to investigate. My grandfather adored all kinds of murder mystery movies, but his favourite film was always “Sleuth”. Ever since its release in 1972, Michael Caine’s movie has stood the test of time as a crime classic. In the most comical role of his career, Caine embodies a detective facing a battle of wits with a colleague causing despair. Caine has always had a sharp sense of humour, and his comedic talents are evident in “Sleuth”. For instance, the scene in which Milo meets Andrew in his manor showcased the actor’s aptitude for comedy. Ultimately, what makes “Sleuth” a detective classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about social class which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as crimes which two sleuths seek to investigate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate by making timeless movies that audiences appreciate.
6. Alfie
One of the most common criticisms levelled against Michael Caine is that he doesn’t take risks as an actor. Recently, Caine has often been typecast in every movie as a wise mentor guiding protagonists to overcome adversity. This has left little room for surprises in the actor’s career. However, back in 1966 Caine took audiences by surprise when he made his comedy “Alfie”. In the most provocative role of his career, Caine embodies a witty chauffeur that engages in an affair with every woman he meets facing despair. It’s a role that gave Caine a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a reckless character that makes bad choices without any wisdom of a mentor. As strong as Alfie’s desire to engage in a romantic affair, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built an impressive career making movies about which audiences care.
7. The Cider House Rules
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about rules, it’s worth discussing “The Cider House Rules”. Since its publication in 1985, John Irving’s book has stood the test of time as a literary classic. In 1999, Michael Caine did an extraordinary job adapting the beloved book about house rules in his film “The Cider House Rules”. In the most caring role of his career, Caine embodies a compassionate doctor running an orphanage where children face despair. It’s a larger-than-life role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing wise mentor figures. Working alongside Tobey Maguire who is also excellent, Caine honoured a commemorated book readers admire. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about house rules, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose memorable movies audiences regard as jewels.
8. Educating Rita
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember an English teacher that gave me goals to accomplish. His inspiring words of wisdom motivated me to pursue dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher with nostalgia, I related to “Educating Rita”. Released in 1983, Michael Caine’s movie captured teachers shaping students’ identities. In the most educational role of his career, Caine embodied a teacher that forms a bond with a girl about whom he grows to care. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing wise mentors. Working alongside Julie Walters who is also excellent, Caine created a powerful teacher-student relationship. As strong as Dr. Bryant’s desire to educate Rita, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
9. Hannah and Her Sisters
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Woody Allen. With their witty dialogue, compelling characters and strong storytelling, Allen’s movies have earned a tremendous fan following. Allen has always had a great eye for casting actors in his movies. In 1986, Allen showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Michael Caine in his movie “Hannah and her Sisters”. In the most witty role of his career, Caine embodies a husband that faces despair when he discovers his wife is having an extramarital affair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for playing witty characters with a sharp sense of humour. A dazzling depiction of a dysfunctional family, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that has built a lasting legacy making movies audiences regard highly.
10. Tenet
Michael Caine hasn’t always made movies that entertain. While most movies the actor has made have turned out successful, a few have fallen short. Unfortunately, “Tenet” falls into the latter group of movies that disappointed me. Released in 2019, Michael Caine’s worst movie captured a time travel journey. In the briefest role of his career, Caine portrays an agent facing time travel that causes despair. Despite his limited screen-time, Caine left an impression proving to be the bright spot of a mediocre movie. Caine brought wisdom to his role regardless of limited screen-time. As strong as the organization of Tenet, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor whose timeless films I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love for writing movie reviews on the internet years after his decision to retire left the world upset.
The Film Buff 