Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Danny DeVito. Since the 1970’s, DeVito has become an icon. Whether it’s patients with mental disorders, strict fathers or confidential reporters, DeVito has played several characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films produced by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Batman Returns
Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother has always appreciated. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother appreciating a great hero with courage. I vividly remember my brother was a huge fan of the caped crusader. A comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. Shining bright light in darkness, Batman contributed towards his happiness. In 1992, Danny DeVito honoured the iconic comic-book hero earning high returns in his movie “Batman Returns”. In the greatest role of his career, DeVito portrayed a villainous penguin seeking to destroy a doomed city faced despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. DeVito has spent most of his career playing comical characters in comedies. With “Batman Returns”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a comic-book villain. Working alongside Michael Keaton who is also outstanding, DeVito honoured a legendary superhero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which the Penguin first introduces himself to the people of Gotham City delivering a speech evoking fear is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Returns” Danny DeVito’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most Batman movies targeted to comic-book fans only, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking comic-book film about a caped crusader that changed the world forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which audiences treasure.
2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Mental institutions have shaped my personality. When I was diagnosed with Autism, I visited mental institutions that offered wisdom. I remember visiting mental institutions that gave me tips on how to overcome disorders. It was fascinating observing the way the institution functioned taking care of patients with mental illness facing a price to pay. As someone that has witnessed mental institutions where patients face unrest, I adored “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Released in 1975, Danny DeVito’s movie captured mental institutions where patients face adversities. In the most psychotic role of his career, DeVito portrayed a troubled patient of an institution facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Jack Nicholson who is also amazing, DeVito created a portrait of institutions that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Martini is first introduced facing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s which are outdated, it remains relevant today. A phenomenal portrait of wards in which patients face unrest, it’s a bold reminder of an actor producing the best movies which leave audiences impressed.
3. Matilda
Gifted children have always inspired me. At an early age, I formed a friendship with a girl that was gifted showing courage. She always had rare abilities to solve advanced mathematical equations which left teachers stunned. As someone treasuring memories of a gifted girl with nostalgia, I adored “Matilda”. Released in 1996, Danny DeVito’s movie captured the life of a gifted girl born with magical abilities. In the most unlikeable role of his career, DeVito portrayed a frustrated father struggling to care for a gifted child that becomes a burden to bear. DeVito has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “Matilda” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Mara Wilson who is also outstanding, DeVito created a portrait of gifted children that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Wormwood becomes aware that his daughter is gifted causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Matilda” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Roald Dahl adaptations targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as powers possessed by Mathilda, it’s a magical reminder of an actor with charisma making movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
4. L.A. Confidential
The lives of cops in L.A. fascinate my father today. During my childhood, I bonded with a father that had dreams to one day become an actor in Hollywood. He would always marvel at ways in which cops resolved crimes in L.A. He would often speak about planning a trip to L.A. to watch cops that he would worship. As someone treasuring a father that appreciated cops which are confidential, I adored “L.A. Confidential”. Released in 1997, Danny DeVito’s movie captured cops solving crimes in a downtrodden city. In the most confidential role of his career, DeVito portrayed a news broadcaster covering crimes in a city facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing renowned L.A. news broadcaster that’s well-known. Working alongside Kevin Spacey who is also amazing, DeVito created a portrait of L.A. that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Sid becomes aware of the corruption in the L.A. police department causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “L.A. Confidential” a masterpiece is appeal. Unlike most movies about L.A., it discusses themes that resonate with everyone today. A commemorated portrait of cops facing a price to pay in L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has made movies which are worth celebrating today.
5. Big Fish
Fathers are inspirational figures that shaped my identity. As far back as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, he has often inspired me to achieve goals that I am pursuing. Through his inspiring words of wisdom, I was motivated to pursue dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a great father that I grew up to cherish, I appreciated “Big Fish”. Released in 2003, Danny DeVito’s movie depicted father-son relationships. In the most comical role of his career, DeVito portrayed an aging circus performer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing wise mentors. Working alongside Ewan McGregor who is also amazing, DeVito created a portrait of fatherhood that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Amos gives Edward valuable advice seeking to prepare him to meet the girl of his dreams is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Big Fish” a masterpiece is its message. IT delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of fatherhood, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has made memorable movies becoming an icon in Hollywood.
6. Terms of Endearment
Stories of dysfunctional families have often made for engaging movies. Audiences have always been drawn towards stories of ordinary people facing obstacles that are painful. In terms of the greatest movies ever made about dysfunctional families, it’s worth discussing “Terms of Endearment”. Released in 1983, Danny DeVito’s movie captured broken American families. In the most realistic role of his career, DeVito captured a lover engaging in a affair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase dramatic range he hadn’t shown before in his career. A dazzling depiction of dysfunctional families held together by strong terms of endearment, it’s a commemorated reminder of an actor with commitment to playing larger-than-life characters harbouring resentment that has become a beloved icon in the world of entertainment.
7. The Rainmaker
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about lawyers in danger, it’s worth discussing The Rainmaker. Since its 1995 publication, John Grisham’s book has become a literary classic. In 1997, Danny DeVito honoured the book about lawyers under pressure in his movie “The Rainmaker”. In the most legal role of his career, DeVito portrayed a lawyer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for delivering dramatic courtroom speeches he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, DeVito created a courtroom drama that’s compelling. As strong as Rudy’s desire to resolve his case, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies about characters which face obstacles which audiences embrace.
8. Man on the Moon
Few entertainers in America have earned the recognition of Andy Kaufman. With his strong stage presence, hilarious jokes and wisdom, Kaufman achieved stardom. A legendary standup comic, Kaufman has built a legacy that’s iconic. In 1999, DeVito honoured the comedian whose jokes won’t be forgotten soon in his movie “Man on the Moon”. In the most personal role of his career, DeVito portrayed a real-life talent agent that assisted a famous comedian prepare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to draw from his own personal experiences as a comedian. Working alongside Jim Carrey who is also outstanding, DeVito honoured a comedian that’s inspiring. A powerful tribute towards a beloved American comedian, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies which deserve appreciation.
9. Get Shorty
Danny DeVito has always had an aptitude for comedy. Since his career began years ago, DeVito has excelled at making comedies. DeVito has built an image of being an actor that thrives at making comedies with a strong message. DeVito’s aptitude for making hilarious movies in the comedy genre is clearly evident in his movie “Get Shorty”. In the most hilarious role of his career, DeVito portrayed a mobster that engages in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his sharp sense of humour. Working alongside John Travolta who is also amazing, DeVito created a comedy about mobsters that’s compelling. A hilarious portrait of mobsters facing obstacles that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a famous actor making unforgettable movies that audiences consider to be precious.
10. The Lorax
Danny DeVito hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Lorax” falls into the latter category. Released in 2012, Chris Renaud’s animated movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, DeVito portrayed a creature seeking to protect the environment from despair. DeVito brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Lorax” is a bad movie, it honoured DeVito’s commemorated legacy. As strong as the Lorax’s desire to protect his forest from catastrophe, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that has built a lasting legacy by manufacturing unforgettable movies that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 
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