Few actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since the 1990’s, Jackson has become an icon. Whether it’s biblical gangsters, slave owners or comic-book characters, Jackson has portrayed many characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by a great actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Pulp Fiction
Forgiveness isn’t an easy decision to make. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a mean cyberbully that harassed me online. He would frequently insult me criticizing movie reviews in ways suggesting to be demeaning. An aggressive cyberbully, he became a person that was impossible to forgive. Few films I’ve ever seen have demonstrated how forgiveness can benefit people achieving redemption as powerfully as “Pulp Fiction”. Following release in 1994, Quentin Tarantino’s film has stood the test of time as a crime classic. In the greatest role of his career, Jackson embodies a redemptive gangster that seeks forgiveness in a profession that’s a heavy burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and menacing in his most iconic role. Jackson has always had an ability to convey strong emotions through his commanding voice, and his vocal talents are clearly evident in “Pulp Fiction”. For instance, the Ezekiel 25:17 speech in which Jules recites a passage from the Bible before committing gruesome murder is one of the greatest moments of Jackson’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” Samuel L. Jackson’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most Tarantino movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about pulp gangsters demonstrating religious beliefs seeking redemption, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated actor that has manufactured movies which are without a doubt deserving celebration.
2. The Avengers
The Avengers is a spectacular superhero team that always inspired my teacher. I remember my teacher was once a huge fan of a superhero team saving the world from grave danger. He would always marvel at movies depicting a team that he loved dearly. His classroom was always decorated with large posters of a superhero team he appreciated. In 2012, Samuel L. Jackson honoured the iconic superhero team saving the world from dangers in his movie “The Avengers”. In the most heroic role of his career, Jackson portrayed the chief leader that assembles the Avengers together to save the world from despair. Jackson has always had an aptitude for playing strong leaders in positions of power, and “The Avengers” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also outstanding, Jackson honoured a superhero team that’s awe-inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Nick Fury first gathers all the superheroes together seeking to prepare them for a dangerous mission is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Avengers” a comic-book classic is its appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute towards a superhero team, it’s a superb reminder of an actor manufacturing movies that inspire audiences to follow their lifelong dream.
3. Django Unchained
Slavery is a sensitive subject matter that shaped my friend’s identity. During my childhood, I formed bonds with a friend that always took great interest in slavery. He always made efforts to educate people in my school about the slave trade As someone treasuring a companion that loved stories about slaves unchained, I adored “Django Unchained”. Released in 2012, Samuel L. Jackson’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting slavery. In the most villainous role of his career, Jackson portrayed a cruel servant that mistreats slaves causing despair. It gave the actor a rare opportunity to step out of his comfort zone by playing a villainous slave servant. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Jackson created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Stephen first meets Django becoming aware that he is a slave causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Django Unchained” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about freedom which resonates with everyone. A spectacular portrait of slaves that are unchained, it’s a strong reminder about an actor gaining a fan following making movies that have commonly entertained.
4. Do the Right Thing
It can often be challenging to do the right thing. Several years ago, I witnessed racism when my family immigrated to Toronto. I witnessed racism in my neighbourhood that shaped my childhood. Unable to do the right thing, I couldn’t discuss the racism that I was facing. Few films I’ve seen have captured the difficulty of doing the right thing discussing racism as powerfully as “Do the Right Thing”. Released in 1989, Samuel L. Jackson’s movie captured individuals affected by racism in a New York neighbourhood. In the most outspoken role of his career, Jackson embodies a radio broadcaster that aims to make people in his neighbourhood aware of racism that’s a heavy burden to bear. Jackson has always had ability to steal the show in supporting roles, and “Do the Right Thing” showcased his talents. For instance, the opening scene in which Mister Love Daddy wakes up the neighbourhood through playing music is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Do the Right Thing” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depiction of the racism experienced by individuals in a neighbourhood seeking to do the right thing, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured commemorated movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.
5. Jurassic Park
Dinosaurs are dangerous creatures causing disaster that always fascinated by grandfather. At an early age, my grandfather was fascinated by dark dinosaurs causing damage. He would adore big dinosaurs with a loud roar. Fascinated with prehistoric history, he loved watching movies about dinosaurs he loved dearly. As someone treasuring a grandfather appreciating dinosaurs with a bright spark, I loved “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Samuel L. Jackson’s blockbuster captured dinosaurs causing disaster. In the most adventurous role of his career, Jackson portrayed a skilled technician seeking resolving a dinosaur escape causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Jeff Goldblum who is also outstanding, Jackson honoured a franchise about dinosaurs that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Ray Arnold becomes aware that dinosaurs have escaped the park causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Jurassic Park” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about dinosaurs, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about animal cruelty which would resonate with everyone. As precious as dinosaurs in the theme park, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actor that has manufactured commemorated movies with a bright illuminating spark.
6. Unbreakable
One of the criticisms often levelled against Samuel L. Jackson is that he doesn’t take risks as an actor. Ever since his career began years ago, Jackson has often been typecast in the role of a stereotypical hero. He has built an image for playing heroes that exhibit great courage. However, in 2000 Jackson surprised audiences when he took on the role of an unbreakable villain in his film “Unbreakable”. In his most villainous career role, Jackson embodies a mischievous comic-book owner creating obstacles for heroes that are dangerous. It’s a role that gave Jackson a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a menacing villain. An unforgettable depiction of spectacular superheroes born with powers that are unbreakable, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor whose timeless movies audiences consider to be extremely special.
7. A Time to Kill
Rape is a sensitive topic rarely depicted in movies in ways that are realistic. Hollywood has often struggled to confront issues of rape that make headline news. A sensitive subject matter, rape rarely ever attracts audiences to the theatre. However, in 1996 Samuel L. Jackson successfully tackled the tough subject matter with skill in his film “A Time to Kill”. In the most emotionally demanding role of his career, Jackson embodies a black man wrongfully accused of raping his wife by a legal system that’s unfair. It’s a sensitive role that gave the actor a chance to showcase emotional range he had rarely shown in his career. A powerful portrait of uphill battles faced by black men accused of crimes they didn’t commit by legal systems with a time to kill, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has never lost his abilities to consistently thrill.
8. Jackie Brown
Samuel L. Jackson has always excelled at playing characters facing tension. Jackson has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters with rage. Jackson’s strength for playing heroes whose lives are turned upside down is clearly evident in his movie “Jackie Brown”. Released in 1997, Quentin Tarantino’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Jackson portrayed a gangster facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters under pressure. Working alongside Michael Keaton who is also amazing, Jackson created a crime drama that’s engaging. As unforgettable as crimes which Jackie Brown has committed, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to leave audiences captivated whose films deserve to be absolutely celebrated.
9. Goodfellas
Sometimes, the signs of great actors comes across when they steal the show in supporting roles. Samuel L. Jackson has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Jackson’s abilities to leave a lasting impression in a small role is clearly evident in “Goodfellas”. Released in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing mobster masterpiece found the actor playing a small-town gangster. In the briefest role of his career, Jackson embodies a hitman committing crimes that is destined to face despair. It gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a small role with limited screen-time. As unforgettable as crimes that Henry Hill has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing supporting roles in classic movies that deserve to be definitely appreciated.
10. Cell
Samuel L. Jackson hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Cell” falls into the latter category. Released in 2016, Tod Williams’ thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed an apocalyptic survivor of a disaster causing despair. Jackson brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Cell” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Jackson’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Thomas’ desire to survive a cell phone catastrophe, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic actor that has built a lasting legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 