For some one who's been in alot movies,
not til I read this thread did I realize just how few of his flicks that I've actually seen.
Of the ones that I have seen, these are my fave, motherf#cker:*
5. The Negotiator
I walked into this movie film not expecting a bad film, but not expecting anything great either. Despite Samuel being teamed-up with Kevin Spacey, The Negotiator's theme seemed like a vehicle that's was trying to ride the successes of it's two lead actors who each had a popularity that seemed to be at it's pinnacle at the time. I think that, as a result of my low expectations, the high amount entertainment value which resulted from what at first seemed like a standard issue formula film came off as quite of a pleasant surprise. And maybe the formula is as firm in it's place as a formula, but Jackson's & Spacey's performances, along with supporting contributions by Paul Giamatti, David Morse & John Spencer, bring enough presence to this project to make The Negotiator a bit of escapist-fare of uncompromised entertainment value.
4. Changing Lanes
Will somebody please get these motherf#ckin' Afflecks offa these motherf#ckin' lanes!
3. Red Violin
This film probably goes against the asterexed rule that I've included at the bottom of this post, but it's such quality "independent(?)" movie, that I'll still officially include it in my list of favorite Samuel L. Jackson flix, yo.
It has a story hook that follows along the lines of one of those "follow the history" of a dollar/coin/ object that is continuingly passed from one person to another, each involving it's own unique plotline, & each centered upon the object of focus in some angulated manner. It's a technique that I've always had a liking for, & probably b'cuz , I've been lucky enough in that almost all of the ones that I have seen use this storytelling technique have been pretty well above average. All the stories are of a high quality & solidly crafted in it's linear structure.
And even though, Jackson is probably the most famous of the ensemble cast, he is still but one in an ensemble cast that, no matter which character role any of theses actors have in The Red Violin, the movie is strong enough for any of 'em to be proud to have this work included in their filmography.
2. Jackie Brown
A great vehicle for Pam Grier, Deniro does an awesome job "acting out-of-character", and of course, a slicked-back Samuel Jackson who is just downright mean. (also adding to JB is the fact that Bridget Fonda is simply fine as hell in this movie.)
IMO, the most under-rated of Tarantino's films.
1. Pulp Fiction
"What" ain't no country I ever heard of.
* (This is not including films where Jackson's role was that of either a minor one or a cameo, like Juice, Goodfellas or Jurassic Park.)