2. THE FUGITIVE (1993)
Sure, we all enjoy a story with wonderful atmosphere and style, but if you want to revel in the essence of plot, this is the movie for you. This film defines the thriller genre, and from the second it opens to the final scene, you're going to feel like you've been pulled through a thresher. Before you've even opened your box of Junior Mints, you're going to witness one of the greatest effects ever constructed: the legendary train wreck of 1993. The sight of this train shredding a prison transport bus is a thing of beauty, and that one scene alone landed this film scores of Oscar nominations. That's how good it is.Harrison Ford is the titular Fugitive, Dr. Richard Kimble. A respected physician charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Kimble is convicted on circumstantial evidence and sentenced to death. As he is being transported to the location of his official offing, the bus he is riding gets pummeled beyond belief by the aforementioned train. So begins a heart-pumping two hours of perpetual chase scenes in which the U.S. Marshal Service - led by Tommy Lee Jones - tries to hunt him down. Not only does Kimble have to avoid the feds, but he has to figure out who the real killer is. Harrison is quite a multitasker.
This movie is based on a true story . . . which is still continuing. Although Sam Sheppard, the real Kimble, is dead, his son is still suing to clear his father's name. We're guessing that plot arc involves little more than legal documents, boring arguments, and all the other lame things about reality. We therefore suggest you confine your Kimble-watching highs to this flick.
Notes:
- Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture
- Won 1 Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor (for Jones)
