Critics Club 39: Howard

[Neon Ignition]

Richie Cunningham takes charge of the new poll as Ron Howard steps into the critique limelight. He's been directing films for decades and has built up an impressive array of awards and plaudits for his work.

Which of his films stands as his best work?

[Asura]

Apollo 13, absolutely no contest.

I think it's one of the best films Hollywood has ever produced.

[nonny]

I agree with that although having recently watched Rush I was surprised at just how good it is. I actually got chills watching it and at the time I was also driving Laudas car a lot in Forza5.

[originalbadboy]

Some great films there ... Apollo 13 for me though...

Rush is also excellent and highly recommended, Backdraft is a classic if a little outdated now, Willow is also a great film.

Frost / Nixon is also superb, as is A Beuatiful Mind ..

The only real slip ups were DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, but they are still ok.

Howard seems to be best when doing factual (historical) films rather than fiction.

[QualityChimp]

That's a really solid list, right there!

I think Splash has a lot of heart in it, but I agree that Apollo 13 is a real benchmark for cinema as the perfect combination of story, cast and director.

[Asura]

The only real slip ups were DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, but they are still ok.

Only artistically; certainly not financially. In his shoes I'd have made them.

[bash]

All those films are boring apart from Willow which was pretty much a LOTR ripoff anyway but still fun!

Your mother was a Lizard!

[originalbadboy]

Only artistically; certainly not financially. In his shoes I'd have made them.

True enough, they made their money, and they are reasonable films considering the source material .. But they are not up there with Howard's best that's for sure.

I forgot about Cocoon and Splash, cheesy 80's films FTW!

[Colin]

EdTV for me, absolutely love that film.

[teddymeow]

Willow. All day long.