MovieChat Forums > Speed (1994) Discussion > The action movie of the decade?

The action movie of the decade?

posted 10 years ago by Iron_Leopard
14 replies | jump to latest

The first two movies that people always mention as the best of the 90s are Terminator 2 and The Matrix. Both fantastic action movies. But my pick for most thrilling, action packed, adreniline pumping action flick is Speed. I rewatched this last night and it's just as good as it was 20 years ago. Not a boring moment in the entire movie.

This is also the movie that made me a Reeves fan. He was so good in this movie. I can't see any of the other actors who were up for the role doing as good a job as Keanu did. Overall he made a big contribution to action films of the 90s. Point Break, Speed, and The Matrix are all favorites of mine.

Someone out there please tell me I'm not alone in thinking this is the best action movie of the 90s.

[–] Stratego 10 years ago

I'm not really a superfan of action movies, but Speed is probably my favourite action movie of all-time. I think The Matrix and Enemy of the State are great as well. After 2000 no action movie has really been able to grab me like these movies.

[–] Jdudley0718 10 years ago

Last Action Hero! Jokes, yes totally agree. With "action" movies these relying so much on CGI it was really nice to watch this again. Jurassic park gets a lot of attention but there's a lot of blah blah chaos theory moments while this was action sequence after another. Could not imagine anyone playing this role or any other roles u mentioned other than Keanu, even he's very dry. Top 5 for 90's for sure. Good lookin out.

[–] ben-leos 10 years ago

Speed better than JP??? HAHA!!!

[–] ryderdvs 9 years ago

Terminator 2: Judgement Day is the best action film of the 1990's.

[–] HeelTheWorld 9 years ago

Probably of all time?

[–] smoko 9 years ago

@Jdudley0718 Jurassic park gets a lot of attention...
Wait - Jurassic Park is an action movie?

It's got action in it, sure, but I'd call it more of an action/adventure/fantasy movie, like Lord Of The Rings.

[–] smoko 9 years ago

@Iron_Leopard Out of the movies you mentioned, I'd rate 'em:
1. Terminator 2
2. Speed
3. Point Break
4. The Matrix.

For me Jack Traven is Keanu's best role and best performance, no contest.

And The Matrix, with its über-serious philosophy (take a bow, Morpheus) was a bit too pretentious for me. A great action movie, but also over-rated.

[–] ryderdvs 9 years ago

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the best action movie of the last 35 years. Terminator 2: Judgement Day is second.

[–] smoko 9 years ago

@ryderdvs What part of the phrase "of the decade" don't you understand?

[–] ryderdvs 9 years ago

Well, technically "of the decade" is irrelevant as it's no longer the 1990's, which is the decade in question. Also, why do you give a $hit what I think? F@cking grow-up, it's just a message board.

[–] smoko 9 years ago

@ryderdvs Well, technically "of the decade" is irrelevant as it's no longer the 1990's...
Nup. Just because it's no longer the 90s doesn't mean we can't discuss what the best action movies of the 90s were.

[–] hnt_dnl 9 years ago

Terminator 2 is overrated in general and even as an action movie, it slows down to a snails pace for about a (very boring) hour. Also, the acting is terrible in it. The Matrix is OK for a couple of viewings and better acted, but still I'm not sure "action" movie quite fits The Matrix. Speed is actually a better action movie than both of those movies, and as many implausibilities as it may have the way the action is shot doesn't seem nearly as ridiculous as it does in most other action films. It's fast-paced and suspenseful. Also, it's surprisingly well-acted by Reeves and Bullock. If my memory serves me correctly, Gene Siskel actually thought that Keanu Reeves was so convincing as an action hero in this that he believed he should have been considered for a Best Actor Oscar nomination! Maybe stretching it a bit far, but this type of role is not easy to pull off. I've seen greater actors than Reeves fail to be believable as action heroes.

[–] KrisTina_1994 9 years ago

👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[–] DracTarashV 9 years ago

It's in the top 5 for sure. Frankly, I have no problem calling it the quintessential 90's action movie.

Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!