clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Rick Ray: father, husband, basketball coach,.... seasoned film critic?

Your new MSU basketball coach, <strike>Rick Ray</strike> Roger Ebert (photo courtesy of Mississippi State | <a href="http://www.hailstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16800&ATCLID=205407340" target="new">HailState.com</a>)
Your new MSU basketball coach, Rick Ray Roger Ebert (photo courtesy of Mississippi State | HailState.com)

In a few short months it seems like we've gotten to know new men's basketball coach Rick Ray quite well. He's a father, an avid supporter of the motion offense, but recently we've found out something about him that many of us probably would have never guessed.

Rick Ray is a huge movie buff.

That's right, the man we've entrusted to lead our hobbled basketball program is also a huge fan of the cinema, and has recently begun offering his insight into American film's top 10 movies of all time. We plan to keep track of them here, and offer or agreements, disagreements, and general impressions on Rick's choices.

The countdown began this afternoon with #10, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Analysis: top ten Rick? Really? In my opinion non of the first 3 movies should be anywhere near anyone's top 50 list. Way, way too high. Not a strong start for coach.

#9 | Old School (2003)

Analysis: Okay, you've won me back over coach Ray. Old School was a classic comedy that despite being almost a decade old, many men all over this great nation still quote today. I mean, who among us hasn't turned down a beer at a late party, been asked why, only to respond:

"Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Saturday, we're going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don't know, I don't know if we'll have enough time."

Or something to that effect. We probably don't always get it word for word. COME ON BRING YOUR GREEN HAT!

#8 | The Dark Knight (2008)

Analysis: Another solid, really strong top 10 inclusion. I may have had this one a bit higher, but Rick, I'm starting to feel, has a deeper repertoire of movie analysis than I. This makes two out of the first three movies on Rick's top 10 serious movies...... WHY SO SERIOUS?!

#7 | The Usual Suspects (1995)

Analysis: Got to be honest, another solid showing here. Not going to get any argument from me.

UPDATE (8/13/2012 - 6pm)

#6 | Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Analysis: SWOON. Rick Ray officially just ripped his shirt off, chugged a beer, and proclaimed just how manly he is. It doesn't get much more manly than a Western, and a western featuring vintage Clint Eastwood? BONUS MAN POINTS. So far, a solid 10-6, can't wait to see the top 5.

UPDATE (8/14/2012 - 4pm)

#5 | Malcolm X (1992)

Analysis: I'm honestly unfamiliar with this film, but another strong addition to the top 10 based on critic reviews and general feeling on the movie and Denzel Washington's performance in it.

Can't wait to see the top 4.

We'll place the rest of the top 10 here when coach graces us with them.