Spike Lee's Top Five Films

He Got Game / Crooklyn He Got Game managed to sneak in as a sentimental favorite while Crooklyn is one of Spike Lee's most underrated films. Both deal intensely with a family dynamics, but the types of family portrayed couldn't be more difficult. Whereas He Got Game tells the story of a broken family after a father mistakenly kills his wife, Crooklyn shows a close knit family and their financial and emotional struggles. He Got Game also has a strong basketball tone, as the many of the main character's troubles evolve from being extraordinary with a ball-something that was taught to him by his father, the man he grew to hate. Crooklyn is shown through the eyes of a small girl, who eventually learns to become the maternal presence of her household.

Inside Man Released in 2006, Inside Man featured an all-star cast set around a supposed Bank Robbery. A few twists and turns later and Inside Man easily became one of Spike Lee's most likeable films. Though it could be called easier to get into than the rest of his films, it by no means sacrificed his trademark style and as usual with the appearance of actors that appeared in previous films it maintained the level of quality that was to be expected. Denzel Washington performed well in what could be seen as the lead role along with Clive Owen and Jodie Foster playing the foremost supporting roles to perfection. Notably Jodie Foster in portraying a cunning lawyer.

25^th Hour Easily one of Spike Lee's most powerful films to date. Usually referred to as an allegory to post 9/11 USA, the film features Edward Norton portraying a drug dealer who had just been found guilty of drug related crimes and has a week before being sent to prison. The last week is spent with his friends, girlfriend and dealing with the Russians that provided him the drugs and are trying to ensure their safety. The film features two monologues, one an intense diatribe by Norton's character and the other a much more touching, even ethereal moment when his character's father begins to suggest he do certain things.