I don't care what anybody else says, Fifth Element is an epically amazing cinematic thriller. Often when I find an appropriate to weave a reference to the movie into everyday conversation I am met with exasperated sighs of disgust and pain. For those that are unaware, The Fifth Element takes place in a futuristic world - set some 250 years in the future - where technology has surpassed our wildest imaginations and alien gangs roam the universe. Enter Korben Dallas , scruffy ex-soldier turned cab driver mans - played by the then still hunky Bruce Willis - who gets thrown into the middle of an intergalactic war that miraculously only he can prevent. A powerful entity known as Evil - which has the appearance of a gigantic volcanic rock- is hurtling its way toward Earth. Should Evil reach Earth life as we know it will cease to exist and death, dying, destruction will ensue and cloud the Earth in a fog of darkness for a thousand years .... or something like that. While Dallas is traversing around town in his flying cab, an alien super fighter named Leeloo - played the gorgeous Milla Jovovich - literally lands in his cab wearing nothing by an orange rubbery bikini that looks like Swiss cheese. While Leeloo and Korben are attempting to prevent Armageddon, a slimy and slightly gay villain Mr. Zorg - portrayed by the infamous Gary Oldman - attempts to aid Evil in its destructive intentions and ultimately profit from the chaos that will ensue.

Now there are a variety of reason of why the Fifth Element remains to this day to be of the best Sci-Fi movies of all time.

(1) The villain of the movie is pure evil. How do you even begin to compete with it. It gives an ominous tone to the entire movie. Similarly, as the movie plays out, audience members are left questioning whether or not Earth truly deserves to be saved. With all of the evil that we personally generate with wars, violence, and hate what is there lef to save?

(2) The hero of the film is your average Joe. Granted that average Joe is Bruce Willis so you better watch out. However, he doesn't have super powers or is immortal or sparkles in the noon day sun. He is just a disgruntled ornery man thrown into a battle he didn't start and really doesn't want to finish.

(3) The Diva's Dance. Probably one of the prettiest pieces of music I have ever heard. Fifth Element deviated from so many of it's contemporaries by including an operatic number within the film. While the Diva's Dance is playing, a beautifully choreographed fight scene takes place between Leelooand a race of alien assassins. The final product is an awe-inspiring moment of emotional intensity for audiences ... I got a little verklempt ... not going to lie.

(4) Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod. Definitely Chris Tucker's best performance to date. Rhod is the love child of Elton John and Prince - with a little bit of Cher thrown in for fun. His campy, flamboyant, and over the top performance provides a brilliant compliment to Willis's quite and monotone demeanor. I will never forget Willis shouting at Tucker to count to ten and Tucker in his high-pitched voice screaming to ten before a bomb explodes nearby. Make sure to check out some of his scenes below.

Unfortunately we do not see too many movies like this anymore. Instead, we now rely on CGI effects and loud explosions in order to keep audiences attention. Part of the reason why science fiction is so fun is there is an inherent sense of camp and ridiculousness and I partly feel we have lost some of that in recent year. If you haven't seen The Fifth Element or just need a refresher I definitely recommend this movie.