Well UK fans, Big Blue Madness has come and gone, and what an event it was. A combination of fireworks, celebrity appearances, a showcase of new talent and of course, UK head coach John Calipari’s address to basketball nation made it a night to remember. Some may be unsure of the new coach’s ability to handle the Cats, but one thing we can be sure of is the man can make one heck of a speech. Calipari brought fans to their feet as he discussed with relentless passion his dreams for the upcoming season. As I watched the new coach take in all that is UK basketball, I had to wonder how he even sleeps at night. Well, probably in a bed made of pure gold, with the money we are paying him.

Just like Calipari’s address to the basketball union, great speeches are rare commodities in life and in feature films. I took a look back at some of my favorite movie speeches, which left me with raving passion, and more often than not, left me in a puddle of my own tears. Diverse characters, scenery and gripping storylines are the key components of making a good movie, but great monologues and speeches are the glue that holds it all together. Every once in a while a movie serves up a speech that makes your skin tingle and brings inspiration to your heart. Great speeches come in a wide variety of packages including courtroom summations, football field tear-jerkers and the ever-popular presidential speeches that we have come to expect from those chosen to portray the leader of the free world. I have chosen my top five favorite movie speeches that could bring Calipari’s address to shame. Enjoy the Hollywood version of the freedom of speech.

5. Bill Pullman as President Thomas Whitmore in “Independence Day” – Not only one of the greatest speeches ever, but by  far the cheesiest speech in movie history. As aliens attack earth and Will Smith is off fighting that war, Bill Pullman addresses the citizens who have come together to help defeat the extraterrestrials. The world is entering into an all-out universal war, and Bill Pullman has to do anything he can to rally the troops. Do you think this speech ruined Bill Pullman’s blooming career? I wouldn’t rule it out.

Highlight: “We will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight. We’re going to live on. We’re going to survive. Today we celebrate our independence day!” Honorable mentions for great movie lines must also go to Will Smith for “I gotta get me one of these.” – Classic.

4. Michael Douglas as President Andrew Shepard in “The American President” – The single best presidential speech in movie history. Obama’s speech writers might want to take notes on this, because he is for sure getting re-elected in this fictional tale. The combination of sappy music, broad shots of glume faces and words of passion make this speech one for the record books.

Highlight: “This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your 15 minutes are up. My name is Andrew Shepard and I am the president.” Oh yeah and he also landed the girl at the end.

3. Matthew McConaughey as Jake Brigance in “A Time To Kill” – I will be honest, although this is one of the great courtroom summations, the fact that Mr. McConaughey is delivering helps it get the No. 3 spot. “A Time To Kill” is famed author John Grisham’s first book, and by far one of my favorite stories ever told. With a great cast including Sandra Bullock, Kentucky native Ashley Judd and Kevin Spacey, this story comes to life. Not only is this a great speech, full of heart, but the ending line brings new meaning to all that is said.

Highlight: “Now it is incumbent upon us lawyers not to just talk about the truth, but to actually seek it, find it, and live it.” Midway through the speech Matthew sheds a few tears, and you better believe that this is one of those speeches that makes grown men cry.

2. Mel Gibson as William Wallace in “Braveheart” – We all know Mel Gibson is no stranger to passionate speeches on and off the screen (exhibit A– his drunken anti-semitic rant of 2006). The famed actor adorned with war paint sits atop a horse and delivers a speech that transforms an army. The Scottish accent doesn’t hurt his speech-making ability, but in fact, enhances it as the crowd of angered men rally behind him.

Highlight: “They may take our lives, but they can never take our freedom!” Not only a great speech, but this line is often heard being screamed during a late night bar brawl. We have the magical Mel Gibson to thank for this one.

1. Matt Damon as Will Hunting in “Good Will Hunting” – Some may argue that this is not the greatest speech ever made on-screen, but it is certainly the most awesome. Every guy on this campus has had dreams of delivering this famed speech while trying to pick up chicks at a bar, but I am pretty sure no one here has ever done it successfully. Matt Damon shines as the brilliant Will Hunting, who serves up a hot plate of humiliation for one Harvard man. Ben and Casey Affleck also hold their own in this war of the wits.

Highlight: “You dropped a $150,000 on a (insert bad word here) education that you coulda’ gotten for $1.50 in late charges at the public library.” Matt Damon owns this scene, and Casey Affleck delivers the witty “my boys wicked smart” to top off an oh-so-classic scene.