6.28.2008

Top 50 -- 5-1

Sorry for the delay. Real life was kicking in. Is anyone still reading this?

5. The Godfather (1972) || IMDb
Last Year: 5, no movement

What can be said for this film that has not been said before? It is a perfect film in every aspect, and one that not only should be studied, but has a strong emotional pull to it. Yet the audience is sympathetic for the Corleone family, who are in fact mobsters. I love it.

4. Annie Hall (1977) || IMDb
Last Year: 4, no movement

I love Woody Allen. Sure he's had some flops, but when his films are good, they're really good. Here is his best comedy (I would say Match Point is his best drama), and all the jokes and routines he's ever had somehow managed to mesh into this wonderful film.

3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) || IMDb
Last Year: 3, no movement

Another classic film. I'm simply going to state that if you don't like this movie you have no heart.

2. All About Eve (1950) || IMDb
Last Year: 2, no movement

Before, I said that I would be willing to debate with anyone that this was the best film ever. I still stand by that. As with all my favorites, it is a triumph of writing, but also every other aspect. Bette Davis gives arguably her best performance, and I love Anne Baxter. This movie isn't for everyone, but I think those who 'get' it always enjoy it.

1. American Beauty (1999) || IMDb
Last Year: 1, no movement

I could watch this movie forever and ever. It contains everything, from comedy to emotionally draining drama. Each character is so unique, and the way the story unfolds is paced so well. Even the musical score, which I listen to regularly, is a masterpiece. Definitely a great film, and certainly my favorite.

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6.25.2008

Top 50 -- 10-6

Sorry for the delay. Work calls. Work and Netflix. And writing. But here I am.

10. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) || IMDb
Last Year: 8, down 2

I've come to the conclusion it is impossible to dislike this movie. If you don't enjoy this film, you're simply a shallow human being. The whole movie plays on morality, where we sympathize with prisoners and side against the staff of the prison. But Andy and Red's separate journey through the movie takes a toll on me every time. The scene where Andy escapes in the rain and tears off his shirt in the creek is one of those few moments that cannot be described, but must be experienced on film.

9. Amelie (2001) || IMDb
Last Year: 12, up 3

Over the last year I've watched numerous movies with Audrey Tautou (The Da Vinci Code, Dirty Pretty Things, A Very Long Engagement, etc.). While she is a good actress, none of them are even close to being on par with Amelie. Amelie is so selfless that, in her endless want to please others, we wish her happiness more than anyone else. Plus she's just so damned pretty.

8. Mulholland Dr. (2001) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

A new addition to the list, and at a high position. I love a movie that takes a risk. Sometimes we get a bad finished product (Southland Tales), and others we get great movies. Mulholland Dr. is the latter. Some movies take only one viewing to 'get,' others two or three. I think for me Mulholland Dr. took three viewings and a bit of research to 'figure it out' (all of it, I got the gist on two viewings). At least I think I got all of it. I don't know, and that's all the fun. This movie should not be seen by everybody--only those who like to think about their films.

7. The Princess Bride (1987) || IMDb
Last Year: 7, no movement

Best fantasy film of all time? Maybe, maybe not. But it's my favorite. This movie has everything--the best sword fight of all time, comedy, love, castle sieges, quicksand, ROUSes, and everything else. What is there not to love about this film?

6. Some Like It Hot (1959) || IMDb
Last Year: 6, no movement

Some Like It Hot, and if you don't like this movie, you have bad taste. That's not an opinion, it is a fact. AFI voted this the funniest movie of all time a few years ago, and there's good reason. You have the all-star cast of Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis (all three great here, naturally). Billy Wilder writing and directing, and also I.A.L. Diamond, who would later co-write The Apartment with Wilder. But not only name-dropping, there are so many moments in this film that are small, subtle touches that make the experience enjoyable. Sure, the trans-gender comedy is great (even better than the countless movies that would try to mimic the jokes [only Tootsie was successful]), but the whole package is one to be enjoyed.

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6.23.2008

RIP George Carlin

Damnit. George Carlin died today (well, yesterday, Sunday) of heart failure. He was 71. And I am sad. He was quite possibly one of the funniest men ever, and his book Napalm and Silly Putty is one of my favorites. A sad, sad event.

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6.21.2008

Top 50 -- 15-11

I just woke up from a 4 hour 'nap.' How awesome am I? Very awesome.

15. A Shot in the Dark (1964) || IMDb
Last Year: 10, down 5

As I said about Dr. Strangelove--Peter Sellers is one of the funniest people ever. Inspector Clouseau is easily one of my favorite characters of all time.

14. Casablanca (1942) || IMDb
Last Year: 13, down 1

There is a reason this movie is consistently ranked among the best movies of all time. I have a theory that if a person does not like Casablanca, they are not worth talking to about movies.

13. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) || IMDb
Last Year: 9, down 4

This play is such a great drama, and even without such great acting, the characters look so real on the page. But in the film we also have Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando--two of the best actors ever--as well as numerous great supporting actors. There is something about this movie, somewhere in the late second act, where everything begins to come together, where the audience can see the ending, the inevitable train wreck, but cannot help being enthralled completely. Another flawless movie.

12. Match Point (2005) || IMDb
Last Year: 41, up 29

Recently I watched Cassandra's Dream, a newer Woody Allen movie, and it felt a lot like Match Point Lite. It lacked the punch of Match Point, the punch 3/4 through the movie that only Woody Allen could get away with; however, what makes this movie so good is not that twist in the plot, but how smooth the rest of the movie flows. A good movie is not just a good twist, but everything before and after it fits seamlessly, and here is a great example.

11. Sunset Blvd. (1950) || IMDb
Last Year: 11, no movement

In the event I am asked who my favorite director is, I unhesitatingly reply Billy Wilder. And it's not just his directing, but his writing/directing. I love a good film noir (okay, and even only decent ones, like Gilda), and Sunset Blvd is among the best. Essays have been written on the greatness of this movie, and I don't feel like typing up my own, so let us be content with this.

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6.20.2008

Top 50 -- 20-16

Wow, this is almost over already? Crunch time.

20. Zodiac (2007) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

Cursed with an early release date, this film was overlooked come Oscar season. What a crime. This was my favorite film of 2007. David Fincher is a masterful director, and everything about this movie is perfection.

19. Lilo & Stitch (2002) || IMDb
Last Year: 16, down 3

Still one of my all-time favorites. Lovable, whiny girl. Lovable, destructive alien. What more could one want in an animated film? Maybe Marsellus Wallace as Cobra Bubbles? Sure!

18. The Departed (2006) || IMDb
Last Year: 25, up 7

Still great--gets better every time I watch it. Also, I will argue with anyone that this is better than Infernal Affairs. Don't try to sound cool and say the original Hong Kong movie was better. It was good, but not as good. *End Rant*

17. Dr. Strangelove (1964) || IMDb
Last Year: 14, down 3

Peter Sellers makes this movie, yes. But George C. Scott is also one of the best things here. Great, great comedy.

16. Spirited Away (2001) || IMDb
Last Year: 43, up 27

Why such a rise? I don't know. It seems this movie just feels more and more authentic, more special with subsequent viewings. This is another film I would encourage everyone to see. You can even watch it with English dubs because Disney made sure they were perfect (this is the only case I've seen of this).

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I Know, I Know...

So my movie countdown has paused. It will be back tomorrow. Promise.

A few things:

1) Why does Hellboy II look freaking awesome?
2) The Incredible Hulk was all right. Better than the other Hulk, worse than Iron Man. 4.5 out of 7.
3) Sex and the City was disappointing. I would have rather watched a fresh 30 minute episode than sit through that 2+ hour ordeal. Some good moments, but not worth seeing again for a few years. 3 out of 7.

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6.19.2008

Top Chef -- Reunion

So I like these reunion shows usually. Let's see how it goes this time. I'm predicting Spike as the fan favorite.

Man, as always, Bravo has a 'bromance' thing going on (they did this with Make Me a Supermodel for Ben and Ronnie). But it's still funny.

This footage that didn't make the original cut is great. Who wouldn't want to see Richard complimenting Dale's nipples? Though I guess I could watch The Real World for crap like this. Maybe they should make the show 2 hours to accommodate.

How awkward is it that Andy asked Jen and Zoi if they were still together. Just, wow. They're like ..............

I'm still curious if each episode was really a week apart, or is like one episode 2-3 days and they go back-to-back.

About time we got some more Ryan. I missed him. So eloquent and he really sells that bull. And he's so long-winded.

Not a big fan of Antonia clips. Other than when they make her look like a bitch. I'm cool with that.

Antonia as fan favorite? Please, no. Padma raised her hand for Antonia having a shot... damnit, Padma.

These Stew Room outtakes are amazing. Also, so this is what judge's table is really like. The judges just eat and fall asleep and joke around. I want to see a full judge's table segment, all these 'steps' they supposedly go through.

I think it's funny that Tom said he disagreed with Anthony Bourdain's decision to send Dale home over Lisa. I like Tom more and more after each episode.

Okay, this episode needs much more Padma.

Oh man, Gail and Andrew are going to hook up. And I would probably wear the Culinary Boner shirt. Andrew could win fan favorite, I guess. I wouldn't mind that.

...sorry, I'm actually just watching the show. I like Richard, he's very honest.

Wow, Stephanie is fan favorite? Surprising, but I love it. She's great.

Good reunion episode, though I don't know what I'm going to do for the next few months without weekly Padma. Oh well...

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6.18.2008

A Bone to Pick

AFI has been both good and bad for the film community. Tonight they did a Top 10 of Top 10 genres of sorts. Here is what we got for Gangsters:

The Godfather (1972)
Goodfellas (1990)
The Godfather Part II (1974)
White Heat (1949)
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Scarface (1932)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The Public Enemy (1931)
Little Caesar (1930)
Scarface (1983)

Commentary by slashfilm: Godfather II is considered by everyone to be a better film than the original film, so why does it always place second to the first film on all of AFI’s lists?

Whose lists are you referring to? I definitely consider The Godfather to be better than the sequel. IMDb's user ranking (both registered and official-whatever registered) consider the original better. The sequel is great, I know, but I honestly find it rare for someone to call the sequel the better film. WTF, mate?

This is also probably the best list:

Mystery

Vertigo (1958)
Chinatown (1974)
Rear Window (1954)
Laura (1944)
The Third Man (1949)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
North By Northwest (1959)
Blue Velvet (1986)
Dial M for Murder (1954)
The Usual Suspects (1995)

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6.17.2008

Top 50 -- 25-21

Some more great movies that you all should check out if you want to remain friends with me!

25. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

Where to begin about this beautiful movie? I read the book, which was just as amazing (and heartbreaking), but the movie is also so good. To summarize: Jean-Do Bauby was the editor of French Elle magazine until he suffered a serious stroke, which left his only contact with the outside world through blinking his left eye (while his brain was fully functional). This results in a 'locked-in syndrome.' Through this, a system is created where he can communicate through blinking, and eventually he writes a complete memoir. The memoir itself is great, even if you don't consider that it took him much, much longer to compose than a normal person with a keyboard. Seriously, see this movie.

24. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) || IMDb
Last Year: 45, up 21

Audrey Hepburn is one of the most glamorous screen legends of all time--we all know this. In Breakfast at Tiffany's, despite a few minor turns for the melodramatic, we get a sense of real humanity and originality, not only in Hepburn, but in all the characters. So maybe this isn't the best movie ever made, but it is one I enjoy a lot.

23. Finding Nemo (2003) || IMDb
Last Year: 23, no movement

What can I possibly say about this film? It's brilliant on so many levels, and easily my favorite Pixar film (which says a lot, since I love Pixar). I could (and did, at one point in time) watch this movie every single day and never tire of it.

22. Clue (1985) || IMDb
Last Year: 17, down 5

Another movie I would never tire of. Classic slapstick, a little whodunit, and even some genuine, witty comedy.

21. Psycho (1960) || IMDb
Last Year: 15, down 6

Hitchcock is certainly, without a doubt, one of the masters of cinema. And while I've seen many of his films, this one still sticks with me the most. I think Vertigo is a better movie. It even sticks with me more. But for some reason I cannot shake off the power of Psycho and what a great movie it is.

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6.16.2008

Top 50 -- 30-26

[Note: I'm testing Blogger's scheduled post feature, which is kind of new. I'm not really awake at 9:30, so if this posts, sweet. If now, well... maybe I can figure out what I did wrong.]

More Top 50, more Great Movies!

30. City Lights (1931) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

I've seen many Chaplin movies recently, and this one shall represent them all on this countdown. Mainly because the end scene is one of the greatest moments in cinema, and I dare not spoil it for those who haven't seen this film. City Lights is single-handedly one of the best movies ever created, and I encourage everyone to see it. Rent it, on VHS if you have to. Also, recently I found this movie in a DVD store and bought it (so I didn't have to order it online), so, score!

29. Love Actually (2003) || IMDb
Last Year: 39, up 10

Bridget Jones may take the cake for lovable characters, but this movie is just one huge conglomeration of, well, love. Really, this film hits all the notes, and sure it's sappy, but it still works. And I < 3 it.

28. Chinatown (1974) || IMDb
Last Year: 26, down 2

The 70s was a great decade for movies. Arguably one of the best--at least for mainstream movies. And this noir/neo-noir is one of the reasons why.

27. Gone With the Wind (1939) || IMDb
Last Year: 18, down 9 (I don't know, I can't do math)

Do I really need to explain why this movie is on here? Seriously, it's one of the greatest.

26. The Shining (1980) || IMDb
Last Year: 47, up 21

More Jack Nicholson, more Kubrick (wait...). My favorite horror movie, so well crafted and executed. Again, I feel like I should explain, but what's the point? This movie is great and everyone knows it.

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6.15.2008

Top 50 -- 35-31

35. Chocolat (2000) || IMDb
Last Year: 34, down 1

There's something about this movie that is endearing... possibly that a story told through a chocolaterie seems much better than telling a story any other way? But also there's great performances, writing, direction, etc.

34. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

I think this movie barely missed the list years before, not because I didn't like it much, but because I would forget about it for some reason or other. This is one of my favorite romantic comedies, and anyone who knows me knows I love Hugh Grant. But also, this movie is bound to make you happy -- if an overweight, smoking, alcoholic, cursing, inarticulate woman can find love, any of us can.

33. The Producers (1968) || IMDb
Last Year: 20, down 13

More Mel Brooks. More hilarity. This movie is a recurring member on the list, so I don't have much more to say.

32. Traffic (2000) || IMDb
Last Year: 22, down 10

Steven Soderbergh really does have his hits and misses. Here I think is his best film, as well as a very intricately written screenplay and again -- great performances. Much better than, say, Gladiator.

31. Fargo (1996) || IMDb
Last Year: 49, up 18

My appreciation for this movie only grows with time. Fargo ages like wine, and I think its rise is also fueled by the greatness of No Country for Old Men. But I still enjoy Fargo more. This is one of those that I think everyone should have to see.

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6.14.2008

Top 50 -- 40-36

Let's keep this Top 50 countdown going. More great movies!

40. Halloween (1978) || IMDb
Last Year: 19, down 11

A big shift, I know. But I have to be honest, or else this list is pointless. The terrible remake didn't help, and while this is still, for my money, one of the best horror movies ever made, some things are now higher on my list. But still, the fact that Halloween made this list means something, doesn't it? 40 is not bad at all.

39. Pulp Fiction (1994) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

I'm going to spoil it and say this movie replaces Reservoir Dogs. Two nights ago I watched Pulp Fiction again, and it truly is a great movie, despite countless college idiot kids quoting it and ruining it. Not only if the writing continuity flawless (threads weave together perfectly), but there are some very subtle touches that make the movie fantastic. On my last viewing, when Jules and Vincent walked out of the diner in the final scene, I felt myself wishing that I could follow them, that the movie would last another hour. Corney? Maybe. But that's what makes a good movie.

38. The Apartment (1960) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

This movie has had an odd growing effect on me. The first time I watched it I thought it was good, but shrugged it off. Now I find myself thinking of it often in fond recollection. Not only is it a great comedy, but the heart of the movie, the 'drama,' is great as well. Whenever I wake up with a hangover I still often think, "My head feels like a wad of chewing gum."

37. Mean Girls (2004) || IMDb
Last Year: 30, down 7

Do I really need to explain how or why this movie is on the list? Quotable beyond reason. Also, I've watched quite a few episode of '30 Rock' recently, and that makes me appreciate Tina Fey so much more.

36. The Godfather: Part II (1974) || IMDb
Last Year: 27, down 9

A sequel better than the original? No. Almost equal, though. A movie so rich and grand that I honestly think it would be a crime to watch The Godfather and not sit through this sequel. It adds a whole new layer to the story of the Corleone family, how could anyone pass it up?

More tomorrow!

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The (Not) Happening

The Happening is a movie presenting an interesting premise, but handled to such an extent that we feel like we're watching a 91 minute commercial telling us we need to Go Green.

(Some very minor spoilers ahead)

The movie opens in Central Park with people committing suicide, and then to some skyscrapers with the construction workers jumping off scaffolds, and then to a policeman who shoots himself in the head with his own pistol -- followed by people in his vicinity recycling his gun to kill themselves, as well. This is The Happening. People losing their minds and having uncontrollable suicidal tendencies.

The movie follows Mark Wahlberg as Mark Wahlberg, a high school science teacher (of course), who figures out that the plants are causing The Happening (and the wind spreads it) about ten minutes after most of the audience reaches the same conclusion. His wife, played by Zooey Deschanel, is two-dimensional. She exists only to provide enough dialogue to bump the movie from about 80 minutes to 91 (a manageable theatrical runtime). She's a great actress, and Mark Wahlberg has done well before, but neither fit in with this lackluster script.

The movie's best scene belongs to neither protagonist, but to a hermit Mrs. Jones. Once she becomes under the 'spell,' she smashes her head against the outside of her house (where Mark Wahlberg is hiding inside to avoid the air). Mrs. Jones moves along and uses her head to smash in the windows, which allows for airflow to get inside. In this moment there's more tension than any other -- is Mother Nature forcing her to help, or is it just a quicker method for her to kill herself? A great moment of the film, but it's quickly glanced over and not addressed in favor of some half-hearted recollections of Mark and Zooey's first date.

The film's 'message' is so blatant I feel like I shouldn't even mention it here. We need to stop messing with nature! Wow, really? Thanks. We get it.

Rating: 3/7

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6.13.2008

Top 50 -- 45-41

Let's keep this countdown going!

45. Army of Darkness (1992) || IMDb
Last Year: 36, down 9

Great comedy. Mediocre horror. Plenty of ridiculousness. I still enjoy this movie a lot. Not much else to say, really.

44. Shakespeare in Love (1998) || IMDb
Last Year: 46, up 2

What's better than Shakespeare? A movie about Shakespeare, perhaps. Recently I've become acquainted with lots of Tom Stoppard's writings, and that gives me some newfound appreciation for this movie. Plus, it is still a great movie.

43. Bonnie and Clyde (1967) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

The scene where Clyde and Bonnie meet is one of my favorite movie moments of all time. Also, reading the script, that writing is great as well. I also like Faye Dunaway a lot, and Warren Beatty is kind of The Man. One of my favorite lines:

[after Clyde shows off his marksmanship with a handgun]
Bonnie Parker: You're good!
Clyde Barrow: I ain't good. I'm the best!
Bonnie Parker: And modest!


42. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) || IMDb
Last Year: 29, down 13

The first real non-critically acclaimed movie on the list. The movie takes a fall, but I still love it. A guilty pleasure, it's one of those movies where I know it's not great or artsy, but something about it just sticks with me. There's this familiarity with the characters that always comforts me.

41. Blazing Saddles (1974) || IMDb
Last Year: 24, down 17

How can one not enjoy the works of Mel Brooks? Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and The Producers are arguably three of the best comedies ever made. A fall, yes, but hey, this movie is still on the list.



Be back tomorrow!

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6.12.2008

Yearly Update to the Top 50

As I said last post, I'm going to update my Top 50 Favorite Movies. Here's the deal, for those who are rookies to the list: The emphasis is on favorite movies. Not what I think are the best movies, or movies everyone should see (though there are often connections between all of these). The list is not based on innovation or how many Oscars a movie has, and I won't keep a movie off because I'm embarrassed I like it, just like I won't put a movie on here because I should like it.

My 2006 list can be seen in its entirety here and the 2007 list here.

As always, I will include a little blurb (some will be repetitive from before; I'll try to avoid that) and a link to IMDb. And also, as always, I do think everyone should try to see these movies.

Note: I will not do 'honorable mentions' or anything of the sort because it's a cop out. I'm having a lot of trouble narrowing it down to just 50, and even more sorting them, but I firmly believe that a 'top 50' should only have 50 movies, not 51, 55, or 60.

50. As Good as It Gets (1997) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

Kicking off the new Top 50 is a new addition. Two words describe why this movie works so well: Jack Nicholson. Here is my favorite performance of his (no exceptions), and I could watch the scenes with him forever. However, this movie barely makes the countdown because some other elements of the movie are a drag. Not a whole package, but good enough.

49. Schindler's List (1993) || IMDb
Last Year: 37, down 12

Still a great, great movie. Again, if this was a list of movie quality, this would be much higher. I enjoy this movie a lot, but others are now closer to my heart.

48. Sabrina (1954) || IMDb
Last Year: 50, up 2

I re-watched this film a few weeks ago, this time paying particular attention to Bogie's character. The way he controls a scene is spectacular, despite the scene-stealer Audrey Hepburn in the starring role. Truly a classic.

47. Jerry Maguire (1996) || IMDb
Last Year: 44, down 3

Down again, but not out. Despite scientology and Elizabethtown, I have very fond memories of this film. The movie is not only about having a heart, but also shows one as well. That's why it's so endearing.

46. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) || IMDb
Last Year: N/A

What a hysterically funny movie. I mean, I really don't know what else to say -- if you've seen this movie, you love it. If you haven't seen it, you need to. Think Borat, except about a rock band. And British. And funny.

As always -- five more movies tomorrow!

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Top 50 Returns?

Wow, has it really been over a year since I did my Top 50 Favorite Movies? You know what that means -- I'll have to update my list!

Looking at this old list, I can tell you right now there will be some heavy shifting. My taste has evolved quite a bit over the last 13 months, as my appreciation for old movies continues to blossom and my fan-boy, kiddish tendencies are dying out. Plus last year had some really great movies.

Here is the previous top ten, with the rest after the cut:

1) American Beauty
2) All About Eve
3) It's a Wonderful Life
4) Annie Hall
5) The Godfather
6) Some Like It Hot
7) The Princess Bride
8) The Shawshank Redemption
9) A Streetcar Named Desire
10) A Shot in the Dark

11) Sunset Blvd.
12) Amelie
13) Casablanca
14) Dr. Strangelove
15) Psycho
16) Lilo & Stitch
17) Clue
18) Gone with the Wind
19) Halloween
20) The Producers
21) The Silence of the Lambs
22) Traffic
23) Finding Nemo
24) Blazing Saddles
25) The Departed
26) Chinatown
27) The Godfather: Part II
28) Clerks
29) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
30) Mean Girls
31) Moulin Rouge!
32) The Usual Suspects
33) Reservoir Dogs
34) Chocolat
35) About a Boy
36) Army of Darkness
37) Schindler's List
38) Ghost Busters
39) Love Actually
40) A Night at the Roxbury
41) Match Point
42) Mallrats
43) Spirited Away
44) Jerry Maguire
45) Breakfast at Tiffany's
46) Shakespeare in Love
47) The Shining
48) My Cousin Vinny
49) Fargo
50) Sabrina

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6.11.2008

Top Chef Chicago -- Finale

Here it is, the season finale. Stephanie, Richard, and Lisa remain. I'm glad Richard agrees with, well, everyone, in that Lisa should not be in the top three.

Is it bad that I don't recognize any of these supposed cullinary Gods? Maybe I'm watching the wrong reality TV show. Nah, that's definitely not it. Oh, and Bravo is advertising that there's a shocking winner no one will believe. Hopefully that doesn't mean it's Lisa. Hopefully they're just trying to throw us all off.

Also, what's up, Padma in your blue dress. Also, she's not wearing a bra, so naturally I'm a big fan of that.

Go Stephanie for getting your first choice of which chef to be her sous chef. I think it's kind of funny, though, that the Top Chefs have these ridiculously good people as their sous chefs. Role reversal, I guess?

Richard brought liquid nitrogen as his one special tool. He's so ridiculous with all these gadgets. I want to know what Stephanie and Lisa brought. I doubt they will show it though, because I doubt it's as cool as liquid nitrogen.

[sidenote: How bad do the Bravo's A-List Awards look?]

What a predictable curve-ball from Tom. No more sous chefs? Makes sense, that means no one else can be blamed and no one has an advantage. This is obviously better. And more work for the Chefs. Score!

I don't like how calm Lisa seems... I hope this is not a bad sign. For the record, I want Stephanie to win, would be fine with Richard winning, and would be very annoyed if Lisa won.

Padma, are you really wearing that for the finale? Girl I think you should aim a little higher. I mean, she still looks gorgeous, but I'm not feeling the red.

Sweet, we finally have Gail and Ted back to judge on the same episode.

All right, appetizers are out and Stephanie appears to have the favorite. It also had the best presentation, though Richard's looked delicious.

Man, second course looks like Lisa dominated. Stephanie and Richard struck out, it looks like. Again though, Stephanie's looked delicious.

Richard doesn't do well on the third dish. Man, he's falling out. Lisa's seemed to go all right, but called out for using the same sauce. Stephanie takes the third dish by a landslide.

Lisa's dessert went well, I guess. Richard's, the same. Stephanie's dessert didn't go superb but they didn't call her out too badly. I guess that's good?

Damn Padma, don't think I can't see those tan lines. Another reason she shouldn't have gone with that outfit.

------

All right, time for Judges' Table.

It's interesting how all the Chefs talk at Judges' Table. Richard tries to explain, but when he has criticism, he just says, "Okay." Lisa bitches and whines and stuff. Stephanie is very humble and seems constantly nervous. I like it.

"The lamb was cooked perfectly and I was like 'woohoo!' " Man, Stephanie is great.

Holy crap! Richard saying he choked... I mean, it seems he did, but him actually saying that as his closing statement after the other two say they deserve it? Wow, what the hell?

These 'polls by course' are killing me. It makes me want to predict how the judges will go, but that's just a red herring. Maybe....

So the results for the Top Chef poll: Who do you think should be Top Chef:
Lisa: 4%
Richard: 36%
Stephanie: 60%

................. hilarious.

YES!!!!!!! Go Stephanie! Yeah, that's right, she was my favorite and my pick from the beginning. And she deserved it. Yay!

In conclusion: Good season, and I can still deal with marrying Padma because she picked the correct winner.

We'll be back for the next Bravo reality show, whatever it is.

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6.06.2008

Spike Lee is stupid; Clint Eastwood is Smart

A few weeks ago Spike Lee attacked Clint Eastwood's films Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima, stating things such as, "While refraining from using the word 'racist', Lee said that rewriting Second World War history was typical of Hollywood."

I do not like Spike Lee. His movies are mediocre and seem to always be spouting the same tune. And I kind of get the feeling this latest charade is simply to promote his own movie about black soldiers.

However, today (or yesterday, maybe) Clint Eastwood gave a response, which is worded so well I won't butcher it with a synopsis. BBC News reports:

"The story is Flags of Our Fathers, the famous flag-raising picture, and they didn't do that," he told the Guardian. "It's not accurate."

Eastwood added that he would not compromise the facts with future projects.

"I'm not in that game. I'm playing it the way I read it historically, and that's the way it is," he said.

"When I do a picture and it's 90% black, like Bird, I use 90% black people," said Eastwood


Exactly. None of the flag-raisers were black, so why should he change the race of those specific heroes? Eastwood says, "I'm not going to make Nelson Mandela a white guy." Exactly. You cannot re-write the color of a person's skin in the history books. I'm sure a director would get even more flak for ruining historical accuracy than, I don't know, not.

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6.05.2008

Top Chef -- Puerto Rico

First, I want to preface with a statement: I am slightly inebriated. So posting will be short and swift. Most of my focus will be on personal enjoyment of the episode. Also, I love Padma. And she looks gorgeous in this tropical shirt/dress thing.

Anyway, on to the episode.

Padma drinking beer... did I mention she’s the best ever? I bet she’s only doing it to save face, though (because the guest judge mentioned it in the description of the dish).

Holler at Stephanie winning the quickfire. I like her a lot. Funny that it took her this long to get a quickfire win.

Padma can sell her crap better than anyone. “This has been the private residence of all Puerto Rico’s governors since the 1300s, so we’re very honored to be here.” Whatever.

So... what’s with the last four eliminated contestants showing up in Puerto Rico? I mean, cool that they got a free trip? Yes? Sure. More Spike is always good. But Nikki annoys me, so we need less of her.

Why is Lisa still here? Still on this show? Still alive? She bugs me to no end, is a horrible chef, and her haircut is just... I can’t even talk about that.

What the FUCK DALE?! IF YOU GET STEPHANIE SENT HOME (for leaving the meat out) I WILL DESTROY YOU!!!!!...........

Why is Padma wearing a toga?... I don’t know what to think about this. It’s okay though, she can do no wrong in my book. (I’m sorry. I promise this will not turn into a praise-Padma blog.)

Okay, just kidding. Padma looks gorgeous in a toga. And also, just kidding, this may end up as a praise-Padma blog.

YES! LISA AND ANTONIA IN THE BOTTOM! TWO BITCHES I HATE! Score.

Richard wins, though. That’s cool, I guess. At least Stephanie can still win in the finale! Plus, Stephanie winning the car would be kind of tragic, since we all know women drivers are the number two problem for our nation. I guess Padma is just looking out for the innocent bystanders.

Antonia says, “I really don’t wanna go home. I really, really don’t wanna go home.” If I was there, I would’ve said something like, “NO SHIT, NONE OF US DO, THAT’S WHY WE’RE ON THIS SHOW!”

Um... roflmfao @ 91% of people thinking Lisa should pack her knives and go.

Damn........................................................................... Antonia packing up? I’m... kind of shocked. Lisa is freaking awful. She’s worse than Antonia, Spike, and Dale. Maybe even Andrew and Nikki. I can’t believe she’s in the final three.

Oh well, Go Stephanie!

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6.01.2008

MTV is Awfully Retarded

MTV can do no right. Just taking one look at their list of nominated movies makes me cringe. Well, not only did they nominate all the worst films, but the winners are even worse. Get the full scoop after the cut.

Best Kiss

The winners here were from the movie Step Up 2 the Streets, which I can sadly say that I've seen. But why the hell did this win? I was predicting a Disturbia win (kiddies love their Shia LaBeouf), but I think Enchanted of Juno should have won. Seriously....

Best Fight

What are these categories? Some stupid no-names from Never Back Down took this one, as opposed to the amazingness in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Breakthrough Performance

I don't mind Zac Efron, and I don't mind that he won. But how is this his 'breakthrough' performance? Wasn't he in like 4 High School Musical movies? I don't even like her, but Nikki Blonsky should have had this hands down.

Best Female Performance

At least this one is correct: Ellen Page for Juno. Amy Adams would've been nice. Katherine Heigl is a joke and should be expelled from the realm of acting.

Best Summer Movie So Far

Is this really a category? 'So far?' This alone proves how awful the award show timing is. Iron Man rightfully won this, though.

Best Comedic Performance

Johnny Depp? Really? Maybe circa two Pirates movies ago. However, much better than the alternatives. Except Amy Adams, who deserved this. Seriously, she's so great with so little acknowledgment.

Best Villain

Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd. Yay? Javier Bardem should have won this, but I won't complain too much.

Best Movie

Transformers? Really? That is actually the worst movie on the list, spare maybe National Treasure 2.

Best Male Performance

Will Smith for I Am Legend. I can't hate too much, though my preference would be Matt Damon. Or Denzel. Or Michael Cera.

I hate MTV.....

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I Think I'll Just Watch North by Northwest Again



Funny, this is by the director of Disturbia -- another mimicry of a Hitchcock film. Let's see how many more classics he can ruin!

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