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.
6.28.2008
Top 50 -- 5-1
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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