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Tuesday, July 10th, 2007
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5:01 pm - Oscar winners - Best Picture
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Because I've devoted my time to watching "critically-acclaimed" motion pictures, I decided one good thing is to watch all of the Academy Award-winning movies. The ones I've already seen are in bold. I put a star next to the ones I hadn't seen by today's date (July 10th, 2007).
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 2000 - The Present
79th Annual Academy Awards - The Departed
78th Annual Academy Awards - Crash
77th Annual Academy Awards - Million Dollar Baby*
76th Annual Academy Awards - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
75th Annual Academy Awards - Chicago
74th Annual Academy Awards - A Beautiful Mind
73rd Annual Academy Awards - Gladiator
72nd Annual Academy Awards - American Beauty*
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1990 - 1999
71st Annual Academy Awards - Shakespeare in Love
70th Annual Academy Awards - Titanic
69th Annual Academy Awards - The English Patient
68th Annual Academy Awards - Braveheart*
67th Annual Academy Awards - Forrest Gump
66th Annual Academy Awards - Schindler's List
65th Annual Academy Awards - Unforgiven
64th Annual Academy Awards - The Silence of the Lambs
63rd Annual Academy Awards - Dances With Wolves
62nd Annual Academy Awards - Driving Miss Daisy*
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1980 - 1989
61st Annual Academy Awards - Rain Man
60th Annual Academy Awards - The Last Emperor*
59th Annual Academy Awards - Platoon
58th Annual Academy Awards - Out of Africa*
57th Annual Academy Awards - Amadeus
56th Annual Academy Awards - Terms of Endearment*
55th Annual Academy Awards - Gandhi*
54th Annual Academy Awards - Chariots of Fire*
53rd Annual Academy Awards - Ordinary People*
52nd Annual Academy Awards - Kramer vs. Kramer*
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1970 - 1979
51st Annual Academy Awards -The Deer Hunter
50th Annual Academy Awards - Annie Hall
49th Annual Academy Awards - Rocky
48th Annual Academy Awards - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
47th Annual Academy Awards - The Godfather, Part II
46th Annual Academy Awards - The Sting
45th Annual Academy Awards - The Godfather
44th Annual Academy Awards - The French Connection
43rd Annual Academy Awards - Patton
42nd Annual Academy Awards - Midnight Cowboy
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1960 - 1969
41st Annual Academy Awards - Oliver!*
40th Annual Academy Awards - In the Heat of the Night*
39th Annual Academy Awards - A Man for All Seasons*
38th Annual Academy Awards - The Sound of Music
37th Annual Academy Awards - My Fair Lady
36th Annual Academy Awards - Tom Jones*
35th Annual Academy Awards - Lawrence of Arabia
34th Annual Academy Awards - West Side Story
33rd Annual Academy Awards - The Apartment
32nd Annual Academy Awards - Ben-Hur
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1950 - 1959
31st Annual Academy Awards - Gigi
30th Annual Academy Awards - The Bridge on the River Kwai
29th Annual Academy Awards - Around the World in 80 Days*
28th Annual Academy Awards - Marty*
27th Annual Academy Awards - On the Waterfront
26th Annual Academy Awards - From Here to Eternity
25th Annual Academy Awards - The Greatest Show on Earth
24th Annual Academy Awards - An American in Paris
23rd Annual Academy Awards - All About Eve
22nd Annual Academy Awards - All the King's Men*
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1940 - 1949
21st Annual Academy Awards - Hamlet*
20th Annual Academy Awards - Gentleman's Agreement*
19th Annual Academy Awards - The Best Years of Our Lives
18th Annual Academy Awards - The Lost Weekend*
17th Annual Academy Awards - Going My Way
16th Annual Academy Awards - Casablanca
15th Annual Academy Awards - Mrs. Miniver
14th Annual Academy Awards - How Green Was My Valley*
13th Annual Academy Awards - Rebecca
12th Annual Academy Awards - Gone with the Wind
Oscar Winners for Best Picture: 1929 - 1939
11th Annual Academy Awards - You Can't Take It With You
10th Annual Academy Awards - The Life of Emile Zola*
9th Annual Academy Awards - The Great Ziegfeld*
8th Annual Academy Awards - Mutiny on the Bounty
7th Annual Academy Awards - It Happened One Night
6th Annual Academy Awards - Cavalcade*
5th Annual Academy Awards - Grand Hotel*
4th Annual Academy Awards - Cimarron*
3rd Annual Academy Awards - All Quiet on the Western Front
2nd Annual Academy Awards - The Broadway Melody*
1st Annual Academy Awards - Wings*
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| Thursday, August 3rd, 2006
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9:54 pm - AFI's 100 Years 100 Passions
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I figured, why not? I'm almost done with 100 Years 100 Movies series, so let me do another! Now it's Passions!
1. CASABLANCA (1942)
2. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
3. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
4. ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953)
5. AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (1957)
6. THE WAY WE WERE (1973)*
7. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
8. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
9. LOVE STORY (1970)*
10. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
11. ANNIE HALL (1977)
12. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
13. OUT OF AFRICA (1985)*
14. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
15. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
16. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
17. MOONSTRUCK (1987)
18. VERTIGO (1958)
19. GHOST (1990)
20. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
21. PRETTY WOMAN (1990)*
22. ON GOLDEN POND (1981)*
23. NOW, VOYAGER (1942)*
24. KING KONG (1933)
25. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... (1989)
26. THE LADY EVE (1941)
27. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
28. THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)
29. AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (1982)
30. SWING TIME (1936)
31. THE KING AND I (1956)*
32. DARK VICTORY (1939)*
33. CAMILLE (1937)*
34. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)
35. GIGI (1958)
36. RANDOM HARVEST (1942)*
37. TITANIC (1997)
38. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
39. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
40. NINOTCHKA (1939)
41. FUNNY GIRL (1968)*
42. ANNA KARENINA (1935)
43. A STAR IS BORN (1954)*
44. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
45. SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1993)
46. TO CATCH A THIEF (1955)
47. SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS (1961)*
48. LAST TANGO IN PARIS (1972)*
49. THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (1946)*
50. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998)
51. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
52. THE GRADUATE (1967)
53. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
54. SABRINA (1954)
55. REDS (1981)*
56. THE ENGLISH PATIENT (1996)*
57. TWO FOR THE ROAD (1967)*
58. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
59. PICNIC (1955)*
60. TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (1944)
61. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961)
62. THE APARTMENT (1960)
63. SUNRISE (1927)*
64. MARTY (1955)*
65. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
66. MANHATTAN (1979)*
67. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
68. WHAT'S UP, DOC? (1972)*
69. HAROLD AND MAUDE (1971)*
70. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1995)
71. WAY DOWN EAST (1920)*
72. ROXANNE (1987)
73. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR (1947)*
74. WOMAN OF THE YEAR (1942)
75. THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT (1995)
76. THE QUIET MAN (1952)
77. THE AWFUL TRUTH (1937)
78. COMING HOME (1978)*
79. JEZEBEL (1939)*
80. THE SHEIK (1921)*
81. THE GOODBYE GIRL (1977)*
82. WITNESS (1985)*
83. MOROCCO (1930)*
84. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
85. LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING (1955)*
86. NOTORIOUS (1946)
87. THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING (1988)*
88. THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)
89. WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966)*
90. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (1995)*
91. WORKING GIRL (1988)
92. PORGY AND BESS (1959)*
93. DIRTY DANCING (1987)
94. BODY HEAT (1981)*
95. LADY AND THE TRAMP (1955)
96. BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (1967)*
97. GREASE (1978)
98. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1939)*
99. PILLOW TALK (1959)
100. JERRY MAGUIRE (1996)*
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9:49 pm - Schindler's List and The Godfather: Part II
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I'm saving this part for the last two movies: Schindler's List and The Godfather: Part II.
*EDIT. May 14, 2006. I've finally seen the last two movies on the list.
The Godfather: Part II (Best Picture, 1974; AFI #32).... A really good film that goes more into the characters of the "family," particularly with Michael and Vito. While I prefer the first film, I really do love the flashback sequences with Vito (played by Robert De Niro). In actuality, I prefer the acting in this movie; there were less cheesy moments like the famous horse-head scene in the first film. Nevertheless, this was more of a background movie, while the first has more going on with the family, the mafia, etc.... Anyway, I think they're both great; glad they both won Best Picture. So if you like the original, you are most likely going to like this one as well!
Schindler's List (Best Picture, 1993; AFI #9).... I didn't think I'd actually be able to sit through this, but I did. I tried watching this movie a long time ago when I was a kid, and I kept on walking out of the room-- it was too graphic and real for me. Yet I still could remember moments: a boy being carried on each arm by two soldiers and then shot by a third, a lineup of Jews being executed, a little girl walking around with a red coat, the Jewish boy being shot as he walks along the field, the Jewish maid Helen getting beaten by a villanous Nazi.... These memories were as vivid to me watching them now as I had carried them for all these years.... And, still, I was able to watch the movie, even knowing that these events did take place, just has horrific, even more. Just thinking about the accuracy of the film, I cried as images of horror were reenacted. It's a truly powerful movie, and it's not for everyone. But whoever can stand actuality violence, whoever wants to know a true story about what went on during the Holocaust, and how (ironically) a member of the Nazi party was able to save 1,100 people slated for extermination... must see this movie. It is emotional, it is shocking... and as a film, it is amazing. I don't know if I'll be able to see it again (the subject of the Holocaust is very sensitive to me), but the images and story will remain with me forever.
current mood:  nostalgic
current music: theme from Schindler's List
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9:44 pm - Raging Bull
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Raging Bull (1980; AFI #24).... Well, once again it's not like it's an original concept.... The story about a boxer, and how his rage sort of screws up his personal life as well as threatens his career. Robert De Niro was good, Joe Pesci at his best (in my opinion). What impressed me about this movie, however, was not the storyline, but the cinematography and direction. Although I didn't buy with the black and white that it was like an "old movie" (with the insane profanity, that discredits it right there), I love the mood that the b/w technique enhanced. And Scorsese here proves why he's a critically acclaimed director. So, for that, see the movie!
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10:12 am - 6 more movies... 3 left to go!
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The French Connection (Best Picture, 1971; AFI #70).... There was nothing much to interest me about this movie. A couple of detectives want to break a criminal ring with a "French connection." It was based on a true story. That's about it, as far as interests go. It won Best Picture, but I'm not impressed.
Goodfellas (1990; AFI# 94).... A mob movie following several decades of gangster Henry Hill and his associations with other gangsters. This was also based on true events. While I found the acting good and storyline movie, I also didn't find anything really "wow"-ing about this movie, particularly after watching The Godfather. This sort of reminded me of a cross between The Godfather and Blow, so if you like those movies, you'll most likely enjoy this one as well. It's good, so I recommend it; but it doesn't have anything new to offer.
The Jazz Singer (1927; AFI #90).... Okay, this is the famous movie which is labeled as the first "talkie." While, in technical terms, it's not exactly true, it did revolutionize how sound could be used for dialogue and incorporated within the aspects of the film. I actually expected more dialogue than there was, but it was still great to see the spoken lines "You ain't heard nothing yet." Overall, a simple story about a young man who wants to be a jazz singer but also has to deal with disappointing his religious father who cannot stand to think of his son as a jazz artist. The plot may not be moving, but the technological advancement is.
Midnight Cowboy (Best Picture, 1969; AFI #36).... One of those artistic, 60s-style, anti-Hollywood type of movie. AKA not my type. I hate montage effects, and this movie loves them. It also loves not giving a full conclusion or actual concret plot with the standard beginning/middle/ending. It's probably the reason why so many people like it, and I did not at all. I couldn't even tell you the plot; the best I could come up with is "a disillusioned young cowboy-hustler moves to New York only to find out that the business is difficult, but he befriends a small-time con artist who wants to go to Florida, so they try to go." Riveting.
Frankenstein (1931; AFI #87).... Now, I know old horror movies don't exactly have quality acting (King Kong is no exception), but what also bugged me about this movie was how they tried to make a creation out of human body parts and a brain seem like a "monster". It's not like it's a giant 50-foot gorilla or a mutated, overgrown lizard! It's made out of HUMAN body parts! How hard could it be to kill him? How sad is it to be killed by a tall, walking, zombie-like person that only grunts? It seems stupid enough to fall off a building because it has no concept of height. I just did not buy the threat of the "monster" in this movie, and thought it could have been a simple 5-minute short. Instead we see a man choked from behind and a girl being thrown in the lake.... What horrific murder!
The Wild Bunch (1969; AFI #80).... Again, nothing special about a movie that I would recommend. This Western was basically like any other I've seen before, except with the montage effects (yet again!) and slow-motion death scenes like in Bonnie and Clyde. Why did movies have to be made in 1969? They all seem to disappoint me. There's no point in going over the plot here; it's a typical Western in the a-typical Hollywood style.
I'm hoping the last three movies have something fresh and original to offer. Or at least entertaining.
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| Wednesday, July 19th, 2006
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5:57 pm - The Deer Hunter
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The Deer Hunter (Best Picture, 1978; AFI #79).... A three-hour drama/war story that-- unlike many other war movies-- goes into depth about the characters long before the war conflict begins for them. I like the contrast between the tranquil/almost-steady lives at home versus the warfield. What I especially like is how it doesn't firmly take a pro- or anti-war stance; it just shows reality for what it is. There's not much depicted on the Vietnam war, nor is there that much explicit violence, but the scenes of Russian Roulette are so powerful that it's almost too graphic to watch. I particularly like the usage of "deer hunting" and how one's perseption/mentality can change after war. Robert De Niro's performance was incredible (by far my favorite of his thus far), and Christopher Walken (Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor) was great in it too! Highly recommended.
Movies I've yet to see:
Schindler's List
Raging Bull
The Godfather Part II
Midnight Cowboy
The French Connection
The Wild Bunch
Frankenstein
The Jazz Singer
Goodfellas
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| Tuesday, July 18th, 2006
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4:32 pm - almost finished with the 100!
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Movies I've seen recently:
Jaws (1975; AFI #48).... What can I say? It's Spielberg! The special effects may not be as great as they are today, but the action sequences are pretty cool, and hey, it's a classic. Watch it.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967; AFI #99).... A powerful and inspirational story about a controversial issue we have faced and are continuing to face today-- interracial marriage. But it's not merely about a white woman marrying a black man; it goes so much deeper into personal prejudices and false principles we may have. It's a good portrait of how our actions will either confirm or reject our principles. I'm happy it won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and Katharine Hepburn, the Oscar winner for Best Actress, was a doll here (although I normally consider her overrated). Also, this is the first Sidney Poitier movie I've ever seen, and I now understand why he's as admired and successful as he's been. Guess Who's Coming... is a movie everyone needs to watch, and a type of movie which I would like to make in the future.
M*A*S*H (1970; AFI #56).... This Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay has no fixed beginning/ending to it.... It's merely about several surgeons in a field hospial during the Korean War, and their quirky antics as they spend their time overseas, saving people's lives. I don't find it the funniest movie or anything, but it's quite amusing; a lot of people would probably like it.
Rocky (Best Picture, 1976; AFI #78).... "Yo, Adrian! It's me, Rocky." I just had to say that. I finally saw one of the most classic sports-related movies of all time, and I did enjoy it. Stallone really impressed me, and so did the ending. I like how the focus was not on the result of the match, but on Rocky's impression of himself and his accomplishment. That's my type of movie! Stallone was nominated for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, but the film only ended up garnering the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. I didn't really care for Network, so I'm a bit sad those nominations lost out to that movie.
Doctor Zhivago (1965; AFI #39).... Finally, a David Lean movie I like! While it's nowhere near my favorite movie, I found myself intrigued with the story, and particularly with the performances of Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, and Rod Steiger (the latter I consider to be an underrated actor). I didn't get bored with the movie, although I still find it hard to trace the Bolshevik/Red Guard/White Guard battle.... I'm just not that enlightened about the Russian Revolution. Julie Christie's performance was only okay, but her beauty shined through. It is about 3 hours long as well, so it's not for those with short attention spans. But if you did not find Lawrence of Arabia to be long and drawn out (as I did), there's a very good chance you won't with this one.
The Godfather (Best Picture, 1972; AFI #3).... Alright! Alright! It took me a long time to get around to watching this movie, but I finally finished it! And while I initially started watching it before and found several elements to be rather corny, they did not bother me so much this time around. Although, with the horse-head scene, I would not have made as many cuts as Coppola seemed to feel necessary. That part remained corny for me. Nevertheless, I do like this movie, particularly Al Pacino's performance. While I do think Brando (Oscar winner for Best Actor) did a great job, it wasn't my favorite of his. But hey, he is THE Godfather, and I don't think any other actor could have taken his place. Good movie, good entertainment. It's also 3 hours long, but you won't think so. I would have much preferred this movie, instead of Citizen Kane, to have taken the top spot in AFI's list.
Even though they're not on AFI's list, I also saw The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day, both of which I highly enjoyed. They're great action movies, and ranked high right alongside the Die Hard movies for me. (Good rated-R action films!)
Movies I've yet to see:
Schindler's List
Raging Bull
The Godfather Part II
Midnight Cowboy
The French Connection
The Deer Hunter
The Wild Bunch
Frankenstein
The Jazz Singer
Goodfellas
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| Thursday, March 23rd, 2006
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4:09 pm - saw The Birth of a Nation and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
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Maybe one day I'll get around to talking about these movies, but now all I have to say is that I didn't like Birth of a Nation, although the beginning reminded me of Gone with the Wind (but there was this Jesus ending which was absolutely horrible because of its message). I did like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, however, but I don't think it's the greatest movie or anything like that. Jack Nicholson did a good job, and the supporting cast was pretty cool (odd seeing Christopher Lloyd play anybody but "Doc").... Um, okay, maybe I kind of did do mini-reviews.... Oh well.
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| Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006
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4:58 pm - Fargo
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Fargo (1996; AFI #84).... A man needs some money so he hires out two men two kidnap his wife and help him get ransom money. Only thing is, nothing happens according to plan. Great acting involved, interesting storyline.... Frances McDormand won the Oscar for Best Actress. Overall, a good movie. I don't find anything spectacular about it, but it's worth a viewing.
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| Friday, December 30th, 2005
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8:58 pm - Silence of the Lambs, Duck Soup, Taxi Driver, Shane, and A Place in the Sun
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WARNING: SPOILERS! Do not read if you don't want to know!
Silence of the Lambs (Best Picture, 1991; AFI #65).... The famous movie about a cannibal who helps out a FBI trainee hunt down a serial killer. Talk about psycho-trillers! Even though horrors and dark/gruesome murder stories aren't exactly my thing, this was a great movie. It's isn't exactly horror... it's more of a thriller, but at the same time, you find out information about some graphic murders... so it's quite strong. Still, if that will not bother you, see the movie! My only qualm is that it beat Beauty and the Beast for the Best Picture, but hey, that's just my thing. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster were great. I was a little bit confused with the character Crawford, but I guess the book or multiple viewings of the movie will help explain it more (if I can stand that strong content enough... my mind isn't exactly accustomed to things like that). Oh, interesting fact: "Hello, Clarice" was not said in the movie.
Duck Soup (1933, AFI #95).... This was an interesting movie, as zany and ridiculous as the Marx Brothers could make it. I didn't really laugh like I thought I would.... I think it's because the pacing was so fast that it was hard to pick up on the dialogue, and everyone was just out there. My suggestion is this: if you love the Marx Brothers, watch this movie.
Taxi Driver (1976, #47).... I actually liked this movie, even though the main character was a little bit off his rocker. You can sense, though, that he was just disgusted by the way society is just become more and more degrading, and so this leads to him lashing out. I don't know how it could have ended in the more positive way of him not being incriminated (but, rather, he was seen more as a hero). For the audience I could understand, but under the eyes of the law.... Anyway, De Niro is likeable in this movie, so see it!
Shane (1953; AFI #69).... A great western about a lone hero, Shane (Alan Ladd), who helps out a family and its neighbors when confronted by the greedy Ryker. This is one of the better westerns, in my opinion, and you almost feel sorry for Shane at the end.... He seems like he still is an outcast, in a way, even though he gains the love and respect of others. But still, he continues on in his life, alone.... Anyway, another movie I'm recommending! So watch it!
A Place in the Sun (1951; AFI #92).... Wow, so many movies about killers. But this one gets the topper for most sympathy for a "killer." Montgomery Clift places a young man who courts one woman (Shelly Winters) while falling in love with another woman (Elizabeth Taylor). When he finds out that he is going to have an illegitimate baby with his girlfriend, he contemplates killing her so the scandal will not come out and ruin his chances with his love. If anything, in the eyes of the law he technically did not commit the act, but he left someone for dead... which is (in the view of the Hayes code) just as bad. So of course, he reaps what he sews.... and you almost pity him. Well, maybe you do. It just seems kind of sad that he felt so desperate to fix things that he sunk so low as planning out murder... which is why my favorite quote in the movie relates to in his own eyes, he did commit murder. If you're into melodrama and starcrossed lovers, this one will not disappoint.
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| Tuesday, December 20th, 2005
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9:05 pm - 2001: A Space Odyssey
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| Friday, August 26th, 2005
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7:57 pm - Modern..., Unforgiven, Network, Sunset Blvd, City..., All Quiet..., Mutiny..., Easy Rider, & Tootsie
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I know I haven't updated in awhile... College life has been taking out a lot of my time. But I'll do my reviews for Modern Times, Unforgiven, Network, Sunset Boulevard, City Lights, All Quiet on the Western Front, Mutiny on the Bounty, Easy Rider, and Tootsie.
Modern Times (1936; AFI #81).... Silent movie with Charlie Chaplin, during a bad economic time when Chaplin gets fired from a factory and ends up helping a poor orphan who lives by stealing. It's really adorable... less funny than I would have imagined, though. I guess I'm one for the one-liners, so I missed that. The ending was quite sentimental, but optimistic; I liked that. Good movie; see it.
Unforgiven (Best Picture, 1992; AFI #98).... Two retired hitmen of the west-- Munny and Logan (Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman)-- find themselves in pursuit of two cowboys who viciously attacked a prostitute after she laughed at one of the guys in a way that hurt his pride. Although retired, Munny and Logan soon realize that they need the money from the reward the prostitues are offering, so they decide to join The Schofield Kid on a quest to collect the reward. It's really good, actually, despite the somewhat disturbing content. Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman (who plays the town sherrif) have excellent performances here.
Network (1976; AFI #66).... Basically, the title says it all. It's about a network that's trying very hard to gain "points" in ratings and win over audiences. There's this one anchor who announces that he would be committing suicide, and his depressed, cynical view of life inspires millions of Americans to get "mad as hell and... not going to take it anymore." So this man gets his own show talking about how they need to stick-it-to-the-Man, one would say. The only thing is, what happens when it goes to far...? I found this movie pretty darn good, although it's not my type of movie. I just don't enjoy watching a bunch of workaholic, cynical people who would do anything for ratings, and I mean anything! I think this is the type of movie that inspired contemporaries such as Fight Club. Anywho, that's my opinion.
Sunset Boulevard (1950; AFI #12).... Probably my favorite of the group (and I'm surprised about that, actually, considering how I felt about Double Indemnity). William Holden is one who knows how to handle the male-victim point of view, in a classic, film-noir style. I'll say it again: Fred MacMuray in Double Indemnity didn't do it for me. But Holden... with him, you get a sense of anger, rage, disappointment... and yet, you feel sorry for him. Sorry that he was put in a position where he was a special "companion" of a crazed has-been: Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). In any case, the ending is not ruined, so it's not a big shocker or anything. But I actually prefer the going-back-in-time sequence because it keeps the viewer interested in what exactly happened to prompt the eventual demise of Joe Gillis. As always, Billy Wilder's direction and use of cinematography is impeccable. I definitely recommend watching this movie; it's so cool!
City Lights (1931; AFI #76).... Now this movie... It's actually quite sad! Another of Chaplin's silent movies, it follows a tramp (Chaplin) who falls in love with a blind woman. He works very hard to try to give her enough money so she may pay her mortgage and get her eyes fixed. But the question remains: will the woman still carry feelings for the man once she's able to see him as he really is: a tramp? I actually feel very sorry for the Tramp, and it goes to show you how much importance people put on physical apperances. It's a good movie to watch in order to see a tragic view of life almost no one dares to notice.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Best Picture, 1930; AFI #54).... A compelling look at the disillusion young German soldiers face after they enlist into World War 1. It was actually very controversial at the time it was released and almost (if not actually) banned in quite a few countries that were preparing for a second world war. There are some real powerful moments, like when one of the German soldiers has to face countless hours in a trench with a dying British soldier he had just stabbed and later tried to nurse back to health. I think that could possibly be one of the best ways of showing in film the complexities of war and what a man faces during that time. Also, the scene where the German reaches out for the butterfly... WOW. It's deep. Naturally, there are some corny moments, but heck, once you cast that aside, it really is a great movie.
Mutiny on the Bounty (Best Picture, 1935; AFI #86).... Awesome, awesome movie, and I believe it is based on actual events. I think it's the only movie to be nominated for three Best Actor Oscars: Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, and Franchot Tone. A ruthless Captain Bligh (Laughton) uses callous and inhumane methods of disciplining his sailors into obedience. One of the officers, Lt. Christian (Gable) is morally against the hard-core discipline, and eventually confronts Bligh, leading to the mutiny. One of the sailors, Byan, refuses to be bullied Bligh, a confidence which many other sailors soon pick up. It's a great swashbuckling-type movie that should not be missed.
Easy Rider (1969, AFI #88).... A relatively simple movie that depicts a common trend of stereotyping and prejdice-- in this case, with hippies. Wyatt and Billy (Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper) meet an all-American George (Jack Nicholson), and they quickly form a friendship that's soon threatened by demeaning comments and cruel actions by locals. It's another one of those movies that's deep, but it's not my favorite. In any case, it's similar to American History X, although perhaps less graphic. But the message is still the same: hate is wrong.
Tootsie (1982, AFI #62).... A great comedy starring Dustin Hoffman. Out of work actor Michael Dorsey gets an idea to dress up as a woman and audition for a role he actually gets! Disguised as "Dorothy Michaels," Michael soon becomes a household name and inspiration for women everywhere. At the same time, he gets the attention of some rather presumptuous men! There are some great laughs in this one; highly recommended. A better version of Mrs. Doubtfire, in my opinion.
current music: Born to Be Wild (from Easy Rider)
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| Monday, August 8th, 2005
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6:53 pm - Patton and Apocalypse Now
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I've seen recently two movies written by Francis Ford Coppola: Patton and Apocalypse Now.
Patton (Best Picture, 1970; AFI #89).... Great WWII film about General Patton. What else is there to say? I find George C. Scott's performance in this film absolutely incredible. I was also pleasantly happy to find Karl Malden in the movie (he plays the priest in On the Waterfront and Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire). Simply put: the movie deserved every Oscar. I love how they showed the strengths and weaknesses of Patton, and how his own worst enemy was his own mouth. I think it wasn't a "war movie" so much as it is a biographical look at one of WWII's greatest leaders, but it is still worth the 3+ hours. Great film, I highly recommend it.
Apocalypse Now (1979, AFI #28).... A highly powerful, compelling movie about a soldier, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), who takes up a classified mission to "terminate the command" of a renegade officer, Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando). This movie did to me what movies like Dr. Strangelove... failed to do-- portray a somewhat disturbing, realistic, and fullfilling sense of "the horror... the horror" that is war. I really didn't care if Dr. Strangelove... was a satire. I just didn't get the message at all, but in Apocalypse Now, I was moved. To be honest, I still don't understand why Kurtz went crazy.... But you get to empathize with him, and that I liked. I could not empathize with Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge of the River Kwai (though Alec Guiness, as an actor, did give a great performance). Perhaps it is because in Apocalypse Now, you get a character look at Kurtz in greater detail, and what Capt. Willard goes through on his way to find Kurtz... it's understandable why anyone would go crazy (for whatever reason) after experiencing a war like that. One thing I thought was unnecessary was the whole Playboy bunny/nudity thing. Oh well. Unless it just exemplifies the cold, rough conditions the soldiers were in and how they themselves turned into. Oh, and there are other actors in this film I didn't know about until I saw the movie: Harrison Ford, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper.... (I should have realized Duvall is the actor who says the famouse line: "I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.") [smacks head] Anyway, this is finally a film I can rank alongside Platoon and Saving Private Ryan. Go see it.
current music: Satisfaction-- The Rolling Stones
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| Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005
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10:16 pm - Giant and Psycho
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Giant (1956, AFI #82).... A touching epic about a husband and wife (Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor) from two different worlds who settle in the husband's home of Texas, not really knowing much about each other nor their lifestyles. Jordan (Hudson) is a big cowman who is very traditional and likes to do the same things his father and all the other Benedict men did-- even if it isn't the right thing. Leslie (Taylor), who's from Washington, is more sympathetic and open-minded as well as she is caring. Their differences in lifestyle and tolerance lead to a lot of arguments, and their children grow up as two different extremes, but the Benedict family manages to stay together through their love of one another. At the time when Mr. and Mrs. Benedict start raising some children, a family rival by the name of Jett Rink (James Dean) who managed to get a hold of the land, Raeta, strikes oil and becomes very wealthy, so he uses his newly-found wealth to get back at the Benedicts. I must say, this is the best movie I have seen in a long time. At least, as far as the AFI 100... goes. It's quite long (almost three-and-a-half hours), but well worth it! It's really moving how one family can develop and change in such a short time (two generations-worth). What I especially love about this movie is how they deal with racial bigotry/prejudice-- not only between city-folk and countrymen, but even with "wetbacks" (Mexican-Americans). I simply ADORE Liz Taylor in this movie-- both as an actress and her character, Leslie. If you don't have a problem with watching long movies, WATCH THIS ONE!!!!
Psycho (1960, AFI #18)... The classic thriller about a mysterious hermit, Norman Bates, who's, well... read the title. I don't have to say much about the plot, because practically anybody would know what this movie is about. It's kind of weird that I've seen a lot of Hitchcock films and I'd never seen Psycho before today. I don't know how it would merit an "R" rating (by today's standards), but for its time I can understand it being rated X. Hitchcock has a way of suspense, and there were moments where I wasn't sure if there was going to be nudity or not. I couldn't really tell-- the bathroom scene had so many brief shots-- but if there was, it still would ahve been rated PG-13 by today's standards. Anyway, enough about that.... I think this was a well-done thriller, if not horror, and the pacing, as ever with Hitchcock films, was brilliant. The ending scene with Normal in the confined room and "Mother's" voice was enough for me to say, "Okay, yeah, this person is PSYCHO!!!!" It's not my favorite Hitchcock film, but it's good for what is. Anyone should watch it (if they won't freak out).
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| Saturday, July 30th, 2005
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10:50 pm - The Grapes of Wrath, Gilda, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
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The Grapes of Wrath (1940, AFI #21).... Once again I've stumbled across a movie that may be considered a classic, but is just not my type of film. The topic of migrant workers coming to California after being driven out of their lands... well, it just doesn't interest me. It's not a bad movie, though. If you've read the book and like it, you might end up loving the movie. Henry Fonda's performace was great in my opinion, but I didn't care for the script.
Gilda (1946).... This isn't on the AFI list, but I've been wanting to see this movie for quite some time, and I absolutely love it! The sexual tension and energy is amazing, and Rita Hayworth (who plays the title role), who's not a great technical actress, is one femme fatale, I'll give you that! What she can get across is what I hope to do while writing some of my screenplays. She makes getting revenge so very sweet! At the same time, she's human and is trying to mend a broken heart. And Glenn Ford... if I could, I'd walk up to him and say, "Thank you!" I love his portrayal of the jealous ex-lover. He's hardcore when he needs to be, but you know he's got a soft side. He did for me what Fred MacMurray failed to do in Double Indemnity. So Glenn Ford, wherever you are... THANK YOU! The only weak side was the acting of George Macready (who plays Ballin Mundson, Gilda's husband), but honestly, I don't think there's a movie I love that doesn't have one relatively weak acting performance. Still, the chemistry is brilliant, screenplay wonderful; I recommend this movie wholeheartedly!
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, AFI #50).... Based on true events of the title characters, this movie was one hell of a ride! The ending kind of bummed me out, though, but I knew what was coming. Still, I enjoyed it a heck of a lot more than Bonnie and Clyde, a movie which left me bummed and yet not feeling any sympathy for the title characters. In Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, there were some great laughs, wonderful chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford (I believe this is considered the first "buddy-buddy" film, or one of the first), and the characters were very likeable. Just... expect to be numb by the end of the movie, or even a little sad. All the same, I do recommend this movie.
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| Thursday, July 28th, 2005
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4:51 pm - Chinatown, The Graduate, and Amadeus
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Chinatown (1974, AFI #19).... A film-noir style detective movie about a man who's supposedly investigating a philandering man's mistress, but he soon discovers that the situation is deeper than it looks.... The man's supposed mistress isn't that at all. Well, it's supposed to be a surprise, but I kind of knew the ending because of the famous quote from the movie (if you don't know, the "She's my sister... she's my daughter" quote....). Anyway, even though I wasn't shocked by what I think was supposed to be the main [GASP!], I still enjoyed this movie. There was a particular subject matter that was kind of... disturbing, but I guess that kind of goes hand-in-hand with the whole detective/mystery unravelling bit. Anyway, I recommend this movie, even though I'm not a Jack Nicholson or Faye Dunaway fan.
The Graduate (1967, AFI #7).... Another movie that pleasantly surprised me, although this also had an... interesting subject matter to deal with. Recent college graduate Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) finds himself having an affair with seductive Mrs. Robinson.... Only, what happens when he starts to fall for Mrs. Robinson's daughter? Personally, I couldn't forget so easily as Elaine did, but her personality is so innocent and friendly that I didn't mind. The one thing that bothered me slightly is the ending... I mean, how you're supposed to feel one emotion, and then you feel another emotion and it ends so quickly.... I was confused if I was supposed to feel happy or sad. But thinking about it, and the tagline "He's worried about his future," I realized that it was supposed to indicate that once again, it's a what-do-we-do-next moment. Anyway, there are some funny moments here, and I found it highly enjoyable. An added bonus if you like Simon and Garfunkel. I recommend it as well!
Amadeus (Best Picture, 1984.... AFI #53)... I feel like I've hit another streak, because this movie was great! Downright hilarious at times, it deals with Mozart... and who knew he could be so eccentric?! I think that some of the mannerisms/dialouge was a bit "Americanish" (for lack of a better term)... but I didn't care at all! How could anyone, when as soon as they heard that high pitched laugh it was impossible not to crack up? Man, that laugh got me everytime. And I don't know how much of it is fact/fiction, but it was highly entertaining to watch! I'm very interested into knowing more about Mozart now.
3 out of 3 movies to recommend. Yay!
current mood:  drained
current music: Mrs. Robinson-- Simon and Garfunkel
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| Thursday, July 21st, 2005
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11:15 pm - American Graffiti and Rebel Without a Cause....
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I saw American Graffiti and Rebel Without a Cause yesterday....
American Graffiti (AFI #77).... A 60's-based coming-of-age story about a bunch of high school graduates and this one night they have... very interesting encounters. It kind of reminded me of a cross between Animal House and Grease, though it's not as perverse and it's not a musical. I actually liked it. My favorite character's John Miller, who reminds me of someone I know... looking for hot girls and to find a "good time," haha. Anyway, there's not much to be said for it, except that if you like "coming-of-age"/teenager movies, then you'll like this movie. I just have to say that the ending bummed me a litte. I still liked the movie overall, though.
Rebel Without a Cause (AFI #55).... The definitive James Dean movie (and the first one I've seen of his)... and I liked it. At first, I didn't recognize Natalie Wood, but indeed I did come to realize who she was (Judy). This movie actually took a different turn than I thought it would. I thought it would focus on Jim Stark's mischief, but actually, it's more about him wanting to be a better person, and you can see that as the movie progresses. In fact, it is everyone else-- his "peers," as you would call it, and even his parents-- whom are troubled. So it was different than I thought it owuld be, but it was not disappointing; I definitely recommend this movie. I'm now excited to see East of Eden.
current mood:  hopeful
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11:03 pm - I finally passed the halfway mark....
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I saw two movies today: Citizen Kane and Lawrence of Arabia, making them the 50th and 51st movies on the list.
Citizen Kane (1941; AFI #1).... A bit disappointed, I'll have to admit. The greatest film of all time? That's a bit of an exaggeration. Just the beginning when they have this "News of the March" or whatever it was took 20 minutes. One thing I did like is that the story was about people trying to figure out what Kane's last words-- "Rosebud"-- meant. That was cool. The actual story of Kane himself wasn't (in my opinion). Some people claim that this movie is great because of the cinematography.... I didn't care for it. Sure, it might have been "evolutionary," but it bugged me that I couldn't see the characters' faces half of the time. Once again, I like Joseph Cotten in this movie, but I much prefer both he and Orson Welles in The Third Man. I'm not going to say "don't watch this movie," because heck, it's AFI's all-time movie (it's not even American... funny), and people over at imdb.com generally love it too. So if you wanted to see this movie before you read my review of it, still see it. Just... don't expect an epic.
Lawrence of Arabia (Best Picture, 1962; AFI #7).... I must say, I was indifferent to this movie. Like Trainspotting, I found it good for what it was.... But it's just not my type of movie. The character development of Lawrence was good.... I kind of pitied him, and yet admired him at the same time. He was an ordinary man, with the gift to do extraordinary things. It's too bad I didn't really didn't care too much what went on... or about the different animosities between the tribes... or even who got Damascus in the end. Maybe it's because I had a crappy day, and a four-hour movie seemed too extravagant. Who knows. Once again, I won't actually recommend this movie, but I won't discourage anyone from seeing it, either.
current mood:  crappy
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| Tuesday, July 19th, 2005
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10:09 pm - more movies I've seen these past few days....
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The Thin Man (1934).... I just absolutely adore this movie, about a husband/wife detective team indirectly forced to solve the mystery of a disappeared man whose daughter pleaded for their help. The chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy is amazing! There was some wonderful one-liners and some great laughs. The story itself is a little hard to follow (it's one of those stories with many twists and turns... well, it's a detective story), but it's a great ride! One of my favorite detective stories ever, and I highly recommend it.
All About Eve (Best Picture, 1950; AFI #16).... A wonderful story about a theater star by the name of Margo Channing (Bette Davis), who takes in Eve (Anne Baxter) as an ingenue, who secretly wishes to be the star Margo is. Bette Davis's performance was absolutely phenomenal in this film. Gotta love that "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night" quote. :-D I won't ruin it for you now, but one of the characters made AFI's list of top 50 villians, and it's interesting to see exactly how a person can be villianous in the slyest form. I was pleasantly surprised to find other actors I know in this film: Celeste Holm (High Society), Thelma Ritter (Rear Window), George Saunders (who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), and even, yes, Marilyn Munroe (Some Like it Hot). A great drama, that has one of those full-circle-type endings. Also recommended!
Mrs. Miniver (Best Picture, 1942).... First of all, I'd like to mention that it is a William Wyler film, so it's bound to be sentimental! It takes place in London, during the time when they first become involved in WWII. I absolutely adore Greer Garson and Teresa Wright in this film (and both of them won Oscars... yay!). It's a very uplifting and hopeful story, almost similar to Casablanca in that respect, but this centers more around the English. Not without a few tears, this movie left me feeling hopeful and patriotic, even though I'm not British and not living literally in the middle of battle. For an adorable story that's soft and sweet, yet sentimental, Mrs. Miniver is the movie to see.
The Third Man (1949, AFI #57).... The cinematography in this movie is amazing, and it won the Oscar! Another whoo-hoo!!! I was pleasantly surprised with this movie, especially since my mother hadn't built such a high expectation for it. But I did enjoy it highly, particularly for its simplicity. American Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) arrives in Austria to learn that his friend, Harry Lime, was recently killed in an automobile accident. The more he talks to locals about about Harry Lime, the more inconsistencies he discovers, and so he searches for the truth about what really happened to Harry Lime. Someone once said that Orson Welles's entrance in the movie is one of the best in film, and I agree! Just watch it for yourself, and you'll see what I'm talking about. ;-) Oh, and another character in this movie was also listed as one of the greatest villians of all time. Muahahahahah!!!
High Noon (1952, AFI #53).... The famous role for which Gary Cooper won an Oscar and introduced Grace Kelly as a leading actress. I finally saw it! Also a movie I love, with its simplicity. Recently married, Will Kane (Gary Cooper) has also left his post of marshal in a small town. However, he discovers that a man he once put behind bars-- Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald)-- is now free and headed back to the town to seek revenge.... The only thing is, Kane's wife has decided to leave him if he stays, and his own townspeople refuse to help him battle Miller and his gang. It is, in my opinion, one of the best westerns, though you won't see any of the best battles put on film. Still, I recommend this movie, just as I recommend all the others on today's list.
current music: High Noon theme-- "High Noon"
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10:08 pm - my reviews on The Apartment, On the Waterfront, and The Bridge on the River Kwai
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The Apartment (Best Picture, 1960; AFI #93).... What can I say? I love Jack Lemmon, and I love him in this movie. I was expecting a comedy, but was surprised that it turned out to be more dramatic/romantic. If anything, it's satirical, but not too much "ha-ha". Fred MacMurray (the man who ruined Double Indemnity for me) is also in it, and I was pleasantly surprised that he did not annoy me in this movie! Yay!!!
Regarding the actual storyline: the ending is predictable, but still adorable. Classic styling-- what you expect from Billy Wilder. I always love the cinematography in his movies. Not a "wow" finish, but it left me feeling satisfied. Kudos for Billy Wilder! Watch this movie!
On the Waterfront (Best Picture, 1954; AFI #8).... First of all, I believe Marlon Brando deserved his Oscar for Best Actor. I think he performed excellently in this movie, and I truly believe his character redeemed himself. Great movie overall; the ending here is also predictable, but it wasn't intended to have a "wow" finish either. There were some moments when I found the cinematography GORGEOUS (like when Brando and Saint were running down an alley with a truck chasing them....), so I'm also happy that the movie won for Best Cinematography. I definitely recommend this movie!
The Bridge on the River Kwai (Best Picture, 1957; AFI #13).... Probably the most disappointed with overall, because of the ending. I had started out liking the Colonel very much, and as the movie progressed, I felt like Nicholson had his mind way off of his objective and pride took over. I'm a sucker for happy endings, and well.... Redemption is also cool, but I don't feel this movie had that (as regarding a character). Also, I felt there were some very unnecessary deaths! [TEAR!] Oh, well. Alright movie, pretty decent. I prefer movies like Stalag 17 or The Great Escape, but I wouldn't mind watching this movie again.
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