Fandango Groovers Movie Blog is a fun movie blog hailing from the UK (or Australia, or somewhere like that. I can't find the post where he mentions where he's blogging from.) Regardless, you can get insights on movies that have not released in the states yet and revisit those that have. Recently, he issued a challenge to pick not only your favorite movies, but one for each year you have been alive. Fun!
1981- Evil Dead
82- Poltergeist
83- The Hunger
84- Ghostbusters (I didn't plan for this to be all horror related)
85- The Breakfast Club (See! I told ya!)
86- Aliens (Oops...)
87- The Princess Bride
88- Beetlejuice
89- Say Anything
1990- La Femme Nikita
91- The Addam's Family
92- Batman Returns
93- Groundhog Day
94- Pulp Fiction
95- The Usual Suspects/ Hackers (What? I get one double!)
96- The Craft
97- The Fifth Element (Well there went my no repeats rule)
98- Elizabeth
99- Boondock Saints
2000- American Psycho (Though if I were being honest, it would probably be "Bring it On" for the sheer volume of times viewed)
01- Donnie Darko
02- Road to Perdition
03- Kill Bill, Vol. 1
04- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
05- Sin City
06- The Departed
07- Eastern Promises
08- In Bruges
09- (500) Days of Summer
2010- Inception
11- Hanna (So far)
What's really weird is how recent some of these movies seem and how old that makes me feel. Doesn't it feel like "The Departed" just came out a year or two ago? Try over 4! It's like when I was talking about music the other day with a friend and I mentioned how I usually prefer the "B" sides and they asked, "What's a 'B' side?" I think my jaw literally hit the floor. Of course, if you're under 25 tapes are just something you see at a vintage store or garage sale.
Last month, one of my favorite movie blogs, "Rupert Pupkin Speaks", created his list of the best movies A-Z. I thought this sounded like a lot of fun and a challenge, but I had no idea how difficult it would be. How do I choose just one movie per letter? I can barely come up with a response to the question, "What's your favorite movie?" (I used to say "Paper Moon" just to be a bit of s snob, but truth be told it's probably "Vivre sa Vie" or "Heavy". See! I can't even pick one in my own blog and I still sound like a snob!). To make it easier, I picked the first movie that came to mind or grabbed my attention. It's interesting how many of them are somewhat personal to me; either in content or by association with a particular memory or person.
The Academy Awards on Sunday was supposed to represent "young, hip" films and actors. For the most part, hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco did their part spot on though not all of the winners were so "young" or so "hip".
Let's just get the fashion of the night out of the way, shall we?
Best Dressed
I could not have been happier about the return to Hollywood glamour on sight at this years awards. The men all looked dashing in classic tuxedos and the women in, mostly, fuller skirts. My best dressed of the night is Marisa Tomei- stunning! Anne Hathaway would have taken top honors but she got to wear more dresses than anyone else. She was absolutely stunning as well and a pure delight to watch. I totally want to be her friend. No, you are not mistaken, that is Helena Bonham-Carter up there. This was perhaps the best (and most normal) she has ever looked!
Worst Dressed
Christian Bale's beard and Jennifer Hudson's hair was amongst my least favorites of the night. I know everyone else loved Gwyneth Paltrow's silver, modern dress but I did not. Annette Bening, who has looked very nice all season, chose a shapeless dress that did nothing for her. Same can be said for Mrs. Robert Downey Jr (a producer I love) but who chose a somewhat matronly dress. Also, what was up with the wings on Nicole Kidman's dress?
Eh? Dressed
The "Eh?" category was created for those dresses that I couldn't quite decide if I liked or not, or were completely boring (see: Jennifer Lawrence). Ever since her divorce, Scarlett Johanson has looked like she just woke up and forgot to brush her hair. The dress isn't bad, but the overall look is not. I love almost everything about Mila Kunis' dress save the lace pasties. From a distance it looks much better than it did in close ups when I feared for an FCC fine. Cate Blancett was on many of my friends Best list, but I was confused when I first saw it. It didn't play well on TV and looked clunky and white. It's actually a lovely pastel lilac shade that I liked much better in some photos.
* Pre-Show: I'm really tired of some of these interviewers (for the life of me I cannot remember her name... Vanessa Milian? Whatever, the brunette with the best spot on the carpet right before they go in. Ugh!), as well as E!'s eagles nest chatter. Save it for your "Fashion Police" show! Tim Gunn was wonderful. He seemed the most prepared and asked great questions. I love that he also asked questions tweeted and facebooked by viewers. As much as I love Vanity Fair magazine (and I really do), their West Coast editor Krista Smith was as boring as the room they were in. Why was everyone whispering? My Father informs me it is because the VIP lounge is supposed to be a quiet respite to the chaotic evening. Whatever, I couldn't hear half of them and what I did hear was BORING.
* The opening montage was great! I loved that they weaved many of the best picture movies into the "Inception" concept. The biggest laughs went to the "Inception", "The Fighter", and the "Black Swan" bits. ("The dance of the Brown Duck!"). PS- How can I get Morgan Freeman to narrate my dreams?
* As briefly stated earlier, the joke on hiring Hathaway and Franco was to appeal to a younger demographic. The host's riff on that very topic was funny. I also think they were two of the best hosts we've seen in a while. Franco with his quiet, very dry humor, and Hathaway with her over the top enthusiasm played well off each other.
* I loved Kirk Douglas presenting. Just the fact that he can walk out on stage is amazing and the shows producers were milking it for all it was worth. I did feel badly for the Supporting Actress nominees. Poor things. PS- Can you believe that was the first time someone had drop the F-bomb during the telecast? How can that be true. Poor, poor Melissa Leo.
* Dear Aaron Sorkin- This isn't your first award. This isn't even your first award for this movie. Who else can you have to thank? When the music starts playing, WRAP IT UP! That is not your cue to keep talking and thanking random people. Geez.
* Two words: Franco as Monroe
* Best Live Short acceptance speech:
* I'm kind of sad the special Oscar's are no longer televised, though it does save space. At least they all got to walk out and wave. Honorary Oscars were give to Eli Wallach (actor), Jean-Luc Goddard (film maker), Kevin Brownlow (historian), and Francis Ford Coppola won the Thalberg Award. [side note: What do you think Goddard does with his awards? Sell them? Throw them away? Give them to bystanders at the nearest cafe? He is famously not interested in awards and never attends them. Curious.]
* The ode to this years musicals (there weren't any FYI) featuring my favorites: "Harry Potter" tiny ball of light and "Twilight" He doesn't own a shirt. (Not sure why it says "Grammys 2011")
* Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law's banter was hilarious! Only these two guys can get away with a hooker dressed as Batgirl joke.
* I'm curious, why are they doing additional tributes during the "In Memoriam" segment? Last year it was John Hughes and this year Lena Horne. What makes them so special? Why the added time? It really bothers me when I think of the people who don't make the telecast due to time constraints. They could have shown at least 5 other faces instead of Lena Horne's twice.
All in all I got 19 out of 24 correct predictions, further emphasizing that all you need to win the office pool is to go and see the movies! How did you do? Highs and lows??
I don't get to see every movie that comes out in a year. Unfortunately, I have a day job that makes me unavailable during much of the day and leaves me with little money to spend on movies that might be good. Going through the list of new film releases in 2010, I was struck depressed by the number of movies I meant to see but missed. Oh well, that's why god invented Netflix right?
What I like best about putting this list together is how often my opinion changes. While it is rare for a movie to move from bad to good, it may often move from bad to eh? or vice versa. What made it good cannot be undone (unless we're trying to look cool and pretend we didn't like a movie when we did, i.e. "The Switch"). I feel warm and fuzzy inside as I watch the "good" list surpass the other's in quantity. 2010 turned out to be a good year for movies! (Someone tell the HFPA that there were better comedies out there than "Burlesque", stat!)
Below is my list of the best of 2010. Each one was released in theatres in the U.S. this year (so video releases and foreign markets don't count) and, obviously, I have to have seen it. My picks for worst movies and "Eh?", which I call the ones I am ambivalent towards, will be posted later this week.
I'm kicking off my new blog by reposting my list of "The Best Films You May Have Never Seen Or Heard Of But That You Must Queue As Soon As Possible!" It's kind of long so I'm going to break it up into a couple posts. I'm sure some of these you will have seen and possibly already love, but I hope a few are also new to you.Click on the title for more information. What would you add?
U-Z
"Vertigo" (1958)- It is my belief that this is one of several movies people say they have seen, but in actuality, they have only seen the poster. Also on this list are several other Hitchcock movies (Rear Window being most popular), the Bond movies (with the exception of Daniel Craig), and Sherlock Holmes. Please, do yourself a favor and watch this. If you have seen it, it's probably been a while, so watch it again. It is genius. All I need to say is: Kim Novak (I want to be her when I grow up) and James Stewart. Enough said.
"The Wackness" (2008)- This movie made a splash on the festival scene (though I suspect it had as much to do with the star being a current Disney commodity playing against type as a drug dealer as much as it did the brilliance of the movie). That being said, its great. Ben Kinglsey is of course brilliant and the backdrop of 80's New York is priceless. It's like watching the birth of "wigger" culture without having to sit through a Jamie Kennedy movie.
"What We Do is Secret" (2007)- This movie is a labor of love for star Shane West (and yes, I know what you're thinking: What they hell does ex-Mandy Moore movie love interest/"er" stud have to tell ME about punk). The answer is: a lot. Based on the life of Germs front man Darby Crash, the movie takes us through the birth of modern punk- from high school to "fame" to death. It is spliced with interviews of Crash (as played by West) that were lifted from actual interviews. The music is raw and the approach to his sexuality is casual yet front and center. The bonus features on the disc make for good watching as well. Whether you are a fan or not of punk music, this true story of decline will have you hooked. [new note: I kinda hope "Nikita" fails so Shane West can concentrate on making more good movies like this one. Plus, do we really need another version of the same story on TV? Is it any wonder shows are failing and the networks are in the crapper? This was the best idea you had CW? Really?]
"The Wind that Shakes the Barley" (2006)- I realize that this movie may not be for most, but I cannot get enough of the Irish struggle for independence. I suspect it has something to do with my families own involvement, but this movie by British wunderkind Ken Loach starring Cillian Murphy, shows us a side of the conflict that we never see: What happened outside the cities, in the towns and villages across Ireland. The struggle for Irish freedom was famously fought in Dublin, but the heart of the war raged on in the fields. I loved it- it's quietness, the cinematography, everything.
"Wristcutters: A Love Story" (2006)- This movie has become the new marker for how cool you are. If you've seen it: you are. If you haven't: well, get thee to a Blockbuster! The story is simple: boy commits suicide after he hears his girlfriend is dead, and travels to purgatory to find her. One the way, he picks up a crazy Russian and an even crazier girl. All the music is by Gogol Bordello (and from what I can figure, it is not on either of their 2 albums. I am mucho bummed by this). It's hilarious, it's about love and life and death. Seriously, it's funny too.
So, that ends my list. What have I left off? What movies do you love that feel like no one else has seen them, that are your little secret? I am always looking for suggestions. I'm not sure how I will follow this up. I like the idea of Sunday's being for list making...
On a final note, the worst movie I have ever seen (as told to me by my Netflix ratings) is:
Wow, I should have looked at how many 1 star movies I had. Perhaps that list is for another time.
I'm kicking off my new blog by reposting my list of "The Best Films You May Have Never Seen Or Heard Of But That You Must Queue As Soon As Possible!" It's kind of long so I'm going to break it up into a couple posts. I'm sure some of these you will have seen and possibly already love, but I hope a few are also new to you.Click on the title for more information. What would you add? J-T Edition
"Jules et Jim"(1962)- My favorite French film by Truffaut tells the story of a love triangle between Jules and Jim over Catherine (Jeanne Moreau). It is the definition of New Wave complete with ludicrous situations and camera angles. A must, especially now that it is available on Criterion.
"The Limey"(1999)- Terrance Stamp stars as a former thief tracking down his daughters’ killer. There is something magic about Terrance Stamp and Steven Soderbergh brings out the best of his actors. The flashbacks to a younger Mr. Stamp are from one of his first films, “Poor Cow”, and are further evidence of the director’s genius. Not a feel good movie, so open a bottle of wine and hunker down.
"London"(2005)- It took me a while to get around to watching this movie (it stars Jessica Biel after all) but boy was I glad I did. It’s a twisted love story about the one that got away and takes place all in one night in one apartment. Great acting and writing from all involved.
"Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle"(1994)- I love Dorothy Parker. Look her up. Her sardonic wit was as legendary as was the company she kept. This bio of her mid life stars Jennifer Jason Leigh (of course- mega LOVE) and is wonderful. Very Altman-esque with a who’s who of actors. Look for Jon Favreau in a small role.
"Night watch" (2005)/"Day watch"- greatest Russian movie of all time (and the 2 highest grossing). The Night watch patrols Moscow and regulates all the “dark ones”- vampires, werewolves, witches; while the Day watch patrols the “light others”- shape shifters, magicians, etc. Some of the best effects and action sequences I’ve ever seen. The dubbed version is pretty good (the director did it himself), but the subtitles are sublime, weaving in and out of the frame keeping your eye on the action. [new note: Another addition to my best of horror. You can check out the full Fright Fest list here.]
"The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie"(1969)- stars a very young Maggie Smith in her Oscar nominated role. She is a teacher at an all girls school and the mayhem continues from there. Jealousy, young love, and anger all play roles in this delicious film.
"Reds"(1981)- Warren Beatty directed and stars in this film about real-life writer John Reed and his involvement with the Bolshevik Rebellion. Epic film about what it means to be American, the struggle for rights, and the rise of the Socialist party in Russia. Also starring Diane Keaton. Won Beatty a Best Director Oscar. [new note: I'm a sucker for movies that came out the year I was born. I'll probably compile a complete list of my favorites soon. It was such a rich year!]
"The Salton Sea"(2002)- Val Kilmer is a meth head in LA with a scheme only other meth heads would love: Steal some famous shit, literally. Hilarious movie with great performances by Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Adam Goldberg especially. [side note: Where has Val Kilmer been? When did he get all puffy? Is he okay?]
"Session 9"(2001)- One of my all time favorite movies!!! "Session 9" follows a demolition crew clearing out an abandoned asylum before it is torn down. Needless to say, creepy stuff happens! What's brilliant about this movie, is the very low-fi approach the director takes as well as the fine writing and acting. It will scary the bejesus out of you! [new note: Another Fright Fest honoree!]
"Sliding Doors"(1998)- Say what you will about Gwyneth Paltrow, but she has made some lovely small films. This one stars her as a London woman who's life splits apart after an accident- literally. We follow both threads to see what would have happened and are left wondering and hoping to discover what has happened. I really like this movie, and her accent doesn't bother me as much as I would have expected. A great light-hearted romp when your in the mood for a romantic comedy but don't want to feel stupider after having watched it.
"The Sweet Hereafter"(1997)- I love Atom Egoyan! You cannot go wrong with any of his films but this, arguably one of his better known, is a great introduction to this brilliant Armenian-Canadian director. The story seems simple: a bus full of students skid off the road one icy day. Who's at fault? The answer isn't so simple. Ian Holm is a genius and this movie introduced the world to Sarah Polley. A downer for sure, but well worth the trip.
"The Thing Called Love"(1993)- Samantha Mathis (where has she been?) and River Phoenix star in this dramady about life, dreams, and country music- but not in the way you might be thinking. In the hands of director Peter Bogdanovich, it is smart, funny, and easy to watch. I love a young Sandra Bullock as Linda Lou- the lost soul and daft friend of Mathis. Phoenix is of course riveting and the performance is saddened by his death shortly after. It's almost as if you can sense it in his eyes. Love!
I'm kicking off my new blog by reposting my list of "The Best Films You May Have Never Seen Or Heard Of But That You Must Queue As Soon As Possible!" It's kind of long so I'm going to break it up into a couple posts. I'm sure some of these you will have seen and possibly already love, but I hope a few are also new to you. What would you add?
The A-I Edition (in no particular order)
“After Life” (1998)- Awesome Japanese film about the way station to the afterlife where the dead must cull through their memories and find their defining moment. Well shot and acted, it was not as depressing as it sounds. If you've seen the Robin Williams movie "Final Cut", this is its more uplifting, dramatic, and better cousin.
“Agnes of God” (1985)- Meg Tilly shines as a nun who may or may not have murdered her baby and Jane Fonda is great as the psychologist sent to investigate. It’s a very calm, faded movie. Look for the dynamic Anne Bancroft as mother superior.
“Bell, Book, and Candle” (1958)- I don’t want any letters on how this is not obscure. A recent poll of my friends would disagree with you. The best movie staring Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon. It’s about a witch who bespells her upstairs neighbor to fall in love with her. You’ll want a Siamese named Pyewacket so badly afterward!
“Cold Comfort Farm” (1995)- Kate Beckensale before you had any idea she existed. My Dad conned me into watching it saying it was a horror movie. (“I saw something nasty in the woodshed"). I was bummed to find out it wasn’t but still loved the movie about a posh girl from London going to live with her downtrodden family in the country.
“Croupier” (1998)- Featuring a young Clive Owen as a gambler and wanna be writer down on his luck, this is for all the wierdos who aren't fans of his. He is magnificent. I would also suggest checking out all of his BBC work like the series "Chancer" and "Second Sight". Alex Kingston (of “er” fame) also appears.
“Dog Soldiers” (2002)- This one also made my list of the greatest horror movies. All you need to know: Kevin McKidd, Scotland, werewolves, awesome!!!
Eddie Izzard ("Dressed to Kill")- A comic genius, “active transvestite” Eddie Izzard makes smart comedy for everyday people. I have seen all of his stand up, so I suggest you begin with his HBO special “Dressed to Kill”. He covers History with everything from Stonehenge to Hitler, sometimes en Francais! If you get the chance to see him live, do it. It is transcendent.
"The Edge of Love" (2008)- Really lovely movie about Dylan Thomas starring Keira Knightly (I know, I can’t believe I recommend this one as well) and Sienna Miller (truly a gifted and talented actor). The film centers around the love quadrangle between Thomas, his wife, his first love, and her new husband during WWII. Beautifully shot. PS- Keira does all her own singing and it’s magnificent.
"Equilibrium" (2002)- Christian Bale and TayeDiggs star in this Brave New World/Catch-22 homage to a world without emotion, and heavily monitored by the government. Awesome fight scenes (what’s up samurai swords) and twists you will not see coming. A must for Sci-Fi nerds like myself. [new note: I included this movie for similar reason's that I included "Bell, Book, and Candle". People don't seem to remember having seen this movie and when they do, they realize they only saw parts on TV or at a friends house. It really is worth viewing all in one sitting!]
"eXistenZ" (1999)- Have I mentioned yet that David Cronenberg is a genius? No? Well he is. Take this brilliant film starring Jennifer Jason Leigh (most gifted and underused actress in Hollywood. PS- did you see her on “Weeds”? Awesome) and Jude Law. Leigh is a game designer who has come up with the latest in virtual reality. The lines between real and fantasy blur (as they are wont to do in these types of movies) but the end will keep you guessing. Great dialog as well. One of my FAVORITE movies of all time!!
"The Fall" (2006)- Remember “Pushing Daisies”? That quirky little show on Fox and it’s dreamy star Lee Pace? Get your fix with this stunning film by Tarsem. What’s the movie about? Um…. I’m going to say storytelling, not really sure. However, this movie is one of the most beautifully shot and composed films I’ve ever seen. Colour just POPS out at you and you are lost in this fantasy world. The real reason this movie makes my list are the special features. I love them (special features that is). The film took forever to make, falling in and out of financing, in and out of actor availability, but the dedication of the filmmaker, the cast (Lee Pace the 1st choice and long time advocate for the movie), and everyone involved is really inspiring.
"Ginger Snaps" (2000)- Werewolves? Check. Adolescent teen angst? Check. Honest portraits of young women and sisterhood? You betcha. This movie is hilarious and awesome. Sometimes it’s best not to trust a movie by it’s cover. I thought this looked dumb until my father made me watch it. Thank you thank you thank you! Two sequels follow (one better than the other), but two “hips” for Canada! [new note: Another of my best horror movies. Check your local listings.]
"Hard Eight" (1996)- Before Paul Thomas Anderson made Magnolia and Boogie Nights and became every movie critics wet dream, he made this. It stars John C. Reilly (the first time I remember really seeing him in a film) as a sad sack indebted to card shark Philip Baker Hall (genius. Seriously, put his movies on your Netflix). GwenythPaltrow also stars as a hooker who attracts Reilly’s attention but can barely take care of herself. This is not a happy fun movie. It is a bottle of wine, dark room movie. That being said, it is one of the best first films I’ve ever seen.
"Heavy" (1995)- I missed this one originally and I'm not sure how. I say a lot of movies are my favorite, but this one may very well be my favorite (English-language movie). James Mangold ("Girl, Interrupted", "Identity", "Walk the Line") wrote and directed this first feature about a troubled young man (Pruitt Taylor Vince) copeing with the death of his mother (Shelley Winters) and his unrequited love for the waitress (Liv Tyler) who works at their bar. The trailer plays before a few other movies I watch with some frequency and it brings me to tears everytime. The trailer! I love the soft, poetic nature of this movie and the performances are career making. A must!
"The Hunger" (1983)- The infamous Susan Sarandon/Catherine Denueve lesbian movie. Oh, and David Bowie’s in it as well. One of my favorite Vampire movies of all time.
"Immortal Beloved" (1994)- I love Beethoven. Seriously capital Love him and this movie is part of the reason. How could I not love a movie based on (inspired by may be a better way of putting it) his life and many loves starring Gary Oldman (divine)!
"Innocent Blood" (1992)- John Landis used to make brilliantly funny horror movies. This one stars French beauty Anne Parillaud (of Le Femme Nikita fame) as a vampire being stalked by Anthony LaPaglia (poor dear, I can only think of “So I Married an Axe Murderer” whenever I see him). Anne is hungry for Italian and angers the mob. Hilarious w/great FX. [new note: Another best horror movie list honoree! I need to watch more movies. Oh, wait...]
Have you noticed the number of horror/sci-fi movies that begin with E, F, G, H, and I? Weird.
In conclusion, here is what has been suggested to add to my list of best and most influential movies. To follow our club, just look for the "WWQTW" title or post label.
Happy Watching!
Part Three: Fin (in no particular order)
Princess Bride
A River Runs Through It
Shawshank Redemption
Sleepless in Seattle
Lord Of The Rings
The Great Gatsby
Pride and Prejudice
American Psycho
The Count of Monte Cristo
It's A Wonderful Life
A Christmas Story
Forrest Gump
Dark Knight
Fight Club
American History X
To Kill a Mockingbird
Full Metal Jacket
The Green Mile
Cool Hand Luke
The Big Lebowski
Stand By Me
Goonies
Crash
An Affair to Remember
(500) days of Summer
Tootsie
Patton
The Notebook
Airpane!
Alice in Wonderland
Blazing Saddles
Spaceballs
Boogie Nights
The Breakfast Club
JFK
Die Hard
Driving Miss Daisy
Steel Magnolias
Fried Green Tomatoes
Edward Scissorhands
Mary Poppins
Romeo and Juliet
Million Dollar Baby
Annie
Noises Off
Clue
Full Metal Jacket
Requiem for a Dream
Hotel Rwanda
Gladiator
Heat
Donnie Darko
Children of Men
Rosemary's Baby
Dead Man
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Inglourious Basterds
Reality Bites
The Professional/Leon
Last Temptation of Christ
Rushmore
Here is the completion of the original 215 movies on my most influential list . The additional selections as voted by it's members will publish next Sunday. As always, feel free to leave your opinion.
Happy Watching!
Part Two: The Turn (in no particular order)
Lost Horizon
Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Rebecca
Henry V
Breathless
The 400 Blows
The Exorcist
Dog Day Afternoon
The Turning Point
Ordinary People
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Terms of Endearment
The Big Chill
Amadeus
The Grifters
Mississippi Burning
The Crying Game
Fargo
L.A. Confidential
Good Will Hunting
Elizabeth
Traffic
The Hours
Chicago
Mystic River
The Departed
Lost in Translation
Brokeback Mountain
Good Night, and Good Luck
No Country for Old Men
Michael Clayton
The Naked City
Carrie
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Baby Doll
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
Quadrophenia
Last Year at Marienbad
Jules et Jim
Zulu
Das Boot
Wings of Desire
Rashomon
Au Revoir les Enfants
The Commitments
Delicatessen
Amelie
Trainspotting
All About My Mother
Belle du Jour
Run Lola Run
Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels
American Beauty
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Malena
Life is Beautiful
Amores Perros
Monsoon Wedding
Y tu Mama Tambien
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Shaun of the Dead
Pan's Labyrinth
Persepolis
Suspiria
The Thing
An American Werewolf in London
Battleship Potemkin
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Clerks
Gilda
Them!
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Fahrenheit 451
Midnight Cowboy
Jason and the Argonauts
El Mariachi
Some Like it Hot
Plan 9 From Outer Space
Boondock Saints
eXistenZe
Hard Eight
The Sweet Hereafter
Nowhere
Below is the original list of movies I compiled for my movie club. I made my selections from AFI, the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and my Netflix. Then I slimmed the list even more by removing movies that were unavailable to rent, that were dated (in a bad way); as well as a few other gems just to see if anyone would catch them. Tricky, I know. Finally, I forced myself to stop when I hit 215 movies. This list was sent to those participating in the club (as well as my folks) who were asked to mark each as "Seen it", "Want to see it", "Don't care", or "Own it". There was also space for them to include whatever movies they felt deserved to be on the list.
When you hear a number like 215, it seems daunting. I mean, at one movie a month, that's 18 years worth of movie watching not even counting the add on's. Certainly, we are not going to watch every single movie on the list. The goal, as I see it, is to watch a select few then offer further viewing selections.
Part One: Epilogue (in no particular order)
Citizen Kane
The Godfather
Casablanca
Raging Bull
Singing in the Rain
Gone with the Wind
Lawrence of Arabia
Dr Zhivago
Schindler's List
Vertigo
Wizard of Oz
City Lights
Star Wars
Psycho
2001: A Space Oddyssey
The Graduate
On the Waterfront
Chinatown
ET
High Noon
All About Eve
Apocalypse Now
The Maltese Falcon
3 Days of the Condor
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Annie Hall
King Kong
Bonnie and Clyde
The Philadelphia Story
A Streetcar Named Desire
West Side Story
Taxi Driver
The Deer Hunter
M*A*S*H
Jaws
Rocky
American Graffiti
Nashville
Gosford Park
Cabaret
Network
Unforgiven
A Clockwork Orange
Saving Private Ryan
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Silence of the Lambs
In the Heat of the Night
The Wild Bunch
The Apartment
Reds
Spartacus
Titanic
Easy Rider
Platoon
12 Angry Men
The Sixth Sense
Pulp Fiction
Sophie's Choice
Goodfellas
The French Connection
The Last Picture Show
Do The Right Thing
Blade Runner
Toy Story
Ben-Hur
Miracle on 34th Street
Hoosiers
Norma Rae
Philadelphia
Glory
The Sound of Music
The Color Purple
Dead Poet's Society
Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind
Braveheart
Rain Man
Silkwood
Thelma & Louise
Serpico
Harold and Maude
Fame
The Way We Were
Wuthering Heights
When Harry Met Sally…
Ninotchka
A Star is Born
Last Tango in Paris
The English Patient
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sense and Sensibility
Looking for Mr Goodbar
Dirty Dancing
Grease
Alien
Bambi
Groundhog Day
Scarface
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Back to the Future
The Searchers
Caddyshack
The Usual Suspects
Seven
Kramer Vs Kramer
In Cold Blood
Judgment at Nuremberg
Little Women
Brick
Dazed and Confused
Night of the Living Dead
Lonesome Dove (TV Movie)
Casino
Cleopatra
The Thin Man
Mutany on the Bounty
The other day, I got into a discussion with a friend about movie credits. Or, more specifically, that the opening credits to “Zombieland” are the greatest ever made (his stance). As a proud (and vain) cinephile, I was not about to concede this point without further investigation. Certainly, it is in the top 5, but #1? I’m not so sure. So, with a little investigation, I compiled my list of the top 5 movie opening credits and published them to my Facebook. I am expanding this list for you here, and encourage you to pay attention the next time your at the movies. Sometimes, what we’re shown before (or even after) the movie begins let’s us in on more information faster than we could perceive watching just the movie. Enjoy!!
In no particular order:
Zombieland- If you haven’t seen this movie (and really, come on! Get up and go right now. Or, better yet, wait til after you read this blog). Zombies run and attack and eat in slow motion while “For Whom the Bell Tolls” blasts out at us. Adding to the novelty of it all, the predator and the prey run through the written credits, scattering names and jobs to the wind.
Reservoir Dogs- My first thought for one of the best opening credit scenes. Perhaps made better by the scene which proceeds it (seriously guys, tip your waitresses), it is none the less iconic. Tarantino is god, but this is really his best credit sequence and the only time we aren’t given a simple scroll of names. Our Dogs walk away from the diner as K Billy’s Super Sounds of the 70’s and “Little Green Bag” play in the background. I have to tell you, I’m a big fan of credits (either opening or closing) giving us the name of the actor with a shot of their face. It’s nice to not have to run to IMDB when all I want to know is a name.
Juno- I had totally forgotten about this one until I started staring at my DVD collection. Our heroine travels from the mini-mart to home and in and out of an animated reality. The music by the Moldy Peaches works with instead of distracting from the film and cements Jason Reitman as a formidable peer of Wes Anderson and Tarantino for music choice.
Lord of War- I liked this movie and I don’t particularly care for Nic Cage (“Peggy Sue got Married” not withstanding). This sequence could have been renamed “The Secret Life of Bullets”. Super fun.
Seven- I remember being mesmerized sitting in the theatre watching these credits. What were we looking at? How was this significant? It only becomes clear as we progress through the movie. You feel uncomfortable watching it, and it perfectly sets the tone for the sepia hued film to follow. I also loved the music by Trent Reznor and the mix of typed and handwritten lettering for names and jobs.
The Pink Panther- Come on, who doesn’t love this? As famous for the music as the cartoon cat working his way in and out of trouble.
House of 1000 Corpses/The Devils Rejects- The opening bars of “The Sinister Urge” began to play and I got really excited. The buzz surrounding the movie before opening was that Rob Zombie was not using any of his own music in the film. Kind of a bummer if you ask me, so when that song started and the visual assault of grotesque and pornographic images played on screen- I knew I would not be disappointed. Not to be a one trick pony, Zombie’s sequel stayed true to its western outlaw/70’s exploitation roots. The Allman Brother’s “Midnight Rider” provide the soundtrack as we follow the escape of the Firefly family from the police, leaving a wake of damage and casualties behind them.
Raging Bull- Beautifully shot, stark black and white contrast, a slow-motion De Niro warming up in the ring: priceless.
The Watchmen- A complete history and field guide for the uninitiated set to the Dylan classic “The Times They Are A-Changing”.
Run Lola Run- Animated goings on of the movie we’re about to see, but it doesn’t detract, only enhances what’s to come.
Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels- The opening credits of Guy Ritchie’s first film sum up everything you need to know about him, the movies he makes, and the characters. Slap dash black title cards interject a back-alley grafter doing business and running from the cops. A voice over introduces the characters who, in turn, get their own title cards.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail- Never seen it? Just look it up. I don’t want to ruin the surprise. While I’m at it, what do you mean you’ve never seen it? Were you raised in a cave? Some kind of hermit? Next you’ll ask me who this Monty guy is and I’ll be forced to slap you in the face with a fish.
Freeway- Sam the Sham’s “Little Red Riding Hood” plays to an animated Goldilocks who’s having none of it. Gotta say, I may be biased as I just love this song so much!!
Amelie- I heart Jean-Pierre Jeunet so much I could just spit. This movie marks a special place in my heart because it was the first time my mother sat through and LOVED one of his movies. They’re not really her bag, and that’s okay, but it’s nice to finally have something together. The music of Yann Teirsen is genius. Again, we get history and back story woven together with current events- the quirky humour that is Jeunet permeates this sequence.
Men in Black- Ah Danny Elfman, it’s like we’re kindred. This simple opening is too much like the other’s he’s scored to stand on his merits alone. No, it is the wandering fly, minding his own business until he meets the business end of a semi that gets me.
Okay, that’s probably enough for now. What did I miss?
