Title: To Kill a Mockingbird
A.F.I. Ranking: 25
Director: Robert Mulligan
Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, John Megna, Frank Overton, Brock Peters
Release Year: 1962
Brief Synopsis: To Kill a Mockingbird is based on the novel by Harper Lee. The story is about Scout and Jem coming of age in the south during the 1930s. Their dad Atticus is appointed to defend a black man who is accused of raping a white girl, which makes them the target of ridicule from the kids at school and even the adults in the neighborhood. While all of this is going on Jem and Scout, along with their friend Dill, try to uncover the mystery of Boo Radley, a man who never leaves his house.
My Thoughts: This classic has been one of my favorites ever since I read the book in high school. I have seen the movie many times and have now read the book twice. This movie is a lot of things. It is a coming of age story as well as a statement on race and how we judge people that are different from us. Atticus is a great character that you can’t help but fall in love with. He is strong, moral, but at the same time flawed, which makes him relatable. At the core of this movie is the lesson that it is important to treat others with respect no matter how different they may seem and also to do the right thing even if it is not the popular thing.
“Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
#82 Sunrise
Title: Sunrise
A.F.I. Ranking: 82
Director: F.W. Murnau
Starring: George O’Brien, Janet Gaynor, Margaret Livingston
Release Year: 1927
Brief Synopsis: A girl from the city comes to the country for a vacation and starts an affair with a married farmer. When it is time to go back to the city, she asks the farmer to come with her. When he says he can’t because of his wife, she asks him to drown his wife. They come up with the plan and she leaves to go back to the city. Halfway through following the plan, the man has a change of heart and rediscovers what he loved about his wife in the first place.
My Thoughts: Almost three hours of a silent film. Need I say more? If you follow my blog, you know it’s not that I don’t like silent films. I really enjoy Buster Keaton, but three hours is just too much. Even though I did not enjoy this movie, I do see that it was something big back in the day. It is an epic love story and some of the action must have been cutting edge back in 1927. Besides the length, I didn’t like the main character. At some point or another during the film, he is physically abusive to pretty much every female character on screen. I guess the best way to sum up my feelings for this film are it was great for 1927, but doesn’t really stand the test of time in this girl’s opinion.
Rating: What’s Up with This List?
A.F.I. Ranking: 82
Director: F.W. Murnau
Starring: George O’Brien, Janet Gaynor, Margaret Livingston
Release Year: 1927
Brief Synopsis: A girl from the city comes to the country for a vacation and starts an affair with a married farmer. When it is time to go back to the city, she asks the farmer to come with her. When he says he can’t because of his wife, she asks him to drown his wife. They come up with the plan and she leaves to go back to the city. Halfway through following the plan, the man has a change of heart and rediscovers what he loved about his wife in the first place.
My Thoughts: Almost three hours of a silent film. Need I say more? If you follow my blog, you know it’s not that I don’t like silent films. I really enjoy Buster Keaton, but three hours is just too much. Even though I did not enjoy this movie, I do see that it was something big back in the day. It is an epic love story and some of the action must have been cutting edge back in 1927. Besides the length, I didn’t like the main character. At some point or another during the film, he is physically abusive to pretty much every female character on screen. I guess the best way to sum up my feelings for this film are it was great for 1927, but doesn’t really stand the test of time in this girl’s opinion.
Rating: What’s Up with This List?
Monday, July 5, 2010
#90 Swing Time
Title: Swing Time
A.F.I. Ranking: 90
Director: George Stevens
Starring: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers
Release Year: 1936
Brief Synopsis: After a joke played on him by his friends, Lucky was late to his own wedding. His fiancé and her family agree that Lucky can still marry her if he raises $25,000. Lucky heads to New York to raise the money. While there he runs into a dance instructor named Penny and they quickly strike up a relationship. Now Lucky needs to decide if he still focuses on raising the $25,000 or does he just stay in New York.
My Thoughts: This movie is a very sweet romance, something theaters are missing as of late. This was the first Astaire/Rogers movie I have watched. The dancing and storytelling was wonderful. The movie's down fall is the end. I didn’t like the end at all. It was almost as they just tacked the end of the film on as an afterthought, almost like they didn’t know how to end it, however the rest of the movie, the songs, and the dancing make up for a less than perfect ending.
“You know, snow tastes just as bad as water.”
Rating: List Worthy!
A.F.I. Ranking: 90
Director: George Stevens
Starring: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers
Release Year: 1936
Brief Synopsis: After a joke played on him by his friends, Lucky was late to his own wedding. His fiancé and her family agree that Lucky can still marry her if he raises $25,000. Lucky heads to New York to raise the money. While there he runs into a dance instructor named Penny and they quickly strike up a relationship. Now Lucky needs to decide if he still focuses on raising the $25,000 or does he just stay in New York.
My Thoughts: This movie is a very sweet romance, something theaters are missing as of late. This was the first Astaire/Rogers movie I have watched. The dancing and storytelling was wonderful. The movie's down fall is the end. I didn’t like the end at all. It was almost as they just tacked the end of the film on as an afterthought, almost like they didn’t know how to end it, however the rest of the movie, the songs, and the dancing make up for a less than perfect ending.
“You know, snow tastes just as bad as water.”
Rating: List Worthy!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
#100 Ben-Hur
Title: Ben-Hur
A.F.I. Ranking: 100
Director: William Wyler
Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith
Release Year: 1959
Brief Synopsis: Judah Ben-Hur is a rich Jewish prince when his old friend Messala comes to visit. Messala is now a commanding officer for the Romans. When Ben-Hur doesn’t agree to help Messala with his cause they become rivals. When Ben-Hur and his mother and sister are framed for an act of violence, and Messala doesn’t come to their aide, Ben-Hur vows to get free and seek his revenge on Messala. Along the way he gets some help from a little known fella named...wait for it…wait for it. Jesus of Nazareth.
I was dreading having to watch this movie. I didn’t think I would like it at all; however, I did end up enjoying it. The four hour length is something I could have done without, but you can see why this movie is considered an epic. Any movie that starts with an overture has got to be big. I think the reason why I liked this movie so much was because it was the typical underdog does good type of movie. I was never a fan of Charlton Heston as a person, but I didn’t mind him in this movie. If a person I detest can make me root for him in a movie you know that is talent.
I will probably never watch this movie again due to its length, but can see why it is considered an epic, and why it is on this list.
“Balthazar is a good man. But until all men are like him, we must keep our swords bright!”
Rating: List worthy.
A.F.I. Ranking: 100
Director: William Wyler
Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith
Release Year: 1959
Brief Synopsis: Judah Ben-Hur is a rich Jewish prince when his old friend Messala comes to visit. Messala is now a commanding officer for the Romans. When Ben-Hur doesn’t agree to help Messala with his cause they become rivals. When Ben-Hur and his mother and sister are framed for an act of violence, and Messala doesn’t come to their aide, Ben-Hur vows to get free and seek his revenge on Messala. Along the way he gets some help from a little known fella named...wait for it…wait for it. Jesus of Nazareth.
I was dreading having to watch this movie. I didn’t think I would like it at all; however, I did end up enjoying it. The four hour length is something I could have done without, but you can see why this movie is considered an epic. Any movie that starts with an overture has got to be big. I think the reason why I liked this movie so much was because it was the typical underdog does good type of movie. I was never a fan of Charlton Heston as a person, but I didn’t mind him in this movie. If a person I detest can make me root for him in a movie you know that is talent.
I will probably never watch this movie again due to its length, but can see why it is considered an epic, and why it is on this list.
“Balthazar is a good man. But until all men are like him, we must keep our swords bright!”
Rating: List worthy.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
#3 Casablanca
Title: Casablanca
A.F.I. Ranking: 3
Director: Michael Curtiz
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Release Year: 1942
Brief Synopsis: In 1942 wartime refugees were heading towards Rick’s in Casablanca to get whatever documents they needed to flee and live a life of freedom. One day underground leader Victor Laszlo strolls into Rick’s joint with his wife Ilsa. As soon as Ilsa sits down and sees the café’s piano player, she realizes where she is at. She is at Rick Blaine’s place; Rick who she had a fling with some time back in Paris. Rick needs to decide if he is going to help her husband or try to get Ilsa back.
My Thoughts: This movie is the ultimate classic. Who hasn’t at least heard of this movie? And if somebody hasn’t heard of this movie, they have at least heard people quote it and not even known it. As you watch this movie you just hear famous quote after famous quote. This just goes to show how iconic this movie is. It is easy to see why. This movie has everything; war, murder, scandal, romance, great music, everything a great movie should have. Humphrey Bogart is the pinnacle of cool and set a standard that leading men in Hollywood have been trying to imitate ever since. If you have never seen this movie, I recommend getting some friends together, make a good meal, and sit back and enjoy.
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.”
Rating: Top of the List!
A.F.I. Ranking: 3
Director: Michael Curtiz
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Release Year: 1942
Brief Synopsis: In 1942 wartime refugees were heading towards Rick’s in Casablanca to get whatever documents they needed to flee and live a life of freedom. One day underground leader Victor Laszlo strolls into Rick’s joint with his wife Ilsa. As soon as Ilsa sits down and sees the café’s piano player, she realizes where she is at. She is at Rick Blaine’s place; Rick who she had a fling with some time back in Paris. Rick needs to decide if he is going to help her husband or try to get Ilsa back.
My Thoughts: This movie is the ultimate classic. Who hasn’t at least heard of this movie? And if somebody hasn’t heard of this movie, they have at least heard people quote it and not even known it. As you watch this movie you just hear famous quote after famous quote. This just goes to show how iconic this movie is. It is easy to see why. This movie has everything; war, murder, scandal, romance, great music, everything a great movie should have. Humphrey Bogart is the pinnacle of cool and set a standard that leading men in Hollywood have been trying to imitate ever since. If you have never seen this movie, I recommend getting some friends together, make a good meal, and sit back and enjoy.
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Monday, June 21, 2010
#35 Annie Hall
Title: Annie Hall
A.F.I. Ranking: 35
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton
Release Year: 1977
Brief Synopsis: Alvy is a successful New York comedian who has gone through his share of relationships. One day his manager introduces him to a singer who is trying to get a foot in the door, Annie Hall. These two form a relationship and end up moving in together. This movie chronicles the ups and downs of their relationship while both try to make it in their prospective careers.
My Thoughts: I know this is a movie many hold near and dear, and many won’t believe that I haven’t seen it until now. I have a mix review of this film. I loved the beginning. Allen’s sarcastic sense of humor is right up my alley. I found both him and Keaton to be sweet, interesting characters. Five minutes into the film I was excited because I thought I had discovered a new movie that I would love and watch over and over again. However, about half way through the movie it started to lose its charm and humor for me. I don’t know why, but I started to get disinterested. I guess I give the first half of the movie an A+ and the second half a C+.
Raiting: List Worthy
A.F.I. Ranking: 35
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton
Release Year: 1977
Brief Synopsis: Alvy is a successful New York comedian who has gone through his share of relationships. One day his manager introduces him to a singer who is trying to get a foot in the door, Annie Hall. These two form a relationship and end up moving in together. This movie chronicles the ups and downs of their relationship while both try to make it in their prospective careers.
My Thoughts: I know this is a movie many hold near and dear, and many won’t believe that I haven’t seen it until now. I have a mix review of this film. I loved the beginning. Allen’s sarcastic sense of humor is right up my alley. I found both him and Keaton to be sweet, interesting characters. Five minutes into the film I was excited because I thought I had discovered a new movie that I would love and watch over and over again. However, about half way through the movie it started to lose its charm and humor for me. I don’t know why, but I started to get disinterested. I guess I give the first half of the movie an A+ and the second half a C+.
Raiting: List Worthy
Friday, March 26, 2010
#36 The Bridge on the River Kwai
Title: The Bridge on the River Kwai
A.F.I. Ranking: 36
Director: David Lean
Starring: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, Geoffrey Horne
Release Year: 1957
Brief Synopsis: British POW’s in Burma are ordered to build a bridge on the River Kwai to help the Japanese transport items by train. At first British Colonel Nicholson refuses and will not budge no matter what the Japanese do to him, but then later changes his mind to help boost morale amongst his troops. While they are building the bridge British and American intelligences learn of the bridge and devise a plan to blow it up.
My Thoughts: This is an epic war movie, and it is easy to see why it has become an award winning classic that many people enjoy. Having said that, this was not my type of movie. I do enjoy war films, but this one had me fighting to stay awake. I found the story interesting and am glad that I watched it; I was just bored with it. I guess what I am saying is watch it for historical purpose, but perhaps you should drink an energy drink before you hit play.
“You give me powders, pills, baths, injections, enemas; when all I need is love.”
Rating: What’s up with this list (based on my personal enjoyment only. I can really see why it is there).
A.F.I. Ranking: 36
Director: David Lean
Starring: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, Geoffrey Horne
Release Year: 1957
Brief Synopsis: British POW’s in Burma are ordered to build a bridge on the River Kwai to help the Japanese transport items by train. At first British Colonel Nicholson refuses and will not budge no matter what the Japanese do to him, but then later changes his mind to help boost morale amongst his troops. While they are building the bridge British and American intelligences learn of the bridge and devise a plan to blow it up.
My Thoughts: This is an epic war movie, and it is easy to see why it has become an award winning classic that many people enjoy. Having said that, this was not my type of movie. I do enjoy war films, but this one had me fighting to stay awake. I found the story interesting and am glad that I watched it; I was just bored with it. I guess what I am saying is watch it for historical purpose, but perhaps you should drink an energy drink before you hit play.
“You give me powders, pills, baths, injections, enemas; when all I need is love.”
Rating: What’s up with this list (based on my personal enjoyment only. I can really see why it is there).
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