Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
A.F.I. Ranking: 50
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ian McKellan, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys Davies, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan
Release Year: 2001
Brief Synopsis: Frodo, a sweet innocent Hobbit, inherits a magical ring from his uncle. When it is discovered to be the ring to rule all rings, the ring of Lord Sauron, Frodo and his friends set out on an epic quest to destroy the ring in the only place it can be destroyed, the fires of Mount Doom. This is the first movie in the trilogy.
My Thoughts: This movie was not yet released when AFI first released their list, but when AFI did a tenth anniversary edition of this list, it was a few years after this movie had been released and made it to number 50 on this list. It is amazing that this movie was considered a classic, so soon after it was made. I read the books before I saw the movie, and I apologize to any Tolkien fans reading this, but this is one of the very few, perhaps only, times where I will say the movie is better than the book. Peter Jackson did a great job at brining these books to life. He took out the hundreds of pages in the book where they are just walking through a grassy field, and filled in the pieces with a great cast who brought humor to a rather dull (sorry) book. My one complaint of this movie is one that a lot of people say, but having read the books I understand. It is so long! The story is told in three movies, each of which is over three hours long. When it is all said and done you feel like you, yourself went to Mordor and back.
When I watched this movie today, I felt a little old. It took me back to 2001 when I was in college, working at a book store, living at home, and would spend the summers going to the movies with my younger sister. Who knew I would ever long for 2001 like I do for the 1980s. God I am old!!!
“Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world.”
Rating: List Worthy!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
#39 Dr. Strangelove
Title: Dr. Strangelove
A.F.I. Ranking: 39
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Peter Sellars, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens, Peter Bull
Release Year: 1964
Brief Synopsis: General Jack D. Ripper activates “Code R” which sends plans armed with nuclear bombs to Russian targets without just cause. Meanwhile, the US President, Merkin Muffley, is trying to find a way to stop the attack, or at least minimize the damage.
My Thoughts: While watching this movie two thoughts crossed my mind. One, I wonder how different this AFI list would have been if the committee was made up entirely of women. Two, I bet I would be laughing at this movie a lot more if I were smarter…lol When you read that synopsis you don’t think, “This is Sally’s type of movie.” You also don’t think comedy. I enjoyed this movie, which at times (many times) has you laughing at things that you can’t believe you are laughing at. Peter Sellers, who plays three of the main roles in this film, is supposed to be the big star of the movie, but who made this movie for me was George C. Scott. He gave a great comedic performance. At the time, I am sure this movie raised a lot of controversy, but now, over forty years later, it is just fun to watch.
“You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company.”
Rating: List Worthy!
A.F.I. Ranking: 39
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Peter Sellars, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens, Peter Bull
Release Year: 1964
Brief Synopsis: General Jack D. Ripper activates “Code R” which sends plans armed with nuclear bombs to Russian targets without just cause. Meanwhile, the US President, Merkin Muffley, is trying to find a way to stop the attack, or at least minimize the damage.
My Thoughts: While watching this movie two thoughts crossed my mind. One, I wonder how different this AFI list would have been if the committee was made up entirely of women. Two, I bet I would be laughing at this movie a lot more if I were smarter…lol When you read that synopsis you don’t think, “This is Sally’s type of movie.” You also don’t think comedy. I enjoyed this movie, which at times (many times) has you laughing at things that you can’t believe you are laughing at. Peter Sellers, who plays three of the main roles in this film, is supposed to be the big star of the movie, but who made this movie for me was George C. Scott. He gave a great comedic performance. At the time, I am sure this movie raised a lot of controversy, but now, over forty years later, it is just fun to watch.
“You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company.”
Rating: List Worthy!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
#77 All the President's Men
A.F.I. Ranking: 77
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards, Hal Holbrook
Release Year: 1976
Brief Synopsis: Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward are reporters at the bottom of the food chain at The Washington Post when they are sent to investigate a burglary at the National Democratic Headquarters. Little did they know that this would lead them to spend the next two years uncovering the biggest political controversy in American history that would eventually lead to the resignation of President Nixon.
My Thoughts: I first saw this movie in my freshmen journalism class and immediately decided I wanted to be a journalist (as many did after seeing this film). I’ve long since grown out of that dream, but have not grown out of my love for this movie. I really enjoy movies that teach its audience something about history, and that is precisely what this movie does. What makes this movie so interesting is its dimensions. It is a movie that teaches its audience about what happened behind the scenes of the Watergate scandal, but this movie really isn’t about Watergate. It is about what newspaper reporters Woodward and Bernstein went thorough to get the story, and that is what makes it such an interesting film. Hoffman and Redford give outstanding performances in this. They are so likable that when they face an upset in this movie you feel it right along with them, and when they succeed you cheer for them.
These days I rarely so get so wrapped up in the lives of characters in films, which is why in my opinion their haven’t been many great films to come out in the past couple of years. Definitely check out All the President’s Men if you haven’t seen it (and get the two disc version to watch the cool special features.
“If you're gonna do it, do it right. If you're gonna hype it, hype it with the facts. I don't mind what you did. I mind the way you did it.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards, Hal Holbrook
Release Year: 1976
Brief Synopsis: Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward are reporters at the bottom of the food chain at The Washington Post when they are sent to investigate a burglary at the National Democratic Headquarters. Little did they know that this would lead them to spend the next two years uncovering the biggest political controversy in American history that would eventually lead to the resignation of President Nixon.
My Thoughts: I first saw this movie in my freshmen journalism class and immediately decided I wanted to be a journalist (as many did after seeing this film). I’ve long since grown out of that dream, but have not grown out of my love for this movie. I really enjoy movies that teach its audience something about history, and that is precisely what this movie does. What makes this movie so interesting is its dimensions. It is a movie that teaches its audience about what happened behind the scenes of the Watergate scandal, but this movie really isn’t about Watergate. It is about what newspaper reporters Woodward and Bernstein went thorough to get the story, and that is what makes it such an interesting film. Hoffman and Redford give outstanding performances in this. They are so likable that when they face an upset in this movie you feel it right along with them, and when they succeed you cheer for them.
These days I rarely so get so wrapped up in the lives of characters in films, which is why in my opinion their haven’t been many great films to come out in the past couple of years. Definitely check out All the President’s Men if you haven’t seen it (and get the two disc version to watch the cool special features.
“If you're gonna do it, do it right. If you're gonna hype it, hype it with the facts. I don't mind what you did. I mind the way you did it.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
#24 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
A.F.I. Ranking: 24
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore
Release Year: 1982
Brief Synopsis: E.T. was accidently left behind by his alien family and is discovered by ten-year-old Elliot. Elliot, with the help of his brother and sister, take care of E.T. and try to help him get back home. It is discovered that Elliot has a special connection to E.T. and would stop at nothing to help E.T. find his way back home before being discovered by the scientists who are hot on his trail.
My Thoughts: E.T. definitely deserves to be on this list. I think everybody who has seen it holds it near and dear to them. I myself was obsessed with this movie when I was little. I had the toys and the E.T. themed birthday party and when I was a teen and made my first trip to Florida, I couldn’t leave without riding the ride. I think kids enjoy this movie for a completely different reason than adults. Kids see a cute little alien, kids they can relate to, and awesome bike chases. That is what I’m sure I enjoyed as a little girl, but as I watch this movie as an adult, I see its heart. This movie is about friendship, love, and acceptance.
After all these years this movie still holds up. Sure you can laugh and the giant headphones and asteroid t-shirts, and say, “yes this is totally 1980s”, but the story still holds up. Part of this is due to the powerful performances by the child actors. There are some pretty emotional scenes in this movie and all of the kids perform in these scenes without being overly dramatic winey kids, like so many others as of late. I dare you to watch one of these scenes without a box of tissues.
I enjoyed this movie at 5 years old, still enjoy it at 30, and am sure to love in another 25 years too. Until then…
“Be good.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore
Release Year: 1982
Brief Synopsis: E.T. was accidently left behind by his alien family and is discovered by ten-year-old Elliot. Elliot, with the help of his brother and sister, take care of E.T. and try to help him get back home. It is discovered that Elliot has a special connection to E.T. and would stop at nothing to help E.T. find his way back home before being discovered by the scientists who are hot on his trail.
My Thoughts: E.T. definitely deserves to be on this list. I think everybody who has seen it holds it near and dear to them. I myself was obsessed with this movie when I was little. I had the toys and the E.T. themed birthday party and when I was a teen and made my first trip to Florida, I couldn’t leave without riding the ride. I think kids enjoy this movie for a completely different reason than adults. Kids see a cute little alien, kids they can relate to, and awesome bike chases. That is what I’m sure I enjoyed as a little girl, but as I watch this movie as an adult, I see its heart. This movie is about friendship, love, and acceptance.
After all these years this movie still holds up. Sure you can laugh and the giant headphones and asteroid t-shirts, and say, “yes this is totally 1980s”, but the story still holds up. Part of this is due to the powerful performances by the child actors. There are some pretty emotional scenes in this movie and all of the kids perform in these scenes without being overly dramatic winey kids, like so many others as of late. I dare you to watch one of these scenes without a box of tissues.
I enjoyed this movie at 5 years old, still enjoy it at 30, and am sure to love in another 25 years too. Until then…
“Be good.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Monday, December 21, 2009
#60 Duck Soup
A.F.I. Ranking: 60
Director: Leo McCarey
Starring: The Marx Brothers
Release Year: 1933
Brief Synopsis: Mrs. Teasdale has decided she will give the country of Freedonia $20 million dollars to save it from bankruptcy if the country appoints Rufus Firefly as its new president. When Firefly meets Teasdale, he decides he wants to marry her for her wealth. The president of the next country also has the same idea, thus resulting in a war between the two nations.
My Thoughts: This was my first experience with a Marx Brothers film, and it may be my last. Sure I cracked a few smiles during this one liner filled movie, but that was about it. I’m sure the jokes were hysterical in 1933, but I was just bored to pieces. In fact, the best thing about this movie is that it was only 68 minutes. Feel free to start yelling at me now if you are a Marx Brothers fan.
“Run out and find me a four-year-old child, I can't make head or tail of it.”
Rating: What’s Up With This List?
Director: Leo McCarey
Starring: The Marx Brothers
Release Year: 1933
Brief Synopsis: Mrs. Teasdale has decided she will give the country of Freedonia $20 million dollars to save it from bankruptcy if the country appoints Rufus Firefly as its new president. When Firefly meets Teasdale, he decides he wants to marry her for her wealth. The president of the next country also has the same idea, thus resulting in a war between the two nations.
My Thoughts: This was my first experience with a Marx Brothers film, and it may be my last. Sure I cracked a few smiles during this one liner filled movie, but that was about it. I’m sure the jokes were hysterical in 1933, but I was just bored to pieces. In fact, the best thing about this movie is that it was only 68 minutes. Feel free to start yelling at me now if you are a Marx Brothers fan.
“Run out and find me a four-year-old child, I can't make head or tail of it.”
Rating: What’s Up With This List?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
#83 Titanic
A.F.I. Ranking: 83
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Release Year: 1997
Brief Synopsis: In April of 1912, Rose boards the Titanic with her mother and fiancé Cal. While on the ship Rose meets Jack, an artist who though poor, is rich in other ways. When Rose meets Jack she falls in love with his freedom and desire for adventure. Rose is willing to cast aside Cal’s fortune for true love. Everything comes to a head on April 14, 1912, a night that forever lives in infamy.
My Thoughts: Everybody and their mother has seen this movie, the most successful of all time. The reason it is so popular is because there is something for everybody to relate to. The love story is one of the strongest written since Romeo and Juliet and if you are not into romance, this movie is an interesting look at an important event in American history.
Usually when you think of giant blockbusters, you think of big action flicks. True, this movie ends with the hugest disaster possibly ever on film, but what is interesting is that the first two and a half hours of this movie have no action scenes what so ever. What drives most of this film are the performances by DiCaprio and Winslet, who are very likable in this movie. The emotion in this movie is so powerful that I am going to go ahead and say it, if you feel nothing at the end of this movie, there is definitely something wrong with you.
“I’ll never let go Jack. I’ll never let go.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Release Year: 1997
Brief Synopsis: In April of 1912, Rose boards the Titanic with her mother and fiancé Cal. While on the ship Rose meets Jack, an artist who though poor, is rich in other ways. When Rose meets Jack she falls in love with his freedom and desire for adventure. Rose is willing to cast aside Cal’s fortune for true love. Everything comes to a head on April 14, 1912, a night that forever lives in infamy.
My Thoughts: Everybody and their mother has seen this movie, the most successful of all time. The reason it is so popular is because there is something for everybody to relate to. The love story is one of the strongest written since Romeo and Juliet and if you are not into romance, this movie is an interesting look at an important event in American history.
Usually when you think of giant blockbusters, you think of big action flicks. True, this movie ends with the hugest disaster possibly ever on film, but what is interesting is that the first two and a half hours of this movie have no action scenes what so ever. What drives most of this film are the performances by DiCaprio and Winslet, who are very likable in this movie. The emotion in this movie is so powerful that I am going to go ahead and say it, if you feel nothing at the end of this movie, there is definitely something wrong with you.
“I’ll never let go Jack. I’ll never let go.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Monday, November 23, 2009
#61 Sullivan's Travels
A.F.I. Ranking: 61
Director: Preston Struges
Starring: John McCrea, Veronica Lake
Release Year: 1941
Brief Synopsis: John Sullivan is a movie director who has made his name in directing comedies. He is tired of turning out meaningless films, and wants to turn his talents to more dramatic work that show hardships and heart ache. The suits that Sullivan work for point out the he knows nothing about hard times, and needs to stick to what he knows. Sullivan agrees and decides that he will leave Hollywood dressed as a hobo and with only ten cents in his pocket, determined not to return to Hollywood until he knows enough about a hard life to direct his next project, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou?”.
My Thoughts: I had no idea what I was getting into when I put this movie into the DVD player. I had never even heard of it and just randomly picked it off of AFI’s list to watch. Within the first five minutes I thought I was going to be watching a cheeky 1940s comedy that made people laugh back then, but now days you just watch and think how lame. About twenty minutes into the movie the film took a definite shift and turned into a dramatic film about how people in this country treat the homeless. I enjoyed this movie that even when it turned really dark, still managed to make me laugh.
“There's a lot to be said for making people laugh. Did you know that that's all some people have? It isn't much, but it's better than nothing in this cockeyed caravan.”
Rating: List Worthy
Director: Preston Struges
Starring: John McCrea, Veronica Lake
Release Year: 1941
Brief Synopsis: John Sullivan is a movie director who has made his name in directing comedies. He is tired of turning out meaningless films, and wants to turn his talents to more dramatic work that show hardships and heart ache. The suits that Sullivan work for point out the he knows nothing about hard times, and needs to stick to what he knows. Sullivan agrees and decides that he will leave Hollywood dressed as a hobo and with only ten cents in his pocket, determined not to return to Hollywood until he knows enough about a hard life to direct his next project, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou?”.
My Thoughts: I had no idea what I was getting into when I put this movie into the DVD player. I had never even heard of it and just randomly picked it off of AFI’s list to watch. Within the first five minutes I thought I was going to be watching a cheeky 1940s comedy that made people laugh back then, but now days you just watch and think how lame. About twenty minutes into the movie the film took a definite shift and turned into a dramatic film about how people in this country treat the homeless. I enjoyed this movie that even when it turned really dark, still managed to make me laugh.
“There's a lot to be said for making people laugh. Did you know that that's all some people have? It isn't much, but it's better than nothing in this cockeyed caravan.”
Rating: List Worthy
Sunday, November 22, 2009
#20 It's a Wonderful Life
A.F.I. Ranking: 20
Director: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Release Year: 1946
Brief Synopsis: George Bailey has spent his whole life putting his dreams of traveling the world on hold to help the people of his small town, Bedford Falls. As things start to unravel, George starts to doubt his life and if it has had any real meaning. On Christmas Eve George hits rock bottom and is visted by Clarence, a guardian angel, who will show George how Bedford Falls would have been different had George never been born. George soon realizes that his small life has had a huge impact.
My Thoughts: Not only is this my favorite Christmas movie, but it is one of my favorite movies of all time. I think so many people hold this movie close to their hearts for a couple of reasons. First, this movie reminds so many people of their parents and grandparents because it has been in the back ground of so many holiday memories. Bedford Falls reminds its audinece of simpler times when there was no technology or super centers. It was just family and friends and the corner store. This movie is also so memorable because George Bailey is such a relatable character. He is the classic nice guy trying to do good. Who hasn’t felt like George before, wondering if they have made the right choices in life and if anything they have done matters? This movie gives hope and shows that in the end good prevails. It shows that people are good natured and will come together when one of its own is in trouble.
“No one is born to be a failure. No one is poor who has friends. A toast to George Bailey, the richest man in town.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Director: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Release Year: 1946
Brief Synopsis: George Bailey has spent his whole life putting his dreams of traveling the world on hold to help the people of his small town, Bedford Falls. As things start to unravel, George starts to doubt his life and if it has had any real meaning. On Christmas Eve George hits rock bottom and is visted by Clarence, a guardian angel, who will show George how Bedford Falls would have been different had George never been born. George soon realizes that his small life has had a huge impact.
My Thoughts: Not only is this my favorite Christmas movie, but it is one of my favorite movies of all time. I think so many people hold this movie close to their hearts for a couple of reasons. First, this movie reminds so many people of their parents and grandparents because it has been in the back ground of so many holiday memories. Bedford Falls reminds its audinece of simpler times when there was no technology or super centers. It was just family and friends and the corner store. This movie is also so memorable because George Bailey is such a relatable character. He is the classic nice guy trying to do good. Who hasn’t felt like George before, wondering if they have made the right choices in life and if anything they have done matters? This movie gives hope and shows that in the end good prevails. It shows that people are good natured and will come together when one of its own is in trouble.
“No one is born to be a failure. No one is poor who has friends. A toast to George Bailey, the richest man in town.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
#23 The Grapes of Wrath
A.F.I. Ranking: 23
Director: John Ford
Starring: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Charley Grapwin
Release Year: 1940
Brief Synopsis: Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) has just been released from prison after a four year stay for commiting murder. When Joad gets back to his home in Oklahoma, he discovers his family has fallen on some tough times, so the family decides to pack-up all their belongings and drive to California where they have been promised there are jobs. Upon arriving to California, the Joad Family discovers that jobs are a lot harder to come by then they thought. There struggles threaten their safety as well as their family bonds.
My Thoughts: I am torn at what rating to give this movie. This movie is no doubt powerful. It is an interesting look at a dark time in American history, and this movie makes you realize how quickly and easily history can repeat itself. Henry Fonda gives an Acadamey Award winning performance in this film. In this film Fonda gives a very powerful speech that would stir up emotions in anybody, and even though this movie is so depressing it gives you hope, and even manages to throw in some funny one-liners. There are two downfalls to this movie. One, this movie is dark, and I don’t mean in it’s mood. All of the scenes are dark and dreary, that combined with my second downfall, it’s over 2 hour length, always makes me fall asleep when I watch this movie.
This movie is definitly hard to get through (I’ve seen it three times and have fallen asleep every time), but is definitly something you should see once in your life just to see a part of cinematic history and Henry Fonda’s dreamy, crystal eyes. “Maybe there ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue, they's just what people does. Some things folks do is nice and some ain't so nice, and that's all any man's got a right to say.”
Rating: List Worthy!
Director: John Ford
Starring: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Charley Grapwin
Release Year: 1940
Brief Synopsis: Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) has just been released from prison after a four year stay for commiting murder. When Joad gets back to his home in Oklahoma, he discovers his family has fallen on some tough times, so the family decides to pack-up all their belongings and drive to California where they have been promised there are jobs. Upon arriving to California, the Joad Family discovers that jobs are a lot harder to come by then they thought. There struggles threaten their safety as well as their family bonds.
My Thoughts: I am torn at what rating to give this movie. This movie is no doubt powerful. It is an interesting look at a dark time in American history, and this movie makes you realize how quickly and easily history can repeat itself. Henry Fonda gives an Acadamey Award winning performance in this film. In this film Fonda gives a very powerful speech that would stir up emotions in anybody, and even though this movie is so depressing it gives you hope, and even manages to throw in some funny one-liners. There are two downfalls to this movie. One, this movie is dark, and I don’t mean in it’s mood. All of the scenes are dark and dreary, that combined with my second downfall, it’s over 2 hour length, always makes me fall asleep when I watch this movie.
This movie is definitly hard to get through (I’ve seen it three times and have fallen asleep every time), but is definitly something you should see once in your life just to see a part of cinematic history and Henry Fonda’s dreamy, crystal eyes. “Maybe there ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue, they's just what people does. Some things folks do is nice and some ain't so nice, and that's all any man's got a right to say.”
Rating: List Worthy!
Friday, November 13, 2009
#76 Forrest Gump
A.F.I. Ranking: 76
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Release Year: 1994
Brief Synopsis: Forrest Gump tells the story of Forrest, a boy with braces on his legs and a slow mind. This simple boy moves on to grow-up through some pretty great things in his life. He goes to college, Vietnam, becomes a ping-pong champ, runs across the country, and becomes a father. Through his adventures he stumbles across some pretty historical events and some pretty important people such as JFK and John Lennon. While all of this is fantastic, Forrest just wants to find his Jenny and live happily ever after.
My Thoughts: The DVD box calls this movie an epic and it definitely is. This movie takes the audience through the American history of the 1960s and 70s in a very unique way, as a backdrop to Forrest’s life. This movie has many great performances. It is funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. It is filled with so many lines that have become a part of American language. Tom Hanks received an Academy Award for his performance, and rightfully so. As I watched this movie tonight I thought two things: one- they haven’t made great movies like this in a very long time, and two- “He sure does love his Dr. Pepper!”
Rating: List Worthy!
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Release Year: 1994
Brief Synopsis: Forrest Gump tells the story of Forrest, a boy with braces on his legs and a slow mind. This simple boy moves on to grow-up through some pretty great things in his life. He goes to college, Vietnam, becomes a ping-pong champ, runs across the country, and becomes a father. Through his adventures he stumbles across some pretty historical events and some pretty important people such as JFK and John Lennon. While all of this is fantastic, Forrest just wants to find his Jenny and live happily ever after.
My Thoughts: The DVD box calls this movie an epic and it definitely is. This movie takes the audience through the American history of the 1960s and 70s in a very unique way, as a backdrop to Forrest’s life. This movie has many great performances. It is funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. It is filled with so many lines that have become a part of American language. Tom Hanks received an Academy Award for his performance, and rightfully so. As I watched this movie tonight I thought two things: one- they haven’t made great movies like this in a very long time, and two- “He sure does love his Dr. Pepper!”
Rating: List Worthy!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
#10 The Wizard of Oz
A.F.I. Ranking: 10
Director: Victor Flemming
Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and Billie Burke
Release Year: 1939
Brief Synopsis: I feel silly writing a synopsis about one of the most popular movies of all time, but here it goes. Dorothy is a young girl from Kansas who dreams of bigger adventures (insert song) “beyond the moon, beyond the rain.” Little did she know she was about to be faced with the biggest adventure of all time. A tornado hits Kansas sucking up Dorothy’s house with her and her precious pup inside. The tornado sets Dorothy back down in a Technicolor paradise filled with witches, munchkins, and talking trees. Dorothy desperately wants to get back home, so she decides to follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz to send her home. Dorothy makes an interesting group of friends along the way, while constantly being followed by a wicked witch and her band of flying monkeys (are we sure this movie wasn’t made in the 70s).
My Thoughts: This movie is definitely one of a kind. It is the only movie in this world that I can think of that everybody between the ages of two and one-hundred can quote. I don’t know anybody who wasn’t raised on this movie. Like pie and baseball, The Wizard of Oz is an American institution. There are also very few movies that you watched over and over as a child, and then watch as an adult without thinking it completely cheesy. When I was a kid I loved the musical numbers (although I just realized some of the crazy lyrics as an adult) and thought the characters were silly. As an adult now I realize what a great story and moral lesson this movie is. Like all of you, I have seen this movie dozens of times. Nothing is more comforting when you are sick then a bowl of chicken soup, an old blankie, and The Wizard of Oz.
“I learned that, if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again I shouldn’t look any farther than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with…”
Rating: Top of the List!
Director: Victor Flemming
Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and Billie Burke
Release Year: 1939
Brief Synopsis: I feel silly writing a synopsis about one of the most popular movies of all time, but here it goes. Dorothy is a young girl from Kansas who dreams of bigger adventures (insert song) “beyond the moon, beyond the rain.” Little did she know she was about to be faced with the biggest adventure of all time. A tornado hits Kansas sucking up Dorothy’s house with her and her precious pup inside. The tornado sets Dorothy back down in a Technicolor paradise filled with witches, munchkins, and talking trees. Dorothy desperately wants to get back home, so she decides to follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz to send her home. Dorothy makes an interesting group of friends along the way, while constantly being followed by a wicked witch and her band of flying monkeys (are we sure this movie wasn’t made in the 70s).
My Thoughts: This movie is definitely one of a kind. It is the only movie in this world that I can think of that everybody between the ages of two and one-hundred can quote. I don’t know anybody who wasn’t raised on this movie. Like pie and baseball, The Wizard of Oz is an American institution. There are also very few movies that you watched over and over as a child, and then watch as an adult without thinking it completely cheesy. When I was a kid I loved the musical numbers (although I just realized some of the crazy lyrics as an adult) and thought the characters were silly. As an adult now I realize what a great story and moral lesson this movie is. Like all of you, I have seen this movie dozens of times. Nothing is more comforting when you are sick then a bowl of chicken soup, an old blankie, and The Wizard of Oz.
“I learned that, if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again I shouldn’t look any farther than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with…”
Rating: Top of the List!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
#5 Singin' in the Rain
A.F.I. Ranking: 5
Director: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O’Conner, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Release Year: 1952
Brief Synopsis: Silent movie stars Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Hagen) are at the top of their game when it is announced that Warner Brothers is creating the first talking picture. What should be exciting news, could be the end of Lockwood and Lamont due to the fact that Lamont has the most annoying voice on the face of the planet (and doesn’t realize it). Quickly Lockwood and his friends come up with a scheme that will keep Lamont’s god awful voice hidden from the public.
My Thoughts: I chose to start with this movie for two reasons. One, I have been a big Gene Kelly fan ever since my sister introduced me to his movies back in high school. Two, it is Sunday night and Singin’ in the Rain is the perfect Sunday night movie. Many musicals from the 50s do not stand the test of time. They are meant to be funny, but just come across as completely cheesy. This movie is an exception. Sure it has its bit of cheese, but this movie is really funny, even in 2009. This movie is a great mixture of sweet and funny, and not to mention amazing dancing. The three main actors make the dancing in this film look so easy, but holy cow! Next time you watch this movie, watch the actors’ feet as they dance. It is amazing.
This movie contains many songs that have become well know separate from the movie including “Good Mornin’”, “Gotta Dance”, and of course “Singin’ in the Rain”. I think many movies were included on A.F.I.’s list because they contain an iconic moment in movie history, and this movie definitely has one. Who hasn’t started humming Singin’ in the Rain when they get an umbrella in their hand? No matter what mood a person is in, when they see Gene Kelly dancing in the rain with his umbrella and huge smile, you can’t help but to smile yourself.
Rating: Top of the List!
Director: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O’Conner, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Release Year: 1952
Brief Synopsis: Silent movie stars Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Hagen) are at the top of their game when it is announced that Warner Brothers is creating the first talking picture. What should be exciting news, could be the end of Lockwood and Lamont due to the fact that Lamont has the most annoying voice on the face of the planet (and doesn’t realize it). Quickly Lockwood and his friends come up with a scheme that will keep Lamont’s god awful voice hidden from the public.
My Thoughts: I chose to start with this movie for two reasons. One, I have been a big Gene Kelly fan ever since my sister introduced me to his movies back in high school. Two, it is Sunday night and Singin’ in the Rain is the perfect Sunday night movie. Many musicals from the 50s do not stand the test of time. They are meant to be funny, but just come across as completely cheesy. This movie is an exception. Sure it has its bit of cheese, but this movie is really funny, even in 2009. This movie is a great mixture of sweet and funny, and not to mention amazing dancing. The three main actors make the dancing in this film look so easy, but holy cow! Next time you watch this movie, watch the actors’ feet as they dance. It is amazing.
This movie contains many songs that have become well know separate from the movie including “Good Mornin’”, “Gotta Dance”, and of course “Singin’ in the Rain”. I think many movies were included on A.F.I.’s list because they contain an iconic moment in movie history, and this movie definitely has one. Who hasn’t started humming Singin’ in the Rain when they get an umbrella in their hand? No matter what mood a person is in, when they see Gene Kelly dancing in the rain with his umbrella and huge smile, you can’t help but to smile yourself.
Rating: Top of the List!
What is up with movie lists?
There are tons of best of movie lists out there in this world that I often disagree with. I have decided to work my way through the ultimate movie list, The American Film Institutes Greatest Movies of All Time. My goal is to watch every movie on the list whether it be again or for the first time, and decide for myself if it is list worthy. After watching the movie I will post my review here and I am sure cause some big arguments in the comments section. I can't wait!
PS. I know this is kind of dorky, but hey it's going to pass the time during those horrid winter months.
PS. I know this is kind of dorky, but hey it's going to pass the time during those horrid winter months.
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