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!
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