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.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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
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