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
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).
#13 Stars Wars- A New Hope
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope
A.F.I. Ranking: 13
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, David Prowse, James Earl Jones
Release Year: 1977
Brief Synopsis: Oh come on we all know the story. Winey, naïve, farm boy Luck Skywalker gets plucked up from his aunt and uncle’s farm to take on an evil galactic empire with his friends, human and not. Their mission, save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Lord Vader and destroy the Death Star.
My Thoughts: Everybody in this country knows about Star Wars and falls into one of two categories. You either love it or you don’t get the hype. I would fall into the love it category, but I am a late in life bloomer. Growing up I remember my dad watching these weird movies on TV, but not really knowing what they were and who the scary guy in the black helmet was. I often got Star Wars confused for Spaceballs.
I didn’t begin to love and appreciate these movies until my senior year in high school. The year as 1999 and Episode 1 was about to be released. My younger sister was obsessed and Star Wars was all over the place in our house. That is when I finally sat down and watched the entire series and fell in love. Sure the special effects that were revolutionary at the time, carry with them a bit of cheese today, but come on its Star Wars. How do you criticize such a beloved part of our culture? I feel this movie is so powerful because of its detailed story (you can never know everything there is to know about Star Wars even if you tried), it’s true to heart good vs. evil theme, it’s humor, and of course the best on screen duo of all time. Now you are wondering which duo I’m talking about aren’t you? There is more than one great one in this film. Anyway, if you are like I was and a late in life Star Wars fan, shall I recommend taking a weekend and watching all of the movies in the series.
“Traveling through hyperspace ain't like dusting crops, boy!”
Rating: Top of the List!
A.F.I. Ranking: 13
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, David Prowse, James Earl Jones
Release Year: 1977
Brief Synopsis: Oh come on we all know the story. Winey, naïve, farm boy Luck Skywalker gets plucked up from his aunt and uncle’s farm to take on an evil galactic empire with his friends, human and not. Their mission, save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Lord Vader and destroy the Death Star.
My Thoughts: Everybody in this country knows about Star Wars and falls into one of two categories. You either love it or you don’t get the hype. I would fall into the love it category, but I am a late in life bloomer. Growing up I remember my dad watching these weird movies on TV, but not really knowing what they were and who the scary guy in the black helmet was. I often got Star Wars confused for Spaceballs.
I didn’t begin to love and appreciate these movies until my senior year in high school. The year as 1999 and Episode 1 was about to be released. My younger sister was obsessed and Star Wars was all over the place in our house. That is when I finally sat down and watched the entire series and fell in love. Sure the special effects that were revolutionary at the time, carry with them a bit of cheese today, but come on its Star Wars. How do you criticize such a beloved part of our culture? I feel this movie is so powerful because of its detailed story (you can never know everything there is to know about Star Wars even if you tried), it’s true to heart good vs. evil theme, it’s humor, and of course the best on screen duo of all time. Now you are wondering which duo I’m talking about aren’t you? There is more than one great one in this film. Anyway, if you are like I was and a late in life Star Wars fan, shall I recommend taking a weekend and watching all of the movies in the series.
“Traveling through hyperspace ain't like dusting crops, boy!”
Rating: Top of the List!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
#4 Raging Bull
Title: Raging Bull
A.F.I. Ranking: 4
Director: Marin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Release Year: 1980
Brief Synopsis: This movie is based on the book Jake La Motta wrote about his life. Jake was a middle weight boxer during the 1940s and 1950s. Jake had a winning career, a supportive brother, and a loving wife until he takes the anger he uses in the ring, out of the ring. Jake’s jealousy pushes him over the edge and he begins to mentally and physically abuse the people most important in his life putting everything he loves about his life in jeopardy.
My Thoughts: This role is arguably the best of De Niro’s career. He gives a powerful, raw performance and at times is unrecognizable in his role as Jake. This movie shows what a great actor Joe Pesci is and makes me wonder why he ever went down the road of the Home Alone type movies. Along with the acting, the fight scenes, both in and out of the ring, are what make this movie so great. They are in your face and don’t hold back. You know a fight scene is good when blood gets splattered on the crowd watching the fight. Joe Pesci has one fight scene involving a car door that actually had me yelling out loud at the TV. Chills. Adding to the grit of this film was Scorsese’s decision to film it in black and white.
I really enjoyed this film, which can be compared a little bit to On the Waterfront. De Niro actually quotes On the Waterfront towards the end of this movie. I will say this movie was good, but I think I enjoyed On the Waterfront more, but that might just be because of my love for Marlon Brando.
“If you win, you win. If you lose, you still win.”
Rating: List worthy.
A.F.I. Ranking: 4
Director: Marin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Release Year: 1980
Brief Synopsis: This movie is based on the book Jake La Motta wrote about his life. Jake was a middle weight boxer during the 1940s and 1950s. Jake had a winning career, a supportive brother, and a loving wife until he takes the anger he uses in the ring, out of the ring. Jake’s jealousy pushes him over the edge and he begins to mentally and physically abuse the people most important in his life putting everything he loves about his life in jeopardy.
My Thoughts: This role is arguably the best of De Niro’s career. He gives a powerful, raw performance and at times is unrecognizable in his role as Jake. This movie shows what a great actor Joe Pesci is and makes me wonder why he ever went down the road of the Home Alone type movies. Along with the acting, the fight scenes, both in and out of the ring, are what make this movie so great. They are in your face and don’t hold back. You know a fight scene is good when blood gets splattered on the crowd watching the fight. Joe Pesci has one fight scene involving a car door that actually had me yelling out loud at the TV. Chills. Adding to the grit of this film was Scorsese’s decision to film it in black and white.
I really enjoyed this film, which can be compared a little bit to On the Waterfront. De Niro actually quotes On the Waterfront towards the end of this movie. I will say this movie was good, but I think I enjoyed On the Waterfront more, but that might just be because of my love for Marlon Brando.
“If you win, you win. If you lose, you still win.”
Rating: List worthy.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
#19 On the Waterfront
Title: On the Waterfront
A.F.I. Ranking: 19
Director: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Eva Marie Saint
Release Year: 1954
Brief Synopsis: Terry Malloy at one point thought he would be a prize winning fighter, but is now working the docks of the corrupt John Friendly. After witnessing a murder, Malloy befriends a priest and the sister of the murder victim. Malloy begins to realize that if he does not stand up to the corrupt union and mob bosses, he is just as guilty as the people doing the killing, so he decides to testify to uncover the truths of his boss, and putting his own life in danger.
My Thoughts: Real, gritty, powerful can pretty much sum up any Marlon Brando film and this one is no exception. The movie, which was based on the real life experiences of its director Elia Kazan, was filmed on real east coast docks, streets, and roof tops, and some of the actors were real life ex-fighters taken from the streets to make this movie as real as possible, and it pays off. Every single scene is gritty and powerfully acted. Marlon Brando has the audience on the edge of their seats constantly wondering what he is going to do next. Brando always amazes me because no matter how tough the character he is playing is, he always has a sweet boyish charm that shines through. This well deserving movie won 8 Academy Awards including best picture.
“You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.”
Rating: Top of the List!
A.F.I. Ranking: 19
Director: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Eva Marie Saint
Release Year: 1954
Brief Synopsis: Terry Malloy at one point thought he would be a prize winning fighter, but is now working the docks of the corrupt John Friendly. After witnessing a murder, Malloy befriends a priest and the sister of the murder victim. Malloy begins to realize that if he does not stand up to the corrupt union and mob bosses, he is just as guilty as the people doing the killing, so he decides to testify to uncover the truths of his boss, and putting his own life in danger.
My Thoughts: Real, gritty, powerful can pretty much sum up any Marlon Brando film and this one is no exception. The movie, which was based on the real life experiences of its director Elia Kazan, was filmed on real east coast docks, streets, and roof tops, and some of the actors were real life ex-fighters taken from the streets to make this movie as real as possible, and it pays off. Every single scene is gritty and powerfully acted. Marlon Brando has the audience on the edge of their seats constantly wondering what he is going to do next. Brando always amazes me because no matter how tough the character he is playing is, he always has a sweet boyish charm that shines through. This well deserving movie won 8 Academy Awards including best picture.
“You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.”
Rating: Top of the List!
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