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).
Friday, March 26, 2010
#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!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
#26 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Title: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
A.F.I. Ranking: 26
Director: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains
Release Year: 1939
Brief Synopsis: When a seat in the U.S. Senate becomes vacant due to a sudden death, Jefferson Smith is appointed. Smith is young and inexperienced, so it is thought that he will sit quietly and not try to rock the boat. The Senate gets the exact opposite. Smith, who is trying to continue from where Abraham Lincoln left off, see the corruption that fills the senate and will not sit idly by and watch it happen. He will do whatever it takes to get his point across.
My Thoughts: Frank Capra and James Stewart, who also did It’s a Wonderful Life together, make a great pair. Just like It’s a Wonderful Life, this movie is very powerful and has a lot of heart. This movie is a true underdog story and is acted wonderfully by Stewart. His performance makes anybody who sees it want to be a better person. He will give you chills. Take Stewarts already fantastic performance in It’s a Wonderful Life, multiply it by ten on the powerfully moving scale and you have Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Are you sensing how much I like this movie? LOL
“I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr. Paine. All you people don't know about lost causes. Mr. Paine does. He said once they were the only causes worth fighting for. And he fought for them once, for the only reason any man ever fights for them; because of just one plain simple rule: 'Love thy neighbor.'... And you know that you fight for the lost causes harder than for any other. Yes, you even die for them.”
Rating: Top of the List!
A.F.I. Ranking: 26
Director: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains
Release Year: 1939
Brief Synopsis: When a seat in the U.S. Senate becomes vacant due to a sudden death, Jefferson Smith is appointed. Smith is young and inexperienced, so it is thought that he will sit quietly and not try to rock the boat. The Senate gets the exact opposite. Smith, who is trying to continue from where Abraham Lincoln left off, see the corruption that fills the senate and will not sit idly by and watch it happen. He will do whatever it takes to get his point across.
My Thoughts: Frank Capra and James Stewart, who also did It’s a Wonderful Life together, make a great pair. Just like It’s a Wonderful Life, this movie is very powerful and has a lot of heart. This movie is a true underdog story and is acted wonderfully by Stewart. His performance makes anybody who sees it want to be a better person. He will give you chills. Take Stewarts already fantastic performance in It’s a Wonderful Life, multiply it by ten on the powerfully moving scale and you have Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Are you sensing how much I like this movie? LOL
“I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr. Paine. All you people don't know about lost causes. Mr. Paine does. He said once they were the only causes worth fighting for. And he fought for them once, for the only reason any man ever fights for them; because of just one plain simple rule: 'Love thy neighbor.'... And you know that you fight for the lost causes harder than for any other. Yes, you even die for them.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
#2 The Godfather
Title: The Godfather
A.F.I. Ranking: 2
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall
Release Year: 1972
Brief Synopsis: The Corleones are a big and powerful Sicilian family. After Don Corleone, the head of the family, survives an assassination attempt, war breaks out on the streets between them and other powerful gangs that are trying to take charge of the streets. Meanwhile, one of Don’s sons, Michael Corleone, who is considered a war hero, is sucked back into the family business in a big way.
My Thoughts: I could say I don’t know how it took me so long to see such a legendary movie for the first time, but that would be a lie. I haven’t seen this movie because it isn’t even close to my type of movie, but I must say I loved this movie. Sure it was a movie about a street war, but it was even more a movie about family loyalty. All of the performances in this film were amazing, and acted as the start of many great careers. On the other end of that was Marlon Brando and his amazing, almost unrecognizable, performance. What I think is amazing about this film is that Coppola has the audience caring for and cheering for this family of harden criminals, that do some pretty horrible things. By the end of this movie you find yourself loving the Corleone boys, but then you’re thinking what a minute… That is just pure genius on the part of the writer and director. I think this is done because you see their family loyalty and you never see them perform crimes on innocent bystanders.
“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”
Rating: Top of the List!
A.F.I. Ranking: 2
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall
Release Year: 1972
Brief Synopsis: The Corleones are a big and powerful Sicilian family. After Don Corleone, the head of the family, survives an assassination attempt, war breaks out on the streets between them and other powerful gangs that are trying to take charge of the streets. Meanwhile, one of Don’s sons, Michael Corleone, who is considered a war hero, is sucked back into the family business in a big way.
My Thoughts: I could say I don’t know how it took me so long to see such a legendary movie for the first time, but that would be a lie. I haven’t seen this movie because it isn’t even close to my type of movie, but I must say I loved this movie. Sure it was a movie about a street war, but it was even more a movie about family loyalty. All of the performances in this film were amazing, and acted as the start of many great careers. On the other end of that was Marlon Brando and his amazing, almost unrecognizable, performance. What I think is amazing about this film is that Coppola has the audience caring for and cheering for this family of harden criminals, that do some pretty horrible things. By the end of this movie you find yourself loving the Corleone boys, but then you’re thinking what a minute… That is just pure genius on the part of the writer and director. I think this is done because you see their family loyalty and you never see them perform crimes on innocent bystanders.
“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”
Rating: Top of the List!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
#94 Pulp Fiction
Title: Pulp Fiction
A.F.I. Ranking: 94
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis
Release Year: 1994
Brief Synopsis: It’s really hard to write a synopsis about this crazy movie that goes all over the place. This movie is a series of stories where the characters seem to get caught up in situations that just won’t go right. All of the stories are connected by Vincent Vega, a hit man who would rather be in Amsterdam eating a burger.
My Thoughts: I feel silly reviewing a movie that has become such a cult classic, and a movie that many wouldn’t believe I‘ve seen before. I feel even stranger writing a bad review for a movie that so many love, but I didn’t really enjoy this movie at all. Sure I smiled once in awhile at the cool lingo, but that was about it. Even though I didn’t enjoy this movie, I can appreciate why others would. The dialogue is quick and snappy and Travolta and Jackson are the essence of cool, but yeah whatever. I really don’t enjoy movies that jump all over the place, and have a bunch of crazy side stories for no apparent reason. This movie was less of a good story, and more of a showcase for a bunch of actors and directors to get together and show the world how cool they think they are.
“I love you Honey Bunny.”
Rating: What’s Up with This List!
A.F.I. Ranking: 94
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis
Release Year: 1994
Brief Synopsis: It’s really hard to write a synopsis about this crazy movie that goes all over the place. This movie is a series of stories where the characters seem to get caught up in situations that just won’t go right. All of the stories are connected by Vincent Vega, a hit man who would rather be in Amsterdam eating a burger.
My Thoughts: I feel silly reviewing a movie that has become such a cult classic, and a movie that many wouldn’t believe I‘ve seen before. I feel even stranger writing a bad review for a movie that so many love, but I didn’t really enjoy this movie at all. Sure I smiled once in awhile at the cool lingo, but that was about it. Even though I didn’t enjoy this movie, I can appreciate why others would. The dialogue is quick and snappy and Travolta and Jackson are the essence of cool, but yeah whatever. I really don’t enjoy movies that jump all over the place, and have a bunch of crazy side stories for no apparent reason. This movie was less of a good story, and more of a showcase for a bunch of actors and directors to get together and show the world how cool they think they are.
“I love you Honey Bunny.”
Rating: What’s Up with This List!
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