When Pan's Labyrinth gets scary, you can look down and just pretend you're reading the subtitles. But don't go into the movie expecting to spend the whole time in fantasy land. This movie is about real (fictional) people and real problems.
I spy: A scene that was shot in bright sunlight with a blue filter added to simulate cloudy weather.
El Laberinto del fauno (2006)
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
I've experienced the story of To Kill a Mockingbird in so many different forms that it's all sort of blended together. Whoa... Robert Duvall plays Boo Radley! I want to see the movie again just for that.
American History X (1998)
After this movie ended, I had to tell myself that it's not possible the world is that bad. That's my only consolation. I just can't imagine that many people being that evil. I really hope I'm not deluding myself.
With all that said, American History X is very polished and well made. It succeeds at making you feel something, even though in most cases that feeling is probably depression. The best thing about this film, though, is Edward Norton's perfect performance.
Léon (1994)
Jean Reno is the star of Léon, though I bet he'll always be known as "That French guy who's in a ton of movies." Check it out if you want to see wee little Natalie Portman learn how to be a hitman.
Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
This movie makes you care so much about ordinary stuff. I think that's why I like it so much and why Amélie herself is so appealing. It makes the world interesting again. And get ready for a great "Aha!" moment.
Vertigo (1958)
Everyone is a little afraid of heights. Don't say you're not! Maybe people with an actual phobia would relate to this movie a little more, though. I don't remember much about it.
Se7en (1995)
This movie is really creepy. It's one I saw on TV and can say I have no desire to fill in the gaps of the editing. I also admire the the fact that the marketing of the film didn't sacrifice secrecy for bigger box office returns.
All that is great, but we have bigger fish to fry. The number '7' looks nothing like a 'v'. It's time for us to stop putting up with these character substitutions. It's just... not right!
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a visual buffet. You could take almost any shot in the film, make a poster of it, and hang it on your wall.
For years, this has been the standard for action movies. Just pretend not to notice the embarrassingly bad dialogue and you'll be free to enjoy it for what it is: style and great effects.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
This movie is LONG. But oh so good. When someone says cinematography, this is likely one of the first movies that comes to mind. Let's try it...
Cinematography.
Was I right?
I like the first half way better than the second. Destiny is such an amazing and thought-provoking topic, and it is dealt with in such an amazing way.
Fight Club (1999)
First of all: love it.
Second: My friend Trent pointed out the irony of kids who watch this movie and then go out and start their own fight clubs. I like talking about this movie and hearing reactions to it: love it or can't stand it, want to fight or not, etc.
This is another movie where I identify with the main character sometimes. I've definitely thought to myself: "one more ________ and I'll be complete."
Thoreau said that our possessions own us. Yet I can't stop wondering what it feels like to have a guy punch me as hard as he can.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The Two Towers, J.R.R. Tolkien's middle child. I don't know if this movie is technically a sequel, but there is a lot riding on the second film in a series. From the beginning I knew that this one wasn't going to fall short.
I think one of the greatest acts of providence in my life is the fact that I didn't read the books before these movies came out. My mind wasn't busy comparing and critiquing. I just got to sit back and enjoy.
Citizen Kane (1941)
I'm surprised at how many people just don't like this movie. I like it. A lot. I don't get tired of it. It's an epic story about an epic life. And I love how all the posters say "It's Terrific!"
I could defend it and get all intellectual on ya, but I'll just say that when I watch it, I'm havin' a good time.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Yama hama! There's a certain sophistication to this movie's creepiness that is almost poetic. The serial killers (yep, plural) are complete monsters. Yet the film abusively takes you into their world.
And if you look up dramatic irony in the dictionary, it should refer you to the end of this film.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
All I remember is that it was sort of funny and I was really tired and I fell asleep at the end.
I'll update this when I see it again, eh.
North by Northwest (1959)
This movie is fun to watch. It's got some old-school high life. It's got mistaken identities. And a guy gets chased by a crop duster. (I can't imagine a less threatening scenario to be honest.)
It's hard for me to remember what happens in movies like this because they all seem pretty much the same and the memories run together (in a good way). But I do know that back then people were very glib.
Psycho (1960)
I'm trying to think, and this might be the oldest movie that is actually scary.
It's just so spooky and weird and good. And the last shot is the stuff nightmares are made of.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Sure, Kevin Spacey's got mad skills. And yeah, Brian Singer has some decent movies under his belt. Oh, and I love to say: "Kobayashi." But... okay, I'll just say it!
Is this movie overrated or WHAT!?!!
Wow, that felt good.....
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Here's a recipe for a cool movie:
1 very talented director
1 forgotten genre
20,000,000 US dollars
1 crowd of melting faces
Mix ingredients and serve with lots of explosions.
Goodfellas (1990)
I haven't seen a ton of mobster flicks, but this is pretty much The Godfather but better in many ways. The corruption and transformation of Henry Hill is staggering.
I'm a big fan of Martin Scorsese soundtracks. He uses popular music, but he is one of a few directors that seem to put a lot of thought into song choices. (Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino also stand out.) It's great how sometimes the songs complement the action and sometimes they are the perfect counterpoint.
Rear Window (1954)
What a cool story! I remember watching Rear Window recently at school. I cringed when that dude looked out his window at me.
But during the climax, everyone started laughing. And then all of a sudden, I was watching a different movie. I saw the cheesy special effects. I witnessed the awkward acting.
Oh well. They can laugh all they want... Hitchcock, you're still my bro.
12 Angry Men (1957)
This has to be one of the all-time great movie titles. Like Snakes on a Plane, you know exactly what you're gonna get. Twelve men. And they are angry.
I'm also a sucker for movies that take place all in one location. You have to be good to keep me entertained with 96 minutes of old guys talking.
The logical flow appeals to the little computer part of my brain. We're also given a number of philosophical questions to pore over. All this builds to an emotionally satisfying climax. I never thought I'd say it, but this movie has it all.
Shichinin no samurai (1954)
What? You don't speak Japanese? The Seven Samurai is one of those fundamental movies that everyone has heard of. But I don't think it's really necessary to watch it other than for its value in the history of film.
I like the concept of a small yet elite band defending a village which is under siege from a big army. Also, you'll recognize a lot of cinematography techniques that are used a lot today, especially in the martial arts genre.
The overall feel of the film is kind of hard to put into words, so I'll let my favourite character do the talking:
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
I'm pretty sure if I had seen this in the theater it would have been one of the greatest moments of my life. Hmm, that's a bit sad actually.
This is another of my all-time favourites, yet I've only seen it once. I guess it's because I want to preserve the memory forever....
Okay, I know when I've said too much.
Casablanca (1942)
This movie is, umm... old. And there's a Humphrey. And some Bogart. And... er... black and white. Lot's of smoking....
Mix that all up and you got Casablanca.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
One of many films about a semi-sane person who lives in an asylum. I never get tired of that plot setup, though. It basically gives the writer free reign to explore what makes us tick.
Until I saw this, I think I always assumed Jack Nicholson was born an old man. He plays the same wiseguy as always. It's easy to root for him though. His nemesis is one of the most evil characters I've ever seen: Nurse Ratched. The filmmakers and actress must have done something right to make me hate her so much.
This movie is quality, but I don't know if I can sit through it again because it's such an oppressive experience.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Empire, favourite of many. I'm personally a bigger fan of Jedi, but that's neither here nor there.
Yoda is a freaking genius! Although is it just me, or did Yoda get dumber in each Star Wars movie that came out? By Revenge of the Sith he can't even form a complete sentence, poor guy.
Schindler's List (1993)
Schindler's List is brutally real. I've seen real footage of executions a few times in school and on the news. The feel of this movie is comparable.
I had a good idea of what I was getting into when I saw this film. Oscar Schindler himself surprised me, though. He was a lot more dynamic than I expected. And for me, the most powerful part was the present day footage at the end.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
John Travolta is the man. He can be really hardcore, but he's not afraid to make a fool of himself (ahem, Hairspray). This movie combines extreme coolness, black humor, and one of the most shocking and exciting moments in all of movie-hood. It's the type of moment where everyone watching finally exhales when it's over.
And I think it would be really fun someday to watch this movie in black and white.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Good movie. Tim Robbins is great at playing innocent (pun!) and nice characters. I also think this movie is good at showing the mean side of prison without alienating the audience.
Morgan Freeman (another pun!) was born to do narration.
The Godfather (1972)
I gotta say, this movie did not live up to the hype. It was really good. It was epic, but I just wasn't that into it.
I hear the second one is better...
Big Fish (2003)
Ah, Big Fish. It's like a big sweet breath of fishy air. I like the father and son motif. And the daffodils were cool.
This movie's got charm. And no awkward moments that rip you out of the fantasy. Every scene just sucks you in further. And the film is overflowing with theme.
I would say that this is Tim Burton's most important movie.
Lost in Translation (2003)
This is one of those movies that I kept thinking about for days after I saw it. Bill Murray's character is awesome in an I-feel-like-that-sometimes-but-I- don't-want-to-end-up-like-him kind of way.
I can't really decide if this movie is making fun of Japanese people, but I think she's using it to say something else. I don't know.
And Sofia Coppola wins the award for hottest director.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This is a pretty cool movie. I'd say Charlie Kaufman is the most creative screenwriter writing ... er, screens. Or something.
Also, Michel Gondry is great because most of his special effects are done with editing and sheer creativity.
Basically, loads of talented people were involved with this movie and it shows.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Someday, someone will ask me: "What was it like seeing Fellowship of the Ring in theaters?"
I will smile.
Donnie Darko (2001)
I like this movie. Maybe I like it because there's time travel. Maybe because I relate to Donnie. Maybe because the talking rabbit freaks me out.
Actually, I think it's because the first scene at school is one of the coolest shots ever created.
Bottle Rocket (1996)
I wrote a paper on this movie and the night before it was due I watched it three times. Does that mean I have no life? Yeah. But that also means Bottle Rocket is a cool movie.
It's just cool. Watch it.
Now!
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Remember kids, don't do drugs! Wow. This movie is very powerful. It's so scary and depressing, but it's so good at what it does.
I was amazed at how everyone in this film had a drug of choice. We can learn a lot from these characters.
Stylistically, the quick editing (an Aronofsky trademark) and biting soundtrack give Requiem a personality.
Memento (2000)
Memento is an instant classic in my mind. Where to begin... at the beginning? No, because that's really the end! Ahhh!! This movie is still confusing after repeated viewings. But that's part of the appeal.
The reversed time structure would be a lame gimmick if it wasn't pulled off with such perfection. It also forces us into the mindset of the main character and his memory loss.
(Spoiler) This film also provides an amazing comment on intentional self-delusion. In a sense, truth is relative because truth is interpreted by subjective minds.
Captain EO (1986)
Vintage. Michael Jackson saves an entire planet of robot-monsters. A keyboard-fuelled musical throwdown! Does it get any better?
Yes it does: it's in 3-D.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
This is my favourite movie of all time.
First of all, I gotta give props to any movie with an exclamation point in the title. This one is definitely worthy of it. Moulin Rouge! isn't for everyone, but it deserves a careful look. It also might be hard for some to get past the sexual subject matter or the visual flamboyance, but I believe that the end titles sum it up:
"This story is about Truth, Beauty, Freedom, but above all: Love."
Star Wars (1977)
This is it. The original. No subtitle required.
Maybe the most underrated movie in the saga, Star Wars is also the most direct. Luke leaves his home on Tatooine, they go rescue the princess, and after a quick regroup they blow up the Death Star. End of story. I like that about it.
This movie is essential.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
