Phil's Top 100 Favorites
Phil's Top 100 Favorites
List activity
182 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
101 titles
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantEva Marie SaintJames MasonA New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.9.9 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJames StewartGrace KellyWendell CoreyA wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window and, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend, becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.Voyeurism, the stimulation of the libido and a slick murder mystery are the key instruments used by Hitchcock in Rear Window (1954). However, the most important aspect of this film, that must garner attention, is the incredible sense of timing, in all aspects of this film. Just like the magic he was able to tap into, six years earlier, with Rope (1948), the timing in this film is perfect also. I guarantee something like this could not be duplicated today the way it was then. Today’s filmmakers would wind up using computers, CGI effects and every other technological trick available in the 21st century, but all Hitchcock had was a stopwatch. The fact that Hitchcock was able to orchestrate all of this is incredible. Each window is its own movie or play, that has to start and end on time, so the camera can move onto the next window. Each actor had to be ready to say their line, pick up a newspaper or play a song on the piano in the allotted amount of time needed.
Another incredible aspect, that clearly represented Hitchcock’s greatness, was his ability to exhume emotions from his actors with minimal use of energy. Of course, the actors had a little hand in this themselves. Grace Kelly, with plenty of clothes on, saying appropriate lady-like things, was able to show a sexiness, that is on par with, in today's terms, with Jessica Alba in a bikini. Please don’t tell me, that you are not on the edge of your seat, watching Raymond Burr do whatever the heck he is doing throughout the film. You do not want to close your eyes out of fear of what might come next. The stimulation of the libido, seeing the woman as the stronger character, watching people in a voyeuristic way, would not have worked as well as it does, if this wasn’t a Hitchcock film. This is why, for my money, Rear Window (1954), is the greatest movie ever made. Oh! Did I mention that Jimmy Stewart was in it? As always, he is awesome.
9.9 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRoy ScheiderRobert ShawRichard DreyfussWhen a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.The famed Summer movie season, became reality, when this film was released in movie theaters, during the Summer of 1975. Jaws (1975), was a groundbreaking film, not just for its impact on a new Summer pastime, but also for the fact, that it freaked-out a generation of people, because it questioned the safety of the beach, most notably, the water. Jaws (1975), is the golden fleece of shark movies. We aren't talking about a little sand shark. We are talking about Bruce. Bruce is a Great White Shark. Bruce is a huge mechanical shark, used by film director Steven Spielberg, to make one of the most influential and iconic movies in film history. It also solidified the legendary careers, of almost everyone involved with the movie.
Steven Spielberg was only 28 years old, when he started pre-production on this film. His only other movies he directed before this, was a made-for-TV movie called Duel (1971) and his theatrical motion picture debut, Sugarland Express (1974). Both Roy Scheider (Chief Brody) and Richard Dreyfuss (Hooper), were still on their separate climbs, with the 15 year-younger Dreyfuss, hitting paydirt in American Graffiti (1973) and Scheider in the French Connection (1971). We also have the extradentary career of film composer John Williams, who's haunting Jaws theme, was the most terrifying aspect of the film. He had already built a 20 year career in films to this point, but this is the one, that made him a household name. The real veteran in all of this, was actor Robert Shaw, who plays professional shark-hunter, Quint.
This film is also timeless, because most of it happens in a beach town, on the beach or on the Atlantic Ocean. Usually, these types of films can work in any era, because there is little to remind us, what year it is. Other than a stray haircut, fashion item or maybe a car, you wouldn't care or even notice, that this film was shot in the mid-1970s. It is Quint's character, that really gives Jaws (1975), its ability to transcend the beginning of the modern day film, with classic Hollywood. While the boys are chasing this killer shark for two or three days, they have a drunken night of nostalgia, comparing wounds they have received, from various sea creatures over the years. Quint then brings us back to the real world, in this fictitious film, by telling us the real-world story of the USS Indianapolis. Even though Jaws (1975), teeters into supernatural territory, by giving Bruce its own personality, in other words, making the shark a character instead of just a thing, the film still jolts us back into reality, by having Quint tell this haunting story from World War II.
Other than the killing-machine, antagonist, character thread of the Great White Shark, this film has three other unique character threads, that come into collision-course, with the 1970s version of the white whale. We have Chief Martin Brody, who is somewhat of a rookie sheriff, in a new job, on his island town of Amity, Massachusetts, who can't swim and never goes in the water. It's this conflict of interests, the almost naivete of the situation, that molds his character into the memorable one it is. Then there is Matt Hooper, the young marine biologist, who has the herculean task of dealing with a killer shark, the intimidating form of Quint and a difficult, greedy, idiot Mayor (played perfect by Murray Hamilton). Finally, we have the looming shape of Quint's character. Jaws (1975), also created a false stigma about sharks being mean and scary. A situation, that is corrected by the end of the film, with the fate of Quint. It is a fate I won't talk about, but I'm pretty sure, after almost 50 years, everyone knows what happens to Quint. I mean, it's usually in, almost every promotional advertisement or nostalgic Hollywood movie video ever made. I don't know how anyone has missed that.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorJohn SturgesStarsSteve McQueenJames GarnerRichard AttenboroughAllied prisoners of war plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II.9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
- DirectorPhilip KaufmanStarsSam ShepardScott GlennEd HarrisThe U.S. space program's development from the breaking of the sound barrier to selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts, from a group of test pilots with a more seat-of-the-pants approach than the program's more cautious engineers preferred.This film is one of those great films that a lot of people somehow missed. It was released in 1983 and at that time NASA was losing popularity with the general public. The Space Shuttle program had just started, which helped some, but the public wasn't into NASA as much as they were in the 60s. They also released this film right before Halloween, which may have contributed a little bit to the poor theater attendance. It was a box office flop, but it is one of those great movies from the 80s, that more people need to see today. It also won four Oscars and is preserved in the National Film Registry.
It is an epic story, three hours long, a historical drama that tells the story of the space race from the late 1950s to the mid 1960s. It is the early part of the space race that is such an interesting story. America is in the middle of the Cold War, people are very worried about Russia getting into space before the U.S. and NASA is trying to figure out how they can take the lead back. It's that time in our history when the winds of WWII and Korea have died down, the rocket era has begun and computers and the Moon are on the horizon.
Things start out as, pilot Chuck Yeager (Sam Shepard), flies his X-1 into history and the audience gets to witness the life of a test-pilot. Various other test-pilots come and go. Some of them die. Things all change in 1957 when the Russian satellite Sputnik 1 was sent to orbit. It changed the whole game of the Cold War and made the Moon the next measuring stick towards being the best world power.
Enter NASA and the space race. The audience is then treated to a weaving of small biopics on some of the most important people found in the early days of NASA. We also get to meet the first American Astronauts. We see the Astronaut, a career, very popular in the public eye, for about 15 years, become something cool, that is almost as big as being in the Beatles. America loved their Astronauts and it became a country-wide obsession for some.
As the days in NASA are documented we meet the excellent cast of Astronauts. These are the guys who will pilot the early missions of the Mercury program. The list includes, Scott Glenn as Alan Shepard, Ed Harris as John Glenn, Gordon Cooper played by Dennis Quaid and Gus Grissom is perfectly portrayed by Fred Ward. We also feel the pain, frustration and concern from the actresses portraying the wives of the Astronauts. This is what is great about this movie. It gives you the right amount of emotions that help you understand what these guys lives were like. This really isn't an easy job.
Writer/director, Philip Kaufman, who has a ton of great film achievements, found on his resume, totally captures the nature of the original source material for the Right Stuff (1983). Yes, it is history, but it's also based off a book of the same name. He captures the danger and the exaltation of accomplishments, that the Astronauts face, contrasted against the effects it has on their wives and the general American public. We experience the growing pains and the process that NASA has to go through. It also is a period piece, that highlights how the world was like in the race towards outer space.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorOrson WellesStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenDorothy ComingoreFollowing the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, reporters scramble to uncover the meaning of his final utterance: 'Rosebud.'This is Orson Welles' amazingly perfect film, that everyone has heard of, especially if they enjoy the art of film. This film is about the fictional life of newspaper publisher Charles Foster Kane (Welles). It is a story, loosely based, on the real life story of publisher William Randolph Hearst. It follows Kane's life from early boyhood to his death, all the while, the world tries to solve the mystery, behind what “Rosebud” means, which you find out, right off the bat, in the beginning of the film, is the last word Kane says before he dies. The film goes from there and tells the fictional biopic of Charles Foster Kane in beautifully styed flashback scenes.
This film is hailed, by most, as the greatest movie ever made. It is massive in in its scale, which totally fills the 4:3 film-noir space. Welles' directing and editing styles are what you find in filmmaking textbooks. Welles implements some of the best cinema tricks known at the time. He uses those tricks to extract an emotional response from the audience. He utilizes flashbacks, tricky editing, audio effect triggers for quick editing segues and many other juxtaposition concepts, in order to make his point. His ability to use the camera to create energy in his scenes and with his cast, rivals his ability to do the same thing with perspectives, shapes and moods.
Citizen Kane (1941), truly is the masterpiece, that it has been labeled, for over 80 years now. It is a brilliant piece of work. Along with an excellent supporting cast of Joseph Cotton, Dorothy Corningore, Everett Sloan and Agnes Moorehead, we learn what drives a man to be the best at everything. We learn about the price of being the richest man in the world. We learn, that with all that power, money and fame, huge figures like Kane also fall prey to the same things everyone else does. We learn what true story-telling is when we watch this film. It is through the art of cinema, that this film encapsulates into a perfect package. This is what cinema gold is supposed to look like, which is one of the best journeys ever on film. I saw this film for the 80th anniversary release in the theaters in 2021, which was a huge treat. It looks majestic up on the big screen. It is somewhat like, a holy grail of the movies.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneTakashi ShimuraKeiko TsushimaFarmers from a village exploited by bandits hire a veteran samurai for protection, who gathers six other samurai to join him.In the year 1586, a Japanese village is constantly attacked by bandits, who plague the inhabitants' homes and take whatever they want from the terrified villagers. One day after an attack by the bandits, the villagers go to seek the wisdom from an elder, who tells them, even though they cannot afford weapons, they can find men with weapons, samurai, who will fight for them. If they can find samurai who are down on their luck and wondering where their next meal will come from, they will take the job. They find a very experienced samurai with a good heart who agrees to recruit the rest of the team of samurais for them. He selects five genuine samurai and one who might not be. The seven return to the village to protect it, from the forty plus bandits. It is here where the battle lines are drawn. Seven Samurai (1954), is mesmerizing. It's like reading a great novel. With each turn of the page, another mesmerizing one opens up. It is epic in its design and has many interesting, likeable characters. This film moves along, like a beautiful Japanese melody. Sure, the length is almost four hours long, but it is a nicely paced film, that moves along quickly. I mean if you want a film to feel like an epic novel, an excellent read, than what better way to do it, but with a Japanese film masterpiece, subtitled in English, that moves along, like a fine song.
The leader of the group, Shimada, played by Takashi Shimura, is the perfect choice for this role. His ability to express a kind-hearted, elder persona and combine it with the ferocity of a Ronin is impeccable. Shimura was one of the biggest actors in Japan at the time. He appears in numerous films from the 1950s and 1960s. Among some of the legendary great films he did, was Rashomon (1950), Ikuru (1952) and The Hidden Fortress (1958), just to name a few. He also took part in a little film, near to my heart, called Gojira (1954). Shimura would become a huge part of special effects master, Eiji Tsuburaya’s Godzilla universe. He would appear in, at least, seven of Toho Studio’s, science fiction, monster classics from 1955-1965, ever enshrining him to international fame. He has a fanbase and a respect from film-fans, from all over the world. His character, Shimada, from the Seven Samurai (1954), is the rock that holds everything else together. His facial expressions are amazing. He can show you fear and concern and in the next scene express happiness and joy. His signature rubbing of his head when he needs to think or when his emotions are about to change is one of the best parts of the movie, because, like you, he too isn’t sure what to make of the villagers and the other six samurai. It is one of the best ways I have seen in a film to show what is going on in someone’s mind, without uttering a single word.
As with many of the classic Japanese films of this era, much of the rest of the cast is less notable. You may recognize the faces from various other films and you may know a little bit about them, depending on your knowledge of film, but do not be fooled by this. The acting and the execution of the scenes are as perfect as can be. Even though they are not huge stars, the impact on this film by their performances, is tantamount to the finished piece. Of course, legendary, Japanese film director, Akira Kurasawa, would hire a lot of extras to be the villagers, so much so, that he hired real villagers to make things even more believable. One of the three villagers, who comes to enlist the samurai is played by an actor named, Yoshio Tsuchiya. In my estimation, out of all the other, secondary characters in the film, Yoshio Tsuchiya is the one actor, who fans from the west, might recognize. For he too, like Takashi Shimura, would join with Eiji Tsuburaya and appear in over ten of Toho Studios famous Godzilla-universe films from the 1950s to the 1970s. He is the main character in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and returned, almost 40 years later, for Gojira vs. Kingu Gidorâ (Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah - 1991).
There is another name in the cast-list, that does stand out, even more so than Takashi Shimura. This man would gain even a larger piece of the international stardom pie, for he would go on and appear in many great films in Japan and around the world. His name was Toshiro Mifune. Mifune would end up doing over 160 feature films in his career. He is most noted in the United States, in the film Midway (1976). He played Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, although his voice had to be dubbed by a guy named Paul Frees, because Mifune's accent was too thick at the time. This aspect did not affect his performance though. Mifune's facial expressions are all you needed to get the message. Mifune's other famous, western role happened on the NBC television, mini-series, starring Richard Chamberlain, called Shogun (1980). In the Seven Samurai, Mifune plays Kikuchiyo. Kikuchiyo is a complex character and if it wasn’t for Mifune, coupled with Kurosawa’s masterful ability to tell stories, without losing the audience, this character would be tough to sell. He is the one, who provides most of the comedy-relief in this film. His character is the one, that helps draw the contrast between samurai and peasant. His character can do what any of the other samurai’s can, even though he is nuts and drunk half the time. His character is the one, that produces the most mystery and the most resolve.
Akira Kurosawa was one of the pioneering directors of classic cinema, who helped build the modern day action film. If it wasn’t for him, we might not have the major blockbuster action movies, that we see today. True, the lessons learned from Kurosawa seem to be lost on today’s emotionless, plastic action films, but the influence is there and in some cases, are used in today’s films, albeit sparingly. He was able to take his characters, along with the scenes and convey through the screen, the tension and urgency felt on either side. He would show you the hero and at the same time show you the death of the bad guy. That was the emotional response, that he wanted to get from his audience. That, even though we need to see our hero in action, it was equally important to see the consequences of that hero’s actions. Death is not a silly video game and killing is a deeply personal thing. It was a way Kurosawa helped the viewer, become more a part of the whole cinematic experience. He knew back in the 1950s how things should be portrayed in film. He was a forward-thinking, visionary. He knew the only way to win over an audience was to keep them enveloped inside the tension on the screen. He knew he needed to get an emotional response from the audience or his job was not complete.
Kurosawa was a pioneer in using certain camera and editing tools, to get his point across. Sure, there were other pioneers before him, in other countries, doing these things, but he was the one to use the camera for story-telling, character development and emotional responses. His tools of the trade, especially as it applies to this film, was incorporating telephoto lenses for close-up shots, quick jump-cuts to enhance the action and slow-motion photography to enhance the consequences, of the finalities of death and killing. This film has so many messages, philosophies and lessons. It is an important film to me, because I am a huge fan of Japanese culture and history, plus it is an earthly film, because it deals with the human element and the natural world around us. There is nothing mystical about this film. There is no need for special effects or fantasy-inspired scenes. It is all real. It is all part of being human. It is part of human history, even though it is told through artistic interpretation. There is no need to be curious in the legitimacy of it. It shows the desolation and impact the horrors of the world can put onto a human being. It reminds us of how lucky we are to be living in the 21st century and not having to make deals and use unscrupulous means just to get something to eat. It shows us how far we have come as a society, when it comes to women issues, respect for the elderly, sick and poor. It is a perfect contrast between good and evil.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
The Seven Samurai (1954)
March 23rd - Akira Kurosawa b. 1910
Famed Japanese film director, Akira Kurosawa, was born on this day in 1910. He has many films that we could pick as the one for this day, but usually, which film is the first one that you think of when you hear his name? It’s the Seven Samurai (1954) and most subscribers to the film-world pick this film as the greatest film to ever come out of Japan. This film usually appears on all ‘best lists” that you can find. It shows that all men have to face, head-on, the urge to be bad. We are all born with these traits. It’s just up to you, on how you will act on that urge, as you move through this thing called life. It is up to you on how you want your destiny to look like 500 years from now.
Run Time: 207 mins
Genre: Drama, Action, Japanese
Format: Standard 4:3 Format, Black & White, Subtitled
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima and Yukiko Shimazaki
This truly is like an epic novel unfolding in front of you. The length of the film is long, but in this case the success and execution of this film comes with the patience needed to get a point across. It is pure beauty.
It is interesting watching this film, in the fact that, being a fan huge fan of the American remake, The Magnificent Seven (1960), this film helps to give a more detailed explanation of the back-story on certain characters and scenes found in The Magnificent Seven, and answers many questions that actually help make The Magnificent Seven even more enjoyable and understandable on repeat viewings. What you eventually have here is something that comes full circle. Kurosawa said that he was influenced by the American Western filmmakers of the 30s and 40s, such as John Ford. And, to have American filmmakers follow up with the Magnificent Seven, based off of the Seven Samurai, makes one think that this is the outcome that should have happened. It all comes full circle. Kurosawa was a fan of the Magnificent Seven (1960), after he saw it.
Japanese composer Akira Ifukube, who pretty much would end up being one of the most popular composers in Japanese film history, especially from a westerners point of view, because of his work with Toho Studios and the Godzilla franchise, might not have been the most famous composer if it wasn’t for another Japanese composer, named Fumio Hayasaka. Hayasaka was a great friend of Kurosawa’s and would work on a lot of his films leading up to the Seven Samurai. His haunting melodies crossed with traditional Japanese folk music was the perfect sound that Akira Kurosawa was looking for. So much so, that his music would help influence how Kurosawa made his films. It was here that Kurosawa realized that music in films should be used more as a counter-point than a complement. That music has the ability to strengthen the visual scene. It was here that Hayasaka was able to contribute to the visual style seen throughout the film. What derailed the legendary status of Hayasaka? Unfortunately, the following year, after the release of the Seven Samurai, Hayasaka was struck down by tuberculosis at the young age of 41. - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.Jurassic Park (1993), became a phenomenon, because of its director, Steven Spielberg. Also, the source material, from a novel of the same name, by Michael Crichton, is adapted to screen so well, because of the advances in CGI technology, that debuted around this time. It's also to note, that the performances of the excellent cast completely help sell the tension, fear and unknown, that the characters have to face.
The film is full of action, in-between a dazzling story about, man tampering with nature, trying to play God. It is a concept that goes all the way back to Mary Shelley. In this case, tampering with DNA, by successfully cloning dinosaurs and letting them live in the middle of a theme park. You then add in Spielberg-faithful, John Williams, majestic trumpets and you have a perfect film. This film tends to appeal to a wide range of audiences. It doesn't just, tickle the heck, out of science fiction fans. It is enjoyed by many. That is what makes it the mot special, because it is something everyone can enjoy.
Jurassic Park (1993), played a huge role in film history, as being one of the earliest films to influence the arrival of digital CGI effects. You see all the pioneers, of the modern age of effects, starting in the mid-90s. It is because of films like this, is why we now enjoy these beautiful, CGI heavy, fantasy films of today. Steven Spielberg, was already a household name by the time we got to here. This film just firmly cemented him in a place in history, where generations will know his work.
9.7 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorMel BrooksStarsGene WilderMadeline KahnMarty FeldmanAn American grandson of the infamous scientist, struggling to prove that his grandfather was not as insane as people believe, is invited to Transylvania, where he discovers the process that reanimates a dead body.For my money, this may be the greatest comedy film ever made. This is an example of how to make a great movie and a great comedy. This is absolutely one of the top 10 greatest comedies ever made. It is perfect from beginning to end. It is a laugh riot from the start. On top of the great execution of comedic lines from the likes of Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Gene Hackman, Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman, Mel Brooks took it upon himself to create a world that was a believable spoof of the classic Universal Pictures Frankenstein movies. He does this by shooting this film on the same Universal sets used by Universal, with the same gadgets and gizmos, so that it really looked like Colin Clive and Boris Karloff had morphed into Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle. It is one of the examples of why this is a masterpiece and why it shares the same place with other great comedy moments in film history. It is a beautiful piece of work and one of my favorites.
9.7 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJames StewartJohn DallFarley GrangerTwo men try to convince themselves they've committed the perfect murder by hosting a dinner party after strangling a former classmate to death.9.6 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsYul BrynnerSteve McQueenCharles BronsonSeven gunfighters are hired by Mexican peasants to liberate their village from oppressive bandits.If you are looking for a film, that has it all, when it comes to the action, drama, intensity, color and spirit, the Magnificent Seven (1960), has it all. All these great aspects are depicted with great execution in this film. The Magnificent Seven (1960), is required viewing for film-buffs. It is a film about the 19th century world and the human need to survive in it. It is an American film adaptation, based on a Japanese film masterpiece, the Seven Samurai (1954). The change found in the Magnificent Seven (1960), is the setting is in the old-west, but not in the American old-west, but in the old-west of Mexico. It is the 1960 version of what a blockbuster film would look like today. It also contains an all-star cast, who perform their roles perfectly. It arguably has one of the top ten greatest film soundtracks of all time, provided by the great film composer, Elmer Bernstein. Much like the director, John Sturges’ other famous film, the Great Escape (1963), this film intricately examines the details, on how things would occur if the situation required outlaws, teaching civilized farmers to kill. We are handed a plot, that involves outlaws coming to the rescue of a small Mexican village, that has been overrun by an even lower, unscrupulous band of outlaws. The details that develop in the film, involve training the villagers on how to fight and setting up the village in preparation for an invasion of 40 gun-slinging Mexican bandits. At the same time, trying to keep the villagers calm, on their side and the keep the momentum going during the fight.
We are introduced to a colorful array of different personalities. Yul Brynner plays Chris Larabee, the leader and organizer of the seven. Steve McQueen was cast as the playful and comedy-relief character of the film. James Coburn, plays the quiet, master of the knife. Charles Bronson, is the brooding bad-guy, who gets adopted by the children in the village. Robert Vaughn, is the civilized killer, who also has the most demons of any of the seven. Brad Dexter plays the money-loving gambler and Eli Wallach plays the antagonist bandit leader, Calvera. He is the force, that leads the bandits, as they go up against the seven. There really is only one scene in the film, that keeps it from getting a perfect rating from me, but it is still important nonetheless. In all likelihood, it probably had something to do with the way Hollywood tries to market a new star. This was the case with new “up and coming” star, Horst Buchholz, who plays our seventh outlaw, Chico. Horst was a German actor, born in Berlin, but had a striking Mexican-look to him. He was being marketed as the next James Dean, so it only made sense, that the studio wanted to push him harder and give him bigger and better roles to do.
In one of the scenes, Horst is featured as a drunk, angry young man trying to prove himself to career-outlaw, Chris (Yul Brynner). Chico is just trying to agitate Chris or get a response from him, but not intentionally trying to kill him. However, in any case, alcohol mixed with guns is a bad idea and a drunk with a gun should be stopped, but the scene seems silly, because no one else in the room moves at all or makes any attempt to stop what is happening. I would think somebody would try to subdue this drunk kid, no matter how sincere his intentions are. Chris, doesn't move an inch and neither does anyone else in the room. The reason I bring this scene to your attention, however, is it features some great framing and cinematography in the shots throughout this whole scene. It has our angry drunk youth yelling at Yul Brynner, while Brynner ignores him and turns away from him. On the other side of the shot is a terrified villager watching this unfold and tucked in perfect frame, just behind Brynner’s shoulder, is Brad Dexter’s head perfectly framed keeping an eye on the whole situation. Chico releases his anger by drunk-shooting, at point blank range, all-around Yul Brynner’s uninterested physique. It just seems forced and silly, but it is the only blemish in this film. It is not a big deal, because of the masterful filmmaking around it.
Every shot in this film is beautiful. It helps to energize every scene and gives this film the jolt it needs to bolster the mood in the entire film. The camerawork in Magnificent Seven (1960), is brilliant. The cinematography comes with an assist, from the great Director of Photography, Charles Lang. Sturges creates beautifully framed shots and action scenes. Lang was more proficient with black and white cinematography, but made it clear that he could handle Vista-Vision too. With no problem involving that technical issue, it made for a stunning, visually beautiful, epic tale of the old-west, in vibrant color. I even love the acting, dialogue and the story is great, with many lessons and philosophical thoughts throughout the film. There are some great one-liners in this film. A lot that comes from Steve McQueen and Vladimir Sokoloff, who plays the old elder of the village. The dialogue is the best part of Robert Vaughn’s character, Lee, as well. For me, campy dialogue works sometimes, especially if we are dealing with gun-slinging outlaws. Sure, legend says that Billy the Kid and Jesse James were actually pretty smart, educated, civilized guys, but the majority of outlaws back in the day probably were not the brightest lights on the range. I always felt, that the campy-dialogue helps reinforce the uncivility of the characters. The dialogue made the outlaws look dumber and thus, more believable as characters.
This film couldn’t have happened at a better time too. It was sandwiched between the old western films of the 1930s to the 1950s and the spaghetti westerns of the 1960s and 1970s. Some would say, this is the movie that bridged the gap between those two eras of western film. Magnificent Seven (1960), is definitely different than most of the old westerns, but not so gritty that it was like a spaghetti western. On top of the fact that it had the right amount of grit and color, it also happened at a moment when seven very good actors were about to become superstars. You can feel the energy coming from these guys. You can see each of them competing for screen time and executing some of their best work, just to come out on top. McQueen, Brynner, Coburn, Vaugh, Bronson and Wallach would eventually go on to be huge stars on stage, screen and television.
9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRichard DreyfussFrançois TruffautTeri GarrRoy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches.9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroRay LiottaJoe PesciThe story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.If you have not seen the film, Goodfellas (1990), yet, make it a goal to do so. Robert De Niro was already a huge heavyweight in Hollywood when this film came out. Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta would become household names, once this film was released. Martin Scorsese used his skills, as a film auteur and editor, to craft an amazing piece of Mafia crime drama. It is based on true events and characters found in the book “Wiseguy”. The film chronicles the story of Mafia associate Henry Hill JR. from the years 1955-1980.
As you see young Henry grow up from selling and moving stolen cigarettes, to his days as an FBI informant, it is not the story that totally drives the film, but the execution by director Scorsese and the actors. It is an Academy Award winner that captures the feeling of the Mafia, as well as, the period pieces that it chronicles. Even though it takes place in a recent history, it still captures a charm from the olden days, which probably owes a gratitude to the great vast Italian culture, that gives it that galvanizing, vintage appeal. It is a film with everything and a modern classic of extraordinary proportions.
9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGene HackmanMorgan FreemanRetired Old West gunslinger William Munny reluctantly takes on one last job, with the help of his old partner Ned Logan and a young man, The "Schofield Kid."This is probably one of the most realistic western movies ever made. It takes away the Hollywood action cowboy, buries the Roy Rogers cowboy and takes that new cowboy and turns him into an aging, angry killer, who you shouldn't mess with. The film tells its story and at the same time does not hold back on proving the seriousness of the content. It hits on many topics and situations that showed how bad it was in the wild west.
The cast is supreme. This film came out at a point in Clint Eastwood's career, when he just finished all the Dirty Harry movies. He moved on to the type of films that an older star should take on. He was starting to get too old for all of that running around, so he decided to explore this character, Bill Munny, a retired outlaw, who also is a widower with two kids. One day, he decides to go out of retirement, at the urging of a younger outlaw. Coupled with the fact that the money would help, he sets out, but because he is older and less involved in the outlaw business, he finds the road a little bit tougher. He eventually acquires the aid of his old friend and partner, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman).
The character that becomes the main focus of Bill and Ned, Sheriff Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman), is the sheriff of the town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming. A man, who is wreaking havoc in the area, turning his head at crime in his own town and he seems to have some kind of connection to the troubles stirred up in the rest of the plot. It's Hackman's performance that really brings out the brutality of everything going on in the film. It was so convincingly good that he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this film.
Rounding out the cast is Richard Harris as English Bob. A rich bureaucratic, kind-of-guy, who is also good with a gun, who also fractured some laws when he was younger and has had dealings with Sheriff Daggett in the past. Richard Harris doesn't disappoint when the two finally meet. It is pure brutality.
One other major component also found in the film, is its attack on the abuse of women. An issue that is still a problem today, but is ten-folded when we speak of the wild west. The spark that unites all the other components of the film revolves around an attack on a female prostitute. In her anger she decides to hire Bill and Ned to hunt down the outlaws, who attacked her and slashed her face.
This film is pure, gritty, old west style, not seen before, but with a modern twist. It has fun with the positive things that made westerns great in the past 90 years, but throws in that much needed reality. It is the definitive western that helped mature its transition from old Hollywood.
9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsKevin CostnerSean ConneryRobert De NiroDuring Prohibition, Treasury agent Eliot Ness sets out to stop ruthless Chicago gangster Al Capone, and assembles a small, incorruptible team to help him.The year 1987 was a highly competitive and productively, busy year in the motion picture industry. You should see all the titles, that came out that year. It is an incredible list of films. This one is at the top of that list. This biopic, crime-drama is the story of Al Capone (Robert DeNiro) and Elliot Ness (Kevin Cosner), as they wage their Prohibition war against each other, in 1920s Chicago. Ness needs help competing with the corrupt police force, at his disposal, so he gets help from a semi-retired, Irish, beat cop, named Malone (Sean Connery). They form a team (with Andy Garcia as George Stone and Charles Martin Smith as Oscar Wallace), name themselves the Untouchables and learn, that not only do they have to fight Al Capone, but they also have to fight the politically, corrupted, Hell-hole, known as Prohibition Chicago. We are transported back to the 1920s.
It is a fascinating film to see in the 21st century. The controversial idea of Prohibition, attitudes towards alcohol and different ideas, involving the role of law enforcement, are much different in the 21st century. This film offers a cinematic recreation of a period in our history, from 100 years ago, albeit with the Hollywood punch. Things are so different in our world today, that while you watch this film unfold, these 100 year old ideas, create an interesting, blurring of the lines, between good and bad. It creates a new dimension to this film. It allows you to look at it from many different angles. The Untouchables (1987), may well be one of the greatest gangster movies ever made. It is definitely one of De Palma's best. Director Brian DePalma weaves a great story around a time in our history, that has become more like folklore, than history, from a 21st century standpoint.
The cinematography, editing, pacing, intensity, along with the riveting soundtrack by legendary film composer, Ennio Morricone, make this a heart pounding, action thriller, with a little taste of history thrown in too. Robert DeNiro makes you speechless, with his performance. Sean Connery is his normal greatness in this film. When this film was released in 1987, I got the pleasure of seeing it in the theaters, during its original release. After I saw the film, for weeks and weeks, all I read about or heard about, was how much everyone loved Sean Connery in this film. He deserves the credit too, because he would go on and win the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, the following year, at the Academy Awards. This film also made Kevin Cosner's star soar from this point. He was already on the rise, but after this film, he became a major Hollywood hero, because of his portrayal of Elliot Ness.
The Untouchables (1987), places you right into Prohibition-era Chicago. It rolls out the plot with a high amount of energy and gives you a cast, that does not insult you, with actors, just doing their jobs. The cast puts everything they have into it. DeNiro will not disappoint those, who haven't seen the film yet. This film is a brilliant piece of work, which Brian DePalma has done many times before. You are transported to a place, time and history, that happened a century ago. It puts you at the crime scene, completely with action-packed moments, dramatic character development and the serious intensity of blood-soaked violence. You love the good guys and you love to hate the bad-guys, is the ultimate reward when watching a piece of work like this. Whenever anyone mentions this film in conversation, the first thing I think of is Ennio Morricone pulse-pounding soundtrack. This film is excellent.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.It was no small secret, that the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU's), whole intention of making an Iron Man film in 2008, would eventually lead to a film about The Avengers, which, interestingly enough, was the same evolution, that happened in the original comics in the 1960s. Sure, Spiderman had his own thing, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four had their own thing, but Stan Lee and his group needed to figure out what to do with the rest of Marvel's early original characters. Beginning in 1961, after the release of the first Fantastic Four comics, through the early 60s, eventually, popular titles, like The Incredible Hulk and Captain America had their own growing pains, mostly related to bad sales at the newsstands, plus reworking of titles or experimentation with other supporting characters. This even happened with Thor. The sales on his comic book were up and down too.
In fact, Thor and the Hulk didn't even have their own named titles by the time the Avengers comics debuted in 1963. The Hulk's series ended with issue #6 and after bouncing around, guest starring in other titles, along with a brief time with the Avengers, he moved into the comic series Tales to Astonish in 1964. Astonish came with smaller stories for the Hulk, so he could share the book with Antman/Giant Man or Namor, the Submariner later on. In regards to Thor, he started right off the bat in the comic series Journey Into Mystery. He wouldn't get his own named title until 1966. Captain America would end up returning to comics by 1964. He debuted in the fourth Avengers issue. He wouldn't get his own named title until 1968. To solve some of these problems with the single characters, Marvel Comics decided it was time to bring these characters together into one title.
So, just like the comics themselves, the MCU set forth with a plan for the film franchises, which started with 2008's Iron Man, starring Robert Downey JR. The films that followed featured the Hulk (Ed Norton and for this film, Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain America (Chris Evans). In the Avengers (2012), they bring the heroes together and add in the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson, who debuted in the second Iron Man in 2010) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner, who has a cameo in Thor (2011). There was no Antman or the Wasp yet in the MCU. It was too bad too, because they actually were original founding members of the Avengers in the comics. Along with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), an incredibly pieced together film is given to us by director, Joss Whedon. There are various other subplots going on throughout the film. The dialogue is believable, with many nice highlights for comic fans. It is a near perfect film, which also explains why it appealed to the average filmgoer. It is a perfect representation of what a comic book would look like if it came alive on film. In my estimation, it could be the best comic book film ever, even though there have been many contenders since 2012.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorBrian G. HuttonStarsClint EastwoodTelly SavalasDon RicklesA group of U.S. soldiers sneaks across enemy lines in WWII France to get their hands on a secret stash of Nazi treasure.Clint Eastwood began drifting away from the westerns, that made him famous, near the end of the 1960s. He was expanding his roles and began tackling dramas, modern-crime, comedy and even a musical (Paint Your Wagon (1969). Eventually, this role experimentation would lead to Clint classics like, Play Misty For Me (1971) and Dirty Harry (1971). He also tried out some war films. This film, being, one of his earliest greats, is a fictitious story, that utilizes aspects from real-life events, in this case, WW2. It follows a similar idea, that is seen in a more modern film, Three Kings (1999), involving the search for a lost treasure of some kind, that is behind enemy lines, has no strings attached for tracking and is ripe for the taking.
While interrogating a German prisoner, Lieutenant Kelly (Clint Eastwood), stumbles upon the discovery of a captured stash of gold, hidden in a bank, behind enemy lines. He starts putting together a small squad to go to the town, which houses the bank. Interesting characters, like Big Joe (Telly Savalas), Oddball (Donald Sutherland) and Crapgame (Don Rickles), who have resources Kelly needs, join in on the search and also a cut from, the 16 million dollars worth of gold. Oddball has three tanks. Crapgame has the connections and Big Joe has the toughness, needed to get them out alive. While on their adventure, they unwittingly clear a path, that Allied forces have been trying to break through for months, much to the delight of commanding General Colt (Carroll O'Connor). Colt, who has no idea about the gold, starts moving his forces into the area, thinking these great soldiers are changing the course of the war. From there the entertainment and thrills begin.
The film takes place in the 1940s, but it has a totally 70s feel to it. None is more evident than, the character of Oddball, who is completely an incarnation of a 1970, grass-smoking, hippie tank chief, who barks like a dog and dreams of positive vibes in a beautiful world. Also, powering along the 70s vibes, is the main theme song for the film. "Burning Bridges" from the Mike Curb Congregation and the film's music composer, Lalo Schifrin. The theme totally expresses a 1970s vibe, reminding you of when it was made, but because it is a WW2 film, it doesn't date the film at all. It is a film that works in any era. Lalo Schifrin is also notable for being the composer on many other films, including a bunch of Clint Eastwood films. He is a legend in the business and this soundtrack is like gold.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSergio LeoneStarsClint EastwoodEli WallachLee Van CleefA bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.Let's backtrack for a minute here. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (GBU), is the most famous of the Spaghetti Westerns, however, the Spaghetti Western was around a little bit before the release of GBU. The term basically describes Western films, based on American history, that were made in Europe, most notably Italy and Spain. Some also were made in Mexico and they all came out in the theaters in the 60s & 70s. It is actually a critical term that American critics coined in the 60s, making fun of these films, because America was so used to the TV westerns that filled the airwaves. But, as time moved forward, the term became acceptable, as well as, the movies themselves. It turned into a positive term, because these films were really good, but a little too different for some. These films now have achieved critical acclaim today, long after their release.
GBU is the third film in a series known as "The Man with No Name" trilogy, directed by legendary, Italian film director, Sergio Leone. The musical score was done by master film composer, Ennio Morricone. He would later go on to do the score for Brian De Palma's Untouchables (1987), another great movie and favorite of mine.
GBU is that classic story about three completely different guys, the good one (Clint), the bad one (Van Cleef) and the ugly one (Wallach). It has a wonderful collection of colorful, interesting supporting characters that help propel this film to its exciting end. Its so well, craftily done that you don't even notice the basic, simple plot of three outlaws, in the ultimate struggle to see, who can find the gold from a heist that was hidden away. This also helps to bring forward the time period that the film wants to establish, being as the gold was stolen from a Confederate stash during the Civil War. Eastwood and Wallach's characters get intertwined with each other, while Van Cleef's, Angel Eyes, always is looking for an opportunity to kill them both. It's a great story.
Eli Wallach almost killed himself a couple times in this film. Issues with stunts and poor safety measures almost did some of the work for Angel Eyes. Eli Wallach is brilliant and funny in this film too. This is Clint Eastwood at his best. Clint's character also influenced Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), in Back to the Future III (1990). Having mixed language-speaking actors also complicated matters. Eastwood, Van Cleef and Wallach all spoke English, but most of the rest of the cast was Italian or Spanish, hence the need for dubbing. Sergio Leone spoke hardly any English, so he and Wallach communicated by speaking French to each other and the others had interpreters.
Charles Bronson was originally chosen to be in Lee Van Cleef's "Bad" roll, but declined to be in the film. There is no dialogue in the first eleven minutes of the film, but who cares. GBU's strongest link is its dreamy-like imagery mixed in with amazing, mesmerizing music. This is what film is all about and this is the definitive Western.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorDavid LeanStarsWilliam HoldenAlec GuinnessJack HawkinsBritish POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors in occupied Burma, not knowing that the allied forces are planning a daring commando raid through the jungle to destroy it.Long before Obi-Wan Kenobi, Alec Guinness had a busy career in the late-1940s and 1950s. Twenty years before Star Wars (1977), he was cast in this WW2 action, drama, which was a fictitious story, based off of a novel, that used elements from a real-life WW2 event. When the Japanese invaded Thailand in 1941, one day after Pearl Harbor, it allowed them to invade Burma the following year. But, this caused them to have supply chain issues, because of the vast expand of water they needed to travel on, to go back around the continent. They decided they would need to add a railway and construct a bridge, that would really help speed up the supply chain. In history the railroad would eventually become the Burma Railway.
So, that is the real-life part to this equation. It is an interesting part of WW2 history, especially from an American point of view, because this was one of those areas of the war, that affected the British more. It wasn't a part if the war, that the Americans were involved with much. This is actually a story about the British verses the Japanese. This is what brings Alec Guinness into the fold. He plays the British commander, Colonel Nicholson. It is he, who is the focal point of how everything moves forward in the film. After constant mistreatment from the Japanese and a brutal exile to solitary confinement, he manages to strike a deal with the Japanese leader, Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa), to finish building the bridge the Japanese want to use for their new railroad.
There is, however, an American presence in the film. It comes from a US naval officer, played rather coolly by William Holden, named Commander Shears. His time at the prison has been a brutal one, but we can tell, that he is a special variety of survivor. Also, he is the only American in camp, which allows the script-writers to, sort of, pull him away from the bigger story involving the British and the Japanese. He escapes, is injured, nursed back to health and reaches a British outpost. He thinks he has left behind him the prison camp part of his life. Guess what? Sometimes when making a film, less is more. In an attempt to show the awful, barren, hot, jungle, wasteland that these men are in, the art direction was fairly light for this film, which is good. By keeping it simple, it shows how awful the conditions are. You need to make sure that the suffering is felt from the screen, in order to get the best out of the performances. This is definitely some of Alec Guinness' best work, so much so, that he won the Best Actor Oscar for this film.
Gifted director, David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia (1962), who has done a bunch of films with Alec Guinness, gives us a story, that focuses on the psychological side of prison-camp life, as much as, the physical toll it takes on a human being. The main story, revolving around the railroad, is laid out nicely for the audience to follow. The informational explanations, about the construction and modifications for the bridge, are plot points that really help the pace of this 161 minute epic. It is interesting how the British approach the situation. Meanwhile, William Holden is off doing his thing. Bridge on the River Kwai (1952), is a very good, methodically exciting classic film. It won the Best Picture Oscar in 1953. It has a clever soundtrack by Malcolm Arnold, which is one for the ages.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorCarol ReedStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenAlida ValliPulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime.9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorRobert AltmanStarsDonald SutherlandElliott GouldTom SkerrittThe staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and high jinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war.When you mention the original theatrical film MASH (1970), sometimes people get confused and think it's part of the famed television series, of the same name, that aired on the CBS television network from 1972-1983. Sure, both had the same characters, took place during the Korean War and even sported the same MASH unit number of the 4077th, but the TV show really was just inspired by the movie, more than anything else. There even was a carry-over actor, from the film to the television series, with Gary Burghoff returning as Radar O'Reilly, but comparing the film to the TV show, doesn't totally work. They really are different animals when you think about it. The TV show, which is one of the best ever (it's my favorite TV sitcom of all time), was limited by the TV censors of the time, while the theatrical film had the luxury of being one of the first films to enjoy the newly formed MPAA rating system. So, the film was able to take advantage of the new R-rated movie tag and was able to test the limits of mature subject matter, that helped the success of the film. That meant more blood, moments of nudity, tougher language and the dark comedy, that couldn't be done on television.
Director Robert Altman, takes the job of assembling this comedy, which takes place during the Korean War. We also must remember, that the war ended, just a mere 17 years before the release of this film. In the same year that Patton (1970) and Kelly's Heroes (1970), came out, Altman wanted to give the audience a different approach to the genre of the war film. Along with screenwriter Ring Lardner Jr. and based off the book "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors" by Richard Hooker, Altman creates a comedy, not seen before in film history. It does what most R-rated comedy films, of the 1970s did, by taking a situation and testing the MPAA's limits, with a more brutal, sexy, degenerately, violent approach, in order to attract an audience over the age of 17. Real cinephiles can watch movies with any rating applied to them. You need to be able to watch a G-rated film, as much as, an R-rated film, in order to enjoy the art of film fully. The R-rated tag for this film, as seen from a 21st century perspective, is now just a frame of reference for its place in film history.
Getting back to this film, the serious side to it is the fact that, the characters in this film work at a MASH unit in Korea, during the Korean War (1950-1953). The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital was first established during the Korean War, so it was a good topic for the writers to tackle. The film surrounds the exploits of the doctors and nurses serving at the MASH. Taking the lead roles are Donald Sutherland as Hawkeye Pierce, Elliot Gould as Trapper John McIntyre and Tom Skerritt as Duke Forrest (a character that never appeared on the TV show). They are brought in as surgeons under the command of Colonel Henry Blake (Roger Bowen). They quickly become the ire of Major Frank Burns (Robert Duvall) and Major Margaret O'Houlihan (Sally Kellerman), known to the camp as, Hot Lips O'Houlihan (the TV show had her name just as Houlihan). In-between all the military shenanigans, fifteen hours standing in blood soaked OR (operating rooms) and trying to avoid being killed in a war thousands of miles from home, the film tells the story of how they cope with the whole situation.
However, this film was a comedy first and foremost. It just happened to take place during the war. In fact, the script for this dark comedy, that used, such a serious setting, won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. They utilize the serious side so well, that the comedy doesn't reduce the message that is in the subplot. That message being, that war is hell. One of the most interesting techniques, that Altman used in making this film, was the use of wild-sound audio recorded along with all the sequences. He shoots his scenes, by allowing the noisiness of the OR to over-shadow the dialogue sometimes. It helps emphasize the chaos, as the doctors do their best to save the soldiers brought in by helicopters. The helicopters are another noise, that sometimes takes over the scene. It is a technique that drives up the reality factor, even with the comedy popping in throughout.
The television show had set up a soundstage of the camp and also had a camp set up outside in northern California, which allowed them to shoot their scenes inside the tents easier, so that the audio was more crisper for television. Altman had the same setup (shot in the same parts of northern California), but he chose to shoot many of his scenes from outside the tents, giving the viewer a, fly-on-the-wall, viewpoint of what transpires in the scene. It is a form of cinematic voyeurism. None of this is more evident, but in the scene when Hawkeye and Trapper, help the camp dentist, Captain 'Painless' Waldowski (John Schuck), try to commit suicide, after he comes to the revelation that his sex drive has died. The entire scene is shot from outside the tent.
The film takes a different turn into another direction, in the last 20 minutes. After all the MASH stories are told, the plot turns completely towards comedy, as the men of the 4077th take part in a football game (very Longest Yard (1974), against the 325th Evac for a $5000 bet. The 325th Evac team is coached by Henry's boss General Hammond (played by G. Wood, who also came back for the TV show, as General Hammond, but just for 3 episodes of the first season). It is a wonderful final act for the film. MASH (1970), is a fantastic film, that uses its source material as a way to express unconventional dark comedy, making fun of a serious subject. It is no wonder it was nominated for five Oscars and the TV show was one of the most successful TV shows in history.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorDavid LeanStarsPeter O'TooleAlec GuinnessAnthony QuinnThe story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.Director, David Lean does something incredible with this film. First off, he kills off the main character right at the beginning of the film. He then, through three and a half hours worth of flashbacks, tells the epic story of the rise of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), in the deserts of Arabia. This is a historical biopic of sorts, based off of the book, that Lawrence had written before his death. The film then goes back to the days of WWI. The British need help against the Turks and the Ottoman Empire, during the Middle East theatre of WWI, so Lawrence is sent to Arabia in order to create an allegiance with the Arabs, by assisting them with their fight against the Turks, thus opening up shipping lanes for the British and French to Syria.
As Lawrence begins to tally up victories, survive life threatening situations and makes himself the leader of men, he begins to really believe he is the chosen one. His success was going to his head. Before the madness could take over, he successfully captures the port city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. This opens up things for the British and French, thus sealing his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. This also sets up the fight through the rest of the war, his return to Britain, and the successes and tragedy of his post-war life. Along this epic journey, he meets a wide array of classically great actors, who give this film their all.
Sir Alec Guinness plays Prince Faisal, who is key to the alliance between the British and the Arabs. Anthony Quinn is Auda Abu Tayi, the man who aligns himself with Lawrence, but really is just in this for his own pound of flesh. The most brilliant performance, I felt, was from Claude Rains as Mr. Dryden. Rains' character was fictionalized, but contained a mix of many of the real-life people that Lawrence met during this time. In other words, there were so many influential people, who took part in this piece of history, that even three and a half hours of film couldn't cover it all. They blended some of the contributing figures into one person for time and plot sake.
David Lean uses the widescreen space beautifully in this film. Lawrence of Arabia (1962), was that film that explained why wide-screen was invented. When you see this on the big screen it is almost like you are there in the desert. It works even when you watch it on your flat screen tv at home. The vastness, barren wasteland of the desert presents itself as the true god of the film. It is the desert that is the biggest enemy of any soldier there. This is a brilliant film to watch and it is no surprise it is hailed as one of the best ever.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsCharlton HestonRoddy McDowallKim HunterAn astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet where highly intelligent non-human ape species are dominant and humans are enslaved.Based on the French novel "La Planète des Singes", published in 1963 by Pierre Boulle, this would be the first ever film adaptation, released just a mere five years after the book was published. The idea behind the Planet of the Apes takes a lot of its inspiration from concepts like, space travel, time travel, evolution of the human species, as well as, the simian species. It parallels a lot of the social, economic and cultural issues affecting society in the 1960s, such as war, racism and political feelings of the day. The cast is led by one of the biggest stars of the day, Charlton Heston as Taylor. It is such a good film that you don't even notice the make-up effects, even today. The film is over 50 years old now and probably wouldn't be as good as it is if it hadn't been produced in 1968. It fits in with its 1968 background beautifully. The make-up effects are state of the art at this point in film history. There was no CGI. There wasn't even computers yet really. It all had to be done with physical effects and hand-made prosthetics. It is that physicality that gives Planet of the Apes (1968) its fantastic charm. I bet it was a very exciting experience for a movie-goer to see this film on the big screen in 1968. It probably blew their mind.
The film creates many interesting, philosophical ideas and entertains the viewer all the way through. Director Franklin J. Schaffner, crafts a clean, well-constructed masterpiece, which just happens to contain many iconic moments. The charm of the make-up prosthetics comes from the chimpanzee scientists, who also exhume compassion towards their captive human pets. They are portrayed by Roddy McDowall as Cornelius and Kim Hunter as Zira. It is their presence that helps bring some sanity into Taylor's situation. They allow us to take a breath in between the chaos that the apes bring to the plotline. Also on tap is Maurice Evans as Dr. Zaius. It is his character that bridges the gap between the angry apes and the compassionate chimpanzees. He has to be like an anti-hero in the film. He has no real care for the humans, but allows his scientists to do their work, so long as they don't untap too many hidden secrets. You can't fault him for that, because he is just protecting his people, but his methods make him look like a jerk, especially from a human's viewpoint.
Amidst all the chaos going on throughout the film, mixed with the action, is a very cerebral storyline. It always keeps you thinking about what is unfolding from the plot. Right off the bat, during the opening crash-landing sequence, our mind is racing with Taylor's, as he tries to escape the ship, while noticing on a digital clock how many years they have been away from planet Earth. For the next couple of scenes you are trying to grasp the situation, that these guys are really in. Before things start to really get rough for Taylor, he explains things to us and his two fellow, stranded astronauts, what they have really left behind on Earth. It is a lonely concept. Why would someone take a mission like this. As the film moves onto Ape City, for the rest of the movie, you are trying to figure out how a planet has apes, who evolved from humans. It is a completely backwards idea from what we are used to. For those of the few, who don't know how the film ends, you will be shocked. I have seen this movie over 20 times and the story still thrills me.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsCillian MurphyEmily BluntMatt DamonThe story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.Directing great, Christopher Nolan, is back with his vision, of how the events of the Manhattan Project, resulted in the creation of the atom bomb. Nolan film alumnus, Cillian Murphy, plays the titular character in this film, J. Robert Oppenheimer. This film has a great cast in it, which incudes Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves. It is a role originally done by Paul Newman, in the slightly criticized, but still worthy motion picture, about those events, in Fat Man and Little Boy (1989). Oppenheimer (2023), also utilizes the great acting prowess of Iron Man, Robert Downey JR., as Lewis Strauss. Nolan film alumnus, Gary Oldman, gives another brilliant performance as Harry S. Truman.
This film is riveting, stunning, mesmerizing, stressful in some ways and edited together, with a brilliant pace. Its massive three hour runtime moves along just fine. The way Nolan intercuts images, like the mushroom cloud, at pivotal moments of the film, in-between the scenes documenting Oppenheimer's life and the events at the Manhattan Project, is one of the best editing jobs I've ever seen in 21st century cinema. Nolan also shows his prowess, with audio tricks, that help emphasize the images and emotions, coming across the screen. And, speaking about audio, the music soundtrack is perfect for this film. You would think, that Nolan film alumnus, music composer, Hans Zimmer was involved with this film, but he was not. Equally brilliant film composer, Ludwig Göransson does the soundtrack for this film and it is beautiful. This was a memorable three hours at the movie theater. What an epic.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSam MendesStarsKevin SpaceyAnnette BeningThora BirchA sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.In an interesting shout-out to Sunset Boulevard (1950), you, the audience, already know the fate of the main character, Lester Burnham, played wonderfully by Kevin Spacey, as soon as the beginning credits of, American Beauty (1999), are over. This is an excellent film. The best film from 1999. It is well worth, the Best Picture Oscar, it won from the Academy that year. The plot of the film is a great exploration of life and the hang-ups, that accompany life into old age. Lester is a clown, who is 43, but a person, we can all relate to, especially if you are well into middle-age. Many taboos are covered in American Beauty (1999) and may be difficult for some sensitive viewers to watch.
Sensitive issues are covered, like voyeurism, that is practiced by the boyfriend of Lester's daughter, Jane (Thora Birch). Then, a relationship begins to develop between Lester and a young, out-going, 17-year old girl, named Angela (Mena Suvari). Angela is a friend of Jane's from school. There also are moments, that explore homosexuality, which changes the direction of the film, at the most unlikely time. It is a crazy script, that explores the human personae, in all of its forms. Chris Cooper plays a tormented father, known as Colonel Fitts, who has no real idea, who he really is. His flirtations with his sexuality and his faith, has driven him to a boiling point. American Beauty (1999), is a great examination of the consequences, resulting from, the misinterpretation of different feelings. It is an excellent commentary on the mid-life-crisis phenomenon, that all of us have. American Beauty (1999), also travels along, with its tough, mature, sensitive story, with a wonderful music soundtrack.
9.4 (A) = 9 IMDB - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonMarty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.Some movies manage to capture a generation of audiences, to the point that, it garners much love from new audiences, throughout the decades, since its initial release in theaters. It appeals to younger people, as well as, the older crowd too. It becomes part of the pop culture landscape. These films work like a tradition to many. The list is ever-growing. It consists of titles, like the Wizard of Oz (1939), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and this film, Back to the Future (1985). These are films, that survive the changing of times. They are ageless. That's because they appeal to a large group of different sectors of the audiences. Most everyone can quote a line, recognize an image in the film or they have some kind of a connecting memory to the film, like a date or something. Director, Robert Zemeckis strikes gold with this one. It also is interesting and funny to note, how much of an impact Back to the Future (1985), has had on the debate about time travel. A pop-culture influence, that was energized 34 years later in Avengers: End Game (2019).
As everyone knows, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), finds himself sent back in time to 1955, by his scientist buddy, Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Marty enlists the aid of Doc's 1955 self to aid him in returning to the future. A hilarious, smart, adventure, fantasy film unfolds from there. Fox and Lloyd were born to be Marty and Doc. The supporting cast does an excellent job also. The trick in this film, that helps with the suspense, is the plot idea, that Marty must not do anything, that will effect the future. Of course, that is an impossible task, that makes this adventure, one of the most cherished films ever.
9.3 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMartin SheenMarlon BrandoRobert DuvallA U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam is tasked with assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel who sees himself as a god.This film is one of the most fantastic war films ever made. The nightmarish scenes, that director Francis Ford Coppola created, are some of the best ever filmed. Add in the riveting, freaky soundtrack by Francis and his father Carmine Coppola and it is a drug-induced entry into the darkness of war from there. All of these factors help enhance the brutal situation that Martin Sheen finds himself, in Apocalypse Now (1979). A tired, drunk, American military officer, Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Sheen), stationed in Vietnam, has to go on a mission to kill a highly decorated officer, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has lost his mind and gone rogue. He is in this condition obviously due to effects from the war. Willard is escorted on his mission to Cambodia by a group of wet-behind-the-ears soldiers on a small river boat. They also run into a lunatic helicopter officer, Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore (Robert Duvall), who loves to surf the Vietnam beaches. Before I go further, I also should mention, that I have seen the original, 147 minute, theatrical version of this film many times, however for this review I watched Coppola's 2001, 202 minute long, Apocalypse Now Redux.
The use of slow-motion photography, editing and atmospherically generated imagery is uncanny. The utilization of different colors and the use of audio is brilliant. Willard makes his way down the nightmarish Nung River, to locate Kurtz and runs into a nutty photographer (Dennis Hopper), who also has lost his mind. The natives of the area think of Kurtz as something, much like a god. Willard must then figure out what he should or should not do in deciding Kurtz' fate. There is not a single actor, seen with a flaw, in the film. The film does slow down near the end a little, but it really does not take away from the film's overall, brilliant impact. You must see this film in order to see the greatness of Francis Ford Coppola. You also must remember, that Coppola went through his own personal nightmare, while making this film (see Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (1991). That nightmare is seen as the mood of the film. That mood reflects off the screen Coppola's feelings, which are mixed in with the plight of the characters, making the film perfectly descriptive of the nightmare of war. You also should read up on what Martin Sheen sacrificed for this role. It truly is a film of epic processes in filmmaking.
9.3 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorFrank CapraStarsCary GrantPriscilla LaneRaymond MasseyA Brooklyn writer of books on the futility of marriage risks his reputation after he decides to tie the knot. Things get even more complicated when he learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are habitual murderers.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.Before the release of Star Wars (1977], in the theaters, it still had to go through the same steps as any other movie. It too was considered a one shot deal, just like any other movie. It too, like every other film, had to pass the big test at the box office first, before anything else could happen. As everyone knows, this George Lucas directed film, was a huge box office smash, becoming the highest grossing movie of all time. It still held the record in 1980, thus giving the green-light for Lucas to develop a trilogy of films. What makes Empire Strikes Back (1980), so good, is the fact that, the film is one of those bridge-films. It bridges the gap from the first film to the third film. Some number two films in a trilogy, are susceptible to taxing pacing, caused by the need to be a set-up for the big finale in the third film. If done correctly, the film can be a successful bridge-film, while still completing its goal of being an exciting entry in the trilogy. This film accomplishes the goal of being an exciting adventure, full of maturing characters and it comes with a more darker side to it. It also successfully bridges the gap to the third film, Return of the Jedi (1983). It creates major implications for the main cast of characters. It is a cliff-hanger of a story.
George Lucas stepped aside as the director for this film, for director Irvin Kershner. Kershner creates a slick, exciting, action-packed adventure, full of dazzle, flare and artistry. It has one of the most incredible soundtracks ever, thanks to legendary composer John Williams. It is pure pleasure watching this film. It is the stuff of legends now. It is still hailed as being the best Star Wars movie ever. The film starts with the main cast together, but splits them up into two stories, that carries the film to the end, eventually bringing them together again, but with a price. The first sub-plot involves Luke (Mark Hamill), meeting the Muppet-like, Jedi master, Yoda (Frank Oz), who begins training Luke to be a Jedi. The other sub-plot involves Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), being chased by Darth Vader (Peter Mayhew/James Earl Jones) and enlisting the aid of Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), the leader of Cloud City. The stage is set for one of the biggest cliff-hangers in film history.
9.3 (A Mygrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSam PeckinpahStarsWilliam HoldenErnest BorgnineRobert RyanAn aging group of outlaws look for one last big score as the "traditional" American West is disappearing around them.The Germany and Mexico alliance is touched on (1919? maybe), Sam Peckinpah, Intersplicing credits with children playing with ants and scorpions. Then the kids burn them alive once the opening battle is over and the bad guys ride away. Shows death and carnage from the start. Children seem to pop up at the end of every serious scene, either violent or with sex scenes. It shows the contrast between evil and innocent. It has quick edits for action scenes. Slow motion for death scenes/shots. Many quick edits only 1 second long. No color produces more emotions than red. Peckinpah uses it among a brown/grey backdrop. Of course it emphasizes the violence of the old west.
- DirectorKen AnnakinAndrew MartonGerd OswaldStarsJohn WayneRobert RyanRichard BurtonThe events of D-Day, told on a grand scale from both the Allied and German points of view.Three directors, Ken Annakin (Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965), Andrew Marton (Thin Red Line (1964) and Bernhard Wicki (Morituri (1965), combined their directing skills for this detailed depiction of the D-day invasion. The three directors' resumes are not as great as you would think, but when they combined their skills together for this epic, they made an incredible film. Based on Cornelius Ryan's book, who also wrote the screenplay, this film gathers a stellar, all-star cast, headlined by John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. The combined strengths of the filmmakers, actors and crew, created a major motion picture, that is a delight to see. The film depicts many moments of the battle, that many audience members may not know about. They headline the importance of the para-trooper attacks inland, as being just as important as the invasion itself, on the beaches of Normandy.
By the time the 1960s had rolled around, black and white film was still being used as an acceptable alternative to color film. However, it was quite clear, that black and white film was entering into its twilight years. By the mid-1970s, color film was king and black and white film was considered part of the old, classic, Hollywood style of movies. Getting back to the 1960s, being as, the end of WW2 was approaching the 20 year mark, many filmmakers decided to still use black and white film for war pictures. Black and white film gave the movie, that old-style look. Film was also still being used for consumer home movies. Video was still almost 20 years away, so your consumer brand home movies were all still being shot on film too. Being as the new medium of television was broadcasting the Vietnam War in color, all across America, the choice to use black and white helped enhance the nostalgic, old-school depiction of your "grandfather's war", just like your old home movies did. It was an excellent choice shooting this film in black and white. Director Otto Preminger would do it three years later in the WW2 film, In Harm's Way (1965), which interestingly enough, is another John Wayne war movie.
The Longest Day (1962), has some of the most incredible WW2 action scenes ever shot in a movie. They would set up these brilliantly, choreographed, panning shots of fights going on between soldiers, bombs exploding, chaos everywhere, while trucking the camera along for blocks and blocks through these old French towns (yes, it was shot in France). The film explores the wide-screen space beautifully. It is the stuff of legends when talking about this movie. When you watch this movie, one of the most enjoyable parts of it is seeing how many of the actors you can name, that pop up in the film. I am not going to go through any of that. It would ruin the fun for others who haven't seen the film yet. The attention to detail in the film is evident. They even have testimonial and creative consultations from the German's who fought on that day. It definitely is a film, that needs to be seen, plus its impact on back and white film came to the forefront in 1962 and wouldn't be in the limelight again, until Steven Spielberg used it for Schindler's List (1993), 30 years later.
9.3 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsDustin HoffmanTom CruiseValeria GolinoAfter a selfish L.A. yuppie learns his estranged father left a fortune to an autistic-savant brother in Ohio that he didn't know existed, he absconds with his brother and sets out across the country, hoping to gain a larger inheritance.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartKatharine HepburnRobert MorleyIn WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.
- DirectorHarold RamisStarsChevy ChaseRodney DangerfieldBill MurrayAn exclusive golf course has to deal with a flatulent new member and a destructive dancing gopher.
- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsChris HemsworthTom HiddlestonCate BlanchettImprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsPaul ReubensElizabeth DailyMark HoltonWhen eccentric man-child Pee-wee Herman gets his beloved bike stolen in broad daylight, he sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.The Marvel Cinematic Universe came to an eleven year, semi-conclusion, with this extraordinary film. It concluded a 23 film saga, rich with Marvel characters and stories, that culminated into an amazing franchise plot arc. Marvel hasn't missed a beat during this whole run and even though, we kind of, anticipated that, eventually, they would cross everybody over into one big, giant Avengers film, it still amazed a very satisfied public. It made the fans happy. It made the average, every-day, audience happy. It also was the highest grossing movie of all time, for a little bit. It was, hopefully not, a wonderful swan song for some as well.
The Russo brothers had been spearheading the direction of the franchise's plot arcs, during this later half of the franchise run, with Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). After setting up the big finale in the later film, everyone in the world wanted to know what happened after Thanos (Josh Brolin), snapped his fingers. The MCU had an appeal with audiences across the board. They were smart to mix up the movies, in a way, that they can attract certain sectors of the audience into the fold, in order to get everyone excited for this grand finale.
This brings us to the final endgame and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance. Three weeks after the events of Infinity War, our heroes are still searching for Thanos, in the weeks since he did the snap and the great vanishing happened. Thanos wanted to eliminate half of life in the universe, in order to create a better balance for its stretched resources, but like all bad guys, he did it the wrong way. Enter the remaining Earth's finest heroes, who find Thanos, thanks to Rocket Racoon's (Bradley Cooper), knowledge of technology, but the attack on Thanos is futile. Since there is no way to fix things, the Avengers go back home to lick their wounds and wonder what will come next.
Five years go by, the still-remaining Avengers stumble across an idea to go back in time and retrieve the infinity stones. By doing this, they are able to change the course of history before Thanos gets a chance to snap his fingers. A lot has changed in five years. The current stage of life on Earth is rocky at best. Things are not good. This plot direction allows the Russos to give the audience a wide array of interesting character developments that happen to our heroes. The lives of characters like, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey JR.) are playfully, but creatively entertaining and thought-provoking. The character development in this film is done quite well.
The Russos piece together a tale that is perfect for the comic book fan, as well as, the general audience. Every character in the MCU gets a fair shake at making an impact in the overall plot. Every actor has their moment to shine. The villains have their moments too. The story is perfectly crafted to work as a major motion picture of heroic proportions. The film has a cool prologue, is set up in three nicely packaged parts and has a history making epilogue. They had the right story, based off of the original source material that made this enjoyable for audiences everywhere.
9.3 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorLeo McCareyStarsGroucho MarxHarpo MarxChico MarxRufus T. Firefly is named the dictator of bankrupt Freedonia and declares war on neighboring Sylvania over the love of his wealthy backer Mrs. Teasdale, contending with two inept spies who can't seem to keep straight which side they're on.9.3 (A) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsCraig WassonMelanie GriffithGregg HenryA young actor's obsession with spying on a beautiful woman who lives nearby leads to a baffling series of events with drastic consequences.Still a beautifully shot and edited piece of work. De Palma manages to capture the essence of Hitchcock and Scorsese and I swear I saw a little bit of Spielberg in there too, but this amazing piece of 80s film noir is top notch still. It also comes with some 80s cheesiness, but that just helps to emphasize the almost dream-like craziness that our anti-hero and peeper, Jake (Craig Wasson), experiences. This would be the film that made Melanie Griffith a star, and it garnered her a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actress. It also featured a then unknown band named Frankie Goes to Hollywood doing their classic song about sex, "Relax".
Many twists and turns in a plot full of deception and voyeurism. Wasson does an amazing job of conveying to the audience a character that imbues sympathy and support even though he tends to do things a little bit on the creepy side. I was worried that the sands of time may have made this film dated, but I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn't the case. This is still a blast and a must see for movie buffs. Oh, and De Palma's, The Untouchables (1987) is one of the best ever.
9.3 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppMartin LandauSarah Jessica ParkerAmbitious but troubled movie director Edward D. Wood Jr. tries his best to fulfill his dreams despite his lack of talent.Arguably, the best film Tim Burton ever directed was Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985). He also had his excellent turn with Michael Keaton's, Batman films (1989-1991). Ed Wood (1994), also deserves to be up there at the top of Tim Burton's directorial list. It is a film, that had to struggle to find an audience in 1994, because of the subject matter within it. It is a biopic about a man, that is only known well by movie historians, fans, buffs, junkies, whatever you want to call us. He is most popular in the horror, science-fiction, B-movie arenas of film fandom. So, this Tim Burton film would have an uphill climb, to attract a large audience to something, that was a niche novelty to some. It is a film about the greatest, worst film director ever, Edward D. Wood JR. (played remarkably well by Johnny Depp).
Ed Wood (1994), is a comedic take, on a biopic, about the man, who created low-budget, science-fiction, B-movie classics, like Bride of the Monster (1955) and the infamous Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957). These movies are hailed as being the worse films ever made, but as we eventually learn, since 1957, many more horrible movies have been released, since the days of Ed Wood. It has created a cult-following, among film-buffs of Wood's and established a renewed appreciation of the man and his films. You see the worse of it in the technical, professional-side of Wood's films, while underneath, you see the passionate, emotional drive, that this man had. Tim Burton captures this aspect of the film perfectly, with incredible recreations of the sets, costumes, action and bad acting, seen in the original films.
Both Burton and Depp manage to summon to the surface the sad, lost man, who only wanted to be as great as his favorite film director, Orson Welles (Vincent D'Onofrio). But, there was another hitch, that Wood's wife (Sarah Jessica Parker), couldn't handle, but his new girlfriend (Patricia Arquette), could handle. Wood had a secret, which is chronicled in his third most infamous film, Glen Or Glenda (1953), also known in its original title, "I Changed My Sex". Wood was a transvestite, who needed to switch into women's clothing, when he felt anxiety or stress. It relaxed him and made him more confident about himself. He is surrounded by interesting, colorful, personalities, in the guise of his cast and film crew. They are the ones, that stuck by him with help and support. We have the psychic, the Amazing Criswell (Jeffrey Jones), Wood's transvestite buddy, John "Bunny" Breckinridge (Bill Murray) and wrestler, Tor Johnson (George "The Animal" Steele).
The talented supporting cast, completely nails the characters Burton wants in this film, albeit with a comedy flair. They create this world, that totally represents the pop-culture view of Ed Wood's work. The most spectacular aspect of this film and the one that won them one of two Academy Awards, was the performance of Martin Landau, as original Dracula-actor, Bela Lugosi. They also won for Best Make-Up Effects, for legendary make-up artist, Rick Baker. Martin Landau would win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and it was rightfully deserved. This film isn't just about Ed Wood. It also tells the tragic end-story of a film-icon. The last decade of Bela Lugosi's life. I man who was on top of the world in the 1930s, but was a washed-up, elderly, tragic figure by the 1950s. It is an amazing performance by Landau. Do yourself a favor. Watch Lugosi's original Dracula (1931), Wood's Glen or Glenda (1953) and either, Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957) or Bride of the Monster (1955), Do so, if you haven't seen Ed Wood (1994), yet. It will make things, so much more clearer to you.
9.2 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsDonald PleasenceJamie Lee CurtisTony MoranFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.Before Halloween, there was Psycho (1960), Dementia 13 (1963) and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), but there hasn't been a better slasher film than John Carpenter's Halloween (1978). For a long, long time it was the highest grossing independent film ever made and it is this low-budget aspect of the film, that makes it a genuine horror film. It also spawned a whole new sub-genre that continues even today. I have always been a big fan of this movie. It is in my top 40 favorite movies of all time. It also boasts one of the best soundtracks ever in film, or at the very least, one of the most recognizable. Plus, it is the first screen appearance of Jamie Lee Curtis and you can't tell me that you don't love Donald Pleasance in this movie.
There is nothing wrong with the film. John Carpenter's patented use of long angled camera shots are tremendous. The musical score (all done by Carpenter), along with a drum-beating thriller-suspense pace, combines into a great moment in film history. If you don't believe me, watch it again, and I bet you realize that the daytime scenes are actually scarier and creepier than the night scenes. It does have the stereotypical hot chicks, along with their idiot teen-age boyfriends, who seem to always meet their end. It has the stupid girl, who gives the bad guy every chance to kill her, but Carpenter's execution is flawless and remember, it was the first of its kind.
9.2 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorOliver StoneStarsKevin CostnerGary OldmanJack LemmonNew Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison discovers there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonDanny DeVitoMichelle PfeifferWhile Batman deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman, a female employee of the latter becomes the Catwoman with her own vendetta.With the huge success of the first Batman (1989), Warner Bros decided they had a franchise on their hands and ordered up a sequel. We had returning champs, Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, Michael Gough (as Alfred), Pat Hingle (as Gordon) and even Danny Elfman, all returned. What limited some of the creative content in the first film, was pressure coming from the studio, that impeded Burton's actual vision of the film. Since the first film was a success, financially and critically, the deal for this film gave Burton more space away from the studio, which garnered more creative control and hopefully an even darker, more Burtonesque mood to the film.
This time around, Keaton's Batman has to face the Penguin (Danny DeVito). He also has to contend with a brutally, evil businessman, Max Shreck (Christopher Walken), who tries to kill his secretary, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), because she stumbles across secrets of his, which triggers her turning into Catwoman. All this and DeVito's Oswald Cobblepot, runs for Mayor, with an emphasis on corruption. There is some romance between Bruce and Selina, while she tries to figure out how she will kill Max for trying to kill her. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a pretty convincing performance, as she and Burton delve deep into the psychological side of a woman, who died, resurrected as a Catwoman.
I like this film, just a hair, more than the first film. It is my favorite from the Gough-Hingle universe (for lack of a better description for this franchise) and I think it has a lot to do with the added dose of Burton magic. This film has technologically, sweet art direction styles, costumes, set pieces, you name it. Burton's camera catches a colorful array of cinematographic gems, while Danny Elfman's soundtrack increases the mood, as the darkness of Cobblepot's day of reckoning approaches.
9.2 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSam MendesStarsDean-Charles ChapmanGeorge MacKayDaniel MaysApril 6th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.Director, Sam Mendes' brilliant use of single-camera techniques, first mastered by Alfred Hitchcock in Rope (1948), is beautifully utilized in 1917 (2019). This film gives a first-person, single-camera angle, continuous shot, of an account, if you will, of two British soldiers, in the trenches of WWI, stuck in a desperate race against time, trying to deliver an urgent message, to save 1600 men, from a fatal trap. The camera follows the two soldiers, across no-mans land, through war torn fields and a couple of destroyed towns. The idea being, that there are no edits done and the film is one continuous shot.
Now, this continuous shot, utilizes the same rules and concepts, as Rope (1948), did for Hitchcock. Sir Alfred was limited to the lengths of the film reels, so he had to make edits at the tail and heads, of the film rolls. In order to continue the illusion of a single-camera angle and a continuous shot, Alfred would zoom into the back of a man's jacket or zoom into a shadow, behind some furniture, when he knew the reel of film was nearing the end. When he switched to the new reel and turned the camera back on, he would pull away the camera, from the same spot. Once edited in post-production, the edited film rolls, gave the appearance of a continuous shot. It works the same way in 1917 (2019), although for different reasons. There is one glaring edit, that had to be used, in order to utilize the idea of night-time, by having a soldier fall asleep. There may be a couple more edits done, at moments when, bombs are going off or when smoke and fire engulf the whole shot.
I'm just guessing at these estimations, but I have heard, that even Quentin Tarantino said, he sees upwards, to 20 edits in 1917 (2019), but it doesn't matter to me. Sam Mendes, did this piece of art, flawlessly. This film, its CGI, the art direction, is an amazing piece of work, complete with great timing, acting and execution. 1917 (2019), captures a first hand experience, of the horrors of war, by utilizing the latest tricks, provided by the magic of film. There also are some great cameos by seasoned, gifted actors, like Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch. 1917 (2019), is something, that you need to see.
9.2 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison DoodyIn 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.As the end of the 1980s was coming to a close, Indiana Jones had two films under his hat. After two exciting adventures, it was time to explore the character even more. It was an opportunity to build on his character development. Also, the series hit a stumbling block, when the second film failed to capture the greatness and magic of the first film. The producers had to jack things up, for what was essentially a comeback film. Paramount signed River Phoenix to be a young Indiana Jones. The prologue to this film goes back to 1912 and tells the story about how the teenager became the man. By doing this, a huge star had to be cast into the role of Indy's father. Who better, than the original James Bond himself, Sean Connery, as Professor Henry Jones. After the prologue we jump to modern day (or in this case 1938), which harkens in the return of Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones.
Without giving too much away, Indiana gets involved with a search for the holy grail and the fountain of youth. The film contains many run-ins with the Nazi's, just like in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). To make matters worse, his father has been captured by the Nazi's. Indiana is once again reunited with his two old friends Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), as they embark on the search, but new friends, who enter the picture, aren't always what they seem. These are ingredients, that were missing in the last film, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). By bringing these important elements back into the fold, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were able to already capture the magical charm of the first film. The next move was to capture the energy and action of the first film too. The end results are fantastic.
This film is almost as good as Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), making both films light years ahead of the second one. I don't want to bash Temple of Doom (1984), mostly because I don't have to. Many people weren't pleased with that film anyway, so I don't need to bash it. It's not a bad film, but when your measuring stick is Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), it's tough to strike gold twice. The best way to handle it is say, "two out of three ain't bad". When this film came out 1n 1989 it represented the end of an era. Indiana would go on doing young Indiana Jones television shows in the 1990s, with Harrison Ford not returning, until Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). (He did make one or two cameos on the tv show, but really didn't come back until 19 years later). But, let's not talk about Indiana 4 for now. Sometimes it hurts too much.
Like anything that has Lucas or Spielberg attached to it, this film uses the state-of-the-art, practical special effects for an era, that was still pre-CGI. The art direction, costumes, performances by the cast, comedy relief and thrilling action, is grade-A stuff. Even though the film can take a dark turn in places, it still leaves a warm feeling in you as the story unfolds. That is a staple of what a Spielberg film is all about. His style always makes the audience feel welcomed to the film, even if the content is not a happy one. It is that playful way that he can merge the kids fun with the adult fun. He always made everyone feel welcomed to his films. This one is no different and when I left the movie theater in 1989 I was dazzled by the whole thing. It was a great way to finalize the original Indiana Jones trilogy.
9.1 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstAlfred MolinaPeter Parker is beset with troubles in his failing personal life as he battles a former brilliant scientist named Otto Octavius.This is one of those occasions when the sequel is even better than the first film. Director Sam Raimi out-does himself and crafts an excellent sequel. Returning champs like, Tobey Maguire, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, along with another brilliant soundtrack by Danny Elfman, features a new bad guy in the guise of Dr. Otto Octavius/Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina). This film moves into the era a Spiderman, that was covered in the comics in the mid-to-late 1960s, leaving the inspiration of the Steve Ditko years in the first film and moving onto the inspiration found during the John Romita SR era of the comics.
It moves Peter Parker (Maguire), into his college years and a set of new challenges, like making it to classes, keeping a job, dealing with Harry (James Franco) and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), dating each other, Aunt May (Harris), being evicted and spider-power issues. Sam Raimi manages to capture the pure spirit, that makes Spiderman/Peter Parker a great character. It further proves the Spiderman mantra, that with great power comes great responsibility. Aunt May shows some toughness too in this one. It is also good to note, that you can probably enjoy this film, even if you have never seen the first one.
9.1 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorGuy RitchieStarsRobert Downey Jr.Jude LawRachel McAdamsDetective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England.RDJ began his second rise to super stardom the year before Sherlock Holmes (2009), was released, when the world was introduced to Iron Man (2008). After that, he was cast as Arthur Conan Doyle's prized character creation, Sherlock Holmes. Guy Ritchie came in as the director of the film and Jude Law was cast as Dr. John Watson. Ritchie and his team of screenwriters, fashion-out a story about Holmes, that is of the highest energy level possible for the super sleuth. The man who solves crimes with expert deductive reasoning, can see a crime scene as it unfolds in his mind. He also uses his fantastic reasoning, so he can see his next 20 moves into the future and he is a master of forensics. Holmes receives a super-charged, modern day reboot.
It is a major step for a character created way back in 1887 by British author, Arthur Conan Doyle. It is those two important aspects of the equation, that establishes the time period and setting of this film, in this case 1890 London. It is encouraging to see, that they chose to stay in the 19th century for this film, considering how powerfully charged this film rolls along. It has that feeling of the futuristic. You would think the filmmakers would want to go with a modern day approach. I'm so glad they didn't. In a nutshell, Holmes and Watson have to stop the evil machinations of a cult-leader, political influencer, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), before he can destroy all of London. It's interesting to note also, that Law, eventually would join the MCU with Captain Marvel (2019). Also in the cast, as Holmes' love interest, is Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, who also is an MCU alumni (the Dr. Strange movies (2016 & 2022). I mention these tie-ins with the MCU, because Ritchie manages to harness that comic book energy, for a character that really isn't that type of character. Ritchie does it successfully, without making Holmes or the direction of the story, look ridiculous. We buy into the change in direction they decide to go with in depicting this character.
The story, the performances by the cast, the unique way of showing Holmes's talents (superpowers?) and the overall pacing of this film, makes it a very entertaining one to see. Ritchie has a style, that he has shown in his other films, that really make his films artistic. He does the same thing here, but he develops a style that works for this movie and thankfully for this version of Sherlock Holmes. The editing choices, film tricks and CGI placement is top notch, beautifully produced and the action is incredible. Robert Downey JR. was born to be Sherlock Holmes too, at least, this version of the character. I don't think this approach to the character would have worked for Basil Rathbone's version. Those films had their own charm, while they dazzled audiences, during Hollywood's golden age. This film manages to use the energy of the modern film, but is able to capture the essence of this classic character.
9.1 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorRob ReinerStarsCary ElwesMandy PatinkinRobin WrightA bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.The Princess Bride (1987), is a great film. Not because I like romantic love stories. Not because I follow wrestling. Not because I need to know the meaning of true love. The film is just a good film. A veteran in Hollywood, Rob Reiner, does his best work here, as he directs this comedy, in the grand tradition of Mel Brooks and crafts a fairy tale, that the adults can love too. Much like Ron Howard, Reiner grew out of television as an actor and eventually went into directing some really great movies. Both directors, would reach this point after they left the TV shows that made them famous. Reiner had moved his range to encompass many genres in his resume, but it was good, that he returned to comedy at times and that was good for the success of this film.
Told in a storybook way, with a grandfather (Peter Falk), reading the story to his grandson (Fred Savage), we are transported back to a land where knights, fire swamps, witch doctors and hungry ROUSes (rodents of unusual size), exist. The beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), has been kidnapped for ransom and its up to her one true love, Westley (Cary Elwes), to come rescue her. Along the way, they meet all kinds of colorful, creative, humorous characters, that play a part in the success of the two lovers' future endeavors. One of those characters was Fezzik (wrestler Andre the Giant), who's huge stature made for a perfect lovable giant, who eventually befriends Westley and Buttercup. It is nice to see that Andre became tied to such a revered, respected film, because if you read-up on his life or watch a documentary on him, the years of being a wrestler and the state of his gigantism, by this time in his life, had taken its toll. He was in a lot of pain, during the filming of this movie and it is nice to see that his sacrifice paid off.
This film is a perfect example of a huge Hollywood, cinematic success. Other great performances in this film, also are some of the best cameos too. Wallace Shawn as Vizzini, Billy Crystal as Miracle Max, Carol Kane as Valerie and Peter Cook as the Impressive Clergyman, are just some I'll mention. However, the most rememberable character, is the one who was quoted the most, in this highly quotable film. That would be Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya. The entire cast in this film is fantastic. The comedy is dead on perfect. The scenarios, situations and tribulations, that the characters get involved in, which are chronicled in the story, carry you to the very end. It's one of those films, no matter who you are, that makes you feel warm inside by the time you reach the end.
9.1 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJohn HughesStarsSteve MartinJohn CandyLaila RobinsA Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion.When you combine strong comedy, with even stronger writing/directing, you get one of the best comedies of all time. The strength comes from the participants, being Steve Martin and the late, great John Candy. In Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), the stronger glue, that holds all of that together, comes from the writer/director, in this case, John Hughes. This film takes the road-trip genre to new levels.
Neal Page, played by Martin, just wants to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving with his family. It is actually not a long trip, even for 1987. He is leaving from New York City, but it is Thanksgiving. Even in the 1980s, airports got jammed up during Thanksgiving. As the snow is falling, shower curtain holders end up being the bane of Neal's existence, especially when they have a guy like Del Griffith, played by Candy, selling them. For Neal, Del is causing havoc across the country, from New York to Chicago and won't go away. The audience spots the dislike Neal has for Del right off the bat. It is why Steve Martin is so good. It's all in the facial expressions.
After having his flight to Chicago canceled, Neal makes the mistake of aligning himself with Del, who offers up annoying conversations, bad jokes and poor hygiene, all rolled into one. Del does what he can to try and make things work for the two of them as they go from vehicle to vehicle, trying desperately to get to Chicago. This film never disappoints. It is entertaining, amusing, and fun. It also has a pleasing soundtrack. There is a smattering of nice travelogue-type scenery, plenty of cool cameos and does what a road-trip movie is supposed to do. It shows you the world, with that great Hollywood snap. It also has a message, a certain charm to it and makes you feel good. As we peel away the layers that reveal what Neal and Del are, that no matter how bad things become for them, they are still alive, almost. I have been laughing at this film, at a consistent rate, for over 35 years and the film never gets old. You will be entertained.
9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleTom HardyAnne HathawayEight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsPatrick SwayzeKeanu ReevesGary BuseyAn F.B.I. Agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers.9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJodie FosterMatthew McConaugheyTom SkerrittDr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of extraterrestrial intelligence, sending plans for a mysterious machine.9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.Marvel took a huge gamble on this film when they began production back in 2013, with director James Gunn. It was gutsy going into the Marvel Comics closet and pulling out characters, that no one really knew about or remembered (unless you are a true die-hard Marvel fan), with the hopes of bringing the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the outer space section of Marvel Comics. This is something, that needs to happen eventually, in order for Marvel to complete its transition from page to screen, because many of their characters and universally historical plot-arcs, take place in outer space. This was a very brave move by the studio, because Marvel and James Gunn nailed it. What is really interesting about this achievement is the fact, that there might not have even been a “Guardians” movie made, if it hadn’t been for the real-world reality, that Marvel couldn’t make any X-Men or Fantastic Four movies, because FOX owned those film rights. So, by not having access to those characters, it helped “Guardians” get pushed to the forefront. So, Marvel gave the greenlight to start producing this film.
Marvel took an obscure group of heroes, mostly considered second tier or even third tier characters and turned them into pop-culture icons overnight. It was quite a feat indeed. Chris Pratt, plays Peter Quill, aka: Star-Lord, a human, kidnapped from Earth as a kid, who ends up leading a band of criminals (turned anti-heroes, turned heroes), in a distant part of the galaxy. The beginning prologue to this film is done quite well by director James Gunn. It depicts, without giving anything away, a tragedy in young Peter’s life, that spring-boards the plot, towards the reason why Peter was abducted by an alien, named Yondu (Michael Rooker). Gunn gives us an amazing set-up, for this story. You can feel the energy of this horrible tragedy affecting Peter. The scene is very powerful. Some may think it is too serious for a film, such as a comic book movie. However, this scene has a point and sets things up for what is ahead.
Two and a half decades later, Peter, now calling himself Star-Lord, in a distant part of the galaxy, has become somewhat of a scoundrel and a thief. Yondu has managed to convince Peter, that he was rescued by Yondu and he is the closest thing to a father that Peter has. By pushing that thought at Peter all the time, Yondu is able to mold Peter into a scoundrel-thief journeyman of sorts. Peter helps Yondu steal anything and everything they can find in the cosmos. This brings us to the point when this film really begins to take off. Peter stumbles across a mysterious orb and is immediately attacked and chased by the bad guys. The evil Kree Empire is in dire need of getting that orb back, so their leader Ronan (Lee Pace), can use it for their evil purposes. Ronan has two warrior-sisters, daughters of the mad-titan Thanos (Josh Brolin), named Nebula (Karen Gillan) and Gamora (Zoe Saldana). He wants to send the sisters after Peter. Gamora wins the argument and begins her search for this so-called Star-Lord.
As the film progresses, Peter meets Gamora and a rag-tag group of other “Guardians”. They are interesting characters, such as, Rocket Raccoon (voice of Bradley Cooper), Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). This is probably Vin Diesel's best film ever, because he only has to voice-act and say, "I am Groot". Groot ends up being the headline fan-favorite character from this film. “I am Groot” is now a catch-phrase, that a lot of people use now. For my money however, the best work and best character over-all, comes from Bradley Cooper, the voice of Rocket Raccoon. Rocket is now one of my favorite Marvel characters, however back in the 1970s, I felt, reading about the exploits of this character in the comic books, the idea of a talking space racoon, seemed silly and ridiculous. This is another reason why James Gunn was so good at piecing together this film. With a talking Raccoon and a talking plant, it all seemed to translate really well onto the big screen. It worked. It was convincing and now I love Rocket. Go Bradley Cooper! James Gunn's first venture was a big success. Parts of this film have already entrenched themselves into our popular culture, most notably, Star-Lord's Walkman playlist, that everybody wants to hear. This is a must-see film. It is always interesting, seeing virtually, unknown characters and plot ideas, thrive at the multiplexes. This film would make a killing at the box-office and win the hearts of critics and fans everywhere.
9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorHarold RamisStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloImogene CocaThe Griswold family's cross-country drive to the Walley World theme park proves to be much more arduous than they ever anticipated.9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsChris PineZachary QuintoZoe SaldanaAfter the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsAnthony PerkinsJanet LeighVera MilesA Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, gives us an amazing dose of thrills and chills, with this groundbreaking film. Along the way, he also creates a couple of Hollywood icons, when he introduces the world to Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Hitchcock always was a man who wanted to do things differently from what other directors did. He always said, that great storytelling comes from showing the audience what will happen. If there is a bomb under the table, then show the audience the bomb. He wasn’t afraid to take chances doing things to his main characters, that were unconventional in modern film of the time, in order to draw the most shock from the audience. In the case of Psycho (1960), he delivers that with a punch.
A young woman, Marion, who comes into a lot of money, leaves town and ends up off the beaten path at a quiet, but intimidating little motel for the night. She meets Norman, the motel owner and his “mother”, a woman who Marion never sees, but knows that she is there. She hears Mrs. Bates having conversations with Norman from their house, on top of the menacing hill, overlooking the motel. What happens after this, becomes a major part of film history. For those of you, who have never seen Psycho (1960), that is all I am going to say about the plot. If you have never seen Psycho (1960), you need to. It is important because it does represent a milestone moment in film history, for so many reasons. It is required viewing for film history buffs and cinephiles everywhere.
Hitchcock uses all of his camera techniques, editing tricks and his moody uses of light. He completes some of the best composited camera shots ever seen. Also, the use of sound is also used brilliantly in this film. It is the clever use of audio, that really creates the suspense found in the film. Hitchcock uses audio to point out certain plot points, without jeopardizing any of the secrets. It is an excellent way of story-telling. It is the type of storytelling used to create tension and suspense in every scene. It is so successfully executed, that the film knocks you for a loop, especially midway through the film. It is here, that his brilliance shows to us why he never was a traditional director and why he enjoyed crossing the line with his main characters.
9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorStuart RosenbergStarsPaul NewmanGeorge KennedyStrother MartinA laid-back Southern man is sentenced to two years in a rural prison, but refuses to conform.PMTM Grade: 9.0 (A-) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorPenny MarshallStarsTom HanksGeena DavisLori PettyTwo sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.Right off the bat, I want to emphasize up front, how good Tom Hanks' performance is as Jimmy Dugan, in this Penny Marshall, directed film. Every scene he is in, he knocks his performance out of the park. I've seen this movie probably a half a dozen times now, since 1992 and I still laugh out loud when he comes into the room. I also forgot how funny Jon Lovitz can be, when he has a good script to work with. He has a supporting character role, that appears periodically throughout the film, as baseball scout Ernie Capadino. He is the one who brings into the light our two main characters, Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and her younger sister, Kit Keller (Lori Petty), two women, who become part of the Women's Baseball League. The women come to play baseball, in order to replace the on-hold, National Baseball League, because the men have left for the battlefields of WWII.
Penny Marshall has a great script to work with. It is a moment taken out of our own history. It never forgets the impact that WWII had on the homeland, in all facets of life, including the time-honored tradition of baseball. Life back home has to keep moving on and baseball is an all-American past-time. But, this film is mostly about those women of baseball, who came out and made an impact, doing another man-dominated job, back home, during a time of war. We also begin and end the film, in present day (1992), as an elderly Dottie (Anne Cartwright), is visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorated the 50th anniversary of Women's Baseball. The main part of the film is their story, as they debut the first season of the league. We get into their lives outside of the game and we laugh at this comedy happily. We see an array of characters, portrayed by an excellent supporting cast. There are a lot of famous people, who pop up in this film. Some getting their acting starts in this film. This list includes, Rosie O'Donnell as Doris Murphy, the third base player, Madonna as Mae Mordabito, the center fielder, Téa Leoni and Bill Pullman.
Penny also brings into the film those people from her past, who supported her during her Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983) years. She casts Eddie Mekka, who was Carmine Ragoo' Ragusa on her acclaimed tv show, in a bit role as a dancer, who Madonna dances with in a bar one night. She also casts "Squiggy", David L. Lander, as the radio broadcaster. She also has her brother, Garry Marshall in the film as a team owner. This is a good film. It also has one of those "feel good" effects on you by film's end. There are a couple of serious moments in the plot, but this is a comedy first. It is a comedy that doesn't make fun of the situation, found in the back-story of the film. If you haven't seen it yet you should. It's an example of great women film direction. It is Penny Marshall's best work. See why there is no crying in baseball.
9.0 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandZendayaBenedict CumberbatchWith Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.The MCU just keeps on rolling along. They continue to keep their fan base energized and happy. Even the general audience is totally into it too. Kevin Feige and his group are still able to improve upon the already incredible heights that they have already achieved. Their new Disney+ shows have been exactly what they needed to be, fresh and entertaining. Their slate of films since Spiderman: Far From Home (2019), have been pleasantly, surprisingly good.
Since the new stuff is humming along, in order to really preserve the franchise for a long time, is you need to preserve some of that early history that got you there. You don't want everybody saying, "Well, I don't want to watch the old Spiderman movies. They aren't part of the MCU". No! You want them to watch all your stuff, old and new. Plus, it helps that in the real world, Disney, Sony and Marvel had to come to some kind of a compromise with their IPs, the use of Tom Holland, etc., so why not make that compromise a fitting homage to what Sony started.
So, in the MCU universe, why not create this idea of a multi-verse. You can satisfy Sony by bringing back a huge chunk of the elements from their original films and engage with fans across three "generations" of different Spiderman franchises, thus making all of them canon with the MCU. A brilliant way to continue generating cash from that amazing IP, known as Spiderman.
So, as we left off from Spiderman: Far From Home (2019), we are already treated with a taste of the Sony Spider-verse when J. Jonah Jameson (played by J.K. Simmons, who played JJJ in all three of the Sam Raimi/Tobey McGuire Spiderman films from 2002-2007), shows up to reveal to the world that Peter Parker is Spiderman. Already the audience is thinking multi-verse plot lines, alternate timelines and the possibility of an amazing team up coming. Couple that with some of the events in Avengers: Endgame (2019), the MCU series Loki and everything you have heard in the press and the trailers for Spiderman and Dr. Strange and you are ready for what looks like a multi-verse event coming next. With Spiderman: No Way Home (2021), you will not be disappointed.
Now that the world knows who Peter (Tom Holland), is, his life has been a disaster. But, it's not so much his life he is worried about, but the effect it is having on his friends and loved ones. He decides to enlist the aid of Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), to see if he can go back in time to fix his problem before Jameson can announce to the world his secret but, Strange thinks the best way to solve this problem is to use a spell to make people forget he is Spiderman. Unfortunately, Peter's meddling screws up the incantation, which causes a disruption in the multi-verse, sending Spiderman villains from everywhere to Tom Holland's doorstep.
That is where the film goes from there. Director, Jon Watts, who has now directed all of the MCU Spiderman films, gives us a great story that answers all the questions, pays homage to the other incarnations and ties up things nice to move the MCU forward. Be ready for plenty of surprises, lots of good funny moments and it even tugs at your emotions at some points in the film. It's a culmination of the last 20 years of Spiderman films and brilliantly collects a cast together that will make you thrilled.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorKevin ReynoldsStarsKevin CostnerMorgan FreemanMary Elizabeth MastrantonioRobin Hood decides to fight back as an outlaw when faced with the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham.Kevin Costner brings to the silver screen a highly entertaining update to the Robin Hood legend. This Kevin Reynolds directed film is full of fun, love, adventure, friendship, courage, action and comedy. This film (along with Die Hard 1988), would also be the launching pad for turning Alan Rickman into a star. He would win the BAFTA’s (British Academy Film Awards), Best Supporting Actor Award as the evil, but delightful, Sheriff of Nottingham in this movie. For me, Alan Rickman wasn't the guy from the Harry Potter movies. He was the best damn Sheriff of Nottingham ever to hit the silver screen. "Shoot the glass", was great too.
This film also made Bryan Adams’ haunting, but romantic theme song "(Everything I Do), I Do It for you”, a pop music hit. It also stars Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as the Lady Marian, Christian Slater as Will Scarlett and in a great casting idea, Morgan Freeman as Robin’s right-hand man Azeem.
After he returns from the Crusades, Robin must wrestle with the loss of his father and his homeland is in shambles, as the Sheriff of Nottingham (Rickman), tries to take away King Richard’s throne. He manages to reconnect with his childhood friend Marian and seeks refuge in Sherwood Forest with his fellow neighbors, who have escaped Nottingham’s grip and are hiding in the forest with the evil spirits who protect the woods. Robin begins his new crusade of robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Nottingham hatches a plan to catch him and learns he can take King Richard’s throne if he marries into nobility, hence Marian, who now grown up, has her sights on Robin.
Kevin Costner gives a very tolerable performance as Robin and even though he has to act with an accent, it works, because it helps with the reality of the situation. As we are reminded throughout the film, the somewhat prejudiced-against Azeem, who is clearly different than everyone else in England, because of his Middle Eastern upbringing, keeps asking the question, “and they call me the barbarian”. It is this commentary and the consistent admission of the locals, through doing stupid things, that make you believe that Azeem does have a better education in his background and Robin shows a lot of these frailties too. It is that hidden idea, that as noble and skilled as he is, he is still a human, with human weaknesses, which could account for the poor speech or accent that some said diminished Cosner's performance. Well, I say, it was pretty good and totally helped sell a more modernized interpretation of the Robin Hood myth. In other words, Costner did well enough. It was a weird time in the early 90s for Kevin Costner. It was around that time that a false claim came out that he was difficult to work with and of course, that claim made him look bad in the public eye. It brought out the haters who decided to trash some of his work, so no matter what he did, people would not give him the credit he deserved, which tarnished the public’s approval of Robin Hood. Well, I was quite pleased with his job in this film and I highly recommend this film. It is a fun enjoyable adventure that makes you feel great in the end.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJim AbrahamsDavid ZuckerJerry ZuckerStarsRobert HaysJulie HagertyLeslie NielsenAfter the crew becomes sick with food poisoning, a neurotic ex-fighter pilot must safely land a commercial airplane full of passengers.The disaster film sub-genre of the 1970s, came to a screeching halt by 1980. The oversaturation of the sub-genre was the main reason for its demise. The 1970s was filled with disaster films. Everything from earthquakes to killer bee outbreaks, made their way to the cineplex. The audience was getting tired of it. A type of disaster film, that came from that sub-genre, was the air-disaster film. That would end up being the type of film aimed at by the spoof-comedy writers of Airplane (1980). It was actually a perfect time for this film to come out, because the disaster film sub-genre had worn out its welcome at the box office. It really wasn't the fault of the four Airport (1970-1979), movies that killed the sub-genre, even though the fourth film, The Concorde: Airport '79 (1979), was an awful movie. It was the copycats of those four movies that really did the sub-genre in. Not only was it in the theaters all the time, but many tv movies were being released also. Even separate TV shows used the idea of the disaster film. In the classic Marvel TV show, The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982), there is a plot used on an episode about an out-of-control plane that David Banner (Bill Bixby), is currently on. They even use stock-footage from the film Airport '75 (1974), during this episode, to save on production costs.
The excellent comedy-writer team of David Zucker, Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams, who would also create the Police Squad (1982), television series and its classic theatrical release, Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988), made headlines first with the release of Airplane (1980). The greatest thing about this film is the fact that, not only is it a spoof on 1970s air-disaster films, but it also is a word-for-word retelling of a serious 1950s air-disaster film, called Zero Hour (1957). Once you see that film you will totally understand the genius of Airplane (1980). You will understand why it is so good and so hilarious. Watch both of those films. You will be glad that you did. I also always wondered if there was a connection between the release date for this film, which was July 2nd and the fact that exactly 43 years before, Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan vanished on July 2nd, 1937, during their famous, record-breaking, equatorial, round-the-world flight over the Pacific Ocean. Was it classic irony or strategically placed dark humor, that was key to the film's success? All I know is, this is one of my favorite comedies ever.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMatt DamonTom SizemoreFollowing the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorOtto PremingerStarsJohn WayneKirk DouglasPatricia NealA Naval officer, reprimanded after Pearl Harbor, is later promoted to Rear Admiral and gets a second chance to prove himself against the Japanese.
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsChevy ChaseJoe Don BakerDana Wheeler-NicholsonWhile working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to unearth the full story behind the offer.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonPolitical involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.
- DirectorChristian NybyHoward HawksStarsKenneth TobeyMargaret SheridanJames ArnessScientists and American Air Force officials fend off a bloodthirsty alien organism while at a remote arctic outpost.An interesting aspect of the Thing from Another World (1951), and one of the best aspects of this film, is this film was shot, in the pre-widescreen era of motion pictures. Widescreen wasn't in wide use, until 1953 or 1954. The fact, that the director, Christian Nyby, is able to take all of the information needed for the story and fit those images into these little, 1:33:1 shots, which is basically your standard television aspect ratio, is done so well. Every shot in the Thing from Another World (1951), I thought, was framed perfectly. The way Nyby was able to take his actors and put them all in the right positions, compositionally, is some of the best shots ever filmed. Well, maybe not the best, but textbook. While you watch the Thing from Another World (1951), in some of the scenes, you can see where the shots are framed, by choreographing the movement of the actors. All the actors have directions on where to go. Nyby tries to keep every face involved, so you can see what is going on with everybody.
The Thing from Another World (1951), came from a new genre of film, born out of the result of the real-world atomic age. This was the dawn of the post-atomic, science-fiction film. The Thing from Another World (1951), also taps into, the whole, 1950's, Cold War, worried about a Russian threat, kind of plot points. There was a whole well, full of stories, that could use the scenario of mass paranoia. I believe the famous Roswell incident, happened in 1948 and already, just three years later, there is this public fear, about UFOs and little green men. A great way to forage for exciting stories. It is displayed beautifully, in the famous scene, when the UFO lands in the ice and the miliary sends a team to the Arctic to check it out. The display of the research group, surrounding the crash site and the way it is framed, with the UFO creating a little tail in the ice, is perfect, 1950's science-fiction. The Thing from Another World (1951), is worthy of the the block-buster film tag of the 1950s. It also had Howard Hawkes backing it and co-directing it, which is like gold back in 1951.
The cast is pretty good too, in the Thing from Another World (1951). Scotty, played by Douglas Spencer, is the best. His performance as a news reporter, in a new paranoid, nervous news climate, who's still able to act, as the comedy-relief portion of the story, plays a great contrast to the terror laying ahead. That terror being, James Arness, Mr. Gunsmoke himself, the alien monster, that is loose in the Arctic. He really is a green man too, made of vegetables. All of the actors, who played the scientists worked well together. One in particular is John Dierkes, as Dr. Chapman. Chapman is, that interesting, levelheaded, open-minded, scientist-guy, who's able to work with all sides. He's like, ok, I'll team up with the military guys, but I'll swing back over with the scientist guys' point of view too. I'll be there for everybody. He shows that by, rather calmly, throwing water in the face of a soldier, because the soldier was flipping out, about his first meeting with the Thing.
You also have Robert Cornthwaite, as Dr. Arthur Carrington, who is another aspect of this film, that makes it interesting. He plays the scientist, who takes his love of science too far. It muddles the water, or should I say, the ice, of who exactly is, the antagonist of the film. If you ask me, Carrington isn't really a bad guy. He just gets his priorities mixed up, due to a fear of the unknown. But, his tossing away his ethics, winds-up making him the villain, other than the Thing itself. He crosses a line, that can't really be forgiven. It's a wonderful assortment of feelings, that arise from this, especially seeing this film, from a 21st century perspective. I always say, "try and put yourself in the time-period the film was made". In a view from the 1950s, the two clear bad-guys are Arness' creature and Cornthwaite's scientist, but from today's perspective, main character, Captain Patrick Hendry, performed wonderfully by Kenneth Tobey, could be considered a third candidate, on the rotating wheel of ethics. It makes the Thing from Another World (1951), one of the best science-fiction films ever released.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB. - DirectorDavid ZuckerStarsLeslie NielsenPriscilla PresleyO.J. SimpsonIncompetent police Detective Frank Drebin must foil an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II.Leslie Nielsen was a leading actor by the late 1950s. He bounced between television and the movies all the way up into the 1980s. It wasn't until he did a little comedy film, a spoof on air disaster movies, called Airplane (1980), that made his star rise even more. Two years later, he was cast as the bungling Detective, Frank Drebin, for a television, comedy, spoof, called Police Squad (1982). The same group that did Airplane (1980), also did this show. Today, these guys are legends. Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, created a new sub-genre of film spoofs. A sub-genre that is still tested even today.
Police Squad was a brilliant television show. It capitalized on the same comedy that made Airplane (1980), a modern classic in comedy. Unfortunately, it was canceled after just six episodes, because studio executives made bad decisions on why the show couldn't last. Fortunately, those same silly executives thought the show would look great up on the silver screen. It took, however, six years before Abrahams and the Zucker brothers could adapt the show for the motion pictures. It was worth the wait, because Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988), was a huge hit and matched the critical greatness, that Airplane (1980), had garnished.
This film opens up much like a Bond film. It has a prologue in the beginning that matches Drebin up against the international political bad guys of the 1980s. The film then rolls into the credits, like Bond, then starts up the main plotline. The film revolves around a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. A rich businessman, who owns part of the dock front, Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban), becomes the center of Frank's attention, when he suspects Ludwig of being involved in a heroin ring. This is based off of info obtained by one of his detectives, Nordberg (O.J. Simpson). Rounding out the cast is Frank's boss, Ed Hocken (the legendary George Kennedy) and the object of Frank's desire, Jane (Priscilla Presley).
This film was a hit when it came out. It is hailed as one of the best comedies ever. The intelligent artistry used to create such ridiculous situations is totally evident in this film. The execution of the script and jokes, totally makes the film roll along for you. From the beginning to the end of the film, any part of it that wasn't funny, was still entertaining. Some of the comedy was ahead of its time, some of it was right on target and some of it was perfect for the 1980s. This is a treasure trove of acting greats, who sell this film and the comedy. A classic from the past, made 35 years ago, that still is great today.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJames CameronStarsEd HarrisMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMichael BiehnA civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and faces danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.The Abyss (1989), keeps us under the ocean, with the adventures and mysteries of the deep, with this excellent, science-fiction film, the Abyss (1989). Before the days of Avatar (2009) and Titanic (1997), James Cameron directed the first two Terminator movies, plus Aliens (1986) and this film. The Abyss (1989), was the first film, that sent Cameron on his journey beneath the oceans, to the Titanic and the lands of Avatar. It is an excellent film, with a great cast. In this undersea version of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), this thriller stars Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and crazy, bad-guy Michael Biehn. Michael Biehn does a great job pretending to be nuts in this film. There also is a small role in the film for comedian Chris Elliott. The Abyss (1989), is my favorite James Cameron film and totally worth seeing.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJames WhaleStarsColin CliveMae ClarkeBoris KarloffDr Henry Frankenstein is obsessed with assembling a living being from parts of several exhumed corpses.About 10 months after the release of Tod Browning's Dracula (1931), Universal Pictures would score again. With this new venture, they would launch one of the greatest and earliest film franchises, when Frankenstein (1931), with then, barely known, Boris Karloff, hits the theaters. When I was younger I had about 20 minutes of both Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931), on Super-8 film. That is what we had to watch in a pre-VHS world, Super-8 movies. I was also exposed to both films a lot on late night syndication channels and Saturday afternoon Creature Feature shows, all through the 70s and early 80s. I also saw it numerous times in it's entirety on VHS and DVD since then. So, I have seen this film a lot.
Say what you want about Boris Karloff. How the gentle giant pulled off a great Frankenstein Monster and how his likeness is now one of the most recognizable pop-cultural icons in the world, even 45 years later after his death, says a lot about his impact. Say what you want about Dwight Frye, who, for my money, did a great job as Fritz, the hunch-backed assistant in this movie, It was even better than his portrayal of Renfield in Dracula (1931). Even Edward Van Sloan, who in my opinion, was the best part about Dracula (1931), is also a key player in this film. Even Frederick Kerr, who was a scene stealer as Baron Frankenstein, broke up the somber, horrifying menace of the monster with his off the cuff, almost ad-libbed dialogue. But, it was the man who portrayed the son of the Baron, Henry Frankenstein, that stole the whole show.
Remember, this movie is about a man named Frankenstein, who builds a monster from the parts of dead victims. It is actually his movie, not the Monster's, not Karloff's, but Colin Clive's (Henry Frankenstein), movie. Clive gives a supreme performance and manages to harness the power needed for that character to thrive with perfection. His disclosure of what philosophy drives him to do what he does establishes a politically and spiritually charged tone that is quite evident throughout the entire film. Topics like playing God or is the human being truly higher than any other animal? What is really the difference between life or death?
James Whale's directing is dead on and he manages to capture the horror and frights by inserting an almost "noir" feeling in the mix. Close ups, lighting and mood, all play into an almost perfect film. It is very easy to see certain mistakes, continuity issues and primitive technical mishaps in a film that is 90 years old, but at the time, this film was a box office smash. It had the impact on a 1931 audience like the Avengers had on a 2012 audience.
This was something movie-goers had never seen before. It WAS the embodiment of state of the art technical achievement in film. The make-up, costumes, sets and special effects were the premiere version of the period and, because of that, it demands the respect that it deserves, just like the kind of respect that Henry Frankenstein was searching for. This film should be studied, because as we will see in the sequel, Bride of Frankenstein (1935), for Henry Frankenstein and Colin Clive, life will never be the same again, after Frankenstein.
8.9 (A- MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSofia CoppolaStarsBill MurrayScarlett JohanssonGiovanni RibisiA faded movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsWoody HarrelsonJuliette LewisTom SizemoreTwo victims of traumatized childhoods become lovers and psychopathic serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media.
- DirectorJohn LasseterStarsTom HanksTim AllenDon RicklesA cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's bedroom.
- DirectorMartin BrestStarsEddie MurphyJudge ReinholdJohn AshtonA freewheeling Detroit cop pursuing a murder investigation finds himself dealing with the very different culture of Beverly Hills.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonJack NicholsonKim BasingerThe Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTom HanksMichael Clarke DuncanDavid MorseA tale set on death row, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people's ailments. When the lead guard, Paul Edgecombe, recognizes John's gift, he tries to help stave off the condemned man's execution.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsKurt RussellKim CattrallDennis DunA rough-and-tumble trucker and his side kick face off with an ancient sorcerer in a supernatural battle beneath Chinatown.
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsJeff BridgesJohn GoodmanJulianne MooreJeff "The Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.
- DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppGeoffrey RushOrlando BloomBlacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead.
- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsJesse EisenbergEmma StoneWoody HarrelsonA shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting bruiser in search of the last Twinkie and a pair of sisters striving to get to an amusement park join forces in a trek across a zombie-filled America.
- DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsGeorge C. ScottKarl MaldenStephen YoungThe World War II phase of the career of controversial American general George S. Patton.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsRod TaylorTippi HedrenJessica TandyA wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.
- DirectorNorman FergusonT. HeeWilfred JacksonStarsDickie JonesChristian RubMel BlancA living puppet, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy.
- DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsWill SmithBill PullmanJeff GoldblumThe aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartHugh JackmanHalle BerryWhen anti-mutant Colonel William Stryker kidnaps Professor X and attacks his school, the X-Men must ally with their archenemy Magneto to stop him.
- DirectorMel GibsonStarsMel GibsonSophie MarceauPatrick McGoohanScottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTim RobbinsMorgan FreemanBob GuntonOver the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDanny AielloOssie DavisRuby DeeOn the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJoseph Gordon-LevittElliot PageA thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.
- DirectorMerian C. CooperErnest B. SchoedsackStarsFay WrayRobert ArmstrongBruce CabotA film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersElizabeth HurleyMichael YorkA world-class playboy and part-time secret agent from the 1960s emerges after thirty years in a cryogenic state to battle with his nemesis Dr. Evil.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsBrad PittDiane KrugerEli RothIn Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers coincides with a theatre owner's vengeful plans for the same.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris HemsworthMark RuffaloThe Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsTom HanksBill PaxtonKevin BaconNASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsChristian SlaterPatricia ArquetteDennis HopperIn Detroit, a pop-culture nerd steals cocaine from his new wife's pimp and tries to sell it in Hollywood, prompting the mobsters who own the drugs to pursue the couple.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenGloria SwansonErich von StroheimA screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return.
- DirectorVictor FlemingGeorge CukorSam WoodStarsClark GableVivien LeighThomas MitchellA sheltered and manipulative Southern belle and a roguish profiteer face off in a turbulent romance as the society around them crumbles with the end of slavery and is rebuilt during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.