A Personal Journey with The Gunslinger45 through the Movies: A Top 50+ [Archive]

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 10:19 AM

It has been a year since I joined this very fine website. I joined to meet fellow cinephiles of a caliber similar to or superior to mine, discuss film with those who have a passion for the art, and to broaden my horizons and explore cinema I have not experienced yet. And in that regard it has been very successful. I have found a place I hope to continue to frequent for many years to come. And to celebrate this occasion I felt it was time for another Top 50 list. I have experienced many new films and directors and while there are new entries on my list, we hit a snag. While a few films rose and fell here or there, plus a few re-connections with films I had not seen in several years, there were only a handful of films in my new Top 50 that were brand new that I have experienced since I joined the site. And while there is still a significant amount of change, it would not be very different from last time. What can I say; my tastes have stayed pretty consistent. But we have a simple solution to this problem.

A few months back I watched a documentary called A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese through American Movies. For three and a half hours Marty talked about his own experiences with movies growing up. Starting with Duel in the Sun (the first movie he remembered seeing by title in the theater). He also discussed movie making, the old studio system, certain directors, the roles of a director, and basically showcased his encyclopedic knowledge of film. Needless to say I loved it. But it also inspired me to try something similar this time around. I want this to be a personal journey through film as well. Now many of my favorite films already include personal cinematic milestones, movie movements I greatly enjoyed, films that spoke to me personally, films that genuinely moved me, and a few movies that have changed my life. And my Top 50 reflects a lot of that. But in order to try and get the greatest possible snapshot of my cinematic experiences I am going to need more than 50 films. So in addition to this being my Top 50 favorite films, I will have sections of Honorable Mentions as the list progresses; about every eight films or so until I reach my top 10 favorite films of all time. These films will be made up of movies that I do love, or films I loved at a certain point in time in my life. And while they did not making my Top 50 or might not even make my top 200, they certainly deserve mention because they were either significant to my cinematic growth or very fond childhood memories.

Now for my last list I wrote full scale reviews for the 50 films I had there. I am not going to do that this time around. I am not really going to go into too much detail about the film’s plot or the director and such. Instead I will try to focus on what the film meant to me personally. Why I really liked it, whether or not it had an influence on my own life, how I was introduced to the film, and things of that particular nature. This allows me to stay on the path of this being a personal journey, as well as saving me the hassle of writing a crap ton of new reviews. It will also keep each film entry short and pithy. A blessing for those with ADD.

So sit back, relax, and allow me to take you down my own personal journey through the cinema.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 10:22 AM

50.

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/sansho-the-bailiff-1954/large_4rxhHZC1GK2YR3UrjVAuCLRxQqP.jpg

Sansho the Bailiff: 1954 (NR) NEW
Japan / Daiei
100%

http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/images/rmiah/2007/07/31/pdvd_045.jpg?maxWidth=500

Even before joining this website I had an appreciation for classic Japanese cinema. But my level of experience with the Japanese Golden Age at the time I joined was limited to Akira Kurosawa and the first Godzilla movie. And I had only seen maybe 6 or so of Kurosawa’s movies at the time. One of the things that came out of this website is my continued expansion of this passion for the Japanese Golden Age with the introduction to other directors from that time. One such film maker was Kenji Mizoguchi. It first was introduced to him through Ugetsu, but it was this film I was truly moved by. They story follows the tale of a noble family who end up being sold into slavery and the hardships they suffer. We see how each family member tries to survive. Some coop better than others. But it is in one line that not only makes this a beautiful film, but also really sums up the film.

“Without mercy, man is not a human being.”

Now being someone who tries to be a good Catholic this movie really strikes the cord that reflects Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. Granted this movie takes place during a time when Buddhism and Shinto were the prevalent religions in Japan, but the call for mercy does hit it home with a guy like me. As well as the perseverance of will to survive as well as the heart break of the tragedy of the film. And it is presented in a classic Japanese period piece that I love so much. It rips at the heart strings and shows the importance of retaining one’s humanity.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 10:32 AM

49.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Ikiru_poster.jpg/220px-Ikiru_poster.jpg
Ikiru: 1952 (NR) -12

Japan / Toho
100%

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxerbkFg4u1r7ech8o1_500.gif

This was one of the Kurosawa movies I watched after joining this site. Set in then contemporary times, Kurosawa proved to me he did not have to make a period piece to make a fantastic film. This is another film whose message really hit home for me. The film follows a bureaucrat who is not long for this world. And since he has spent 30 years at the same post in the same office and is estranged from his son, he questions what he has done with his life. He feels a big chunk of his life has passed him by, and facing his own mortality, he wants to find some kind of meaning to it. He tries many avenues, some of which are rather shallow, but concludes the best way to spend the rest of his time alive is to try and get a park made. A film that tries to tell the viewer to live life while you can, which is a message I am sure will get even stronger the closer I get to the grave. Kurosawa’s direction is fantastic and Takashi Shimura excels as the meek paper pusher. A beautiful film that once again knows how to play my heart strings.

5

seanc

03-09-14, 10:34 AM

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 10:34 AM

48.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1e/Dogma_%28movie%29.jpg

Dogma: 1999 (R) NEW
USA / Lions Gate
67%

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lovccnBYFZ1r0qc47o1_500.gif#dogma%20gifs
http://seopetriii.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/aahayek__dogma__003.gif?w=450&h=350

The quickest way to my heart is though laughter. And this film introduced me to the comedic director who became to my teenage and early adult years what Lucas and Spielberg were to my childhood. I was introduced to this film oddly enough through my parents of all people. Both were raised Catholic and decided to take me and my brother to see this movie in the theater when it came out. I get the felling however I liked it A LOT more than they did. And as soon as Jay and Silent Bob hit the big screen I was instantly sold, and had to seek out the rest of Kevin Smith’s filmography as soon as I could. This movie is downright hilarious and Smith would go on to be my favorite comedic director.

But more than that it is a film that is in Smith’s strange own way, a reaffirmation of faith. The movie starts out with the main character Bethany experiencing a crisis of faith. Not only does she doubt God’s existence, she is very bitter at the world. But by the end of the film and some really wacky and funny stuff throughout the film, by the end of the movie she has a solid grasp on her religious beliefs. Still snarky, but far less cynical. This was a movie written during director Kevin Smith’s own crisis of faith, and was made as his own reaffirmation of his religious beliefs. All be it with less emphasis on religious dogma (hence the title) and with more dick and fart jokes and Ethan Suplee dressed in a giant rubber poop monster costume. But still a movie that gets the point across without being as heavy handed as the 700 Club.

And it it’s strange own way it helps to reaffirm my own faith. Particularly in the day and age of the notorious church scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church. This movie helps to say “It is okay to believe in God and that Christ died for your sins even though you think the Church has made some MAJOR mistakes.” Because we Catholics are complicated like that; lots of guilt from our own sins and having to deal with a lot of BS out of Rome. But this film still helps me keep focus on what is important, and it is that important stuff that helps me keep going to church. Or I am just insane, who knows. Either way I love Dogma, and the people who think I am going to Hell for liking this movie need to find their sense of humor.

4.5

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 10:35 AM

Looking forward to it Gunslinger. I will say Happy Anniversary in your new thread. This really is a great site for discovering films I probably would have let go by the wayside. My taste is probably more mainstream than yours but I echo your sentiments.

I have a very wide taste in films so I guarantee you films you will like will most certainly show up.

And thank you for the Happy Anniversary!

Mr Minio

03-09-14, 11:40 AM

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/PfaffVWseller/AwesomeThread.jpg

Bansho the Bailiff struck me with its violence much more than any gore film I have seen. It's widely recognised as melodrama due to its tearjerking ending, but to me it's way more than your ordinary soppy flick. The slavery topic is relevant to this day and cinematography is simply outstanding. I also think it's better than Ugetsu and damn me, I have to see more Mizoguchi.

I liked Ikiru, but didn't love it. Recently, I was on kind of Kurosawa streak and enjoyed his films more, so I will for sure rewatch Ikiru sooner or later and hopefully like it even more the second time.

Never saw Dogma, but heard about it.

bluedeed

03-09-14, 11:53 AM

I think the only film that rivals Sansho the Bailiff among Mizoguchi's films is not Ugetsu, but The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums. The rest of his work is great, but pales in comparison to these supreme masterworks.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 12:46 PM

47.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/Raiders.jpg

Raiders of the Lost Ark: 1981 (PG) NEW
USA / Paramount
95% (CF)

http://images.fandango.com/images/fandangoblog/day23raidersark2.jpg

Kind of hard to do a walk down memory lane without talking about this movie. As I just mentioned, both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were a HUGE part of my childhood. Especially Spielberg. Between his movies and the animated TV shows he produced like Tiny Toons and Animaniacs. If Disney could somehow pry him away from Dreamworks (fat chance) they would practically own a monopoly on my childhood. And my very first introduction to his films came in the form of my favorite Fedora wearing, whip cracking, Nazi killing archeologist. The man who made a very boring job, look AWESOME! Along with Lucas as the producer, they made one of the best trilogies ever made. An homage to the film serials of old, Indiana Jones in pure unadulterated fun and visual spectacle; having brought so many classic scenes and lines to the masses. From the idol scene, Indy running away from the natives, the Ark of the Covenant being opened, and especially the scene where faced with a swordsmen of considerable skill and flair, Indy brushes him off by shooting him all nonchalantly. Add in the classic score by John Williams, and we have one of the best movies for pure entertainment! For as long as I can remember watching movies, I have always been aware of Indiana Jones. There was never a time I remember where I did not know who he was. And Indiana Jones IS my all time favorite cinema character. And considering all the other great characters I like, that should say a lot! This movie is one of my all time childhood favorites. It was one of the two trilogies I watched as a kid that made me fall in love with movies in the first place.

5

cricket

03-09-14, 01:04 PM

I tried watching Dogma last week but I was half asleep; I'll try again this week.

I haven't seen any of the Japanese classics, but I want to. I'm going to have to break down and get a Netflix account because I never see them on cable.

Absolutely love Raiders of the Lost Ark.:up:

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 01:05 PM

Sexy Celebrity

03-09-14, 01:31 PM

Dogma was the first Kevin Smith movie I ever saw. It came out in November '99, the weekend of my 16th birthday, and I went to see it. I really like it.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 01:59 PM

46.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/SW_-_Empire_Strikes_Back.jpg

Empire Strikes Back: 1980 (PG) NEW
USA / 20th Century Fox
96% (CF)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgjqenuINy1qguurxo1_500.gif
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls93nhKLnj1qgj4zoo1_250.gif

Well I already sang Spielberg’s praises in the last slot, so how about that other film trilogy that was a childhood favorite? You know; the one from the other guy who defined my childhood. STAR WARS! As a child born in the 1980’s it was hard to escape the cinematic titan that was the Star Wars franchise. And while I may not have had the chance to see this movie in theaters I watched the hell out of it on VHS. And while George Lucas did not direct this particular film, he did write the story, created the characters, the universe, and was an unaccredited writer on the script. I don’t know how many times I have watched these movies, but it has to be well over 100 times by now. Where Indiana Jones is film serial homage to more grounded titles, Star Wars is pure space opera like Flash Gordon. Lots of space travel, dog fights, and with a very large cast of very memorable characters this movie is almost impossible to hate when you are 4 years old. And easily one of the greatest surprise endings ever makes this a sci-fi classic! It also features yet another great score by John Williams. The only reason this does not show up on my list higher is that I have not watched it in so long. And that is because I can’t get a version of the UNTOUCHED cut of the film on DVD. I don’t want the special edition dammit! I might have to invest in a laser disc or shell out big bucks for old copies of the VHS one day. But regardless, this is one of the trilogies that made me fall in love with the movies and is a fantastic film in its own right. And deserves a spot on this list.

5

seanc

03-09-14, 02:10 PM

Love Empire and Raiders. I think we will get the original trilogy back one day now that Disney is involved.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 02:12 PM

If Disney is smart they will know that the fans want NONE EXTENDED EDITION DVDs!

jiraffejustin

03-09-14, 02:35 PM

Huge thumbs up for Ikiru and Empire. I've never been a big fan of Raiders, but it's a fine movie. Not seen the others. Sansho the Bailiff has been on my watchlist for ages.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 02:37 PM

Sansho the Bailiff is a masterpiece! Mizoguchi's best that I have seen so far.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 02:44 PM

Very glad people are liking this. It was a pleasure to create, now I get to share it!

Yoda

03-09-14, 02:47 PM

Very glad people are liking this. It was a pleasure to create, now I get to share it!
"My God. It's full of rep."

http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/114/290/114290707_640.jpg

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 02:50 PM

"My God. It's full of rep."

http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/114/290/114290707_640.jpg

Much truth in this statement. I got like 55 rep points already today!

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 03:03 PM

45.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/Mulholland.png

Mulholland Drive: 2001 (R) NEW
USA / Universal
81% (CF)

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/1376017/mulholland-drive-monster-o.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHPKe8D01Kk

We move from the film directors of my childhood, to a film director who has become one of my favorites only recently; the strange and surreal David Lynch. And while I was first exposed to his work when I was a kid via the Sci-Fi Channel with Dune; that is a film that is still pretty far and away from his usual oeuvre. This film on the other hand is much closer to his usual style, and many people (MoFo or otherwise) consider it his masterpiece. This film does have that Lynchian touch to it, but it does not go FULL Lynch the same way Eraserhead and Inland Empire did. It is a perfect balance between the surreal nature of his films, and a somewhat traditional narrative. Showing enough restraint where you have enough to go on to try and follow a story (in this case an erotic mystery), but still plenty of surreal images and sequences. And let’s face it; I am still trying to find out the meaning to a lot of this movie. But that is half the fun of Lynch’s work. His films are meant to be rewatched, multiple times if needed to try and get a better understanding of his work. And even though you may not know what exactly is going on, the films are still beautiful to watch. Whether you see this film as some sort of commentary on the Hollywood system, or the comparison of the fantasy and reality of becoming a big star in Tinseltown; the man is certainly unique in his vision and execution. I really wish he would make another movie. This is the first, but not the last Lynch film on this list.

4.5

jiraffejustin

03-09-14, 03:07 PM

Love Lynch.

You need to watch On the Air. It's Lynch's take on the sitcom, obviously it didn't last long. It's on youtube. Only 6 episodes. It's great.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 03:08 PM

Is that the stuff with the bunny things? Yeah I need to watch it!

jiraffejustin

03-09-14, 03:08 PM

That's something else, which I also need to see.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 03:10 PM

I will check it out anyways. I think the bunny stuff which was in Inland Empire came from something else before that movie...

jiraffejustin

03-09-14, 03:12 PM

Checked out his IMDb page. I will (probably safely) assume the bunnies comes from Rabbits.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 03:14 PM

That is it. That I need to check out too.

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 03:58 PM

Honorable Mentions #1 Disney Mania: The Third Man who made me fall in Love with Film

As I said this is more than a Top 50, it is also an exploration of my personal journey through the cinema. And I am rounding out my official top 50 favorite films with about 30 or so honorable mentions to show my progress and wide range of movies I enjoy. But unlike the other films present, instead of doing Honorable Mentions one post at a time, I will do one giant one. And what better place to start then at the beginning of my cinematic experiences. As I said with my reviews of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Empire Strikes Back; that George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were synonymous with my childhood. But there was a third man who helped shape my love of movies, and that was the architect of the House of Mouse, Walt Disney. I did not start watching films as a kid by jumping in head first with Scorsese movies; I had to walk before I could run and Uncle Walt was there to see me through.

Also keep in mind: I was not born in the United States; I was actually born in Japan, and was raised for the first five years of my life in Asia, particularly Seoul South Korea. And since we did not speak Korean (and a lot of what was in Korean cartoons were not quite kid friendly), my brother and I were forbidden from watching any form of Korean television. As such we were raised on VHS tapes sent over from my grandparents living in the States. They contained movies, box sets, and some taped children’s programming. And since we only had so many tapes, we would watch them over and over again. This is particularly true of the first two honorable mentions.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/43/Sleeping_beauty_disney.jpg

Sleeping Beauty 1959 (G)
USA / Disney
91%
Of all the classic Disney movies (IE pre Disney Renaissance) this is the one I watched the most as a kid. This movie is based off the classic fairy. So why did I like this one so much? The excellent score and third act! Prince Phillip rides to her rescue with the help of the fairies to fight my favorite Disney villain of all time Maleficent! And the music is absolutely beautiful, using the classically composed music of Tchaikovsky from the ballet of the same name. I saw this movie recently for the first time in two decades. Before that I could barely tell you anything about Princess Aurora. Maleficent on the other hand I distinctly remembered and could describe in detail how evil and scary she was! And as a young boy, it was awesome to see the Prince ride his horse through the thorns and ultimately fight Maleficent as a dragon and coming out on top! After the battle all is well and we get our big happy ending. Classic Disney and I look forward to the live action version Maleficent coming out this summer.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/75/Movie_poster_the_little_mermaid.jpg
The Little Mermaid: 1989 (G)
USA / Disney
92% (CF)
Now of ALL the Disney movies I watched on VHS in Asia, this is easily my favorite. The animation is fantastic, the songs are timeless, and we have a Disney princess that is actually proactive and not asleep for half the flick. Ariel was even praised as being proactive and adventurous. She actually does stuff besides being a passive individual waiting for the movies deus ex machina. Granted she is doing it for reasons important to a 16 year old fangirl, but still progress was being made. And while Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain, Ursala easily takes second place. Although of all the villain designs, Ursala’s is my favorite. She was modeled after John Waters star and drag queen Divine. The prince was a bit of a bore though. No getting around that.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Beautybeastposter.jpg

Beauty and the Beast: 1991 (G)
USA / Disney
93% (CF)
Beauty and the Beast not only represents another classic film in the Disney Renaissance, but was also part of the turning point where Disney princesses became more modern, and not feminist punching bags. Becoming less damsel in distress (Princess Aurora), or “wishing for my prince to come” (all of them really) and began to knock the typical mold of the past princesses. Bell also has more personality then past Disney princesses. She is intelligent, likes to read, and is not just a pretty face. She is not looking for prince charming, and while she does end up with the Beast at the end, it only becomes a romance after the Beast starts to ease up on being a prick. Also, due to the fact that I did live overseas, I never got to go to the movies until my family moved back to the States. And when I got here, this became the first movie I got to see in theaters; starting a love of going to the movies. A childhood treasure.

4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Aladdinposter.jpg

Aladdin: 1992 (G)
USA / Disney
94% (CF)
While the three movies listed above are indeed important films to me, this is my favorite animated movie from Disney. Yet another movie I remember seeing in the theater. This had two very good protagonists in Aladdin and Jasmine, an excellent villain, and probably one of the best supporting characters ever with the Genie (voiced by Robin Williams). The story sets up a very compelling fantasy world in old school (but Disney-fied) Arabia with lots fantastic imagery, excellent animation, and arguably the best Disney song ever written, “A Whole New World.” Not only did I have the toy line, a stuffed animal of Raja the tiger, and other various merchandise; but this was the only one of the Disney movies where I actually bothered to watch the direct to video sequels. And wouldn’t ya know it they were actually pretty good. Something that cannot be said of other Disney direct to video sequels. Heck I even watched a fair amount of the TV show. Can’t say that about other Disney movies that is for sure. Making Aladdin my favorite childhood Disney movie.

4.5

Now around the time I was 10 or so, I like many kids wanted to establish myself as older and not seen as a child. At this point in time that meant to me and my friends started turning our backs on Disney. We wanted to watch movies and other media that we thought were not “kids stuff.” And at that time we had gotten Super Nintendo, and what was synonymous with cool was Mortal Kombat (both the game and the first movie). Defiantly not kids stuff. As such after the Lion King I turned my back on Disney animated movies for the most part and the fandom was gone at this point. Never cared to see movies like The Hunchback of Notre Dame or Pocahantas. Exceptions to the rule of course applied. The two exceptions were when I saw Hercules because at that time I was heavy into Greek myths, and Mulan which was shown actually years after its release while I was in high school. And that was because my world history teacher wanted to do something cool for us. Both good films, but none of them great or particularly spectacular. At least not to me. And with Pixar movies unable to replicate what made Disney a big part of my childhood and the Dreamworks movies I actually saw generally being one and done; for well over a decade my cinema fandom was absent of the brand of films Disney made when I was a kid. Even the movies I have listed I had not watched in well over two decades. That was until I started hearing a lot of good things about this movie on the internet…

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/81/The_Princess_and_the_Frog_poster.jpg
The Princess and the Frog: 2009 (G)
USA / Disney
84% (CF)

So I eventually rented this movie via iTunes, and I got to say it was a very good film. Not only was the main character Tiana played by Anika Noni Rose from Dreamgirls (which is an excellent movie), but it reconnected me with the 2D Disney style that dominated a large chunk of my childhood. A rediscovery if you will. It was a return to the fairy tale premise that they had strayed away from, updated to modern times, lots of musical numbers and funny characters, and it stayed very close to the usual Disney formula (for better or worse). The villain was played by Keith David (which is always a plus) and his villain song “Friends on the Other Side” was friggen awesome. As I said, a very good flick worth checking out; but I would not officially return to Disney fandom until this next movie.

4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/05/Frozen_%282013_film%29_poster.jpg
Frozen: 2013 (PG)
USA / Disney
89% (CF)
This is the film that put the final nail in the coffin. Where The Princess and the Frog, started the reconnection with Disney, this is the one that help reignite the spark I long felt was lost and got me excited for the future. From traditional animation to digital animation, 2D to 3D, and showing a continual evolution of the Disney formula. Still close to the tried and true Disney princess brand, but putting plenty of twists to keep it fresh and up with modern times. The set up to the film has you expecting a typical Disney version of a Hans Christian Anderson story. But by the end of the movie all those expectations you had in the first 20 minutes have been turned upside down, making for a very clever story. And the singing is simply fantastic helped in large part by the Broadway alumni. Kind of hard to complain about the singing when the Witch from Wicked is in one of the leads. Also, I started laughing my ass off when I realized Olaf the Snowman was voiced by Josh Gad who played Elder Cunningham in the Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon.” This was not just another great movie, but I really got into the story and the world they lived in. Which sounds silly for a 28 year old man to say about a kid’s movie but it is true. I want to see what happens after this story and it would be awesome if I got a legit sequel and not some straight to DVD crap. Plus seeing this in 3D in the theater really gives you a greater appreciation for the film and what can be done with 3D. This not only was just a really good family film, it is the film that makes me excited for future Disney releases, returning me once again as a fan of the House of Mouse. Definitely my number 2 favorite Disney movie. What can I say other than it is great movie.

4.5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk

Nostromo87

03-09-14, 05:47 PM

Honorable Mentions #1 Disney Mania

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/75/Movie_poster_the_little_mermaid.jpg
The Little Mermaid: 1989 (G)
USA / Disney
92% (CF)
Now of ALL the Disney movies I watched on VHS in Asia, this is easily my favorite. The animation is fantastic, the songs are timeless, and we have a Disney princess that is actually proactive and not asleep for half the flick. Ariel was even praised as being proactive and adventurous. She actually does stuff besides being a passive individual waiting for the movies deus ex machina. Granted she is doing it for reasons important to a 16 year old fangirl, but still progress was being made. And while Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain, Ursala easily takes second place. Although of all the villain designs, Ursala’s is my favorite. She was modeled after John Waters star and drag queen Divine. The prince was a bit of a bore though. No getting around that.

Ursula transformed as Vanessa is still freaky

http://24.media.tumblr.com/b822fcd5cb9b4c9585dba7670da6fcab/tumblr_msv6wpsawq1qki7dgo1_500.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJgR8yuxGEE

Mr Minio

03-09-14, 05:50 PM

Love Lynch.

You need to watch On the Air. It's Lynch's take on the sitcom, obviously it didn't last long. It's on youtube. Only 6 episodes. It's great. Thanks for reminding me! I was meaning to watch it for a long time now!

jiraffejustin

03-09-14, 05:52 PM

Thanks for reminding me! I was meaning to watch it for a long time now!

Don't hesitate! Do it now!

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 05:55 PM

This will be my final entry for today as I have already gotten off to a great start. Expect a few more every day for the next week or so.

44.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/Kingofcomedy.jpg

The King of Comedy: 1983 (PG) -10
USA / 20th Century Fox
93% (CF)

http://dudy.fr/images/kingofcomedy.gif
http://overcastfilm.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/the-king-of-comedy.jpg?w=545

I first saw this movie towards the end of what I like to call “The Scorsese Binge.” A period of time after I joined this site where I resolved to watch the rest of Scorsese’s impressive feature filmography. Which amounted to a total of fifteen films. During which time I saw many films that were good like Kundun, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and Cape Fear (which was on my last Top 50); plus some bad ones (New York New York). But the real stars were quite a few under appreciated gems like After Hours and Bringing Out the Dead. But this movie was my favorite film I saw during this period and most certainly is Scorsese’s most under appreciated work. When most people think of Robert De Niro in a Martin Scorsese movie, usually they think of films like Raging Bull or Goodfellas. These are movies where De Niro plays a very macho character in a film with themes of urban crime and grit; generally also accompanied by an endless stream profanity. This film in many regards is the anti Scorsese / De Niro movie, and for that reason a lot of people stayed away from this movie at the theater. But it is because of these same reasons, why it is also so brilliant. De Niro is not some tough guy, he is a nerd in this film. Urban crime is not discussed, this is not a gangster picture, and the movie is rated PG with very little if any profanity. And while it does have a protagonist who is probably more mentally disturbed then Travis Bickle (let that sink in); he is nowhere near as violent. It does make for some very awkward and creepy moments, but the movie does touch on subject matter that was ahead of its time. Here we have a guy who will do ANYTHING to get his fifteen minutes of fame and the film highlights the part of our culture OBSESSED with celebrities. Dear Lord, Scorsese practically predicted the Octo Mom's, Kardashians, and the like who will go to extreme lengths to get famous. And the lengths Rupert Pupkin went to get his slot in the spot light resemble it more then a little. And credit to Sandra Bernhard for putting on one heck of a performance. A pity she did not do more movies (although I am sure Hudson Hawk helped with that). Either way this is a brilliant and criminally under discussed movie when compared to the rest of Scorsese’s work.

4.5

Cobpyth

03-09-14, 06:06 PM

Love your picks, Gunslinger! Ikiru is one of my personal favorites, Dogma is OK (although it's not one of my favorite Kevin Smith films, I still think it's worth watching), the Indiana Jones series and the Star Wars series are of course awesome, Mulholland Drive is great and I should definitely rewatch it in the very near future as I feel that I will love it instead of only liking it the second time around and of course you know that I'm also a big fan of Disney animation and Scorsese! ;)

Just one thing: why didn't you like New York, New York? I watched it a few months ago and I though it was fantastic. I'm a fan of (classic) musicals and I thought Scorsese did a great job revitalizing that classic genre, but in a typical Scorsese-like dark way. What were your main issues with the film?

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 06:08 PM

Cobpyth

03-09-14, 06:22 PM

I was expecting a typical musical and I only got that toward the end of the movie (best part of the movie). De Niro's character seemed to be generic compared to his other roles he has done with Scorsese, and it was way too long for me. Liza was great, but the rest of the movie is a let down. At least for me it was.

I see.

I also thought the third act was the best part (from the moment Liza becomes a star), but somehow I also appreciated all the other stuff a lot. Maybe it were the visuals that enchanted me so much that I didn't care for the film's tiny flaws. I can see why you think this film is a little bit too slow, especially in the beginning. It didn't bother me personally, but I guess it indeed has certain pacing problems.
Thanks for clarifying your thoughts on it! Looking forward to the rest of your top! :)

The Gunslinger45

03-09-14, 06:24 PM

I hope you enjoy it. :)

Nostromo87

03-09-14, 06:36 PM

Empire & Raiders are the two i've seen so far from your list, aside from the Disney honorable mentions. can't go wrong there, two of the best

have Mulholland Drive on my watchlist. almost blind bought Sansho & Ikiru several times, but haven't pulled the trigger yet

off to a strong start. this thread is gonna be a winner

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5u0kcV4Xs1rqlfp9.gif

moviefan1996

03-09-14, 08:51 PM

I am enjoying your list so far and I love the details you give about why the films made a impact to you. The ones in your list that made a huge impact on my cinema film experiences so are Raiders of the Last Ark and The Empire Strikes Back so far.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 07:34 AM

43.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/Evil_Dead_II_poster.jpg

Evil Dead II: 1987 (R) -1
USA / Rosebud Releasing
98% (CF)

http://cdn.bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2-evil-dead.gif
http://i18.tinypic.com/4yfjnmr.gif

The man… the legend… The chin. My friends this is the perfect blend of two awesome genres; horror and comedy! With all the blood and practical effects of a slasher flick with all the slapstick of The Three Stooges; and when you add in the charisma and sheer awesomeness of Bruce Campbell and some one-liners; you get a pretty spectacular movie. If the premise of a man reading from an ancient tome that resurrects undead beings called the Deadites in a cabin in the woods, and he has to fight them off with a chainsaw and a boom-stick does not appeal to you, you can pass on this one. It is just as it sounds, and I absolutely love it!

This is another movie that was discovered on the shelves of Blockbuster Video. Though it was not through this movie, I was first introduced to this series via Army of Darkness. Fell in love with the premise and character, and eventually saw the other two movies. But my clear favorite is this installment. A reimaging of the first Evil Dead rather than a true sequel, this is a fan favorite for any true fan boy.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 07:36 AM

42.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/10Command56.jpg

The Ten Commandments 1956 (G) -2
USA / Paramount
91%

http://www.turnbacktogod.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/the-ten-commandments-1956-movie-08.jpg

While I touched on Dogma as a film that inspires faith in a very unconventional sense, this movie does so in far more traditional terms. A true classic in every sense of the word. This tells the Book of Exodus in the form of a Biblical epic with all the scale and ambition one would expect from Cecil B. DeMille. I first saw this movie when I was 12 or so and visited my aunt and uncle in Santa Fe. We were given free reign of the TV room and my uncle’s computer which at that time had dial up AOL. And since AOL took an hour to load a single page back in those days, we watched this movie after trying the web. This was back when long movies like this came in a double VHS box. I liked it then, but I admit my love for the movie grew as my own personal journey with my faith has progressed.

Subsequent viewings allowed me to appreciate the film more; not only in its inspiring message but in the production values and design. I have a special place in my heart for old school big budget studio pictures before the rise of computer generated effects. The scene where Moses parts the Red Sea is a breath taking scene and has become iconic in its own right. And who better to play the lead of Moses then one of my all time favorite actors, Charlton Heston; a man with the voice, stature and talent to pull of playing one of the most important Judeo-Christian figures. I will throw this movie on every so often and I still get chills when Moses climbs Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God. Epic, grand, and inspirational, The Ten Commandments remains one of my all time favorites.

5

Nostromo87

03-10-14, 09:26 AM

43.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/Evil_Dead_II_poster.jpg

Evil Dead II: 1987 (R) -1
USA / Rosebud Releasing
98% (CF)

The man… the legend… The chin. My friends this is the perfect blend of two awesome genres; horror and comedy! With all the blood and practical effects of a slasher flick with all the slapstick of The Three Stooges; and when you add in the charisma and sheer awesomeness of Bruce Campbell and some one-liners; you get a pretty spectacular movie. If the premise of a man reading from an ancient tome that resurrects undead beings called the Deadites in a cabin in the woods, and he has to fight them off with a chainsaw and a boom-stick does not appeal to you, you can pass on this one. It is just as it sounds, and I absolutely love it!

This is another movie that was discovered on the shelves of Blockbuster Video. Though it was not through this movie, I was first introduced to this series via Army of Darkness. Fell in love with the premise and character, and eventually saw the other two movies. But my clear favorite is this installment. A reimaging of the first Evil Dead rather than a true sequel, this is a fan favorite for any true fan boy.

this is pretty much exactly my experience of this movie as well. saw Army of Darkness first, thought it was a cool premise, and then LOVED Evil Dead II on first impact... you rented yours from Blockbuster Video, i rented mine from my school's library

loved all the gags, & my favorite 'inside joke' about this movie is that Ash is foolishly taking a trip to a cabin in the woods for a second time.. summons demons into our world through a supernatural book for the second time. sure, maybe his girlfriend gets possessed, he loses a hand, and gets sucked into a time-warp that sends him to medieval times ~ yet the way it is conveyed makes me want to foolishly return & do the adventure again too!

demon-book, laughing deer, chain saw - sawed-off shotgun combo, CHIN!

http://media.giphy.com/media/9tWXgFWUgWOt2/giphy.gif
http://media3.giphy.com/media/wIrCcCd9OnVU4/giphy.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc2hx09hku1r6k2zao1_500.gif

jal90

03-10-14, 09:55 AM

What a great, solid work you are doing with this list, Gunslinger. Your entries are a very enjoyable read and I agree with some of them. Keep on it!

Miss Vicky

03-10-14, 10:58 AM

Obviously I approve of Evil Dead II, but my experience with the trilogy was a little different. Iwatched Army of Darkness first, loved it and continued to love it most after seeing the other two. Evil Dead II is my second favorite of the three.

honeykid

03-10-14, 11:14 AM

Most everyone loves Raiders! Hope you like Dogma!
Not me! I find it, for the most part, dull and uninteresting. That's not to say I can't watch it, I can, but I'd rather not.

The man… the legend… The chin. My friends this is the perfect blend of two awesome genres; horror and comedy! With all the blood and practical effects of a slasher flick with all the slapstick of The Three Stooges

And right there is the problem for me.

and when you add in the charisma and sheer awesomeness of Bruce Campbell
That'd be nice. Shame he has none. :p

Despite that, I'm loving this list. Personal is almost always more interesting, IMO, so even when I'm not interested in the film, I can still often enjoy the story, as it has nothing to do with the film. That said, I skipped most of the Disney stuff. There are limits. ;)

Looking forward to the rest. :)

Miss Vicky

03-10-14, 11:16 AM

That'd be nice. Shame he has none. :p

You are so, so very wrong about that. Bruce has charisma in spades and not just in his movies.
And he is pure awesome.

cricket

03-10-14, 01:25 PM

Thumbs up for Empire, Mulholland Dr, and Evil Dead 2.:up:

I still have to see The Ten Commandments.

jiraffejustin

03-10-14, 01:45 PM

I love Bruce Campbell.....in Army of Darkness. The first two Evil Dead movies are dookie though. You are a good MoFo though, so I will let this one slide, Gunslinger. :p

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 02:23 PM

41.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9e/Serenity_One_Sheet.jpg

Serenity: 2005 (PG-13) NEW
USA / Universal Pictures
82% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpIySM5Qgvk

Not only is this one of my favorite movies, but it is a continuation of my all time favorite TV show. A TV show that strikes a perfect balance between the genres of science fiction and the western, but also manages to bring in plenty of funny moments as well. Which is to be expected considering this is a Joss Whedon production who is the master at inserting quick comedic beats into his works (whedonisms).

Now as the unashamed fanboy that I am, I surprisingly do not get the same fangasm from Joss Whedon in the same way I get one from say Scorsese, Lynch, or Kurosawa. I was never a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the spin off Angel. I had seen a few of the episodes for both shows, and never cared to check out the series in its entirety. In fact I only checked out this series on the recommendation of online critic, internet personality, and fellow Florida State alum, Eric Rodriguez aka The Blockbuster Buster. E-Rod is from one of my favorite websites That Guy with the Glasses.com, and one of his reviews was an April Fools episode for the movie Serenity. At the end of the review he highly recommended the movie, but only after watching the TV show. On his recommendation I watched the show first, and I loved every second of it! It would go on to become my favorite TV show of all time, and I could not wait to see the movie. Needless to say, the film blew me away! Not only was this a great sci-fi flick it brought closure to the TV show’s story lines. In addition after I saw this movie in late 2011, a lot of the anxiety I had about Joss directing The Avengers movie was alleviated.

But on its own it is still a great film. It is blessed with an excellent cast, an awesome story, and with the budget greatly increased over the TV show, allows for some fantastic imagery and effects. And it is just a whole lot of fun to watch, and a film I will rewatch many more times to come. After I rewatch the series of course.

4.5

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 02:24 PM

40.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBbpuizmJMY/TdMEt-R4X4I/AAAAAAAAAA8/z8R8Z3V-cIc/s1600/vertigo.jpg

Vertigo: 1958 (PG) -19
USA / Paramount (original) now Universal
98% (CF)

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh3fx0aiei1qfg94wo1_500.gif
http://sensesofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/vertigo-dangling.gif

It’s kind of hard to proclaim yourself to be a true cinephile and not have seen at least one of Hitchcock’s movies. If Hitchcock is not your thing, we can agree on differences, but you have to at least give the man a try. And my personal favorite film from Hitchcock is Vertigo.

A while back before I joined this fine website, I resolved to watch every movie that is on the current AFI Top 100 Movies list. I had seen about half of the films when I started this quest, and after I was done quite a few of these movies wound up becoming some of my all time favorite films. Vertigo was one of them. I first saw this movie during a month long detail, where I worked 12 hours on, and had 12 hours off with only one day off during the week. Needless to say, the detail stunk. On one day off I decided to watch this movie I had rented via iTunes on my computer. By the end of the film my eyes were glued to the screen and my jaw was on the floor. Excellent cinematography, fantastic twists, and the film oozed fear and suspense. In my opinion it is the perfect psychological thriller. Very glad I saw it.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 02:30 PM

39.

http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/56/5664/MLGUG00Z/posters/mad-max-2-the-road-warrior.jpg

The Road Warrior (AKA Mad Max 2): 1981 (R) -19
Australia / Warner Brothers
100%

http://bavatuesdays.com/files/2012/04/ROAD_WARRIOR_16X9-Title-1-Ch10-Ch12-01.gif

This ladies and gentlemen was a film I first saw in my early years of college. And at one point in time it was also my favorite movie. But times change and while still a much loved film, the stock has taken a hit. Sadly part of that was slightly due in part to certain Mel Gibson scandals.

But as a film itself this film boasts an absolutely brilliant production design and concept. From the look of Max’s Ford Falcon (one of the best movie vehicles ever), the desert scenery, to the costumes for Humongous and his band of raiders, this movie set the standard for post apocalyptic fiction. The film would go on to influence everything from Fist of the North Star, Fallout, to countless Italian rip-offs. And as a rookie college prepper, my fascination with post apocalyptic fiction was due in large part to the Mad Max world. And this movie is action galore with vehicular carnage! And all the stunts are done with practical effects and no unnecessary CGI. Which is always a good thing.

Throw in plenty of unique characters like the Gyro Captain, the Feral Kid, and Humongous himself and you got a pretty memorable movie! Fun times for all!

5

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 04:21 PM

http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/56/5664/MLGUG00Z/posters/mad-max-2-the-road-warrior.jpg

The Road Warrior (AKA Mad Max 2): 1981 (R) -19
Australia / Warner Brothers
100%

And at one point in time it was also my favorite movie. But times change and while still a much loved film, the stock has taken a hit. Sadly part of that was slightly due in part to certain Mel Gibson scandals.

Oh, not you, too!

I hate the hatred towards Mel Gibson.

I love this movie after having recently rewatched it on Blu-ray. It's the best Mad Max movie and I think it's a fantastic, powerful film in general.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 04:26 PM

It is not a hatred, more of a realization that the Hollywood image is just that, an image, and they too have very glaring flaws. All be it better hidden. I got over that stuff years ago. But by the time that happened the damage had been done. I still watch his movies a lot.

But yeah The Road Warrior is still an awesome movie.

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 04:58 PM

It is not a hatred, more of a realization that the Hollywood image is just that, an image, and they too have very glaring flaws. All be it better hidden. I got over that stuff years ago. But by the time that happened the damage had been done. I still watch his movies a lot.

That girlfriend of his -- who recorded him -- was a bitch. I have no sympathy for her.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 05:10 PM

That girlfriend of his -- who recorded him -- was a bitch. I have no sympathy for her.

Ozana or what ever the Russkie name was right?

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 05:17 PM

Honorable Mentions #2: Fun Times with VHS! Adventures in home entertainment!

Time for more honorable mentions folks! As I said during the Disney retrospective I spent the first 5 years of my life living in Asia. As such, all we had for video entertainment was a bunch of VHS tapes sent by my grandparents. Now a big chunk of that was Disney, but we had plenty of other videos we watched during this time. These are a few of my most favorite movies I watched as a kid from the period that ranged from my time in Seoul, to when we moved to Illinois and Maryland. Prepared fro a great diversity of films here folks...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/Superman_ver1.jpg

Superman: 1978 (PG)
USA / Warner Brothers
93% (CF)

Here is a real doozy of a childhood favorite. SUPERMAN! Loved comic book characters as a kid (like that has changed any), but this was my first introduction to the character in live action. I did endless laps around the couch screaming with a blanket for a cape to the soundtrack on the folk’s stereo system. Christopher Reeves to this day is Superman for me the same way that Kevin Conroy is Batman. It goes without saying why this movie shows up as an honorable mention. It was my first comic book movie! And in my opinion still the best movie version of the character.

4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d2/Back_to_the_Future.jpg

Back to the Future: 1985 (PG)
USA / Universal
96% (CF)

Another of the film series I watched when I was a kid via a VHS box set sent to us by Grandma and Grandpa; it is kind of hard to talk about fun movies without mentioning this series. The quintessential time travel movie. Classic characters Doctor Emmitt Brown and Marty McFly travel back to 1955 in the coolest movie vehicle EVER and nearly undue Marty’s existence by nearly having Marty’s mom… fall in love with him. Yeah this was back when there was a lot more cursing and adult content in PG films. And between this and Star Wars potential incest was a surprising theme in my early movie days. God bless the 80’s!
Sure these kinds of movies are filled with plot holes, but you are here for the story and the ride, not scientific facts. Fantastic effects, fun characters, and one of the biggest movie douche bags getting what he gets coming to him. Also, back when it was an attraction, Back to the Future: The Ride was probably the greatest thing at Universal Studios in Orlando.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Ghostbusters_cover.png

Ghostbusters: 1984 (PG)
USA / Columbia
96% (CF)

I was introduced to this film at a very young age. Looking back I was probably too young for some of the subject matter. This was when you could get away with a lot more stuff in a PG movie. But just like a lot of movies some of the more adult themes went over my head and I was focused on what made this movie awesome. Bill Murray, Dan Aykryod, Harold Ramis (RIP), and Ernie Hudson running around New York City catching a bunch of monsters and ghosts! What more can a kid ask for? Not to mention it has one of THE best opening themes EVER MADE!

4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9We2XsVZfc

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/Movie_poster_who_framed_roger_rabbit.jpg

Who Framed Roger Rabbit: 1988 (PG)
USA / Touchstone Pictures
98% (CF)

This movie deserves special credit as actually one of my early childhood favorites. However having seen it since I was a kid, and even just going on what I remember this was a movie that dealt with more than a few topics not suitable for my 5 year old self. And I am surprised so many of the jokes went over my head. Then again I was five. Had no clue the baby was THAT much of a perv. But then again I was all about the cartoons anyway. I mean come on, Disney and Warner Brothers cartoons in one movie? I loved it! Especially the dueling piano bit between Daffy and Donald.
Now that I think about it, arguably this was my first noir film, or at the least my first neo noir. You have the PI, a femme fatale, crooked villains, and a seedy (or as seedy as they could show for PG) side of Hollywood. And the blend of animation and cartoons was excellent! Plus Bob Hoskins is in it as well as Christopher Llyod. Also I know I was only 5 at the time, but between Jessica Rabbit and Princess Leia in that slave outfit in Jedi, I knew from a very young age what felt right. Though I had no idea exactly why… I just knew.

4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/95/The_poster_of_the_movie_The_Great_Muppet_Caper.jpg

The Great Muppet Caper: 1981 (G)
USA / Universal
79%

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ip4rfxii3U

Okay who the hell did not love the Muppets as kids? I mean seriously, you show me someone who hated the Muppets and I will show you someone with an unhappy childhood! And of all the Muppet movies I watched as a kid this one was my favorite growing up. I have not seen this movie since I was a kid, but I can still remember the heist aspect and a number of the musical numbers. Like Hey a Movie and The First Time it Happens. Also the water ballet with Miss Piggy. One part musical, one part crime drama, set in England, but pure Muppet entertainment.

3.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ad/The_Land_Before_Time_poster.jpg

The Land Before Time: 1988 (G)
USA / Universal
74%

In addition to Disney, I was exposed as a kid to a heavy amount of movies from former Disney animator Don Bluth. I watched everything from All Dogs Go to Heaven, An American Tail, and ultimately what was probably my favorite of his films, The Land Before Time. I loved dinosaurs when I was a kid, so an animated feature with talking dinosaurs, and all of whom seemed to be around my age really connected with me as a kid. I put heavy emphasis on the AS A KID part. Not going to lie, any time I have tried to revisit something Don Bluth related the movies REALLY do not hold up as well as I remembered. Disney seems to fare better in that regard. So yeah this is one of those movies I mention in regards to my growth as a cinephile, but have no chance in hell of making my top 200 let alone my top 50. Sorry Miss Vicky.

2.5

http://planetxcontrolroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/king-kong-vs-godzilla-poster.jpg

King Kong vs Godzilla: 1962 (NR)
Japan / Toho + RKO
33%

One of the things I took away from living in Asia was a love of old kaiju movies, and Godzilla was the king of them all! Long before I came to love Kurosawa, to me, Toho meant GODZILLA! I must have seen at least a dozen or so Godzilla flicks multiple times when I was little. And the one that not only do I still have very clear memories of, but was still pretty awesome in a very campy sort of way was when Godzilla fought King Kong. I mean come on, two of the most recognizable giant monsters fighting each other in a movie? My 5 year old brain nearly exploded from the awesome! I love crossovers like this!
Sure looking back now those movies were silly, but they are childhood classics to me. I didn’t care it was a bunch of people in rubber suits, they still were better than that crappy Roland Emmirech movie! I remember how they would get King Kong to go to sleep by getting him drunk and having the natives sing him a song. Either way even though Godzilla lost this fight, it is still a very memorable film for me even to this day. Nothing says fun like giant monsters beating the crap out of each other!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9OvbsENziQ

3

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 07:35 PM

38.

http://cf.ltkcdn.net/movies/images/std/57798-284x425-Nightofthelivingdeadposter.jpg

Night of the Living Dead: 1968 (NR) -4
USA / Public Domain
96% (CF)

http://media3.giphy.com/media/DQc0yuSe381Gw/200.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbtgh6tkmM1rsen2io6_250.gif

Speaking of being a college prepper, let talk about the other kind of fiction I like in that regard, the zombie movies! Of all the ways for the world to end, the zombie apocalypse is one of the most popular and looked forwards to way to go. Socioeconomic collapse, war, and totalitarian governments with itchy trigger fingers and nukes are far more likely, but the zombies are just seen as more fun! And the best kinds of post apocalyptic fiction are the kinds that allow you to insert yourself into the world presented. And one of the best films in that regard is Night of the Living Dead. The film presents a very boots on the ground feel to the movie. You see the characters building fortifications, gathering weapons, inventorying supplies and weighing their options for escape and survival.

Now there is also subtext dealing with racism, and how the movie is a metaphor for the revolution that never happened in the 60’s, old worlds being swallowed up by the new, and things of that nature. And while it does make for a richer picture, I admit I watch these movies over and over again for the reasons I have state, and less to do with the intended message Romero made. It is a scary zombie movie that I will be watching many more times in the future.

5

Miss Vicky

03-10-14, 07:39 PM

I like your list of honorable mentions much more than I like your list of favorites.

Harumph.

Mr Minio

03-10-14, 07:39 PM

The best part of the movie: The girl slaps the guy.

He bitchslaps her and makes her fall unconscious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjURs1dG1eA

Hilarious.

The Sci-Fi Slob

03-10-14, 07:40 PM

Why didn't I look at this thread before; I love you .http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/love0010.gif

mark f

03-10-14, 07:47 PM

It's only been up a day! And without Viagra too. :)

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 07:49 PM

People's obsession with zombies have ruined zombie movies for me. It seems to have really started a decade ago with Shaun of the Dead and the Dawn of the Dead remake.

First of all, a zombie apocalypse would be the worst thing ever. You do not want to pray for it to happen. To me, people wishing for zombie apocalypses is like wishing for AIDS if it didn't already exist. It is that stupid and nuts to me. Not only do you have to deal with dying if there's a zombie apocalypse, but even worse than that -- there's UNDEATH. Staying alive forever as a zombie. Eating PEOPLE. Every day. Several times.

Come on! And you all want a zombie apocalypse? Do you all really want to go chasing around all kinds of people to eat them? Fat people, old grannies, the handicapped, the severely ugly -- you'd be wanting to eat every last bit of their flesh? This is the world we live in? Where people want this? People are hoping for a zombie apocalypse??? There's nothing sicker! My God -- if you must pig out, go to an All You Can Eat Buffet. There's something incredibly disturbing about everyone's desire for a zombie apocalypse to break out. THIS IS HOW PEOPLE WANT THE WORLD TO END??? By eating everything that moves?! SICK, SICK, SICK! Caligula wouldn't even understand this zombie apocalypse worldwide fetish. I mean, this is as foul as it gets. And don't tell me you just want the chance to fight off zombies with various tool shed weapons -- you must face the reality that you could lose in a battle with zombies and turn into a zombie yourself. And then you'll be eating everybody in sight. That is sick, man. That is real sick.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 07:53 PM

Swan

03-10-14, 07:55 PM

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 07:57 PM

Also for the record, Shaun of the Dead? I never cared for that movie. :shrug:

Guaporense

03-10-14, 07:57 PM

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 07:57 PM

No one wishes for any of this to happen. I want the sun to rise and fall, for the trains to work on time, and for my internet to continue to happen.

However if the world HAS to end? If Scenario A, B, or C all involve the literal end of the world to happen and there is no None of the Above Option, I will take the zombies any day of the week. But given a real choice: give me normalcy any day.

Even if the world HAS to end, I would not want a zombie apocalypse. That's what I can't understand. If there's a zombie apocalypse, chances are, you'll turn into a zombie! Don't give me any of this bull about being a survivor and a fighter and being able to fend off all the zombies -- YOU PROBABLY WON'T. You'll probably get eaten. And then you'll turn into a zombie yourself. And you'll eat people FOR ALL ETERNITY. Until everyone's been eaten. And then all of the zombies will be eating themselves. For eternity. Until the last mouth wins.

That is sick as Hell. Disturbing as Hell. WORSE THAN HELL. And you want the end of the world to be like this????? THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE ASKING FOR!

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 07:59 PM

Even if the world HAS to end, I would not want a zombie apocalypse. That's what I can't understand. If there's a zombie apocalypse, chances are, you'll turn into a zombie! Don't give me any of this bull about being a survivor and a fighter and being able to fend off all the zombies -- YOU PROBABLY WON'T. You'll probably get eaten. And then you'll turn into a zombie yourself. And you'll eat people FOR ALL ETERNITY. Until everyone's been eaten. And then all of the zombies will be eating themselves. For eternity. Until the last mouth wins.

That is sick as Hell. Disturbing as Hell. WORSE THAN HELL. And you want the end of the world to be like this????? THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE ASKING FOR!

But I am not asking for it though. And yes. It would be Hell. Any way the world will end will be literal Armageddon. The Zombie Apocalypse thing is more of a power fantasy played out by nerds who have too much time on their hands. Which did describe me in college.

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 08:00 PM

But I am not asking for it though. And yes. It would be Hell. Any way the world will end will be literal Armageddon.

But I would rather DIE for good than die and be a zombie forever! You, however, don't want that option! That's what I don't understand. Why would anybody want a zombie apocalypse?????

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 08:02 PM

But I do not want it to happen in the first place.

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 08:03 PM

But I do not want it to happen in the first place.

I understand you don't want it to happen in the first place, but you said that if there was an apocalypse -- if something like that had to happen -- you'd take a ZOMBIE apocalypse. That's what I can't believe.

Whereas I would rather take a definitive end -- a comet wipes us all out, nuclear bombs -- something like that. Something that kills you and keeps you dead.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 08:05 PM

Well given the choice between nuclear holocaust, a literal Armageddon (Hell on Earth), and a zombie apocalypse while still horrible, zombie seems the more preferable option. Call it my innate desire to survive.

Swan

03-10-14, 08:06 PM

I would much prefer a quick end than a seemingly endless nightmare like a zombie apocalypse.

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 08:06 PM

Well given the choice between nuclear holocaust, a literal Armageddon (Hell on Earth), and a zombie apocalypse while still horrible, zombie seems the more preferable option.

Oh, God, no. I would totally go for the nuclear holocaust. Hell on Earth with demons and such might be worse than a zombie apocalypse, but a nuclear holocaust is a much better way to die/experience the end of the world -- than a ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 08:08 PM

I see you prefer the quick way.

I prefer the option that gives me the best chance to try and survive. No matter how slim. But to each their own.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 08:08 PM

37.

http://www.movieposteraddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/mpadiehard12.jpg

Die Hard: 1988 (R) -8
USA / 20th Century Fox
92% (CF)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OL-Rdm-Ggc/UDpY-jcQ23I/AAAAAAAABbQ/OFC-UX4nROo/s1600/die+hard.gif

Do I really need to go into detail? It is DIE HARD! Nuff said!

I grew up on the action movies of the 80’s and early 90’s. I must have rented damn near every action flick of that nature from Blockbuster multiple times growing up. And the quintessential action movie from the 80’s has to be Die Hard. Which is odd since this was first penned to be Commando 2. But that is a very long story. Die Hard was the movie that made Bruce Willis into a huge action star, made John McClane into a very popular action hero, and gave us Alan Rickman.

I will say I like this film quite a bit because McClane is normal guy in this action movie. A man with flaws and is not an unstoppable killing machine. He is a schmuck in the wrong place at the wrong time that has to try and survive. And that concept works really well. Makes for a great film and an 80’s classic.

5

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 08:09 PM

Call it my innate desire to survive.

In a zombie state? Eating people all day, every day? Decaying? Smelling foul? Having a miserable life?

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 08:10 PM

In a zombie state? Eating people all day, every day? Decaying? Smelling foul? Having a miserable life?

I prefer that to death

EDIT: I thought by state you meant zombies ruling the world. No I would not like to be a zombie ever.

Guaporense

03-10-14, 08:12 PM

I see you prefer the quick way.
I prefer the option that gives me the best chance to try and survive. No matter how slim. But to each their own.

Yeah, and a Zombie apocalypse may be extremely emotionally exciting journey for survival.

Indeed, my life is worth very much that 1% chance of survival in a Zombie apocalypse even though I would have to undergo to an extremely traumatic experience is better than a 0% chance of survival.

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 08:14 PM

You guys have horrible views on life. Life would NOT be worth living in a zombie world. Imagine watching people you love turn into zombies and feasting on other people. Trying to eat you, too. I think it's so sad. I would rather die remembering a good world than trying to live in a dark world like that.

The Sci-Fi Slob

03-10-14, 08:15 PM

Also for the record, Shaun of the Dead? I never cared for that movie. :shrug:
http://data3.whicdn.com/images/27482532/large.jpg

Cobpyth

03-10-14, 08:25 PM

Living as an undead for eternity > Dying and not existing anymore.

Great picks, by the way, Gunslinger! I love your honorable mention posts!

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 08:42 PM

I was more going for living for as long as I can as a human and NOT a zombie. But Glad you are liking the picks! :D

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 09:06 PM

I was more going for living for as long as I can as a human and NOT a zombie.

But see -- that's the problem. Everyone expects to survive a zombie apocalypse. Everyone thinks they're badass and can use weapons right and will defeat every zombie that comes their way.

It would be a big zombified shock to suddenly find yourself in a zombie apocalypse and you find yourself surviving it for a total of five minutes -- AND THEN -- and then you have to spend eternity as a zombie, eating whoever you can grab, ALL THE TIME.

That is why a nice, simple little death in a nuclear holocaust would be much more practical, sane and enjoyable than dying and undying in a zombie apocalypse.

Nostromo87

03-10-14, 09:09 PM

I understand you don't want it to happen in the first place, but you said that if there was an apocalypse -- if something like that had to happen -- you'd take a ZOMBIE apocalypse. That's what I can't believe.

Whereas I would rather take a definitive end -- a comet wipes us all out, nuclear bombs -- something like that. Something that kills you and keeps you dead.

hmm, i'll go with alien invasion, where they destroy everyone and everything.. except- they read MoFo.com and decide we get to live, so they abduct us onto their a spaceship

http://media.giphy.com/media/gpkstDZ9FGGXK/giphy.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/dc8dfdf2cfa7ba0435db87af52c5a0be/tumblr_mqca0mgmhy1rnde1eo3_500.gif

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 09:10 PM

That would depend on what the aliens do to you in their spaceship and what world they take you to next, if they do.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 09:14 PM

No aliens. I have seen what happens there. It is either chest bursters or anal probes. Both are no bueno!

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 09:14 PM

No aliens. I have seen what happens there. It is either chest bursters or anal probes. Both are no bueno!

What if they take you to something like Playboy World?

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 09:16 PM

What if they take you to something like Playboy World?

What like I get to bang things that look like every Playboy bunny ever? I will have to pass since one of those girls would end up looking like my aunt! :sick:

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 09:18 PM

Ebony Playboy World then?

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 09:20 PM

Ebony Playboy World then?

Throw in some Latinas and you have me sold.

Sexy Celebrity

03-10-14, 09:28 PM

Throw in some Latinas and you have me sold.

Those aliens don't even need to come in a UFO.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 09:42 PM

Those aliens don't even need to come in a UFO.

:rotfl:

mark f

03-10-14, 09:44 PM

hmm, i'll go with alien invasion, where they destroy everyone and everything.. except- they read MoFo.com and decide we get to live, so they abduct us onto their a spaceship

http://media.giphy.com/media/gpkstDZ9FGGXK/giphy.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/dc8dfdf2cfa7ba0435db87af52c5a0be/tumblr_mqca0mgmhy1rnde1eo3_500.gif

I don't remember that top image from Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, although that's the ship from it. :)

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 10:28 PM

36.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d6/Tropic_thunder_ver3.jpg

Tropic Thunder: 2008 (R) -8
USA / Dreamworks Pictures
83% (CF)

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Robert-Downey-Jr.-Survive-Quote-Gif-In-Tropic-Thunder.gif
http://gifs.gifbin.com/reverse-1237898755_tropic_thunder_ben_stiller.gif

2008 was a damn good year for me. Not only did I graduate college, I enrolled in grad school, and it gave me some of my favorite movies of all time. Regrettably though, I did not see this in the theater. I first saw this when it came out on DVD. About 10 minutes into the film I thought this was one of the funniest movies ever made, and started kicking myself for not seeing this on the big screen.
Now I love movies, and this is a movie about making a movie. In addition it is making a movie similar in tone to an old Vietnam War movie like Apocalypse Now or Platoon (which are referenced quite frequently). The movie within the movie also has Apocalypse Now levels of issues going on, and that leads to the big comedic payoff of having 5 pampered actors wandering through South East Asia alone without any link to the outside. The comedy stems from that premise but is also greatly aided by the comedic ensemble. Robert Downy Jr. as Kirk Lazarus is hilarious and very un PC in the Sgt Osiris get up, Jack Black is funny as hell as a fat “Chris Farley-esque” druggie, Jay Baruchel plays the smart nerdy one, and finally there is Brandon T Jackson who might actually play my favorite character of the film Alpa Chino. Alpa is the commercially prioritized and sometimes annoying hip hop artist. Doing the film to promote his energy drink and candy bar he argues a lot with Kirk, and he has one hell of a character twist at the end of the movie! This dude needs to be in more movies! Also Ben Stiller is actually pretty funny in this role which is thankfully far removed from some of his other work. Add in Tom Cruise in heavy prosthetics, plus Nick Nolte and Danny McBride and you have one of the best comedic casts I have ever seen. And the fact that they are essentially spoofing the movie making process and Apocalypse Now is pretty f**ken brilliant! Now I do prefer the Director’s Cut to the theatrical cut. The only thing I wished they kept from the theatrical cut was Run through the Jungle by Creedence in one of the scenes. This is simply a really funny movie with an excellent cast which also sports one of my favorite DVD commentaries. True to his word, Kirk does not drop character until the DVD commentary was over.

5

cricket

03-10-14, 11:11 PM

I dig The Road Warrior but I've always preferred Mad Max.

I haven't seen Serenity but it seems to have quite a few fans. I'll put it on my to see list.

I love Vertigo, Tropic Thunder, Night of the Living Dead, and especially Die Hard.

By the way, I believe the first picture from your Evil Dead 2 post, is actually from The Evil Dead.

The Gunslinger45

03-10-14, 11:14 PM

cricket

03-10-14, 11:31 PM

I think you might be right. How embarrassing. lol

I haven't seen part 2 in a while, but I seem to remember some flashbacks in it from the first movie, so I wasn't certain if the picture maybe wasn't in both. Doesn't matter either way; your list is awesome.

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 07:35 AM

35.

http://www.yam-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ben-hur-1959-poster.jpg

Ben-Hur: 1959 (G) -12
USA / MGM
87%

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz4CrfbW8es/UJwMozLBYiI/AAAAAAAAVDk/y0lduKXY0Nc/s1600/ben_hur_04.gif
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2zd06P-dQI/UJwNKrdxkvI/AAAAAAAAVEc/ioQn3JuzU04/s1600/ben_hur_11.gif

I already touched on The Ten Commandments and why I liked that movie. And I like this movie for much of the same reasons. An epic big budget studio piece with massive sets and stars that once again features a film steeped in religion. While The Ten Commandments was an adaptation of scripture, Ben-Hur is an adaptation of a novel influenced and set in Biblical times. And just like The Ten Commandments this movie not only stars Charlton Heston, but features some of the most iconic movie imagery as well. From the chariot scene to the many intersections this film has with the life of Christ, you get some very powerful scenes. I particularly liked how you never get to see Jesus’ face or hear him speak. You see everything else but his face. The true power of these scenes comes not from seeing Jesus himself, but the other character’s reactions. Theirs is a face that says “I have just stared in to the face of God himself.” The movie itself is an inspirational tale dealing with one man whose life gets turned upside down via persecution and false imprisonment, but by the grace of God he is free, and eventually his soul is saved by the end of the film. Epic drama and epic set makes this an easy all time favorite film.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 07:37 AM

34.

http://baixeja.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/thebookofeliposter.jpg

The Book of Eli: 2010 (R) -25
USA / Warner Brothers
48%

http://cdn.gifbay.com/2013/08/book_of_eli_tunnel_fight-73149.gif
http://i33.tinypic.com/29h11z.jpg

Okay I am going to have to explain this one a bit. Do anyone else have one film they felt was made specifically for their own tastes? Well this is the film that I feel was made just for me. It is a post apocalyptic movie with an excellent setting and production design, has religious themes, a BIG twist at the end, and stars one of my all time favorite actors Denzel Washington. Plus it is also an action movie! Holy crap do I think this movie is awesome! And while it has taken the biggest drop on my list, it does not take away from how much I love it.
Now I know this movie will not show up on many other people’s Top 50’s or 100’s, but that suits me fine. This movie just appeals to a wide range of my tastes. And I admit a lot of people can be put off by the end twist, (which I go into much deeper review of in my last top 50) but thanks to the fact I saw this on iTunes, it did allow me to rewatch it again with my brother so I could watch it again with the ending in mind. And the twist is pretty well foreshadowed. Probably a bit too subtly foreshadowed, but better too subtle then too obvious. Either way, Denzel messing up wasteland raiders and bad guys with religious symbolism makes for a rocking good time for me!

4.5

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 07:41 AM

33.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KcZyZd0zaOk/SyYtOLM4Q_I/AAAAAAAADbM/g4jCfKReh2w/s400/The+Road+%282009%29++The+Road+%282009%291.JPG

The Road: 2009 (R) -14
USA / Dimension Films
75% (CF)

http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/dF2TSwkDXIM/hqdefault.jpg

There was a time during my college years where I sought out post apocalyptic and zombie movies regardless of the quality that they may have had. This lead to encountering some very bad movies like Automaton Transfusion to the strange like The New Barbarians: Warriors of the Wasteland; but I also found some excellent movies as well. Of all the movies I have seen that deal with the post apocalypse; this one is probably my favorite. While The Road Warrior has the most iconic production design for a post apocalyptic world, this movie’s design is probably the most accurate. The heroes are not cruising the high ways in muscle cars, they are moving along on foot. They do not dress in crazy leather outfits or have crazy haircuts; they opt for practical cloths for protection from the elements. Every day is a struggle, the setting is extremely bleak and they even consider ending it all multiple times. Needless to say the setting is extremely depressing, but the end result of the movie is hope. That small unlikely chance of coming through the trial and making it through the day fueled by that hope is in a strange way beautiful. Here is a man who knows the easy way out will bring comfort and sweet relief. But they still drive on, for years in fact. Why is that? Despite their horrible circumstances, they choose to try and live and survive because life and especially the life of his son is precise. Viggo does cannot bring himself to kill his boy, and so they struggle on. Even in the face of almost certain death and untold misery… they struggle on.

It has its own religious symbolism, but in a far less ham fisted way as The Book of Eli. And that hope that shines from even the bleakest of circumstances is really beautiful. And the performances by Kodi Smit-McPhee, Viggo Mortensen, Chalize Theron, and a brief appearance by Robert Duvall really stand out. Making for an outstanding movie.

5

Nausicaä

03-11-14, 03:45 PM

Okay I am going to have to explain this one a bit. Do anyone else have one film they felt was made specifically for their own tastes? Well this is the film that I feel was made just for me. It is a post apocalyptic movie with an excellent setting and production design, has religious themes, a BIG twist at the end, and stars one of my all time favorite actors Denzel Washington. Plus it is also an action movie! Holy crap do I think this movie is awesome! And while it has taken the biggest drop on my list, it does not take away from how much I love it.
Now I know this movie will not show up on many other people’s Top 50’s or 100’s, but that suits me fine. This movie just appeals to a wide range of my tastes. And I admit a lot of people can be put off by the end twist, (which I go into much deeper review of in my last top 50) but thanks to the fact I saw this on iTunes, it did allow me to rewatch it again with my brother so I could watch it again with the ending in mind. And the twist is pretty well foreshadowed. Probably a bit too subtly foreshadowed, but better too subtle then too obvious. Either way, Denzel messing up wasteland raiders and bad guys with religious symbolism makes for a rocking good time for me!

Don't forget the fantastic music score throughout the film, one of the highlights of The Book of Eli for me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSwyJ0aaM4k

honeykid

03-11-14, 05:27 PM

I still have to see The Ten Commandments.
Overly long biblical epic, with Charlton Heston? Strangely, depending on my mood, I quite like it. I'd recommend it. So much better than the horribly dull, sorry GS, Ben-Hur, which can be described in the same way. For some reason, The Ten Commandments can work in a way Ben-Hur never gets close to.

That girlfriend of his -- who recorded him -- was a bitch. I have no sympathy for her.
You have no sympathy for the woman he abused? Nice. I'm not saying she should be deified or anything, but he's a horrid person who treated her terribly.

King Kong vs Godzilla: 1962 (NR)
Japan / Toho + RKO
33%
Either way even though Godzilla lost this fight,
Hey! Spoiler alert! :mad: :D
I like your list of honorable mentions much more than I like your list of favorites.

Harumph.
I can't say I'm surprised in the slightest. ;)

People's obsession with zombies have ruined zombie movies for me.
It started because of the affordability and quality of digital cameras. Once you go there, horror, and zombie films in particular, are very cheap and easy to make, which is one of the reasons there are so many of them and why you get so many sequels. After that, the success of any of those films feeds the machine and more and more are made. Shaun Of The Dead was a good example and showed a different way of doing it, but it's Blair Witch that really kicked the current trend off, simply because it was such a magnificent example of what I previously described. Forget about arguments of art, craft or quality. Horror, like porn and any other exploitation genre is about the money men and, unlike the top end, they're not looking to make $100m's, they're looking for a profit.

Come on! And you all want a zombie apocalypse? Do you all really want to go chasing around all kinds of people to eat them?
No, it's about playing out ID fantasies. Running round, shooting people and, possibly, it not only being 'allowed', 'getting away with it' or 'possible/legal', but 'a good thing' The nuances of each individual maybe far more complex, however, as a phenomenon, it's a pretty basic desire. Both in terms of complexity and human desire.

Fat people, old grannies, the handicapped, the severely ugly -- you'd be wanting to eat every last bit of their flesh? This is the world we live in? Where people want this?
This, however, is pure SC and I love it. :laugh:

I agree with this, although there are plenty of good zombie flicks. Night of the Living Dead, for example, is pretty fantastic.
Really? Plenty? I'm certainly not a connoisseur, but, like good werewolf films, I'd be surprised if you can get into double figures. Personally, I get stuck at about 5 for either sub-genre.

That is why a nice, simple little death in a nuclear holocaust would be much more practical, sane and enjoyable than dying and undying in a zombie apocalypse.
Yeah, unless you're standing pretty close to the blast zone, "a nice, simple little death in a nuclear holocaust" isn't going to be as easy as you appear to think it is, either. Check out Threads.

Swan

03-11-14, 05:32 PM

Really? Plenty? I'm certainly not a connoisseur, but, like good werewolf films, I'd be surprised if you can get into double figures. Personally, I get stuck at about 5 for either sub-genre.

Night of the Living Dead
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Day of the Dead
Land of the Dead
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead
28 Days Later
28 Weeks Later
Dead Snow
Zombieland
Braindead/Dead-Alive
[REC]
Return of the Living Dead
Planet Terror

There. Double figures. :)

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 07:09 PM

Tales of Blockbuster Video: Or how I used to walk up and down aisles in a video store to rent a movie

Back before internet streaming, torrents, and video on demand, there was a time where we had to go to a store to rent movies. And part of trying to find a good movie was spending 10 to 20 minutes cruising the aisles and checking out the box covers. The flashier the box cover the greater the chance you would investigate the movie further. Blockbuster was an almost magical place for me as a kid. A large hub of movies we did not have to buy and could return it when we were done. A place so vivid I can remember many of my trips there, the layout of the store, and even the smell. Strange I know but I do miss the days of the video store. Not that I can complain with Hulu or E-Pix, but it is just not the same. Call me a nostalgic old fart but I do miss Blockbuster Video. And these films help to represent some of my most frequent rentals in this place.

http://classic-horror.com/files/images/wolf_man_1941.review.jpg

The Wolf Man: 1941 (NR)
USA / Universal
94%

As a young boy I had a deep love for monsters, a love started by Godzilla. But then Toho took a back seat to classics from Universal Studios when I discovered the Universal Monsters videos available for rent. And the names of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr. became as recognizable to me as Harrison Ford.

We started off first with The Creature from the Black Lagoon, but it was The Wolf Man that was the personal favorite for me and my brother. Frankenstein being a very close second. What I really liked about this movie was the very memorable transformation sequence and make up effects given to show Lon Chaney Jr. transforming under the full moon. Not only did we rent all the solo monster features, our heads exploded when we realized they crossed over into other movies. From Frankenstein meets The Wolf Man to when they meet Abbott and Costello, if these monsters were in it I was there. They also made for an awesome attraction when we visited Universal Studios in Orlando. Can’t talk about classic tales from Blockbuster then my first taste of the horror genre.

4

http://theyearofhalloween.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tremors-movie-poster.jpg?w=323

Tremors: 1990 (PG-13) (Ex Top 50)
USA / Universal
88%

I remember walking down the aisles of the local Blockbuster Video and one VHS cover that REALLY stood out to me as a kid. Even before I saw the movie I was very familiar with this box cover. And when I finally saw it thankfully the movie lived up to the box cover! The movie is set in Perfection Nevada, where the town is under siege by “Graboids” subterranean slugs of gigantic proportions and very carnivorous. This is a cheesy horror movie in that throw back to 50’s monster movies sort of way. This film is my favorite Kevin Bacon movie AND favorite prepper couple Burt Gummer and his wife Heather played by Michael Gross and Reba McEntire. Burt to this day continues to be one of my favorite movie characters. The movie plays out as a gigantic struggle for survival where the town must fight to avoid the creatures picking off the inhabitants one by one. My favorite scene is where a graboid enters the recreation room of Burt and Heather. A recreation room with a wall of various firearms, lots of ammo, reloading equipment and the elephant gun! It is fun, suspenseful, and knows when to make a joke. There is just something awesome about a man whose favorite phrase is “Just a handful of household chemicals in the proper proportions.” If you have not seen it, I say it is worth a shot.

4.5

http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/56/5665/FW1UG00Z/posters/bram-stoker-s-dracula.jpg

Bram Stoker’s Dracula: 1992 (R)
USA / Columbia
78% (CF)

I think you can see a trend in what I liked to rent when I was young. Having already been familiar with Dracula via Bela Lugosi, I then learned that there was another Dracula movie out that was made recently. And wouldn’t you know it this became my introduction to Francis Ford Coppela.

Wow did this have some great production design! Especially in the castle and during the first few minutes when Dracula is still a mortal. Riveting stuff when paired with that fantastic score! And while Dracula as a character does get romanticized a bit, he is still shown as a monster. There is blood, decapitations, and hideous transformations in this movie! And I love it!

A lot of people like to complain about Keanu Reeves in the movie, but honestly he never bothered me, neither did Winona Ryder. I was too impressed with the rest lf the film.

4

http://www.posterplanet.net/moviesab/images/army-of-darkness-USA-reprint-movie-poster.jpg

Army of Darkness: 1992 (R)
USA / Universal
70%

This was my very first introduction to the Evil Dead franchise and my second favorite installment of the trilogy. I was first introduced to this film through my older brother. A friend of his suggested this movie because my brother (a long time gamer) was a big fan of the video game Duke Nukem 3D. In the game one of the many one liners Duke throws out is “Groovy.” We did not know where the hell that came from until my brothers friend told him it was from a movie called “Army of Darkness.” So one day we rented it from Blockbuster Video. Needless to say it was an awesome movie! I loved the horror and comedy elements (though there was much more emphasis on the laughs here). Bruce Campbell is awesome as usual and there is the plethora of one liners. Hell the movie quote I say the most comes from this movie. And while I do not use the quote line for line, I get enough out of it so you can tell what I am referencing.

4.5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj563ViG7Qg

I use this line a lot especially during my time in the military. If asked what is going on, I always go to the line, “Two things: Jack and *****, and Jack left town.” You will be surprised how often you can use it; just not so much in polite company.

http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608054579042975812&pid=1.7

Halloween: 1978 (R)
USA / Compass International Pictures
94% (CF)

Even as I grew older into a teenager I would still frequent the horror section of Blockbuster video. And as we got old enough, we were given the okay to rent slasher flicks. Having seen all of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, and the majority of the Friday the 13th, Puppet Master, Howling, and Hellraiser series, the clear victor and my favorite slasher movie still remains Halloween. Freddy was certainly fun and all, but there is something about a silent stoic killer who will never stop until his target is dead that creeped me out. And what separated Michael Myers from the likes of Jason Voorhees, was well… he did it first. Also it took Jason to show up in the 2nd movie before he started killing people, and the third movie to gain his signature look. In Halloween this movie hit the ground running. Myers has his iconic look, his modus operandi, and Jamie Lee Curtis was in his cross hairs. Add in the score by John Carpenter and you have one of my favorite horror movies ever. But it is not the scariest movie ever…

4.5

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID23668/images/exorcist_1973.jpg

The Exorcist: 1973 (R)
USA / Warner Brothers
88% (CF)

As a good Catholic boy of course The Exorcist will be the scariest movie I ever saw. It’s THE DEVIL! None of the other slasher villains scared me. Serial killers? More then a little freaky but still mortal men. But the Devil? Okay now ya got me scared. Is it any wonder my fear of corruption and going to Hell dominates my nightmares? The mood for this film is spooky as hell and some of the imagery is more than a little controversial. But dammit all to Hell (no pun intended) it is really effective!

4.5

Sexy Celebrity

03-11-14, 07:12 PM

My first copy of Halloween on VHS was bought at Blockbuster and it even said "Blockbuster" on the cover, which also featured Michael Myers.

Actually, here it is:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31TWXXOF8HL.jpg

Great tape. Watched it to death.

Miss Vicky

03-11-14, 07:12 PM

I want to +rep your post for Army of Darkness, but because it's another Honorable Mentions post and not your actual favorite list, I'm not going to.

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 07:15 PM

So mean Miss Vicky! :p

jiraffejustin

03-11-14, 07:15 PM

This is a really good thread :up: :up:

Nostromo87

03-11-14, 07:16 PM

now THAT'S an awesome set of honorable mentions.. the original Halloween, the Exorcist, Army of Darkness AND the Wolf Man

http://www.pennwagers.com/forums/images/smilies/rock.gif

Mr Minio

03-11-14, 07:17 PM

1. The Book of Eli felt much weaker the second time. Still a 3 flick.
2. I probably mentioned it already, but I love The Road!
3. Read the book if you haven't.
4: Weird fact: I cried at the end of both film and book.

Sexy Celebrity

03-11-14, 07:19 PM

Re: Mel Gibson's girlfriend.

You have no sympathy for the woman he abused? Nice. I'm not saying she should be deified or anything, but he's a horrid person who treated her terribly.

She sounds like she's playing with him when I've heard these tapes of Mel screaming and her talking with him. I believe it's a psychological game. She acts like a victim and gets the respect for it. Women can easily do this. Men can do it, too, which is why I know this happens. Look at this woman's biography -- she's after money. Every time she turns around, she sues someone. I don't believe she's merely just an abused girlfriend. She recorded him -- she was out to ruin him. I know how people in relationships can be -- they can act like they're innocent victims and everyone believes what they say. They win that way. I feel like Mel Gibson was played.

Lucas

03-11-14, 07:20 PM

Whenever I think of Blockbuster, it brings forth a feeling of nostalgia. I recall going there almost every Friday night to choose a few films to watch, and maybe a game as well If I played my cards right. I loved the feeling of walking down the aisles and picking out the films that look the coolest. I'd choose the movies, stroll down to the snack area and grab some grub for when I indulge in cinematic heaven over the next couple hours.

Yeah,yeah Blockbuster was rather overpriced and the late-fees could be tiresome. But there's just something so glorious about the entire experience.

http://ewpopwatch.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/blockbusterrip_l.jpg

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 08:43 PM

32.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/36/The_Hunt_for_Red_October_movie_poster.png

The Hunt for Red October: 1990 (PG) -10
USA / Paramount
96% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ak917meUoo

This is a movie I discovered walking through the aisles of Blockbuster Video back in the day. And needless to say it has stayed as one of my all time favorite flicks for a long long time. I love Cold War themed movies, and this one is one of my all time favorites. Based off the Tom Clancy novel of the same name, this shows what happens when the two biggest kids on the block look each other down in possible nuclear war. All of this is spurred by the hunt for a rogue sub named the Red October captained by Sean Connery. And there is just something so awesome about Connery where he is not even trying to do a Russian accent and he still looks badass as the Russian skipper.

But let’s be honest, in a John McTiernan movie you want a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and this Cold War thriller certainly delivers. The naval warfare scenes are bad ass, the drama aboard the Red October is gripping and claustrophobic, and the scenes with Alec Baldwin are pretty damn good as well. But what really sells this movie is the score! Holy crap is the music for this movie awesome! It is a classically scored movie with a great deal of it aided by a chorus singing in Russian! This really ups the drama of the movie and just sounds awesome! But what do you expect from the guy who scored Conan the Barbarian?

5

The Gunslinger45

03-11-14, 09:38 PM

31.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1f/WallStreet2013poster.jpg

The Wolf of Wall Street: 2013 (R) NEW
USA / Paramount
77% (CF)

http://www.theshiznit.co.uk/media/2013/June/wolfgif/leoshrug.gif
http://static.businessinsider.com/image/528b95a3eab8ea5e771544b8/image.jpg

Okay this one should come as no surprise to anyone. It was my most anticipated film of the past year, I was really hyped to see the movie, and saw the very first showing on the opening day of the film. Hell I wrote an in depth proper review of the movie.

See Review Here (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=31798&page=7)

And as you knew then, I LOVED this movie! To know that Scorsese is capable of making movies of this caliber even now at his age is fantastic!

My sense of humor can be pretty dark and also pretty vulgar, so Scorsese being able to combine both in one movie is pretty awesome! Leo puts on a fantastic comedic performance as does Jonah Hill. Everyone nails some very clever dialogue; you have a bit of satire of the stock broker culture; but then occasionally someone will do one too many Quaaludes, whip their d!ck out and publically masturbate, or get a candle shoved up their ass. And this goes on… for three hours! As I said the quickest way to my heart is with laughs. And the more laughs the better. And this one certainly takes the cake for number of laughs via the length of the film. A very rare feat when you think about it. But the master filmmaker Scorsese ensures it never overstays its welcome. Hell I have incorporated the humming bit into my way of getting calm and focused.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAhIg5Dy3uA

5

cricket

03-11-14, 09:41 PM

I don't know if I'll like Ben-Hur but I'm trying to watch all the big classics, so I'm going to try it.

I haven't seen The Book of Eli yet; I will.

I shut The Road off after about 20 minutes because my wife didn't like it. I'll try that one again.

I saw The Hunt for Red October at the movies when it came out. I didn't like it, but I was extremely drunk. I love Crimson Tide so maybe I should try it again.

cricket

03-11-14, 09:43 PM

I love The Wolf, an instant favorite of mine also.

Nostromo87

03-12-14, 12:53 AM

Hell the movie quote I say the most comes from this movie. And while I do not use the quote line for line, I get enough out of it so you can tell what I am referencing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj563ViG7Qg

I use this line a lot especially during my time in the military. If asked what is going on, I always go to the line, “Two things: Jack and *****, and Jack left town.” You will be surprised how often you can use it; just not so much in polite company.

this! along with 'My name is Ash, and I am a slave. as far as i can tell, the year is 1300 A.D and i'm being dragged to my death. it wasn't always like this. i had a normal life... once' -cut to grocery store-
'hardware, aisle twelve. shop smart: shop S-Mart!'

this movie is just so quotable, period.

'Klaatu Barada Nikto'
'Well, repeat them'
'Klaatu Barada Nikto'
'i got it, i got it! i know your damn words alright!'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xAGIqVzu6k

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 07:13 AM

30.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Terminator2poster.jpg

Terminator 2: Judgment Day: 1991 (R) -5
USA / Tri Star Pictures
92 % (CF)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz26nuOOLa1qd8nujo1_500.gif#terminator%202%20gif%20450x194
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn23/jjdervisi/Terminator.gif

One of my favorite sections to rent from in the days of Blockbuster video was from the action movie part of the store. And being a young kid and adolescent I was raised on the movies made when the action genre was at its apex. The mid 80’s to the early 90’s when the genre had its towering action movie heroes. Days of Stallone, Willis, Van Damme, Segal, Lundgren, and my personal favorite of the bunch Arnold Schwarzenegger! Arnie was always my favorite action star, not just because of his massive build, but his unquestionable charisma! You have him on screen and you knew you were going to have a good time! He may not have Laurence Olivier style acting chops but dammit the man has presence! And this is the movie that caters best to what he has. A massive frame, an accent, and does not require a great deal of acting.

Terminator 2 is my favorite movie from this era of action movies. It has Arnie in his best role, it has a very awesome villain, Sarah Conner is a badass and not a damsel in distress, and the effects for this film hold up a lot better than the first movie. But being a time travel movie it does have plenty of plot holes and flaws. But a great movie is not based on the number of flaws. All movies have flaws. What makes a movie great is creating a film that immerses you in the movie world and makes you ignore the strings of the puppet master. And Arnie’s presence helps you dial into the movie very easily.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 07:14 AM

29.

http://www.ioncinema.com/old/images/upload/movie_3639_poster.jpg

Tokyo Story: 1953 (NR) -6
Japan/ Shochiku Eiga
100%

http://aplacedoug.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/tokyo.gif

I first watched this movie after I joined this site and wanted to expand my Japanese cinema palate. It was also my first film directed by Yasujiro Ozu. And this is pound for pound one of the best movies ever made. An easy top 10 if I were to do an objective best movie ever list. Yasujiro Ozu knows how to do so much with so very little with his films. He was a master at getting the right emotional response from his films. His movies are not grand epics or action spectaculars, his movies are little slices of life films dealing with life in post WWII Japan; covering the themes of modernization, the role of women in the new Japanese society, and family. And the fact that he was able to get so much emotion out of me with this film given the very bare bones camera movement and his framing really shows his talent as a director. Definitely one of the greats of any time period.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 07:40 AM

28.

http://cdn.movieclips.com/keyart/476568x480.jpg

Team America: World Police: 2004 (R) -10
USA / Paramount
77% (CF)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WzS_G9ruw8/T1JX9UH4J2I/AAAAAAAAAXw/zKgPmk4-dIY/s1600/Team-America-World-Police-en-toda-la-cabeza.gif

One my favorite kinds of comedies is satire. And there are no better modern day satirists then the guys who do South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. I have been a fan of their work ever since I saw my first episode of South Park, which was either Scuzzlebutt or the very first episode with The Visitors. And there is something about a bunch of foul mouthed elementary school kids that get into all kinds of wacky adventures that really appealed to me as a middle school student. Probably the vast amounts of very inappropriate humor. Either way after the success of their cinematic version of South Park, their next feature project was Team America: World Police, a satire on the War on Terror. Saw it in the theater when I was living in Tallahassee, AND IT WAS HILARIOUS!

This movie had all their raw humor plus extremely clever writing and analogies that only they can make, plus the very unique decision to do it all with puppets makes this a VERY memorable movie. And as I said before, the quickest way a movie can endear itself to me is to make me laugh and laugh hard. This movie did plenty of that! I remember sitting in the theater and in the row in front of me were two old ladies. I half expected these women to storm out of the theater in disgust (especially after the puppet sex scene). But instead they howled in laughter as much as I did! And the presentation of various overly righteous liberal Hollywood celebrities as bad guys was extremely unique and funny! And not really done much too since a lot of these celebrities have no sense of humor. Especially Sean Penn who was very upset at his portrayal in the film. Needless to say these guys have balls, and they continue to deliver the funny with their own brand of humor.

5

Mr Minio

03-12-14, 10:08 AM

Hilarious songs I've known since I remember. Never seen the whole movie.

Nostromo87

03-12-14, 10:26 AM

T2! kickin' off the top 30 right.

http://media.giphy.com/media/9Z8OohkfbJ0ti/giphy.gif
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8eolhdLK41qh1g19o1_500.gif
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/chalkitdown/Terminator%202/getout.gif

oh, hoping to see Tokyo Story soon

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 12:38 PM

27.

http://theactionelite.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/a-fistful-of-dollars.jpg

A Fistful of Dollars: 1964 (R) -11
Italy / United Artists
98% (CF)

http://guycodeblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/clutch/2014/01/fistful-of-awesome_4964005_GIFSoup.com_.gif

I am going to break a taboo with regards to the Man with No Name trilogy and say that A Fistful of Dollars is my favorite of the trilogy, and not The Good the Bad and The Ugly. I do not know why but ever since I saw all three of these films in college on AMC this one was my personal favorite, and stood up after multiple viewings. It was my first introduction to Sergio Leone and added to the badass cred of Clint Eastwood (my favorite actor).

This was also viewed before I saw Yojimbo let alone heard of Kurosawa. So I can’t say it was a love of the first movie that made me like this one the best. In addition I like this movie more than Yojimbo (which should say something considering how much of a Kurosawa fanboy I am). Eastwood is simply badass in this flick, cigar clinched between his teeth and fast on the draw with his pistol. Eastwood was simply the epitome of cool in this movie! It has plenty of homage’s to the first movie. If by homage you mean it was an unauthorized remake that got Sergio sued by Toho. But it did birth the spaghetti western so who cares.

4.5

Nostromo87

03-12-14, 12:59 PM

I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. ya see, my mule don't like people laughin'. gets the crazy idea you're laughin' at him. Now if you apologize like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it
---

the Dollars Trilogy is so great. i like how one can claim any of the three as their favorite, they're all cool.

what order did you intitally watch them in? probably still the coolest trilogy yet made

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7gx3y2ebP1qd9ablo1_400.gif

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 01:06 PM

Watched them in order. 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

Nostromo87

03-12-14, 01:16 PM

ah, okay. the standard

not sure why, but i watched em all out of whack. the Good, the Bad & the Ugly first, Fistful second, and For a Few Dollars More third

this led to me breaking the sacred taboo as well, although in a different way than you did For a Few Dollars More!

mark f

03-12-14, 01:30 PM

I can't remember what order I saw them the first time. It was over 40 years ago (but seems far less)! It certainly doesn't matter what order you watch them though. :)

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 02:07 PM

26.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8a/Dark_Knight.jpg

The Dark Knight: 2008 (PG-13) -13
USA / Warner Brothers
94% (CF)

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/SeriousDuke/tdk.gif
http://bilder.animiertegifsgratis.de/Animierte-Gifs-Filme/Bilder-Batman-The-Dark-Knight/heath-ledger.gif

One of the best movies of 2008 was Nolan’s take on my favorite superhero in the sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight. Here was the strongest of the Nolan Batman trilogy. Batman versus the Joker. The unstoppable force versus the immovable object. Good versus evil, order versus chaos. It was simply epic!

This was the franchise that rebooted the Caped Crusader and erased the damage that was done by George Clooney and Joel Schumacher. The casting of Heath Ledger as the Joker originally had me extremely worried. That is until I saw the first trailer, then he became the star of the show. Literally. Bale was good as Batman, but Ledger was FANTASTIC as the Joker! I mean his portrayal of the Joker as an unhinged force of anarchy was spectacular, and really gave these films a real and terrifying proper villain that I felt was lacking in the other two movies. Mostly because Nolan wanted his films planted in reality and not a comic book universe. But this was still a very good movie despite that change. Either way it is my favorite movie to star my favorite superhero.

4.5

Mr Minio

03-12-14, 02:51 PM

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_llmxheZrZi1qfs4uco1_500.gif

Is there a more badass look?

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 02:52 PM

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_llmxheZrZi1qfs4uco1_500.gif

Is there a more badass look?

No

Mr Minio

03-12-14, 02:58 PM

One of the best movies of 2008 was Nolan’s take on my favorite superhero in the sequel to Batman Begins. I enjoyed it, but it's far from my favourite films of 2008. Not trying to be an ******* or smartass, just share my 2008 favourites.

Mr Minio's favourite films of 2008:

1. Dust of Time - Theodoros Angelopoulos
2. Karamazov Brothers - Petr Zelenka
3. Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood
4. Departures - Yôjirô Takita
5. Doubt - John Patrick Shanley
6. Cherry Blossoms - Doris Dörrie
7. Tokyo Sonata - Kiyoshi Kurosawa
8. Hunger - Steve McQueen
9. Song of Sparrows - Majid Majidi
10. Yuri's Day - Kirill Serebrennikov

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 02:59 PM

I enjoyed it, but it's far from my favourite films of 2008. Not trying to be an ******* or smartass, just share my 2008 favourites.

Mr Minio's favourite films of 2008:

1. Dust of Time - Theodoros Angelopoulos
2. Karamazov Brothers - Petr Zelenka
3. Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood
4. Departures - Yôjirô Takita
5. Doubt - John Patrick Shanley
6. Cherry Blossoms - Doris Dörrie
7. Tokyo Sonata - Kiyoshi Kurosawa
8. Hunger - Steve McQueen
9. Song of Sparrows - Majid Majidi
10. Yuri's Day - Kirill Serebrennikov

One of those movies show up later.

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 03:31 PM

Let’s Go Out to the Movies! Fun Times at the theater!

Home video is only half the viewing experience when it comes to movies. Even today where I have to pinch pennies, pay bills, and try to save money, I still make time to go to the cinema. Ever since I saw Beauty and the Beast as a kid, going to the movie theater has been a life long past time. And thankfully I have had just as many awesome experiences going to the theater as I do Here are some of my most significant theatrical experiences.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Independence_day_movieposter.jpg

Independence Day: 1996 (PG-13)
USA / 20th Century Fox
60%

Many of the best experiences I have had at the theater have been during the summer blockbuster season. And of all the summer blockbusters I have seen, this ranks as one of the best. Sure the movie is full of plot holes and has issues with it, but dammit all to hell this is just so damn fun to watch with some fun characters! Jeff Goldblum as the dorky science guy, Goldblum’s very Jewish dad, Dennis Quaid as the crazy drunk, and of course Will Smith as the bad ass fighter pilot! Add in an alien invasion, plenty of cool and funny moments, some memorable funny dialogue, and an awesome inspirational speech and you have one of the best popcorn flicks EVER!

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Jay_and_Silent_Bob_Strike_Back_%28theatrical_poster%29.jpg

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back: 2001 (R)
USA / Dimension
54%

Ladies and gentlemen this is a giant cinematic version of one big in joke. Made for the View Askewniverse faithful, the constant side characters and supporting characters of the previous Kevin Smith movies finally get their own movie! And it plays like one big foul mouthed cartoon. Jay and Bob travel the country to put an end to a movie based off characters they inspired. Along the way they encounter sexy jewel thieves posing as animal rights activists, Will Ferrell as a Federal Wildlife Marshal, stolen apes, Miramax security guards, nuns, and even Scooby Doo and the gang. Weird, wild, and a lot of fun and laughs. This was a joy to see being the huge Kevin Smith fan I am.

4

http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/56/5662/8FFUG00Z/poster/lord-of-the-rings-trilogy.jpg

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: 2001, 2002, 2003 (PG-13)
USA / New Line Cinema
91% (CF), 96% (CF), 94% (CF)

THE franchise of the new millennium, and it was a fantastic trilogy of movies to watch in the theater. Since I never got to see Star Wars or Indiana Jones trilogies in the theater, it was nice to see a film series of a similar magnitude in the cinema. Only a handful of franchises have reached Star Wars levels of movie success and geek obsession, and the Lord of the Rings Franchise is easily one of these franchises. And to be able to be there from day one is pretty damn cool. While I never had the same love for these movies as say the Star Wars movies, I will admit it did come pretty close. Massive scale, fantastic production design, some pretty epic battles, and many cool characters makes this a notable addition to my cinema going experience.

4.5 all of them.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean_movie.jpg

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl: 2003 (PG-13)
USA / Disney
79% (CF)

A movie based off a theme park ride? This has to suck right? Turns out no, it's actually pretty badass! They story is simple, the effects are awesome, but let’s face it, two people make this movie awesome; Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa. These two people are what made this a delight to watch in the theater and were the only reason’s I kept coming back to the very mediocre sequels. This simply a swashbuckling good time for all.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8f/Drive_Angry_Poster.jpg

Drive Angry: 2011 (R)
USA / Summit Entertainment
45%

I will be the first to say that I generally hate seeing movies in 3D. I have seen the practice as a cheap way to try and squeeze a few extra bucks out of me when I go to the movies. They just slap some 3D effects on a movie never intended to be seen in 3D, and comes out looking like crap. Very few times has seeing a movie in 3D ever been a good experience. For the longest time, if I was going to see a movie in 3D, it had to be shot just like this movie, where they intended it to be in 3D because that was part of a gimmick. Nic Cage escapes the pits of Hell itself to save his granddaughter from an evil cult. A throw back to 70’s grindhouse where all the 3D effects throw body parts, coins, the title, and various other things just thrown at me as the movie goes on! And while the movie is just as good without the 3D, I will still say the best viewing I have had for it was in the theater. And this for the longest time was the best 3D cinematic experience I ever had. Keep that in mind since I also saw Avatar in IMAX 3D. But that was a mediocre movie, this was fun as Hell! Literally! That was until I saw the next movie...

4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f6/Gravity_Poster.jpg

Gravity: 2013 (PG-13)
USA / Warner Brothers
97% (CF)

Probably not going to make my Top 100, but still deserves mention for being a pretty awesome movie going experience. This is the movie that really made me appreciate 3D in movies beyond the gimmicky stuff. Where Avatar failed to full grab my imagination with its crappy blue Smurf kitties, this movie finally convinced me that 3D could actually enhance the movie. Not gimmicky at all, this movie uses 3D effectively as atmosphere. It really helped pull me into the movie and gave the film an extra layer of visual spectacle! Stunningly beautiful and an equally thrilling experience makes me look forward to the day that MAYBE Hollywood makes 3D movies like this as the norm, and not the exception. But I doubt it.

4

moviefan1996

03-12-14, 06:43 PM

I love that you put Vertigo, The Dark Knight, and The Fistful of Dollars in your personal journey list. Those are some amazing movies that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. The honorable mentions are quite good as well and I can't wait to read more of your list Gunslinger.

Nostromo87

03-12-14, 07:38 PM

Let’s Go Out to the Movies! Fun Times at the theater!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean_movie.jpg

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl: 2003 (PG-13)
USA / Disney
79% (CF)

A movie based off a theme park ride? This has to suck right? Turns out no, it's actually pretty badass! They story is simple, the effects are awesome, but let’s face it, two people make this movie awesome; Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa. These two people are what made this a delight to watch in the theater and were the only reason’s I kept coming back to the very mediocre sequels. This simply a swashbuckling good time for all.

¡Piratas del Caribe! the movie that made me actually start paying attention to movies.. actor's names, director's names, soundtrack composer's names, etc. didn't pay attention to those things until Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, at the age of 16

love the pick Gunslinger! & i'm sure some people think these are rubbish, but that doesn't change the sheer joy i was filled with when seeing this in theaters in 2003!

http://24.media.tumblr.com/78ed8da79341cd4646ae57ef693428b6/tumblr_mqr0ijhvTi1socbwho1_250.gif
http://www.disneygifs.com/disney-gifs/pirates-of-the-caribbean/the-curse-of-the-black-pearl/the-curse-of-the-black-pearl-gif-649243.gif
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1axpwjB051r99f4t.gif

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 07:58 PM

25.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7b/Goodfellas.jpg

Goodfellas: 1990 (R) +1
USA / Warner Brothers
97% (CF)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maepebe5fg1qllovxo1_500.gif

I actually have Steven Spielberg to thank for my love of Martin Scorsese. Not only was he a fixture of movies throughout my childhood, he was also responsible for three TV shows I loved growing up. Tiny Toons, Freakazoid, and Animaniacs in particular. In this TV show there were various shorts created to be shown during a typical hour hour cartoon period. One of these shorts was a show called Goodfeathers. Three New York pigeons and the various Warner Brother-esque types of adventures.

I took the cartoon short as it was and thought they were funny. At this time I had no idea who Scorsese was or that there was a movie called Goodfellas. But that all changed when the show name dropped Scorsese in an episode that was actually a musical parody of West Side Story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=panuOG55E8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHipVDMR1zQ

In this episode the pigeons and the sparrows engage in a fight over who gets to perch on a statue of Martin Scorsese. This was the first time I had ever heard this guy’s name. Sometime later (remember this is pre Internet folks) I learned he was a filmmaker and made a film called “Goodfellas.” And that Goodfeathers was a kid friendly parody version of the film. So when I got old enough, I rented the movie (my first from Martin
Scorsese) from Blockbuster Video at around age twelve. My world was never the same since.

Needless to say this was not meant for kids. I loved it! Profanity, violence, De Niro and Liotta were cool as hell and Pesci acted like a complete psycho! These three guys in one movie plus the excellent story made this an instant classic! As I grew up more and became more schooled in cinema I learned to appreciate other parts of the movie as well. The soundtrack, the storytelling, and especially the shot where Henry and Karen walk through the restaurant to their table in one long uninterrupted shot became much more powerful with a little age. It was my first introduction to my favorite filmmaker of all time. So I would just like to say thanks to Spielberg and his staff for making that possible.

5

cricket

03-12-14, 07:58 PM

T2, Fistful of Dollars, Team America, Dark Knight, love em all. I haven't seen Tokyo Story yet.

Nostromo87

03-12-14, 07:59 PM

26.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8a/Dark_Knight.jpg

The Dark Knight: 2008 (PG-13) -13
USA / Warner Brothers
94% (CF)

This was the franchise that rebooted the Caped Crusader and erased the damage that was done by George Clooney and Joel Schumacher.

...

Either way it is my favorite movie to star my favorite superhero.

http://media.giphy.com/media/zqbHSNqDC6yxG/giphy.gif
http://i.imgur.com/3tOZXik.gif
http://i.imgur.com/DsK3Jcq.gif

cricket

03-12-14, 08:00 PM

T2, Fistful of Dollars, Team America, Dark Knight, love em all. I haven't seen Tokyo Story yet.

And Goodfellas, my favorite of them all-surprised you have it that low.

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 08:01 PM

http://media.giphy.com/media/zqbHSNqDC6yxG/giphy.gif
http://i.imgur.com/3tOZXik.gif
http://i.imgur.com/DsK3Jcq.gif

LOL! Yeah still prefer The Dark Knight!

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 08:01 PM

And Goodfellas, my favorite of them all-surprised you have it that low.

Actually up one slot from last time. :D

The Gunslinger45

03-12-14, 10:28 PM

24.

http://neofilm.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/jaws_movie_poster.jpg

Jaws: 1975 (PG) -10
USA / Universal
98% (CF)

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/9186/JAWS%20moving.gif
http://cdn0.dailydot.com/uploaded/images/original/2012/10/30/jaws.gif

Speaking of Spielberg, he was a cinematic pillar well into my teen years. Here was a filmmaker who consistently made blockbuster gold well into the 90’s with more than a few classic movies. Between ET, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, Hook and naturally Indiana Jones, he was a big part of why I love movies; even making great serious movies like Amistad and Schindler’s List. Another of my favorite movies of his has to be Jaws. This movie was another monumental film I rented from Blockbuster Video. A movie that not only remains one of my favorite horror movies, but was the movie that made me believe as a small child that I have no business whatsoever going into the ocean! Starting a fear of sharks that has remained strong to this day. Now sharks on TV and movies are fine, as are seeing them in the aquarium, just don’t ask me to get in the damn water with them!

One of my finest childhood memories of seeing this movie was renting it with a buddy of mine when we had a sleep over at his house. We watched Jaws and Jaws II all night. This was also my friend whose dad had a few Playboys stashed around the house. Naturally he showed me where his father hid them. A true friend. Either way it was a fantastic bit of storytelling and a game changer in Hollywood. And easily belongs on my list of favorite movies.

5

Miss Vicky

03-12-14, 11:06 PM

I like The Dark Knight, Goodfellas and Jaws, though I'm not crazy about them.

I still like your honorable mentions more than your list.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 09:10 AM

23.

http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/67/6716/XUKA100Z/posters/dawn-of-the-dead-1978.jpg

Dawn of the Dead: 1978 (NR) -11
USA / United Film Distribution Company
95%

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk30mmAZ6t8/UcDNh2Bj0iI/AAAAAAAAOL4/sG_1fZkMlgo/s1600/dawn+of+the+dead.gif

Jaws is one of my favorite horror movies, but my favorite traditional horror movie belongs to George A. Romero. Now I touched on why I like zombie movies in the first place when I discussed Night of the Living Dead. This movie I like for much the same reasons, except the film is on a much larger scale. A bigger area to deal with, more zombies, and now you throw in other people are the threat to our protagonists as well as the zombies themselves. It also helps that the practical effects are done by the great Tom Savini! A legend in gore effects and make up. There is also much more clear satire of the consumer culture with the mall setting, but like I said the satiric elements are secondary to why I love these movies. They are really the ultimate survival fantasy.

And these movies set the ground rules for all zombie fiction to come. Slow moving, eternally hungry, brainless, undead roamers. Shot ‘em in the head and watch them fall!

5

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 09:35 AM

Wow just realized I skipped one! How embarrassing!

22.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/65/Dirty_harry.jpg

Dirty Harry: 1971 (R) -5
USA / Warner Brothers
95% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I530sPVQSc8

This is the movie that made me a huge Clint Eastwood fan as a teenager and was at one point in time my favorite film. I had watched the action movies of the 80’s and 90’s to death, so I one day decided to try and expand my viewings beyond those decades. Eventually causing me to rent Dirty Harry from Blockbuster. Been a huge fan of the character ever since. In addition to that Dirty Harry is just a badass character, and was the prototype to the rogue cop character. And Clint was just too cool on screen.

Hard to believe this movie caused so much controversy back in the day. Either way it is a fantastic flick, and I remember buying the Dirty Harry series box set so I could watch the rest of the movies Harry was in.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 09:36 AM

And now to re-post this spot.

21.

http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/2/b70-1188

Casablanca: 1942 (PG) -5
USA / Warner Brothers
97% (CF)

http://media.giphy.com/media/qb3eynznLknwQ/giphy.gif

This was another movie I first saw during the time when I looked to watch every movie on the AFI Top 100 list. I first saw this movie before I joined the site. After watching this movie for the first time I knew this was something special, and I still consider it one of the best movies ever made as well as my favorite romance. The film is a true classic, has stood the test of time.

This was also the movie that really made me a fan of Humphrey Bogart. If you want a fantastic leading man look no further then Bogie. One of the quintessential cool actors of the ages, a cinema legend, and an American icon. He was fantastic in this movie, and so was Ingrid Bergman. Let me tell yeah they don’t make actresses like her much anymore. A woman of beauty and grace, but also phenomenal talent. You don’t get to see very much of that anymore. There are way too many Jessica Albas out there sadly.

5

Miss Vicky

03-13-14, 11:04 AM

I've not seen Dawn of the Dead and the only thing I can really remember about Dirty Harry (besides the line in the video) is that I didn't like it.

Casablanca gets a :up:

rauldc14

03-13-14, 11:18 AM

You didn't like Dirty Harry????!!!

Miss Vicky

03-13-14, 11:20 AM

Nope. But it's been a long time since I watched it.

I might give it a rewatch for the 70s list, but I'm not making any promises.

earlsmoviepicks

03-13-14, 11:31 AM

I thank you Gunslinger, and my short attention-span also thanks you! Well done.

rauldc14

03-13-14, 12:22 PM

Nope. But it's been a long time since I watched it.

I might give it a rewatch for the 70s list, but I'm not making any promises.

Seen anything lately that you'd add to your 70s list?

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 01:17 PM

20.

http://www.horrorphile.net/images/eraserhead-movie-poster.jpg

Eraserhead: 1977 (NR) NEW
USA / Libra Films
91% (CF)

http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/eraserhead-gif.gif?w=500

Remember when I said Dawn of the Dead was my favorite conventional horror movie? Well here is an UN-conventional horror movie from David Lynch; his very first movie Eraserhead. It would be hard enough to try and do a proper review on this film like I did for my last Top 50. It would be hard because it is VERY difficult to nail down a definite plot to the film. This movie has been picked apart and interpreted to death. But the plot flows like this. Henry and Mary are dating, he is invited to dinner, Henry gets a bombshell dropped on him in the form of some very sudden news, and then the rest of the movie is surrealist nightmare fuel. And by nightmare fuel, I mean this movie is creepy and disturbing as hell! Not scary in a traditional way of fear of physical harm like with Jaws or a Freddy Kruger movie, but on the basis of psychological and metaphysical terror!

Now as I said, I was first exposed to Lynch when I saw Dune on the Sci-Fi Channel. This however was my first proper Lynch film. As in this movie is much closer to his typical work and certainly one of (if not the) most Lynchian movie of his body of work. I first saw this movie about two years ago. I had heard of this movie and its reputation, but I had never seen it. So I decided to take the plunge and rented it from iTunes… at around 10:30 at night with the lights off. Perfect time to see this film considering its history as a midnight movie. For the better part of 90 minutes my eyes were glued to the screen as my mind tried to process the film. All I remember was that it was the most disturbing movie I had ever seen up until that time. I liked it then… but did not know what to make of it. I would revisit the film about a year later after I joined the site, and on the second time around I loved the movie! And it was after this rewatch where I made a rule to watch a David Lynch film at least twice. Once for the initial viewing, and the second time for trying to get a better grasp on the film. It is a hell of a ride every time I watch the movie and I can totally see why this is a midnight movie classic.

Also fun fact, I learned recently Eraserhead was also Stanley Kubrick’s favorite film and he would show it to the cast and crew of The Shining saying this is the mood they are going for.

5

Miss Vicky

03-13-14, 01:52 PM

Seen anything lately that you'd add to your 70s list?

I haven't watched many movies yet. I did watch Tale of Tales and Watership Down. Both were good and might make my list, but I'm not sure yet.

Swan

03-13-14, 01:55 PM

Eraserhead is fantastic, easily in my top 50. :up:

Daniel M

03-13-14, 02:08 PM

Eraserhead had better finish very high on the 70s list or I will be angry.

Swan

03-13-14, 02:26 PM

I'm actually wearing my Eraserhead shirt right now. I just realized.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 02:41 PM

Sleaze-tastic! Midnight Movie madness, Cult sensations, and Exploitation

As I continued to age into a young man, I liked to watch movies that did not generally permeate to more mainstream audiences. In addition within the last year or so I also gained a taste for exploitation movies. And I feel this is a fitting group to talk about after talking about the 70’s cult sensation Eraserhead.

http://s2.hubimg.com/u/8770053_f260.jpg

Death Wish: 1974 (R)
USA / Paramount
67%

The king of the vigilante exploitation flicks! Charles Bronson plays a bleeding heart liberal whose world is rocked when his daughter is sexually assaulted and his wife murdered. Turning his back on his former “conscientious objector” past, he starts cleaning up NYC by roaming the streets and subways at night and killing the street walking scum who try to mug and assault him. And while I would have liked to have seen some closure by him killing the guys who assaulted his family, we do still get plenty of scenes where Paul Kersey gets to do what he does best, as well as his dealings with the local police. Classic exploitation.

4

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YALI5QD49Qo/Tq81KLNUo8I/AAAAAAAAB5I/FJecA8SxkrU/s1600/Rocky+Horror+Picture+Show.jpg

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 1975 (R)
USA / 20th Century Fox
78%

Kind of hard to discuss cult films without talking about THE cult film. A film that still gets midnight screenings across the nation after nearly 40 years! Talk about legs! Based off a stage play, The Rocky Horror Picture Show brought the stage show to the cinema where it has become the epitome of the midnight movie. With a loyal and devoted fan base this movie musical blends stage theatrics with B movie sentimentalities. In addition it sports an excellent soundtrack and Tim Curry in easily his most recognizable role. It also manages to be my favorite musical not associated with Disney and certainly not for kids. So come up to the lab, and see what is on the slab, while having fun at Frankenstein place where you may or may not do The Time Warp!

4

http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/18/A70-9093

Coffy: 1973 (R)
USA / MGM
75%

A classic movie from the blaxploitation era, Coffy is a vigilante / revenge film starring the queen of the genre, the incredibly hot Pam Grier! Her sister is hooked on heroin, the system is inept, and Coffy is going to get to the bottom of the problem and is not afraid to get her hands dirty! Great action, cool, and a fantastic leading lady. Where the brothas of blaxploitation disappointed me, they can’t come close to the number one sista of the genre. It is not a deep film, but then again exploitation is not meant to be. And did I mention Pam Grier is hot?

4

http://www.cinemasterpieces.com/92010a/toxicfeb11ebay.jpg

The Toxic Avenger: 1985 (R) (Ex Top 50)
USA / Troma
63%

Troma Entertainment is an independent film company that has stayed in business for almost 40 years by making movies that are cheaper than dirt. They are weird, unusual, unique, and often very violent and full of nudity. The Toxic Avenger is a low budget exploitation film with three things going for it: a very weird and very unique premise, lots of practical gore effects, and lots of camp. The movie is directed by Troma co founders Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, and covers the fateful events when 98 pound weakling Melvin fell into a vat of toxic waste where he became a hideously deformed creature of super human size and strength. And thus was born, the Toxic Avenger (or Toxie for short). The plot is thin, but like I said, one of the things this movie has going for it is the practical effects. And given the trend of CGI gore in horror movies nowadays, it is incredibly refreshing to be reminded of the day when practical gore effects were the norm and not the rarity. I admit this kind of movie is not for everyone. The acting is over the top, the production values are beyond cheap, and there is no subtlety to the villains who are unquestionably evil. But to those of us who love it, it is a cult classic.

4.5

http://www.posters.ws/images/937275/escape_from_new_york.jpg

Escape from New York: 1981 (R) (Ex Top 50)
USA / MGM
83% (CF)

Another cult classic, this one from John Carpenter. The President of the United States is trapped in the island prison of Manhattan after Air Force One is hijacked, and the warden of the prison (Lee Van Clef) sends in former Special Forces officer and soon to be inmate Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to get him out. The deal is set, Snake has 22 hours to get the president out of New York, and he gets a full pardon. Snake is the character that makes this movie so damn cool, and he oozes pure cynicism from every pore. As such Snake is in my opinion the ultimate anti-authority figure. Not the straight shoot ’em up action star (though he is handy with a gun and his fists) but he is also a very cunning warrior who uses his brain to out fox his opponents on more than one occasion. The production design for the movie is perfect! The city is run down and without power save for certain areas. This allows for very creative set pieces such as the arena in which Snake engage in a gladiatorial death match, the floors of the World Trade Center, and the home of the Duke of New York (Isaac Hayes). And as with a lot of Carpenter films, he self composed the score on a synthesizer. It is an excellent piece of B movie style fun with one of my favorite characters in the cinema.

4.5

http://meetinthelobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/PinkFlamingosMoviePoster.jpg

Pink Flamingos: 1972 (NC-17)
USA / Dreamland
82%

The most recent filmmaker I have come to enjoy came to define bad taste with his cult classic. John Water’s Pink Flamingo. I first became aware of this movie through the Cinema Snob, but did not actually set out to watch the flick until I saw the film featured in a documentary called Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream. This film documents six movies closely associated with the midnight movie movement. Two of my favorite movies Eraserhead and Night of the Living Dead I knew were going to be discussed in this film as well as The Rocky Horror Picture Show. So I decided to check this out as well. Well Pink Flamingos was discussed in this documentary so I decided to give that a watch too. I was expecting the filthiest movie ever. And I got pretty much that. Cannibalism, murder, rape, incest, selling children to lesbians, drug use, curses, and ***** eating make up a large chunk of a movie which was written while John Waters was high. And it shows. But it is a very unique film and definitely worth checking out if you are not too squeamish.

3.5

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 05:28 PM

19.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/The_Producers_%281968%29.jpg

The Producers: 1968 (PG) -8
USA / MGM
90% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmYIo7bcUw

I was first introduced to the great Mel Brooks when I was around 8 or 9. We were on a family vacation with my aunt, uncle, and my cousins at the beaches of North Carolina. The adults went to the local mom and pop video store and rented a few movies for the evening. One of the movies happened to be Spaceballs. I loved that movie and over the years continued to rent Mel Brooks’ movies from Blockbuster. This included personal favorites like History of the World Part One, Robin Hood Men in Tights, Young Frankenstein and even Dracula: Dead and Loving It (I am sure I am in the minority there). But the movie of his that was my absolute favorite in terms of concept, I did not see until I was around 16 years old or so; which was The Producers. Two Jewish Broadway producers hatch the perfect scam. Raise a million dollars then put on a $60,000 flop and pocket the rest of the money. All they had to do was find a guaranteed flop. And they find it in Springtime for Hitler.

Now this is a very funny movie to begin with, and some pretty stinging satire against the Nazis, never missing a beat to mock Hitler and the Third Reich. Kenny Mars was particularly funny in this movie as Franz Liepkind. But what I really love about Mel and his humor is just how politically incorrect a lot of his humor can be. I mean here was a movie that had a full musical number with chorus girls dressed as SS officers. We look back on it now in the present day as a classic bit, but back then it was still very taboo. I got to give credit to Mel for going with that gag. Making Mel Brooks one of my favorite comedic directors, as well as one of my favorite directors of all time.

5

Mr Minio

03-13-14, 05:33 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmYIo7bcUw
The hell did I just watch.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 05:34 PM

The hell did I just watch.

Comedic satire at it's finest! Also chicks with pretzels on their boobs.

Miss Vicky

03-13-14, 05:43 PM

I haven't seen Eraserhead and it doesn't really look like my kind of movie, so I might not get to it. I've seen the remake of The Producers and really didn't like it. I doubt I'd like the original any better.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 05:45 PM

The original is WAY better then the remake. No Matthew Broderick and more Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel.

Miss Vicky

03-13-14, 05:46 PM

It's still a musical, though.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 05:46 PM

jiraffejustin

03-13-14, 05:51 PM

The Producers is a laugh riot.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 05:51 PM

Oh yeah, Kenny Mars is also WAY funnier then Will Ferrell. Just saying.

jiraffejustin

03-13-14, 05:54 PM

The Nazi mocking in The Producers is on the same level as the episode of Fawlty Towers called The Germans.

mark f

03-13-14, 05:58 PM

Dick Shawn does a few funny songs in the original, but he's in character, and I'd never call it a musical because of those bits, unless you call Young Frankenstein one for "Puttin' on the Ritz" or History of the World Part I one for "The Inquisition". Mel Brooks is just a song & dance man at heart, like Holden. :)

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 06:00 PM

Dick Shawn is on of the best parts of the movie. Very sad his character got left out of the play. LSD is where it is at. ;)

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 06:11 PM

18.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5716/1054/400/MK-Blazing_saddles_movie_poster.jpg

Blazing Saddles: 1974 (R) -10
USA / Warner Brothers
89% (CF)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDxzIuhTROU

Where The Producers was my favorite Mel Brooks movie in concept, Blazing Saddles is my favorite Mel Brooks film measured in laughter. This is easily one of the funniest movies ever made and a movie that can never be duplicated again. It was just made at the right time with the right cast. A movie that takes a clever satire of racism and turns it into one big live action Merrie Melodies style comedy. Hell the bit where Sheriff Bart invents the candy gram and delivers it to Mongo looks like it was pulled straight out of a Bugs Bunny cartoon.

Blazing Saddles is also a very special comedy to me as it helped me through a tough time. In Basic Training I was seriously injured and required surgery and a substantial amount of time to recover. Recovery was done at the Fitness Training Unit in Fort Benning. Needless to say it sucked hard. Being treated like a dumb POS private while dealing with an injury and surrounded by weak willed whiners who exaggerated their injuries so they could get out of the Army and snag some benefits. And let me tell you those ***** bags really affected my morale. Thank God for church so I could find my center and relieve some tension. One weekend our acting Senior Drill Sergeant gave us use of our cell phones and electronic devices for the entire afternoon. And after a call to the folks I sat down and watched Blazing Saddles on my iPod. Needless to say after about a month and a half of this crap I needed a spiritual pick me up. And this Mel Brooks classic made life a little easier for me that day. My own Sullivan’s Travels moment if you will. Making this a very special movie in that regard as well.

5

Miss Vicky

03-13-14, 06:38 PM

It is a comedy. The only musical element in the original is the Springtime for Hitler piece. Otherwise it is just a regular non singing comedy. The remake is based off the Broadway play that was a musical version of this movie.

Well if that's the case, I may give it a shot some time. My watch list is already quite long though, so it probably won't be anytime soon.

Mr Minio

03-13-14, 06:44 PM

I hope As I Was Looking At The Lustrous Beams Of Light In My Tea I Immediately Thought of Cupcakes gets a honorable mention. You were really impressed with it and even tried to interpet it in this (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=32080) thread some time ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNqQ0qMQ0fQ

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 06:49 PM

Well if that's the case, I may give it a shot some time. My watch list is already quite long though, so it probably won't be anytime soon.

As long as it is a maybe I will take it.

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 06:51 PM

The Gunslinger45

03-13-14, 09:22 PM

17.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-laQgclMyQG4/UWaFT6iX4vI/AAAAAAAALh8/sUdxieIhAZA/s400/936full-rashomon-poster1.jpg

Rashomon: 1951 (NR) -11
Japan / Daiei Film Co.
100% (CF)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/336c84a2d0356e6b6719a6e35279f1ab/tumblr_mogcf2Gi3X1s6r7qlo1_400.gif
http://www.theneuroticcritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Rashomon_3.gif

By the time I was 27 I had discovered Kurosawa and was fan given the few movies of his I saw. This movie on the other hand (plus the rewatch of a certain other movie of his) turned me from Kurosawa fan, into a raging Kurosawa fan boy! Rashomon was the fifth Kurosawa movie I ever saw, and holy crap was it a doozy! I first saw this movie over Christmas break and I had rented it via iTunes. I sat down to watch it one night and was completely entranced by the film! The way the film cut together, the separate accounts of the individuals who testified at the trial, and the tight writing that made every scenario believable in some way really added to the mystery of this film. And the ending needless to say was an absolutely beautiful scene! A damn near perfect film if ever one was made!

Trivia note: for a brief period of time, this was my favorite Akira Kurosawa movie. It was not until I rewatched another of his films which would earn my title of my favorite Kurosawa movie. But I will get to that movie later.

5

Swan

03-13-14, 09:25 PM

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 09:58 AM

16.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Hobo-with-a-shotgun-movie-poster.jpg

Hobo with a Shotgun: 2011 (R) NEW
Canada / Magnet Films
66% (CF)

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_liw0xfasTl1qg39ewo1_500.gif
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JWRvenE0nw/TlUJvb_kC5I/AAAAAAAAaMw/l2RUH4GNrd8/s1600/hobo+shotgun+1.gif

I love a lot of classy movies, but let’s face it I love my trashy sleaze too! And this movie certainly delivers on both accounts. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that the past summer was not kind to me when it came to the movies. Between The Purge, Man of Steel, and World War Z it might very well have been the worst summer movie season I can remember. And I had to ease my distaste with a movie that was actually good. I did that with a review of Hobo with a Shotgun, a perfect blend of 70’s exploitation with Troma style over the top acting and one note villains.

I actually first watched this movie on con leave due to my injury in Basic. I had an internet connection and I was stuck in bed for a month so I watched a lot of videos from That Guy with the Glasses and rented a crap ton of movies from iTunes. One such movie I purchased was this film. It is trashy, violent, over the top, silly, and looks very cheap. And I love the hell out of it! A film that is pure exploitive fun. The best viewing was easily when I and a couple of guys from the barracks watched it together on Netflix. It was a hilarious experience!

Objective 4
Exploitive ranking 5

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 10:00 AM

15.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c6/Gran_Torino_poster.jpg

Gran Torino: 2008 (R) -9
USA / Warner Brothers
79% (CF)

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/379350/gran-torino-shut-your-face-o.gif
http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Clint-Eastwood-Mad-In-Gran-Torino-Gif.gif

This is the final film from 2008 to make my list. And it also happens to be my favorite movie starring Clint Eastwood. I like my Eastwood characters to be tough, pissed off, and more than a little surly. And boy is Walt a prime example of that. But we have an interesting twist. Walt is less Dirty Harry, and more a grouchier and more racist sort of father figure. He is teaches him to be a man; to grow as a person; and Thao actually helps Walt to do the same. It is not a crime thriller or a spaghetti western, it is a macho melodrama. Equal parts touching and badass with more than a few subtly funny moments. It also has the badass parts like when Walt tells a group of gangbangers to “Get off my lawn.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NelBNtNm8l0

Something about crotchety war vets threatening violence to sh!tbags is pretty damn cool. I first saw this in theaters with an old college buddy of mine. He is a movie guy too, so we saw this together. Never thought my buddy would like a character who was clearly racist this much. Then again he is not Asian so that helps. Either way it is a film with fantastic dialogue, a very memorable character with several great performances, and it seems Eastwood’s final on screen role. Great way to say good bye to Clint as an actor, but we still got him as a director.

5

Miss Vicky

03-14-14, 11:09 AM

I don't love Hobo With A Shotgun, but I love that it's on your list.

mark f

03-14-14, 11:25 AM

Great way to say good bye to Clint as an actor, but we still got him as a director.

He already starred in Trouble with the Curve. :)

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 11:26 AM

He already starred in Trouble with the Curve. :)

Oh yeah I forgot about that movie. And I liked it. Well that line was a epic fail. :D

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 11:39 AM

14.

http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/40/MPW-20463

Vice Squad: 1982 (R) NEW
USA / AVCO Embassy Pictures
No Rotten Tomato Score Available

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO0egOKsm1Y

I actually found this movie through one of my all time favorite websites, That Guy with the Glasses.com. One of the major internet personalities of that website is a guy named Brad Jones, aka The Cinema Snob. A guy whose internet persona is a snooty film critic modeled after the late Roger Ebert. He will cream his shorts over a Terrence Malik or Scorsese movie, loves art house films, but loathes horror movies and exploitation flicks. A movie that keeps getting mentioned in his reviews in passing was the movie Vice Squad. It was mentioned so often, and noted to being one of Brad’s favorite movies that I decided to check it out. Not wanting to spend $40 bucks on the DVD, I was lucky enough to find the movie on YouTube in its entirety. Immediately after watching this movie I threw down the 40 bucks for the DVD. It is sleaze perfection!

Based off real life accounts from the files of the LAPD, the movie follows the story of a single mom known only as Princess who is forced to turn tricks at night to pay the bills. Through a series of events she is used in a sting operation to nail a sadistic pimp named Ramrod. And let me tell ya Wings Hauser as Ramrod is fantastic! A man who can jump from charismatic to psychotic in the time it takes for a jump cut. It is urban crime and grit (which I love) with plenty of 80’s sleaze. But a surprising amount of restraint since there is surprisingly little nudity in the film. Plenty of explicit talk and sexually based scenarios, but little T&A. The scenes range from standard exchange of money for straight sex to when Princess gets solicited for a gig at some rich guys place. Needless to say it gets REALLY weird. And to top it off, it has one of my favorite opening themes in Neon Slime sung by Wings Hauser himself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMFqPFrfZ4o

I have to give it to Brad, the man has excellent taste in sleazy flicks.

5 on the sleazy scale.

mark f

03-14-14, 12:14 PM

His PR was that Gran Torino was his last film as an actor though. :)

Talk about epic! Vice Squad and Hobo with a Shotgun are cut from the same cloth. Similar to Brad Jones, we had a local TV news film critic named Gary Franklin. He was known for his Franklin Scale of 1-10. He loathed Vice Squad so much he saw it twice, or so he said. That way he could say, "On the Franklin scale, I gave it a minus 10 the first time and a minus 10 the second time, so nothing else will do but a minus 20 for Vice Squad!" We had some some interesting TV critics with Franklin, David Sheehen and John Barbour. They were worth some laughs, although Barbour was the only one who earned a living at also being a comedian/satirist. I still fondly remember two of Barbour's on-air film reviews - Exorcist ii: The Heretic and Close Encounters. For the former, he said that Richard Burton was possessed with so much ham he needed an exorcism from Farmer John! For the latter, he said that Close Encounters made Star Wars look like it was a kid's Tinker Toy.

Anyhow, I give Vice Squad and Hobo with a Shotgon 3 although some here love at least the latter and others here are of a mind with Franklin about them. :) Keep it going and keep it real!

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 12:49 PM

Interesting character this Gary Franklin must have been. Now where these his actual views on these movies? Because on of the things I always have to keep in mind is that The Cinema Snob is a character, and that Brad the person actually loves sleazy exploitation and z grade movies.

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 01:11 PM

13.

http://www.screeninsults.com/images/clerks-poster.jpg

Clerks: 1992 (R) -8
USA / Miramax
88% (CF)

http://www.underthegunreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/randal.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpQqH4H_SUQ

Dogma opened up the world of the View Askewniverse to me, and that of course meant I had to watch the rest of Kevin Smith’s filmography. Clerks was actually the third film of his I saw. Strangely enough it was also the film that took the longest for me to warm up too. By the time I saw my first Kevin Smith movie I had seen Kevin’s work where he had already began to grow as a filmmaker, whereas Clerks was the very bare bones beginning. Odd considering how high this movie is on my list, I actually thought Clerks was just okay the first time I saw it as compared to Dogma and Mallrats. It wasn't the black and white part (the fact that a film is in black and white never bothered me before). But I did have to get used to the fact that this movie had very little of the more cartoonish antics of Jay and Silent Bob from Dogma and especially Mallrats. And at this time I was a big Jay and Bob fan, I had to learn to love these two other guys who took up the most of the movie Dante and Randel; but given the performances of Jeff Anderson and Brian O Halloran that was not hard to do. And also this is a movie that is all dialogue and very little action.

But a rewatch did give me a much greater appreciation for the film, especially for Smith’s dialogue (which I adore) and for a good chunk of time was in the running for funniest film I ever saw with Blazing Saddles. So I have to give Kevin his due, he really helped me appreciate very dialogue heavy films. And not to mention these kinds of movies had a lot to do with shaping my personal sense of humor. I like a lot raw humor, the bluer the better. It is only natural this man’s films have a very high placement on my favorite movies of all time.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 01:37 PM

12.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/The_Boondock_Saints_poster.jpeg

The Boondock Saints: 1999 (R) +18
USA / Franchise Pictures
20%

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/960731/boondock-saints-o.gif

This is another big rental from the Blockbuster Video days. Surprisingly first rented by my father and the family sat down and watched it together. Not only is this a favorite of mine, but a surprisingly popular movie among my family and extended family. I know one of my aunts is a big fan and she is in her 60’s! I think part of that is my family has very strong conservative leanings (for the most part, the Chicago part of the family is full of libs). But the biggest part has to be that my family is also VERY Irish American. So a couple of Irish vigilantes killing wise guys are right up the family’s alley. Throw in lots of un PC humor and cursing and you have a family reunion at my house. Like that one time my uncle did the speech from Blazing Saddles about giving land to the … *ahem* African Americans and the Chinese but not the Irish over a few Black and Tans, kind of puts our family’s pride in our Irish heritage and humor into perspective.

This film is very special to me since it is the film I can literally throw in at anytime, turn it on and watch whenever. I never have to be in a certain mood to watch it. Just pop it in and let it play. I LOVE the characters, dig the humor, enjoy some of the creative choices with the shooting, and it is just SO MUCH FUN! Plenty of action, plenty of humor, and more than a few badass scenes. Hell the “There was a firefight” scene is in my opinion one of the best scenes ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfJSx335M0g

Just the tone, music, and Willem DaFoe’s performance just NAILED IT! I don’t care if he was over the top, he was awesome! It was a fantastic ride from beginning to end. Not a deep film… but a double dose of fun!

5

Miss Vicky

03-14-14, 03:08 PM

Love, love The Boondock Saints. :up:

If I had the patience and money, I could've met Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flannery and David Della Rocco (the funny man) at the Sacramento Comic Con last weekend. But there were far too many hoards of Walking Dead fans there and I wasn't going to try to fight through them. Would've been really cool though. :(

Oh well, Bruce Campbell's much cooler anyway so I can't complain.

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 09:10 PM

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 09:11 PM

11.

http://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/106763.gif

Stalker: 1979 (NR) NEW
USSR / MosFilm
100%

http://sgtr.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/ts6.gif

This one should be familiar to anyone who participated in the 2nd MoFo Hall of Fame Tournament. This selection is due to our very own Guaporense, who I would like to thank him for nominating this movie. Now I have had a very up and down relationship with Andrei Tarkovsky. I first started watching his films after joining this site. I first saw Ivan’s Childhood and I liked it. Then I saw Solaris… which I thought was okay, but felt a rewatch was in need. Then I saw Andrei Rublev… which was an absolute chore to watch. And then The Mirror was very pretty to look at but did nothing for me. So I thought Tarkovsky was just not my thing. Then I watched this movie and got knocked on my ass!

Holy crap was this simply a FANTASTIC piece of art! A film very bleak at first (what with the black and white scenes) but then cut to “The Zone” and BOOM! Not only is it in color but the scenery is beautiful and somehow otherworldly. Plus the camera movement’s look like I felt like I was watching a painting being made as opposed to a film being watched. There was not much to the characters, and while there are arcs, they are minimal. But you are not here for the characters, you are here for the atmosphere!

Tarkovsky also likes to explore metaphysical and religious themes in his movies, and there was more than a few instances of such symbolism like the crown of thorns, or the motivations of the skeptical Professor. It does leave some hope towards the end and after I first saw the film it felt like I got hit in the chest with an emotional sledgehammer. Many of you know I went on record that day that (as of now) it is the best film I have seen from the standpoint of film as a piece of art. Not the best as a story telling medium mind you, but as pure visual power, look no further than Tarkovsky.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 09:33 PM

Art House Explosion: Expanding my tastes beyond Hollywood studio pictures

So we are about to begin the Top 10. And we end the previous 40 movies with an art film. So why not look at some art house and foreign films I have enjoyed. Which was the final cinematic expansion that happened most recently alongside my taste for 60’s and 70’s exploitation. We will get to how I gained a taste for art house and foreign flicks and how that came about later. This segment will allow me to not only show how far I have come with my film tastes, but also allows me to name drop a few directors and earn points with the art house crowd.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9c/Passionarc.jpg

The Passion of Joan of Arc: 1928 (NR)
France / -
97%

If we are going to talk about the best female performances on screen, Maria Falconetti certainly deserves to be in the discussion. This is a silent film based off the transcripts of the trial of Joan of Arc. Very minimalist and often in close up shots, you can feel the emotion as Falconetti weeps and cries in a beautifully heartfelt performance! If you love powerful cinema and do not mind films that are black and white, foreign, or silent movies; check this film out.

5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ab/M_poster.jpg

M: (1931) (NR) (Ex Top 50)
Germany / Germany/ Vereinigte Star Film
100% (CF)

M was the movie surrounding the search for a child killer that has the town in a panic. The movie is pure atmosphere as you feel the anxiety and paranoia in the opening scenes, as every one of the town’s folk is calling out others as the child killer over even the most innocent of occurrences like telling a child what time it is. Both the law and the outlaws are searching high and low for the killer (played by Peter Lorre). One of my favorite scenes from the movie is when he is confronted by the guild of criminals who give him a mock trial before they try to kill him. Lorre puts on a great performance as he tries to save his own skin. The movie is shot beautifully in black and white; what do you expect from Fritz Lang who is the master of shadows? This movie laid the ground work for a lot of psychological thrillers to come as well as many a film noir.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/aa/The_Battle_of_Algiers_poster.jpg

The Battle of Algiers: 1966 (NR) (Ex Top 50)
Italy & Algeria / Rialto Pictures
99% (CF)

This movie is on my list less in terms of entertainment, but more of what it presents and achieves cinematically. The movie details the guerrilla war between the native Algerians and the French. No party in this film is glorified, and everyone can be condemned for their actions. The purpose of this film is not to celebrate either side, it is a look at urban warfare. The film is shot in a way that tries to make it look like a documentary or footage taken from a news crew. It allows the viewer to feel that they are actually in the Casbah while the movie plays on. They also take a page from Italian neo realism and use non professional actors for most of the roles. In fact only the role of LTC Mathieu is played by a professional actor. The rest were normal people and the extras in this movie numbered in the thousands. Creating a movie that looks like new footage and an excellent film.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/2001Style_B.jpg

2001 A Space Odyssey: 1968 (G) (Ex Top 50)
USA & UK / MGM (Original) Warner Brothers (Currently)
97% (CF)

Even to this day standing as one of the greatest technical achievements in cinema, 2001 A Space Odyssey stands as one of many Kubrick masterpieces. It does not have much in terms of character or dialogue, but dear God does it make up for it in pure visual experience. Combining stunning sci-fi images to classical music makes this a must see for film fans. It used some outstanding effects and cinematic wizardry that created some awesome sequences! The very minimal dialogue in certain scenes combined with the memorizing effects creates one of the best visual experiences I have ever had.

5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Man_Bites_Dog_film.jpg

Man Bites Dog: 1992 (NR)
Belgium / Wellspring Media Inc.
75%

If you want pitch black dark humor and a brilliant concept, this little Belgian picture is for you. A mockumentry which follows the day to day life of a serial killer named Benoit. Bringing to life one of my favorite film concepts of all time. The crew starts out as voyeuristic observers, but the eventually become more and more involved in the violence reaped by the blood thirsty (and darkly funny) Ben. Satirical subtext on the tie between media and violence is what you make of it. The film is a VERY dark comedy with lots of instances where you will be laughing at some pretty messed up stuff. Especially the part where Ben kills a security guard at a construction site. A controversial film to say the least.

4.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/30/Haine.jpg

La Haine: 1995 (NR)
France / Canal +
100%

And we have my favorite French film here. Found this movie while looking through the Criterion movies section of Hulu Plus. I knew this movie had some fans on this site, especially from Donnie Darko who has it in his Top 10. So I decided to check it out. This definitely ranks up there as one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. Not only does it differ a lot from other French films I have seen like Belle De Jour and Contempt, this feels more like Boyz n the Hood or Do the Right Thing than a typical French movie. From the rap soundtrack to the themes of urban violence and racial strife makes this a very intense film. The tale of three friends, all young men and the 19 hours that take place after a riot. We explore the French ghettos, the various ethnicities who live there and the issues they suffer from. The underlying theme of hatred runs deep and each of the three youths brings a different point of view to their surroundings. A powerful film and a must see.

4.5

jiraffejustin

03-14-14, 09:36 PM

Top notch work so far, Gunslinger. Your honorable mentions are always interesting. :up:

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 09:39 PM

Top notch work so far, Gunslinger. Your honorable mentions are always interesting. :up:

It is the honorable mentions that really make this list special. These films helped shape my growth and taste. It is like giving my cinematic history, and really gives this list some extra spice.

Anyway I will start posting the Top 10 first thing tomorrow.

jiraffejustin

03-14-14, 09:42 PM

Have you seen Ordet? I still haven't seen The Passion of Joan of Arc, but both are by Dreyer. Ordet is an interesting look at religion, if you haven't seen it you should give it a go.

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 09:45 PM

I have yet to see Ordet but I will check it out. Might have to take a back set to some of Cecile B DeMille's early works, but I will get around to it.

donniedarko

03-14-14, 10:15 PM

I was going to save my comments until the end because of how far behind I have fallen, but big :up: for La Haine, but you already new I'd say that so here's an :up: for Man Bites Dog too, another :up: for Gran Tarino which would rank similarly in my list, and a :sideways: for your last three top 50 inclusions.

The Gunslinger45

03-14-14, 10:16 PM

Surprised I get no love for Hobo with a Shotgun at 16. :D

donniedarko

03-14-14, 10:35 PM

Oh my I missed it, add another :up: to the chalk board :p

One of my favorite guilty pleasures

Sounds like a hell of a watching experience too

cricket

03-14-14, 11:30 PM

I still vaguely remember seeing Jaws at the movies. As of now, it won't make my 70's list because I haven't seen it in about 25 years. I'm going to watch it again soon, I feel like by now, it should be a favorite of mine.

I love Dawn of the Dead, Blazing Saddles, and Dirty Harry, they're all on the cusp of my 70's list.

I really like Casablanca, Eraserhead, Clerks, Gran Torino, and Hobo with a Shotgun, but don't quite love them.

Death Wish, Coffy, and Escape From New York are all old favorites.

I always loved The Toxic Avenger; I got fired from a video store back in the late 80's for recommending it to families.

When I used to work at the airport, I would steal the cargo van, go pick up all my friends, get drunk, and go to Harvard Square to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The audience participation was a lot of fun, but I'm not sure I'd like the movie otherwise.

Pink Flamingos is pretty messed up.

I haven't seen The Producers, Vice Squad, Stalker or Rashomon yet.

Love The Boondock Saints and Man Bites Dog.

jiraffejustin

03-15-14, 12:04 AM

I always loved The Toxic Avenger; I got fired from a video store back in the late 80's for recommending it to families.

When I used to work at the airport, I would steal the cargo van, go pick up all my friends, get drunk, and go to Harvard Square to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The audience participation was a lot of fun, but I'm not sure I'd like the movie otherwise.

+rep for being a terrible employee :D

Guaporense

03-15-14, 12:47 AM

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 07:31 AM

I felt so good that other people watched it because of me and it also entered into their favorites lists. Too bad Nausicaa failed to do the same in the 1st Hall of Fame.

I liked Nausicaa, but it was just a good movie. This was an unforgettable experience!

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 07:32 AM

This is it MoFos, my top 10 favorite movies of all time! These are the movies that I feel in their own way, are my favorite of favorites! What best show my particular tastes and leanings as well as having very personal connections with me in many cases. Hope you have enjoyed the ride so far as we come to the end of the road!

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 07:33 AM

10.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/95/Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster.jpg

It’s a Wonderful Life: 1946 (NR) NEW
USA / Liberty films
94% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfUV-F9jFro

If people ask me what I personally think is the greatest movie ever made, this is the film I tell them. Stalker may be the greatest film I have seen as an art form, but in the more traditional terms of characters, story, arcs, themes, and especially the overall message of the movie this Frank Capra classic takes the cake. I originally saw this toward the end of my “Complete the AFI Top 100 List” period. I purchased the film on DVD (could not rent it from iTunes), so I popped it in one day thinking this would be just another notch on my cinematic belt. Boy was I wrong.

It is a charmingly uncomplicated movie about one guy’s life. Not only in how ordinary it is, but also how very special it is in its own way. Told from his childhood to his adult life we watch George Bailey grow up in Bedford Falls. A man with aspirations of wealth and dreams of travel; but due to fate, responsibility, and strange circumstances never leaves his small town. We see him marry, have kids, and care for the family business. We literally see him grow up on screen. But misfortune strikes and George is at a cross road where we begin the famous part of the movie where George sees what would have happened had he never been born with the help of his guardian angel Clarence. A scene that has been reimagined in countless TV shows.

What really makes this special is the final message which I believe is INCREDIBLY beautiful. The message that YOU ARE SPECIAL. That’s right you. The person watching the film and reading this post. You are special and you do matter in life. No matter how small or unimportant you think you are, you matter to someone and have done something very special in someone’s lifetime. That my friends, is a very beautiful message, one that echoes very loudly in the final scenes. And I admit it, as soon as George Bailey starts running through the streets of Bedford Falls screaming Merry Christmas, the tears start running down my face until I am weeping like a baby.

I recently got to see this movie on the big screen this past Christmas, and I had to leave the theater with my sunglasses on to hide the fact I was bawling my eyes out! This is a fantastic film with the classic pairing of James Stewart and Donna Reed; an inspirational story and ending. One I will be rewatching plenty of times more come the holidays. With plenty of tissues of course.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 01:25 PM

9.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/TheAvengers2012Poster.jpg

The Avengers: 2012 (PG-13) -1
USA / Paramount
92% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m6UKS1L0YQ

Fellow MoFos let it be known I am a HUGE nerd and fanboy! And one BIG fandom is my love for comic book superheroes! Warner Brothers owned the rights to DC and had two great films with Superman and Tim Burton’s Batman. But let me tell yeah, for a long time the pickings were really slim when Marvel was concerned. And while I love DC and Batman is my favorite super hero, I like Marvel as a universe better overall. And the only good Marvel media outside of comics tended to be either cartoons (the X-Men animated series on Fox Kids), a collection of animated shorts I was able to rent on VHS from Blockbuster, or the old re runs of the Incredible Hulk TV show on the Sci-Fi Channel. Any movies made however, tended to be *****. They range from likeable schlock with Dolph Lungren as the none Skull draped Punisher…

http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/100810/Punisher-Dolph-Lundgren_400.jpg

To renting episodes of a forgettable Spider Man TV series from Blockbuster…

http://www.shadowlocked.com/images/stories/reviews/disc/2012/007_July/016/spidey70_3.jpg

To Reb Brown in a HORRIBLE Captain America outfit in not one but two terrible movies!

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/130/419733890_77802dff6c.jpg

Not to mention dealing with two crappy made for TV movies of The Incredible Hulk with horrible interpretations of Daredevil and Thor!

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120604205254/comicbookfilmsandseries/images/8/8e/Thor_%281977_-_Johnsonverse%29.jpg

http://www.polarblairsden.com/tvtrialincrediblehulk02.jpg

But yeah know what? I watched them all. I wanted something more than just comics and cartoons. I wanted my favorite characters from my favorite comic company to come to life. I had to wait a bit, but I eventually saw that happen. It started with Blade, got hot with Bryan Singer’s X-Men, and then hit new peaks with Sam Raimi’s Spider Man. Starting the comic book boom that is still going strong.

But the peak of this boom has come from Marvel Studios when they created the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A film series that has proudly embraced its source material; not a “super hero set in the real world” Nolan-esque series. This is pure comic book fun on the big screen, and they have managed to snag BIG TIME talent! Starting off with Robert Downy Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man, and building a universe with The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger. Movies also introducing other characters like Black Widow, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Loki, and Agent Coulson of SHIELD. The end product of the five films was the cinematic equivalent of a comic book crossover, THE AVENGERS!

By far still the most fun I have had in the theater and the film I say is the best film based on pure entertainment (eeking out an old childhood favorite by a hair). The humor, the action, the scale, and the much lighter tone as compared to the Nolan Batman films makes this an absolute joy to watch for any proper fanboy. Not to mention the fact that the cast has their screen time perfectly balanced so everyone gets to shine in the movie. I could go on and on about this movie. And I did for my last top 50. So if you want the complete fanboy ramblings, here is the link to that post entry.

Click here for Fanboy rambling (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=31732&page=7)

Just know that these movies made a little kid’s dreams come true.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 04:36 PM

8.

http://images.moviefanatic.com/iu/t_full/v1364990921/clerks-ii.jpg

Clerks II: 2006 (R) -2
USA / Weinstein Company
63%

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n48/ZimGirDib/ClerksGIF.gif
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/itoastbreadwell/RosarioDawsonClerksII0004.gif
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/36726/clerks2-o.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3buEelLrjZ4

From big fun and entertainment to the man who has a direct line to my funny bone. This is my favorite comedy. It makes me laugh the hardest, and has what I believe to be the funniest scene in any movie. I think anyone who has seen this movie knows what I am talking about.

Now this is the sequel to the cult classic film made over ten years before this film was released. Needless to say there was some fan backlash with its announcement. I was not one of those people. I was always very excited to see this movie. This movie meant a return to the movies I loved as a teenager. I was more than happy to give this flick a shot. And I was spectacular! Not only has Kevin grown as a director (IE he moves the camera a lot more), but the maturity in his filmmaking allows him to do bigger jokes. If you had told me there would be a Kevin Smith movie that had a dance number in it right after I saw Clerks or Mallrats I would call you a damn dirty liar. Lo and behold cut to 2006, we have a dance number in a Kevin Smith movie. And it was pretty damn good. Not to mention Smith did a lot more showing then telling. Obvious to see in one scene where instead of Dante just saying “I love her”, you get to see him say it with just Brian O Halloran’s facial expressions and the camera movement. Not to mention the characters have matured as well. Each has grown since the last film and have their own unique issues to face. But despite these growths they are still the same knuckle heads I have been fans of since I was in high school.

Finally, I love the humor. Kevin Smith style humor is just my cup of tea, lots of vulgarity but with plenty of heart. And this film delivers there. In one scene we get elements of a bromance, hetero love, and “interspecies erotica” and it works perfectly well together. A feat owned entirely to Kevin Smith’s writing. The end result is a film that touches you in all the right (and wrong) places.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 07:44 PM

7.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Seven_Samurai_poster2.jpg/270px-Seven_Samurai_poster2.jpg

Seven Samurai: 1954 (NR) -4
Japan / Toho
100% (CF)

http://media.giphy.com/media/zZtnZNAOexJxS/giphy.gif
http://media.giphy.com/media/b4Jjcp5co0FUc/giphy.gif
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dse2G-LY9lM/Uk1XsGFJogI/AAAAAAAADQY/FVfmmOQ3334/s320/%E4%B8%83%E4%BA%BA%E3%81%AE%E4%BE%8D+-+Seven+Samurai+GIF+-+Acting+Madness.gif
http://25.media.tumblr.com/09254cbecf20d211fbee5460da7e04b3/tumblr_mi9mg7UuXB1r8250so1_400.gif

It is appropriate to talk about this movie after Clerks II because Seven Samurai was my first real introduction to Akira Kurosawa, and it was Kevin Smith who provided the introduction! I know what you are asking, “How the hell did the Clerks Guy get you into a classy director like Kurosawa?” Well let me tell you. I got my first “taste” of Kurosawa in college thanks to said basic film class. I say “taste” since I did not see the entirety of a one of his films. We covered Kurosawa by watching a vignette from his film Dreams. I say again… a SINGLE vignette from Dreams. Not even the whole movie, just one vignette. While a good film, given what I have watched I find this one vignette a criminal under representation of Kurosawa’s oeuvre. I mean hell I had to suffer through Pierrot Le Fou but the professor could not throw up Rashomon or Yojimbo? Seriously, what the hell teach? Anyway the name did not register from that class and I completely forgot Kurosawa’s name. I did not truly get my first introduction to Akira Kurosawa until I heard his name in the most unlikely film, Kevin Smith’s Zack and Miri Make a Porno. I was rewatching Zack and Miri for like the 6th time (great flick by the way) and the name Kurosawa kept popping up. Not even kidding. Here is an excerpt from one of the scenes. Zack and company have just wrapped their first day of shooting their dirty movie and Zack asks the camera man

Deacon how the footage looked.

Zack: Hey how’d it look?

Deacon: How’d you think it looked? It looked like ***** going into other sh!t… in focus.

Zack: What an artist. That was Kurosawa’s motto I think. ***** going into other *****

So I asked the question, “who the hell is Kurosawa?” I was watching this movie on my laptop and did a Wikipedia search and found his page. Read up on the guy and decided to give him a shot. Decided to try what seemed to be his most well received film, Seven Samurai. The rest is history.

Seven Samurai was the film that helped me really appreciate foreign films beyond Godzilla, and started my attempts to seriously seek out other great foreign filmmakers. A very significant accomplishment when you consider that while attending that basic film course I was first introduced to filmmakers like Bergman, De Sica, Josef Von Sternberg, Jean Renoir, and other very highly regarded filmmakers. But Kurosawa was the one who kicked it off. Now as I said before I did need to rewatch this film a second time to really get into the flick, but it is my favorite of his movies. I love the scale, the character arcs, the epic battles, the fact that the final battle is over an hour in film time and several days for the characters. Not to mention it has my favorite performance by Toshiro Mifune. This started a love affair with samurai movies and Japanese period pieces, especially the later Kurosawa flicks I watched. Rather odd since it was Kevin Smith of all people who was my gateway to world cinema. All the more reason to be appreciative of him. :D

5

Nostromo87

03-15-14, 09:17 PM

I got my first “taste” of Kurosawa in college thanks to said basic film class. I say “taste” since I did not see the entirety of a one of his films. We covered Kurosawa by watching a vignette from his film Dreams. I say again… a SINGLE vignette from Dreams. Not even the whole movie, just one vignette. While a good film, given what I have watched I find this one vignette a criminal under representation of Kurosawa’s oeuvre. I mean hell I had to suffer through Pierrot Le Fou but the professor could not throw up Rashomon or Yojimbo? Seriously, what the hell teach?

haha. it could be so cool, to teach a class on movies

in fact now that you bring it up, i recall i took a class in high school called Novel & Movie. it was in this class that i first saw movies such as Apocalypse Now, All the President's Men, & our teacher took us to see Million Dollar Baby in the theater for a field trip

your teacher definitely should've gone with Rashomon or Yojimbo

http://media.giphy.com/media/2IJlP9sFRe5nq/giphy.gif

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 09:27 PM

haha. it could be so cool, to teach a class on movies

in fact now that you bring it up, i recall i took a class in high school called Novel & Movie. it was in this class that i first saw movies such as Apocalypse Now, All the President's Men, & our teacher took us to see Million Dollar Baby in the theater for a field trip

your teacher definitely should've gone with Rashomon or Yojimbo

http://media.giphy.com/media/2IJlP9sFRe5nq/giphy.gif

Closest I got to something that awesome was watching Mulan in History and The Godfather in English class. Wish I had one of those classes in high school. Oh well, I had college for that.

Sexy Celebrity

03-15-14, 09:35 PM

I still like Clerks II. As you know, Honeykid and I just did a commentary for it the other night. However, I still need to see Clerks I.

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 09:37 PM

Clerks is great, but I still prefer Clerks II. The donkey show scene is the funniest scene I have seen on film.

Mr Minio

03-15-14, 09:38 PM

Taxi Driver

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 09:39 PM

I still got an ace up my sleeve though. ;)

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 09:42 PM

6.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/Apocnow.jpg

Apocalypse Now: 1979 (R) NEW
USA / United Artists
99% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz3Cc7wlfkI

I have to say this up front I love the theatrical version far more then the Redux. The original cut is perfect, and any other addition to the film is unneeded.

Usually when you watch a film you love there is an instant connection; sometimes though you have to revisit the film after a while. Maybe you were too young to fully grasp or appreciate the film the first time around. That was the case here. Saw the film as a teenager and thought it was good. Not great, just good. I really liked a few scenes but not so much the whole film. Fast forward a decade, rewatch the film again, GENIUS!

This film has one of the greatest production designs in film, not to mention one of the greatest (ie troubled) production histories ever. A movie created in chaos and insanity, about story dealing with chaos and insanity. And it really shows on screen. Starting in Saigon, we see Martin Sheen as Captain Willard takes a river boat ride up to assassinate Colonel Kurtz. We establish the Captain has some problems from the get go (and so does Sheen as he was fighting his own demons while filming). And as the mission progresses we start to see that the closer we get to Kurtz, the more insanity seems to reign. The story is told in part through voice over narration by Willard as he details his thoughts on the mission and the man Kurtz himself. A man’s decent into insanity in a hostile area all the while told via voice over? Why do I like this format so much? ;)

In addition to the decent into madness, the film is a visual beauty with a fantastic score. And the writing is superb! Co-written between Francis Ford Coppela, Michael Herr, and John Milius; the film has some incredible scenes and fantastic dialogue and speeches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRp7tYWnJJs

Now quite a few people have debated whether this film is an anti war film or a glorification of war. And to be honest it has elements of both. Coppela is the director and the scenes like the bridge being blown up or where they board the Vietnamese sampan do have a feel of a negative view of war. The bridge scene feels a commentary on pointless missions from idiot higher ups and the sampan scene the senseless taking off lives. But then you have the scenes where Milius had a heavy influence on the writing, namely the “Ride of the Valkyries” scene. Seeing a swarm of Huey helicopters rain down on a VC held village with Wagner blasting over the speakers is pure glorification of war! And from a grunts point of view this is a scene that gets you pumped up! I have to restrain myself from kicking in doors and clearing rooms after watching this scene. This gets a fighting man’s blood pumping!

What makes this film even more spectacular is that this film is such a masterpiece but was made under the most chaotic and stressful circumstances. Having to borrow military vehicles from the Philippine government while they are fighting insurgent groups; Martin Sheen’s personal demons and heart attack; Marlon Brando being fat, insane, and having not read the script; typhoons and floods; sets being destroyed; and the prevailing feeling by Coppela that this movie was going to be terrible! But thanks to some brilliant editing and scoring of the movie this movie was not only good, it was a masterpiece, and netted Coppela his second Palme d’Or. These coincidences and insane blessings, turns those months of Hell into a damn near perfect film.

5

Mr Minio

03-15-14, 09:47 PM

I hope number 5, 4, 3, or 2 surprises me.

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 09:48 PM

More like number 6 was my new edition.

Sexy Celebrity

03-15-14, 09:49 PM

Clerks is great, but I still prefer Clerks II. The donkey show scene is the funniest scene I have seen on film.

That's great, but I've gotta say... see more funny films.

The Gunslinger45

03-15-14, 09:56 PM

That's great, but I've gotta say... see more funny films.

I do, nothing has topped it yet! :D

Guaporense

03-15-14, 11:06 PM

I have to say this up front I love the theatrical version far more then the Redux. The original cut is perfect, and any other addition to the film is unneeded.

Indeed.

Usually when you watch a film you love there is an instant connection; sometimes though you have to revisit the film after a while. Maybe you were too young to fully grasp or appreciate the film the first time around. That was the case here. Saw the film as a teenager and thought it was good. Not great, just good. I really liked a few scenes but not so much the whole film. Fast forward a decade, rewatch the film again, GENIUS!

Same thing happened to me. I watched it for the first time when I was around 16 and I was expecting a film like Saving Private Ryan, and I was always awainting for the final "boss fight" with Kurtz. So I wasn't "prepared" for what I had watched at the time.

This film has one of the greatest production designs in film, not to mention one of the greatest (ie troubled) production histories ever. A movie created in chaos and insanity, about story dealing with chaos and insanity. And it really shows on screen. Starting in Saigon, we see Martin Sheen as Captain Willard takes a river boat ride up to assassinate Colonel Kurtz. We establish the Captain has some problems from the get go (and so does Sheen as he was fighting his own demons while filming). And as the mission progresses we start to see that the closer we get to Kurtz, the more insanity seems to reign. The story is told in part through voice over narration by Willard as he details his thoughts on the mission and the man Kurtz himself. A man’s decent into insanity in a hostile area all the while told via voice over? Why do I like this format so much? ;)

In addition to the decent into madness, the film is a visual beauty with a fantastic score. And the writing is superb! Co-written between Francis Ford Coppela, Michael Herr, and John Milius; the film has some incredible scenes and fantastic dialogue and speeches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRp7tYWnJJs

Now quite a few people have debated whether this film is an anti war film or a glorification of war. And to be honest it has elements of both. Coppela is the director and the scenes like the bridge being blown up or where they board the Vietnamese sampan do have a feel of a negative view of war. The bridge scene feels a commentary on pointless missions from idiot higher ups and the sampan scene the senseless taking off lives. But then you have the scenes where Milius had a heavy influence on the writing, namely the “Ride of the Valkyries” scene. Seeing a swarm of Huey helicopters rain down on a VC held village with Wagner blasting over the speakers is pure glorification of war! And from a grunts point of view this is a scene that gets you pumped up! I have to restrain myself from kicking in doors and clearing rooms after watching this scene. This gets a fighting man’s blood pumping!

What makes this film even more spectacular is that this film is such a masterpiece but was made under the most chaotic and stressful circumstances. Having to borrow military vehicles from the Philippine government while they are fighting insurgent groups; Martin Sheen’s personal demons and heart attack; Marlon Brando being fat, insane, and having not read the script; typhoons and floods; sets being destroyed; and the prevailing feeling by Coppela that this movie was going to be terrible! But thanks to some brilliant editing and scoring of the movie this movie was not only good, it was a masterpiece, and netted Coppela his second Palme d’Or. These coincidences and insane blessings, turns those months of Hell into a damn near perfect film.

Indeed.

Lucas

03-15-14, 11:52 PM

I first viewed Apocalypse Now when I was 15. I didn't think it was all that great, but with my recent rewatch I can see how wrong I was. An easy 5 film, a true masterpiece. It really has to be seen at least two times to fully grasp.

cricket

03-16-14, 12:13 AM

Apocalypse Now is awesome, but I always preferred The Deer Hunter. It's been a few years though; I'm going to watch both again before the 70's list is due. I also love It's a Wonderful Life. I haven't seen Clerks 2, The Avengers, or The Seven Samurai yet.

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 10:33 AM

5.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/Drstrangelove1sheet-.jpg

Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb: 1964 (PG) + 5
USA / Columbia Pictures
100% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1KvgtEnABY

Stanley Kubrick is a very special filmmaker for me. For the majority of my life movies were just mediums for telling stories. Then I took that film class I took in college, where I was helped along by being shown a different way of looking at movies. I learned symbolism, themes, and a new visual language opened up for me. And one of the most significant films to be shown in that class was this one, the film I credit as being the movie that really got the ball rolling in my cinematic maturation. From the phallic imagery of the opening scenes, the beautiful camera shots, the perfect musical accompaniment, the razor sharp satire, to the cold but hilarious tone of the film; no one filmmaker helped me grow as a film watcher more than Kubrick. Though his masterful work I was propelled from being just a fan of movies to a true connoisseur of the cinema.

Now I did not fall in love with this film at first. It took a while and many rewatches for me to gain my current love and appreciation for the film. But like any great movie, there was something fascinating about this movie I really enjoyed, and that enjoyment kept me coming back to this movie. And as my cinematic maturation progressed paired with the many rewatches, I have learned to really love and appreciate the very dark humor and satire of this film. Many people say you are not supposed to laugh at Dr Strangelove, but I disagree, this movie is funny as hell! While Clerks II is my favorite comedy and makes me laugh more, I love this movie more as an overall film. Understandable since Kubrick is a master at his craft. What makes this film even more incredible is its rich behind the scene stories and its very creation given the global affairs at the time of production. If you would like to know more about this film from the mad genius of the cinema, here was my review of Dr Strangelove from my last Top 50.

See Review here (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=31732&page=6)

5

Miss Vicky

03-16-14, 12:22 PM

Of your top ten so far, I've only seen It's A Wonderful Life and Dr. Strangelove. I didn't like either.

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 12:32 PM

I think you will like this one Miss Vicky.

4.

http://www.filmedge.net/Indy4/graphix/IJT_DVD.png

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: 1984 (PG) NEW
USA / Paramount
84% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk2E1CoGe98

Kubrick was the man who helped me look at film differently, but it was Spielberg who made me fall in love with movies in the first place. And the film that started it all was the film that was my favorite movie when I was 4 years old. Indiana Jones: and the Temple of Doom!

Indiana Jones is my favorite cinematic character, and this is my favorite movie of the trilogy. How did Spielberg do it? The best way to memorize a kid at 4 years old is to throw unforgettable imagery at the kid, and this movie did that in spades! I can remember sitting in front of the TV we had in Seoul and watching every single scene! Spielberg puts together a film with so many fantastic and unforgettable scenes and sets! There is the opening shootout in a Shanghai Night Club, the plane over the mountain scene, the river raft, the campfire poker scene, the “dinner” scene, the bugs, nearly being crushed by the lowering ceiling, the Thuggie sacrifice, the blood of Kali, Short Round busting out of imprisonment, fighting cultists while trying to save Willy, escaping the mines on the mine carts, the bridge scene, and finally the return to the village. That is just a handful of the awesome scenes in this movie. You could probably make into two or three other movies. Spielberg rolls them into one damn movie! Hell the bridge scene is my favorite scene IN ALL OF CINEMA! Needless to say this movie blew my 4 year old mind away!

Now why the hell was this not on my last Top 50? Well I watched this film to death and got burned out from it. I had not seen it in a few years until I watched it again a few months ago. It was there where I was able to reconnect with the film like I did when I was a child. The magic was recaptured and it shoots its way all the way up into my top 5. An appropriate spot if you ask me. This was the film that started it all. If it had not been for Spielberg, I don’t know if I would have ever joined this site.

5

Swan

03-16-14, 12:32 PM

Now I did not fall in love with this film at first. It took a while and many rewatches for me to gain my current love and appreciation for the film.

That's how it was for me, too.

Nostromo87

03-16-14, 12:35 PM

it's a Wonderful Life, Seven Samurai, Apocalypse Now, Dr Strangelove, & Temple of Doom are excellent Top 10 choices!

haven't seen Clerks II, or Clerks for that matter, all the way through yet http://mytwitterweighsaton.com/images/emoji/emoji-E40D.png i've just watched a YouTube clip of a few of their Star Wars jokes

Miss Vicky

03-16-14, 12:39 PM

Love Temple of Doom!!!

Absolutely the best Indiana Jones movie and one of the most exciting movies I've seen of any genre or any decade. :up:

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 12:39 PM

I agree completely Miss Vicky! :D

Lucas

03-16-14, 12:46 PM

If it had not been for Spielberg, I don’t know if I would have ever joined this site.

The same would apply to me, except that special movie was Jurassic Park. I fell in love with films when I viewed it,made me realize the magic and beauty of cinema. I've literally seen it around 100 times.

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 12:47 PM

I have probably seen Temple of Doom around the same amount. Spielberg is the perfect director for a kid to get into movies.

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 02:38 PM

3.

http://www.heymiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/red-dawn-movie-poster-1984-1010735273.jpg

Red Dawn: 1984 (PG-13) -1
USA / MGM
56%

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoM6IFiyRjE

I LOVE Red Dawn! Why?

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/39501328.jpg

I am a proud patriotic gun loving son of a bitch! And this movie is about armed civilians killing invading commie hordes in their own back yard! The only way this movie could be anymore American if George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt came back to life to fight the Russians on horseback wielding M-16’s eating apple pie and high fiving Baby Jesus! Though Baby Jesus would be highly unlikely since Milius is Jewish. Anyway, I remember the day clearly when I swore an oath to defend this great nation from all threats foreign and domestic. And this is a movie that plays to my sentimentalities to a tee. This movie is a Cold War action flick set in Colorado where Swayze and Charlie Sheen kill a bunch of Russians who made the damn fool mistake of invading the USA! Five minutes into this movie you see a Colorado high school overrun by Russian, Cuban, and Nicaraguan paratroopers to begin their invasion of the US. Escaping the fray at the school, a group of teenagers including Matt Eckert (Charlie Sheen) and adult brother Jed Eckert (Patrick Swayze) grab a bunch of guns and supplies and head for the mountains. Together they start a guerrilla war against their Soviet invaders calling themselves the Wolverines. They set up ambushes, bomb movie theaters playing Soviet films, raid prison camps, blow up Soviet vehicles, and leave the Russkies lying in puddles of their own blood. The plot is simple, the characters are not the most complex, but the drama is real and the violence is in mass amounts. The story is told over months at a time, from what looks like fall in through winter. They fight long and hard and show what kind of prolonged and intense fighting does to a person. Some begin to crack, some struggle with tough moral choices, and some give into the darkest part of a man’s soul which burns hot with revenge and bloodlust. This follows in a long line of movies John Milius has made which are full of his typical macho bravado and I love it! And though the violence is relatively bloodless (at least by modern standards) the number of violent acts is staggering. In fact this movie was considered the most violent movie at the time in terms of number of violent acts on screen. This movie even held the title in the Guinness Book of Records. It was also the first movie to be distributed with the PG-13 rating. And the movie was a big hit!

Problem was, this movie got Milius in all kinds of trouble. Hollywood also has a reputation of being a pretty liberal town, and this being a very violent film where the Soviets were the bad guys and killed in massive amounts, the film did generate some controversy. It did not help that Milius had a history in Hollywood. Despite Milius being tight with the likes of Coppela, George Lucas, and Spielberg, and being an exceptional writer he was pretty much viewed as an outsider in Hollywood because of his very larger than life personality and personal politics. The self described Zen Anarchist was an un-credited writer on Dirty Harry, The Hunt for Red October, and Jaws; a credited co-writer on Magnum Force and Apocalypse Now; and wrote and directed Conan the Barbarian and this movie. He was also the writer who came up with a lot of the most memorable lines in American cinema. He wrote the “Do I feel Lucky” monologue from Dirty Harry, “Go ahead make my day” from Sudden Impact, USS Indianapolis speech in Jaws, and all the best lines in Apocalypse Now like “Charlie don’t surf” and “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” But that did not save him from a media storm where the film was condemned for its violence and political themes. Some called it irresponsible and some accused the film of saber rattling. After this movie he was pretty much black listed from Hollywood.

And as sad as it is Milius never got a lot of stable work after this again he has stayed active as a writer and even co creator of the TV series Rome so he can still pay the bills. In the end however this is still one of my all time favorite films, and at one point in time this WAS my favorite film. If you cry out “WOLVERINES!” people know exactly what you are talking about! And if you have ever seen Walter in The Big Lebowski, take a guess who is friends with the Coen Brothers and inspired that character. ;) If you are curious about learning more about John Milius, check out the documentary about him. It is on DVD in the UK and can be viewed on E-Pix in a 14 day free trial.

5

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 04:17 PM

2.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9wT1hk3wbl0/TTYEL3hejhI/AAAAAAAAAuI/8XU4T8dPc3Q/s1600/blue-velvet-poster-c10080070.jpg

Blue Velvet: 1986 (R) NEW
USA / MGM
92%

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmsrO8xpe-w

I remember I had just completed my last Top 50 for the site. I was feeling good and accomplished, figuring this list would last a while. Then I watched this movie since it was very high on Daniel M’s Top 150. Mind was instantly blown. It is really quite comforting that even at my age and with all the films I have seen I can still find new films that still have a very profound effect on me. After watching this film for the first time I instantly put it into my Top 10. It has been slowly creeping up until it is now firmly my number 2 favorite film of all time.

Blue Velvet is a surreal and strange film from David Lynch. Not full Lynch like with Eraserhead, but surreal enough that it creates a strange and unique atmosphere. What begins as a look at a 1950’s style Beaver Cleaver-ville, you soon discover that there is more to this Eisenhower-esque town then meets the eye. Or to borrow a line from another Lynch work, “The owls are not what they seem.” We spend the rest of the film looking at the duality of human nature, of this small town, and really of the world in general. A picture painted of small town life free from the crime associated with the big city, only to learn there is a criminal underbelly hidden deep underneath the town’s visage. While most everyone seem to be good and honest folk, we then are shown there are some truly despicable characters in the world thanks to Frank Boothe and his associates. And finally we see the duality of the nature of man with Jeffery Beaumont as a good and naïve young man poised against Frank. And how Jeffery’s exposure to people like Frank may have a subtle corrupting effect on Jeffery, as some of his actions are framed in the same way as Frank’s actions. In addition, the film is an exercise in duality itself, a film beautifully shot, but dealing with some very ugly and disturbing imagery and themes.

In addition to this, there is that familiar strange eroticism in this film that is common in a lot of Lynch’s work. Combine the surreal imagery with the pairing of Dorothy and Jeffery makes this the strangest sexual awakening I have ever seen. And the ending is simply beautiful. The symbolism of the Robin, the song Mysteries of Love, and the return to normalcy makes it one of my favorite endings ever. Add in one of the best villain performances by Dennis Hooper, the atmosphere, and the music; and you have a film that almost became my favorite film of all time. ALMOST being the key word.

5

Sexy Celebrity

03-16-14, 04:19 PM

Oh, give me a break. WATCH MORE MOVIES!

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 04:47 PM

I think we all know the final movie...

The Sci-Fi Slob

03-16-14, 04:52 PM

Oh, give me a break. WATCH MORE MOVIES!

Remind me, where did Commando rank on your 80's list..?;)

The Gunslinger45

03-16-14, 04:52 PM

1.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c9/Taxi_Driver_poster.JPG

Taxi Driver: 1976 (R) -
USA / Columbia Pictures
98% (CF)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQkpes3dgzg

http://capnbeeb.com/SA/Gifs/Taxi_Driver_still_5.gif

The more things change the more they stay the same. What more can I say about Taxi Driver? I mean when I did my last review I wrote a very long review of this film that told my exact feelings about this film in great detail. I am going to repost that review here, but in actuality what more can I add? I guess there is one more thing to say.

When I first wrote my review a year ago I said that this movie gets better and better every time I watch it. But it is more than that really. With the more life experience I gain and the more I grow as a person, it offers me new ways to look at this film; new interpretations and angles to explore. This film literally has grown with me through my adult life. With the rise of the internet, film sites like this one and streaming you can find a new great film every week. But to find a film that grows with you. You find that maybe once in a lifetime. And with that in mind, Taxi Driver will always be my favorite film of all time.

My original review:

Taxi Driver is often named as one of the greatest movies Martin Scorsese has ever made, and it has made quite a few lists of the greatest movies ever made. And it is very easy to see why. The movie is set in 1970’s New York City when Times Square was still seedy as hell and New York City as a whole was considered a cesspool. Watching this movie really reflects that feeling. From some of the neighborhoods, people in the background, the sex shops and porno theaters, to character’s apartments you really feel like this city is starting to crumble. Especially since very little of anything redeeming is shown. The protagonist is an honorably discharged Marine by the name of Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro). He describes himself as “God’s lonely man” suffering from isolation and the after effects of the Vietnam War. He also has a very difficult time connecting to people, even though he tries to do so on several occasions. He suffers from insomnia, and as a result takes a job as a taxi driver working nights “anytime anyplace.” When he is not working he has a habit of going to porno theaters and keeping a diary. His diary expresses the frustrations of a man who sees nothing but filth around him. We also see that Bickle is (among other things) a racist, a homophobe, and a tad sexist. But all is not lost for Travis, as there is one beautiful thing in NYC, as he introduces himself to Betsy (Cybil Shepard) a woman who is working for the presidential campaign of Democratic politician Charles Palantine (Leonard Harris). Betsy also seems to be a lonely person in New York, (after all she agreed to go out with Travis after the most awkward beginning to a courtship I have ever seen). Awkwardness aside, it seems Travis is doing well, he goes on a lunch date and he asks her out for a second date. She says yes. The second date is an unmitigated disaster. Betsy breaks off contact with Travis, and now with nothing left that is beautiful in his life and completely alone; he sinks into a deep and dark depression.

After a very disturbing fare (played by Scorsese himself), Travis goes to talk to a fellow cab driver Wizard (Peter Boyle). Travis expresses he has some bad thoughts in his head, and Wizard does little to dissuade those thoughts. After that, Travis begins to get “orga-ni-zied”, and he sets his sights on killing Charles Palantine. He arms himself and begins a physical training regimen that gets him into shape. Also in proper military fashion he acquires a secondary target, a young prostitute named Iris (Jodie Foster), or more accurately her pimp “Sport” (Harvey Keitel). Travis becomes obsessed with Iris and wants to see her stop hooking and return home to Pittsburgh so she can live a normal life. The movie moves along at a fairly slow pace, but it gets kicked up a notch for a few minutes at the end. Where Travis releases his anger and frustration, and engages in one of the most violent and gritty shootouts of all time! The movie presents a more negative view of vigilantism than a movie like The Dark Knight, in which you know that Batman is the good guy because… he’s Batman! Travis Bickle on the other hand is not a hero. He does have good qualities; he wants more from his life then self pleasure, honorable military service, wants to help Iris, and he prevents an armed robbery of a local convenience store. But he is obviously suffering from some serious psychological issues, and any good qualities he has get overshadowed by the fact that he means to kill a presidential candidate.

The ending shows the power of perception. Travis fails to shoot Palantine, but succeeds in killing Sport and the Mafioso who happens to be there, thus freeing Iris. As such, Travis gets celebrated in the press as a hero who takes the law into his own hands and fights the scum of New York City. But had he been a little quicker on the draw he would have been reviled as a murderer and a monster. He also wins back the affections of Betsy at the end of the movie showing that the one beautiful thing in all New York has not abandoned him. But when he gives a final look back in the rear view mirror, it does suggest he is still unstable and could snap again. A second interpretation reflects Martin Scorsese’s religious leanings. Scorsese was raised Catholic and at one point wanted to go into the priesthood before he chose a film career. Scorsese once compared Bickle as a saint who wishes to purify his mind and body early in the movie. Travis begins this purification by eating right, exercising, and by not popping pills. After he decides to go after Palantine he holds his hand over a flame on his oven. One can see this as Travis just being crazy, but famed critic Roger Ebert seems to suggest he is testing the fires of Hell. The idea does fit as Travis is still living in sin even though he is in the process of purifying himself. He stills goes to porno theaters and he continues his violent plans against Palantine. But at the same time he does want redemption, and he finds the key to his redemption in Iris. After the failure to kill Palantine he goes off to save Iris himself, and he is celebrated as a hero. Does this mean Travis finds redemption in reality or in his mind? That is up to the viewer.

The movie is pure genius! In fact I only have one very minor gripe with the movie. When Travis meets Easy andy to get some guns, he chooses 4 pistols. The first is the Smith & Wesson Model 29 in 44 Magnum, a Smith & Wesson snub nose 38 SPL, a Walther PPK in 380 ACP, and a Colt 25 ACP he turns into his sleeve gun. My only issue with this scene is Travis Bickle is an ex-Marine, and in the suitcase is a perfectly good 1911A1 in 45 ACP, a gun he would be very familiar with from his time in the USMC. The Model 29 is even called unsuitable by Fast Eddie himself. So why does Travis choose the 44 Magnum and not the trusty 45? My best guess is this was more of an influence of the Dirty Harry movie than anything else. After all Dirty Harry was released only 5 years before this movie, and the writer Paul Schrader and Scorsese most likely saw it. Robert De Niro plays Travis as a man unhinged in spectacular fashion. De Niro is one of those actors who have the ability to melt into the role. Any trace of him as an actor is gone and all that is left is the character. Part of that has to do with De Niro’s method style of acting.

Travis Bickle is based upon Arthur Bremer, the would-be assassin who shot Presidential candidate George Wallace. This man’s diaries had been published, and De Niro listened to taped readings. In addition, De Niro got himself a cab license and drove around New York City picking up fares. De Niro also interviewed a few soldiers to get down the Middle America way of talking that he does in the movie. That is incredible dedication. In addition to De Niro’s acting, actress Jodie Foster’s acting is FANTASTIC! Part of what makes her performance so good is that she was 14 when this movie was shot, and she is showing more talent as a teenager then some big name actresses are showing as adults in movies today *cough* Jessica Alba! That is impressive, and shows why she is one of my favorite actresses! The Bernard Herrmann score for this movie is haunting! It sets the mood and perfectly sets the tone for the movie. What do you expect from the guy who did the scores for Citizen Kane, Psycho, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Vertigo?

In addition to all the praise I can heap on this movie, I can identify with the theme of loneliness. After I graduated from college, I opted to stay in Tallahassee to attend graduate school and earn my masters degree. After that, all my college friends and roommates moved away and left me alone in Tallahassee. I was not a drinker at the time, I am not a pot head, and I hate the bar and club scenes. And since that is about 95% of all social interactions in Tallahassee, for two years I lived pretty much like a hermit. The film is also directed by my favorite director of all time, Martin Scorsese. The movie keeps to Scorsese’s themes of urban crime and grit (where he is at his best).

The movie was also a financial success, taking in $28 million on a $1.3 million budget. The movie does have a few controversies however. It will always be linked to the attempted shooting of President Ronald Regan, as Hinckley tried to kill Regan to impress Jodie Foster. What a nutjob. It also had to be edited at the end to get an R rating. The final shoot out, was deemed too graphic by the MPAA, and the colors had to be desaturated to allow the blood to appear brighter and somehow less offensive. Killjoys. But Scorsese said in the end he liked the change. There were also a few people concerned about Jodie Foster being in the movie with more graphic scenes she was in like the final shoot-out and when Travis first meets her in person pretending to be a john. For more graphic scenes of a sexual nature Jodie actually had her older sister as a body double. And as for the final shootout, she was there for the set up of the scenes and effects so she could see what was going to happen. This helped alleviate potential trauma to the young actress.

But the controversies aside, I still love this movie. And I am not the only one who loves this movie, as it was nominated for four Academy Awards, won 3 BAFTA awards, and won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival (the highest honor they have). And the late Roger Ebert also called it one of the best films he has ever seen. And to top it off it was added to the National Film Registry to be preserved for all time in the Library of Congress, as it is deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” to film. My love for this movie is also part of the reason I am not a Rocky fan, it won for best picture in 1976 beating out this movie. And the lack of a Best Director nomination for Scorsese is one of many beefs I have with the Academy. It also shows that you don’t have to do a movie about a good guy to make a great movie. De Niro would continue to make movies with Scorsese in the same vein with movies like Goodfellas, Casino, the Cape Fear remake, and Raging Bull. But this is the movie that is my personal favorite pairing of the two and in my opinion Scorsese’s best. It is a perfect blend of gritty, sleazy, urban violence, character study, and beautiful cinematic art. It is also a movie I can say gets better every time I watch it. And there is no higher praise I can give to a movie. And it is my all time favorite movie.

5