The MoFo Top 100 of the 2000s Countdown

[MovieFan1988]

Have seen so far: 15 - V for Vendetta and Million Dollar Baby - Both movies were meh since I just didn't find much interest in them, If I had to pick which one was better I would pick V for Vendetta.
Have not seen so far: 33

[Sedai]

I am really surprised V for Vendetta showed up at all, TBH. I never thought it was considered a great film, but perhaps the COVID parallels have brought it back into the cultural zeitgeist...

[rauldc14]

Million Dollar Baby was my 3. Obviously the biggest Eastwood fan on this board, and it's my second favorite from him. Can't do that one per director thing.

V for Vendetta a pleasant surprise definitely. Really like it and glad it made the list, especially this far into it.

My List
2. Mystic River
3. Million Dollar Baby
8. Iron Man
20. Spider Man 2

[Holden Pike]

Million Dollar Baby was my 3. Obviously the biggest Eastwood fan on this board, and it's my second favorite from him. Can't do that one per director thing.
Don't know how obvious that is, but oh-kee-doh-kee. :)

I do have an Eastwood film from this decade on my ballot...but it is neither of the ones that have shown.

83827

This is the first of the ten Academy Award winners for Best Picture to make our list. From the seven previous decade lists we are averaging six Best Pictures making the cut. The 1980s is the anomaly thus far with only three titles showing (Amadeus, Platoon, and Rain Man) while the 1970s had nine of them make it (the only one to miss was Patton) and the 1960s had eight (Tom Jones and A Man for All Seasons being the no-shows). The '90s, '50s, '40s, and '30s Lists all had six make it each.

I know we are almost halfway through now which makes it perhaps easier to handicap than before the reveals started, but how many more Best Picture winners do you guess will make it? The other nine titles are Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Chicago, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Crash, The Departed, No Country for Old Men, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Hurt Locker.

I figure LOTR: Return of the King, No Country for Old Men, and The Departed are absolute givens. Gladiator should be there too. I don't see any way in Hell that Crash makes it and may not even be in the top 250 of our votes, one of the most derided Oscar picks in the past fifty years. I think if Slumdog Millionaire was going to show it would have shown by now. Same for The Hurt Locker, though there may well be an undercurrent of support it that I am underestimating. I think Chicago is beloved enough to make it, even if the taste and impact of Moulin Rouge! should place that Musical higher. Which leaves A Beautiful Mind. I have never thought much of that flick, which I am trying not to let color my prediction too much...but I kinda feel like if it doesn't show in the bottom fifty it isn't coming? Whatever awards season momentum bullpucky it enjoyed in early 2002...I gotta believe (or hope?) that has long evaporated?

So I am gonna guess six make it this time: Million Dollar Baby, Chicago, The Departed, Gladiator, No Country for Old Men, and LOTR: ROTK.

[CosmicRunaway]

My room mate really liked V for Vendetta, so I watched it with her one Guy Fawkes night after it came out on home video. I didn't like it very much. A few years later she convinced me to rewatch it (again on Guy Fawkes night) and...I still didn't like it very much. Just a couple years ago on Nov 5th once more, she convinced myself and her boyfriend (who also didn't originally like the film) to watch it yet again. Was the third time the charm? No.

The boyfriend and I went in with the intention to see if we could tell whether the actor for V on screen was Hugo Weaving, or if it was older footage from before James Purefoy left. I'm not sure how successful we were, but it at least made that last viewing more interesting for the two of us.

Unfortunately I think our combined negativity about the film has made my room mate change her opinion on it as well. At the very least, she's not as enthusiastic about it as she used to be.

Seen: 23/44

My List:
08. Mother (2009) - #96
10. Iron Man (2008) - #83
11. Paprika (2006) - #64
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

[Yoda]

V for Vendetta is cool but not good, to make a weird distinction.

[SpelingError]

Two good films I enjoyed, but didn't make my ballot.

V for Vendetta: I watched it sometime last year on a whim. It's the kind of film I wasn't eager to watch, but I decided to give it a go just for the heck of it. Fortunately, I enjoyed it quite a bit and I found it to be a compelling anti-fascist film about political uprisings. With the exception of a couple scenes I loved though, it mostly landed in "watch once and respect" territory for me. Probably won't watch it again, but I still thought it was pretty good.

Million Dollar Baby: This is another film I wasn't eager to watch since its big moment was spoiled for me prior to watching it. Overall though, I found the first two-thirds to be a fairly interesting and technically impressive, albeit somewhat cliché sports drama with some fairly predictable character arcs that were telegraphed ahead of time. Once it got to the final act though, it became something else entirely and truly came alive. Without its final act, I'm not sure it would be as popular as it is.

[Holden Pike]

Million Dollar Baby: This is another film I wasn't eager to watch since its big moment was spoiled for me prior to watching it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcqK4vypbC8

[Sedai]

Just to be different, I will add one to Holden's List, which I think will land within the next 5 titles or so.

Million Dollar Baby, Chicago, The Departed, Gladiator, No Country for Old Men, LOTR: ROTK, and The Hurt Locker.

That said, I am wondering if ROTK makes it, only because, at least in my circle of film watchers, Fellowship seems to have aged a bit better and is remembered more fondly, so it may supplant ROTK on this list as far as LOTR is concerned?

Who knows, maybe neither The Hurt Locker and ROTK make it, which brings the list down to 5 total. For now, I will add The Hurt Locker, bringing my total to Lucky #7.

[Holden Pike]

That said, I am wondering if ROTK makes it, only because, at least in my circle of film watchers, Fellowship seems to have aged a bit better and is remembered more fondly, so it may supplant ROTK on this list as far as LOTR is concerned?

Oh, all three of the LOTR movies are very much making the list.

[Deschain]

Sure, both fine.

[Sedai]

Oh, all three of the LOTR movies are very much making the list.

That's a shame! I may or may not have tossed one on my list (I am sure anyone paying attention can guess which), but wasn't about to put more than one on, if only to maintain at least some modicum of list diversity.

[Citizen Rules]

Yahoo! I had V for Vendetta (2006) as my #9. Surprised that I would like this movie?

To me the important part of the film is the undercurrent of what's not being said but being implied. Taken at face value it's one type of movie but underneath in sub context it's quite a different affair.

[SpelingError]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcqK4vypbC8

Lol, nice.

[ynwtf]

ROTK?
Strange. This is unfamiliar to me. Maybe I've missed something? But I have always wondered what people mean by trilogy when there's clearly only two movies to the set.

[cricket]

I liked both of todays entries about the same, although V for Vendetta was a big surprise while Million Dollar Baby was mildly disappointing. Obviously I expected to like the latter much more.

[John W Constantine]

V for Vendetta I did enjoy quite a bit on a re/visit maybe a year ago or so. It didn't quite reach great status for me.


Million Dollar Baby I remember enjoying when it first came out but I have not seen it since, but I imagine I would still like it.

[ynwtf]

V was good enough but I doubt it would clear my top 50 of the decade. I only toyed with the idea of it floating my list when I started it. I watched Million Dollar Baby and just didn't cared much for it. Could have been that I was never a fan of Hilary Swank. I mean, she was NO Ralph Macchio.

[Iroquois]

I am really surprised V for Vendetta showed up at all, TBH. I never thought it was considered a great film, but perhaps the COVID parallels have brought it back into the cultural zeitgeist...

Anti-authoritarianism never goes out of style, it seems - the book was written in response to Thatcher's Britain and the film reworked it to have parallels to the GWB administration, then the Guy Fawkes mask became its own distinct piece of rebellious iconography that persists to this day seemingly outside any truly consistent political identity. In any case, the fact that it seems to have had a steady foothold in the middle of the IMDb Top 250 since its release would suggest that it still maintains a steady level of acclaim and popularity.

Which leaves A Beautiful Mind. I have never thought much of that flick, which I am trying not to let color my prediction too much...but I kinda feel like if it doesn't show in the bottom fifty it isn't coming? Whatever awards season momentum bullpucky it enjoyed in early 2002...I gotta believe (or hope?) that has long evaporated?

Considering that A Beautiful Mind is somehow ranked even higher on the IMDB Top 250 than V For Vendetta (or indeed a good cross-section of the titles on this list), you never know...but hopefully not.

[Thief]

I do have an Eastwood film from this decade on my ballot...but it is neither of the ones that have shown.


Hell yeah for Blood Work :leo:

[Thief]

This is the first of the ten Academy Award winners for Best Picture to make our list. From the seven previous decade lists we are averaging six Best Pictures making the cut. The 1980s is the anomaly thus far with only three titles showing (Amadeus, Platoon, and Rain Man) while the 1970s had nine of them make it (the only one to miss was Patton) and the 1960s had eight (Tom Jones and A Man for All Seasons being the no-shows). The '90s, '50s, '40s, and '30s Lists all had six make it each.

I know we are almost halfway through now which makes it perhaps easier to handicap than before the reveals started, but how many more Best Picture winners do you guess will make it? The other nine titles are Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Chicago, The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King, Crash, The Departed, No Country for Old Men, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Hurt Locker.

I figure LOTR: Return of the King, No Country for Old Men, and The Departed are absolute givens. Gladiator should be there too. I don't see any way in Hell that Crash makes it and may not even be in the top 250 of our votes, one of the most derided Oscar picks in the past fifty years. I think if Slumdog Millionaire was going to show it would have shown by now. Same for The Hurt Locker, though there may well be an undercurrent of support it that I am underestimating. I think Chicago is beloved enough to make it, even if the taste and impact of Moulin Rouge! should place that Musical higher. Which leaves A Beautiful Mind. I have never thought much of that flick, which I am trying not to let color my prediction too much...but I kinda feel like if it doesn't show in the bottom fifty it isn't coming? Whatever awards season momentum bullpucky it enjoyed in early 2002...I gotta believe (or hope?) that has long evaporated?

So I am gonna guess six make it this time: Million Dollar Baby, Chicago, The Departed, Gladiator, No Country for Old Men, and LOTR: ROTK.

https://c.tenor.com/CAlU7OhXeQ0AAAAC/ummmm-wait.gif

[Iroquois]

Hell yeah for Blood Work :leo:

This is Space Cowboys erasure.

[mrblond]

• Million Dollar Baby is one more movie I've seen thanks to the mall DVD sales. Not bad film which is not enough for my ballot.

• I've never considered to watch V for Vendetta.

Honestly, not very impressive titles during the last 3-4 reveals.:skeptical:

_____________
stats
▽
Seen 22/44.
--
My list:
#4. Snatch [#71.]
#9. Amores perros [#81.]
#14. The Man Who Wasn't There [#84.]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/56mOJth6DJ6JhgoE2jtpilVqJO.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--
(seen one pointers 3/38)


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou [#98]
Werckmeister Harmonies [#97]
Pride & Prejudice [#93]
Caché [#85]
American Psycho [#79]
Battle Royale [#77]
Catch Me If You Can [#72]
Fantastic Mr. Fox [#70]
A Serious Man [#66]

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qZoFLNBC78jzboWeDH6Ha0qavF2.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/nxWEG9JzmJx3eLE8y7CUHmaj3CE.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/sGjIvtVvTlWnia2zfJfHz81pZ9Q.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/IC2BPYDSsNPP1Q1VuXUiKrRwbU.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3ddHhfMlZHZCefHDeaP8FzSoH4Y.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/uRhc1IfwYKwVqIp2OTZGFzTVsdF.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vG3YcgXuZABv7C8nd5bEyuMfyTQ.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2//1eRgCKzvbL73LiBFqPR6FJGwuJQ.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8Zjk3cvjkDa643NHXtdPu30gnyY.jpg

[KeyserCorleone]

Million Dollar Baby is currently my favorite sports movie. The boxxing feels real, the characters are lively and relatable, and the ending hurts like hell. 100.

Sent-In Ballot:
#13. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#20. Iron Man (83)
#22. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)

Post-Ballot:
#12. Snatch (71)
#14. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#18. Slumdog Millionaire (not placed but it made my new 25)
#22. Iron Man (83)
#23. Fantastic Mr. Fox (70)
#25. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)

Seen 26/44

[Sedai]

I re-watched both Oceans Eleven and Pirates of the Caribbean over the holiday weekend. Still like both films, but neither would be in contention for a spot on my ballot if I submitted it today.

[Thief]

Went to Roger Ebert's website to dig up his review for V for Vendetta and this is how it opens...

"It is the year 2020. A virus runs wild in the world, most Americans are dead, and Britain is ruled by a fascist dictator who promises security but not freedom."

https://c.tenor.com/uIFQDRA8f58AAAAd/huh.gif

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #58, V for Vendetta...

https://i.imgur.com/db6bWhv.png

It currently has a 73% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.1/10 score on IMDb (with 1,100,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★ and said:

"I have not read the original work, do not know what has been changed or gone missing, but found an audacious confusion of ideas in V for Vendetta and enjoyed their manic disorganization. To attempt a parable about terrorism and totalitarianism that would be relevant and readable might be impossible, could be dangerous and would probably not be box office."

Meanwhile Anthony Quinn, of the Independent, said:

"In its ambition to weld a political message onto a comic-book movie it falls rather pitifully between two stools."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Citizen Rules said:

"V for Vendetta is done in a highly stylized, almost operatic style. The artistry is a thing of beauty and the production values are high. The cinematography, the music score, the sets and the acting are all first rate. It's strongest strengths are a blazing script alive with intelligent dialogue and laced with metaphoric phrases and stellar performances by Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman."

And The Gnat said:

"There isn't much of anything that I can find fault with in this film. I guess if I had to come up with something, it would be that it isn't a film that I feel like I can watch often as it isn't as brainless as many films, and the action that is in there definitely isn't that important."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #57, Million Dollar Baby...

https://i.imgur.com/AV4zM3z.png

It currently has a 90% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.1/10 score on IMDb (with 664,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby is a masterpiece, pure and simple, deep and true. It tells the story of an aging fight trainer and a hillbilly girl who thinks she can be a boxer. It is narrated by a former boxer who is the trainer's best friend. But it's not a boxing movie. It is a movie about a boxer. What else it is, all it is, how deep it goes, what emotional power it contains, I cannot suggest in this review, because I will not spoil the experience of following this story into the deepest secrets of life and death. This is the best film of the year."

Meanwhile Tim Robey, of the Daily Telegraph, said:

"There's no denying that Million Dollar Baby packs some unexpected wallop in its latter stages. But Hawks and Siegel would never have put their name to anything this pretentiously sombre from start to finish."

As for our MoFo reviewers, LordSlaytan said:

"Million Dollar Baby achieves something that many films have attempted to do before, yet failed, or have only eluded to; it causes a person to look deep, very deep, into their own psyche and to beg it a question: 'What price my soul?'"

And Iroquois said:

"The boxing sequences are well-shot and, despite the sudden turn the film takes during the last half-hour, it doesn't succumb to Oscar-bait nonsense as much as you'd think. It's solid enough and I may revisit it, but as of right now I think it's merely alright."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSA7mAHolAw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_RsHRmIRBY

[Thief]

Forgot to mention that today's entries put Clint Eastwood in the "repeat offenders" box, with two films in the countdown (Mystic River at #65, and Million Dollar Baby at #57).

[ash_is_the_gal]

oh gaad. I really, really dislike Million Dollar Baby, lol. Morgan Freeman is good as always, but the rest, meh.

[pahaK]

I've seen both of today, but neither would make even top-100, let alone this ballot, for me. V for Vendetta is 2nd tier Moore and the film isn't any better. Million Dollar Baby is, in my opinion, a calculated bait for the Academy. It turns boxing into show wrestling, and the ending is an awful tear-jerker. I could go all Raul for these two.

Seen: 22/44

[dadgumblah]

V For Vendetta is one that I enjoyed when it was first released but I haven't seen it since, so I need to revisit it. Not on my list.

Million Dollar Baby is a great movie, one of Eastwood's best. All the performances are excellent, especially Hillary Swank. The devastating ending is haunting and unexpected but I loved it. It came in at #10 on my list.

#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[GulfportDoc]

I forgot I had written my own review of The Secret in Their Eyes when I saw it earlier this year for a HoF, but here it is...

The Secret in Their Eyes (https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/2193842-the-secret-in-their-eyes.html)

I was so impressed by that scene in that film that I started reading about it. Back then I saw a "Making of" video about the scene that I just can't find now, but it was great to see how they pulled it off. If I find it, I'll post it later.
Yeah, that was one of the great long take shots, and makes all the lists of best long takes.

It was a good movie. Frankly I hadn't thought of it for the countdown.

[Takoma11]

Yeesh, I'm so far behind! Some quick thoughts!

Iron Man--I did really enjoy this when it first came out. But I'm so burned out on Marvel films and how same-y they are, that I've had no desire to revisit it. Still, I can remember that at the time it was something different and fun.

Waking Life--I really like this film. I like the actors in it. I like it's unmoored, dream-reality narrative structure. I like the look of the rotoscoping and the way that its style directly supports the narrative.

The Descent is really solid stuff, and I was especially pleased after enjoying Marshall's Dog Soldiers that he had such a good follow-up to that one. The setting, for me, is sweaty-palm inducing. I like the performances. And there are some really neat interpretations of the meaning of what happens on screen.

American Psycho is meticulously made. While in some ways it isn't "my kind of movie", I have a ton of respect for its dark humor, lead performance from Bale, and direction by Harron.

Battle Royale was a really pleasant surprise for me. It was certainly a film that made a strong impression.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of my favorite comedies. It never fails to make me laugh, largely because the cast (Downey Jr., Kilmer, and Monaghan) really have a handle on exactly how to deliver the dialogue so that it all flows together. My sister and I also frequently quote this film. "He looked sad!" "Who taught you math?!". This one made my list at #15.

The Devil's Backbone is such a great, atmospheric horror film. It didn't make my list, but only just. I love the imagery in it and also the sound design. I think that the performances from the young cast are excellent.

Monsters Inc is solid Pixar stuff. Not on my list, but not mad about it being here at all.

Punch Drunk Love is also good stuff. It didn't really click with me entirely on an emotional level, but I can appreciate the craft in it.

Catch Me If You Can is another one I don't mind being here, even if it's not one of my favorites. Hanks, DiCaprio, and Walken are all really solid in this one and the film has a captivating momentum to it.

Snatch is the first one on this list that makes me kind of go "meh". I don't want to yuck anyone's yum, but there's an artificiality to the whole thing (from writing to editing) that just veers a bit too cutesy for me. On the other hand, I can totally see why some people really like it. I enjoyed seeing it in the theater.

Fantastic Mr Fox made my list, and I think it's a great example of a story and a style meshing perfectly. The vocal performances are outstanding and it is both funny and moving in turn. It's the kind of movie that's just perfect when I'm in the right mood. Please don't tell my chickens.

Cast Away is a film I haven't seen, because after it was released it was immediately something that became oversaturated for me with all the references to Wilson and so on. I certainly owe it a watch!

Ocean's Eleven is a solid crowd-pleaser, and I'm not surprised to see it here.

Quills is one I enjoyed when I watched it, but admittedly it has been quite a while.

A Serious Man is one of those films where halfway through I just felt as if I knew I needed to watch it again to really gel with it. It has a unique feel, and I still owe it that rewatch.

Mystic River is a film I was really hyped for. I saw it in the theater with my sister when it came out and we were both kind of "eh" on it. Just some dodgy over the top stuff in the acting. Good, but I was hoping for great.

Paprika is a film whose visuals and music really stuck with me. I frequently watch the YouTube video of Susumu Hirasawa performing Byakkoya live. Glad to see it on this countdown!

Pirates of the Caribbean is a film that was so fun to see in the theater. It's cheesy and of course turned into a bloated mess of a series, but this first film was a blast at the time.

Unbreakable is another one I saw and really liked in the theater. I was maybe a bit let down because I had LOVED The Sixth Sense, but I do think it's really solid.

Batman Begins is a movie I liked at the time but have had no desire to revisit. I'm not sure that for me it will have aged well.

The Secret in Their Eyes is one I just watched recently for a HoF and really enjoyed. Not at all surprised to see it here and I get the love.

[Citizen Rules]

Million Dollar Baby:up: not on my list, but almost made it.

[PHOENIX74]

58. V for Vendetta : Watched this in preparation for the countdown, but I had seen it before. Never read the graphic novel though. It was published bit by bit through the 1980s, but it was the uptick in fascism during the 2000s which made the film relevant to it's present day. Something about the fanciful nature of this film put me off a little bit. Hugo Weaving, as V, dances and prances around reciting poetry, making me dislike him intensely. Less prancing and poetry would have helped me a lot. When I looked this up on the IMDb and saw it had an 8.1/10 rating I was shocked. I had no idea this film was as highly regarded as it was - cracking the top 200 films of all time. So when I watched it, I tried to see it with new eyes and take it all in - but it still only hits me as an average to good film.

57. Million Dollar Baby : I definitely considered this for my list. It's a terribly good film, and it ropes me in every time I watch it - but I just couldn't find a place for it. Eastwood has had a great 21st Century, but this film is arguably his greatest achievement in that time. Love Morgan Freeman and Hilary Swank in this, the way Eastwood's character is slowly worn down into training this young boxer, and then letting her into his heart only for things to turn tragic. It works for me - there's enough sincerity here for the movie to get past my defenses and make me invest completely in it's characters. I might have expected this film to place even higher than 57, but if I don't vote for it then I can't rightly complain. I think this is the first Best Picture Oscar winner to show up here.

Seen 34/44

[rauldc14]

I have a feeling that I could decipher this next clue! I'm on a decent roll

[rauldc14]

Don't know how obvious that is, but oh-kee-doh-kee. :)

I do have an Eastwood film from this decade on my ballot...but it is neither of the ones that have shown.

83827

This is the first of the ten Academy Award winners for Best Picture to make our list. From the seven previous decade lists we are averaging six Best Pictures making the cut. The 1980s is the anomaly thus far with only three titles showing (Amadeus, Platoon, and Rain Man) while the 1970s had nine of them make it (the only one to miss was Patton) and the 1960s had eight (Tom Jones and A Man for All Seasons being the no-shows). The '90s, '50s, '40s, and '30s Lists all had six make it each.

I know we are almost halfway through now which makes it perhaps easier to handicap than before the reveals started, but how many more Best Picture winners do you guess will make it? The other nine titles are Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Chicago, The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King, Crash, The Departed, No Country for Old Men, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Hurt Locker.

I figure LOTR: Return of the King, No Country for Old Men, and The Departed are absolute givens. Gladiator should be there too. I don't see any way in Hell that Crash makes it and may not even be in the top 250 of our votes, one of the most derided Oscar picks in the past fifty years. I think if Slumdog Millionaire was going to show it would have shown by now. Same for The Hurt Locker, though there may well be an undercurrent of support it that I am underestimating. I think Chicago is beloved enough to make it, even if the taste and impact of Moulin Rouge! should place that Musical higher. Which leaves A Beautiful Mind. I have never thought much of that flick, which I am trying not to let color my prediction too much...but I kinda feel like if it doesn't show in the bottom fifty it isn't coming? Whatever awards season momentum bullpucky it enjoyed in early 2002...I gotta believe (or hope?) that has long evaporated?

So I am gonna guess six make it this time: Million Dollar Baby, Chicago, The Departed, Gladiator, No Country for Old Men, and LOTR: ROTK.

Think I know which one you picked. I need to see that again as I wasn't monstrously huge on it.

[Holden Pike]

That's because you aren't as big of an Eastwood fan as I am. ;)

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by V for Vendetta...



Saturn Award for Best Actress (Natalie Portman)
Golden Schmoes Award for Best Actress (Portman)
San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Production Design (Owen Paterson)
Scream Award for Best Science Fiction Movie
SFX Award for Best Actress (Portman)



As for Million Dollar Baby, it won...



Academy Award for Best Picture and Director (Clint Eastwood)
Academy Award for Best Actress (Hilary Swank) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman)
César Award for Best Foreign Film
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (Swank) and Director (Eastwood)
Satellite Award for Best Actress (Swank) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Haggis)

[Thief]

Trivia

-

V for Vendetta

https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2016/03/rSknTmb1-600x338.jpg

Did you know that...


James Purefoy was originally cast as V, but left after six weeks of filming? There are some scenes that still feature Purefoy with Hugo Weaving's voice dubbed in.
when V introduces himself to Evey, he uses 48 words that start with "V"?
the Wachowskis had prepared a draft in the 1990s, even before working on The Matrix?
Alan Moore, author of the graphic novel, has disowned the film adaptation? He did the same with From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Watchmen.


https://mlpnk72yciwc.i.optimole.com/cqhiHLc.WqA8~2eefa/w:auto/h:auto/q:75/https://bleedingcool.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/moore.png

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Million Dollar Baby

https://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Clint+Eastwood+Paul+Haggis+Los+Angeles+Premiere+-rIOWhhjKZ1x.jpg

Did you know that...


the film was stuck in development hell for years before it was shot, with several studios rejecting the project even with Eastwood on board as actor and director?
Hilary Swank gained 19 pounds of muscle for the role?
Sandra Bullock was at one point attached to the lead role?


https://images0.persgroep.net/rcs/DESYkltYql88Asm8VHBXRVfJikw/diocontent/63807067/_crop/1/67/899/508/_fitwidth/763?appId=93a17a8fd81db0de025c8abd1cca1279&quality=0.8

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


Traveling the world
Traveling the city
My business is murder
But I'll even take pity

Boat, train, plane, cab
Take me to a fairytale land
or deep into hell
I'll hold your head in my hand


Short and sweet, but I need to go to sleep.

[edarsenal]

I am SOOO enjoying, as I always do, the Countdown and the conversations and Thief kicking serious be-hind as Host.

Here's where I stand with the recent films: Six of which I have seen out of the eight, along with one more from my List. YAY

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BossyFailingHarlequinbug-size_restricted.gif
Regarding marrying the dream world and reality using pseudo technology, Paprika, for me, knocks it out of the park for Director Satoshi Kon. A well-crafted, visually impressive collage of cohesively chaotic imagery.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/644ddd72a6c44f11d033b14f4b4b07c2/tumblr_o14sme2K0d1t6s3soo5_250.gifv
Along with Dep having WAAAAY TOO MUCH fun playing a pirate, a massive plus for this film is, as his nemesis, Geoffrey Rush. For me, it truly made Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl what it is. Just all kinds of a buccaneer, high-seas pageantry that so many of us did not expect when it was heard that Disney was scraping the rum barrel by making a film from one of their age-old rides. But what a f@ckin ride it became!

Unbreakable Like so many, I cheered Sixth Sense, but by the time Unbreakable came about, I skirted it and never found the time to give it a real chance.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/f34dace40b43084d4af43c72cf62fee6/bb74eafcde598e2c-1c/s540x810/18ab45b7fb9f3c425eb3e2caa6dab9d6944783fb.gifv
Raimi pretty much nailed it with our Friendly neighborhood Spider-Man 2 and his origins, and while the following do-overs were good, it seemed redundant, especially with Raimi getting it very right.
It's hard to judge #1 or #2 being a fan of both. Even if it's been a while since last seeing them, I always enjoyed Alfred Molina as Doc Ock.

https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1467961794ra/19649791.gif
Sealing the deal for the cinematic contrast DC would set itself apart from Marvel, Nolan does true justice to the Batman mythos and Detective Comics early years with Batman Begins. Dark and gritty.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/a888c334cabec317269512aef0e237b3/tumblr_ooefkn2kb41qefgdko1_500.gifv
The Secret in Their Eyes had a beguiling use of the murder/mystery where it almost takes second stage to the story of our leading characters. There is a subtle and refined expose to what is seen and what we miss seeing.

https://media0.giphy.com/media/JjRLP2kOwmXNC/giphy.gif
V for Vendetta is my #9. One of our Watch Over and Over and Over Films. A dystopian, political gambit with a vengeful ghost from its hidden past (Hugo Weaving) tops the bill with an ensemble cast that gives their all to their characters. From Natalie Portman to John Hurt to Stephen Rea and on and on.
Poignant and thoroughly entertaining.

I have not seen Million Dollar Baby though I should.




Films Watched 30 out of 44 (68.18%)
9. V for Vendetta (#58)
14. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (#76)
17. Mother (#96)
25. A Bittersweet Life (One Pointer)


One Pointers: 10 out of 38 (26.31%)

[gbgoodies]

I saw Unbreakable in the theater many years ago, and I liked it. I rewatched it for this countdown, and while it still holds up, it didn't make my list. But it's definitely one of M. Night Shyamalan's best movies, possibly even #2, (only behind The Sixth Sense).

I'm in the minority of people because Tobey Maguire is my least favorite Spiderman actor, but I liked Spider-Man 2 for the story, and especially for Alfred Molina's performance as Doc Ock.

As far as superhero movies go, I prefer the Marvel movies over the DC movies, but I rewatched Batman Begins for this countdown. It was better than I remembered it, but it didn't make my list. (On a side note, I thought it was pretty impressive when I realized that Liam Neeson trained both Batman and Obi-Wan Kenobi. :lol:)

I watched The Secret in Their Eyes for the Foreign Language Movies countdown, and I liked it enough that it made my list for that countdown. While I considered it for my list this countdown, unfortunately it missed my list this time only because I don't like to watch subtitled movies. (I know that's an unfair reason not to include it, but I did buy the DVD, and I hope to rewatch it again someday.)

Even though I didn't think V for Vendetta was my type of movie, I watched it for this countdown because I thought it had a chance to make the countdown. While I was right that it wasn't my type of movie, the good news is that I didn't dislike it. It was a little too dark and violent for my taste, but it wasn't bad. (And it did make me want to watch The Count of Monte Cristo.)

I watched Million Dollar Baby a while back for a Sports Movie Tournament here, (Did we ever finish that tournament? :nope:), and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I was expecting it to be just another boxing movie, but it turned out to be a great movie with a twist that hit me like a ton of bricks. I considered it for my list, but it didn't make my final round of cuts.

[ApexPredator]

Haven't Seen: The Secret in Their Eyes. Hadn't seen either version, but I think I want to tackle the original

If I had gotten to the clue in time, I would have guessed V for Vendetta for sure. The film itself is fine, a mesmerizing exploration of a futuristic Britain that has fallen into fascism and the efforts of a concerned masked patriot willing to fight for their freedom. Fell a bit short of my list (or honorable mentions), but it's well done with some good acting (Weaving, Portman, Rea, John Hurt) and thrilling action sequences.

Batman Begins is a decent intro into the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy. Christian Bale is fine as the Dark Knight, Liam Neeson is solid and Michael Caine offers able support as the experienced Alfred. The story lacked the exciting moments that the better Batman films had to offer (Batman and the underrated Batman Forever) in favor of a more brooding take on the caped crusader. Overall, I liked it but it was in no danger of making my top 25 list.

Million Dollar Baby is my number 9. Film manages to be both the story of a woman's courage and the reluctant grizzled trainer who bonds with him and a reflection of how sometimes the family you make for yourself is better than the family you have. Well acted as Clint Eastwood gives one of his best performances and Hilary Swank matches him as the determined pugilist. Throw in Morgan Freeman's understated turn with some brutal boxing sequences and some strong drama and you got a film that manages to go the distance.

My List:
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
9. Million Dollar Baby
11. Spider-Man 2
HM: Remember the Titans
HM: Unbreakable

[ApexPredator]

Hint, hint...


Traveling the world
Traveling the city
My business is murder
But I'll even take pity

Boat, train, plane, cab
Take me to a fairytale land
or deep into hell
I'll hold your head in my hand


Short and sweet, but I need to go to sleep.

In Bruges and Up in the Air?

[rauldc14]

Hint, hint...


Traveling the world
Traveling the city
My business is murder
But I'll even take pity

Boat, train, plane, cab
Take me to a fairytale land
or deep into hell
I'll hold your head in my hand


Short and sweet, but I need to go to sleep.
No clue other than In Bruges but I didn't expect that to show anymore.

[Sedai]

Pan's Labyrinth and In Bruges

[Thief]

Reveals early today. Probably in a few...

[Sedai]

Reveals early today. Probably in a few...


*Takes a sip of his coffee*

[Chypmunk]

*Takes a sip of his coffee*
Hey you - leave Thief's coffee alone!!!

[Thief]

Already had my coffee. But if I keep feeling how I'm feeling*, I will be drinking something else :(


*in the midst of a COVID scare now

[Sedai]

Hey you - leave Thief's coffee alone!!!

I knew you were going to say that! :D

[rauldc14]

Still trying to decipher that clue...

[Thief]

Shhhhh, everybody quiet. Don't want anybody to ruin it.

[Thief]

111 points, 9 listsIn Bruges (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/8321-in-bruges.html)Director
Martin McDonagh, 2008

Starring
Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy

[Thief]

115 points, 9 listsCollateral (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/1538-collateral.html)Director
Michael Mann, 2004

Starring
Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo

[Chypmunk]

*in the midst of a COVID scare now
Well you just tell Covid that you've got a Countdown to finish and it can jolly well go and pester someone else!


(Hope it doesn't materialise and you are fine)

[Thief]

In Bruges and Up in the Air?

No clue other than In Bruges but I didn't expect that to show anymore.

Pan's Labyrinth and In Bruges

Split the winnings, people

[Thief]

Well you just tell Covid that you've got a Countdown to finish and it can jolly well go and pester someone else!


(Hope it doesn't materialise and you are fine)

Thanks, mate

[Thief]

Ok, hint breakdown!

Hint, hint...


Traveling the world (all three hitmen travel the world, but more reference to Bruges)
Traveling the city (and Los Angeles)
My business is murder (obvious one, they're all hitmen)
But I'll even take pity (all hitmen show pity in some of their killings)

Boat, train, plane, cab (both films emphasize various modes of transportation the hitmen take)
Take me to a fairytale land (That's how Ralph Fiennes character describes Bruges)
or deep into hell (versus how Farrell sees it)
I'll hold your head in my hand (vague reference to Cruise holding the head of the trumpet player he kills after shooting him)


Short and sweet, but I need to go to sleep.

[Holden Pike]

83864

Neither Martin McDonagh's In Bruges nor Michael Mann's Collateral made the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List. Which seems like reason enough to have redone it.

[Chypmunk]

Hooray, a little respite from the girth-widening today as I've seen both of those. It took a couple of viewings to warm up to In Bruges but warm up eventually I did, wasn't ever in contention for my ballot though. Collateral is good but again wasn't in contention personally.

Seen: 28/46 (Own: 20/46)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
16. The Descent (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#80]
25. The Pool (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911024/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6) [1-ptr]


Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
54. Das weiße Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte [The White Ribbon] (2009)
53. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

*Gonna be getting some really weird Faildictions if this keeps up - In Bruges is about the 5th movie to show up only about four or five places ahead of it's faildicted spot, meaning the subs bench is already looking rather depleted :D

[John W Constantine]

Wow, pleasantly surprised Collateral is making an appearance. Didn't vote for it and almost forgot about it all together. In Bruges I watched when it came out on dvd but didn't really get it at the time but I'll re/visit this week.

[Sedai]

Collateral is a total surprise to me. I did see it way back when, but I don't recall thinking much of it. Neither film made my list.

[rauldc14]

This is becoming a strange countdown. A lot of old favs of mine are showing. Collateral is another of those.

[Thief]

Once again, seen both, voted for none...

I had very similar reactions to both films in that I found them to have some really strong ups, but some weird or awkward lows or shifts.

First, In Bruges' darkly comedic tone felt a bit jarring to me at first, but I kinda warmed up to it as it went on, and I thought it finished quite strong. Gleeson and Fiennes were excellent, but I wasn't that crazy about Farrell. Here's something I wrote (https://hubpages.com/entertainment/In-Bruges-Fairytale-town-or-hell) back when I first saw it.

As for Collateral, I thought it started really strong and it was nice to see Cruise trying something different. However, I felt the last act was a bit weaker than what preceded it. I also thought the handling of Ruffalo's character was odd.

Again, none made my list.


With that said...

Seen: 33/46


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[rauldc14]

I'm surprised a faildiction hasn't actually worked. This countdown is all over the place

[Chypmunk]

I'm surprised a faildiction hasn't actually worked. This countdown is all over the place
Yeah, might have to wait until Mamma Mia! shows up as our #11 though :D

[rauldc14]

When I first joined this forum, V for Vendetta was my 14th favorite film according to my top 25 post.

[CosmicRunaway]

I know I've seen Collateral, but the only thing I remember about it is being distracted by Tom Cruise's hair. Similarly, I watched In Bruges at least twice, but the majority of the film has completely escaped my mind. My friend and I had different opinions about the ending, but I don't even recall what those opinions were lol.

Seen: 25*/46
*-if films you don't remember much of count as being seen haha

My List:
08. Mother (2009) - #96
10. Iron Man (2008) - #83
11. Paprika (2006) - #64
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

[seanc]

Haven’t seen Collateral since the theater. Thought it was pretty good but nothing more.

In Bruges is hilarious. Quite enjoyed it, 4/5. Didn’t make my list though.

[Miss Vicky]

No votes. I know I've seen Collateral, but I remember almost nothing about it. I blind bought In Bruges many years ago and have never watched it.

[Takoma11]

Already had my coffee. But if I keep feeling how I'm feeling*, I will be drinking something else :(


*in the midst of a COVID scare now

Oh boo. Hope you and the wife and kids are doing okay.

I have incredibly torn feelings on In Bruges. I think it is 65% a brilliant film and 35% a garbage one. I find most of the humor kind of painful. But the parts that really center on the two lead characters (and MY GOD that sequence in the playground toward the beginning) are amazing. The whole subplot with the film crew and all that was not my cup of tea. Generally speaking, I prefer the works of the other McDonagh brother. That said, I don't mind it showing up here.

Collateral is such a solid, fun action film. It made my list at #16 (I'd forgotten it was on my list, but it is!). It's the kind of movie that can be watched over and over. I'm not a big fan of Cruise, so seeing him as the shark-like baddie is just fine with me. I think that the action scenes are really well done. It does have a slightly "episodic" feel to it (the part in the nightclub, the part at the hospital, etc), but with each new sequence we feel the inevitable doom of Fox's character creeping closer.

[MovieMeditation]

Voted for neither. Like both.

Only seen In Bruges once but thought it was quite the fun time… I love the dark dialogue-driven humor and this one is really an odd little animal. One of the great examples of the sub genre I guess you could say. McDonaugh and Ritchie are two filmmakers who have both thrown their own flair into the alley of absurdity.

As for Collateral, I might not have voted for it but I probably could have. I recently rewatched it and it still worked really well. I think it’s one of the better examples of a suburban crime thriller, spiced up with some neo noir goodness.

Fleshed out characters paired with filthy cinematography packed inside a neat little contained story that gives a lot of time to what’s important. Jamie Foxx is very good and I love seeing Cruise as the baddie. He’s great in it. Actually he’s always pretty darn great when he takes on a riskier or different role.

I love it, great film in my opinion and I think it definitely deserves to be on here.

[Allaby]

In Bruges is fantastic, but didn't quite make my ballot. I always found Collateral just okay and a little overrated.

[ynwtf]

Collateral landed on my #16 spot too. I remember seeing the trailer and being distracted by his hair, but decided to try it out anyway. Once his character started to speak he won me over with confidence and the hair just made sense from then on. I've always seen Cruise as a pop star, but I thought he stepped it up a bit for this one. This is a flick I'll rewatch maybe once a year just for the fun of it. It has a few issues, but it's just fun and checks all the boxes for me. Using Chris Cornell's (Audioslave) "Shadow On the Sun" was a fair trade off, even if the edit was glaring. His voice at that scene was ...right.


In Bruges just didn't make my final cut. Top 50 perhaps.

[ueno_station54]

I liked In Bruges the first time I saw if but never had any interest in seeing it again. McDonagh's next two films being absolute trash didn't help. The extent of my knowledge about Collateral is that there is a movie called Collateral.

[mark f]

In Bruges is a wonderful dark comedy involving mourning hitmen, dangerous dwarfs and crazy mob bosses that becomes something more when set in one of Europe's quietest, most-picturesque cities. It's very impressive in almost every single regard. I laughed a lot and was very happy to find extreme depth to all the characters as well as a kind of internal logic which made me feel I could let a few "implausiblities" slide. I highly recommend this one.

Collateral has one of Cruise's best performances and an even better one by Jamie Foxx. Ii's also way up near the top of my Mann list. It's can be quite implausible too, bur that's part of its charm.

Early consideration for my list but ultimately no votes.

[Thief]

Oh boo. Hope you and the wife and kids are doing okay.




Wife kicked me out of the room last night (j/k! I got out willingly :shifty: ) and kids are having fun with their toys. Painful that they were asking why they couldn't hug me, but they understand. Thanks!

BTW, currently in line for a quick test at a nearby lab.

[Iroquois]

No votes. I saw In Bruges in theatres and liked it quite a lot, but I revisited it last year and my estimation of it had dropped quite severely (maybe I'm just a little burned out on black comedies about hitmen, especially after being underwhelmed by McDonagh's subsequent films). I liked Collateral a lot when I first saw it but I haven't seen it in ages so who knows if it'd still hold up - guess I'll add Mann to the list of directors where I want to do a full filmography rewatch.

[Takoma11]

Wife kicked me out of the room last night (j/k! I got out willingly :shifty: ) and kids are having fun with their toys. Painful that they were asking why they couldn't hug me, but they understand. Thanks!

BTW, currently in line for a quick test at a nearby lab.

Hey, be glad they want the hugs!

I got up early yesterday morning to get to a testing site before it opened, but like 150 other people had the same idea. It was a 3.5 hour experience altogether (25 minutes to the hospital, 2.75 hours in line, 25 minutes to drive home). But they did process my test quickly and I got the results this morning. The line of cars was SO LONG. Over a mile.

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen either film.

Also, stay safe Thief.

[Deschain]

I’m in the minority in that I don’t really like In Bruges. There’s a smugness to it that I don’t appreciate.

Collateral is excellent, however. Just barely missed my list.

[John Dumbear]

"In Bruges" is brilliantly written that had some hilarious moments. Of course it's on my list. Saw "Collateral" once, don't remember much except for Tom Cruise. I hate Tom...

[Torgo]

In Bruges is excellent...except for the body shaming part, i.e. the scene with the American tourists. I get that Ray is a bad and angry dude and he pays for his prejudices later, but it seems overly mean and it made the movie age poorly.

[Citizen Rules]

Two I haven't seen and don't plan on watching.

[Takoma11]

I’m in the minority in that I don’t really like In Bruges. There’s a smugness to it that I don’t appreciate.

Well come on up to the treehouse with me, because not liking it (or at least finding it to be an overall just "okay" movie when I average together the parts I love with the parts I hate) I have always felt like a minority.

Calvary and The Guard by the other McDonagh to me do a far better job of melding comedy and drama and are anchored by excellent performances. (In the case of the latter film, it's Gleeson again!).

Two I haven't seen and don't plan on watching.

I would think that you would enjoy Collateral.

[Wyldesyde19]

In Bruges is excellent...except for the body shaming part, i.e. the scene with the American tourists. I get that Ray is a bad and angry dude and he pays for his prejudices later, but it seems overly mean and it made the movie age poorly.

Body shaming isn’t going anywhere, unfortunately, so “aging poorly” isn’t quite the right word for it.

It fits in the movie in regards to Ray’s personality, as you mentioned, even if it was done for cheap laughs.

[Torgo]

Body shaming isn’t going anywhere, unfortunately, so “aging poorly” isn’t quite the right word for it.

It fits in the movie in regards to Ray’s personality, as you mentioned, even if it was done for cheap laughs.Hard disagree. I believe there is enough comedy to mine and enough to develop Ray's personality from the tourists being ugly Americans. Adding body shaming to the mix is unnecessarily mean as well as cheap, especially since the movie does it in a way that encourages the audience to laugh at the tourists for being heavy.

[Tugg]

Collateral was #18 on my ballot. Here is what I wrote:
Assassin Vincent has established philosophy which he shares with taxi driver Max when they are alone. Max has a dream of an island- an escape he has done nothing to make it a reality. By the end of the night Vincent's views prompt Max to find a way out of dangerous situation as well as upset the stalemate of his life.

[Wyldesyde19]

Hard disagree. I believe there is enough comedy to mine and enough to develop Ray's personality from the tourists being ugly Americans. Adding body shaming to the mix is unnecessarily mean as well as cheap.
It is cheap, but it’s something I can look past because it’s absolutely something people will and still do. I give these things a pass because it’s A: a movie and not an actual representation of that actors actual thoughts, and B: representative of an actual thought by a lot of people. It’s like portraying racism, sexism, ageism and what not. As long as it fits in with the story, and the character portrayed, of course.
I don’t demand movies meet my moral or ethical obligations, after all.

[Thief]

Hey, be glad they want the hugs!

I got up early yesterday morning to get to a testing site before it opened, but like 150 other people had the same idea. It was a 3.5 hour experience altogether (25 minutes to the hospital, 2.75 hours in line, 25 minutes to drive home). But they did process my test quickly and I got the results this morning. The line of cars was SO LONG. Over a mile.

I spent about 2 hours in line, but the swab obviously took less than 3 minutes :laugh: Fortunately the lab is pretty much next to where I live.

Also, I already received the results in my email: NEGATIVE, baby!

https://i.gifer.com/FN5.gif

[Citizen Rules]

Originally Posted by Citizen Rules (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2266644#post2266644)
Collateral and In Bruges...Two I haven't seen and don't plan on watching.


...I would think that you would enjoy Collateral.Thanks Tak, can I ask why you would think I might enjoy Collateral?

[Takoma11]

Thanks Tak, can I ask why you would think I might enjoy Collateral?

It's a solid, well-written thriller with strong performances. It's not excessively violent. It's funny and thrilling and has good action sequences. I've never talked to anyone who didn't at least like it. I think my whole family watched it one Christmas together.

[Citizen Rules]

It's a solid, well-written thriller with strong performances. It's not excessively violent. It's funny and thrilling and has good action sequences. I've never talked to anyone who didn't at least like it. I think my whole family watched it one Christmas together.Thanks for the explanation...and it has Tom Cruise too. I might be the only MoFo who actually likes Cruise in a movie. Who knows I might see it if it gets nominated in an HoF.

[Torgo]

It is cheap, but it’s something I can look past because it’s absolutely something people will and still do. I give these things a pass because it’s A: a movie and not an actual representation of that actors actual thoughts, and B: representative of an actual thought by a lot of people. It’s like portraying racism, sexism, ageism and what not. As long as it fits in with the story, and the character portrayed, of course.
I don’t demand movies meet my moral or ethical obligations, after all.I added more to my post after you replied. In short, I guess what really bothers me is that the movie expects the audience to laugh at the tourists for being overweight as well. I'm also not against movies portraying the taboos you mention, but I think In Bruges handles this one clumsily.

[Wyldesyde19]

I added more to my post after you replied. In short, I guess what really bothers me is that the movie expects the audience to laugh at the tourists for being overweight as well. I'm also not against movies portraying the taboos you mention, but I think In Bruges handles this one clumsily.

Fair enough.

[mrblond]

• In Bruges - heard it for the first time about a year ago and saw it soon after that. It was not bad movie but somehow faded away in my mind. I can rate it 4.00/5 but this is not fully enough for the top films of the decade (the rating should be 4.25 at least).

• I've never considered to watch Collateral.

_____________
stats
▽
Seen 23/46.
--
My list:
#4. Snatch [#71.]
#9. Amores perros [#81.]
#14. The Man Who Wasn't There [#84.]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/56mOJth6DJ6JhgoE2jtpilVqJO.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--
(seen one pointers 3/38)


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou [#98]
Werckmeister Harmonies [#97]
Pride & Prejudice [#93]
Caché [#85]
American Psycho [#79]
Battle Royale [#77]
Catch Me If You Can [#72]
Fantastic Mr. Fox [#70]
A Serious Man [#66]

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qZoFLNBC78jzboWeDH6Ha0qavF2.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/nxWEG9JzmJx3eLE8y7CUHmaj3CE.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/sGjIvtVvTlWnia2zfJfHz81pZ9Q.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/IC2BPYDSsNPP1Q1VuXUiKrRwbU.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3ddHhfMlZHZCefHDeaP8FzSoH4Y.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/uRhc1IfwYKwVqIp2OTZGFzTVsdF.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vG3YcgXuZABv7C8nd5bEyuMfyTQ.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2//1eRgCKzvbL73LiBFqPR6FJGwuJQ.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8Zjk3cvjkDa643NHXtdPu30gnyY.jpg

[ynwtf]

I added more to my post after you replied. In short, I guess what really bothers me is that the movie expects the audience to laugh at the tourists for being overweight as well. I'm also not against movies portraying the taboos you mention, but I think In Bruges handles this one clumsily.


For whatever it's worth at this point, I took the exchange to show how tactless and young the character is, reinforcing the reason he's in Bruges to begin with---partly because of his impulsive, poor decision-making skills drawing unnecessary attention to himself. He's an idiotic, rude child. He's quick-witted, but that's not going to serve him well in his line of work. Not if he can't control and know when to use it and when not to.

That's all I'll add to keep on topic to the countdown.

:)

[edarsenal]

Even though I didn't think V for Vendetta was my type of movie, I watched it for this countdown because I thought it had a chance to make the countdown. While I was right that it wasn't my type of movie, the good news is that I didn't dislike it. It was a little too dark and violent for my taste, but it wasn't bad. (And it did make me want to watch The Count of Monte Cristo.)

me too, every time I watch it. lol

[Takoma11]

Thanks for the explanation...and it has Tom Cruise too. I might be the only MoFo who actually likes Cruise in a movie. Who knows I might see it if it gets nominated in an HoF.

*taking notes for future HoF*

If you like Cruise, I would definitely recommend it. It really cleverly uses his natural charisma as a mask for someone who is a total sociopath, and Cruise does a great job of letting that mask come on and off as needed.

[edarsenal]

https://i.gifer.com/NRVv.gif
With all the overly rampant political correctness going on when In Bruges came out, I did find myself laughing my American fat-@ss off in so many scenes. Making a solid counterbalance to the storyline and relationship between Farrell and Gleeson and the real reason they were in Bruges, to begin with, makes, for me, a very satisfying multi-layered film of hitmen sight-seeing.


https://i.gifer.com/84La.gif
I have and do enjoy lil Tommy when it comes to action films, and Mann follows in the grittier style of Heat, with Tom's peppered hitman running down a checklist while using Fox as a very unwilling chauffeur to get him to each of them.
Not a favorite but one I do very much appreciate.



Films Watched 32 out of 46 (69.56%)
9. V for Vendetta (#58)
14. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (#76)
17. Mother (#96)
25. A Bittersweet Life (One Pointer)


One Pointers: 10 out of 38 (26.31%)

[Citizen Rules]

*taking notes for future HoF*

If you like Cruise, I would definitely recommend it. It really cleverly uses his natural charisma as a mask for someone who is a total sociopath, and Cruise does a great job of letting that mask come on and off as needed.I was just going to say that I like Cruise in his movies as I find him to be usually relatable. Then I read the part where you said he plays a sociopath. So no, not real relatable for me:p

But that does make the film sound more intriguing, as I do like films about sociopaths as long as they aren't really violent.

[gandalf26]

No one does shooting scenes like Micheal Mann.

"Hey Homie is that my briefcase"..........BANG BANG....... BANG BANG BANG (shots echo around the tall buildings).........BANG. All in about 1.2 seconds.

[Sedai]

Thanks for the explanation...and it has Tom Cruise too. I might be the only MoFo who actually likes Cruise in a movie. Who knows I might see it if it gets nominated in an HoF.

I like Cruise! The MI films are some of my favorite action flicks, I like The Firm, Risky Business, Edge of Tomorrow, and I think I might be the only guy on the site that likes Oblivion.

[MovieMeditation]

I like Cruise! The MI films are some of my favorite action flicks, I like The Firm, Risky Business, Edge of Tomorrow, and I think I might be the only guy on the site that likes Oblivion.
I like Oblivion.

And in general I like Cruise. Love when he does risky roles but he’s also great as the classic action hero. Big fan of the MI franchise too. Can’t wait for the next ones…

[pahaK]

I haven't seen either of the last two. They've been available many times, I've considered watching them many times, but I've always ended up watching something else. Maybe that'll change one day?

[gandalf26]

I like Cruise! The MI films are some of my favorite action flicks, I like The Firm, Risky Business, Edge of Tomorrow, and I think I might be the only guy on the site that likes Oblivion.

Edge of Tomorrow is deffo one of my favourites of the past decade! Oblivion wasn't bad it was just totally obvious what the entire story was after the opening.

[John Dumbear]

In Bruges is excellent...except for the body shaming part, i.e. the scene with the American tourists. I get that Ray is a bad and angry dude and he pays for his prejudices later, but it seems overly mean and it made the movie age poorly.

Actually, I laughed my arse off at that scene.

Signed,
Overweight American

No offense was taken by myself. But understand the feelings others may have. But still, hahaha…..ha

[rauldc14]

Rain Man is my favorite Cruise but Collateral Cruise is pretty darn good too

[MovieFan1988]

Have seen so far: 16 - Collateral - Decent movie, not one of my favorite movies though
Have not seen so far: 34

[Citizen Rules]

I like Cruise! The MI films are some of my favorite action flicks, I like The Firm, Risky Business, Edge of Tomorrow, and I think I might be the only guy on the site that likes Oblivion.The MI films aren't my thing, but I seen the first one and liked Cruise in it. I even liked Oblivion but not as much as Cruise's other sci-fi films.

[crumbsroom]

Unbreakable - Shyamalan offers some proof he is more than just a director of empty gimmicks and well studied set pieces (cribbed from his apparently very shallow pool of obvious influences). Unbreakable is a superhero movie with some emotional heft. And it doesn't limp along like most of this jackasses movies end up doing once he's splunked out the scenes he clearly spends all of his resources on. Is it a great movie? I can't remember. But I know I didn't throw my shoe at it.


Spider Man 2 - So it looks like we are descending into Hell territory for me. Spider Man 2 is better than Raimi's initial effort, which is atrocious. It's not a bad movie, but there is forever going to be something unforgivable for getting all of Spidermans action performed by a CGI stunt double. Completely sucks any kind of emotional investment in the actions scenes, as now not only are we watching a dumb superhero movie where we know he is basically immortal, but we also don't even get any sense of the gravity of the danger he is in. Still better, than 80 percent of most superhero movies though.


Batman Begins - This might have been on my list. A rare Nolan movie I really appreciated. And a superhero movie nonetheless. I think my fondness for it may be fueled by what probably drives most comic book purists squirrly about it. It is fixated almost entirely on origin story. It pulls us through the slog of training much in the same way the martial arts classic Enter the 36 Chambers does, and treats the actual villain threat as secondary. Some people apparently care that the Scarecrow's plot gets buried in all of this. That he is almost an irrelevant fart in the general direction of the movie. But this is what I came here for. It's subversion of what a superhero movie is supposed to do is what makes it exciting. Plots about world domination are so ********* boring, anyways.


Secret in Their Eyes - I remember this being a thing for awhile. Then I forgot about it. Never seen it and forgot it even existed.


V For Vendetta - Ugh. Barf. Shoot me. Further proof that the Wachowski's shot their load with the first Matrix movie and have consistently had nothing to offer cinema beyond sparkling and shiny excess ever since. Frankly, this was probably all the Matrix really was either, but it at least seemed fresh at the time. Incorporating ideas about the precarious nature of existence and reality into a mostly dumb movie filled with leather jacket hero worship. I liked that. Now with Vendetta, we have the Wachowski's trying to elevate dumb politics with nothing but a dumb movie to back it up. And it's just about as empty headed and lifeless as most political movements these days (maybe we can argue it was prescient.....but nope, I'm not going to do that)


Million Dollar Baby - Mystic River is better and I don't like Mystic River. Don't get the appeal of this, at all. Everything about it is ham fisted, no matter how much soberly lit scenes it is filled with. And I think Hillary Swank is straight up awful in this. Walking around like an over enthusiastic goober in boxing gloves is hardly charming to me. Another bit of barf has come up in my mouth over this one (even though it's inclusion was expected)


In Bruges - I know I enjoyed this, for whatever it was. And it probably indirectly led me to visit Bruges about ten years ago. Allowing me to bring with me the loudest burp ever heard in the history of mankind to a very small Brugesian pub. It nearly stopped the whole city dead in its tracks. Even the Ugly Americans sitting next to us wanted to run us out of town. They were all probably happy when they found me barfing on their cobblestone streets the next morning. And all because of this fun little movie about a town I'd never even heard of before.


Collateral - I hate Tom Cruise, but I like him in this. This is a good movie for what it is. Tense, full of great action and characters with interesting motivations, all of it dragging us through a moody city scape during nighttime. It's pure edgy and thrilling cinema. Didn't really consider it for my list, but I could have.

[GulfportDoc]

I was just going to say that I like Cruise in his movies as I find him to be usually relatable. Then I read the part where you said he plays a sociopath. So no, not real relatable for me:p

But that does make the film sound more intriguing, as I do like films about sociopaths as long as they aren't really violent.
I agree with you there. Collateral has a good premise, and was well produced. I thought Cruise did a good job of gradually morphing from his usual affable self into a cold blooded killer. Didn't care for the ending.

[Citizen Rules]

I agree with you there. Collateral has a good premise, and was well produced. I thought Cruise did a good job of gradually morphing from his usual affable self into a cold blooded killer. Didn't care for the ending.I can't remember the movie, but...I just read my review of it and apparently I agree with you:p especially about the ending.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #56, In Bruges...

https://i.imgur.com/DcSiqZ3.png

It currently has a 84% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.9/10 score on IMDb (with 407,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"I will say it is not only ingenious but almost inevitable the way the screenplay brings all of [this characters] destinies together at one place and time. Along the way, there are times of great sadness and poignancy, times of abandon, times of goofiness, and that kind of humor that is really funny because it grows out of character and close observation."

While Rick Groen, of Globe and Mail, gave it ★★½ and said:

"It feels contrived -- often clever and sometimes funny but always self-conscious, one of those indie flicks where the damn quirkiness is plastered on and right in your face. It's like an architect making the gargoyles the centrepiece of his church."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Nope1172 said:

"This movie has probably one of the best screenplays of recent times. The dialog between the main two characters can be hilarious, dramatic, and even sad when it needs to be. The writer and director, Martin McDonagh has a great way of grabbing the audience, and not letting go. His great work on this film allows the audience to feel completely immersed in the film."

While TheUsualSuspect said:

"I can't really put my finger on it, but I guess I wanted the film to be a tad bit more of everything. More funny, more action and more Fiennes. I found myself snickering at a lot of the dialogue when I should have been laughing. I fond myself wanting more action sequences then just the final 20 minutes. I wanted more from this film."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #55, Collateral...

https://i.imgur.com/KIymvWv.png

It currently has a 86% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.5/10 score on IMDb (with 384,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★½ and said:

"Cruise and the filmmakers bring a great deal more to his character than we expect in a thriller. What he reveals about Vincent, deliberately and unintentionally, leads up to a final line that is worthy of one of those nihilistic French crime movies from the 1950s."

While Glenn Kenny, of Premiere Magazine, gave it ★★½ and said:

"If there was ever an example of a movie's visual language leaving its verbal and narrative components in the dust, this, unfortunately, is it."

As for our MoFo reviewers, meatwadsprite said:

"The movie develops Max in such a great way for the beginning of the movie: once Vincent (Tom Cruise) steps into his car, I really feel sorry for him... An underlying theme which I thought was great , is the people of the city don't help one another - and that sets the perfect environment for this movie."

While Monkeypunch said:

"I really really loved the first half or Collateral. It was an antidote to bad action buddy movies. Too bad it crashed and burned at the end. I am just barely recommending it for Foxx and Cruise's stellar performances..."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96harmMOyiY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlcX_GXtf40

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by In Bruges...



Edgar Award for Best Screenplay (Martin McDonagh)
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor (Colin Farrell)
Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best New Filmmaker (McDonagh)
British Academy Film Award for Best Screenplay (McDonagh)



As for Collateral, it won...



AFI Award for Top Ten Films
British Academy Film Award for Best Cinematography (Dion Beebe and Paul Cameron)
National Board of Review Top Ten Film and Best Director (Michael Mann)
National Society of FIlm Critics Award for Best Actor (Jamie Foxx)

[cricket]

Love In Bruges-almost made my list.

Seen Collateral once at the drive-in, remember thinking it was ok but probably wasn't the time or place to fully focus on a movie.

[Derek Vinyard]

V For Vendetta was my #1. Top 5 movie ever made for me I rewatch it each year on the 5th of November for obvious reasons.
https://media3.giphy.com/media/JjRLP2kOwmXNC/giphy.gif
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pear was my #8. One of my favorite movie from my childhood I love Johnny Depp.
https://66.media.tumblr.com/e656addabc8a9e3766a48b44bc390a95/tumblr_p9atcgxDjX1r05bkco4_500.gifv
Collateral was my #19. Badass flick and terrific acting.
https://media4.giphy.com/media/91d4TEGFSDc1a/giphy.gif

[ApexPredator]

Thanks for the explanation...and it has Tom Cruise too. I might be the only MoFo who actually likes Cruise in a movie. Who knows I might see it if it gets nominated in an HoF.

You might be surprised how many like Tom Cruise in films. I'm one of them and I enjoyed him in Top Gun, The Firm, Mission Impossible, Edge of Tomorrow, Minority Report and Jerry Maguire among others.

What makes him so good (and he is good) in Collateral is that he's so effective playing against type as a sociopathic assassin. He can be charming as in his conversations with the cab driver, but in order to complete his missions, he can also prove to be ruthless and efficient. Not sure whether it's the dialogue or the presence of Michael Mann in the director's chair, but I think it's one of Tom's finest hours as an actor. Having said it, the third act is a bit disappointing and it avoided my top 25 list.

Haven't seen In Bruges.

[StuSmallz]

As for Collateral, I thought it started really strong and it was nice to see Cruise trying something different. However, I felt the last act was a bit weaker than what preceded it. I also thought the handling of Ruffalo's character was odd.Really? Because I thought the entire 3rd act of Collateral (starting with the Club Fever shootout) was where the movie really got kicked up a notch: https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/collateral/

[Thief]

Really? Because I thought the entire 3rd act of Collateral (starting with the Club Fever shootout) was where the movie really got kicked up a notch: https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/collateral/

I don't remember well, but...

...I think I was a bit bothered by the plot contrivance in the last act re: the attorney. As for Ruffalo, I felt like he was kinda wasted. Like we're following him all around and all of a sudden, bam! Not that I don't like surprises and trope subversions, but it felt... oddly handled.

Haven't seen it in a while, though.

[PHOENIX74]

56. In Bruges : Well, this is one from my list that I'd given up on by this stage, but happily a few people besides me rate it pretty highly. It's a nondescript little film, with nothing too extraordinary about it's plot - but it charms more than most other films, and it's three leads put in such entertaining performances that it's the kind of film that never gets old for me. In Bruges got cut a few times from my list, but every time it was tapping me on the shoulder demanding a spot. I'd always reinstate it. It coasts along for a while, an entertaining little number about two hoods who have a close kind of relationship - and then Ralph Fiennes comes into it, playing a fantastic role (somewhat against type) and turns it into a classic. He's a treasure, Ralph Fiennes. I always thought that when I watched In Bruges a second time it might go down a bit in my estimation, but it didn't. As far as writer/director Martin McDonagh goes, I also love Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. He's not prolific, but he's an inventive soul. Strangely, instead of winning an Oscar due to nominations for Three Billboards and In Bruges, his one Oscar win has come from a short film he made. (Six Shooter - I'll have to watch it.) In Bruges was my #20.

55. Collateral : This is one of those films that I know I've watched, but can remember absolutely nothing about. There's always a dilemma about whether to mark these down as having seen them or not. I usually mark it down as having not. This afternoon I'll pop it on and watch it again so I can come back and adjust and adjudicate.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Films I've seen : 35
Films that have been on my radar : 6
Films I've never even heard of : 4
Films I've seen but don't remember : 1

Films from my list : 7

#56 - My #20 - In Bruges (2008)
#59 - My #16 - The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
#66 - My #9 - A Serious Man (2009)
#71 - My #23 - Snatch (2000)
#78 - My #13 - The Death of Mr. Lazarescu - (2005)
#84 - My #21 - The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
One pointer - World's Greatest Dad (2009)

[Takoma11]

So far there are a few on here I haven't seen:

Still Walking has been on my watchlist for a while now. Ditto Werckmeister Harmonies .

I've been assured, as I said before, by people I trust who like the film that I wouldn't enjoy Devil's Rejects, which is something I already suspected. I didn't even enjoy watching the trailer for it when I worked at the video store (we played trailers all day, so I saw the trailer probably 5-6 times a day for two months).

Despite its accolades and reputation, I've just never been all that interested in Almost Famous. Though having recently watched and loved Say Anything, I find myself more willing to give it a shot.

I've literally had the DVD of Cache sitting on my TV stand for the last two months. It is from Netflix and I'm paying like $5 a month to have it here like what is wrong with me? (I suspect it will be sad so I keep just not watching it).

Amores Perros also looks sad. Yes, this is why I haven't watched most of the ones I haven't seen.

The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (say it with me everyone!) looks sad. I mean, of course it's sad. Even if it's a dark comedy.

Cast Away as I mentioned was just too saturated in pop culture for a while. I should watch it. Maybe.

Spider Man 2. Meh.

[Thief]

Trivia

-

In Bruges

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rANwBGXt7v8

Did you know that...


there's a deleted scene where a young Harry (played by Matt Smith) decapitates a corrupt detective?
the film features five actors from the Harry Potter franchise? (Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell, Ciarán Hinds, and Clémence Poésy)
the names that Ken and Ray use at the hotel, Cranham & Blakely, are the names of the actors that played two hitmen in Harold Pinter's The Dumb Waiter, which is one of the film's major influences?


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Harold_Pinter%27s_-_The_Dumb_Waiter_-_presented_by_Stairwell_Theater_-_2019.jpg/800px-Harold_Pinter%27s_-_The_Dumb_Waiter_-_presented_by_Stairwell_Theater_-_2019.jpg

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Collateral

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/tom-cruise-and-stuart-beattie-writercollateral-picture-id105357896

Did you know that...


writer Stuart Beattie was inspired to write the film when he was 17, and took a cab from Sydney airport?
Frank Darabont and Mimi Leder were considered as directors at some point?
Russell Crowe and Adam Sandler were attached to the project? Crowe was the one who brought Michael Mann on board, but he left the project later. Robert De Niro was also considered to play the, uhh, taxi driver.
Jason Statham is allegedly playing his Transporter character in his brief cameo?


http://lolagray.weebly.com/uploads/3/8/8/0/38806217/4587895.jpg?434

[ynwtf]

Despite its accolades and reputation, I've just never been all that interested in Almost Famous. Though having recently watched and loved Say Anything, I find myself more willing to give it a shot.



Both are quite charming in similar ways. There are a few bits of near cringe overacting from Anna Paquin and Kate Hudson, but, oddly, Fairuza Balk really anchors that group. Personally, I feel Frances McDormand played her very best version of Frances McDormand here and totally nailed her role.


Seriously though, it is a sweet movie with quite a few moving parts jumping around and you really start to cheer for everyone in different ways. I did, at least. Hell, Dwight Shrute plays a bit with Rolling Stone Magazine. Groovy, man. Crazy.


I'd love to read your take on it whenever you get around to it.

[Takoma11]

Both are quite charming in similar ways. There's a few bits of near cringe overacting from Anna Paquin and Kate Hudson, but, oddly, Fairuza Balk really anchors that group. Personally, I feel Frances McDormand played her very best version of Frances McDormand here and totally nailed her role.


Seriously though, it is a sweet movie with quite a few moving parts jumping around and you really start to cheer for everyone in different ways. II did, at least. Hell, Dwight Shrute plays a bit with Rolling Stone Magazine. Groovy, man. Crazy.


I'd love to read your take on it whenever you get around to it.

Hearing people talk about it in this thread (combined with the recent Say Anything viewing) has certainly made me 10x more interested in it than I've been in the last 20 years.

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


Fight for what you love
Love what you fight with
Kneeling or not
Up in the air or deep hid

Stay focused, don't lose sight
Remember your loved ones
Even if you fight
Or the other walks out and runs

This last part don't rhyme, wo!
It serves a purpose? To who?
Those who decipher it can
and doesn't take them long


There you go. Have fun

[John Dumbear]

Hint, hint...


Fight for what you love
Love what you fight with
Kneeling or not
Up in the air or deep hid

Stay focused, don't lose sight
Remember your loved ones
Even if you fight
Or the other walks out and runs

This last part don't rhyme, wo!
It serves a purpose? To who?
Those who decipher it can
and doesn't take them long


There you go. Have fun

Going with "City of God" and " Signs"

[gbgoodies]

I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, but he's definitely good at picking some great movies. I watched Collateral for this countdown, and I liked it a lot. It might have even had a chance to make my list, except there were a few things about it that bothered me.

1) During the shootout out the club, why didn't most people run? They just kept dancing, (and sometimes ducking), like nothing was happening.

2) Vincent had perfect aim every time he had to shoot someone, but all of a sudden when he's shooting at Max, he completely misses him. :rolleyes:

3) Mark Ruffalo's character was completely wasted in the movie. He started out as the guy who was putting it all together and solving the crimes, but then he gets killed for nothing because even though he got Max out of the club, Max still ended up back in the cab with Vincent.


I haven't seen In Bruges.

[dadgumblah]

I loved both In Bruges and Collateral yet have only seen each once. It doesn't mean that I don't think both are highly rewatchable...I do, just for some inexplicable reason I haven't seen both more than once.

And for some reason at the beginning of his career, I didn't think I'd care for Cruise. It wasn't something I could nail down. But then the more I watched his films, the more I liked them and him. I've got no problem with him and look forward to his movies now. I really need to catch up the MI films.

Whenever I hear or read the title In Bruges, I laugh and it really doesn't haven't anything to do with the film itself. I watched a movie on Hallmark with Lacey Chabert (Yes, I confess! I've watched more than my share of Hallmark movies, especially with Lacey, whom I adore) and of all places, it took place in the city of Bruges. And I would laugh because I lost count of how many times they said "In Bruges," in the movie. I mean, if I was a drinking man, I would have gotten blitzed really fast if I took a shot or swig every time that was said. I know, a lot of people have to drink in order to watch even one Hallmark movie! :p But, there, it's out there now and I'm glad I tell you! Glad!

That said, didn't vote for either.

#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[donniedarko]

Million Dollar Baby is a really good film , and perhaps could've made my list if it hasn't been such a long time since I've seen it. Another Eastwood film did fairly high, but now I feel like it'll miss the cut, but I do know of a few more fans.

[rauldc14]

Hint, hint...


Fight for what you love
Love what you fight with
Kneeling or not
Up in the air or deep hid

Stay focused, don't lose sight
Remember your loved ones
Even if you fight
Or the other walks out and runs

This last part don't rhyme, wo!
It serves a purpose? To who?
Those who decipher it can
and doesn't take them long


There you go. Have fun

Requiem and Lives of Others

[honeykid]

A thumbs up for 3-3.5 movies?!? This is the 100 best though!

Christmas hasn't been good for my neck so I'll comment on the films another, less painful, time. However, I am still HK, so I couldn't let this go. rauldc14 it's the 00's. I'm still not convinced there's 100 good films, let lone 4+ or 5 films. You can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear. :D

[Thief]

Christmas hasn't been good for my neck so I'll comment on the films another, less painful, time. However, I am still HK, so I couldn't let this go. rauldc14 it's the 00's. I'm still not convinced there's 100 good films, let lone 4+ or 5 films. You can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear. :D

:D
https://c.tenor.com/BX_CAD-FrB4AAAAM/nerdtainment-david-marker.gif

[rauldc14]

I doubt I've seen 100 over the 4/5 mark from 2000s, but I think if I saw everything there'd be a good shot of it.

[ash_is_the_gal]

i guess i should finally get around to seeing Collateral...

[rauldc14]

Christmas hasn't been good for my neck so I'll comment on the films another, less painful, time. However, I am still HK, so I couldn't let this go. rauldc14 it's the 00's. I'm still not convinced there's 100 good films, let lone 4+ or 5 films. You can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear. :D

The only good one is Charlie's Angels I suppose?

[Thief]

Going with "City of God" and " Signs"

Requiem and Lives of Others

Nope and nope.

[Thief]

Reveals in a bit...

[Thief]

115 points, 10 listsThe Wrestler (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/12163-the-wrestler.html)Director
Darren Aronofsky, 2008

Starring
Mickey Rourke, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Mark Margolis

[Thief]

117 points, 8 listsCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/146-crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon.html)Director
Ang Lee, 2000

Starring
Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen

[Sedai]

I am just catching up, and when I got to the hint, I had a sinking feeling in my gut that one of the films was going to be The Da Vinci Code.

Luckily, Thief had just that minute posted the reveals, which alleviated my fears.

Whew!

[Thief]

Hint breakdown!

I haven't seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon since it came out, so I barely remember anything, which made this a bit tougher, but...

Hint, hint...


Fight for what you love (It can apply to both, but mostly "fight" and the love of "fighting", wrestling)
Love what you fight with (on the other hand, a character steals a precious sword on CTHD)
Kneeling or not (Kneeling = crouching, but also could be a reference to submission in wrestling)
Up in the air or deep hid (Hid = Hidden, while "up in the air" could refer to any wrestling move or the acrobatic fights in CTHD)

Stay focused, don't lose sight
Remember your loved ones (mostly a reference to The Wrestler's struggle with his daughter)
Even if you fight (again, reference to fighting, which there is lots of in both films)
Or the other walks out and runs

This last part don't rhyme, wo!
It serves a purpose? To who?
Those who decipher it can
and doesn't take them long

("Wo who/hu can(g) long" is the title of CTHD in Mandarin. Clever or too much?)



There you go. Have fun

No guesses this time :shrug:

[rauldc14]

Crouching is ok but I'm super surprised again to see it this high for some reason. I didn't know it had this much love.

The Wrestler I haven't seen. I'm not sure that I've liked an Aronofsky yet though but maybe this would be the one.

[rauldc14]

Good hint too. Crouching never crossed my mind.

[Sedai]

My guess was going to be The Da Vinci Code, but I was late logging on today. The reveals also came a bit early, yea?

Anyway - I like both films a lot. The Wrestler sort of slipped my mind as I put my list together, and I think I would have needed a re-watch to refresh the film in my mind.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon had a good chance of making my list, but was ultimately cut for what I consider to be a better film of the same nature, which I am now thinking won't make the countdown at this point.

No points.

[Chypmunk]

The Wrestler is one of those I see mentioned and always think "Oh yeah, seen that" but on checking find out I actually never have. Must remedy that one day. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon I've seen a few times, including in prep for this countdown, and was briefly in consideration for my ballot but slipped out of the running.

Seen: 29/48 (Own: 21/48)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
16. The Descent (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#80]
25. The Pool (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911024/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6) [1-ptr]


Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
52. Lilja 4-ever [Lilya 4-ever] (2002)
51. Persepolis (2007)

[Takoma11]

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon did not make my ballot, but is a sentimental favorite of mine. My family went out to dinner at a restaurant one Friday night and then went to a theater to see the film. The theater's heat had gone out and it was SO COLD. All of the packed theater was in our coats and hats and gloves.

I know now that the wire work and story stuff has been around for ages, but it was the first time for me to see something like it on the big screen. I also think that it's totally gorgeous.

[Thief]

Seen both, voted for none...

Like I said above, it's been a long time since I saw Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and I barely remember it at all. Still, I remember not being a huge fan of it. Maybe I wasn't that familiar with wuxia films (I'm still not...?) but I remember thinking there was a subplot towards the middle of the film that dragged a bit for me. Then again, I was 20-ish. I've been meaning to rewatch it, though.

As for The Wrestler, I really liked it. Well acted, emotional, and intense. Had it on my shortlist, but it still didn't make my ballot.


As of now...

Seen: 35/48


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Thief]

The reveals also came a bit early, yea?


I took the next few days off work, so I figure why wait?

[rauldc14]

Seen 26/48

[Thief]

I know now that the wire work and story stuff has been around for ages, but it was the first time for me to see something like it on the big screen. I also think that it's totally gorgeous.

I didn't see it in theaters, but I think it was my first time as well seeing that kind of acrobatic fights, and my reaction was more like "Oh, c'mooon!!!" :laugh: I think I might enjoy it a bit more now :D

[Holden Pike]

83900

Aronofsky's The Wrestler was #81 on the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List. Somehow Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon missed that list and just as shockingly likewise didn't show on the MoFo Top 100 Foreign Films List.

[Iroquois]

One vote. I had Crouching Tiger at #19 - admittedly the point on my ballot where I'd gone through all the locked picks (more or less) and was virtually picking at random, but at the same time I stand by this choice. Not sure how many martial arts films are ultimately going to be representing on this list in one form or another but if only one had to make it then it should definitely be this as Lee's extremely versatile approach to the various modes of action, drama, and romance make him perfect for a film that combines all three as well as this does. Still undecided as to whether it's his overall best (aside from maybe a certain other film that's liable to make this list - yes, I'm talking about Hulk), but still an excellent film that deserved its surprise international success. As for The Wrestler, I remember digging it a lot on release but I haven't felt much cause to go back to it (though Aronofsky's love of making such intense and/or miserable experiences seems to actively deter repeat viewings). I'd still say it's one of his better ones, for whatever that's worth these days.

[Miss Vicky]

I didn't care at all for The Wrestler. The same can be said for the other three Aronofsky movies I've seen.

I've never had any interest in Crouching Tiger.

Seen 27/48

[ueno_station54]

The Wrestler was great at the time and probably Aronofsky's best (even though I voted for a different Aronofsky film and not this lol) not sure I have a ton of interest in seeing it again though, especially given how empty all his other films are (just like his obvious inspiration Satoshi Kon). I can't believe I've still not seen Crouching Tiger. It looks dope.

[John Dumbear]

Loved "The Wrestler" and it's sad tale of over-the-hill grapplers. Have not seen " CTHD".

[seanc]

Watched Crouching Tiger a couple years ago to erase the blind spot. Gave it a 3.5 so apparently I liked it. Don’t really remember any of the story at all. Looked cool of course.

I have watched The Wrestler three times now thinking this will be the top me it becomes a favorite. Seems like the kind of character centered movie I should love. I just keep thinking it’s very good. Maybe next time.

[MovieFan1988]

Have seen so far: 17 - The Wrestler - This movie isn't a favorite of mines but thought it was a decent one though
Have not seen so far: 35

[Torgo]

The Wrestler is pretty high on my list at 9. I heard a criticism that Aronofsky held his sensibilities back too much and that it's a regression for him overall, but there's something exciting about seeing what directors do with a lower budget, more traditional and straightforward stories, shorter running time, etc. When it works, we get movies like The Straight Story, Punch-Drunk Love and this one. It's sort of like a filmmaking version of the technical challenge from The Great British Baking Show (but more fun, of course).

[mark f]

The Wrestler is another character study, and who would have thought that the world of wrestling would provide such believable characters? I haven't really paid attention to wrestling since the 1970s, but the first two bouts in this film do provide the goods as far as both the violence (which seems to get mentioned a lot here) and especially the humor. These bouts are downright funny, and that was the main draw for watching wrestling when I was a kid anyway. I just thought is was really funny to see people "sneak up" on somebody or see the referees get creamed. Anyway, I should leave my personal anecdote aside and address Aranofsky's newest film. I believe everybody knows it involves an aging wrestler (Mickey Rourke) who is nearing the end of the line and is trying to find some semblance of normal life by romancing a stripper (Marisa Tomei) and making amends to his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). The wrestler's other problems involve having financial problems and then learning that he has extreme health problems which will keep him from ever entering the ring again.

The Wrestler didn't really draw me in with the opening scenes because Aranofsky used the camera technique pioneered recently by the Dardenne brothers of following close behind the protagonist and following wherever he goes. I realize that it's meant to make the viewer feel inside the world of the character, but it often seems a substitute for having to actually focus on the character's face to not only see the world he sees but to see it reflected through his own eyes. (Besides, Dardenne brothers' movies seem to spend half of their time focusing on "walking around"; if I wanted to put the viewer into somebody's world, I'd use subjective camera rather than this stalker stuff.) Anyway, once the camera started to actually focus on the characters' faces, I felt more empathy for them and they came alive. There is a lot of unspoken life in all the characters' actions and reactions and it gives The Wrestler its quiet power. I liked all three main performances, even if I didn't fully understand their exact life situations, I could believe in them more than some of my own friends and family because sometimes it's really difficult to crack through the outer shells of those you "know". Mickey Rourke nails his role because you can see that he's made a lot of mistakes and he wants to make amends, but he just really has no experience at living any kind of "normal" life. All he knows is the life of a loner wrestler, and although he enjoys the camaraderie and the notoriety, he realizes it will never make him a whole man.

I saw Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon more than once at the theatre, and one of those times was with a close friend who couldn't accept the "flying". I loved most everything about it, especially not knowing or maybe even understanding what would happen next. If anything, the thing which separates it from most "kung fu" movies is that it's about forbidden love. Maybe all the love in the film isn't forbidden but the true love story in the film, the one between Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat, is completely unfulfilled, at least physically. The younger couple ARE able to consummate their love, but it's for such a fleeting time that it should help to persuade one that Ang Lee has a hard time in believing that love can last. It should have been on my list but I did some rearranging to make room for some other movies.

[CosmicRunaway]

I should probably rewatch Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I saw it when it was new, but I think I had the wrong expectations going into it. I wasn't at all engaged with the romance and drama, and found the entire thing very boring. I was also only about 13 at the time though, so I imagine I would probably appreciate it a lot more now.

Whenever the Wrestler had come up over the years, my knee-jerk reaction was always "I hate wrestling, I have no interest in this" but people would tell me "That doesn't matter; it's actually really good!". I never took their word for it though. Maybe I'll give it a chance some day, maybe I won't. We'll see.

Seen: 26/48

My List:
08. Mother (2009) - #96
10. Iron Man (2008) - #83
11. Paprika (2006) - #64
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

[mrblond]

• The Wrestler - saw it in the theatre back then. One of the classics of the new century in my view. It got 16 points from me being my #10 of the decade. My rate 4.50/5. I consider a re-watch soon.

83901

---
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - knowing its popularity among the crowd, I finally saw it for the first time about a year ago. Well filmed, interesting story but these flying people are too much that's why I rate it 3.5/5 instead of deserved 4.00.
This movie is ranked #17 on MoFo 2000 Film Chart (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=64356).

_____________
stats
▽
Seen 25/48.
--
My list:
4. Snatch [#71.]
9. Amores perros [#81.]
10. The Wrestler [#54.]
14. The Man Who Wasn't There [#84.]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/56mOJth6DJ6JhgoE2jtpilVqJO.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/6OTR8dSoNGjWohJNo3UhIGd3Tj.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--
(seen one pointers 3/38)


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou [#98]
Werckmeister Harmonies [#97]
Pride & Prejudice [#93]
Caché [#85]
American Psycho [#79]
Battle Royale [#77]
Catch Me If You Can [#72]
Fantastic Mr. Fox [#70]
A Serious Man [#66]

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qZoFLNBC78jzboWeDH6Ha0qavF2.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/nxWEG9JzmJx3eLE8y7CUHmaj3CE.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/sGjIvtVvTlWnia2zfJfHz81pZ9Q.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/IC2BPYDSsNPP1Q1VuXUiKrRwbU.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3ddHhfMlZHZCefHDeaP8FzSoH4Y.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/uRhc1IfwYKwVqIp2OTZGFzTVsdF.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vG3YcgXuZABv7C8nd5bEyuMfyTQ.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2//1eRgCKzvbL73LiBFqPR6FJGwuJQ.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8Zjk3cvjkDa643NHXtdPu30gnyY.jpg

[John W Constantine]

Seen both of these recently and found them to be okay. I could vouch for them being listed maybe sooner when we started this countdown, but I don't consider either a bad movie. Crouching Tiger has stayed fresher with me since I watched it last.

[SpelingError]

The Wrestler is great, though it didn't make my ballot. It's a well-acted, well-choreographed, and emotionally powerful character study that ranks amongst Aronofsky's best films. I watched it a couple months ago and it held up pretty well. A different Aronofsky made my ballot instead though.

I haven't seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but I should definitely get to it at some point.

[Deschain]

Seen them both once. Both good.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #54, The Wrestler...

https://i.imgur.com/rCxscTR.png

It currently has a 98% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.9/10 score on IMDb (with 299,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"I cared as deeply about Randy the Ram as any movie character I've seen this year. I cared about Mickey Rourke, too. The way this role and this film unfold, that almost amounts to the same thing. Rourke may not win the Oscar for best actor. But it would make me feel good to see him up there. It really would."

Meanwhile Armond White, of New York Press, said:

"Aronofsky inflicts as much pain on the audience as self-flagellating Ram Jam does when brutalizing/mutilating himself in and outside the ring."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Mr. Boston said:

"The first thing I have to mention here is Mickey Rourke's fantastic performance, which is the highlight of the movie. He gives us a character to care about, a character we want to succeed... Now, the movie itself is great. The wrestling scenes are very well made and are very entertaining... Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood are both strong in their supporting roles. This is one of the best pictures I've seen all year. I don't normally cry during movies, but this movie was a tear-jerker. I highly recommend it."

On the other hand, hello101 said:

"The Wrestler doesn't revolve around what the title makes you believe, it's actually about Randy Robinson's life AFTER wrestling and how bad it becomes. All of Robinson's personal issues seem to stem from his love and dedication to wrestling, it's a bloated and cliche story of stripper love, a broken father-daughter relationship and drug addiction... I can imagine the screenwriter (whoever he was) dotting down a heap of bad stuff that happens to Randy Robinson and listing his profession afterwards."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #53, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon...

https://i.imgur.com/q2VfZmg.png

It currently has a 97% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.8/10 score on IMDb (with 263,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"Like all ambitious movies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon transcends its origins and becomes one of a kind. It's glorious, unashamed escapism and surprisingly touching at the same time."

Meanwhile Chuck Rudolph, of Matinee Magazine, said:

"The film is a composite of so many genres, techniques, and age-old conceits that it can't help but miss each and every one by a mile."

As for our MoFo reviewers, TheUsualSuspect said:

"If the overly long flashback was cut down several minutes, it would help with the run time. Some of it is beautiful to see, but it's these moments that drag out. Crouching Tiger paved the way for more asian inspired cinema making its way over here and I thank it for that."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-GFxjTyV0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jTdOdcMKoY

[Citizen Rules]

Seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon because it was supposedly a big deal. I totally forgot I'd even watched it until just now. You can add martial arts films as another genre I don't care for...But I suppose if one likes that sort of thing then the movie did look beautifully done.

Not seen The Wrestler...you guys sure didn't watch the same 2000s films that I did:cool:

[mattiasflgrtll6]

Out of the movies I have seen on the list Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is my least favorite. That's not to say that it's bad. It's very nice to look at, well-choreographed and has enjoyable enough melodrama to sit through. I found the romance built up in flashbacks completely unbelievable though with a far too toxic pre-set for me to find any love that blossoms up romantic. If anything it feels like the beginning of an abusive relationship.

Decent overall with good acting from across the board, but I feel just as underwhelmed as Lee's other acclaimed movie Life Of Pi. The only one of his praised works I agree with so far is Brokeback Mountain.

[KeyserCorleone]

Crouching Tiger was the movie that got me invested in foreign cinema, and a large part of the reason I never minded subtitles (the other was Star Wars Episode 1, but let's not go there). Currently it's my second favorite wuxia film, my first being 2013's Journey to the West. 100.

Sent-In Ballot:
#13. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#15. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (53)
#20. Iron Man (83)
#22. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)

Post-Ballot:
#12. Snatch (71)
#14. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (53)
#18. Slumdog Millionaire (not placed but it made my new 25)
#22. Iron Man (83)
#23. Fantastic Mr. Fox (70)
#25. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)

Seen 27/48

[Torgo]

Crouching Tigger was the movie that got me invested in foreign cinemahttps://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=83911&stc=1&d=1640800720I can see the appeal.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[MovieMeditation]

The Wrestler was my #14.

I think it’s brilliant. Wrestling is such a macho showy sport and this film really takes us behind the curtain of it all. Not that every wrestler is like the main character in this film of course, but I love stories about the other side of the coin…

Rourke has been cast in what seems like the best role in forever and he perfectly captures the beaten down struggling man behind the legend. The 16mm cinematography is gritty and filthy in just the right way and the story is very human.

I love Aronofsky and with this movie he got another masterwork on his hands. I remember seeing it a long long time ago and it didn’t quite click. But I kept thinking about it. Something about it stayed with me. And when I rewatched it everything fell into place. It’s a Top 100 movie for me, for sure.

As for Crouching Tiger, I’ve never really been a fan of the fantasy flying martial arts stuff. I’m more into the gritty stuff. Or Chan’s comedy. The poetic dancing stuff has never been my thing. I’ve only seen it once though but I wasn’t a fan.

[Rockatansky]

I only got to Crouching Tiger this year. I liked it enough, but found it a little too studied as an homage to classic kung fu cinema to really breathe. (I'm also not in love with the film's use of wirework, but perhaps that's my problem.) I'd much rather have been watching a classic Shaw Brothers joint, but I suppose that's true in most cases. Still, well made and uses its stars well..


My other big takeaway is that Michelle Yeoh is in her fifth decade of looking great when most of us haven't had even one. Completely unfair.

[Kaplan]

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is beautiful, moving, and epic, and it seems to have come at exactly the right moment to become the breakthrough hit that it was. I saw most of the other similar Chinese kung fu movies that followed in its wake that distributors thought could cross over to a western audience and most were quite good too, but this is the one that I returned to multiple times. I never had a problem accepting the fantasy aspect to it, and I put it at #13.

My List:

13. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (#53)
18. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
22. The Man Who Wasn’t There (#84)

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by The Wrestler...



BAFTA for Best Actor (Mickey Rourke)
Golden Globe for Best Actor (Rourke)
Golden Globe for Best Original Song (Bruce Springsteen)
Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature
Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead (Rourke)


Among many others.

As for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, it won...



Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (Taiwan)
Academy Award for Best Art Direction (Timmy Yip)
Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Peter Pau)
Academy Award for Best Original Score (Tan Dun)
Independent Spirit Award for Best Picture and Best Director (Ang Lee)
Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress (Zhang Ziyi)

[honeykid]

The only good one is Charlie's Angels I suppose?

Don't be stupid.... It has a sequel, y'know. :D

I might put together something like the list I would've sent (had I done it in time) at the end of the countdown with the rest of you.

To cover the ones I've missed. I really liked Unbreakable a lot. Prefered it to The Sixth Sense and was one of those films I made others watch (who I thought would like it, naturally), Strangely for me, I liked the first Spider Man. A really good script made all the difference I thought, so I was in for a second helping. The subsequent shot did not hold up and I probably disliked it for all the reasons the fans loved it. I'm not a comicbook or superhero movie fan and a 'realistic' Batman film is about as far from what I want as you could get. I prefered this one to TDK but that's not saying a great deal. Decent film though, I thought, for what it is. I think I probably prefer origin story films as there's usually a lot less of the superhero fight crap.

I don't think I'd even heard of The Secrets In Their Eyes back then and I certainly haven't seen it since. Didn't know how I'd feel about V For Vendetta but a friend wanted it so we saw it. Turned out I really enjoyed it. I think I've seen it couple of times, so I assume that I liked it the second time? I enjoyed Million Dollar Baby until that happened. After that I completely checked out. I didn't think it was a masterpiece of cinema before that, but I was enjoying it.. Saw In Bruges once and was disappointed with it. I don't know if I expected too much or it simply didn't chime with me?

I really liked Collateral though. Again, just seen it the once, I think, but thought it was a great ride and a thoroughly good film. Another fan of Cruise here. Or I was back then. It looks great too, but then, it's Mann at night, so it would. The Wrestler is just relentlessly depressing and horrible to look at. A really uncomfortable watch for me, though I will say this was a terrible year for me and the last time I purposely sought out all the Oscar nominees. I was a big fan of Lee and was looking forward to CTHD but, other than looking gorgeous, I don't remember being too taken with it and hardly remeber a thing about it now. I've never been hugely into martial arts films and the whole wire fu crap has always left me cold, at best, and annoyed at worst so I was a bit underwhelmed by it.

[Thief]

Like I had said before, The Wrestler is the third and last film in the backend 50 to be on 10 or more ballots (after Spider-Man 2 and Catch Me If You Can). Remember that this will obviously be the norm later on the countdown (after we hit the mid-mark), but this serves to show how popular these three films are among the MoFo community. However, none of them were ranked 1st on any ballot.

[Harry Lime]

I'm a bit behind here so instead of going through it all I'm just going to check the first page and ignore the last 10 or so?

58. V for Vendetta (104 points)
57. Million Dollar Baby (110 points)
56. In Bruges (111 points)
55. Collateral (115 points)
54. The Wrestler (115 points)
53. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (117 points)

They're all thumbs up from me, even V for Vendetta which is a bit of fun in the that traditional 1984-dystopian-fun way. I don't think it's great or anything, wonder how I would feel if I watched it now, many years later, as we are so close to so many possible dystopias! Kidding I don't believe that anymore, which is the real reason I would be curious on a rewatch. Those ideas (dreams) have passed with age. Million Dollar Baby is a quality film. Eastwood's second best of the decade. I think/hope Letters from Iwo Jima makes it. I didn't vote for it but could have.

Kinda surprised to see Collateral this high up or even on the list at all, but it's a pleasant surprise. I know In Bruges has a following and I'm cool with that.

The Wrestler is excellent and likely the one I would rank the highest out of this random collection of six movies. I haven't seen anything by Aronofsky for years. Is he still working? Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a big hit when it came out but I wasn't all in the hype at the time...just thought it was good.

[Thief]

Trivia

-

The Wrestler

https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2018/09/5c416275b8065c25-600x338.jpg

Did you know that...


Nicolas Cage was originally cast in the lead role? According to Darren Aronofsky, he asked Cage to step down cause he wanted Mickey Rourke, and Cage graciously complied. Cage, however, has said that he felt he didn't have the physique for the role.
Rourke wasn't initially interested in the script because he wasn't a fan of pro-wrestling? However, he accepted when Aronofsky let him rewrite most of his lines.
Rourke actually worked at a deli in New Jersey in preparation for the role?
just like Randy "The Ram" Robinson, Rourke used Guns n' Roses "Sweet Child o' Mine" as his entrance song during his boxing career?


https://www.si.com/.image/ar_4:3%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1200/MTY4MTk2MTM3Njk4MDc2NTQ1/mickey-rourke-return-boxing-career.jpg

[GulfportDoc]

It's nice to see what I consider to be a great film appear, but IMO The Wrestler ought to be much higher that #54. As I always say, I'll be curious to see which 52 films are better than it...:) I had it #2 on my list of 10.

It's hard to imagine anyone anywhere giving a better performance than did Micky Rourke in this picture. He's always been an intense actor, but here he is perfectly believable as a WWE type pro wrestler who is on the back end of his career. Rourke's performance at times seems almost like a documentary of the real guy.

The story was well written by Robert Siegel, directed by Darren Aronofsky, and photographed by Maryse Alberti. This is a film that will last through the decades.

I enjoyed "Crouching", but mostly for it's clever special effects. It was very well done, but it's not my type of film.

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

https://media.giphy.com/media/3otOKVdVCVajLBSGMU/giphy.gif

Did you know that...


most of the actors performed their own stunts? According to director Ang Lee, computers were only used to remove safety wires from the shots.
the three main actors all come from different places with different languages and accents? This made the filming more difficult.
Ang Lee has referred to the experience of filming in the Gobi desert as "miserable"? According to him, it rained almost every day, he didn't take a break for eight months and thought he was about to have a stroke near the end.
there was a sequel released in 2016 called Sword of Destiny? It was directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who was the action choreographer for the first film, and features only Michelle Yeoh from the original cast. Zhang Ziyi was approached but she refused to appear, unless Ang Lee directed it.


https://occ-0-987-990.1.nflxso.net/dnm/api/v6/X194eJsgWBDE2aQbaNdmCXGUP-Y/AAAABZ0wb2F2Y_T9tkO0W6h0cbI28Nrw-0JDl6lGFqEV4CbiQHPzB6xgaAgQUc4UXomC-eegYFoms6xRodQYBHtLmbzWgopQmzkhlSk921WseOiQzXLT76rT3uZV5F_O5g.jpg?r=442

[dadgumblah]

I only saw about a third of The Wrestler and really liked what I saw but for some reason was pulled away by some real-life to-do, I believe, and somehow have never watched it again. Yet. I want to finish that move because it is really compelling.

I really liked Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and have always been a fan of martial arts and swordplay movies from the East. I didn't include it in my list, though, nor The Wrestler due to not finishing that one. Glad to see both make the list.

#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[cricket]

Crouching Tiger ranks pretty high on the list of movies I've never had any interest in.

1. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) (#59)
6. The Devil's Rejects (2005) (#94)
10. The Wrestler (2008) (#54)
11. Mystic River (2003) (#65)
15. Amores Perros (2000) (#81)
17. Y tu mamá también (2001) (#95)

[rauldc14]

Hint hint

[SpelingError]

Hint hint

Hint: The next set of movies were made sometimes in the 2000's.

[PHOENIX74]

55. Collateral (again) : I went and watched Collateral again yesterday, very much in the right frame of mind because I enjoyed it for the most part. Tom Cruise's performance is a lot of what had me engaged, his assassin strangely likeable to me despite the fact he was a murderous villain. Something about the way he sticks up for his cab driver victim (ably brought to life by Jamie Foxx) and gives him life lessons - although it's strongly suggested that the Cruise character would kill the cabbie in the end. It was just his charisma. Another great scene features Foxx in a psychological game of wits against a Mr. Big played by Javier Bardem. Loved it. I didn't love the last 10 or so minutes though, where the film descends into your usual end-of-thriller chase and conclusion. I was expecting something more. It was a more fresh and attentive second viewing, and the film will be remembered from here on out. It wouldn't have made my list, but I liked 90% of it a whole lot.

54. The Wrestler : I wrestled mightily over including this on my list. It did come into calculations, and would definitely be in my top 50. Perhaps the main thing going against it is the fact I haven't seen it in a while. Despite that, I've seen it a couple of times and it left a definite impact that was memorable. One feel-good aspect it had going for it at the time was the rebirth of Mickey Rourke, whose face-shattered career had been over for some time when he landed the role. Brought him right back onto the a-list. This one does tug at the heart strings, with Rourke's titular wrestler struggling to connect with his daughter and breaking through some person-to-person barriers with Marisa Tomei. With such a precarious social life, the last thing he needs are health complications taking away the one thing he's really good at - smashing himself and others to bits in the wrestling ring. A great inclusion in this countdown.

53. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon : Here it is. The film every other person on Earth dearly loves but me. I remembering simmering discontent when I rated this a 7/10 a few months ago, but that wasn't a first - I've had people sit me down and force me watch this multiple times, and every time I pumped myself up so I'd finally get it and see the magnificence. I know it's there. The evidence is the praise I've heard for some 20 years now. But no matter how hard I try I can't get excited about Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It just doesn't click with me - be it the genre, or whatever. The closest I had was at the film's sad conclusion on the last viewing - I admitted that, "yeeeah - it has a good conclusion." I'll probably watch it yet again one day, when it pops up in something I'm reading and I hear about it's greatness - I so want to see and feel that greatness.

Seen 38/48

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


Love is in the air
Big mountains it melts
First we were friends
Then we were something else

You saw him today
Tomorrow he will return
Maybe shake your hand
but against you he might turn

Let's keep this rhyme short
Cause other things are too long
Let people figure out
If what I did was wrong

[Takoma11]

I didn't see it in theaters, but I think it was my first time as well seeing that kind of acrobatic fights, and my reaction was more like "Oh, c'mooon!!!" :laugh: I think I might enjoy it a bit more now :D

There was a lot of laughter during the first action scene, because the wire work is so obvious. Then everyone just kind of settled into it. I mean, that theater was FREEZING and not a single person left until the end credits rolled.

[StuSmallz]

There was a lot of laughter during the first action scene, because the wire work is so obvious. Then everyone just kind of settled into it. I mean, that theater was FREEZING and not a single person left until the end credits rolled.The entire theater I was in literally erupted into applause the first time I went to watch it, which is something I almost never, ever encounter at a movie.

[Takoma11]

The entire theater I was in literally erupted into applause the first time I went to watch it, which is something I almost never, ever encounter at a movie.

There was enthusiastic applause at the end of the film. A really memorable theater-going experience.

[gbgoodies]

Hubby is a wrestling fan, so I saw The Wrestler many years ago because he wanted to see it. It was better than I expected it to be, but it was still only okay. I didn't rewatch it for this countdown because I doubt it has any chance of making my list, but I know that Hubby has the DVD around here somewhere, so maybe I'll give it another try someday.

I watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for the Foreign Language Movies countdown, and I was surprised at how much I liked it. I considered it for my list for that countdown, but not for this list.

[John Dumbear]

Hint, hint...


Love is in the air
Big mountains it melts
First we were friends
Then we were something else

You saw him today
Tomorrow he will return
Maybe shake your hand
but against you he might turn

Let's keep this rhyme short
Cause other things are too long
Let people figure out
If what I did was wrong


"Sideways" may be one.

[ApexPredator]

I am probably overdue for a rewatch of Crouching Tiger. I didn't like it when I first saw it (maybe a decent amount was due to the wire fu which just looked ridiculous in my eyes), but older me may appreciate it more now.

The Wrestler elbow drops its way on number 22 on my list. The story of an aging pro wrestler trying to deal with retirement as he tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter and bond with an aging stripper. But much like the drugs in Requiem for a Dream and perfection in Black Swan, that fame and glory he experiences in the ring may be too much to overcome.

Part of the reason it works is the pitch perfect casting of Mickey Rourke who fits into the role of Randy Robinson like a glove. Marisa Tomei brings verve and life to the role of Cassidy as a potential love interest and voice of reason. The wrestling sequences are well done and throw in a mix of brutality (that one match with the Necro Butcher) with some drama.

Perhaps this resonated with me as a result of attending an indie show where I saw one of the Moondogs who had to be in pain as he smiled and signed autographs for those interested. He was going to be in the main event against one of the promotion's rising stars.

The List:
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
9. Million Dollar Baby
11. Spider-Man 2
22. The Wrestler

Honorable Mentions:
Remember the Titans
Unbreakable

[ApexPredator]

Hint, hint...


Love is in the air
Big mountains it melts
First we were friends
Then we were something else

You saw him today
Tomorrow he will return
Maybe shake your hand
but against you he might turn

Let's keep this rhyme short
Cause other things are too long
Let people figure out
If what I did was wrong


Brokeback Mountain and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford?

[rauldc14]

Hint, hint...


Love is in the air
Big mountains it melts
First we were friends
Then we were something else

You saw him today
Tomorrow he will return
Maybe shake your hand
but against you he might turn

Let's keep this rhyme short
Cause other things are too long
Let people figure out
If what I did was wrong


Up in the Air and In the Mood for Love

[ScarletLion]

58. V for Vendetta (104 points)
57. Million Dollar Baby (110 points)
56. In Bruges (111 points)
55. Collateral (115 points)
54. The Wrestler (115 points)
53. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (117 points)

Of this bunch, I only like The Wrestler alot. Collateral and In Bruges are good watches but none of them came close to making my list

[mrblond]

Hint, hint...


Love is in the air
Big mountains it melts
First we were friends
Then we were something else

You saw him today
Tomorrow he will return
Maybe shake your hand
but against you he might turn

Let's keep this rhyme short
Cause other things are too long
Let people figure out
If what I did was wrong



Love Actually
Cold Mountain

---

[Thief]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/74/8a/c6748a3e306fc7b3807ef09e97d6fe8e.gif

[Sedai]

I am guessing In the Mood for Love and Love Actually.

[Rockatansky]

First verse sounds like Brokeback Mountain, last verse sounds like Memento?

[Thief]

I might have to go out in a while, so reveals might drop earlier than usual... maybe in a few minutes.

[Thief]

118 points, 6 listsBrokeback Mountain (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/142-brokeback-mountain.html)Director
Ang Lee, 2005

Starring
Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway

[Thief]

121 points, 8 listsThe Assassination of Jesse James by...Robert Ford (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/4512-the-assassination-of-jesse-james-by-the-coward-robert-ford.html)Director
Andrew Dominik, 2007

Starring
Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Sam Shepard

[Thief]

Hint breakdown, before I bolt!

Hint, hint...


Love is in the air (Brokeback Mountain is about love, obviously)
Big mountains it melts (Mountain in the title, and in the film landscape)
First we were friends (reference to both films cause it also applies to Jesse James and Robert Ford)
Then we were something else (...who also became something else later)

You saw him today
Tomorrow he will return (reference to Ang Lee showing up again)
Maybe shake your hand (reference to Robert Ford first being a friend...)
but against you he might turn (...then killing Jesse, I guess? Haven't seen it)

Let's keep this rhyme short
Cause other things are too long (reference to the long ass title)
Let people figure out
If what I did was wrong (a reference to what Robert Ford did by killing an outlaw, or what Ennis and Jack were doing, which some people saw as "wrong")


There you go...

[Thief]

When I come back, I'll do the pit stop and other stuff. Have fun with these two.

[ApexPredator]

Brokeback Mountain and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford?

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7qDEq2bMbcbPRQ2c/giphy.gif

[Chypmunk]

Despite generally quite liking the works of Ang Lee that I've seen I'm still yet to get around to Brokeback Mountain, no idea why but one day I surely will. I have seen The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford though and it's a very good looking fillum that was in contention for a spot on my ballot, albeit rather briefly. Somewhat surprised both aren't higher here tbh.

Seen: 30/50 (Own: 22/50)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
16. The Descent (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#80]
25. The Pool (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911024/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6) [1-ptr]


Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
50. The School Of Rock (2003)
49. Hauru no ugoku shiro [Howl's Moving Castle] (2004)

[John W Constantine]

Sure wish I could quit this list

[Yoda]

The desire to know what happens next is overwhelming and always wins in the end.

[mrblond]

I haven't seen Brokeback Mountain nor The Assassination of Jesse James and somehow I'm not interested.

Looking forward to step into Top 50...

[John Dumbear]

Added a couple to my list. Was starting to get concerned. Quite a few so far that surprised me on being in this countdown.



1. *
2. *
3. *
4. *
5. *
6. *
7. *
8. In Bruges
9. *
10. *
11. *
12. *
13. Quills
14. *
15. *
16. The Wrestler
17. *
18. *
19. *
20. *
21. *
22. *
23. *
24. American Psycho
25. The OH in Ohio 1-ptr

Have seen so far: 27/ 51
Put on list for future viewing: 8
My list that ended up on the cutting room floor (dammit!): 4
Put on "meh" list : 13
Zero chance of ever watching: 7
1 Ptrs: seen 8

[ash_is_the_gal]

it didn't make my list, but I'm glad The Wrestler made *the* list.

[rauldc14]

Brokeback is super average IMO. I just don't understand the greatness people see in it. We knew it would show though so at least it's not top 50.

How I still haven't seen Jesse James is a mystery. I've started it a couple times but never got super far.

[rauldc14]

The desire to know what happens next is overwhelming and always wins in the end.

I will know. I'm thinking of making a top 50 prediction that will be 100% correct. Not the order, but the 50 films.

[Chypmunk]

I will know. I'm thinking of making a top 50 prediction that will be 100% correct. Not the order, but the 50 films.
Faildict, errr I mean predict away I say!

[John W Constantine]

50 spots remain, 67 films are still eligible from the previous Millennium list. Uh-oh.

[Thief]

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7qDEq2bMbcbPRQ2c/giphy.gif


Yep. Had to bolt after posting the reveals so I forgot to acknowledge this. You win the BIG PRIZE!!

[Sedai]

No points.

TAOJJBTCRF is an absolutely amazing looking film, and I still think it should have pulled in the Oscar for cinematography, even though I do think There Will be Blood is right up there with its camera work. Deakins is THE MAN. Other than that it's a good film, but was never in contention for my list.

I've not seen Brokeback Mountain.

[Miss Vicky]

Seen both multiple times, voted for neither.

I like Brokeback Mountain. I think it's a solid movie and is important from a cultural standpoint, but I've never loved it and it was never really in consideration for my ballot.

I wanted to like The Assassination of Jesse James. It's a beautifully shot film and I was really in the mood for a Western when I watched it for the first time not long after it was released on DVD... but the constant narration and Casey Affleck's incessant whining completely destroyed any hope for me to enjoy it. I rewatched it awhile back for a HOF and my experience did not improve.

Seen 29/50

[Holden Pike]

83935

Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain was #76 on the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List. Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was #19 on that list as well as #20 on the MoFo Top 100 Westerns List.

[mark f]

I thought that Brokeback Mountain was a bit leisurely-paced, but it was trying to tell a highly-dramatic story as anti-melodramatically as possible. It's a fine line to tread and I thought it did it quite movingly. The music and cinematography are good and if you're one of those obstinate guys who thinks that Heath Ledger can't act, check this to disprove that (and forget making jokes about his voice). Oh yeah, both women go topless for all the other guys who are afraid to watch the movie.

I watched The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford thrice, each time with a different set of people. Most of them liked it well-enough, and my brother was probably the most impressed with it. However, every single person needed me to explain to them, at various points, who some of the supporting characters were and where they were supposed to be at. When my scriptwriter brother needs me to explain to him who is staying with whose relations and why, I think that there are definitely flaws in the storytelling, especially when you have a 160 minute movie where you have plenty of time to make plot points clear.

Now, I understand that some people find "plot" to be a dirty word. In the case of this film, I'll admit that writer/director Dominik was looking for atmosphere and tone, and I believe he produced his desired effect. I just don't understand why someone would make essentially an arthouse western, with what I consider stilted performances and dialogue, make it go on for far too long, and then try to pass it off as a psychologically-deep, naturalistic film. Well, maybe I do; Michael Cimino did it with Heaven's Gate, but I find Heaven's Gate to be the better of the two films.

Before I go on sounding like the curmudgeon I am, I will say that I was impressed with the visuals. Overall, I prefer Deakins' work in No Country For Old Men, but the shot of the train holdup at night, with Jesse James standing in front of it, and the exterior light casting enormous shadows from the train onto the forest is as impressive an individual visual scene as I've seen. The score is good, and parts of the narration are interesting, although the dryness makes me find it less special than it was probably intended to be. There are enough good things here for me to give it a qualified recommendation. I don't feel that I wasted eight hours watching it three times. I admire it more than I did the first time, but I don't like it any more. My rating: 2.5.

As far as the actors and characters go, I'd say that over the course of three viewings, I've warmed to Affleck's performance, but his character still comes across as an underdeveloped cipher who I know little more about at the end of the film than I do when he first opened his mouth. On the other hand, I enjoyed Brad Pitt as a psycho, and I did feel the intelligence behind his character. He seemed all too real to me. I just would have thought that he'd squash Bob Ford like a bug. I even thought Sam Shepard's Frank James should have trusted his judgment and wasted Robert Ford in their introductory scene. Oh yeah, what the heck happened to Frank James? He's certainly a significant character, and then he just disappears. Oh well, I guess Jesse wasn't as smart as he seemed without his big brother. Even though Sam Rockwell also seems a bit affected as Charlie Ford, he is at least recognizable as a real character, but that's because he's actually given lines which someone might actually say in real life.

The film was open to being so ironic about how the characters were in real life compared to how they are depicted in folklore. To me, that would be the reason to make another Jesse James film, but I don't feel the irony here. I just feel a director unintentionally draining the life out of his material with method acting and what seems to be method directing. That is my main critique of this film. For all the artistry, skill, beauty and originality on display, it feels to me like looking at a butterfly collection. It's all very lifeless. Oops, the curmudgeon has resurfaced.

It's tough for me to say that Andrew Dominik is "method directing" since this is only his second film. It may have made more sense if I waited for his next film to see if I could determine a pattern. To tell you the truth, I've never said or written that phrase before in my life, but as I thought that some of the performances seemed to use the Method, I started trying to find a way to describe his way of telling this story.

Method Acting involves the actors using personal experiences in (sometimes) similar situations to draw out the emotions of the character they are playing. It also sometimes includes things which seem so personal that the actor/character occasionally seems to become disconnected from the other actors/characters around them. Brando was probably the best Method Actor I know of, but needless to say, he is infamous for some eccentric performances.

Watching The Ass of JJ, I was struck by how original the direction was. I can accept that this will appeal to many who see the film. I was trying to get inside Dominik's head to determine why he made all the choices he did, in both script and direction. I could see a touchstone in the works of Terrence Malick, but since I'm more used to Malick, I find his work, rightly or wrongly, to be be more true to himself. So then, I decided that Dominik made this film for a very deep-rooted personal reason which I'm not sure that I could fully grasp. Was he trying to place himself in the actual times of Jesse James and thus transport viewers to a more-relaxed, simpler world where things would "just seem slower"? It certainly seemed a possibility and a worthy endeavor.

Or was Dominik just trying to create a revisionist western along the lines of Altman's McCabe and Mrs. Miller? I wasn't sure if he was making an homage or a personal statement. However, as the film progressed, I started to find the presentation more eccentric rather than less so. This made me understand that he believed in the courage of his convictions, but perhaps his Method in depicting them was to go so far within himself that when they're projected onto the screen, he may have disconnected himself from at least this viewer. Utter BS, I admit, but it's a decent rationalization for inventing a phrase to support one's opinion. Now that I've used it, I can think of some more possible Method directors, both good and not-so-good. But I think that's going even more off-topic, or does that really mean eccentric, on my part? Have I become a Method reviewer? The horror...

[rauldc14]

Actually forget that. Top 50 is tough. Will wait for top 30....

[Iroquois]

No votes. Good to see I wasn't far off when it came to my recent Ang Lee comment - not sure if Brokeback qualifies as his masterpiece but it's certainly up there as far as his remarkable filmography goes. Assassination... is pretty good as well, though I've never quite considered it out-and-out great.

[Sedai]

Some days, Mark drops one of the best posts on MoFo in the history of the site. Today is one of those days...

[Thief]

Seen Brokeback Mountain, liked it a whole lot, but it didn't make it into my list. One of those that I cut last.

Heard great things about The Assassination..., but never seen it. Rented it once on Redbox, but the disc was damaged, and I haven't tried again for some reason.


This is where I'm at...

Seen: 36/50


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Takoma11]

Brokeback Mountain had a tremendous impact on me when it first came out, and on two sides of the coin.

I saw the film in its opening weekend in a movie theater with my sister in Chicago. The vibes, my gosh, the vibes. A gay love story on the big screen with *gasp* yes, actual sex. A film that delicately balanced the internal and external factors that made gay relationships fraught and even dangerous. Gay characters who were masculine, not despite being gay, but just because that's who they are. The audience was there for it. There was a sense of FINALLY. It was some of the same feeling I felt from the audience when I went to see Black Panther.

Then many months later I was working in a video store in a small town in Iowa and the film was released to DVD. Do you know how many times I heard the word "disgusting", "sick", or witnessed a repulsed curl of the lip from customers? One man told me that he wouldn't be able to watch the movie unless he was wearing a thick coat, or something to that effect, implying that the film would literally make him dirty. It was just a year before a gay classmate of mine was beaten up for being gay, so badly that his jaw had to be wired shut. 2005 was the year that six couples in Iowa who had been denied marriage licenses filed a lawsuit about it.

When the Oscars rolled around, many members openly admitted that they refused to watch Brokeback Mountain. When it lost out Best Picture to the "hey, everyone's kind of racist!" Crash, oof.

The film is gorgeous and well-acted from all of its leads. It's not a film I tend to think of as being one of my favorites, but when I made my list, I did so by simply writing down films and then looking at the next movie and slotting it above anything I liked it more than. To my shock, Brokeback Mountain just kept hanging in there. It finished as my #5.

Assassination of Jesse James is a really beautiful film. It's based on a book by Ron Hansen (a great author), and the film manages to capture the dreamy logic and flow of his writing. It didn't make my list, but it's a film I adored seeing in the theater and I can easily see why many would count it as a favorite.

[Deschain]

I haven’t seen Brokeback Mountain and kinda forgot all about it. Shoulda watched it for this list.

I’ve seen Jesse James. It’s good but man I felt that runtime.

[Thief]

Stats: Pit Stop #5
https://media.istockphoto.com/vectors/professional-pitstop-team-male-character-together-service-formula-1-vector-id1263074374?k=20&m=1263074374&s=612x612&w=0&h=koVbndQrNgRCbsVPzyVcHIIeq9pDmKEk-z17LbBbhRg=

-

This is the fifth pit stop (50), mid-point of the countdown, so here are our stats so far:

Decade Breakdown


2000 = 10
2001 = 7
2002 = 2
2003 = 3
2004 = 4
2005 = 11
2006 = 1
2007 = 4
2008 = 3
2009 = 5


And 2005 got back on top! but 2000 is close behind.


Director Breakdown


Wes Anderson = 2 (Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou, Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Joel & Ethan Coen = 2 (The Man Who Wasn't There, A Serious Man)
Clint Eastwood = 2 (Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby)
Ang Lee = 2 (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain)


Two more added to the list, but more to come!


Genre Breakdown


Musical = 1
Biopic drama = 4
Romantic drama = 4
Horror = 3
Coming of age = 2
Thriller = 7
Drama/mystery = 2
Comedy drama = 5
Action comedy = 2
Epic, war drama = 1
Psychological drama = 3
Animated drama = 2
Animated comedy = 2
Superhero action = 4
Crime = 4
Western/Neo-western = 2
Science fiction = 1
Martial arts = 1


Genre continues to be all over the place, but thrillers seem to be on top.


And finally, 14 of the 50 films are foreign, and since there were no animated films on this batch, we remain at 4 animated films.

[Rockatansky]

I admired AoJJ when I saw it (the Deakins cinematography helps immensely), but I've never felt the urge to revisit it, despite owning a copy. I feel this way about a lot of the more acclaimed films of the decade. mark f.'s post is making me think I'll sour on it with a rewatch (the things he cites are some of things that leave me cold on modern arthouse style), so I'll perhaps leave it as a pleasant memory for the time being.

[KeyserCorleone]

Brokeback Mountain's first act was pretty damn slow, but it gradually got better and the third act tied things together perfectly. 92. But not my favorite Ang Lee movie. Crouching Tiger and Life of Pi are my favorites. I even admit I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility slightly more (I've seen all of these at least twice).

[Citizen Rules]

Yes! The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
was my number one movie! As soon as the countdown was announced I knew this would be my #1. I don't think I've been more impressed with a film's near perfection.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=48253&stc=1&d=1537637190
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

I loved the choice of slow story telling combined with the documentary style of voice over narration. It's an effective way of telling the tale of the assassination of Jesse James, as it felt very personal. I liked the way the point of view was from Robert Ford and not Jesse James. This kept Jesse as an enigma and that's how the film presented him as, a man of mystery.



The look of the film is pure artistry, the colors are de-saturated to give a vintage look and feel to the film. Backing that up is slow camera movement with long scene takes and smooth scene transitions that often focus on scenery to allow the viewer time to digest what they've just seen.

One of the most amazing things about this movie was the use of blurred (out of focus) panels on the sides of some of the shots...like in the photo I used above. I've been noticing this trend on still photography in the last couple of years, but never had seen this done in a movie before. This film might be the genesis for that movement...The blurred edges aren't just ascetics, they work to focus attention on the subject in the center of the frame while ignoring the information on the edges that have been blurred. I think that's so cool!

The spoken dialogue between the characters was perfect vernacular for the 1880s. Not many movies get this common man's language & style of speaking correctly. Notice there's no F bombs and when they talk sex talk, they use phrases and terms that would be common in the 1880's, but not today. The scriptwriter deserves an Oscar!

Generally I'm not a huge fan of Brad Pitt but he was perfect here as the quiet yet sometimes animated, dark and enigmatic man of violence...who's also a caring family man. Pitt extruded this hidden dangerous streak that scarred the hell out of his men. I believed he was dangerous so it worked.

Cassey Affleck was equally amazing in this. The movie is told from his perspective and damn he deserved an Oscar too. I thought he was great in Manchester by the Sea but I liked his performance here even better. He's so good at letting the audience inside his head, that I felt like I was in his shoes. He's so natural and real on screen. The rest of the cast was exceptional and kudos goes to the director for keeping all the performances in balance with the subtle style of the film.

The Assassination of Jesse James is one of the most perfect films I've seen.
rating_5

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen Brokeback Mountain, but it's been on my watchlist for some time. I'll probably get around to it eventually.

I have seen The Assassination of Jesse James..., but that was a while ago and I don't remember it too well. I do remember enjoying the film though.

[MovieMeditation]

Brokeback Mountain didn’t do much for me. Maybe cause I ain’t gay. Relax y’all, just kidding. If I can do that in 2021 without getting canceled. :eek:

Anyway, yeah, and as for The Abnormally Long Titled Movie I’ve seen it once and actually really liked it but I seem to have forgotten about it and how it played out and why I even liked it. So I guess a rewatch is due at some point.

[Wyldesyde19]

Brokeback Mountain is my #1 film, and I was really hoping to see it place somewhere in the top ten. Ang Lee’s best film in a mostly solid filmography, it’s a moving story.

That final line just stops me cold every time. As Ennis looks at the jacket he keeps as a reminder, full of regret and says simply “Jack, I swear.” And when those final guitar cords starts up…..

It’s poignant and devastating all at once.

Assassination of the long titles is a good film as well, with a great cinematography too. Didn’t make my ballot, but was considered briefly.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #52, Brokeback Mountain...

https://i.imgur.com/CqeUOtv.png

It currently has an 87% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.7/10 score on IMDb (with 343,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"Brokeback Mountain could tell its story and not necessarily be a great movie. It could be a melodrama. It could be a "gay cowboy movie." But the filmmakers have focused so intently and with such feeling on Jack and Ennis that the movie is as observant as work by Bergman. "

While Fernando F. Croce, of CinePassion, said:

"Lee can't tell the difference between criticizing oppression and turning out an oppressed work. The time-spanning narrative might as well have ended in 1982 with the release of Making Love, because that's about how far back the movie sets gay cinema."

As for our MoFo reviewers, michaelcorleone said:

"I think this movie is extremely underappreciated and misunderstood. It's not a gay cowboy movie. It's a classic depiction of love itself, and an absolute artistic triumph... Anyone who truly has a passion for movies should see this. Who knows? Maybe they'll learn something about love."

Meanwhile, KeyserCorleone said:

"Brokeback Mountain is slow to start, but it leads up to a satisfying and touching conclusion which leaves you hurt for a while."

[ueno_station54]

Seen neither but there's a chance I might actually watch them at some point.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #51, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford...

https://i.imgur.com/UYrHFMz.png

It currently has a 76% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.5/10 score on IMDb (with 176,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★½ and said:

"Dominik ... opens up his camera to the far horizons, showing how small a man might feel unless he did something to make his mark. The cinematography is by Roger Deakins, who ... shows the modern West as also in need of hard, unforgiving men to stand up to the landscape. Brad Pitt embodies Jesse James' mythic stature as if long accustomed to it; Casey Affleck plays the kid like Mark David Chapman, a nobody killing the one he loves."

While J.R. Jones, of the Chicago Reader, said:

"Moseying along for 160 minutes, this revisionist western by writer-director Andrew Dominik makes a wan attempt to present the Jesse James legend as the dawn of celebrity culture in America."

As for our MoFo reviewers, mrtylerdurden said:

"This is a hauntingly gorgeous film with images that stick in your head. The story is interesting and has some really interesting twists and turns near the end. I really enjoyed all the performances in this movie and thought they were great. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys watching a quality motion picture. One of the best I've seen in a while"

Meanwhile, Iroquois said:

"While The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford isn't quite on the level of Hillcoat's [The Proposition], it's still a dependable example of a revisionist Western. Though it may tread familiar ground and feel longer than it really needs to be, it is fortunately buoyed by a solid ensemble cast, some artfully prosaic writing, and some appropriately striking visual and aural contributions."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMA30rThECg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RwAWZtK5Uw

[Thief]

Adding to mrblond's stats on notable actor recurrences... (Wes Anderson is responsible for a good bunch of these)


Brad Pitt (#51*, #68, #71)
Christian Bale (#60*, #79*, #99)
Willem Dafoe (#70, #79, #98)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (#73, #90)
Frances McDormand (#84, #90)
Robert Downey Jr. (#76*, #83*)
George Clooney (#70*, #68*)
Tom Hanks (#69*, #72*)
Paul Bettany (#83, #100)
Colin Farrell (#56*, #99*)
Cillian Murphy (#60, #88*)
Gael García Bernal (#69, #81*)
Casey Affleck (#51*, #68)
Geoffrey Rush (#63, #67*)
Samuel L. Jackson (#62, #83)
Keira Knightley (#63, #93*)
Bill Murray (#70, #98*)
Owen Wilson (#70, #98)
Michael Gambon (#70, #98)


*(bold means leading part)

[seanc]

Brokeback is pretty good but wasn’t in contention for my list.

Assasination is astounding and my #11. Very cool story told well and acted perfectly. In contention for my favorite movie to look at.

[Thief]

We're halfway through!

https://i.imgflip.com/36o4a6.gif