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I thought Laura was impeccably done, but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I should try it again.
Love Take Shelter and Boyhood!
Love Take Shelter and Boyhood!
Rauldc14's Top 119 Films
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55. Saving Private Ryan
The best war movie made in my opinion. The beginning of the film is incredibly strong. The invasion of Normandy was a very powerful scene and the direction by Spielberg is top notch. Also the cinematography is simply magnificent.
The best war movie made in my opinion. The beginning of the film is incredibly strong. The invasion of Normandy was a very powerful scene and the direction by Spielberg is top notch. Also the cinematography is simply magnificent.
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I used to own Saving Private Ryan on VHS but never made it through the whole thing. War movies just aren't really my cup of tea.
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54. 21 Grams
As I've said about the movie previously, I think it's the best acting job I've seen from all 3 of the top actors (although Penn may be better in Mystic River, it's still a great performance). Inarritu will certainly become one of my favorite directors possibly when all is said and done, but this is my gem from him. I enjoy how the film was edited and pieced together like a puzzle.
As I've said about the movie previously, I think it's the best acting job I've seen from all 3 of the top actors (although Penn may be better in Mystic River, it's still a great performance). Inarritu will certainly become one of my favorite directors possibly when all is said and done, but this is my gem from him. I enjoy how the film was edited and pieced together like a puzzle.
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I better shut up about Saving Private Ryan, but let's just leave it at an impressive opening scene.
I remember really liking 21 Grams though I remember the structure not clicking with me all the way through. Haven't seen it in a long time though.
I remember really liking 21 Grams though I remember the structure not clicking with me all the way through. Haven't seen it in a long time though.
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MovieMeditation's Cinema Reviews // Film Diary 2015 // Letterboxd Profile // MovieMeditation's Top 50 Horror
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MovieMeditation's Cinema Reviews // Film Diary 2015 // Letterboxd Profile // MovieMeditation's Top 50 Horror
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It's been a long time since I've watched both, but I remember liking them a lot. Saving Private Ryan is hard to forget, so that's still pretty fresh in my memory. 21 Grams isn't very fresh in my memory, but with my newfound adoration of Iñárritu since Birdman, it won't be long until I give it another go. I agree, he could easily become an all time favorite of mine as well.
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55. Saving Private Ryan
The best war movie made in my opinion. The beginning of the film is incredibly strong. The invasion of Normandy was a very powerful scene and the direction by Spielberg is top notch. Also the cinematography is simply magnificent.
The best war movie made in my opinion. The beginning of the film is incredibly strong. The invasion of Normandy was a very powerful scene and the direction by Spielberg is top notch. Also the cinematography is simply magnificent.
I should watch those last two again. I was drunk when I saw 21 Grams and I wasn't crazy about Private Ryan when I saw it at the movies.
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53. Deja Vu
One of my favorite Sci Fi movies that I could watch over and over again. I love the concept of the film and I really enjoy the directing from Tony Scott. It also doesn't hurt that my favorite actor Denzel Washington is in it. Good support roles too from Val Kilmer, Adam Goldberg and Paula Patton among others. Just a fun movie.
One of my favorite Sci Fi movies that I could watch over and over again. I love the concept of the film and I really enjoy the directing from Tony Scott. It also doesn't hurt that my favorite actor Denzel Washington is in it. Good support roles too from Val Kilmer, Adam Goldberg and Paula Patton among others. Just a fun movie.
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52. Sideways
Here's my review of Sideways from the Fifth Hall of Fame:
Sideways
I've only seen Sideways twice (I just rewatched it), but it is probably Alexander Payne's best written film. It features two characters, Miles and Jack who both have severe flaws with their lives. They head to wine country for a trip away as Jacks last fling before an impending marriage. Miles is a depressed divorced dude with his last hope in life hinging on his writing skills. Jack is an unhonest man who just loves to have a good time. In a way their journey is a symbol of more danger to their life.
When they get up to Wine Country they meet Mia, who according to Jack wanted to party with them but Miles told her they were just going to crash at the hotel. The encounter between Miles and Jack on their walk back to the hotel is one of my best scene nominations as well. Jack makes it clear that he wants a crazy week to ensue, although that is not exactly what Miles wants. Through their wine touring they also meet Stephanie, whom Jack thinks will be able to fulfill his goals for the week. They all plan to meet for dinner.
You clearly see Miles struggling with his depression at the dinner scene, even so much as to leave the table and call his ex-wife after he has had a few too many drinks. I think Payne shows his characters struggles tremendously and that seen was a great example of that. Everyone as a witness knows that Miles should take a chance at getting to know Mia but he is just stuck on Victoria. And while Jack doesn't think he has a problem, he really does and Payne is able to execute Jacks character as well. Jack finds himself digging a bigger ditch for himself as he continues to fall for Stephanie.
When they all go to Stephanie's house, it forces Miles to open up with Mia and you see his character as a completely different person in a way. He is able to use his love of wine in an effort to open up about his life and to become more comfortable with Mia. He ends up kissing Mia and gives Mia his novel to read, another telling sign that he is ready to move on with his life and open up about things.
As Miles grows up, it seems to me that Jack becomes more and more of a child. Jack goes so far as to abandon Miles from the plans that they had, showing just how little respect Jack is starting to have for the most important people in his life. The transformation of Paul Giamatti's character is one that I think could have deserved an Oscar nomination, while Thomas Haden Church did receive a nomination for his "dirtball character" as well as Virginia Madsen for Mia.
The deception of Jack is tied to Miles as Mia hears about Jack nearing marriage, so much to the point that it affects Miles and Mia's relationship. He then hears that his book has been rejected by the publishers and just when he thought things were taking a turn for the good, he has done another 180. In turn by Mia knowing about Jacks deception, it kills the behind the back relationship that Jack had with Stephanie. Not surprisingly, it comes full circle and Jack and Miles blame each other for their own mishaps. Miles tries to save Jack from his wrongdoings and it affects his life negatively in the end. Just when it seems the friendship might be at a dead end, Miles has to go and get Jacks wallet from the house of his newest fling. Jack realizes everything he has done is wrong and realizes how important Christina is to his life (or so he says). They crash a car so they have an explanation to Jack's nose injury.Can we believe that Jack is sorry for what he has done? This is a question that could go either way. Personally I didn't believe so, but one of Payne's traits is leaving it up to interpretation.
In the end, Jack and Christina get married, and Miles is left to go back to the drawing board. The end scene seems to leave hope for Miles that Mia is a part of that.
The film is filled with so many great lines, but my favorite has to be "I'm not drinking any ****ing Merlot!" Payne has a way of having his actors say the right things at the right time, especially in this film. And the golf scene is one that gives me a great chuckle. I mean who didn't love seeing Jack run after angry men's golf carts?
The funny thing about the film is as a non-wine drinker it actually still makes it appealing to you. The sense of atmosphere that Payne creates in the film gives it a very adventurous touch.
Overall, this is my second favorite movie from Payne but it is not far behind my favorite of his either. I'm glad my REWATCH only strengthened how I feel about the film.
Here's my review of Sideways from the Fifth Hall of Fame:
Sideways
I've only seen Sideways twice (I just rewatched it), but it is probably Alexander Payne's best written film. It features two characters, Miles and Jack who both have severe flaws with their lives. They head to wine country for a trip away as Jacks last fling before an impending marriage. Miles is a depressed divorced dude with his last hope in life hinging on his writing skills. Jack is an unhonest man who just loves to have a good time. In a way their journey is a symbol of more danger to their life.
When they get up to Wine Country they meet Mia, who according to Jack wanted to party with them but Miles told her they were just going to crash at the hotel. The encounter between Miles and Jack on their walk back to the hotel is one of my best scene nominations as well. Jack makes it clear that he wants a crazy week to ensue, although that is not exactly what Miles wants. Through their wine touring they also meet Stephanie, whom Jack thinks will be able to fulfill his goals for the week. They all plan to meet for dinner.
You clearly see Miles struggling with his depression at the dinner scene, even so much as to leave the table and call his ex-wife after he has had a few too many drinks. I think Payne shows his characters struggles tremendously and that seen was a great example of that. Everyone as a witness knows that Miles should take a chance at getting to know Mia but he is just stuck on Victoria. And while Jack doesn't think he has a problem, he really does and Payne is able to execute Jacks character as well. Jack finds himself digging a bigger ditch for himself as he continues to fall for Stephanie.
When they all go to Stephanie's house, it forces Miles to open up with Mia and you see his character as a completely different person in a way. He is able to use his love of wine in an effort to open up about his life and to become more comfortable with Mia. He ends up kissing Mia and gives Mia his novel to read, another telling sign that he is ready to move on with his life and open up about things.
As Miles grows up, it seems to me that Jack becomes more and more of a child. Jack goes so far as to abandon Miles from the plans that they had, showing just how little respect Jack is starting to have for the most important people in his life. The transformation of Paul Giamatti's character is one that I think could have deserved an Oscar nomination, while Thomas Haden Church did receive a nomination for his "dirtball character" as well as Virginia Madsen for Mia.
The deception of Jack is tied to Miles as Mia hears about Jack nearing marriage, so much to the point that it affects Miles and Mia's relationship. He then hears that his book has been rejected by the publishers and just when he thought things were taking a turn for the good, he has done another 180. In turn by Mia knowing about Jacks deception, it kills the behind the back relationship that Jack had with Stephanie. Not surprisingly, it comes full circle and Jack and Miles blame each other for their own mishaps. Miles tries to save Jack from his wrongdoings and it affects his life negatively in the end. Just when it seems the friendship might be at a dead end, Miles has to go and get Jacks wallet from the house of his newest fling. Jack realizes everything he has done is wrong and realizes how important Christina is to his life (or so he says). They crash a car so they have an explanation to Jack's nose injury.Can we believe that Jack is sorry for what he has done? This is a question that could go either way. Personally I didn't believe so, but one of Payne's traits is leaving it up to interpretation.
In the end, Jack and Christina get married, and Miles is left to go back to the drawing board. The end scene seems to leave hope for Miles that Mia is a part of that.
The film is filled with so many great lines, but my favorite has to be "I'm not drinking any ****ing Merlot!" Payne has a way of having his actors say the right things at the right time, especially in this film. And the golf scene is one that gives me a great chuckle. I mean who didn't love seeing Jack run after angry men's golf carts?
The funny thing about the film is as a non-wine drinker it actually still makes it appealing to you. The sense of atmosphere that Payne creates in the film gives it a very adventurous touch.
Overall, this is my second favorite movie from Payne but it is not far behind my favorite of his either. I'm glad my REWATCH only strengthened how I feel about the film.
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I watched Sideways for the first time in that HOF as well, though my opinion was a little different than yours.
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Sideways is my favorite from Payne, his filmography is full of nothing but great stuff (I haven't watched Citizen Rush, though.) It'd be a sure lock for my top 20. Giamatti has never been better.
If I had to rank them.
1.Sideways
2.The Descendants
3.Nebraska
4.About Schmidt
5.Election
If I had to rank them.
1.Sideways
2.The Descendants
3.Nebraska
4.About Schmidt
5.Election
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51. Tokyo Story
My favorite film from the legend Ozu. Here's my 50s HOF write-up:
My favorite film from the legend Ozu. Here's my 50s HOF write-up:
Tokyo Story
Ozu has to be one of my favorite foreign directors, the way he builds his themes and characters just works splendidly for me. He tells his stories much like a painter tells a story with his drawings, they can be interpreted in many ways and some parts may be more beautiful than others. This is perhaps one of the more beautiful films I have seen. The importance of life and what we value and take for granted is something that has always crossed my mind, so it is a film that can definitely hit home with me. I hope this one fares well in this HOF and the 50s countdown.
Ozu has to be one of my favorite foreign directors, the way he builds his themes and characters just works splendidly for me. He tells his stories much like a painter tells a story with his drawings, they can be interpreted in many ways and some parts may be more beautiful than others. This is perhaps one of the more beautiful films I have seen. The importance of life and what we value and take for granted is something that has always crossed my mind, so it is a film that can definitely hit home with me. I hope this one fares well in this HOF and the 50s countdown.
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Love Sideways and Tokyo Story!
I haven't seen Deja Vu, and it feels like I've told someone else that recently.
I haven't seen Deja Vu, and it feels like I've told someone else that recently.
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50. The Hurricane
Quite possibly Denzel Washingtons best acting performance. A boxing story with heart, whether he was innocent or not Norman Jewison tells us a great story. Someday I will have to do a more expensive write up. But you don't hear about this movie enough.
Quite possibly Denzel Washingtons best acting performance. A boxing story with heart, whether he was innocent or not Norman Jewison tells us a great story. Someday I will have to do a more expensive write up. But you don't hear about this movie enough.
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I think The Hurricane might just be Denzel's best performance but I didn't like the film nearly as much as you. Owe it another watch eventually. Haven't seen it since the theater.
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