Nelson:
16. "The Cowboys" John Wayne, the MAN. This has always and always will be my favorite John Wayne movie. The kids in the movie were all cast perfectly, in fact the entire cast was perfect, and the story was well written and acted. A lot of John Wayne movies get a little goofy at some point in the movie with some long drawn out fist fight set to riduculous music that is supposed to be funny, not in this movie. This story is shot straight and nothing is done over the top. I just got this one at Christmas and the kids and I have watched 3 or 4 times, we love it. 5 stars
17. "Unbreakable" M. Knight Shamalan's first movie, and Bruce Willis as an everyman super hero, does it get any better than that. The ONLY disappointing thing about this movie is that Bruce Willis' character could have run for a few sequels, I just wanted MORE of this new super hero, unfortunately only one movie. I love a movie where the bad guy gets what he deserves if the movie is believable and this one was. We own this one as well, and I enjoy it everytime I watch it. 5 stars
18. "Terminator" I will not lump this in withthe other 2 sequels, this movie was the best of the 3 by far and stands alone as a great movie. I have enjoyed it I'm sure over 30 times, at the time the special effects were tops, now they are a little dated, but I look forward to watching in the future. 5 stars
19. "Gladiator" Russell Crowe as a gladiator in Rome, does it get any better than that? I guess there are 18 movies better, but once you get up in this area, they are all great for me. We own this one and I have watched it several times and enjoy it over and over. Again, you may see a theme with me, the bad guy getting his due. I rate this one 5 stars as well.
20. "Black Hawk Down" This movie is on regular tv often, I do not own it, but I watch it whenever I find it on. It is much better uncut with no commercials, and I keep hoping one Father's Day to get it, maybe this year? I actually got to meet the helicopter pilot Mr. Durrant, he spoke at my sister's nursing graduation, he went through hell. Those Mogadishu bad guys swarmed like rats and interspersed themselves with the general population so the soldiers couldn't deal with them in a normal fashion. Whole new kind of warfare developed, door to door search and destroy, the kind I assume we are forced to use in Iraq and Afghanistan today. If you haven't seen it, it is worth seeing just be ready for some violence, a lot of emotions are stirred up when I watch it. 5 stars.
Pam:
20. "Casino Royale" - This is the version with Daniel Craig. Pierce Brosnan has always been one of my favorite Bonds because of his finesse and polish, but Craig brings a roughness and a rawness to the role that brings out a whole new dimension to the character. The storyline is interesting, especially the poker game. The appearance of the American agent, Felix Leiter, at the gambling table always pleases me - he's a cool customer. Watchability: 4.25 stars Emotional Appeal: 4 stars
19. "Parent Trap" & "Freaky Friday" - This is a Lindsey Lohan double feature at our house that I could watch over and over again. Whatever happened to that sweet little girl that could act? Oh well... I guess I love these movies because of the nostalgia factor, but they are both really good movies and well acted. I cry every time in "Parent Trap" when Jessie, the housekeeper, realizes she's cooking dinner for Annie, the long lost twin of Halley. The rehearsal dinner scene in "Freaky Friday" where Jamie Lee Curtis (with her daughter's spirit inside her) is toasting her future husband (really her stepfather) is heartfelt and makes me cry every time. W: 4.5 stars E.A.: 4.5 stars
18. Any Pixar animated short or film - We love them all and have them all. I went to see the original "Toy Story" in the theatre all by myself and loved it. The kids and I have watched and loved them all since then. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4 stars
17. "Michael Clayton" - This movie didn't get much publicity and didn't make a big splash, but I really liked it. George Clooney plays the title character and just nails it. He's a "fixer" for a law firm where one of the partners has actually decided to tell the truth about a chemical company the firm is representing. The firm has assumed the partner is having a breakdown, so Clayton has to "fix" the damage done. The problem arises, though, when Clayton realizes there's much more to the story. How he works his way out of the quagmire is fascinating. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
16. "Shakespeare in Love" - I absolutely love historical movies (as Nelson says, put a costume on 'em and have 'em speak in a British accent, and she'll love it...) and Shakespeare. This movie fulfills lots of fantasies of who Shakespeare was and who might have been his muse. The dialogue is a treat - see how many references you can find to other Shakespeare plays. Loads of fun and beautiful to watch. W: 4.5 stars E.A.: 4 stars
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Ok 21 - 25
Nelson: Tonight is 21 - 25, then tomorrow we will be into the top 20 for us.
21. "Caddyshack" - This is a classic comedy and came out when I was in High School. The cast is superb, and the comedy is top notch, top notch. Caddyshack II was terrible but this one was great. I loved Rodney Dangerfield, and Chevy Chase and can watch this movie over and over. 4.5 stars
22. "The Godfather II" - This one, the prequel/part two was a great movie, not as good as number one in my opinion however. I liked seeing The Don's rise to the top and how his family was started and grew, and also to see Michael's assention tot he top, but number 1 will always be better to me. 4.5 stars
23. "Ocean's 11" - The cast is great, the story was too, but the acting beat both of those. The story based loosely on the first Ocean's 11 was much more stylized and well put together. 4.5 stars
24. "School of Rock" - Loved Jack Black and his interaction with the kids. I enjoy this movie over and over again and we watch it with the kids monthly. The song at the end is phenomenal, I just love it all. 4.5 stars
25. "It's a Wonderful Life" - I'll probably catch hell for this not being higher but it really is a personal and family favorite, however if I were to go into a bomb shelter with only 20 movies I might not choose it, makes me cry everytime. However the story is worth watching and timeless, but I have a newer variation I personnally like better. 4.5 stars
Pam:
25. "Once" - This movie snuck up on me - I wasn't sold on it at the beginning, but the longer I watched it the more enchanted I became. There are no big names in this movie, just beautiful music, subtle, natural acting and a lovely story. W: 3.5 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
24. "Blue," "White," "Red" Trilogy - I'm going to cheat from here on out by grouping movies into trilogies and series - sorry, but there's just too much to include in a list of 35, plus the movies work together in themes and storylines, such as these. If you watch them in order, you will see glimpses of characters from other stories. For example, in one scene at a courthouse, you see a woman in the background from another movie walking in for a court appearance in a different courtroom. Cool stuff like that. Each film has a theme that corresponds to the colors of the French flag, plus the color palette of each movie matches its title. Of the three, "Blue" is my favorite. It stars Juliette Binoche as the wife of a famous composer who hides one of his darkest secrets. W: 4.25 stars E.A.: 4 stars
23. "John Adams" - Okay, I'm cheating again. This was a series on HBO, but I watched it on DVD as a movie, so that's the way I'm going to review it. I love historical movies, especially ones as authentic as this one. There is no need to overdramatize the story of Revolutionary America - it's one of the most amazing stories of mens' (and womens' - thank you, Abigail Adams) ideas manifesting themselves into a new nation ever told. Absolutely thrilling - I cried in the scene where the representatives from the colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. I felt their fear as they participated in this act of high treason, and yet they did it because it was right. W: 4 stars E.A.: 5 stars
22. "A Walk on the Moon" - Another Diane Lane movie, who stars along with one of my all-time favorite actors, Viggo Mortensen. It's set in the summer of 1969 at a family campsite. Lane is a housewife camping with her husband and children who meets Viggo, a hippie who's passing through. Do I agree with her infidelity? No, but that's not the point. This movie is exploring women's liberation on a very personal level at a time when it was socially unacceptable. I love Diane Lane in this movie - watch how her hair and clothes change as the movie progresses - she blossoms. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
21. "Eastern Promises" - This one stars Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mobster who encounters Naomi Watts. This one had me hooked until the end - I couldn't figure it out and I loved that. Beautiful, quiet movie that made me think. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
21. "Caddyshack" - This is a classic comedy and came out when I was in High School. The cast is superb, and the comedy is top notch, top notch. Caddyshack II was terrible but this one was great. I loved Rodney Dangerfield, and Chevy Chase and can watch this movie over and over. 4.5 stars
22. "The Godfather II" - This one, the prequel/part two was a great movie, not as good as number one in my opinion however. I liked seeing The Don's rise to the top and how his family was started and grew, and also to see Michael's assention tot he top, but number 1 will always be better to me. 4.5 stars
23. "Ocean's 11" - The cast is great, the story was too, but the acting beat both of those. The story based loosely on the first Ocean's 11 was much more stylized and well put together. 4.5 stars
24. "School of Rock" - Loved Jack Black and his interaction with the kids. I enjoy this movie over and over again and we watch it with the kids monthly. The song at the end is phenomenal, I just love it all. 4.5 stars
25. "It's a Wonderful Life" - I'll probably catch hell for this not being higher but it really is a personal and family favorite, however if I were to go into a bomb shelter with only 20 movies I might not choose it, makes me cry everytime. However the story is worth watching and timeless, but I have a newer variation I personnally like better. 4.5 stars
Pam:
25. "Once" - This movie snuck up on me - I wasn't sold on it at the beginning, but the longer I watched it the more enchanted I became. There are no big names in this movie, just beautiful music, subtle, natural acting and a lovely story. W: 3.5 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
24. "Blue," "White," "Red" Trilogy - I'm going to cheat from here on out by grouping movies into trilogies and series - sorry, but there's just too much to include in a list of 35, plus the movies work together in themes and storylines, such as these. If you watch them in order, you will see glimpses of characters from other stories. For example, in one scene at a courthouse, you see a woman in the background from another movie walking in for a court appearance in a different courtroom. Cool stuff like that. Each film has a theme that corresponds to the colors of the French flag, plus the color palette of each movie matches its title. Of the three, "Blue" is my favorite. It stars Juliette Binoche as the wife of a famous composer who hides one of his darkest secrets. W: 4.25 stars E.A.: 4 stars
23. "John Adams" - Okay, I'm cheating again. This was a series on HBO, but I watched it on DVD as a movie, so that's the way I'm going to review it. I love historical movies, especially ones as authentic as this one. There is no need to overdramatize the story of Revolutionary America - it's one of the most amazing stories of mens' (and womens' - thank you, Abigail Adams) ideas manifesting themselves into a new nation ever told. Absolutely thrilling - I cried in the scene where the representatives from the colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. I felt their fear as they participated in this act of high treason, and yet they did it because it was right. W: 4 stars E.A.: 5 stars
22. "A Walk on the Moon" - Another Diane Lane movie, who stars along with one of my all-time favorite actors, Viggo Mortensen. It's set in the summer of 1969 at a family campsite. Lane is a housewife camping with her husband and children who meets Viggo, a hippie who's passing through. Do I agree with her infidelity? No, but that's not the point. This movie is exploring women's liberation on a very personal level at a time when it was socially unacceptable. I love Diane Lane in this movie - watch how her hair and clothes change as the movie progresses - she blossoms. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
21. "Eastern Promises" - This one stars Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mobster who encounters Naomi Watts. This one had me hooked until the end - I couldn't figure it out and I loved that. Beautiful, quiet movie that made me think. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4.25 stars
Monday, February 15, 2010
Top 26 -30
Nelson:
30. "Christmas Vacation" - I typically watch this movie a few times around Christmas and I still laugh out loud throughout the movie. The casting of this movie is spot on for every character and this is one of the best National Lampoon movies. 3.5 stars
29. "Good Will Hunting" - I do not own this movie but wish I did because this movie really gets to me, I have an emotional reaction whenever I watch it. I haven't seen it without commercials and uncut in years, but maybe someone will get it for me one day for Father's Day or something. 4 stars
28. "North Dallas 40" - For me the most realistic true sports movie ever made, the only thing I critisize it for is I wish it had more actual football action. I watch this movie every year after the football season, I love the dialogue between the palyers and coaches, really hits home as true. 4 stars
27. "Field of Dreams" - This movie makes me cry like a baby at the end when he gets to interact with his dad, he gets a second chance. The really sad part is that my dad is still here and we don't take the time to know each other very well. the emotions just really overtake me with this movie. 4.25 stars
26. "Finding Neverland" - Here is another movie that really touches me on an emotional level. The movie portrays the inspiration the author of Peter Pan may have had, the family he interacts with moves him to another level in writing that classic tale of a boy who never grows up. 4.25 stars
Pam:
30. "A Little Romance" - This came out in 1979 and was Diane Lane's first movie. I remember watching this movie when I was a young girl of 13 and loving the whole romantic notion of Diane, an American, falling in love with a French boy. Laurence Olivier was in this movie also, sort of an instigator/go-between for the young lovers. Sweet movie. Watchability: 3.5 stars Emotional Appeal: 3.5 stars
29. "Batman Begins" - This movie shows a realistic beginning and explanation for all of Batman's seemingly superhuman abilities, plus I really like Christian Bale - too bad he's such a jerk in real life. W: 3.5 stars E.A.: 3 stars
28. "School of Rock" - Jack Black is just hilarious in this movie - only he could deliver some of the lines in this movie and have it be funny. I loved the fish-out-of-water storyline, especially since I'm a teacher. The language is a little questionable (some of the kids say "ass" repeatedly) but we watch it with our kids and we love it. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3 stars
27. "Elf" - Will Farrell carries this movie completely - he strikes just the right chord of innocence and silliness so that Buddy the Elf is not over-the-top, but actually believable. Zoey Deschenel is great as his love interest. She's jaded enough to be realistic, but is won over by Buddy's exhuberence. She also sings beautifully. The scene in the department store of Buddy decorating is fun. I also loved the "Lord of the Rings" reference toward the end of the movie, when Santa's sleigh is stranded in the park, and the horseback police are pursuing him. Hilarious. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3.5 stars
26. "Transformers" - I was never a Transformers fan as a kid, but the movie was fantastic. I liked Shia LaBoeuf in this role trying to win the heart of Megan Fox. His car, Bumblebee, becomes a beloved character in the movie, and I was upset when Bumblebee got hurt at the end. Probably the best part was watching the vehicles transforming - great special effects. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3.5 stars
30. "Christmas Vacation" - I typically watch this movie a few times around Christmas and I still laugh out loud throughout the movie. The casting of this movie is spot on for every character and this is one of the best National Lampoon movies. 3.5 stars
29. "Good Will Hunting" - I do not own this movie but wish I did because this movie really gets to me, I have an emotional reaction whenever I watch it. I haven't seen it without commercials and uncut in years, but maybe someone will get it for me one day for Father's Day or something. 4 stars
28. "North Dallas 40" - For me the most realistic true sports movie ever made, the only thing I critisize it for is I wish it had more actual football action. I watch this movie every year after the football season, I love the dialogue between the palyers and coaches, really hits home as true. 4 stars
27. "Field of Dreams" - This movie makes me cry like a baby at the end when he gets to interact with his dad, he gets a second chance. The really sad part is that my dad is still here and we don't take the time to know each other very well. the emotions just really overtake me with this movie. 4.25 stars
26. "Finding Neverland" - Here is another movie that really touches me on an emotional level. The movie portrays the inspiration the author of Peter Pan may have had, the family he interacts with moves him to another level in writing that classic tale of a boy who never grows up. 4.25 stars
Pam:
30. "A Little Romance" - This came out in 1979 and was Diane Lane's first movie. I remember watching this movie when I was a young girl of 13 and loving the whole romantic notion of Diane, an American, falling in love with a French boy. Laurence Olivier was in this movie also, sort of an instigator/go-between for the young lovers. Sweet movie. Watchability: 3.5 stars Emotional Appeal: 3.5 stars
29. "Batman Begins" - This movie shows a realistic beginning and explanation for all of Batman's seemingly superhuman abilities, plus I really like Christian Bale - too bad he's such a jerk in real life. W: 3.5 stars E.A.: 3 stars
28. "School of Rock" - Jack Black is just hilarious in this movie - only he could deliver some of the lines in this movie and have it be funny. I loved the fish-out-of-water storyline, especially since I'm a teacher. The language is a little questionable (some of the kids say "ass" repeatedly) but we watch it with our kids and we love it. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3 stars
27. "Elf" - Will Farrell carries this movie completely - he strikes just the right chord of innocence and silliness so that Buddy the Elf is not over-the-top, but actually believable. Zoey Deschenel is great as his love interest. She's jaded enough to be realistic, but is won over by Buddy's exhuberence. She also sings beautifully. The scene in the department store of Buddy decorating is fun. I also loved the "Lord of the Rings" reference toward the end of the movie, when Santa's sleigh is stranded in the park, and the horseback police are pursuing him. Hilarious. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3.5 stars
26. "Transformers" - I was never a Transformers fan as a kid, but the movie was fantastic. I liked Shia LaBoeuf in this role trying to win the heart of Megan Fox. His car, Bumblebee, becomes a beloved character in the movie, and I was upset when Bumblebee got hurt at the end. Probably the best part was watching the vehicles transforming - great special effects. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3.5 stars
Sunday, February 14, 2010
TOP 35 STARTS TONIGHT !!!!
Pam and Nelson: We've been asked by a couple of friends what our top movies are. Pam and I have made our lists based on a couple of criteria: watchability and emotional appeal. Watchability means being able to watch the movie and it never gets old. If it was playing on TV, we'd watch it; if there was nothing on TV, we'd rent it or get it off our shelf. Emotional appeal means we like the way the movie makes us feel when we watch it. We'll each give you five a night over the next week.
Nelson: So, here we go: I will be listing my 35 - 31 movies tonight.
At number 35 I have "The Cheyenne Social Club." This was a good western that starred Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. I just remember seeing this movie early in life and always liked it. This one gets 3 stars.
34. "Open Range" Pam really gives me a hard time about this movie, but I like it for several different reasons. I enjoy the cowboy part of it and the scenery, but what really gets me about this movie is the idea of someone standing up to a bully. If you haven't seen it check it out, 3 stars.
33. "Midnight Run" This movie has 2 heavyweights in Charles Grodin and Robert Deniro playing in really believable comedic characterisations. I have always liked this movie and watch it several times a year. When Grodin gets going at Deniro it is so funny, 3.5 stars.
32. "Jaws" Need I say more? Everyone has seen it and after I saw it I was afraid to even swim in a lake. I enjoy the banter on the boat and at the time that shark looked so real, now it looks so fake, but oh well. I give this one 3.5 stars as well.
31. "Transformers" I enjoyed this one because it had a lot of great special effects and we have enjoyed this one with our kids. This one is on our shelf along with "Midnight Run" and it gets 3.5 stars as well.
Five more tomorrow.
Pam: At number 35 I have "Unbreakable." I liked the idea of a superhero secretly taking out the bad guys with an arch enemy being his exact opposite in strength and ability. I would have liked to have seen a series of movies with Bruce Willis. Watchability: 3 stars Emotional appeal: 3 stars
34. "Inglorious Basterds" I really liked Brad Pitt in this movie. Lots of suspense and a fictional ending that will make you cheer. Watchability: 3 stars Emotional appeal: 3 stars .
33. "The Matrix" When this movie came out, I had never seen a movie that dealt with such a different idea as this - very metaphysical and it made me think about my perception of reality as a human. W: 2.5 stars E.A.: 3 stars (I liked the oracle)
32. "The Hangover" Just plain funny - these are the guys you want to hang out with. W: 3 stars E.A.: 3 stars
31. "The Sound of Music" A classic that can't be denied - I always cry as Maria walks down the aisle. The girls love this one, especially Ellie. W: 4 stars E.A.: 3.5 stars
Friday, February 12, 2010
"Management"
Nelson: I wasn't too sure about this movie. I like Steve Zahn and Jennifer Aniston, so I went in expecting to like it. I did like this movie, however I had some problems with believing there could actually be a situation where Jennifer Aniston would be attracted to a guy working in a hotel, but Steve Zahn was so good as a love struck guy I ended up rooting for him. You have to suspend your ideas that she would never do that, and the fault there is in the casting. Jennifer Aniston is not believable as someone who is not attractive and therefore has not had to deal with guys being attracted to her. This character would be much more believable played by someone else, but if you can get over that hurdle then this is a really good movie. It is just a story about how their lives intersect and work out over about a year or so. There are no explosions, no hostages, no police chases, just a simple story that was worth watching. I was waiting for a payoff at the end, and got it; although .... I almost gave something away. At the end, whose hand should that have been, watch it and see if you agree with me (his). I recommend this movie and give it 3.5 stars.
Pam: Jennifer Aniston co-produced this movie and I guess she wanted to star in it, but like Nelson said, it really was miscasting. The first time Aniston and Zahn get together would be much more believable if she had been a little more homely and a little more overweight - in other words, not quite so attractive. It's difficult to believe someone as cute as her would be desperate enough to go after Zahn in the laundry room of his motel. If you can make it through the first 20-30 minutes, you'll be rewarded with a believable, satisfying ending. I'll give it 3 stars.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"Couples Retreat"
Nelson: I was really looking forward to watching this movie having seen all the commercials for it over the past few months. I am a fan of most of the cast from this movie. I was not disappointed, this is a laugh out loud movie in several scenes. Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau work really well together and Faizon Love is one of their boys as well. The couples seemed convincing and the humor was real life. Vince Vaughn is at his best when he has his one-liners as commentary on what is going on around him. The last 30 minutes or so seemed rushed, like the movie was ready to be finished and wrap everything up. If you want to laugh, this is the movie for you. I would definitely highly recommend this movie. The story goes like this, a couple is having trouble in their marriage and arrange for a 4 couple retreat in Eden, an island paradise. They go in thinking the couples workshop is optional, but soon find out that it is mandatory. All 4 couples work through their issues in counseling, resulting in some funny scenes. I would give this movie 4 stars.
Pam: The one thing that appealed to me about this movie was that the humor was based in reality. If you're married, divorced, have kids, or are trying to have kids, you will be able to identify with the scenarios and dialogue among the couples. What happens a lot is that writers don't rely on the inherent humor of comical family situations - they try to put couples in wild, over-the-top situations to force "comedy." I was really afraid this was going to happen in this movie - I had visions of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," but was pleasantly surprised to find the humor gentle and close to home. I especially liked Justin Bateman's character, who I felt at times was channeling my inner control freak that I try to keep in check (at least most of the time). Great movie - I laughed out loud - I highly recommend it. 4 stars.
"The Taking of Pelham 123"
Nelson: Pam was unable to watch this movie with me and I couldn't wait any longer to watch something to blog for ya'll, so here we go. This movie has big stars in it, John Travolta and Denzel Washington, along with other big names in back up roles, but I didn't find much new here. There is some stylized quick camera shots in the first half of the movie, but basically it's the same old movie we've all seen before. Kidnappers take hostages and demand a ransom, there is another background ripoff going on as well but I was not particularly impressed with this movie. As I said, I had already seen this play out in other better movies through the years. I would not say it is a bad movie, but I cannot really recommend it either; if it is all that is left at the blockbuster then you might try it out, but don't expect to be wowed. I would give this movie 1.5 stars.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
