Most Rewatchable Movies

My dad took me to see this movie in theatres when I was just a wee lad, and I loved him for it. Still do, I suppose. I've long been a fan of Godzilla and any man vs. overgrown beast flicks, but this one is by far the best. Rooted in a pseudo-scientific explanation that's not too hard to swallow, this was the first movie to put dinosaurs and man back together and make us believe it. The suspense sequences are extremely well done and the dinosaurs look amazing, but I think what sets Jurassic Park apart from other inferior pictures (like its unfortunate sequels) is that there is a certain sense of awe and wonder of the creatures here. The T-Rex as the mighty predator, the brachiosaurus as the gentle giant, and of course the raptors as the cunning hunters - there's a kind of majesty about them, and yet at the same time they are the most earthy, animal-like incarnations I've ever witnessed. In addition, the characters are very well-drawn and likeable, with Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum in particular giving magnetic performances amd a lot of memorable dialog. With minimal gore and a low body count, Jurassic Park is an adventure movie, not a horror flick. Even at 6 when I first saw the film it didn't bother me at all. I recommend this to anyone as a magnificent and groundbreaking film, but more than that, it's just a darn good time. Isn't that why we watch movies in the first place?

Christopher Nolan has done it again. If I didn't love him enough after Memento and Batman Begins, he is certainly endeared to me now that I have witnessed The Prestige. The story is that of two magicians in late 19th century England who began as colleagues but became bitter rivals following a terrible stage mishap. The narrative twists in and out, back and forth through time in a way that is effective and rarely ever disorienting. Like a great magic trick, it shows you enough to keep your interest but saves the shocker for later on. One of the great things about this movie, though, is that even if you figure out the primary twist long before the film's conclusion, it is still powerful based on the characters and their sacrifices, and the story is intriguing and watchable even on repeat viewings (I have seen it twice so far). Also, there is not only one twist, but several, and some, at least, are likely to catch you off guard - yet all make sense in hindsight. I, like many viewers, was taken out of the film by one pivotal development that I simply found too unbelievable to fit with the context of the rest of the picture. Some try to deny that this plot point is true. However, they must read into the story using clues we are not really given to reach this conclusion, so I can only assume that the story relies on a certain fantastic science fiction element. It was so outlandish that it could have ruined the final act - and yet, somehow Nolan pulls it off. To me, it is the only real flaw in an otherwise exceptional film. Performances are great all around with Bale, Jackman, and Caine all playing their parts wonderfully. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat whether you think you know the end or not, The Prestige is easily my favorite movie of 2006 and I recommend it highly.