My Favorite Movies

[My favourite film in the whole entire universe!]
Gus Van Sant's masterpiece, My Own Private Idaho, is a surreal character study/road movie that follows the lives of two street hustlers - Mike Waters (River Phoenix), our narcoleptic hero on a quest to find his mother who abandoned him as a child, and gay-for-pay swashbuckler, Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), the mayor's rebellious son, who chooses to live on the streets and whore himself about town. Set in Portland, their days of wandering aimlessly around the city consists of a little recreational drug use, picking up a few johns, (no matter how repulsive), and not to mention quoting healthy paragraphs of Shakespeare. Personally, I've never been really big on Shakespeare, but what Van Sant has taken from his play Henry IV, (which is fairly minimal), creates a sort of dream-like atmosphere that becomes very hypnotic at times, but not over the top.

The one person who makes this film really come to life is none other than the brilliant River Phoenix, who was essentially the James Dean of his generation. (And my favourite actor of all-time!) His portrayal of Mike Waters is so raw and moving, that the film actually becomes terribly depressing to watch. Mike's earnest search for his long-lost mother leads the pair to his childhood home in Idaho. Along the way, Mike declares his love for Scott during the classic campfire scene, in which River Phoenix actually wrote. Scott, who insists he only has sex with men for money, brushes him off with a hug, and the two remain best buds. That is, until their pilgrimage lands them in Rome, where Scott falls in love with a nice Italian girl. The two of them get married, Scott reforms himself, inherits his father's fortune, and wants nothing more to do with Mike or his old life.

What makes My Own Private Idaho so marvelous is the fact that it is truly one of a kind. I guarantee you will never see another film like this.

Have a nice day.

"That was one goddamn helluva show."
Truer words were never spoken. There Will Be Blood is a fucking MASTERPIECE!!! I was left utterly speechless. I never wanted it to end! This is by far the finest film I have seen in years! Daniel Day-Lewis's performance is stunning! Absolutely flawless! I think Plainview is my favourite character of his yet! He is a selfish, people-hating, oil-obsessed asshole, and I love him! At times, he was even hilarious! That was one thing I did not expect from this film - humour. It was introduced at the perfect moments, during the most intense scenes, and it really helped to balance the film.

Everybody is already aware that Daniel Day-Lewis gives us the performance of his career, but Paul Dano is so brilliant as well! The chemistry between Daniel Day-Lewis (Plainview), and Paul Dano (Eli), is pure magic! These characters are at completely different ends of the spectrum, and they're constantly at each other's throats. Plainview is an intense, heartless sonofabitch, whereas, Eli is usually quite calm, unless he's preaching, that is. I loved watching his sermons!!

Extraordinary acting aside, there were so many other aspects of this film that made it the masterpiece that it is. The screenplay is haunting, the cinematography is bloody gorgeous, and the score is captivating as hell! I must say, I'm rather surprised that Jonny Greenwood's spellbinding score wasn't even nominated at the Oscars this year. It was so amazing! The film wouldn't have been quite as powerful without it. I was also shocked to learn that Paul Dano has not been nominated either. The boy has mad talent! Even with his first film L.I.E., you could see that he had some serious potential! I really hope he gets a starring role again very soon. I'm a little sick of seeing him in a "supporting actor" light. He is capable of so much more.

Well, I went into this film with the highest expectations any film lover can possibly have for a film, and I was still completely blown away! I was anticipating a story primarily based on the oil business, but what I ended up with was an intimate and truly chilling character study, smack-dab in the middle of a divine period piece. I could re-watch this film over and over again for thousands of years and never find anything negative to say about it!

So, Mr. Anderson, "I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!"

I can't even begin to describe how much I adore this film!

KICKED THE ORIGINAL'S ASS!!!!

This is one film I will never truly be able to explain to anyone. It feels like you're in a dream. David Lynch is like no other. This is by far his greatest creation. I couldn't look away!

Best musical ever created? I think so! It always brings a smile to my face.

Cronenberg's finest work.

The best bank heist film ever made! This is my favourite Al Pacino film!

Undoubtedly a new favourite of mine!

This truly is the best film of 2006. I have major respect for Clint! If this does not win 'Best Picture of the Year' at the Oscars, I will be deeply upset.

The film and the book are two totally different beings, yet also one in the same. The novel is virtually unfilmable in it's original form. I loved Cronenberg's take on the story! It is absolutely brilliant the way he incorporated Peter Weller's hallucinations. Weller's monotone/mumbling performance is so perfect! I believe this to be one of those "love it or hate it" films.

The best of the trilogy! Sean Astin is perfect as Samwise. I bawled like a baby countless times.

I can be in the worst mood ever and this film will put the biggest smile on my face! I love it dearly.

FUCKIN' EH! This movie is insane! Words cannot express my love for this film. I've never laughed so much in my life! Those two characters ARE my father! It was honestly just like watching him on a normal day. The greatest mockumentary since This Is Spinal Tap!

Clearly the best of the trilogy!

I am such a sap. I cried in this film so many times. Absolutely amazing! One of my favourites.

What a twisted movie. Cronenberg has captured my heart with this one.

I love this movie so so much! The chick is a bit of a creeper. I mean, honestly, if someone I barely knew told me they were living in my apartment, I'd be quite disturbed. I really can't say anything else that is negative about this film. It's one of my favourites!

This is a wonderfully sweet and sincere 'coming out' film. Happy endings are nice to see, especially when they're not forced. What a fabulous soundtrack as well! Who doesn't love Mama Cass?

I love everything about this film!

A pure classic. It is just as beautiful as the novel. I love when a film stays true to the book. The casting for all the characters were spot on. It not only deals with the tender subject of homosexuality in the early 1900s, but also with the upper and lower classes of English society.

CLASSIC!!

This really is one of the most original and creative films I have seen in years! I loved virtually everything about it. I wasn't bored for a second. Great soundtrack too! Who doesn't love The Zombies?

This was like nothing I had ever seen before. I loved every second of it! What a perfect ending!

I love this movie to death! It really does have everything going for it. This is the prime example of how horror films should be made. Up the humour! Up the gore! Forget trying to scare the audience.

Like most of Ang Lee's films, it is beautiful and very depressing.

It really tugs at the heartstrings. I bawl like a baby every time. Even though it's quite sad, there is a lot of humour to it.

A great buddy film.

There really was no need for a sequel, but I'm sure glad they made it anyway. This one is slightly better than the first.

Absolutely brilliant! Clearly one of the best films of '06! It perfectly displays how humanity would react with such a situation. And why isn't this nominated for 'Best Picture of the Year'?

Haunting.

One of the most powerful films I have ever seen! The score is intense!

Masterful.

The best film I have seen in a rather long time. Beautiful story.

Seriously, what kid didn't love this movie? I still watch it all the time! It'll never get old.

Back in the day... when Mike Myers was still funny, and Dana Carvey was Garth Algar! Wayne's World was my absolute favourite film when I was a kid! Garth is the only Dana Carvey character I have ever liked. His dance to Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" always puts the biggest smile on my face! And the "Bohemian Rhapsody" rock out in Wayne's car is what instilled the love of Freddie Mercury into my heart forever!

Essentially, Wayne's World is the embodiment of the early 90's! It's full of excellent tuneage, (plus a phenomenal Alice Cooper performance!), and some brilliant dialogue! I know I'll be quoting this film for the rest of my life!

"She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class."

I really need to get this on DVD! I have definitely worn out the video tape I've owned since the age of six.

Who doesn't love The Karate Kid? Honestly!

One of the more unique films of 2006. It is quite slow, but it completely draws you in. Brilliant narrative! Some hilarious moments as well. I do believe Kate Winslet should recieve an Oscar for her role in this.

This is the first film where I actually realized how good of an actor Colin Farrell is. I was completely shocked by his performance. It is the most natural I've ever seen him. All of the characters are so unique. It is a really great story. Like most films I enjoy, it has a very sad ending.

I really do prefer the film version to the written biography. At times the book became quite taxing to press on. Don't get me wrong, I love Oscar Wilde, but Richard Ellmann's biography on him was a little excessive. On another note, Stephen Fry was clearly born to play Oscar Wilde! I couldn't think of a better fit. This is one of the few films where I can actually stand Jude Law. His usual arrogant charm totally befits his character. Unfortunately though, this film brings about the beginning of Orlando Bloom's "acting" career.

Christian Bale is amazing, even as a kid! And who can resist The Malkovich? This is quite possibly my favourite Spielberg film!

Billy Bob Thornton is genius! I really don't know how to describe how excellent this film is. I am at a loss for words.

I was depressed all the way through. And that ending!! Dear God! So sad. I was totally surprised by Vince Vaughn! He can act? Who knew...

A very powerful story that needed to be made. Tom Hanks gives the best performance of his career.

Speechless.

I love John Malkovich! This movie is fabulous. Primarily because of the Malkovich.

Scorsese is genius!

I have nothing negative to say about this film. A total hardcore drama with just the right amount of action. I adore all of Zhang Yimou's films. I have yet to be disappointed by him. Gong Li is amazing, as always. A beautiful and heartbreaking story.

A masterpiece. The brutal story and in-your-face violence makes this film utterly captivating. I loved it!

I honestly would have shit my pants watching this as a kid.

I only had hateful things to say about this movie the first time I saw it. However, I decided to give it another watch and found it absolutely amazing! It may have been due to the fact that I missed the first five - ten minutes or so. I can't seem to get into a movie when I miss the very beginning.

Quite similar to Green Street Hooligans, however it is a much more raw and realistic film. It's humorous and violent, without too much of a moral standpoint. Loved it!

Damian Lewis's mumbling had me completely engrossed throughout. He gives a brilliant performance in this somber, yet touching indie film about a man struggling to come to terms with the disappearance of his little girl. It is perfectly paced, and captivating from start to finish.

What an entertaining film! William Hurt is absolutely fabulous, as always, and Kevin Costner, whom I normally don't care for, was really great as Mr. Brooks. I had no idea the film was going to be so open about Mr. Brooks's alter ego! That is primarily why I loved this so much. From the get-go, William Hurt was right by his side. They did not portray Hurt as a raging murderous psychopath who was calling all the shots. Mr. Brooks and his alter ego made the majority of their decisions together, which is very rare. If this was your typical generic film, they would be in constant competition with each other for superiority. Mr. Brooks is a simple guy who just happens to have the unfortunate addiction of killing people. It is actually quite comical as well, and there were a bunch of little unexpected twists. This was one of those films that as soon as it ended, I wanted to watch it again straight away. It honestly put a huge smile on my face. Brilliant writing as well. LOVE IT!

I really don't think Mr. Brooks needs to become a trilogy, however, I'll be there when the sequel comes out.

I cannot believe my eyes. A decent horror remake. Somebody pinch me.

A surreal and truly haunting thriller from the genius who brought us The Exorcist. This film has everything. From a gripping soundtrack and vivid imagery, to an ending that will leave you thinking for hours. You really can't help becoming completely engrossed in this film. Friedkin makes sure of that. From the very beginning, you are lured right into the story. There is no light at the end of the tunnel, and you have absolutely no idea where it is taking you. Little do you know, you are about to dive headfirst into one of the most graphic and eerie tales that will leave you utterly speechless. The subtle use of horror and the realistic vibe you get from the S&M leather scene, make your eyes pop with glee! Al Pacino gives a staggering performance, and personally, watching him dance in this film makes me all giddy inside!

Cruising did leave me a bit bewildered. Even after multiple viewings, there are still some unanswered questions. That doesn't make me dislike it in any way. I think that was what was intended.

Wow! I cannot believe I came across this: http://www.evil-g.com/boytoysmain.html - An action figure version of William Friedkin's Cruising! Hah!

This is one of my biggest guilty pleasures EVER!!!

This was so cheesy! I loved every minute of it! Even the little details of the film are amusing. The lead character is a detective in New York, who is originally from Sicily, and he, along with the entire New York cast (including the president of the United States), speaks only German. I was laughing the entire time! What a perfectly fucked up film! I was only disappointed by the fact that the killer condoms weren't from outer space. I had anticipated them being a hostile alien race coming to Earth to ensure the destruction of mankind. Still highly entertaining though! What more can you expect from Troma, right?!

Can't lie.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!

I enjoyed this far more than Capote! The acting was ten times better, and it showed a more gentle side to Truman. Daniel Craig was absolutely fantastic! I really sympathized with his character.

Loved the first half! Second half sort of let me down.

A lesser-known work by Fassbinder, but it is equally as brilliant as his more popular films. The story centers on a woman who suffers from postpartum depression after giving birth to her second child. She begins to get these intense feelings of fear, and eventually resorts to Valium and Cognac to numb these feelings. Her hostile mother-in-law and sister-in-law do not help her situation, and her husband may very well not exist. She seeks solace in the doctor across the street, but even he does not have the capability to help her for very long. Fassbinder's films tend to end in tragedy, and by the way this film moves, from the very beginning you suspect that it will. Fear of Fear is perfectly paced, and the characters are all very captivating. Thrown in are a few Fassbinder regulars, which is always a treat! Any true Fassbinder fan is sure to enjoy this film.

The Marriage of Maria Braun is a deeply affecting, poised drama set in Germany during WWII, and its aftermath. The first 40 minutes or so moved uncharacteristically fast for a Fassbinder film. Once he stopped focusing on Maria Braun's surroundings, and more on her actual character, this film was finally able to capture my undivided attention, and became truly hypnotic, like only a Fassbinder film can. There was no need for extensive, drawn-out combat sequences in order to achieve the film's significance. Through Maria Braun and her relationships, you gain a strong insight into what life was like back in post WWII Germany.

I've heard some critics refer to his films as "cold" and "emotionless". Rainer Werner Fassbinder has the remarkable ability to allow the audience to feel exceptionally close to his characters, whilst also keeping us at a safe distance. I suppose I can see how this aspect of his filmmaking style could be misinterpreted as "cold" or "emotionless", but just because the characters are not continuously gushing with "emotion" in every single frame, doesn't mean it's not possible for you to feel anything from them.

Though I did love The Marriage of Maria Braun, I don't think I can say it is Fassbinder's "masterpiece", as I've heard so many others refer to it. Nevertheless, the story is truly bold and the film itself is definitely stunning! In addition to its greatness, Hanna Schygulla's flawless performance as Maria Braun is quite possibly the finest of her career!

PATTY S. and Sam Elliot! Yes! Well, this has to be one of my biggest guilty pleasures! It's a real "manly" film, but with an actual story, an excellent soundtrack, and some fabulous '80s cheese! Not to mention, Jeff Healey, who fronts the band that serves as the Double Deuce's main act nearly every night!

I remember thinking Road House was one of the best films in the world when I was a kid! I also had a thing for Patrick Swayze films. No idea why, but whenever a new movie came out with him in it, I was there! Anyway, I knew I loved Road House when I was a child, but I couldn't seem to remember all of the details, so I decided to re-watch it last week. And honestly, I still think it's brilliant! I know I should be shot for saying that, but I really do love this movie! The dialog is stunning! Road House gives us some of the cheesiest lines known to man! Some notable ones include: "The Double Douche", "Come on, chicken dick", and my personal favourite, "I fuck guys like you in prison!" There is without a doubt some slight homoeroticism to Road House. Everybody is aware of it, but the fact that they try so hard to ignore it, makes this movie even more amusing!

If you don't take it too seriously, Road House can be an excellent film! It's not a "oh my God, this film just changed my life" type of movie, but it's highly entertaining!

This was exactly what I wanted it to be! A mindless slasher flick with some super cheesy moments! Just like the good ol' days! It's not meant to be scary or intelligent. Just fun! Everyone's brain needs a rest every now and again! The slasher genre should be proud of this lovely little addition! There should be more gay slasher flicks anyway!