My Favorite Movies

Christopher Nolan continues the new dark Batman saga with one of the best all around movies I have ever seen. Everything about this movie was flawless: acting, directing, music, cinematography, camera angles, everything. Nolan perfectly blended light hearted humor with suspense and action. It scared you, may have even traumatized some... it toyed with your emotions, made you question your morals. This movie made you think! I have never, and probably will never, see a comic book movie that brought so much character emotions to the forefront as the Dark Knight did.

Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker makes me forget all about the iconic Jack Nicholson version. It's no contest really... Ledger's portrayal is probably my all time favorite movie character. He literally stole every scene he was in... he was crazy!

Overshadowed by Ledger was a brilliant performance by Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent aka Two Face. Christian Bale and the others did a great job, but Eckhart and Ledger really stole the show.

I can't say enough good things about this movie, it's one you have to see for yourself.

Gladiator is an epic, action-packed spectacle from the very first scene to the last.

It's visually stunning, and it's one of the most memorable movies of all time. The acting was top notch, with exceptionally strong performances by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. The heart-wrenching plot was amazing, and served to move and thrill the audience. The cinematography is great, and even the score was perfect. This film was more than deserving of the Best Picture Oscar of 2000.

The story is inspiring, and the protagonist Maximus (Crowe) is someone everyone can idolize. The opening scene is one of the best of all time. The epic battle scenes are well shot, and still hold high merits even against today's technology. The fight scenes in the Coliseum were breath-taking as well.

When the popular Gladiator reveals himself to the young Emperor and says:

"My My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.''

This is one of the most moving, inspirational scenes/quotes in cinema. It was perfect.

"This Ryan had better be worth it - he better go home and cure some disease or invent a longer-lasting light bulb."

Easily the greatest war movie ever made, Saving Private Ryan is one of the most unforgettable films of all time. Legendary director Steven Spielberg crafts a heroic story of a group of WWII D-Day survivors whose orders change to a questionable PR campaign to locate the last son of a devastated family who lost all their other sons.

Spielberg wastes no time with the most unforgettable realistic and brutal opening scene of all time when the troops land at the beach and thousands are unsuspectingly mowed down by machine gun fire. Widely considered the most graphic, and the best war scene in cinematic history, it is relentless and unnerving.

The cinematography was great and the screenplay was brilliant. SPR also boasts one of the most star-studded casts of all time that includes Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Giovanni Ribsi, Dennis Farina, Paul Giamatti, Tom Sizemore, Ed Burns, Ted Danson, and Nathan Fillion (Serenity). With the exception of Hanks, Barry Pepper delivered the greatest performance as the heroic, sharp-shooting sniper of the squad. This film also introduced Vin Diesel to the world.

Spielberg rightfully won an Oscar for Best Director, and the film itself was snubbed for Best Picture by, of all films, Shakespeare in Love. Don't miss Spielberg's heart-breaking masterpiece about the valor of men and war.

"Where's the sense of risking eight lives for one guy?"

Memento is one of the most captivating and mind-numbing movies of all time. 50 years from now, this film will stand out as one of the greatest cinematic accomplishments in our century.

Director Christopher Nolan continues to prove that he is one of the greatest directors of our time. Without his direction and the magnificent screenplay, this film is a dud. Without giving too much away, this film centers around Leonard (Guy Pearce) who suffers from short-term memory loss. Nolan does an excellent job of keeping the audience just as confused as the protagonist. This film works in reverse as Leonard attempts to piece together his brutal past through clues he left for himself in the form of tattoos and post-it notes.

Brilliant performance by the underrated Guy Pearce in this film noir. Also excellent performances in supporting roles by two Matrix alums: Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano.

Twisted, shocking, and unnerving, Memento is a cinematic masterpiece that demands multiple viewings.

This by far is one of the best movies of all time. It's completely original and ground breaking. The effects of this movie (nearly 10yrs later) have continued to ripple through time. For example, my last name is Anderson and every time I meet someone they smirk at me and chime in with: "Misterrrrrr Anderson..." Geez, but I don't mind really. Hell, this movie even made computer geeks and trench coats cool!

The Matrix, my friends, is cinema at its absolute greatest. It paved the way for a whole new genre of movies. #1 cult classic of all time. If you haven't seen this movie yet, then you have deprived yourself of one of the greatest experiences in cinema today.

Hands down, this is one of the best all around movies I have ever seen. I understand from Oscars stand-point that my previous statement is a joke, but c'mon.... I saw this 4 times in theaters because it absolutely blew me away. Maybe it's because I had no expectations for it going into it

This film has a very Quentin Tarantino-esque feel to it. It has everything: guns, girls, action, short and witty comedy, good dialog, mobsters, gangsters, hitmen, mystery, suspense, twists, Jewish people, EVERYTHING!

Great performances from Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis, and Ben Kinsley... I'm not a fan of Josh Hartnett or Lucy Liu, but they both put in pretty good performances. Liu's spunky attitude was contagious and cute to watch.

There's not much I can say about the plot without giving anything away. But do yourself a favor and watch it. A 2nd viewing might be necessary. Every time I watch it (which has been over 10 times now) I swear I find out something new.

This is a very slick, cool, and edgy film with great quotes and tons of great action..... A future cult classic... A MUST SEE!

Quick Review:
Justifiably so, The Return of the King won Best Picture at the Oscars. The final installment to the Lord of the Rings was an absolutely perfect conclusion to the greatest story ever told. If you are reading this then you probably have already seen the first two and, therefore, are aware of the story. This is arguably the best film of the three. However, I like to look at as a completion to one long, fantastic story.

The Lord of the Rings is the quintessential cinematic experience. It is a crowning achievement in cinematic history that will be relished for decades to come. It is the best fantasy, sci fi trilogy ever created. It's memorable and inspiring... It is a must see for everyone, no matter what your taste is.

Peter Jackson is an absolute genius...

Very deserving of the Best Picture Oscar of 2007. There really is nothing mind blowing about the plot. It follows a relatively linear story, but what sets this movie apart from others is the amazing acting and cinematography. It's intriguing from start to finish. The theme (You can't stop what's coming) was very cool and was echoed throughout the entire film.

Javier Bardem was the definition of bad ass in this movie! His performance is one of the best I have ever seen.

However, half a star was knocked off because the ending, for me, was a little anti-climatic. I didn't dislike it, but it didn't feel satisfying either. In conclusion, I loved it and you must see this one.

"Go get 'em, champ."

Ranked #4 on AFI top 100 movies of all time.

Arguably director Martin Scorsese's best film, and one of the biggest Oscar snubs in history when Raging Bull and Scorsese lost both Best Picture and Best Director to Robert Redford's Ordinary People.

This was a landmark film that chronicles the tumultuous career of boxing champion Jake LaMotta as he balances his success in the ring and his troubled domestic life.

Raging Bull is aesthetically brilliant, especially for its time in 1980. Although this film is about a boxer, the real story lies in LaMotta's building hallucinative paranoid jealousy that leads to unmitigated rage and, ultimately, his demise.

However, the few boxing matches we see are the best matches of all time. They were masterfully shot. Groundbreaking realism that set the standard for current boxing movies. It was the first film to show the painful, blood-spewing punches that the fighters endure.

Forget every performance Robert DeNiro has ever had because THIS is his greatest role of all time. Thank god he won the Oscar for Best Actor here! He delivered the greatest performance as a psychotically tenacious fighter in the ring, and an equally demented paranoid husband outside the ring. Joe Pesci also put in a performance of a lifetime as his manager and brother, Joey LaMotta.

A beautiful epic tale of the rise and fall of a great champion. Perfect in every way.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is easily the greatest sequel of all time (Godfather 2 might have an argument). After the Terminator was sent back to destroy John Connor's mother before he was born failed in the original, this time Skynet sent a far superior Terminator known as the T-1000, back in time to kill Connor at the age of 12.

Arnold Schwarzenegger returns, but in an unsuspected twist, he is the Terminator sent back in time to protect Connor. A very fit Linda Hamilton also returns as Sarah Connor, and she was excellent. The greatest addition to the cast was the new villain played by Robert Patrick.

T2 not only was an entertaining thrill ride, but it is also considered one of the most influential films in history for visual effects. With ground-breaking technology, T2 was the first film to use a CGI-generated main character, and it was the first to make use of natural human motion for a CG character. Terminator 2 is a great action film with a sensitive side, great directing by James Cameron, and breakthrough visual effects that forever changed film as we see it today.

I was a bit skeptical and hesitant to see Pans Labyrinth based on it's early reputation as a fairy tale. Being that I am over the age of 7, I'm not fascinated by them. However, as I learned from this movie, not all fairy tales are for children.

Pans Labyrinth is a masterpiece... It's the best movie of 2006, and possibly one of the best movies ever made.

It's rare that you find a movie that is so fundamentally sound. Guillermo Del Toro is a man of masterful vision and he executes perfectly. Rightful winner of Achievement in Cinematography and Achievement in Art Design, this film is breathtaking from start to finish. I personally have never witnessed a film that masterfully blended reality and fantasy as Del Toro has done in Pans Labyrinth.

This film centers around a young girl, Ofelia (played beautifully by young Ivana Baquero), who is forced to move to her mother's new husband's home in Spain (played to perfection by Sergi Lopez).. However, her new father is a tyrannical high-ranking military officer beset in a gruesome civil war. (This character is much how I would envision Hitler if he were taller and more masculine.) Immediately upon her arrival, Ofelia is unhappy in such a violent world that her reality begins to blur with her fantasy world. Her fantasy centers around a mysterious labyrinth and an unforgettable character: Pan, a faun. Ofelia's world soon comes crashing down in a battle of good vs evil in a spectacular, thrilling climax.

The scenes away from Ofelia that centered around her oppressive stepfather were some of the best shot war scenes in any movie. They were gritty and real. Lopez was cold and unforgiving in his brutal dictatorship. Easily one of the most cold-hearted characters in modern cinema.

The cinematography is breathtaking, the score is perfect, the acting is outstanding, and the plot is thrilling and engaging. Tip the hat to Mr. Guillermo Del Toro because this film was perfect....

In honor of Halloween, the Saw series continues to debut on Halloween weekend. And there is nothing more scary than Saw. It's not your traditional slasher horror flick... it's sick, twisted, and methodical acts of violence that will traumatize you.

The tricks and "games" Saw plays on his unsuspecting contestants is absolutely brutal. What would you do? I watch this movie and often put myself in the scenarios and I'm just blown away. This movie is intelligent for a gore-infested horror flick.

Despite it's morbidly gruesome execution, this movie teaches a valuable lesson at the core: don't waste your life, and simply stated, be a good person. All the tortured souls in this film were despicable in some way.

You absolutely won't see the ending coming. It blew me away I was so amazed by it! There hasn't been an ending this shocking since the 6th Sense. Your mouth will literary open and you will rewatch the movie so you can see how it all unfolded and pick up on the hints and tricks.

Truly a cult classic...

Brilliant...

3:10 to Yuma introduces the Western genre to a whole generation that hasn't seen a decent Western since Tombstone and Unforgiven. The story was brilliant and the cinematography was amazing. Christian Bale and Russell Crowe gave top 5 performances of their career, and Ben Foster all but stole every scene he was in.

Even if you're not a fan of Western's you will love this smart, action packed ride.

Clint Eastwood is the man.... Unforgiven won Best Picture of 1992, and deservingly so. This movie is well-acted, and the cinematography is great... a true masterpiece of it's time. This movie brings contemporary morals to the fore front, and asks you to question who or what is really righteous.

I know many critics here on Flixster find this movie boring, claiming it pales in comparison to action (and even Western) movies of today. That's ridiculous... What it lacks in eye popping effects and gun fights, it makes up for in heart wrenching thrills and edge of your seat suspense. The dialogue is sharp and memorable as well.

A shocking ending that unquestionably satisfies on all ends. The final showdown between Hackman and Eastwood is EPIC.

When the trailers appeared for this movie I thought for sure that this was going to be over-the-top. Some people still think it was, but I think the exact opposite. It was completely original... one of the most inspiring movies I've ever seen.

The movie was well acted from top to bottom, especially Gerard Butler. The CGI was visually amazing, and the fight scenes were incredible. I loved how it shifted from normal speed, to slow motion. Frank Miller's vision and style is extremely impressive and completely original. It was perfect... epic epic epic

My only complaint was that it dragged a little when Leonidis sought advice on that mountain... but whatever, it was a great movie. It is also extremely graphic... tons of blood, so be prepared if that makes you a little queezy. I can't say enough good things about this film.

Guys will be an awe of it's pure bad ass nature, and girls will be in awe of the awesome bodies of the Spartans.

Quick Review:
The 1st installment to, in my opinion, the greatest trilogy of all time needs little explanation. Just as Star Wars impacted an entire generation of people for decades, Lord of the Rings has influenced a whole new generation of audiences. There is no where you can go where people haven't heard about this masterpiece.

The Lord of the Rings is the ultimate movie-going experience. It's thrilling, inspirational, breathtaking, and it will dazzle and awe audiences of all ages and tastes. The characters are memorable, the music is astounding, the cinematography is exceptionally beautiful, the acting was top-shelf, the direction impeccable, the fight scenes were perfect... Get the point? This film is perfect.

Fellowship of the Ring is the 1st film in a series of three that does an exceptional job of establishing characters, setting up the plot, and building suspense and intrigue for future movies. This saga is one long story spread throughout three films, so the cliffhanger at the end of this one is brutal if you saw it in theaters! You had to wait a whole year to find out what happens next.

If you haven't seen this film yet, then you are missing out on the greatest story ever told.

Quick Review:

The Two Towers continues The Lord of the Rings saga. Director Peter Jackson executes in this follow-up perfectly. This film is just as memorable and breathtaking as the first one. With the first film setting the stage for the story, The Two Towers was able to open up and was a little more deeper and darker than it's predecessor.

One of the many highlights in this film was the comedic, but strong bond of friendship between Gimli the Dwarf and Legolas the Elf.

The greatest achievement in this film was the epic Battle at Helms Deep. This is hands down the greatest fantasy battle scene in cinematic history. It was dark and gritty... you could literally feel the fear those brave fighters felt. It was inspiring and one of the most heroic moments in the entire saga.

This spectacular sequel is a great installment to the greatest trilogy ever made.

"You've gotta ask your self a question. 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya.... punk?"

In probably his most iconic role, Clint Eastwood plays tough-as-nails inspector Harry Callahan who is hot on the trail of a lunatic muderer known as Scorpio.

Where have I been??? This film was released 38 years ago (1971) and it eluded me all this time. Dirty Harry sets many precedents for future action thrillers and for many loose-cannon cop dramas.

Gripping and inspirational, even today, this film questions the phoniness of justice when a murderer is afforded more rights than the people trying to capture him.

Very tense and realistic, especially for its time, this gem of a film must not be missed. Eastwood's performance is legendary, and his quotes have echoed through time and are still widely used today.

"Drainage! Drainage, Eli, you boy. Drained dry. I'm so sorry. Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"

Captivating and mesmerizing, There Will Be Blood is one of the most breath-taking films this decade. This film will not appeal to the masses, it is a film that embodies the fine craft of film making at it's very best.

There Will Be Blood is rich in plot with wonderful character development. Daniel Day-Lewis put in the finest performance of his career as Daniel Plainview. His portrayal of a man slowly descending to an unhinged maniac fueled by hatred and rage is absolutely brilliant. Overshadowed by Day-Lewis's excellent performance was Paul Dano. That's right ladies and gentlemen, Paul Dano! The typecast loser who starred in Little Miss Sunshine and The Girl Next Door. I was very impressed with his tremendous acting ability and how he was able to hold his own against a veteran like Day-Lewis.

The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous, and the camera work was perfect. A beautifully shot film that deserved to win a Best Picture Oscar had it not come out the same year as No Country For Old Men.

My only complaints would be the score. I did not feel the tone or the beat enhanced many of the scenes. It tended to be too loud in certain situations, and sometimes, it just sounded awkward.

Winner of 2 Academy Awards for Best Actor (Day-Lewis) and Cinematography, There Will Be Blood is a film that must not be missed for all who appreciate great acting and epic film making. A fine gem of a movie...

"I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people. "

Since I am the last person on Earth to see this film, I guess I can skip the plot introduction because we all know what it's about.

Universally renowned by critics and viewers alike, Wall-E proves that Pixar is the elite driving force in animation today. Since the film has appeared on nearly every "Best of..." lists for 2008, I went into this film expecting a masterpiece. Initially after viewing it, I must admit I was a bit underwhelmed. But I gave it a few days to think about it, and concluded that my prior reaction was due in part to bloated expectations.

First, Wall-E is the only kids movie that I can think of that serves to entertain children, but engage adults. These two groups can watch the same movie but, in fact, be watching two totally different messages. Nuts right? Let me explain... kids will be awed by the grandeur of the effects and the bright colors and the adventures of traveling through space. The effects are mind-blowing!

But in this sweet little film are many underlying themes that adults can relate to. It deals with the hardships of being alone, love at first sight, being relevant, taking care of the environment, obesity and staying active, and the notion that humans rely too heavily on computers.

When Eve, who is programmed to follow orders, disobeys a directive to save Wall-E was one of the most heart-warming moments in modern cinema.

There was a scene when the captain was so clueless about what Earth was, or a sea, or dancing that he needed to ask the computer. This is chillingly symbolic of our society's reliance on computers.

The guys at Pixar managed to accomplish all this with the smallest amount of dialog. Now THAT'S a feat worthy of a "masterpiece" title.

50 years from now, everyone will still know the name Wall-E. A modern classic that will undoubtedly withstand the constraints of time. Wall-E is one of the most unforgettable characters ever.

This movie came out when I was in middle/high school (aka too cool for cartoons)... and 14 years after it's release I finally see what many herald as the greatest Disney movie of all time. And, well, I'm inclined to agree.

I gave it 5 stars, but I didn't necessarily love it so much to the point where I will rave about it. It is still just a kids movie. It's simple, but it's probably the best animated Disney movie... especially during it's time.

It's amazing how I knew all the characters names and I knew the words to all the songs... but I have never seen the movie before! That says a lot about how this movie has impacted our culture.

It's a heartwarming and fun adventure that many will enjoy.

Finally got around to seeing this last night... and I was completely surprised! This is a GREAT movie. It's funny, witty, and charming.

I wondered how one year could see two comedies based on unexpected pregnancy (the other being Knocked Up), but they both proved worthy enough. I'm a big fan of Knocked Up because I'm still a college kid at heart, so I enjoy the crude humor at times when it is well done. But Juno blows it out of the park.

By far, the best thing about this movie would be the dialogue. There are numerous one-liners that are probably posted on people's profiles every where. Ellen Page was amazing and funny, I can't wait to see what else she will do. Every character was well casted and did an amazing job (notably Jennifer Garner who doesn't usually impress me).

What about that soundtrack? Where do you find stuff like that? It's nothing I would blare on a system, but it was perfect for this movie. It was catchy and quirky, you just can't help but to bob your heard to it.

Juno was definitely worth a Best Picture nod, it might not have been better than No Country for Old Men or even Atonement, but I can definitely pop this in any day of the week and re-watch it, and that's hard to find in comedies these days.

Have you ever been involved in a conversation with a group of charismatic people where the stories get crazier and crazier, but yet you're having the time of your life and laughing so hard that you nearly piss yourself? Yea, that's what this movie feels like.

The performances from EVERYBODY were phenomenal, especially Abigial Breslin... it's a shame she didn't get the Oscar for this one.

Little Miss Sunshine cracked me up throughout the entire movie. I loved how it was completely original.... 1 star off however for a very awkward ending with everyone dancing on the stage. It's one of those moments that made my hair stand up... but more so out of embarrassment rather than that good fuzzy feeling. It was a necessary ending, however, for such a charming movie.

Walk the Line is hands down the best biographical film I've ever seen.

The story in general is captivating. There are aspects of Johnny Cash's life I never knew about that was entertaining to watch. This film details his hard younger life and is subsequent rise to country music stardom. He toured with Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis... wow, that must've been a hell of a tour. During this time he meets fellow singer June Carter, whom he falls in love with despite being married. The conflicts that arose are struggles I never knew Cash dealt with. It was amazing to see the hardships he had to overcome to become a legend. This film also shows what inspired some of his most famous hit songs, like "Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire."

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon did the best acting of their careers. They both had to sing with their own voices, that's the truly inspiring, Oscar-worthy part of their performances. Phoenix's role called for more versatile acting, which he performed perfectly. Yes, Reese's character had an annoying voice, but she pulled it off perfectly. I'm glad she won Best Actress that year, but I feel that Phoenix's performance was leagues better (Seymor Hoffman won it that year for Capote).

This is a must-see, eye-opening biographical drama. All fans of Johnny Cash should own this film.

One word: AMAZING!

Everything about this movie was exceptional! I am astonished it didn't get a nomination for Best Picture of 2007, or even any other nominations. The only one it received was Best Supporting Actress for Amy Ryan who, in my opinion, came across as typical and flat... I've seen better crackheads in worse movies.

Ben Affleck did a great job directing this film... and his brother Casey hit a grand slam performance. Coming into this film, I didn't buy into him being a wise-talking tough guy... but he was real convincing and borderline bad ass in this movie. For all you short skinny guys out there, here's a new role model. This movie is set in Boston and uses its residents as small roles in the movie, which gave it a very authentic Bean Town feel. It was gritty and ruthless.

This movie tackles so many challenging questions. Just when you think it's about to end, it doesn't. It's a very smart, intellectual movie. The choices Casey's character had to make were gut wrenching... I don't know what I would've done. Each decision some how was simultaneously wrong and right.

Gone Baby Gone is the sleeper hit of 2007. It's intriguing and eye-opening, but at the same time immensely tragic.

Perry: Did your dad love you?
Harry: Only when I dressed up like a beer bottle, how about you?
Perry: Well, he used to beat me in Morse code, so it's possible, but he never said the words.

The best movie nobody saw in 2005, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is one of the most entertaining buddy films I have seen since In Bruges. From director Shane Black, who brought us the widely successful Lethal Weapon, this film shares similar traits to the franchise.

Robert Downey Jr. is at the top of his game as Harry, the small time crook who is accidentally cast as a detective for a film. Val Kilmer is also exceptionally great as "Gay" Perry, the real life detective hired to tutor Harry on how to be a real detective. On the job, Harry and Perry find themselves entrenched in a complex case full of mystery and betrayal. In comes Harry's high school crush from small-town Indiana, Harmony (played by the beautiful Michelle Monaghan). What ensues is an action-packed ride full of suspense and hilarious chaos.

What really sets Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang apart from similar detective crime dramas is the fun, witty dialog. The chemistry between Kilmer and Downey Jr is unprecedented. This is one of the most quotable movies I have seen in a long time. There are a lot of hilarious moments stemming from Downey's character. Also this is definitely a breakout performance for Michelle Monaghan.

I also found the use of Downey's narration to be absolutely perfect for this film. It reassures the notion that this movie doesn't take itself too seriously. It was funny, amusing, and it served a purpose. Typically this method of storytelling comes across as lazy, but the director effectively inserts the witty narrations to perfection.I know everyone cracked up when Abe Lincoln and Elvis walked through the hospital door during one of his clever narrations.

Only negative marks are for some choppy editing, and some minor plot holes. But it's excusable in my opinion because this is one of the most fun and entertaining films I have seen in a while. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is black comedy at its absolute best.

If you recently enjoyed In Bruges then you will love this hidden gem.

Perry: Look up "idiot" in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?
Harry: A picture of me?
Perry: No! The definition of the word idiot, which you f*cking are!

Mulholland Drive will not be liked by many because it is absolutely mind-numbing!

This sensual film explores the inner-sensations and emotions sparked by anger and jealousy. I have never watched a film that picked at one's intelligence as much as Mulholland Drive.

The story centers around a mysterious woman who is suffering from amnesia after a fatal car crash who is befriended by an innocent, perky aspiring actress (played by Naomi Watts). The intricate plot incorporates several other story lines that slowly unravel to form a much bigger picture. The plot is nothing short of a masterpiece. It's mind-blowing and intelligent... the twists will baffle many. Every scene and all the characters are immensely symbolic, and they all play a vital role in completing the puzzle.

The director did a fantastic job. The lighting, the camera angles, and the tension were all perfect. David Lynch hit a grand slam with this film. The acting was believable from most, but Naomi Watts did a remarkable job. Her performance was Oscar-worthy.

Mulholland Drive is a thinking man's film. If you enjoy being intellectually challenged, or if you are open to an intricate, complex plot that will have you begging for answers, then this film is for you. This is definitely not a passive film... every scene offers something of value. Regardless of whether you liked it or not, you will probably be searching the internet trying to make sense of it all.

PS... I think this is a nice glimpse into the mind of a woman: erratic, crazy, passionate, jealous, and vengeful :)

"Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent."

Thank You For Smoking is one of the smartest, wittiest films I have ever seen. It's a satire that MOCKS smoking. A lot of people viewed it as a "pro smoking" film when in fact it's just the opposite. It's lighthearted and achieves it's goal by not stepping on any toes, and it doesn't shove it's message down the viewer's throat. Just a cool fact: there were NO cigarettes smoked in this film... not one.

Thank You For Smoking is a funny satire that centers around the chief spokesperson for a cigarette company called Big Tobacco, Nick Naylor (played by Aaron Eckhart). Naylor's only job is to "spin" stories, make tobacco appear to be safe and fun, and talk his way out of tough situations. Nick Naylor is the guy deep down that everyone wishes they could be.

Aaron Eckhart is the shinning star in this film. This is the film that got me interested in Eckhart as a respected actor... then came The Dark Knight to solidify that assumption. William H. Macy and J.K. Simmons were excellent in their supporting roles. The story is fun and engaging with a truly brilliant and witty climax.

One of the most endearing qualities of this film is it's sharp, witty dialog. It's exceptionally smart and humorous. It will open your eyes to just how manipulative the Tobacco Industry really is, and it will open your eyes to how far they will go for the almighty dollar.

You really have to see it to believe it... Trust me...

"My job requires a certain... moral flexibility."

"We live in the trenches out there. We fight. We try not to be killed, but sometimes we are. That's all."

Winner of the Best Picture Oscar in 1930, All Quiet on the Western Front is one of the most gritty anti-war films ever made. 79 years later, the impact of this film is still relevant today. Very few films capture the heart-wrenching reality of the effects of war on soldiers as this dated gem. This film perfectly illustrates the innocence that is lost in a pointless war.

Not enough can be said about the cinematography of this film. It was absolutely brilliant for it's time. There were moments that I felt like I was watching a modern film. The war scenes were amazingly shot for 1930. Gripping and real...

The acting was a bit exaggerated and the editing was very choppy. It was also a bit longer than it needed to be.

This film was on the original AFI top 100 list, and deservingly so. It will often be overlooked because of it's age, but this is truly one of the greatest classic war films with a tragically beautiful conclusion.

"Rosebud..."

LANDMARK film in cinema. Citizen Kane is widely considered the greatest film of all time, most notably by AFI.

This is the film that invented many aspects in film making that we still see today. Most notably "twist" endings and unique camera angles and panning. Although the big "twist" at the end is not as shocking in present time as it was in the 1940's, it's still a brilliant cinematic achievement.

Citizen Kane is a story centered around self-titled newspaper mogul Charles Foster Kane. The film begins with Kane on his deathbed uttering his mysterious final words: "Rosebud." The director Orson Welles then effectively uses flashbacks and news reels to retell Kane's life and discover the significance behind his mysterious final words.

Orson Welles, who also starred in this film, gave a brilliant performance as Kane.

A bit slow moving at times, and it has certainly dated. But no one can deny the monumental achievements, and it's landmark effects on cinema.

"What do you think you are, for Chrissake, crazy or somethin'? Well you're not! You're not! You're no crazier than the average asshole out walkin' around on the streets and that's it."

Ranked 33 on AFI top 100, was as high as 20 in 1998.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is about a con looking to escape jail time by getting himself checked into a mental hospital. His rebellious demeanor and crazy antics win over the respect and admiration of his fellow patients but stirs up the wrath of the oppressive nurse who runs the ward.

Cuckoos Nest took home 5 Oscars in 1976 including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. All absolutely deserving....

None more so than Jack Nicholson for his portrayal as R.P. McMurphy. It was quite possibly his greatest role of all time, even better than his performance as The Joker.

This film will make you laugh and smile, but yet it is also heart-wrenching and tragic. It's an eye-opening film into the inhumane treatment of those deemed "mentally ill." This film shows us that a lot of these people don't have "problems," they're just different from the norm and they have difficulty fitting in with the rest of society. That doesn't make them "ill" nor does it justify them being locked up in a ward being fed happy pills all day. Condemning people because they're different is the essence of fascism.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a brilliant eye-opening masterpiece with some truly inspiring performances. Everyone should see this film...

"Power is when we have every justification to kill, and we don't."

Winner of 7 Oscars including Best Picture in 1993, Schindler's List is also currently ranked #8 on the AFI top 100 films.

This is a tough film to watch because it is so emotional and so powerful that it's almost breathtaking. Schindler's List is a true story about Osker Schindler, a Nazi businessman, who employed only Jews at his factory in order to save them from the gas chamber during the Holocaust.

One of the toughest things about this film is the brutal and harsh realism that's forced on the viewer. Scores of innocent men, women, and children are viciously shot for no reason. It's one of the most eye-opening films of all time. You always hear about the carnage Hitler imposed on the Jews in grade school, but Schindler's List really helps bring the reality of these atrocities to life.

Steven Spielberg directed probably his greatest film here, and won an Oscar for his effort. The cinematography was great as well. The black and white really helped set the somber mood for this period piece. Liam Neeson as Schindler was flawless, I'm surprised he did not win the Oscar for this performance. Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley also delivered strong performances.

The only thing weighing this film down is the marathon length of 3 hours and 15 minutes. Not only is it hard to watch a 2nd time because of it's length, but also the material is hard to stomach again. The ending is one of the most powerful conclusions to a film I have ever seen. Bravo Mr. Spielberg. Bravo.

"Here's looking at you, kid."

One of the most unforgettable classics of all time, Casablanca is a touching story about love and fate. Set in Casablanca, quick-witted, tough-as-nails ritzy nightclub owner Rick (Humphrey Bogart) is unhinged at the chance encounter with Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), the woman he quickly fell in love with many years ago in Paris that disappeared on him.

Simply put, Casablanca is one of the greatest stories ever told. The script was perfect. Winner of the 1944 Oscar for Best Picture, and currently ranked #11 on the AFI top 250.

Everything about this film was flawless: the cinematography, the directing, the camera angles, the effective use of lighting, and the wonderful acting. Bogart and Bergman had sensational chemistry together. You didn't need music or words, you could FEEL the passion they had for each other. Unforgettable and inspiring performances.

A flawless cinematic achievement, Casablanca is still just as relevant and engaging today as it was in the 1940's. Brilliant.

"We'll always have Paris."

"I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley."

Classic film on the AFI top 100 list (#19).

Released in 1954, On the Waterfront is just as powerful today. Brilliantly crafted by Elia Kazan, this film tells the story of an ex-Prize Fighter (Terry Malloy played by the great Marlon Brando) who works for a corrupt gang leader named Johnny Friendly. When a dock worker speaks out against Friendly, Terry and some other thugs are sent out to silence the snitch. By chance, Terry meets the guy's sister, and a forbidden relationship ensues that will change life on the waterfront forever.

Marlon Brando gives a breakout performance here in what is probably his greatest performance of all time.

Even if you haven't seen this film, you have probably heard the "I could been a contenda" speech which speaks volumes about it's everlasting impact through time.

On the Waterfront justifiably dominated the Oscars in 1955 winning 8 Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Brando), and Best Actress.

A gritty tale of revenge and relevance... the little guy sticking it to the big guy. Often brutal to watch, but On the Waterfront is a film that everyone should see.

"Hey, you wanna hear my philosophy of life? Do it to him before he does it to you."

This review is coming from someone who has ZERO knowledge of the comic book this film was adapted from.

Watchmen is unlike any superhero movie I have ever seen. It's like a perfect blend of Fantastic Four, The Dark Knight, Iron Man, and Sin City.

Watchmen introduces us to a group of superheroes who aren't really "super"... they are human beings with uncanny talents (for example, the character Adrian was labeled "The Smartest Man in the World"), except for Dr. Manhatten who has superhero powers due to a tragic experiment gone wrong. I won't delve into the characters much because that would require a tremendous amount of space. But what I loved about these characters is that they're all unique. Watching them and learning about them was quite the experience. And I think director Zack Snyder made a perfect decision in casting lesser-known actors. Sometimes a big reputation can detract from a character.

I will say, however, Rorschach is one of the coolest characters of all time.

Watchmen is not your typical superhero flick that you can watch with the kiddies. It's extremely graphic, relentlessly real, deep, dark, and very sexual. The story line is very complex, and I have heard people complain that they were confused. I didn't find it confusing, but I admit that is a bit complex.

There's something for everybody in this film.... there's some truly great ass-kicking action scenes, there's some side stories of romance, there's mystery and intrigue, and it's all visually amazing.

My only problem with this film is the frequent appearance of Dr. Manhattans penis. Yes, I know he is blue and immortal, and sort of not human, but it was hard to take him seriously with his wang dangling every where. Would it have killed the script to put some underwear on him?? C'mon... every time he appeared on the screen the theater burst out into school girl giggles.

It's a beautifully crafted, sweeping epic at close to 3 hours long... and I think it could've been longer. Stylish and cool, Watchmen is a mesmerizing spectacle and a welcome escape from recent childish Marvel films.

"There's no guilt in baseball, and it's never boring... which makes it like sex. There's never been a ballplayer slept with me who didn't have the best year of his career. Making love is like hitting a baseball: you just gotta relax and concentrate. Besides, I'd never sleep with a player hitting under .250... not unless he had a lot of RBIs and was a great glove man up the middle."


Ranked #5 on AFI's top 10 sports movies of all time.


There are a ton of movies based on America's Greatest Pastime - baseball - but few are as authentic as Bull Durham. This film is about a woman who is a die-hard fan of the minor league team the Durham Bulls. Every season she sleeps with one player, and they go on to have the best season of their career. This season a disgruntled 12 year veteran (Crash, played by Kevin Costner) is called down to mentor a young wild pitching prospect with a million dollar arm, but no brains (Nuke, played by Tim Robbins).


"From what I hear, you couldn't hit water if you fell out of a fucking boat."


Writer and Director Ron Shelton played minor league baseball for 5 years, and he used a lot of his personal experience as a basis for this story. Shelton delivers one of the most accurate portrayals of minor league baseball - both on and off the field. There was a scene where Costner caught a routine pop up foul as a catcher. Shelton said he added scenes like this because movies tend to ignore the every day plays in baseball. Shelton received an Oscar nomination for Screenplay, and he won numerous other smaller Screenplay Awards.


"Well, he fucks like he pitches - sorta all over the place."


Young Kevin Costner (33 years old) was great in this film. He delivered a strong performance that really catches the essence of disgruntled minor league vets. Tim Robbins was good as well in a bit of an unusual role for him. Susan Sarandon was brilliant as the temptress. She actually won a few Best Actress awards for this role.


Fun fact: Bull Durham is the movie where Robbins and Sarandon met, and our now married. They both have stated that of all the films they have made during their respective careers, this remains their personal favorite.


A wonderful timeless baseball classic that uses the diamond as merely a stage... the real story here is the reality of what takes place off the field. Both a sports movie and a romantic comedy, Bull Durham is a well-balanced, original tale that perfectly avoids typical sports cliches.


"Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days.... Goodnight."

I'm officially jumping on board the "reboot" bandwagon. First Batman and now Star Trek. To hell with remakes, sequels, and prequels. JJ Abrams blew this reboot out of the water! I have never seen a Star Trek movie and I hated the TV show as a kid, and I knew nothing about the characters or storyline... and I loved it.

Abram's Star Trek is fresh and modern. It's visually breath-taking with many galactic battles sure to please any sci-fi fan. The story was compelling and full of emotion. All the characters were given depth and were well developed. I loved that Abrams chose lesser known actors for the 2 main parts of young Capt. Kirk and Spoc. Both did excellent jobs, especially Chris Pine as Kirk. Blended in perfectly was a cast of bigger names: Eric Bana as the villain Nero, Karl Urban as Bones, John Cho from Harold and Kumar, and the hilarious Simon Pegg as Scotty was a great source of comedic relief.

No doubt, Star Trek is no longer a nerds film... Abrams has masterfully breathed new, modern air into the franchise. Great special effects, solid acting, wonderful direction, timely humor, and an engaging storyline help make Star Trek one of the best films of 2009.

"In the casino, the cardinal rule is to keep them playing and to keep them coming back. The longer they play, the more they lose, and in the end, we get it all."

Legendary director Martin Scorsese triumphantly teams up for a third time with tough-guys Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci for yet another memorable mob hit (Goodfellas and Raging Bull being the other two). Casino is an in-depth, pseudo-documentary of how life is for a casino manager in the high stakes life of Las Vegas and the mob.

Nobody captures the mob lifestyle like Scorsese. He captures the ties between the mob and Vegas perfectly. His direction was perfect... The acting was fantastic all around, especially Joe Pesci. I love DeNiro, and he did a fine job, but Pesci really lived his role.

A completely underrated film... I'd rank it as one of Scorsese's best. It's just as good as Goodfellas in my opinion.

"Listen to me very carefully. There are three ways of doing things around here: the right way, the wrong way, and the way that *I* do it. You understand?"

Classic Alfred Hitchcock tale about a motel clerk and his mysterious mother's obsession with homicide. Psycho is one of the all time greatest horror films ever made, and it is currently ranked #14 on AFI's top 100 Film's. Hitchcock's signature twist and flare is evident throughout the film.

The infamous shower scene created a genuine fear of showering in generations of moviegoers. It's quite an accomplishment to elicit that kind of fear over a large population. Janet Leigh was unforgettable in her short role as the poor shower victim. Anthony Perkins was also stellar as the infamous Norman Bates.

Released in 1960, there's clearly some aging on this film. But it still stands as one of the best horror movies ever made, and the ending is still considered to be one of the most shocking in film history. Psycho is Alfred Hitchcock at his best.

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the self-titled role as the Terminator. This is one of the most iconic, and most recognizable roles in cinema history. This is Arnold's career defining role that ultimately secured his status as a killing machine and the ultimate action star for years to come.

This film centers around a cyborg sent back in time to destroy the mother, Sarah Connor, of a future leader. The leader of the future resistance, John Connor, also sent a man back in time to protect her. Linda Hamilton was stellar as the dame in distress/heroine.

James Cameron's The Terminator is a dark, sleek 80's action flick that is both tense and thrilling. It's one of the most memorable and iconic action films of all time.

"The boy they brought back is not my son.

Clint Eastwood's Changeling is a chilling tale based on a true story of a mother whose kidnapped son is returned to her, but in a gut-wrenching twist, the boy turns out not to be hers.

Eastwood's historical period piece is a thoroughly engrossing and haunting film. Due to the fact that it is a true story, it makes Changeling a heart-breaking and sad experience. Eastwood's work here is impeccable. The set was flawless, and the directing was smooth and thoroughly engaging. It's a shame he didn't receive an Oscar nomination, but his Cinematographer, Tom Stern, rightfully was nominated.

Also receiving an Oscar nom was Angelina Jolie. This is by far one of her greatest performances to date. She really immersed herself into the role, and where others would have over-exaggerated the performance, she nailed it. Her performance made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I also thought John Malkovich was stellar as a strong advocate of the despairing mother in her fight against the LA Police Department.

And on a side tangent... Wow, I can't believe the utter corruption of the LAPD in the 1920s! This was an eye-opening piece, and I'm glad Mrs. Collins fought the police and brought about a huge change in policy.

An underrated sleeper hit of 2008, Changeling is a powerful and engrossing drama that reminds us that even in the face of certain misery, there is always hope. Changeling is unforgettable.

I don't think I am capable of writing a review that will do justice to this great film. Just go read my buddy Cal's review, haha. Gran Torino is one of the best all around films of 2008. It was snubbed by the Oscars (of course) in almost every category.

First, I'd like to thank god for giving us Clint Eastwood. This is just another great piece of work in his illustrious resume. Eastwood both directed and starred in this film, and his visual flare for directing is amazing. Gran Torino is dark, sleek, and edgy. It's as endearing as it is realistically brutal, sprinkled with a dash of light-hearted humor makes this recipe a success.

Gran Torino gets the full 5 stars from me. This film will never get old to me. Perfect.