My Favorite Movies

One of the best films of all time, based and adapted from my favourite play of all time, Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour, directed by Billy Wyler. Best suicide drama ever. Shirley Maclaine breaks my heart every time I watch. And it is not supposed to be about lesbianism as much as it is about the power of a lie--according to Lillian Hellman herself.

A fun movie. Shirley Maclaine plays her best role as Charity Hope Valentine. One of my favourite American musicals. Shirley is an excellent performer all around; she takes my breath away ! Many awesome numbers, including "If My Friends Could See Me Now", "Hey, Big Spender", "Rhythm of Life", and "I'm A Brass Band". Sammy Davis Jr plays Daddy and is a pleasure to watch. My favourite Fosse film yet !

Dame Maggie Smith blows the audience away. She plays an excellent role here as Jean Brodie, a progressive and fascist teacher at a conservative school for girls, Marcia Blaine. Pamela Franklin, as well as Robert Stephens (Maggie's husband at the time) also play alongside Dame Maggie in this MAG-nificent adaptation of Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. One of my all-time favourite stories.

Julie Andrews masters the role of Victoria Grant, a coluratura Soprano whose only wish is to become a famous performer in 1934 Paris. She stumbles across Carol Todd, or Toddy, played by the venerable Robert Preston, and the pair become singing sensations. It is a wonderful film that pokes fun at sexuality and provides a sense of true warmth. A delightful picture all-around with many excellent performances by Julie Andrews.

The best WWII story of all time. Heart-breaking, as well as heart-warming. Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley are magnificent. Depressing, but truthful. Ralph Fiennes is my absolute favourite. "I pardon you!"

Dame Maggie and the rest of the cast in this delicious picture left me in tears, I was laughing so hard. It's an awesome film, a must-see for a sure laugh. Rowan Atkinson does well, and although I don't like Patrick Swayze, he does well also.

Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins rock this original thriller/suspense picture. I love the lines, and I love the excellent acting.

Based on Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, this film disturbs the audience in a most delightful way. A must-see, for Malcolm McDowell dominates the picture ! A lovely, but violent tribute to "Singin' In The Rain" included !

A bloody good performance by Lily Tomlin ! :) Existentialism at its best. Directing at its mediocre stage. But the acting makes up for it. :) A thinker film.

Sandra Bullock, Fionnula Flanagan, Ellen Burstyn, and Maggie Smith (Dame) are the BEST in this fine film about the love and hate relationships that mothers have with their daughters, and vice-versa. A wonderful story and a great cast all-around. One of my all-time favourites. It is also one of the few chick flicks that I have ever enjoyed. Kudos !

An enchanting love story. Lena Headey is sexy and delicious in this one along with Celia Imri and Piper Perabo. A little confusing, but an excellent ending. Finally, the lesbians don't get a happy ending ! No Children's Hour to be had in sight !

I just love Dame Maggie pictures. Everyone, including Helen Mirren and Michael Gambon, does a wonderful job. I love all of the backstories and layers that are woven into the story. It's a great, original murder mystery. Not your typical Sherlock Holmes or Poirot line, either. If you haven't seen it, you've missed out !

Silly and cutesy, but worth a peek.

A warm, tender story of several Scorpioni (English women living in Italy) who take care of a little boy until they are forced to be taken into custody after Mussolini declares war. It is a touching story of civilized disobedience. Dames Maggie Smith and Judi Dench give a wonderful performace. I love Lily Tomlin as well. And I even like Cher. This is her only best film, in my opinion. Baird Wallace does a phenomenal job as Luca. :) Cheers to a great picture and a warm story !

Memorable Quotes:

Cher/Elsa: "Why are you helping me? You always hated me."
Maggie Smith/Lady Hester: "Because we're creatures from two different worlds, you and I. Because I have despised you, and you have laughed at me, the "Scorpioni". And because in spite of all that you've been very kind to us. And because we've both been very foolish women. We both put our trust in men who turned out to be...bastards."

"Vittorio."

"And Mussolini."

What a trip !

Different. Remarkable. A Thinker Film. Great acting. And I don't like Kirsten Dunst, but Kate Winslet was wonderful.