My Favorite Movies

Definitely not for everyone. Only by reading the book I have understood why it had to wait so long to be filmed (Where the Buffalo Roam with Bill Murray is not an adaptation). Overwhelming with colors, pure insanity and the bitter truth about hippie era. A must-see for fans of Gilliam/Depp/the sixties (fans of so called recreational drugs as well).

Unappreciated by critics, but loved by me and many I know (even many more I don't know. I unite with you all, dudes & dudettes!). Packed with twisted humour, hilarious dialogues and f-words. Goodman, who appears constantly in Coens' pictures, has made his best performance in years. Great supporting roles, just can't find any flaws in this movie. Man.

This is ultimate sci-fi classic, a fairy tale about robots, and as someone wrote, the film about the will of life. Scott's another (after Alien) succesful trial with such difficult genre, as sci-fi is, combined with some film-noir elements. I 'm not the biggest admirer of Vangelis but his soundtrack is just great. Indisputably five star picture.

One of the most laid-back movies I've ever seen. Ghost Dog character has been written especially for Whitaker who seems to perform the role effortlessy. Easy, dream-like photography of Muller plus the score made by RZA (whose Jim Jarmush is huge fan), plus cool cross-over of two "ancient tribes" equals incredibly suggestive film. I went to cinema three times to watch it, word is bond!

The top of my very few beloved films about vampires. Coppola's homage to vampire movie subgenre (practically to the history of cinema itself) with many juicy references. Nevermind wooden (as usual) performance of Reeves, or Ryder - Oldman is the man (as usual). A love story with the music composed by our Wojciech Kilar, straight out of Katowice!

The climate of Berkeley in the late 60's, experiments on people with exotic psychedelics/sensory deprivation, great acting (Hurt), and overwhelming SFX - what more can you want?

This is the best horror movie, ever. Period. (Interesting thing because Stephen King's book is total rubbish.) If you haven't seen The Shining,you can't be treated seriously, at least not by me.

One of my personal cheer up films as well as one of Burton's favourite. So if you suddenly lack of enthusiasm towards anything you want it to maintain, choose Ed Wood - the story of a man in angora. Believe me: I am Criswell, I know all.

Very dark, dirty (not to say 'sleazy', in a sexual way), cold (with some 'hot' moments as well), and ambitious - as for sci-fi field - picture of the divine director, Terry Gilliam. Acting of a very high hallmark (Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Christopher Plummer, and, to be remembered, best for years Bruce Willis. My Oscar for scene in which he's crying to an old song heard on car radio). Absolute a must-see (if not a must-have) for all my people.

The cinematography, the cast, the music, the story - all just great. A must-see for every fan of Jim Jarmush/Johnny Depp/Neil Young/William Blake.

Neil Jordan (The Company of Wolves, Crying Game) has knocked me down again. Interview (...) provides vampiric subgenre with gender issues and sexual understatement, misery of immortal life and remorse. Being metaphysical outcast was never an easy thing, but children of the night weren't always so human thus miserable. I'm not familiar with Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles but it's a matter of time. The movie so great that even scientologist doesn't bother.

My favourite Miyazaki's film, which left behind Princess Mononoke and his other works. Animated top shelf fantasy for all.

It's not documentary nor so called mockumentary, rather something in between. Well (and quite originally) narrated story of Manchester music scene and its influence upon the world (that is mainstream). For music lovers and fans of Steve Coogan.

There is something wonderfully disturbing about Donnie Darko: strange visions, being in a particular age, overwhelming sense of alienation, bigotry. Time traveling wasn't essential for me, maybe that's why I found the close incoherent. The soundtrack pull together of the best songs of the 80's ("The Killing Moon", "Mad World", and most of all, Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart").

Next to mentioned parts of Batman and Rodriguez's Sin City, Hellboy is my favourite comic film. And again, to be honest, it's partially caused by sympathy to the demon character and the talent of his creator, Mike Mignola (original drawing manner, Gothic elements and great stories, similar to Dylan Dog or Constantine comic books). It's visible that the collaboration between Del Toro (Pan's Labirynth) and Mignola went very smoothly, even romance (non-existing in the original) between Red and Liz fits to the whole. About the cast: Ron Perlman set the record playing comic character at the age of 50, also having John Hurt in this kind of movie was just great. And I know on which summer-hit movie I'll go (Hellboy II: The Golden Army).

Western culture participants may not fully understand Crouching Tiger (...), and, unfortunately, I have to admit I was no exception (at least for the first time. I laughed my ass off on memorable scene of running on treetops). Parallel love stories which derives from folk tales, incredibly shot fight scenes (and for three hours movie you can expect a few), all in the ancient China. It's unusual the world (e.g. Hollywood) has given well deserved credit to this exotic beauty.

How to start bitching about anything in this one? Even pretty Keanu seems to put some effort to his role (actually the scene of despair at hospital's ward is one of the best pieces he's been ever capable to deliver). Divine Al is, as always, divine (best antichristian monologue to date), same with she-devil Connie Nielsen, but from completely different reasons. With no doubt this is the top position on my 'satanic' shelf.

Stop motion animation masterpiece made with musical impetus. I'm not a particular X-mas or Halloween holidays zealot, but it has nothing to do with this picture which is simply crafted.

First collaboration of Burton and Depp, two friends-to-be. Edward, Vincent-like, little bit retarded homunculus, thrown in the middle of evil suburbia resembles minority - harmless and innocent, but extremely strange what eventually leads to the (unsuccessful) lynch. Great alternative for X-mass pulp on telly.

I remember shivers even whilst watching few seconds of Batman on telly (the shortest/worst teasers in my life!). So watching it for the first time (I might've been 8-10 years old) was quite a thrill. Unlike most of comic books I was quite familiar with Batman, since Batman was my favourite hero. So at the right time some right people have met together in the right place and set very high standard for such seemingly trivial thing as screened comic books. I mean, Jack Nicholson playing the Joker? Come on!

Only the very few was able to achieve such a difficult goal as shooting sequel which is good at least as much as the first part. In most cases such achievement demands comparable cast and crew, the condition executed in this one. Somehow Batman Returns seems to be darker, but - what's more important - consequent in many ways. Everlasting respect for that, Mr Burton.

Master of pop Gothic has surprised his audience with (unexpectedly) good, ironic comedy. The main idea and many production concepts were inspired by sci-fi standards from the 50's, obligatorily class B. Mars Attacks! is a quirky pastiche with all-star cast, fully enjoyable for connoisseurs.

I haven't seen such affectionate film, without feeling embarrassed, for a long time. Big Fish, a story about the least easy of relations (father-son), the power of imagination and (the art of) passing away. This is far the most personal movie of Tim Burton (the realization of BF converged with the death of the director's father). McGregor and others are good, but outshined by Albert Finney's remarkable performance.

Corpse Bride is as great as The Nightmare. Formally it's not that pure (although entirely made in old-fashioned stop motion animation it has some CGI support) but who cares? Being dead is fun, especially in the Victorian era. Favourite bit: the skeletons on stage.

I think I've made myself clear about Schumacher's abortive Bats but I use the opportunity again and state: up to now there are three cinematic parts (soon four) of Batman: Burton's and Nolan's. British director brought very accurate quality to Batman film, so visible in Insomnia or The Prestige. Also choice of Christian Bale was very right, all cast is exceptional (for a comic flick). Ninjas, hallucinogens, the introduction of the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), ill as hell, revamped Batmobi, sweet (but wooden) Katie and moderately rewarding plot - all bathed in dark sepia. Can't wait to see The Dark Knight (25/07, UK)!

Very plastic movie (and I don't mean PCV), from smart introduction with jolly elf to the end credits. Unlike Harry Potter series, protagonists of Unfortunate Events doesn't depend on magic but their wit, science and some extraordinary skills. Carrey in another role requiring hours in make-up room, but he's OK in that one. One of these movies my niece and nephew will be entitled to watch (since uncle knows what's best for them).

Arthur Penn's classic from 1967 about most wanted couple of bank robbers from the Great Depression era. The real characters were far less beautiful (oh, Faye) and far more thick but eventually this is not a document. Anarchy, childish fooling around with machine guns, sublimation in least sublimed way (Clyde really suffered from impotence) and extremely violent, crushing climax. The pantheon of gangster movie genre.

So far The Witches of Eastwick is the only comedy on my 'satanic' shelf (I've realized some time ago I have a number of movies with an embodiment of the Evil one, very tempting role for an actor, always reserved for someone big, not to use word 'good'). The devil incarnate (Nicholson) reads women like an open book, wears eccentric outfits and is always willing to have sex. Prince charming from hell against three wise women against small town God-loving community. And cherries, plenty of cherries.

All-stars tour de force: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Jonathan Pryce, Kevin Spacey and Jonathan Pryce. Hell, even Alec 'Twat' Baldwin is quite quite here.

I don't own many animated movies which are R-rated (by the way, censorship's another misunderstanding), I don't have many animated movies in general. But since I have a thing for samurai/ninjas I have to get this one, especially since it's so cultic. If you are into feudal Japan, folk beliefs and sword masters chopping each other up, you should be pleased with NS. And I promise you won't find a single character with eyes taking one third of the entire face (I'm referring to regular anime stuff).

According to modern standards in sci-fi, 2001 may be very slow-paced, or even boring. But it's first/final sequence are absolutely remarkable. Kubrick has succeed again, proving that (another) movie genre is not a mystery for him (anymore). Most of technical solutions during making of the movie were revolutionary, leaving passage for Lucas and many others. Further films based on Philip C. Clarke's Space Odyssey series were completely unnecessary.

This film was a blast. Still is (apart from being my second favourite from Fincher to date).

Remember times when good o'le Mickey was cute pretty boy (even when 'bit chunky, as playing Angel) before booze and professional box fighters had fixed him to real life Marv from Sin City? Well, his boyish look is one but lets not forget about Rourke's solid acting, too. Would you believe that young Lisa Bonet was given official permission from TV station bosses and Bill Cosby himself to take a part in new Parker's project, even if known it's going to be controversial? Helluva good performance of Robert De Niro places this movie as the pearl on my 'satanic' shelf. Great shots & lights, and dense climate of Brooklyn/New Orlean in '55. Heavy stuff but I love it.

One of the few remakes that are actually better than original. Brutal brute Pacino and anorectic trophy Pfeiffer in the landscape of Florida in the eighties - heavy!

It's great from every angle. Immortal and extremely trippy classic.

'I want to believe' since I was 7. Is there any better movie about UFO phenomenon? I doubt it. Another movie affected by boyish fascination, probably forever.

Have you noticed that in One Flew.. there is no weak face, nor bad actors - at all? So the casting/acting is phenomenal. The novel may be not big in size but it's massive in warnings, meanings and messages on few levels. On film field however, Forman's movie defends itself easily and with grace.

Unusually honest biopic of a living public enemy. Superb performances and intriguing conclusions. Forman again hit the (American) spot.

First and original of (still) unique series, sci-fi/horror masterpiece with most sublime hints and stuffy air of gothic castle somewhere in space. Also best cast ever concerning Alien quadrilogy (Alien Vs. Predator is a crossover, doesn't count). Fine introduction of one of the most hideous creatures in cinema/sci-fi universe.

James Cameron, as reliable craftsman, had made profitable sequel in plural. Military part guarantees plenty of angry Xenomorphs vs. bored marines who would kill for kill. Not many big names in crew but (obviously) Sigourney, Michael Biehn and Lance Henriksen as Bishop. Mother - unforgettable.

As years were passing by, I'd found out that third part is at least as good as the first one, of course from different reasons. It has to do with the person of David Fincher, but not only. Great script (abandoned prison-planet, criminals' sect, new abilities of Alien) provided great movie. Even stop motion shots don't bother (for the first time most of shots required a man in costume, new 'edition' of Xeno needed a model).

What hit me about Alien Resurrection is that French director made most Hollywoodish part from all Aliens. However, this is great entertainment. Also, as rather severe sci-fi spectator, I was fully satisfied with plot's solution (Ripley died in previous, to be last part). Gore level recompensates CG (for the first time) Xenomothers, and new breed kicks as