My Favorite Movies

A movie that has been overlooked far too often. This is easily my favorite of Spike Lee's joints. Edward Norton delivers a great performance (as usual) and is joined with other great actors such as Hoffman, Pepper, Dawson, Paquin, and Cox. The whole ensemble makes this story that could have been dry in the hands of others and gives it a life that is deep and moving. Part of this film's greatness is derived from the simplicity of its story, which allows for more complex undercurrents to develop. Often, character development takes a back seat to what actually happens in a movie. "25th Hour" does just the opposite. The action of the movie is properly used to transport the viewer along side its developing characters. There is so much good and right about this movie that no review could ever capture it all. My suggestion; watch it again and again.

This movie is a personal favorite, and thus receives the highest rating because I cannot separate myself to rate it objectively. What I believe to be so strong about "Say Anything" is how unique it is in comparison to not only the teen movies of the 80's, but of all time. I have never seen another teen movie that takes so much time in exploring the characters and how specific elements in their life affect their first encounters with love. Cusak and Skye seem to truly embody their awkward and coming-of-age characters. While this movie might be considered slow by others, I see it as director Crowe's willingness to acknowledge many of the elements that are overlooked in other campy teen dramas. It is my personal belief that "Say Anything..." is one of, if not the best teen movie ever made.

Perhaps it is because I love, LOVE Andy Kaufman, but I think that this movie is fantastic. Taking cues and staying true to man actual Kaufman happenings, Man on the Moon stays true to the heart of its story while still exposing the audience to Andy's comedy. A movie that pays proper to a comedica great of our time and does so with style; a must see!