My Favorite Movies

Silent French film based of the transcripts of the trial of Joan of Arc. I just saw this again, for the fourth time. Renee Maria Falconetti's performance as Joan of Arc is astounding. It's so good you almost can't believe you're not watching news footage of the actual trial. Is this the best filmed performance ever? It's hard to believe this was her only film. The mind reels at what else she could have done had she stayed in the film business. But almost as effective is the end when Joan is burned at the stake. It is done in fairly graphic detail for the time, and it makes you feel totally emotionally drained after sitting through it. But even more it made me question the motives of a religious institution that would put someone through an ordeal like this, supposedly with God's approval. If you never see another silent film in your life, see this one. And make sure to see the version with Richard Einhorn's newly-composed "Voices of Light" score.

There are no words to accurately describe how good this film is. It justly made Humphrey Bogart a mega-star with his portrayal of private eye Sam Spade. Everything about this film noir thriller -- the cast (Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and an Oscar-winning turn from 62 year old Sidney Greenstreet in his first film role), the direction (John Huston's first of many fine directing efforts), the crackling script which closely follows the Dashiell Hammett novel of the same name -- is perfect. What is the Maltese Falcon? Why do they want it? What will they do to get it? Get the answers to these questions by seeing this film as soon as possible, and then seeing it again...and again.

A silent German sci-fi flick that is surprisingly relevant even today.

My first Hitckcock movie, my bridge from Disney to more grown-up films. And my gateway drug to my film addiction! I never knew how wonderful films could be until I saw Rebecca. That first time was thirty years ago. I was stunned by it then, and not much has changed for me since. Every time I see it, I get that same thrill.

Joan Fontaine plays a young woman (never named) who marries a rich widower named Maxim deWinter (Lawrence Olivier) after a whilwind courtship. She returns with him to his home, Manderley, a huge spooky mansion on the rocky coast of England. Already unsure of herself, she feels threatened by all the memories of his previous, late wife -- the glamorous Rebecca of the title. More immediate threats come from the House Manager, Mrs. Danvers, who adored Rebecca and is set on destroying the girl who is trying to take Rebecca's place. As the story unfolds, secrets of what really happened to Rebecca emerge, and when that happens, it's a wallop.

All the performances are excellent. Joan Fontaine as the meek, frightened girl and Olivier as the tortured widower are both fine. But it's Judith Anderson who is the standout here. She plays Mrs. Danvers with utter malice. She makes your skin crawl with every appearance on screen. Another favorite of mine is George Sanders as Falvel, Rebecca's "kissing cousin". Sanders was always wonderful at playing snakes in the grass, and he is at his snakiest here. His first scene even involves him crawling in and out of windows!

I didn't give this film 5 stars for two reasons: 1) the back projection was obviously bad and thus distracting, and 2) it creeps me out how Maxim keeps referring to his new young wife as a child. Otherwise, brilliant. A must-see, and should be on everyone's favorite films list. Is it a romance? A murder mystery? A ghost story? You decide.

What the Wizard of Oz would have been had it been made in Europe.

Akira Kurosawa's version of Shakespeare's MacBeth is stunning in my opinion. The decision to move the story from Elizabethan England to the samurai culture of feudal Japan was a stroke of genius.The story -- for those of you living under a rock for the last 400 years, of a man's craving for power and position (gently shoved along by his wife) and the paranoia that develops when that power is obtained -- translated perfectly. Toshiro Mifune as Washizu is always great to watch, but my vote for best performance here goes to Isuzu Yamada in the Lady MabBeth role, known here as Lady Washizu. She's calculating and evil when she is pushing her husband to greater political heights, and both scary and sympathetic after she has mentally gone off the deep end. Like Kurosawa's film Ran, this is done in a theatrical Noh style, which gives it fairy-tale/nightmare quality. I've always loved what Kurosawa does with rainstorms, and the storm in the woods is powerful and spooky and wonderful. The film is slow-moving at times, but I feel that adds to the film rather than takes away from it. The first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes alone are worth the price of admission. An amazing achievement for all involved.

This is without a doubt one of the coolest films I've ever seen. Carl Dreyer weaves a film that seems more dream -- or more likely nightmare -- than film. A loose storyline about vampirism ties together visuals that are mesmerizing. Included are a shadow that walks around without its owner, and a POV shot of a man's funeral -- from INSIDE the casket. Dreyer is one of the great directors and this film is evidence. Not to be missed.

A moving film about why it's wonderful to be human. Bruno Ganz plays an angel in Berlin who falls in love with a trapeze artist and wants to become human to be with her. If this doesn't make you appreciate life in a whole new way, there's no hope for you. Remade as City of Angels with Nic Cage and Meg Ryan, but see this one first.

Every time I see this Ingmar Bergman classic chronicling a Crusades knight's return home and encounter and subsequent chess game with Death-- I think I'm up to 8 times now -- it gets better. I always see something I didn't see before, and enjoy the performances more. All are first rate -- Max von Sydow as the knight, Gunnar Bjornstrand as his aide, and a host of others. My particular favorite is the young family that make up the traveling theatre troupe. The photography is just amazing to behold, including the iconic last shot of the sillouetted cast dancing behind Death in a surreal conga line. For an extra treat, see a film called "Phantom Carriage", starring a VERY young Victor Sjostrom. It's said that Bergman loved this film so much that he modeled many scenes in Seal after it, and put Sjostrom in Wild Strawberries as a tribute to the man.

Peter Lorre's first major film role as a child murderer. By the end you'll find yourself more sympathetic to him than you'll want to be.

Anyone who loves films will adore this movie. A director remembers his childhood in WWII Italy with the elderly projectionist who befriended him, after the old man dies. One of my favorite endings of any film.

An amazing film about the supposed last days of director James Whale. Ian McKellan is incredible as the depressed, elderly Whale and Brendan Fraser truly holds his own here as Whale's gardener and eventual friend. The film has a lot of gay undertones -- Whale was openly gay after all -- but don't let that get in your way. This is as much about the loneliness of old age as it is about Hollywood. This movie might be one of my top 20 fave films ever.

The devastating effects of a man letting his heart override his brain. One of Marlene Dietrich's first films.

What would you do if you anonomously witnessed a murder, or at least think you did? Closest to perfect of any film I've seen.

A bit dated now, but still an exciting film, even after seeing it a dozen times.

You think you're in love? Watch this and you might want to reexamine. One of the most romantic endings ever.

A story of what happens when an event witnessed by four different people is described in completely different ways, and someone's life is at stake in the telling. One of Kurosawa's best.

UPDATE: Just saw this again on a HD television. Even though the film obviously wasn't filmed in HD or any digital format, the film took on a depth and a detail I"ve never noticed before. It's almost as though I was participating in the film as one of the witnesses.

This film of a loner helping a band of people in post-apocalyptic Australia absolutely blew me away. Some of the best editing I've ever seen.

Excellent film. I had heard about this for years and it didn't disappoint. A familiar story -- a love triangle -- handled well, good performances, unexpected (although appropriate) ending and even though it's a drama, it has some good comic bits in the beginning. Keep an eye out for the pastor's drunken "double vision." The fireworks between Garbo and Gilbert are obviously real -- nobody is that good an actor. It's a shame John Gilbert, for whatever the true reasons are, didn't make it in talkies. He did a really good job here. I was surprised by Garbo's character, Felicitas. I didn't expect her to be quite so selfish and evil. But god she's gorgeous. I can see how a man could let his whole life go to rack and ruin over her. With the subject matter, and all the making out, I'm sure this film was shocking for its time, particularly the scene where the characters are in church and taking Communion. I'm not Catholic or shocked by much and this still got me. This film is just a quality effort all around.

A wonderful Japanese animated film about a little girl's quest to save her parents from a spell that turned them into pigs. The story is also about friendship and courage in the face of adversity. I saw the American-dubbed version, but I'm sure the subtitled version is just as good. From the director of Princess Mononoke, Hayao Miyazaki.

A fantasy about a little Irish girl who hears tales that her missing little brother may be being cared for by magical sea creatures called selkies. The Celtic music is a joy, but the Irish accents take a little getting used to.

An alcoholic's terrifying weekend alone with a bottle. Ray Milland won an Oscar for this and deserved it.

One of the best films ever. The story of a cynical man who follows a higher cause than himself and loses the woman he loves in the process.

A musical for people who don't like musicals. My problem with musicals is how I hate for people to just burst out in song for no reason. What I like about this film is that every musical break relates to the plot of the film. It doesn't necessarily advance the story, but at least it makes sense. Gene Kelly is tremendous as always, but Leslie Caron shines in her first movie role.

Atmospheric flick about the dangers of taking science where it wasn't meant to go. Charles Laughton is the best of the Dr. Moreau's -- malevolent, sadistic, but truly believes that what he's doing is important to science.

These are Haitian zombies, not living dead zombies. A dated but still entertaining movie about a man who will go to any lengths to possess the woman he loves, even if he has to kill her. Bela Legosi is fantastic as Murder Legendre, the villianous zombie-maker.

A great movie about the World's Worst Director. A story about a man who does what he loves, whether he's any good at it or not. Martin Landau as Bela Legosi may be my favorite acting performance ever.

Overacted at times, and the story jumps around, but it's a lush beautifuly done story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Great battle sequences.

We're off to see the Wizard! Has anyone seen this dozens of times and not loved it every time? There's no place like home.

UPDATE:
Re: 70th Anniversary Hi-Def Theatrical Release --

I am torn on how to review this -- from my brain or my heart? So, I'll do both.

BRAIN: This remastered reissue of the classic 1939 film is everything I expected it to be and more. .I hadn't seen this on the "big screen" since my early teens, and now that I can appreciate it I see how much it loses on TV. I noticed things I had never seen before, even after probably 40 viewings. The tornado was MUCH more frightening this way, the first images of Munchkinland are mesmerizing, and the whole film has a depth that makes you feel as if you could step right into the screen. I actually cried real tears when Dorothy sang "Over the Rainbow" -- I kid you not. Streaming down my face. It was like I had never seen it before. And seeing it with a full auditorium of people only added to the magic. I was completely carried away by this film, and if I never see it again I willl feel blessed that I got the chance to see it in this format.

HEART: OHMIGOD IT'S SO GORGEOUS!!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!! THRILLING!!! BREATHTAKING!!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!

There. I think I've done it justice now.

These guys were never funnier than when they made this parody of King Arthur and his ka-nig-its. From the Black Knight who considers being amputated as a "flesh wound", to the horny maidens of Castle Anthrax, to the Killer Rabbit and the Pit of Eternal Peril, this film is hysterical all the way through. You'd think after all the times I've seen this, I wouldn't continue to find it funny. But after probably two dozen viewings, I still laugh out loud. Even the credits and the intermission have me almost in tears!

On a side note, I was thinking on my most recent vewing how amazing it is that these six men (seven if you count Neil Innes), could have found each other, it makes you believe miracles exist. And the world is a happier place because of it.

And for those of you who don't "get" Monty Python or don't think they're funny....go watch Jackass or Will Ferrell's most recent crapfest.

Bruce Campbell is amazing as the aging Elvis protecting his fellow nursing home residents from an deadly monster. MUCH better than it sounds.

A must-see. A film about what can happen when a man allows his ego to get in the way of justice. If you're not mad as hell after you see this, you have no conscience.

This gets better every time I see it, more real and more ridiculous. If you've ever spent any time as a cube rat in an office, you'll identify with this movie.

Funny if you know nothing about the Frankenstein story, hysterical if you do. Gene Wilder was never better than here playing the descendent of Dr. Frankenstein. You haven't lived until you see the Monster tapdancing while singing "Putting on the Ritz". Mel Brooks at his peak as a director.

How cool is this movie!?!?! A comic book come to life. A combination of modern-day CGI technology, and 40's film noir. Mickey Rourke should have gotten an Oscar nom for his role as Marv.

A fantastic film, told in flashbacks, about a heist gone wrong. Kevin Spacey gives a great performance, and I never saw the twist ending coming. "Who is Keyser Soze?"

This movie is less horror to me than the sad story of a lost innocent let loose in a cruel world. Boris Karloff is magnificent. Why they continued to sully this character by adding sequel after sequel -- without Karloff! -- is beyond me. Timeless. I love this film, even more so than Bride of...I prefer the sensitivity and pathos of this over the comedy in Bride.

A bit stagy and dated, but Bela Legosi is still the best Dracula.

The first Coen brothers film, and you see the promise to come. This story of a rural bar owner's plans to kill his cheating wife and her lover will keep you guessing from beginning to end. And the climax had me holding my breath. Who's betraying who? Frances McDormand was great in her first role as the wife. I think about this film every time I drive past a plowed but unplanted field, wondering if...

Was Jimmy Cagney ever better than this, as the totally out of his gourd Cody Jarrett? The scenes where he's being pampered by his mother are really creepy, and I'm sure pretty shocking when it was made. An example of what can happen when you tell your kids they can do anything. "Top of the world, Ma!"

Jane Horrocks is AMAZING as the meek young woman who is able to sing in the voices of her heroes -- Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland. Brenda Blethyn as her braying ass of a mother and Michael Caine as the has-been (or is it never-was) promoter trying to get rich off Little Voice, known as LV, if he can only get her out of her room. But she'll only sing for one man.

A great movie about fighting obstacles to get what you want. If you like soul music, this movie is a must.

A fun spooky movie about a maimed crazy sculptor. Creepy, exciting -- one of Vincent Price's best. He shows so much love for his wax creations that you want to help him put out the fire that destroys them all. Originally filmed in 3D, but I've never gotten the chance to see it that way. Maybe one day...

Vintage hammy Vincent Price, but spooky enough to make you look behind you while you're watching.

A horror comedy that gets better every time I see it. Cary Grant is hysterical.

Gloria Swanson plays a crazy version of herself in this film of a faded silent movie star falling for a poor screenwriter, and the lengths she'll go to to make him love her back. "It's just you...and me...and all those WONDERFUL people out there in the dahk."

Great music, and you might just learn something, since it's based on the Homer (the writer, not the Simpson) book The Odyssey.

The Marx Brothers as stowaways on an ocean liner. I've seen dozens of times and still laugh out loud at every scene.

If you've ever worked in a convenience store, you'll die laughing at how close to home this film hits.

The movie that turned me away from girlie films and on to action flicks. One of the best adventure movies ever.

Irreverant, obscene and absolutely hilarious. Leaves movies like American Pie in the dust.

Probably the dirtiest movie to come out of 1950's Hollywood, and possibly the funniest. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon play a couple of musicians who dress as women and join an all-girl band to hide from gangsters on their tail. Jack Lemmon is a scream, and the last line of the film is a classic.

I saw this 23 times before the advent of video. Was my favorite movie for years, and still cracks me up.

First fell for Pacino in this film, and have loved him ever since.

A really good movie about terrorists on One Force One. Harrison Ford actually seemed like he could be POTUS in this. More convincing that some others I could name.

WooHoo! Bruce Campbell rocks! A fish out of water story with Bruce being transported to medieval times. You don't have to have seen the earlier Evil Dead films to enjoy this, but it helps explain a few things. Hail to the King, baby!

Mike Myers is hilarious as the titular secret agent in this spoof of every Bond-like flick ever made. Watered down a little by the sequels, but still really entertaining.

This classic sci-fi film, loosely based on Shakespeare's The Tempest, is a sight to behold, and the film that dragged sci-fi out of the B-movie palaces and into respectable cinemas. Stars a very young, very serious Leslie Nielson before he discovered he was a comedian, a gorgeous Anne Francis, and Walter Pidgeon as the scientist with a deadly secret even HE isn't aware of. Great special effects and set design -- especially the Krell generators and Robby the Robot -- and even something to stimulate your brain cells afterwards. A first-class film, and right up there with The Thing From Another World, Them! and War of the Worlds as my fave 1950's sci-fi films. Don't miss it.

Crude, rude and totally hilarious. One of Tom Hanks early films, about a man's last bash before he ties the knot. He's made a promise to his beloved not to fool around, but his buddies are making it a tough word to keep.

The inspiration for Night of The Living Dead. When I saw it, I recognized the....ghosts? zombies?... as being in my dreams or nightmares Or maybe I saw it in my childhood and buried the memories. With good reason...even though the phantoms are just in cheap whiteface, they and this whole film still scares the hell out of me.

George C. Scott plays a wonderfully gruff Scrooge in this Christmas classic.

Such a cheesy over-acted movie, although Harryhausen's effects are great. But I just love it. A guilty pleasure that I'll watch over and over again.

I really like this movie. Great sets, good effects (brought to you without CGI enhancement), a little spooky and just a touch erotic. A fairy tale story for adults.

This is an excellent film, despite the big deal with "the twist", which I figured out before I saw the film. The friendship between Stephen Rea (always good) as an IRA member and Forrest Whitaker as Jody, the soldier the IRA kidnaps, is moving, as it leads to Rea promising Whitaker he'll watch over his girlfriend. That's where things get really interesting. It was fun to sit in the theatre and hear everyone's reaction to the "reveal" who weren't prepared for it.

Don't know why, but I LOVE this movie! I guess the idea of being able to go into people's dreams sounds like fun.

The question to ask yourself -- who are the freaks? The deformed but kind circus people or the sinister but "normal" people who betray them?

So much action you'll need a nap by the end. Not much plot, but who cares!?!?

John Cusack wins again. Not only laugh out loud hilarious in parts, but the whole premise of this is too funny for words. A hit-man is sent to his hometown for a job on the same week as his 10-year class reunion. How does an assassin answer the question "So! What have you been doing with yourself?"

Kinda far-fetched, but a whole lot of fun. Watching Cage and Travolta imitate each other is a sight to behold.

I saw this years ago, and had forgotten how truly hysterical it is. A couple of the Python crazies (John Cleese and Michael Palin), along with Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline, clown it up in this flick about a jewel heist and the efforts of all involved to screw over each other in order to keep the loot for themselves. Everyone did a wonderful job, but this film belongs to Kevin Kline. He deservedly won an Oscar for his role as Otto, the cocky, tactless, paranoid yet charming jewel thief with a love, but a gross misunderstanding, of philosophy. He simply steals every scene he's in. A sub-plot, in which Palin, as the animal-loving crook named Ken with a severe stutter, plans and then attempts to rub out the witness to the crime, is funny on its own. A couple of scenes that are mildly insensitive keep this from getting five stars, but it's a complete blast from start to finish.

UPDATE: Saw this again tonight, and although I still think it's hilarious, I found myself actually moved by John Cleese. It's shown early on that his marriage is a zero. And now here is this beautiful woman showing him attention and giving him...basically a reason to feel alive again. Knowing that Wanda was playing him (not giving anything away here...that is established early on) kind of bothered me this go round. I was imagining being in that situation and how I would feel when I found out all was not as I thought. Interesting how one's mood can change one's reaction to a film from one viewing to the next.

Russell Crowe was born to play this part. A three-hour movie that was still too short.