My Favorite Movies

Rita's best and sexiest performance---by far her most "grown-up". Although the story doesn't make much sense, it doesn't seem to matter as Rita's chemistry with Glenn Ford burns up the screen and there are great one-liners, such as "Excuse me, but your husband is showing." when Ford interrupts Rita who is dancing with another man. A must-see for any Rita fans or film noir lovers.

A musical showcase for Rita, who is a vision in Technicolor. She outshines everyone in this lighthearted and typical musical, but it is one of her best.

Rita has certainly never been lovelier and Fred makes his usual magic. The result? A dreamy musical comedy with great songs and dances performed with perfection.

Rita Hayworth gives an excellent performance as the gypsy Carmen, while Glenn Ford is rather miscast. However, the sets and costumes are both stunning. The flamenco scenes are equally impressive and showcase Hayworth's talent.

The Master of Suspense directs a beautiful mystery about a detective (James Stewart) that falls in love with Madeleine (Kim Novak, in her best role), a beautiful but tormented woman that is possessed by a ghost. "Vertigo" has an excellent script and great performances. One of Hitchcock's best films--and one of the best films ever made!

Kim Novak shines as the sexy witch who puts a spell on her handsome neighbor, Shep Henderson (James Stewart). Sadly underrated, "Bell, Book, and Candle" is a comedy that almost everyone can enjoy.

Is it a great movie? No, not really, but it's definitely hilarious.

Named the funniest comedy in movie history, "Some Like It Hot" is a movie that I can never get tired of. I have a guarantee of a thousand laughs to whoever watches this movie. The only thing I didn't really like was the casting of Tony Curtis, but that's just me. However, Jack Lemmon totally steals the show and gives the movie its timeless pizazz.

Anthony Perkins gives one of the best performances ever as Norman Bates, the seemingly innocent boy with a psychotic mother. People were actually afraid to talk to him after seeing "Psycho" because they thought he really was Norman. This is one of the best horror movies ever--not because it's gory (it's not, really), but because it is believable. A true classic and one of Hitchcock's best movies. I only wonder WHY Perkins was never nominated for an Oscar...but c'est la vie.

Based on Tennesse William's play of the same name, "Streetcar" is one of the best American movies ever made. The whole cast gives stellar performances, especially Marlon Brando, and the story and script are excellently written. This was the movie that really got me into old movies...I have never been the same since.

Marlon Brando is excellent in the role that brought him back to fame. Based on Mario Puzo's book, "The Godfather" is a faithful adaptation that will satisfy the readers. But besides being a great adaptation, it is one of the top ten American films ever made due to its flawless cast, superb script, and brillant direction by Francis Ford Coppola. They sure don't make gangster movies like this one anymore.

One of the most beautiful and romantic films ever made--Garbo is perfect and gives her best performance as the Lady of the Camillias and Robert Taylor gives a memorable performance as Armand Duval. A movie I can definitely watch over and over again...a must-see for Garbo and classic romance fans!

One of David Lynch's best films; it is done in his unusual style without being overly bizarre. "Blue Velvet" is a contemporary masterpiece that darkly shows the strange reality underneath a superficially beautiful and perfect surface.

Yul Brynner steals the show in his unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance as the King of Siam. This is also my favorite Deborah Kerr movie, who gives a great performance as Anna Leonowens, the schoolteacher. Although I loved all the Western-type songs and the iconic "Shall We Dance?" waltz, my favorite musical scene is Tuptim's play of the Asian version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin". If you like musicals, Yul Brynner, or Deborah Kerr, don't miss "The King and I."

Legendary director Frank Capra delivers his best screwball comedy in "It Happened One Night." Although "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" is my favorite Capra movie, IHON is a close second. Clark Gable gives a good performance, but Claudette Colbert steals the show with her immaculate performance as the poor little rich girl who falls for a sarcastic newspaperman (Gable). For any fans of Gable, Colbert, Capra, or screwball comedies in general, I recommend "It Happened One Night"

Out of all the movies I've seen with Gary Cooper (which isn't very many, I guess), this is his best. He is utterly convincing as Longfellow Deeds, the naive man who inherits an enormous fortune and doesn't know what to do with it. Although it is a wonderful comedy, it also shows the dark side of America's Great Depression, especially when Deeds decides to use his money for the poor and is declared insane. It's one of Frank Capra's best movies and one of the best films ever made.

One of the best swashbuckler of the fifties, the sword-fighting scene is definitely a crowd-pleaser and the script effectively combines romance, comedy, and action. Though Stewart Granger is not as great as Errol Flynn in his prime time would be in this film, he makes a good protagonist and Eleanor Parker is certainly gorgeous. For fans of swashbucklers, don't miss "Scaramouche."

This is definitely one of the funniest movies ever! Barbara Stanwyck is brillant as the sexy con artist Jean Harrington who tries to seduce the superrich sucker, Charles Pike (Henry Fonda), but ends up falling for the sap! True, it's a bit predictable, but I was surprised that Henry Fonda could do comedy so well. Even though "Ball of Fire" and "The Lady Eve" are considered on the same level, "Eve" is a perfect blend of humor and sex appeal with a great story and top-notch performances. A real classic comedy!

Errol Flynn is perfect as the laughing outlaw, Robin Hood, in the best adaptation of the classic legend. Olivia de Havilland is a lovely Marian and I enjoyed Claude Raines as Prince John. A throughly enjoyable classic for everyone, not just kids!

Joan Fontaine was the only actress to win the Oscar from a Hitchcock movie and "Rebecca" certainly shows her talent. She is undeniably convincing as the naive, insecure young woman who falls in love with Maxmillian de Winter (Laurence Olivier), a handsome, older man that is haunted by the death of his previous wife, Rebecca. One of Hitchcock's best and certainly the best of his pre-war movies.

Although it lacks the emotional depth of Chaplin's other films, I nearly roll on the floor laughing every time I see this movie. The tightrope-walking scene with the monkeys was undeniably bravura comedy.

The first Chaplin movie I saw---I have never been the same.

Although a delightful comedy, I would say that this is the feature-lenght film that Chaplin really started to clearly depict his views on society. For me, the major thing of man vs. machine was evocative of Mary Shelley's novel, FRANKENSTEIN. Dr. Frankenstein created the monster to help humanity, but ended by causing greater damage than anything else. As for "Modern Times", machines that are built with good intentions eventually lead to dehumanization of industy and society in general. Everyone loves a dollar and if it's cheaper to use machines that give greater output faster instead of expensive, slow human labor, why not use machines? As for the workers who lose their jobs, tough luck; you'll have to go somewhere else. Criticism of the government is included as well. Instead of finding some solution for aiding these misplaced people, the authorities spent more energy splitting up the poor Gamin's family and arresting her although she has done no wrong.

Hard-pressed, I'd say this is my favorite Chaplin movie along with "City Lights".

I will never be the same after seeing the table ballet with the bread. I can't look at dinner rolls or hear the song without smiling.

"The Kid" is Chaplin's most heartwarming comedy--and probably the most personal for him. In addition to being a reflection of his destitute childhood in London, it was released shortly after the death of his newborn son with his first wife, Mildred Harris. But, personal observations aside, a true masterpiece of cinema.

Arguably Chaplin's greatest silent, "City Lights" is a true masterpiece. With the universal message that love is blind, "City Lights" is a comedy that could make you cry (if you're the type--I personally never cry during movies).

Ah....if life is hard and comedy is harder, then it follows that dark comedy is harder than hell. However, when put in the right hands, it can be very, very funny and even thought-provoking. And, of course, when does Chaplin not have the right hands? (with the exception of "The Countess from Hong Kong"...unfortunately, very little could save that movie despite the all-star cast, but I digress)

Chaplin gives an excellent performance as Monsieur Verdoux; a man who loves his son and crippled wife so much that he marries rich little old ladies so he can bump them off and use the money to provide for his real family. When finally caught and punished (as must be in ordinance with the Code's regulations), he justifies his crimes as being insignificant to what the nations did to each other in WWII. Recommended for any Chaplin fan or anyone with a twisted sense of humor, like me.

Hilarious satire on Britain's "ruling class." Peter O'Toole gives an excellent performance as God/Jack the Ripper.

This was John Wayne's best movie, in my opinion, and it was his only non-Western. I'm definitely not really a fan of Wayne and he's not the reason I enjoy this movie, but he does help make it good along with a great script, beautiful cinematography, and good performances from the rest of the cast, especially Maureen O'Hara.

One of the happiest musicals ever made. Gene Kelly was original cast in Fred Astaire's part, but (no offense to Gene fans), I'm glad Astaire got it. Cyd Charisse injured her leg so she was replaced by Ann Miller as Astaire's self-centered ex-fiancee, but Miller does an excellent job as well. Judy Garland gets to show off her incredible vocal talent and shares some excellent numbers with Astaire. I loved it!

A mesmerizing story of a highly dysfunctional royal family. Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn give solid gold performances; Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton give rather memorable ones as well. One of the best movies ever made!

Another favorite of mine from director David Lynch.

One of the most original films I've ever seen. Shocking, violent, sexual, but ultimately profound, I loved it.

Carole Lombard gives a good performance as the dizzying, fast-talking socialite with more money than brains. William Powell gives a perfect balance with his usual witty, somewhat dry humor. One of the best screwball comedies out there!

Upon returning to Earth, the ship Nostromo is rerouted to answer an apparent S.O.S. on an unknown planet. Instead, the crew encounters a nest with hundreds of eggs. One of the eggs hatch and the alien inside attaches itself to the face of one of the members (hence the name "facehugger") and plants embryos in his body, causing horrible trouble for the crew.

"Alien" is definitely an entertaining film filled with suspense and superb special effects for its time. It's main agenda would be to criticize large corporations that care more about dollar signs than the people's lives. Nothing new, but it is presented in an original and immensely watchable way.

On a side note, there's also a bit of the warrior woman stereotype found in Ripley, but it's not overdone as we find in Valdez in "Aliens". Ripley cares for her crew members (as well as Jonesy, the cat), cries a couple of times, and is definitely terrified of the horrific alien, giving the character a much more realistic feel than the warrior woman. In addition, she bests the alien not due to her great power or strength, but (I felt) greatly due to luck, determination, and quick thinking on her part. Sigourney Weaver fit the bill perfectly and proved that men aren't the only survivors out there.

Modern sci-fi flicks don't get much better than this.

Barbara Stanwyck gives a sensational performance as the horribly common but magnificently fine sacrificing mother.

One of the great melodramas, "Stella Dallas" is like a non-noirish "Mildred Pierce"--except her daughter isn't such a venomous little bitch. However, when the daughter elevates to higher society thanks to the money Stella was able to get from her philandering husband, she becomes ashamed of her mother after her rich friends unknowingly criticize Stella in front of her daughter. She's not as powdered-sugar sweet as one originally assumes her to be and I actually ended up disliking her somewhat. But of course, the whole thing is really Stanwyck's show and proof that she was one of the best actresses to ever grace the silver screen.

Gong Li became internationally famous on this brillant, but very Chinese movie. If you don't understand Chinese culture that well, you probably wouldn't enjoy this movie all that much. However, the story, performances, script, and direction are all sublime.

Different than what I expected, but I totally enjoyed it. I can definitely understand why some people think it's overrated, though. It doesn't really have too much of a point or a message--besides demonstrating mental illness in the form of multiple personality disorder and its obvious complaint that consumerism makes slaves of us, causing deep anger to form within us. But it's not so much communist as it is anarchist. Tyler Durden's (Brad Pitt) theory is that the world is infinitely better off if people go back to their primitive, simplistic natures. That is, to live basically like Tarzan; unruled, wild, carefree, and "enlightened".

However, other than that, it is (as a friend of mine puts it) "a movie where people beat each other up all the time for no reason." In conclusion, it is a strange movie that people either appreciate its somewhat twisted humor, presentation, and philosophy or find it pointless, violent, and unlikeable.

Just a notch below "Madame X", Lana Turner gives a good performance and changed the way I perceived her when I first saw it. Even though this was loosely a remake of a Claudette Colbert movie, I think this one is infinitely better.

A little-known Tennesse Williams classic that was considered wildly racy when it first came out and was condemned by the Catholic League of Decency, making it a sin to see this movie.



It's actually more of a comedy, in my opinion (or perhaps I just have a strange sense of humor), than any other of Tennesse Williams tales. The story goes like so; Baby Doll Meighan is the lawful wife of Archie Lee Meighan, but not in any other way. They formed an agreement that Archie Lee would not share the same bed with his wife until her 20th birthday and if Archie Lee made all the money he promised Baby Doll's father he would make. Archie Lee was in the cotton ginning business until Silva Vacarro came in with his monopoly and put everyone in the town out of business. Archie Lee decides to burn down Vacarro's gin. He does so and everyone knows it was him, but no one wants to help Vacarro as he impoverished the locals. Vacarro decides to make his own revenge--in the form of seducing Baby Doll. Indeed, for its time (and even for today, to some extent), the scenes between Baby Doll and Vacarro are rather...electrifying.



Fans of Tennesse Williams or whoever's just curious to see what racy was considered back in 1956 should enjoy this.

A great movie to watch for fun. Peter O'Toole was Hepburn's best match on-screen.

This was the movie that convinced me to start watching modern movies again.

I know that some people dislike this movie. I honestly can't understand why. The story was good, the cinematography was wonderfully elegant and beautiful, and the acting was done well. Paul Giamatti did the best job, but I think Edward Norton acted well also. Norton was heavily criticized and this was named his worst performance, but I disagree. His character, Eisenheim, is not supposed to be emotional in any way -- he is very introverted and beyond that, guarded. Eisenheim prevents himself from showing emotion. For an actor or actress, I would imagine that playing a guarded character would be harder than playing an emotional one, so Norton didn't do that bad. I was, at first, disappointed to see that Jessica Biel took the part of the duchess, but she did an above average job of acting, so I was satisfied.

The most violent romantic movie ever. I totally enjoyed it.

It was not the "best movie ever" (although it is the best comic-book movie so far) nor "a masterpiece", but it sure did put a smile on my face...even after watching it 5+ times in two weeks.

Two words: the Joker.