Musicals can be cool. Oliver! remains my favorite.
Oliver is fantastic but my illusions were shattered recently when I discovered that Mark Lester ( Oliver) didn't actually sing a note. His part was sung by a girl !!
I never knew that!
Always thought he had an unusually high voice though, especially during "Who will buy my sweet red roses".
Since we're on the subject of musicals, lest I forget, My Fair Lady must be added to our hall of fame.
The Outlaw Josey Wales is another great movie that was mentioned. Beautifully photographed, excellent acting with some great small bit players, and excellent dialogue. "Not a hard man to track, he leaves dead men whereever he goes". Western with Clint Eastwood, I am there.
It's a great film. Whenever most people pick an Eastwood western they usually pick Unforgiven. That is also a magnificent film, but many people tend to forget about Josey.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Great topic Barry. When putting together lists like this, I try to go across different genres so everything is represented. It's tough to pick only five, but my current favorites are:
2001: A Space Odyssey
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Superman: The Movie
The Godfather
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
I am a HUGE sci. fiction fan and many people record 2001: A Space Odyssey as the #1 science fiction film of all time. I recently tried watching it for the first time and could not sit throught the whole thing. The reason being because it had too many of these long "epic" moments where entire classical songs were played through (5 minutes or so) and there was no dialogue or progress in the plot of the film. I feel like I must not have taste or something for not liking this film because so many other people do. Can anyone explain to me the appeal of 2001: A Space Odyssey?
Great topic Barry. When putting together lists like this, I try to go across different genres so everything is represented. It's tough to pick only five, but my current favorites are:
2001: A Space Odyssey
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Superman: The Movie
The Godfather
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
I am a HUGE sci. fiction fan and many people record 2001: A Space Odyssey as the #1 science fiction film of all time. I recently tried watching it for the first time and could not sit throught the whole thing. The reason being because it had too many of these long "epic" moments where entire classical songs were played through (5 minutes or so) and there was no dialogue or progress in the plot of the film. I feel like I must not have taste or something for not liking this film because so many other people do. Can anyone explain to me the appeal of 2001: A Space Odyssey?
Don't beat yourself up; 2001 is one of those movies that can polarize peoples' opinions. If you don't like it, that's not a crime.
As to its appeal, I just enjoy it because it breaks so many rules of established cinema: minimal dialog, a very different kind of soundtrack, and a realistic portrayal of space travel (no sound, everything slow and deliberate, etc.). Also some of Kubrick's camerawork (like the scene where the monolith first appears amidst the apes, the bone that turns into a satellite, and the final act in the hotel room) are just brilliant. I've watched those scenes probably hundreds of times and still enjoy them tremendously. Another reason I enjoy it is that I'm a big fan of Arthur C. Clarke and once I read the novel I enjoyed the movie even more. The movie also indirectly addresses some very heady topics like religion, the evolution of man and machine, and man's ultimate place in the universe.
The movie is definitely an acquired taste and something you have to be in the mood to watch (especially if you're going to see it all in one sitting). And the "epic" space scenes you refer to can drag on some and by today's standards some of the effects do look dated. I think you have to remember that when the film premiered in 1968 there quite probably had never been anything like it. Since then we've been inundated with sci-fi films that bombard the senses and 2001's more laid back approach can seem slow by comparison.
I first saw the movie when I was very young (maybe 10 or 12) and even though I didn't understand the ending at the time (the novel took care of that) the film's visuals and especially HAL had a profound impact on me and inspired me to pursue a career in computers. It's a great film, but not everyone's cup of tea; nothing wrong with that.
As to other sci-fi films I love: Forbidden Planet (probably the most underrated sci-fi film ever), The Time Machine (1960 version), Planet of the Apes (the 1968 original), Soylent Green, Logan's Run, Bladerunner, the Star Wars films (even though I consider them more fantasy than sci-fi), and Alien. There are so many more of course; sci-fi is by far my favorite genre ( yes, even more than spy movies )
It's so hard to choose just 5, but one's that usually find themselves around that area are:
From Russia With Love Field of Dreams Star Wars: A New Hope Batman Begins Raiders of the Lost Ark
Though there are plenty more that can make their way in depending on my mood.
1. The Godfather
2. The Godfather Part II
3. The Empire Strikes Back
4. The Lord of The Rings: Return of The King
5. Highlander.
HOWEVER
Should we include movie sagas that are, really, hours long movie (as their filmmakers have intended by the end of the day):
1. The Godfather (one giant movie)
2. Star Wars (one giant movie)
3. Lord of the Rings (one giant movie)
4. Highlander
5. Barry Lyndon--Shindler's List (tied)
1. Gladiator (cried my eyes out)
2. Braveheart (another heart-wrenching ending)
3. LOTR: Return of the king (and again!)
4. Bladerunner (i'm starting to see a trend here ^^)
5. Patriot Games
I've just realised I like a lot of 'guy films'. O_o'
I guess my type of film would be exciting and action-packed (even bloody ;P), but deep enough to move you into crying.
1. From Russia With Love- This is the one movie that will always have my heart. Everything about it haunts me.
2. The Matrix- Not even minding the ground breaking special effects, this is one of the most innovative and intellectual movies ever made.
3. Snatch- From a pure entertainment standpoint, I have never been more thoroughly entertained by a single movie. Brilliantly cast, brilliantly acted, brilliantly made: just brilliant.
4. Fight Club- Another entertaining, highly intelligent movie, and one of the most rebellious movies ever made. Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter are just terrific. The ending is one of the most intelligent twists ever conceived.
5. Office Space- Like Barry, I had to include a comedy here, but this is my God's honest #5 favorite movie. I can't help but noddingly falling on the floor laugh every single time I watch this movie.
Hmm... This may be hard, but I will try,
These are not in any particular order:
1) Nightmare Before Christmas
2) King Kong (2005; I really enjoyed how Jackson broaden the story and I am anxious to see his director's cut.)
3) A Very Long Engagement
4) Snatch (The cast and dialogue was great!)
5) The Big Lebowski
This was very hard for me; I can think of many films I think are great and consider "My Favorite." I also love over 98% of all Burton, Coen Brother's, Hitchcock, and Jeunet and of course, all the (legitament) Bond films.
1.Rear Window
2.Casablanca
3.The Phantom of the Opera (1925 and 2004)
4.Marnie
5.North by Northwest
Hmmm, a Hitchcock fan, me too, Rear Window is my favorite and Psycho is my favorite scary movie. Other Hitchcock's I enjoyed, North by Northwest, Dial M for Murder, Vertigo, Strangers on a Train, To Catch a Thief and The Birds. Notorious was alright as was Frenzy and the Man Who Knew Too Much. I also think Rope was an interesting experiment, can't say I loved it, but I did find it interesting.
1. Arthur
2. Rocky II
3. Dog Day Afternoon
4. The Godfather Part II
5. Raging Bull
I think that all five films are great (Godfather 2 is my all-time second favourite film) but you listed two sequels. Why do you prefer them to the originals?
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Honorable Mentions Go To: Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Superman:The Movie, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Beverly Hills Cop, Oceans Eleven, Field of Dreams, The Thomas Crown Affair and a bunch of others!
1) Terminator 2
2) Anchorman- I laugh myself to tears everytime I watch it
3) From Russia With Love- BEST Bond movie ever, would be great as a stand alone movie as well.
4) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
5) Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
Comments
Always thought he had an unusually high voice though, especially during "Who will buy my sweet red roses".
Since we're on the subject of musicals, lest I forget, My Fair Lady must be added to our hall of fame.
2) Aliens
3) Leon
4) Tombstone
5) Fallen
I am a HUGE sci. fiction fan and many people record 2001: A Space Odyssey as the #1 science fiction film of all time. I recently tried watching it for the first time and could not sit throught the whole thing. The reason being because it had too many of these long "epic" moments where entire classical songs were played through (5 minutes or so) and there was no dialogue or progress in the plot of the film. I feel like I must not have taste or something for not liking this film because so many other people do. Can anyone explain to me the appeal of 2001: A Space Odyssey?
Don't beat yourself up; 2001 is one of those movies that can polarize peoples' opinions. If you don't like it, that's not a crime.
As to its appeal, I just enjoy it because it breaks so many rules of established cinema: minimal dialog, a very different kind of soundtrack, and a realistic portrayal of space travel (no sound, everything slow and deliberate, etc.). Also some of Kubrick's camerawork (like the scene where the monolith first appears amidst the apes, the bone that turns into a satellite, and the final act in the hotel room) are just brilliant. I've watched those scenes probably hundreds of times and still enjoy them tremendously. Another reason I enjoy it is that I'm a big fan of Arthur C. Clarke and once I read the novel I enjoyed the movie even more. The movie also indirectly addresses some very heady topics like religion, the evolution of man and machine, and man's ultimate place in the universe.
The movie is definitely an acquired taste and something you have to be in the mood to watch (especially if you're going to see it all in one sitting). And the "epic" space scenes you refer to can drag on some and by today's standards some of the effects do look dated. I think you have to remember that when the film premiered in 1968 there quite probably had never been anything like it. Since then we've been inundated with sci-fi films that bombard the senses and 2001's more laid back approach can seem slow by comparison.
I first saw the movie when I was very young (maybe 10 or 12) and even though I didn't understand the ending at the time (the novel took care of that) the film's visuals and especially HAL had a profound impact on me and inspired me to pursue a career in computers. It's a great film, but not everyone's cup of tea; nothing wrong with that.
As to other sci-fi films I love: Forbidden Planet (probably the most underrated sci-fi film ever), The Time Machine (1960 version), Planet of the Apes (the 1968 original), Soylent Green, Logan's Run, Bladerunner, the Star Wars films (even though I consider them more fantasy than sci-fi), and Alien. There are so many more of course; sci-fi is by far my favorite genre ( yes, even more than spy movies
From Russia With Love
Field of Dreams
Star Wars: A New Hope
Batman Begins
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Though there are plenty more that can make their way in depending on my mood.
2. The Godfather Part II
3. The Empire Strikes Back
4. The Lord of The Rings: Return of The King
5. Highlander.
HOWEVER
Should we include movie sagas that are, really, hours long movie (as their filmmakers have intended by the end of the day):
1. The Godfather (one giant movie)
2. Star Wars (one giant movie)
3. Lord of the Rings (one giant movie)
4. Highlander
5. Barry Lyndon--Shindler's List (tied)
Thats it for me.
2. Braveheart (another heart-wrenching ending)
3. LOTR: Return of the king (and again!)
4. Bladerunner (i'm starting to see a trend here ^^)
5. Patriot Games
I've just realised I like a lot of 'guy films'. O_o'
I guess my type of film would be exciting and action-packed (even bloody ;P), but deep enough to move you into crying.
-Jurassic Park
-Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
-King Kong (2005)
-Superman
-Gettysburg
2. The Matrix- Not even minding the ground breaking special effects, this is one of the most innovative and intellectual movies ever made.
3. Snatch- From a pure entertainment standpoint, I have never been more thoroughly entertained by a single movie. Brilliantly cast, brilliantly acted, brilliantly made: just brilliant.
4. Fight Club- Another entertaining, highly intelligent movie, and one of the most rebellious movies ever made. Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter are just terrific. The ending is one of the most intelligent twists ever conceived.
5. Office Space- Like Barry, I had to include a comedy here, but this is my God's honest #5 favorite movie. I can't help but noddingly falling on the floor laugh every single time I watch this movie.
2.OHMSS
3.Highlander: 1 & 4
4.Pirates of the Carribean
5.LOTR: 1-3
These are not in any particular order:
1) Nightmare Before Christmas
2) King Kong (2005; I really enjoyed how Jackson broaden the story and I am anxious to see his director's cut.)
3) A Very Long Engagement
4) Snatch (The cast and dialogue was great!)
5) The Big Lebowski
This was very hard for me; I can think of many films I think are great and consider "My Favorite." I also love over 98% of all Burton, Coen Brother's, Hitchcock, and Jeunet and of course, all the (legitament) Bond films.
2.Raiders of the Lost Ark
3.12 Angry Men
4.MASH
5.The Big Country
1. Arthur
2. Rocky II
3. Dog Day Afternoon
4. The Godfather Part II
5. Raging Bull
I don't really think I have to explain why on ethier of these.
2.Casablanca
3.The Phantom of the Opera (1925 and 2004)
4.Marnie
5.North by Northwest
Hmmm, a Hitchcock fan, me too, Rear Window is my favorite and Psycho is my favorite scary movie. Other Hitchcock's I enjoyed, North by Northwest, Dial M for Murder, Vertigo, Strangers on a Train, To Catch a Thief and The Birds. Notorious was alright as was Frenzy and the Man Who Knew Too Much. I also think Rope was an interesting experiment, can't say I loved it, but I did find it interesting.
1.Casino Royale (2006)
2.Batman Begins (2005)
3.Star Wars (1977)
4.The Departed (2006)
5.The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Honorable Mentions Go To:
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Superman:The Movie, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Beverly Hills Cop, Oceans Eleven, Field of Dreams, The Thomas Crown Affair and a bunch of others!
(Steven Spielberg) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery
2. Jaws (1975)
(Steven Spielberg) Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw
3. Rear Window (1954)
(Alfred Hitchcock) James Stewart, Grace Kelly
4. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
(Sergio Leone) Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda
5. What Lies Beneath (2000)
(Robert Zemeckis) Harrison Ford, Michelle Pfeiffer
2) Anchorman- I laugh myself to tears everytime I watch it
3) From Russia With Love- BEST Bond movie ever, would be great as a stand alone movie as well.
4) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
5) Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid