1001 Film Reviews and More

The King's Speech (2010)

2011-04-09T09:25:00.001-07:00

The Kings Speech is a historical film that does it right. The film shows how King George VI came to the thrown after his brother Edward abdicated to marry Miss Wallice Simpson. The only problem is that Albert also known by his family members as 'Bertie' suffers from a severe stuttering problem.

Albert is played exceptionally well by Colin Firth who together with Geoffrey Rush play off each other as Albert and his speech therapist Lionel Logue. Helena Botham Carter is exquisite as Albert's wife Elizabeth. It was really nice seeing her play such a down to earth woman instead of her usual wild characters she's mostly known for "Sweeney Todd" and "Harry Potter" come to mind.

I saw this film twice, and both times I absolutely adored this film. I'm so happy that it won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director at the 2011 Oscars.

This film gets 5 out of 5 stars.

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-08-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

So I saw "Eat, Pray, Love" recently and I was a bit underwhelmed. Please don't get me wrong. I love the idea of a woman going off to find herself. I just found the casting a bit "off" per se.

The film follows a writer named Liz played by Julia Roberts who is unhappy in her life and marriage. Leaves her husband and goes on a world win trip to Italy, India, and ending in Bali. I found the first half of the film to lag. I got the fact that she was unhappy but I found myself saying "get to Italy already!" Not a good thing when watching a film.

The scenery was breathtaking. I love Italy and how ancient it is but found myself laughing when Julia Roberts is having trouble fitting into a pair of jeans. Really? Julia is like a size 0. I can't see her having to buy "fat jeans." Like ever.

We arrive in India and for a second was fearful for her safety as she rode in the taxi to her destination. My favorite part is the speech by Richard from Texas, played by Richard Jenkins. This part made me cry and I see an Oscar in Jenkin's future for this performance.

The other standout in the film is Javier Bardem as Filipe. Although I loved his character I found this part of the film to turn from Liz's struggles to Filipe. As a screenwriter myself your lense should always be on your protagonist. This half of the film turned to Filipe and his struggles. The main character flipped from Liz to Felipe.

Over all the film was enjoyable but I'm not going to be adding this one to my library of films. It did make me question my relationship with others as well as with God and isn't that what a good film does? Make us think?

-A-

Amelia (2009)

2009-12-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'd give this film 3 out of 5 stars. It was good but not stellar. It tells the story of Amelia in very broad strokes. How she fell in love, got married, and set out to fly around the world only to disappear over the Pacific Ocean. Hilary Swank does an good job as Amelia Earhart. Richard Gere doesn't as her husband George Putnam. It was like watching Richard Gere, play Richard Gere. I couldn't dispell my disbelief to believe he was playing a character. The other person I enjoyed in this film was Christopher Eccleston from "Doctor Who" fame as Fred Noonan Amelia's navigator who also perished when they disappeared. Christopher really made this film enjoyable and it was interesting to hear him speak with an American accent when I've gotten used to him speaking with a British one.

The Big Bang Theory Box Set

2009-09-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch this new CBS series. What I got was a smart, funny, story about two brilliant physists who have a beautiful woman move in next door. Johnny Galecki from 'Roseanne' fame stars at Dr. Leonard Hofstadler and the BRILLIANT Jim Parsons who is mostly unknown stars at Dr. Sheldon Cooper. These two are the oddest of odd couple's. The writing, the acting, and some of the lines leave me breathless as I am laughing way too hard. This show refuses to dumb it down for the masses and even has scientists on their writing staff so the science is correct.

Sit down and watch this show, you won't be disappointed.

-A-

The Ruling Class

2009-09-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Peter O' Toole is phenomenal in this British Black Comedy about the different classes in British Society. Peter O'Toole plays Arthur a young man who believes he's Jesus Christ and through a series of events goes from someone who loves his neighbor to a serial killer.

My favorite part of the film is the musical numbers, especially Peter O'Toole singing "These Dry Bones." Very bizarre, very funny, very black comedy. If you love British films, this is one you MUST see.

4 out of 5 stars.

-A-

The Magic Christian

2009-09-03T15:03:00.001-07:00

No, this isn't a film about Jesus and Hogwarts. Its a funny film that came out in the late 1960's early 70's and stars Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. The film takes a look at the idea that people will do absolutely anything for money.

Peter Sellers plays a millionaire and Ringo is a poor orphan he adopts. Together they prove through example after example that people will swim through poo for Quid.

If you can rent this film. Peter Sellers is stellar as is Ringo. Together they are a force to be reckoned with.

-A-

CSI: NY Box Sets Season 1, 2, & 3

2009-09-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

When CSI came out in 2000 I was totally psyched. I fell in love with the characters of Gil Grissom, Catherine Willows, Nick Stokes, etc. Then CSI:Miami came out and I wasn't that impressed. Then I heard they made a CSI:NY and I love Gary Sinise but I just wasn't sure. Then I went to New York City. WOW! Can we say New York City ROCKS boys and girls?

So I got home and turning to my trusty Netflix, I rented in succession Season 1, 2, & 3. I watched every episode and found that CSI: NY reminded me of Season 1 of CSI:Las Vegas. I absolutely loved it, I love the characters, who are younger and have think Brooklyn accents. Gary Sinise is phenomenal as Mac. Very tight cast, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

If you love CSI the original you'll love CSI:NY.

-A-

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra

2009-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, let me be frank I grew up with Barbie dolls. I had no knowledge of the story behind G.I. Joe. That being said, I found myself enjoying the film immensly. The story revolves around Duke and Lisa and how they have changed in the 4 years after a devastating event. Each one on the opposite side, Duke with the G.I. Joes and Lisa with M.A.R.S under the watchful eye of James McCullen/Destro.

The film was what I expected, little plot some nice storylines and TONS of explosions. It was fun, frantic and time flew as I watched it and I was disappointed when the credits rolled.

Overall I'll give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

Julie and Julia

2009-08-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

First let me tell you I'm no chef. I don't know much about French cooking, but I do know who Julia Child is. I've seen her cooking show on PBS growing up. So when I heard there was a film about her I had to go see it.

First the role of Julia Child is played by Meryl Streep. An actress who not just plays a part, she embodies it. I watched this film with my mouth hanging open because Meryl was Julia Child. Just like Jim Carrey WAS Andy Kaufman in "Man on the Moon." I found Meryl performance larger than life, just like Julia. I found myself wanting to know what Julia thought as she walked the food market in France.

Second: Amy Adams is brilliant as Julie Powell who's real life blog can be found here:www.juliepowell.blogspot.come. Go to the link called the "Julie/Julia Project." It's awesome, to read someone my age, juggle cooking, a job, a husband, 3 cats, and still find time to write about it all. Her insight into French cooking makes it fun and I've actually dug up my old copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."

This was a fun film, very cute, and very real. Can't wait for it to come out on DVD so I can own it.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

2009-04-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know its a kid film, but truth be told I really enjoyed this film. It was cute, and quirky, and I totally dig the CG animation of the chipmunks. Also doesn't hurt that one of the chipmunks is voiced by one of my favorite actors Matthew Gray Gubler.

What killed me, was the actor who plays Dave is the same actor who plays Earl in "My Name is Earl." I actually preferred him as Dave, as I don't get redneck, backwoods humor.

I'm psyched they're making a sequel. This had me laughing, and cheering for the furry little guys. Plus Simon is my favorite chipmunk by far. Love anyone that is bespeckled. Plus Matthew Gray Gubler is the voice of Simon = Win!

15 of 1001: A Clockwork Orange

2008-02-15T10:54:00.001-08:00

I didn't know what to expect when I put the DVD in and turned on my television set. What I saw left me disturbed and wondering about society.

A Clockwork Orange is a film by Stanley Kubrick that came out in 1971 and stars Malcolm Mcdowell. Yes, that Malcolm Mcdowell as Alex, a young holligan who roams the streets of London with his gand and who rapes one woman while singing "Singing in the Rain" and ends up killing another with a statue of a penis.

Alex then ends up in prison and is able to get on the Chaplain's side by feigning interest in the Bible. Yet sits there daydreaming of the bloody battles that are depicted in the Bible. Alex then ends up being the participant in an controversial experiment (with scary images of Malcolm Mcdowell with his eyes pried open) that leaves Alex unable to have sex with anyone.

Alex then tries to re-enter society only to find out he doesn't fit and ends up trying to commit suicide and he fails.

A Clockwork Orange is an interesting look at society and how no matter how hard we try there will always be evil afoot.

14 of 1001 Monty Python and the Holy Grail

2007-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

This film changed my life literally.

Growing up in Colorado I had never heard of something called British Comedy. So my parents sat me down and made me watch old episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus. It wasn't until I was in High School when some of the upperclassmen in my classes would go around clapping their hands and pretending to be on a horse. I remember asking them what they were doing and they had this look that said "you need to go see this film."

So I went to the local store and rented this gem.

This film is still a classic today. It's Monty Python in their finest. The premise is King Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable must find the Holy Grail. Along the way they meet some interesting characters, Knights who say "Nit", as well as a diabolical vampiric bunny, and something called a Holy Hand Grenade.

Even though this film came out in 1975 it's still a classic to this day.

-A-

13 of 1001 Reservoir Dogs

2007-11-24T09:25:00.001-08:00

Again Quentin Tarantino at his best.

The premise of this film is simple enough. A group of criminals break into a bank and steal money. One of the men is an undercover cop who infiltrates the group and gains everyones trust. Instead of using their real names everyone is designated a color. Orange, Brown, Pink, etc.

Famous line "Why do I have to be Mr. Pink?" said rather convincingly by Steve Buscemi. Good point, because other colors are on another job.

The best scene in this film and you'll understand why when you see it, is the scene with the cop tied to a chair and the strains of "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Gerry Rafferty playing in the background. I won't give away what happens, but I will say this, you'll never listen to that song the same way again. The imagery is very intense.

I liked this film, I thought it worked on many levels. I cared about Mr. Orange and whether he'd be found out as the undercover cop. I liked the gore, and the conversations between the men. We never see the bank robbery all we know is that something went terribly wrong. This film is Quentin Tarantino's answer to the Rat Pack films of the 1950's (ala Ocean's 11).

-A-

12 of 1001 The Producers

2007-11-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

Ever tried to fail at something so badly you actually end up succeeding?

That's the premise of this film. Two producers one played by the talented Zero Mostel and the other played by Gene Wilder. Devise a plan to write the worst Broadway play ever in hopes of scamming little old ladies out of their money. The problem? The play is so successful due to the antics of the the actor playing none other than Hitler himself.

This film is one of Mel Brooks biggest hits. It's gone on to be a Broadway play with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. I'm still a big fan of the original with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. Two heavy weight comedians doing what they do best, making us laugh at the absurdity of the situation while making us wish for their success in fooling everyone.

Great film that everyone should see if you love Mel Brooks, go rent "The Producers." You won't be disappointed.

-A-

11 of 1001 Alien

2007-11-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

I was about 7 when I saw this film for the first time. I remember watching much of it through my fingers. Who can forget the baby alien spurting out of the person's stomach and scurrying across the floor? Great imagery that again sticks in our psyche and refuses to go away.

This film works well on our fears. Going up against something we don't understand while being trapped in a ship and the feeling of claustrophobia. Combine the two and you have a film that works on two levels. The horror of the alien plus no escape. Fight or Flight in it's glory.

This film still scares me to this day, yet I find it a true horror film. I personally prefer the psychological horror films instead of the blood and gore horror films. This is a great film to pop in on Halloween, sit back with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy.

-A-

10 of 1001 Jaws

2007-11-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Who can forget this film who has seen it?

This film scared me yet I found myself mesermized by the story. Of course for a while I was afraid to go swimming. To this day I'm afraid of going to a beach and swimming in the ocean, lest I become Shark food.

Even though we hardly see the shark for most of this film, the soundtrack and the acting builds the suspense of this film. Even to this day if you hear the opening strands of the theme song "Dum Dum...Dum Dum..." You instinctivly know what's going to happen. Someone is going to be eaten.

A scary film, yet a film that sticks in our psyche and we never look at water the same way again. That's the power of film to make us never forget the film years after we see it.

-A-

9 of 1001 Kill Bill Vol. 1

2007-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, Quentin Tarantino's answer to the Samurai genre of films. What I love about this film is how beautiful it is. I love Uma Thurman's character and her thirst of revenge for almost being killed. My favorite sequence is the fight between Uma and the mob of black clad fighters all in black and white. It takes away the goriness and leaves the beauty of the fight. Granted we still see arterial spray but we are numbed to it just like the main character. We understand her cutting through the fighters like a warm knife through butter.

My second favorite sequence is the sword fight in the snow at the end of the film. It's mesmerizing, it's elegant, it's daring, and it's beautiful to behold.

I was never a big Quentin Tarantino fan until I saw this film. This is one film I will be adding to my film collection very soon. Quentin has an eye for detail and understands genre's of film. Just like "Reservoir Dogs" was a homage to the Rat Pack films of the 50's. "Kill Bill" introduces movie goers to the world of the Samurai and revenge.

-A-

8 of 1001 Top Gun

2007-11-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

"Top Gun" is a good film. Good acting, good soundtrack, yet I don't think it belongs on this list. Yes it was the film that shot Tom Cruise into the stratosphere of "big celebrities" but I just don't understand why I must see this film before I die.

It's about flying and regaining your courage to fly after a traumatic event. Loss and Love are the two emotions this film runs on. Losing a friend, and falling in love.

Good fight sequences in the F-15's and Tom Cruise is very believable as a flying ace. I just don't need to sit and rewatch this one again.

Interesting choice from this book, of which I disagree in that I don't think not seeing "Top Gun" is a crime. Either you're a fan of Tom's or you're not. That's just my two cents, take it or leave it.

-A-

7 of 1001 Matrix

2007-11-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

So which will it be audience? Do you take the red pill and forget and live your life as you have or do you take the blue pill and go spiraling down the rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland?

Apparently we take the blue pill.

The Matrix is one of those science fiction films that after multiple viewings I'm not closer to understanding the concept for this film. I can grasp the concept of aliens taking the human race into servitude and using us as batteries to power their world. I don't understand how it's a computer program and that one pill makes it all clear.

I understand the bad guys are basically viruses in this computer matrix. Plug yourself into a port and "Bingo" instant knowledge/up grade.

I enjoy Keanu Reeves since I watched him in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. I found him very captivating in this film and I enjoyed the fight sequences. They were very elegant and a repeat of the fight sequences from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Overall a strange film, but you leave trying to wrap your head around the idea only to be more baffled than before.

-A-

6 of 1001 Saving Private Ryan

2007-11-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

One of my friends who saw this film said the whole film was wrapped in the American Flag. The first shot and the last shot are of a faded Old Glory with the sun shining through it. After the first shot the audience sees a shaking hand opening a canteen and Tom Hanks taking a drink. Then the carnage starts on D-Day on Normandy Beach.

Recently I saw a interview with Steven Spielberg, he said the first 15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan took 26 days to shoot. Why so long? Because the entire sequence was improvised. Nothing was written out on a story board it was all in the directors head. He filmed it as he had read about D-Day from survivors of that fateful day. Even now writing about that sequence I feel the anxiety and fear for the men on the boats. Not knowing if I'd survive to see tomorrow. The graininess of the film the hand held camera and the sound of a heartbeat make it real and in first person perspective.

As the film goes on, we meet and get to know the other soldier's in the group. By the movies end we care about these men and what they have endured. By movies end, we know that Private Ryan earned his survival and remembers the men lost to The Great War: World War II. Tom Brokaw calls the men of that war the greatest generation and I agree. For what those boys saw and experienced and lived to tell the tale should be passed on to younger generations so we never forget. For those who don't learn anything from history are doomed to repeat it. I personally don't want another World War II.

Thank you Steven Spielberg, for giving us a glimpse of what war is really like. The carnage, the death, the blood, and the tears. War is not a John Wayne film. It is life or death and we the audience should never forget that.

-A-

5 of 1001 Raiders of the Lost Ark

2007-11-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

What a great film brought to us by the genius minds of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. I love the idea of a person living a double life. By day Indiana Jones is an Archaeologist Professor by night he's adventurer extraordinaire who is a true ladies man.

I loved this film in that it was adventurous, it was scary, and it had melting wax dummies of evil Nazi's. What else could you ask for? Also you have Harrison Ford shooting a sword brandishing sheik all of which was completely improvised due to Harrison Ford not feeling well the day of the shoot. Still one of the most famous scenes that cracks me up each time I see it.

This film is on my list of repeat viewings. Not many films get on the list due to losing their luster after the first viewing. Raiders of the Lost Ark is still fun and enjoyable even after all these years.

-A-

4 of 1001 Return of the Jedi

2007-11-22T20:07:00.001-08:00

I figured since all 3 of the original trilogy were on the list I should do 3 separate reviews.

"Return of the Jedi" starts off with the audience following the 2 droids as they enter a strange enclosure and meet up with a huge green slug called Jabba the Hut. The droids bring a message for Jabba from their master Luke. After the hologram plays Jabba laughs and the droids are hired into indentured servitude. Later another person comes in with a Wookie on a chain and later we realize that Leia is back to help save Han from his frozen state.

The film draws us in and we hold on for the ride. We know that this is the final segment and all bets are off. We lose some players in the game yet they are redeemed in death. We meet new friends and enemies we thought were bad turn out to actually be good guys all along.

I personally loved "Return of the Jedi" when I was a kid. I remember sitting in the theatre and being completely mesmerized by the film. I don't think I stopped talking for a couple hours afterward. I was in heaven.

What gets me in this film is that Luke who wears white in the first two films wears black for most of this film. It's interesting seeing Luke grow up from the innocent young boy to the man who will lead the new Jedi Order. We also see that not all evil is pure. Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker redeems himself and is able to join the Force. The most memorable scene for me is the funeral pyre with Luke standing there under the stars watching his father's body burn. The audience feels his grief and can relate to him saying "goodbye" to someone he thought was an enemy but was in truth family.

Overall a good film that stays with you. It ties up the other two films nicely with no loose ends. Do I wish the story would continue, yes. Will George Lucas grant me my wish..no. I can live with that and that's OK.

-A-

3 of 1001 Empire Strikes Back

2007-11-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

Ah, the Sequel.

This film had a much different feel and tone to it than "Star Wars." The audience knows the players of the story. We know which side people are on who's good, who's evil. We know that there are very few Jedi left and that they are a dying breed. We meet some new characters such as Yoda and Lando.

This film pulls at your heartstrings because everything bad that can happen does. Han Solo gets frozen. Luke loses an arm, C-3PO ends up in pieces. We also find out the real relationship between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. We as the audience almost have the same reaction as Luke. I know when I first saw "Empire Strikes Back" that I wasn't expecting the revelation of Darth Vader.

I feel for Leia at her loss of Han Solo. At the end of the film we don't know what is going to happen to our heroes. We feel uncertain and scared that the characters we know and love are hurting.

We can only hope that George Lucas has a vision and that it will help us understand what is happening and where our heroes will end up.

Overall "Empire Strikes Back" is a good film, not as good as "Star Wars" but when does the sequel match the original

-A-

2 of 1001: Star Wars: A New Hope

2007-11-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

What can I say about "Star Wars" by George Lucas and not sound redundant. So many have written reviews of this film that mine seems so benign by comparison.

Even after all these years I still get excited as the music starts and the blue writing starts scrolling up the screen. I'm not thrilled by the newer flashier versions of the originals. Granted CGI (computer generated imagery) helped enhance the films a bit with a few things here or there. I guess I love the feeling I had watching the originals as a child with child like wonder. I didn't care if the planet blew up correctly or the fact that some creatures in the background weren't there. I just remember the feeling of being taken away to a fantastical place, where I cared for Luke Skywalker, Leia, Han Solo and I wanted to see them succeed.

Granted "Star Wars" wasn't the best film to showcase Alec Guinness who was best known from "The Bridge over the River Kwai" but it secured him into the hearts of millions around the world who will forever know him as Obi Wan Kenobi. My only plea is go see some of Alec Guinness' other work. He really is a brilliant British actor.

One of the things that I think makes "Star Wars" stand out is the fact that John Williams wrote the score. When most films of the 1970's were done by Synthesizer, John Williams used an orchestra. The result? One of the most famous pieces of music to date. Who can forget the theme song. Even now years later I can sit here and hum the theme song, Darth Vaders theme, etc.

The main thing that stands out is the mythology of "Star Wars." How a young protagonist, who wants to rebel against his guardians is thrown into a war that isn't his own but finds he's a main piece on the chess board. You end up caring for these characters who at the beginning didn't know anything about. You cheer for Luke Skywalker as he grows and matures, you root for Han Solo the bad boy with a heart of gold. You understand that Leia is in a place of power and wants to help save the Galaxy.

"Star Wars" will forever be one of my favorite films in that I can pop it in and be transported again to a place that is familiar and happy that I knew as a child.

-A-

1 of 1001 2001: A Space Odyssey

2007-11-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

"What are you doing Dave?"

Ah, yes HAL the computer in all his glory. When I first saw this film by Stanley Kubrick I didn't know what to expect. After viewing it, the film sticks with you, not just the imagery but also the theme song.

Stanley Kubrick's vision of Space is bizarre as it is frightening and beautiful. Also the idea of computers having more control over us scares us to the core. When this film was made computers were just coming into existence for use. HAL is the epitome of what happens when we put our trust into electronics than in humans.

Stanley Kubrick was a visionary of a director. His films all have a similar quality in that you're taken to a world that you're not familiar with. He shows you around and in the end your thankful for the tour but you're not quite the same anymore.

So, go rent 2001 sit back and prepare to be transported to a vision of the future that at the time when this film came out was scary and uncertain. Now as we are in 2007 the vision is fantastical but also scary for us as computers seem to be used more and more in today's society.

-A-

An Ambitious Endeavour

2007-11-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went and bought the book "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" by Steven Jay Schneider. My endeavour over the next year and a half is watch all of the films on this list that I haven't already seen. Tonight I will go through the book and count up all the films I have already viewed and/or own. I will then start typing up reviews for these films first. Most are Oscar winners or society favorites.

I look forward to this endeavour as I mold myself into a film critic. I have a degree in Psychology already and have many Film Studies classes under my belt. I was also the President of the Film Critic Club at my college when I was a student. I figure the best way to critique film is to watch as many as possible. What better way to see as many as possible as watching 1001 films? I'll also be adding to the list films I think should be in the book but for one reason or another were left out. So in the title if you see an asterisk by the name this is a movie I think should be in the list. So overall the list will be well over 1001 films. I may keep adding to this list as time goes on.

My hope is to enlighten others to some films that are out there, if you want to buy this book check your local bookseller or Barnes and Noble. I hope my reviews are concise, and educational as well as helpful to other film goers and critics a like. You may not agree with my choices or reviews and I'm OK with that. I just want others to think for themselves and check the films out and make up your own mind about whether it is a good film or not.

-A-