You're kidding, right? Number 84??? About some white hippies who ride motorcycles from LA to Mardi Gras and then get killed on the way home?
Seriously, 84????
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Movie #87A: Frankenstein
Rank: 4.5 out of 5
Being made in the 1930's, you wouldn't think this movie would be that scary today but several scenes are quite frightening and, if nothing else, make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
Frankenstein does what so many others of its time and soon after couldn't--provides the metaphor and meaning of a play through the medium of film. The cinematography of the monster awakening and reaching for the light overhead versus the following scene of him battling the fire (representative of hell) provides a basic reference for the rest of the plot.
Being made in the 1930's, you wouldn't think this movie would be that scary today but several scenes are quite frightening and, if nothing else, make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
Frankenstein does what so many others of its time and soon after couldn't--provides the metaphor and meaning of a play through the medium of film. The cinematography of the monster awakening and reaching for the light overhead versus the following scene of him battling the fire (representative of hell) provides a basic reference for the rest of the plot.
Movie #89B: The Sixth Sense
Rank: 4.25 out of 5
Shrink befriends a kid.
He sees dead people.
SPOILER: Willis is a ghost!
Shrink befriends a kid.
He sees dead people.
SPOILER: Willis is a ghost!
Movie #86: Mutiny on the Bounty
Rank: 2.5 out of 5
When on British ships
the pigs belong to Britain.
Bligh is an asshole.
Excited to see
Clark Gable with his shirt off.
Bligh is an asshole.
Really sucks to be
a seaman for Great Britain.
Bligh is an asshole.
When on British ships
the pigs belong to Britain.
Bligh is an asshole.
Excited to see
Clark Gable with his shirt off.
Bligh is an asshole.
Really sucks to be
a seaman for Great Britain.
Bligh is an asshole.
Movie 84A: Fargo
Rank: 2 out of 5
This movie suffers one of the worst fates: mis-marketing. It is classified as a comedy which misleads the viewer and makes it far worse than what it would be if it were marketed as a true melodrama. As a drama, it makes a poignant statement about the seductive, calculated world of crime we're generally presented versus the reality of Joe Blow attempting such. It also shows an uplifting story of a female sheriff who puts her husband and happy marriage before her job while managing to still be efficient and successful in her career--note the movie's last scene.
This movie suffers one of the worst fates: mis-marketing. It is classified as a comedy which misleads the viewer and makes it far worse than what it would be if it were marketed as a true melodrama. As a drama, it makes a poignant statement about the seductive, calculated world of crime we're generally presented versus the reality of Joe Blow attempting such. It also shows an uplifting story of a female sheriff who puts her husband and happy marriage before her job while managing to still be efficient and successful in her career--note the movie's last scene.
Movie #89A: Patton
Rank: 3.75 out of 5
"I can't see the reason such fine young men get killed. There are so many battles yet to fight." --George Patton
Therein lies the paradoxical theme of the film.
"I can't see the reason such fine young men get killed. There are so many battles yet to fight." --George Patton
Therein lies the paradoxical theme of the film.
Movie #85: A Night at the Opera
Rank: 5 out of 5
The Marx Brothers are the only comedies included on the list as far as we're concerned so enjoy the break from realism and melodrama--these guys are brilliant.
The Marx Brothers are the only comedies included on the list as far as we're concerned so enjoy the break from realism and melodrama--these guys are brilliant.
Movie #87B: 12 Angry Men
Rank: 4 out of 5
This movie is thought-provoking, well-acted and timeless so watch it with friends and discuss afterward--preferably over drinks.
This movie is thought-provoking, well-acted and timeless so watch it with friends and discuss afterward--preferably over drinks.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Movie #88: Bringing Up Baby
Watchability: 0
It's a comedy of manners but Katharine Hepburn's character is so annoying and Cary Grant is so unbelievable as a bumbling scientist that Bringing Up Baby is just an exercise in frustration. No need to catch this flick even for historic purposes--both leads have much better films to choose.
Family Guy: 0
Relevance: 0
Read the trivia on imdb.com for entertaining tidbits on this one. It's too difficult to watch the movie itself which is the exact opposite of our preference for comedies! Katharine Hepburn looks older than she's supposed to be and her character is so rude that we can't overcome it and even if we did, there isn't much else to enjoy with a near lack of plot furthered only by an escaped pet leopard and Cary Grant's character being held hostage.
The good news is, it's only a little over an hour and a half long! So, it's crap but it's quick crap!
If you're really craving comedy of manners, snuggle up to a good episode of Frasier instead.
It's a comedy of manners but Katharine Hepburn's character is so annoying and Cary Grant is so unbelievable as a bumbling scientist that Bringing Up Baby is just an exercise in frustration. No need to catch this flick even for historic purposes--both leads have much better films to choose.
Family Guy: 0
Relevance: 0
Read the trivia on imdb.com for entertaining tidbits on this one. It's too difficult to watch the movie itself which is the exact opposite of our preference for comedies! Katharine Hepburn looks older than she's supposed to be and her character is so rude that we can't overcome it and even if we did, there isn't much else to enjoy with a near lack of plot furthered only by an escaped pet leopard and Cary Grant's character being held hostage.
The good news is, it's only a little over an hour and a half long! So, it's crap but it's quick crap!
If you're really craving comedy of manners, snuggle up to a good episode of Frasier instead.
Movie #82A: Giant
Watchability: 3
This is a good movie to catch on network tv on a Sunday while you do chores--its beautiful scenes and actors make a nice background since the sound is so muddled most of the dialogue is indistinguishable.
Family Guy: 1
Only because of the numerous Liz Taylor references does this get a ranking.
Relevance: 1
Why does it take nearly three and a half hours for a movie about nothing when Seinfeld proved it could be done in 25 minutes???
Many scenes are reminiscent of a play that was recorded rather than a creation for the big screen and the sound is horribly uneven and overcomes the dialogue pretty much every time a character speaks. Giant portrays the topics of racism, sexism and classism without delving too deeply into any of them during the life span of a married couple and their Texas ranch hand turned oil tycoon.
This is yet another example of "appreciate it for what it is and when it was made" rather than a lasting commentary on society and/or film-making.
This is a good movie to catch on network tv on a Sunday while you do chores--its beautiful scenes and actors make a nice background since the sound is so muddled most of the dialogue is indistinguishable.
Family Guy: 1
Only because of the numerous Liz Taylor references does this get a ranking.
Relevance: 1
Why does it take nearly three and a half hours for a movie about nothing when Seinfeld proved it could be done in 25 minutes???
Many scenes are reminiscent of a play that was recorded rather than a creation for the big screen and the sound is horribly uneven and overcomes the dialogue pretty much every time a character speaks. Giant portrays the topics of racism, sexism and classism without delving too deeply into any of them during the life span of a married couple and their Texas ranch hand turned oil tycoon.
This is yet another example of "appreciate it for what it is and when it was made" rather than a lasting commentary on society and/or film-making.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Bottom "10" Overview
So, the main thing we've learned about movies pretty quickly from this exercise is that we have a somewhat unique reaction to them. We review and research most of the ones we watch and so far they have been critically acclaimed and praised by average viewers as well. However, we cannot understand why most of them would be included on a list of the TOP 100 movies of all time that was created in 1997. Perhaps the confusion lies with our interpretation of "top" as "greatest" and/or "most entertaining" while the accepted definition seems to mean "with the biggest names" or "best for its time" or "most controversial."
Our challenge to anyone following or just reading this blog is to continue posting your opinions of these movies (we love comments!) but also give justification if you believe they belong on the list when we don't. By the end of this exercise we really would like to better understand the criteria that gets some of these movies we deem horrible on a "top" list.
Here are the ones that we'd include in our top 100:
91B SOPHIE'S CHOICE
Our challenge to anyone following or just reading this blog is to continue posting your opinions of these movies (we love comments!) but also give justification if you believe they belong on the list when we don't. By the end of this exercise we really would like to better understand the criteria that gets some of these movies we deem horrible on a "top" list.
Here are the ones that we'd include in our top 100:
91B SOPHIE'S CHOICE
92A A PLACE IN THE SUN
92B GOODFELLAS
94 PULP FICTION
99B TOY STORY
These are on the fence for being included:
96 DO THE RIGHT THING
90B SWING TIME
93 THE FRENCH CONNECTION
99B TOY STORY
These are on the fence for being included:
96 DO THE RIGHT THING
97 BLADE RUNNER
98 YANKEE DOODLE DANDY
These we would never include:
90A THE JAZZ SINGER
91A MY FAIR LADY
99A GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
100 BEN-HUR
If we were willing to actually acknowledge this as a "movie" we would include it in the WORST MOVIES OF ALL TIME list:
95 THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
We cannot believe why it would even be considered for any list pertaining to anything positive. It is absolute drivel and the basest, most tragic piece of production we have ever witnessed.
If we were willing to actually acknowledge this as a "movie" we would include it in the WORST MOVIES OF ALL TIME list:
95 THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
We cannot believe why it would even be considered for any list pertaining to anything positive. It is absolute drivel and the basest, most tragic piece of production we have ever witnessed.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Movie #97B: Blade Runner
Watchability: 1
If you like sci-fi and want to witness Harrison Ford's worst acting ever, this is one to watch once. The idea of the film noir voice-over style was a good one, but, thanks to Ford, or the writing, or whatever, it didn't work.
Family Guy: 4
In The King Is Dead Family Guy episode, the backdrop of the stage set and Peter's narration placing the events of the play in the year 2019 refer to Blade Runner.
On another episode of Family Guy, the character Death carries a picture of Edward James Olmos and Olmos' ass in his wallet.
Relevance: 1
It's the 80's prediction of present-day: that Asians will have taken over everything, there will be no sun and 80's hair and makeup will be all the rage. Ford's voice-overs are terrible and there are conjectures as to why--trivia and flubs are the best part about this movie.
The idea that man-made creations like the replicants could develop feelings is strong and one that has been imitated and recreated numerous times but if you want a great Ridley Scott sci-fi, watch Alien. The acting is better, the story is better, the special effects are better; it's just a better movie.
Why would this movie be added to the top 100 in 2007? What are the qualities about its dated outlook, poor acting and predictable plot that make it worthy of consideration?
If you like sci-fi and want to witness Harrison Ford's worst acting ever, this is one to watch once. The idea of the film noir voice-over style was a good one, but, thanks to Ford, or the writing, or whatever, it didn't work.
Family Guy: 4
In The King Is Dead Family Guy episode, the backdrop of the stage set and Peter's narration placing the events of the play in the year 2019 refer to Blade Runner.
On another episode of Family Guy, the character Death carries a picture of Edward James Olmos and Olmos' ass in his wallet.
Relevance: 1
It's the 80's prediction of present-day: that Asians will have taken over everything, there will be no sun and 80's hair and makeup will be all the rage. Ford's voice-overs are terrible and there are conjectures as to why--trivia and flubs are the best part about this movie.
The idea that man-made creations like the replicants could develop feelings is strong and one that has been imitated and recreated numerous times but if you want a great Ridley Scott sci-fi, watch Alien. The acting is better, the story is better, the special effects are better; it's just a better movie.
Why would this movie be added to the top 100 in 2007? What are the qualities about its dated outlook, poor acting and predictable plot that make it worthy of consideration?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Movie 92: Goodfellas
Watchability: 4
This is a classic everyone should see which bumps it from a 3/3.5 to a 4 despite the fact that Hubby kind of loses interest during the heavy drug part in the 70's and Wifey can't handle the opening scene and the scene that revisits it later.
Family Guy: 4
The episode "There's Something about Paulie" and The Simpsons character inspired by Johnny Carbone give this film one of the higher rankings.
Relevance: 5
"How am I funny?"
How many times has this one, tiny scene been referenced to in our lifetime? Let us count the ways...
Or, rather, let us say that there are so many references, spoofs and impersonations inspired by Goodfellas that it is one of the most relevant films we've watched so far. Even a cartoon (Animaniacs, granted one of the best cartoons of our childhood) has a take:
http://youtu.be/Az3iAuKC1qY
One special note: when Henry takes his future wife on a date, there is a continuously filmed scene following the two of them into the back entrance, down stairs, through a busy kitchen, and into a busy dining room where a table gets set for them up front. It is a classic and AMAZING scene. Remember the car chase in The French Connection everyone raves about? This one trumps that because it involves so many more people rather than a camera on a car following a car down a street. It is filmography at its best.
We wanted to write more, but, what else can we say? It's GOODFELLAS. Come ooooon!
This is a classic everyone should see which bumps it from a 3/3.5 to a 4 despite the fact that Hubby kind of loses interest during the heavy drug part in the 70's and Wifey can't handle the opening scene and the scene that revisits it later.
Family Guy: 4
The episode "There's Something about Paulie" and The Simpsons character inspired by Johnny Carbone give this film one of the higher rankings.
Relevance: 5
"How am I funny?"
How many times has this one, tiny scene been referenced to in our lifetime? Let us count the ways...
Or, rather, let us say that there are so many references, spoofs and impersonations inspired by Goodfellas that it is one of the most relevant films we've watched so far. Even a cartoon (Animaniacs, granted one of the best cartoons of our childhood) has a take:
http://youtu.be/Az3iAuKC1qY
One special note: when Henry takes his future wife on a date, there is a continuously filmed scene following the two of them into the back entrance, down stairs, through a busy kitchen, and into a busy dining room where a table gets set for them up front. It is a classic and AMAZING scene. Remember the car chase in The French Connection everyone raves about? This one trumps that because it involves so many more people rather than a camera on a car following a car down a street. It is filmography at its best.
We wanted to write more, but, what else can we say? It's GOODFELLAS. Come ooooon!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Movie #90B: Swing Time
Watchability: 4
Like Bud Light and its "drinkability" this movie is watchable. If you like music and dance, Fred Astaire is THE master and Ginger Rogers is perfection--beautiful and triple-threat talented. Watch it for an uplifting Sunday afternoon.
Family Guy: 0
We don't think there are any but this exercise is definitely testing our Family Guy knowledge. Feel free to share anything you find!
Relevance: 2
The start of the movie is frustratingly unbelievable but if you can get to suspension of disbelief, it turns into an entertaining movie despite a shallow, characteristically musical plot. The time period and actors in the film inspire some wikipedia browsing and the dancing is fun to watch as is the character Pop. With classic songs like, "The Way You Look Tonight" and "A Fine Romance" this movie has contributed to today's music world but, as we've said before, doesn't make it a great movie.
Like Bud Light and its "drinkability" this movie is watchable. If you like music and dance, Fred Astaire is THE master and Ginger Rogers is perfection--beautiful and triple-threat talented. Watch it for an uplifting Sunday afternoon.
Family Guy: 0
We don't think there are any but this exercise is definitely testing our Family Guy knowledge. Feel free to share anything you find!
Relevance: 2
The start of the movie is frustratingly unbelievable but if you can get to suspension of disbelief, it turns into an entertaining movie despite a shallow, characteristically musical plot. The time period and actors in the film inspire some wikipedia browsing and the dancing is fun to watch as is the character Pop. With classic songs like, "The Way You Look Tonight" and "A Fine Romance" this movie has contributed to today's music world but, as we've said before, doesn't make it a great movie.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Movie #90A: The Jazz Singer
Watchability: 1
Don't worry about seeing this one. While it has historical significance, Al Jolson is hyped as amazing throughout the film but his strange makeup/facial features and less than average voice do not convey to present-day regardless of poor film and audio quality.
Family Guy: 1
We're not sure if there's a Family Guy reference, but there was a great Al Jolson in blackface call on Community last week
Relevance: 3
The Jazz Singer was the first widely-distributed "talkie." We were a bit surprised to see that the movie itself was still a silent movie, there were just scenes that were filmed with sound. Although only partially entertained, we have to admit that it must have been a pretty amazing experience for the average 1927 moviegoer. The opening line of the movie, "Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain't heard nothin' yet," pretty much says it all. We have such gems to look forward to as:
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner,"
"...because my stepfather tried to rape me, and he's a werewolf," and
"I'm cool, you're cool. We're just two cool guys."
Yes, 83 years later, and we still ain't heard nothin' yet.
Don't worry about seeing this one. While it has historical significance, Al Jolson is hyped as amazing throughout the film but his strange makeup/facial features and less than average voice do not convey to present-day regardless of poor film and audio quality.
Family Guy: 1
We're not sure if there's a Family Guy reference, but there was a great Al Jolson in blackface call on Community last week
Relevance: 3
The Jazz Singer was the first widely-distributed "talkie." We were a bit surprised to see that the movie itself was still a silent movie, there were just scenes that were filmed with sound. Although only partially entertained, we have to admit that it must have been a pretty amazing experience for the average 1927 moviegoer. The opening line of the movie, "Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain't heard nothin' yet," pretty much says it all. We have such gems to look forward to as:
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner,"
"...because my stepfather tried to rape me, and he's a werewolf," and
"I'm cool, you're cool. We're just two cool guys."
Yes, 83 years later, and we still ain't heard nothin' yet.
It has led us to wonder: was it removed from the original Top 100 because it was not a great movie, or did some panty-waste PC idiot decide that it wasn't cool to show a balding Jew in blackface?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Movie 91B: Sophie's Choice
Watchability: 5
Watch it at least once or more if you can. Wifey has trouble with holocaust depictions but was able to get through this one; however, if you're leery of that type of thing, have this movie screened for you.
Family Guy: Too heavy a film for this type of reference.
Relevance: 5
Hubby thinks this is the best FILM we've watched so far--not the most entertaining but definitely a strong film for its time, the time it depicts and the present.
Meryl Streep. Wow. Wow.
We've (mostly Wifey) watched some of her other movies like The Hours, The Devil Wears Prada, Adaptation, The Bridges of Madison County and It's Complicated and always thought she was good but never really understood why she was so hyped-up by everyone. Now we get it. She is AMAZING in this film and it gives us a new appreciation of her. Oh, and Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol step up and give her the leading men she needs. They are two under-hyped actors.
Watch it at least once or more if you can. Wifey has trouble with holocaust depictions but was able to get through this one; however, if you're leery of that type of thing, have this movie screened for you.
Family Guy: Too heavy a film for this type of reference.
Relevance: 5
Hubby thinks this is the best FILM we've watched so far--not the most entertaining but definitely a strong film for its time, the time it depicts and the present.
Meryl Streep. Wow. Wow.
We've (mostly Wifey) watched some of her other movies like The Hours, The Devil Wears Prada, Adaptation, The Bridges of Madison County and It's Complicated and always thought she was good but never really understood why she was so hyped-up by everyone. Now we get it. She is AMAZING in this film and it gives us a new appreciation of her. Oh, and Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol step up and give her the leading men she needs. They are two under-hyped actors.
Movie #96B: Do the Right Thing
Watchability: 3.5
This is a movie to watch and discuss so it may take one or more rentals/downloads to fully appreciate it. We found ourselves saying that we were "ready for something to happen" during the interesting tableaus into different characters' lives but ultimately realized there was enough "action" to keep us engaged until the end.
Family Guy: 2
Indirect but a reference to Rosie Perez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COm9oTQBBqg
Relevance: 5
We're pretty sure this movie or definitely Spike Lee started a specific style of "plot" progression similar in originality to Tarantino with Pulp Fiction. This film portrays the lives of people connected by their location through brief interactions with each other without ever blatantly revealing the underlying tension building to the final climax. You are almost unaware that anything is ever going to "happen" until it does--in a big way. The end makes this a true, modern-day tragedy knowing that if only 1 of the many characters had made a different choice at any point, the entire outcome could have been avoided altogether....at least for the day....
It is relevant because of its impact and its ability to entertain the viewer.
This is a movie to watch and discuss so it may take one or more rentals/downloads to fully appreciate it. We found ourselves saying that we were "ready for something to happen" during the interesting tableaus into different characters' lives but ultimately realized there was enough "action" to keep us engaged until the end.
Family Guy: 2
Indirect but a reference to Rosie Perez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COm9oTQBBqg
Relevance: 5
We're pretty sure this movie or definitely Spike Lee started a specific style of "plot" progression similar in originality to Tarantino with Pulp Fiction. This film portrays the lives of people connected by their location through brief interactions with each other without ever blatantly revealing the underlying tension building to the final climax. You are almost unaware that anything is ever going to "happen" until it does--in a big way. The end makes this a true, modern-day tragedy knowing that if only 1 of the many characters had made a different choice at any point, the entire outcome could have been avoided altogether....at least for the day....
It is relevant because of its impact and its ability to entertain the viewer.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Movie #91A: My Fair Lady
Watchability: 3
You have to watch it (or the equivalent of "skim" it like we did, skipping the musical numbers) at least once because it's based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew and so many other things refer to it. It has a lot of songs you've heard or heard referenced before.
Family Guy: 5
Eliza Doolittle! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXeAzO0yIf4
Relevance:
Higgins is a jackass the entire time. There is nothing good about the fact that he treats Eliza like crap and yet she returns to him even though a young, nice man who worships her offers his love instead. Just as "Baby It's Cold Outside" implies date rape, this film implies domestic abuse. It's sad then and now.
On the other hand, we HATE musicals. We don't expect a film to break at twenty minutes in to tap dance or perform mime so we really don't like the idea of taking a plot and adding pointless music to it, either. This movie's likeability is not helped by that fact nor the two leading gay gentlemen who take Eliza in as a "project." Audrey Hepburn is wonderful but even her innate charisma is cheapened and turned into an unlikeable character in this film.
Better, more entertaining viewing suggestions include Pretty Woman and 10 Things I Hate about You.
As we publish this post, the movie is still playing on mute solely because we feel obligated to finish it for this project.
You have to watch it (or the equivalent of "skim" it like we did, skipping the musical numbers) at least once because it's based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew and so many other things refer to it. It has a lot of songs you've heard or heard referenced before.
Family Guy: 5
Eliza Doolittle! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXeAzO0yIf4
Relevance:
Strike 1: Musical
Strike 2: 2 hours and 50 minutes which means an intermission
Strike 3: Difficult to understand because of the poor film quality and cockney dialects but subtitles are only available in Portugese.Higgins is a jackass the entire time. There is nothing good about the fact that he treats Eliza like crap and yet she returns to him even though a young, nice man who worships her offers his love instead. Just as "Baby It's Cold Outside" implies date rape, this film implies domestic abuse. It's sad then and now.
On the other hand, we HATE musicals. We don't expect a film to break at twenty minutes in to tap dance or perform mime so we really don't like the idea of taking a plot and adding pointless music to it, either. This movie's likeability is not helped by that fact nor the two leading gay gentlemen who take Eliza in as a "project." Audrey Hepburn is wonderful but even her innate charisma is cheapened and turned into an unlikeable character in this film.
Better, more entertaining viewing suggestions include Pretty Woman and 10 Things I Hate about You.
As we publish this post, the movie is still playing on mute solely because we feel obligated to finish it for this project.
Movie #92A: A Place in the Sun
Watchability: 4
This is a classic tragedy to watch once or twice. The plot wasn't necessarily unpredictable as a modern viewer but can be appreciated for what it was and is engaging due to the stellar cast performances. Elizabeth Taylor is scene-stealingly beautiful.
Family Guy: 1
While Chris does have a great nod to Elizabeth Taylor, it's to her current self rather than during this filming.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2YHRHeFJY
Relevance: 5
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
It happens.
People get falsely accused and die for it. This film is more relevant in today's debate over capital punishment than it was when it was made.
This is a classic tragedy to watch once or twice. The plot wasn't necessarily unpredictable as a modern viewer but can be appreciated for what it was and is engaging due to the stellar cast performances. Elizabeth Taylor is scene-stealingly beautiful.
Family Guy: 1
While Chris does have a great nod to Elizabeth Taylor, it's to her current self rather than during this filming.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2YHRHeFJY
Relevance: 5
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
It happens.
People get falsely accused and die for it. This film is more relevant in today's debate over capital punishment than it was when it was made.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Movie #93 : The French Connection
Watchability: 0
Another movie that MAY have been good in its time but with only one very week plot and probably at most 30 minutes of actual dialogue in an hour and 45 minutes, this movie is an epic fail.
Family Guy: 2
From what we can find online, there is a Cleveland Show reference to Gene Hackman.
Relevance: None. We are shocked that as recently as 1971 only 1 plotline was acceptable much less only one plot and an absence of interaction could win Gene Hackman an Oscar AND shoot him to stardom. If only we could be actors in that simpler time of weak plots and innovations such as an elevated train/car chase scene to make us STARS!!!!
We may need someone to explain to us WHY movies are included on this list of Greatest Movies OF ALL TIME because our requirements would include longevity, relevance, entertainment value and significance to time period. It's the TOP 100 MOVIES OF ALL TIME!!! We didn't expect to have to endure each film!!!! We thought we'd actually get to enjoy them.
Another movie that MAY have been good in its time but with only one very week plot and probably at most 30 minutes of actual dialogue in an hour and 45 minutes, this movie is an epic fail.
Family Guy: 2
From what we can find online, there is a Cleveland Show reference to Gene Hackman.
Relevance: None. We are shocked that as recently as 1971 only 1 plotline was acceptable much less only one plot and an absence of interaction could win Gene Hackman an Oscar AND shoot him to stardom. If only we could be actors in that simpler time of weak plots and innovations such as an elevated train/car chase scene to make us STARS!!!!
We may need someone to explain to us WHY movies are included on this list of Greatest Movies OF ALL TIME because our requirements would include longevity, relevance, entertainment value and significance to time period. It's the TOP 100 MOVIES OF ALL TIME!!! We didn't expect to have to endure each film!!!! We thought we'd actually get to enjoy them.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Movie #95: The Last Picture Show
Congratulations 1970s filmmakers. You displayed that horrible people and actions existed in small-town 1950s even though it wasn't out in the open. We refuse to acknowledge this base piece of melodramatic, self-pitying drivel with our review system.
However, to show that we ARE learning from our little exercise, a quote from George M. Cohan seems fitting:
I guess people don't understand me anymore, and I don't understand them. It's got so that an evening's entertainment just won't do. Give an audience an evening of what they call realism and you've got a hit. It's getting to be too much for me, kid. . . I'm the little guy who's had enough.
- quoted by Morehouse in George M. Cohan: Prince of the American Theater (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippencott, 1943), pp. 182-183.
Movie #94: Pulp Fiction
Watchability: 5
Own this. The only reason we don't is because it fell casualty to the great VHS - DVD switch of 2004.
Family Guy: 5+
Not only are there multiple references to actors in this film but it has been the basis of entire scenes and episodes either in Family Guy or related shows like the Simpsons and our new favorite, The Cleveland Show.
"You're doing a great job, Muriel, and you're prettier than Mamie Van Doren."
http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=10347
Props to the first person who comments Kathie Griffin's role in Pulp Fiction!
Relevance: 5
The planned randomness of this movie was groundbreaking but after 17 years you don't have to reference its time period nor its significant style to truly enjoy this film. The all-star cast and superb script create an entertaining look into the mundaneness of criminals through the characters' interactions with each other and "normal" conversations.
This film is great because it created a new way for movies to be made, is extremely quotable and STILL maintains the ultimate watchability through humor, suspense and overall entertainment value. There is one long scene Wifey has to leave the room for (she can't handle torture or anything close) but Pulp Fiction is still one of her favorite films of all time. Hubby had to watch this the second time with his MOM which you can imagine was pretty uncomfortable but we predict its longevity will continue far into the future.
Pulp Fiction should be WAY higher on the list and we've decided to reference what the revised list should be at some point throughout our blog so stay tuned.
Own this. The only reason we don't is because it fell casualty to the great VHS - DVD switch of 2004.
Family Guy: 5+
Not only are there multiple references to actors in this film but it has been the basis of entire scenes and episodes either in Family Guy or related shows like the Simpsons and our new favorite, The Cleveland Show.
"You're doing a great job, Muriel, and you're prettier than Mamie Van Doren."
http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=10347
Props to the first person who comments Kathie Griffin's role in Pulp Fiction!
Relevance: 5
The planned randomness of this movie was groundbreaking but after 17 years you don't have to reference its time period nor its significant style to truly enjoy this film. The all-star cast and superb script create an entertaining look into the mundaneness of criminals through the characters' interactions with each other and "normal" conversations.
This film is great because it created a new way for movies to be made, is extremely quotable and STILL maintains the ultimate watchability through humor, suspense and overall entertainment value. There is one long scene Wifey has to leave the room for (she can't handle torture or anything close) but Pulp Fiction is still one of her favorite films of all time. Hubby had to watch this the second time with his MOM which you can imagine was pretty uncomfortable but we predict its longevity will continue far into the future.
Pulp Fiction should be WAY higher on the list and we've decided to reference what the revised list should be at some point throughout our blog so stay tuned.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Ben Hur: Act II
Relevance: 4
While we haven't read the book, our research suggests that is the way to go. The author's life and motivation is interesting and it does refer to Christ although his story is, admittedly, only a subplot because audiences at the time were not considered able to handle Jesus as a "hero." An interesting juxtaposition to current day considering (dare we say it?) Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ.
Our online research also turns up review after glowing review of the amazing acting in this movie and how it was nice that this film won so many Academy Awards before big-budget Titanics took over. That idea is as believable as Charlton Heston's acting and charming good looks. The budget for this film was $15 million dollars and we're gonna bet it set a precedent for big budget blockbusters to bring home the bacon.
In case you haven't figured it out, we did not enjoy this movie. Hubby actually liked the first dvd but lost interest in the second act because the constant method acting moves finally wore him down and became a huge distraction. Wifey didn't like it because there is a certain point where a movie has to justify its length. How in the world did adults of the 1960's have time to go to a theatre for a 3 hour and 26 minute movie???? With all the conveniences now available that weren't then, we were multi-tasking throughout and had to separate viewings to 2 different nights!
Movie #100: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Watchability: 0
Familiarity with the setting, title, Charlton Heston and the plot synopsis are all you need for this dated,
(dramatic pause)
drawn-out, overacted,
(heavy sigh)
three and a half hour snoozer.
Catch a few scenes when a network plays them to fill a weekend schedule or read up about it on IMDB but don't waste your money on this even at the dollar theatre.
Family Guy: 3
We're pretty sure it's the PTV episode or at least Season 4 where Stewie gets into a chariot-style race on his big wheel. Feel free to share a link but we couldn't find any.
ENTRE'ACT
Familiarity with the setting, title, Charlton Heston and the plot synopsis are all you need for this dated,
(dramatic pause)
drawn-out, overacted,
(heavy sigh)
three and a half hour snoozer.
Catch a few scenes when a network plays them to fill a weekend schedule or read up about it on IMDB but don't waste your money on this even at the dollar theatre.
Family Guy: 3
We're pretty sure it's the PTV episode or at least Season 4 where Stewie gets into a chariot-style race on his big wheel. Feel free to share a link but we couldn't find any.
ENTRE'ACT
Monday, January 10, 2011
Movie #99A: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Watchability: 1
This is another one to watch once for the historic significance but the strong monologues are weakened by how the film is dragged out to an hour and 48 minutes becoming very theatrical (play-like) at the end and beating the viewer over the head with the same repetitive race argument despite the fact that the moral of the story is obvious from the beginning. Chalk it up to being a product of its time but ultimately an amazing 80-minute movie becomes a tolerable film when its purpose cannot be strong enough to be concise.
Family Guy: 3
We have to give this one a higher rating than the others because Dr. Prentice has a quote in it that is very close to and could've even inspired an entire Family Guy character. In response to Joanna (Joey) admitting she'd been hiding her nerves for a week, he says, "You're a phony. You know that? You're a big phony."
Relevance: 3
This one fails our present-day, logical, scientific method-based minds. Joey (a 23 year old white girl) and Dr. John Prentice (a 47 year old black man) meet in Hawaii for 10 days and then decide to fly to Switzerland and be married before John resumes his work in Africa. They give each set of parents between 1-4 hours to approve of the partnership before dinner and their flight to Geneva yet the ONLY point that is belabored is that of the race difference. Perhaps this is a device used by the writers to emphasize the state of race relations at the time however it is confusing because it is also understood and flat-out stated by the characters that racist laws in this country will most likely change. It causes the movie to fail the test of time because to watch it now you must force yourself to remember the era in which it was created rather than appreciate an enduring message.
This is another one to watch once for the historic significance but the strong monologues are weakened by how the film is dragged out to an hour and 48 minutes becoming very theatrical (play-like) at the end and beating the viewer over the head with the same repetitive race argument despite the fact that the moral of the story is obvious from the beginning. Chalk it up to being a product of its time but ultimately an amazing 80-minute movie becomes a tolerable film when its purpose cannot be strong enough to be concise.
Family Guy: 3
We have to give this one a higher rating than the others because Dr. Prentice has a quote in it that is very close to and could've even inspired an entire Family Guy character. In response to Joanna (Joey) admitting she'd been hiding her nerves for a week, he says, "You're a phony. You know that? You're a big phony."
Relevance: 3
This one fails our present-day, logical, scientific method-based minds. Joey (a 23 year old white girl) and Dr. John Prentice (a 47 year old black man) meet in Hawaii for 10 days and then decide to fly to Switzerland and be married before John resumes his work in Africa. They give each set of parents between 1-4 hours to approve of the partnership before dinner and their flight to Geneva yet the ONLY point that is belabored is that of the race difference. Perhaps this is a device used by the writers to emphasize the state of race relations at the time however it is confusing because it is also understood and flat-out stated by the characters that racist laws in this country will most likely change. It causes the movie to fail the test of time because to watch it now you must force yourself to remember the era in which it was created rather than appreciate an enduring message.
On a side note, when will the censors be editing the other 'n' word out of this like they're doing with Huck Finn right now?
Interesting scene between Joanna's father (Matt) and John:
Matt: Have you given any thought to the problems your children will have?
John: Yes, and they'll have some. And we'll have the children, otherwise you couldn't call it a marriage.
Matt: Is that the way Joey feels?
John: She feels that all of our children will be president of the United States.
John: Yes, and they'll have some. And we'll have the children, otherwise you couldn't call it a marriage.
Matt: Is that the way Joey feels?
John: She feels that all of our children will be president of the United States.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Movie #unranked: Tron: Legacy
Both having viewed the original several times throughout childhood, we greatly enjoyed Tron in digital 3D and recommend it. Matt described it as, "the coolest movie" he'd ever seen.
We're not Tronnies or Trekkies or comic book purists so we really enjoyed this one, Star Trek and Wolverine. Isn't it nice to not be so caught up in the details that you can actually enjoy remakes? Makes us happy, anyway.
We're not Tronnies or Trekkies or comic book purists so we really enjoyed this one, Star Trek and Wolverine. Isn't it nice to not be so caught up in the details that you can actually enjoy remakes? Makes us happy, anyway.
Movie #98: Yankee Doodle Dandy
Watchability: 1
Neither of us are fans of musicals so it took us 3 attempts to actually watch this movie. After the slow start, we realized it had historical significance which made it much more appealing and as it progressed it became a more enjoyable movie. We recommend watching it one time as a study in American history but it's not an owner or even a 2-time view.
Family Guy: 2
We can't site a specific FG moment to this film, but there were so many songs, premises and even costumes in this that have been re-created and referenced in popular culture during our lifetimes that there is no way Seth McFarland hasn't been influenced by them as well. Let us know if you find anything!
Relevance: 5
There are so many levels to this film especially since the world is such a different place since its release 69 years ago. It covers everything from ego and psychology to war and death.
You don't have to like musicals to enjoy this one because it is a movie about a man who wrote musicals so they are merely a device to illustrate his life and work. It is actually a biography of George M. Cohan--the forgotten first man of American Theatre. He was a jack of all trades and I highly recommend watching this film while learning about his interesting life. I found the following link which syncs up nicely with the plot: http://www.musicals101.com/cohanbio1.htm
On a local note, the song Harrigan made us laugh because a sausage company used it as their jingle sometime around the 1980's. Props to anyone who recognizes it! (Harrigan lyrics here: http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=10360#71317)
To paraphrase GMC, "My husband thanks you, my dog thanks you and I thank you!"
Neither of us are fans of musicals so it took us 3 attempts to actually watch this movie. After the slow start, we realized it had historical significance which made it much more appealing and as it progressed it became a more enjoyable movie. We recommend watching it one time as a study in American history but it's not an owner or even a 2-time view.
Family Guy: 2
We can't site a specific FG moment to this film, but there were so many songs, premises and even costumes in this that have been re-created and referenced in popular culture during our lifetimes that there is no way Seth McFarland hasn't been influenced by them as well. Let us know if you find anything!
Relevance: 5
There are so many levels to this film especially since the world is such a different place since its release 69 years ago. It covers everything from ego and psychology to war and death.
You don't have to like musicals to enjoy this one because it is a movie about a man who wrote musicals so they are merely a device to illustrate his life and work. It is actually a biography of George M. Cohan--the forgotten first man of American Theatre. He was a jack of all trades and I highly recommend watching this film while learning about his interesting life. I found the following link which syncs up nicely with the plot: http://www.musicals101.com/cohanbio1.htm
On a local note, the song Harrigan made us laugh because a sausage company used it as their jingle sometime around the 1980's. Props to anyone who recognizes it! (Harrigan lyrics here: http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=10360#71317)
To paraphrase GMC, "My husband thanks you, my dog thanks you and I thank you!"
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Movie #99B: Toy Story
Watchability: 3
If we had kids or a library of significant movies, we would own this one. However, we only feel the need to own movies we will watch consistently and this one is a little frustrating to fill that requirement. The plot device where even the most loyal of toys are judgemental toward Woody makes Toy Story one we won't enjoy regularly.
Family Guy: 2
Randy Newman provides the soundtrack for this one and you have to love him at the very least for his contribution to the Da Boom episode.
Relevance: 5
This Pixar animation style changed how movies were made yet again. Despite its creation dated fifteen years ago, this one holds up to our standards for today's animation and its creative premise, while quite Velveteen Rabbit-inspired, set a standard that led to some of the most ingenious plots ever.
With that, we're out until next movie. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot....
If we had kids or a library of significant movies, we would own this one. However, we only feel the need to own movies we will watch consistently and this one is a little frustrating to fill that requirement. The plot device where even the most loyal of toys are judgemental toward Woody makes Toy Story one we won't enjoy regularly.
Family Guy: 2
Randy Newman provides the soundtrack for this one and you have to love him at the very least for his contribution to the Da Boom episode.
Relevance: 5
This Pixar animation style changed how movies were made yet again. Despite its creation dated fifteen years ago, this one holds up to our standards for today's animation and its creative premise, while quite Velveteen Rabbit-inspired, set a standard that led to some of the most ingenious plots ever.
With that, we're out until next movie. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot....
Review & Rating System
We plan to review each movie with our takes on it and with 3 different rating systems based on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) scale:
Watchability - Is this a movie to watch once or rent several times or own for multiple viewings?
Family Guy - How much do you need to know about this movie to get references made on Family Guy?
Relevance - Why should you see or vow never to see this movie/film?
We reserve the right to change this system as we view each movie in case unforeseen factors present themselves.
Watchability - Is this a movie to watch once or rent several times or own for multiple viewings?
Family Guy - How much do you need to know about this movie to get references made on Family Guy?
Relevance - Why should you see or vow never to see this movie/film?
We reserve the right to change this system as we view each movie in case unforeseen factors present themselves.
Monday, January 3, 2011
AFI's Top 100 Movies
Hubby decided we should make a goal in 2011 to watch AFI's top 100 movies and I thought it was a great idea.
"We should blog about it," I said and, thus, what you are reading now.
Turns out, the list is more like 123 because AFI put out the first list in 1997 but revised it in 2007 by removing certain movies and replacing them with others. I'm not a big fan of revising the list to include movies that existed when it was originally decided but, regardless, we'll be watching over 100 movies and posting our thoughts/reviews on this site.
If you'd like to follow along, we're pretty sure all the movies are available on netflix so let us know what you think!
"We should blog about it," I said and, thus, what you are reading now.
Turns out, the list is more like 123 because AFI put out the first list in 1997 but revised it in 2007 by removing certain movies and replacing them with others. I'm not a big fan of revising the list to include movies that existed when it was originally decided but, regardless, we'll be watching over 100 movies and posting our thoughts/reviews on this site.
If you'd like to follow along, we're pretty sure all the movies are available on netflix so let us know what you think!
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