Assignment 18 - New Top Ten

My Top Ten list of favorite movies didn't really change, however over the course of the trimester I have seen some movies that come dangerously close to bumping some of them out of place.

Some of those movies are:

1. Up - I saw this movie in theaters recently and I loved it. I thought it was sweet and adorable and funnier than some of the other Pixar movies to date.  I am a huge fan of all the Pixar films and I loved this one very much.  I think it is definitely one of my top 20 films.

2. Rushmore - I have seen and own this movie, however I haven't seen it in a long time before watching it in film class and I forgot how much I loved it.  It's quirky and funny and overall one of the most enjoyable movies I have seen.  

3. The Prestige -  I watched this movie and was very intrigued. I am surprised to have never seen it before this class and wish that I had because it is very enjoyable.  I will probably watch it again soon. 

All of these movies are very close to entering my Top Ten list, however, I still love all the movies in my original Top Ten list a little bit more than these newer ones.

Assignment 17 - The Bourne Identity

This action/thriller will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Bourne Identity is the film adaption of the Robert Ludlum novel.  Although the two stories are similar, they are also very different.  

Jason Bourne is an assassin who suffers from amnesia. While trying to rediscover who he is he meets Marie and together they travel around Europe trying to understand his past.  Unfortunately for them, the government that was Jason's previous employer doesn't want him to stay alive. 

The action scenes in this film are unparalleled by most movies and truly Doug Liman (director) has outdone himself.  Every sequence has a certain feel or emotion brought out by the unique setting, lighting, backdrop, sound effects and characters that give this film something that others often times seem to lack.  Every fight in the film makes to audience cling to the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen and the subtle suspense created through anticipation is undeniable.  

Matt Damon portrays the role of Jason Bourne like he was born to do it, he adds an element of strength that few actors could procure to the character.  Also, the sultry chemistry between Matt and Franka Potente (Marie) keeps the story alive with emotional drama. 

This film can be slightly confusing the first time you watch it, but it is also intriguing, which will make every audience member want to know more.  This story line is interesting and unique and it deals with the very serious moral issue of human life throughout.  This film will have viewer coming away understanding the intricacy of is message. 

Every angle of this film has the audience suspense-fully waiting for what will happen next throughout the movie. The film ties everything together and causes every viewer to want to watch it again and again.  

Assignment 16 - Meet the Parents

Meet the Parents is a comedic horror story. 

Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) dreams of proposing to his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo) but first he must gain approval from her father Jack Byrnes (Robert de Niro).  When the couple goes back to Pam's home, Greg realizes he is in way over his head after a series of horribly awkward events occur.  This movie tells the story of every persons worst nightmare: terrible in-laws.  

Ben Stiller gives a classic performance as an awkward, funny man that constantly is put in the wrong situation at the wrong time.  This movie is also graced with Robert de Niro who gives a very intimidating performance as Jack Byrnes.  The strange situations that arise between these two characters will keep the audience chuckling all the way through.  Owen Wilson also makes a brief appearance as Pam's ex-boyfriend that is clearly favored by Pam's entire family over Greg.  Each person involved in this film brings something different to each scene and creates a very real atmosphere.

Each awful event that occurs to poor Greg has the audience twisting in their seats. Everything from Greg's ridiculous name (Gaylord Focker) to Jack Byrnes obsession with his sneaky cat, Mr. Jinks causes the audience to personally relate to this family on a real level.

This unfortunate weekend for Greg luckily makes a hysterical film for all who watch. Although not one of my most favorite movies, this is definitely a film that brings a lot to the table.

Assignment 15 - Juno

This quirky endearing tale touches everyone's heart. 

Juno is a sweet story about a unique teenage girl who becomes pregnant. Throughout the story we are able to see the relationships between Juno and her parents, friends, and the future adoptive parents of her unborn child. This insight leaves viewers wishing they knew someone like Juno to brighten their day.  

Ellen Page (Juno) does a phenomenal job at playing this funny but odd teenager, so well in fact that we have to wonder if perhaps this character is maybe a bit of Ellen Page herself.  The rest of the cast (including such gems as J.K. Simmons, Allison Janey, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) do not falter either.  Each character seems to fit the actor (or perhaps the other way around) superbly. The younger generation of cast members includes Michael Cera and Olivia Thrilby who also hold up in their acting abilities despite having such big shoes to fill.

This sweet story is unique unto itself for no other reason than the interesting array of characters assembled. Although the plot is relatively traditional, there are twists that only Juno could pull off throughout this film.  Also, director Jason Reitman does a wonderful job at interweaving several different thematic issues together flawlessly. 

Another spectacular element to Juno's success is the lovely soundtrack created to perfectly match the films themes and tones.  Music is really the center of the film, weaving in and out of each characters dialogue subjects and through each viewers mind.  This somewhat subliminal theme helps tie the film together while at the same time gives the viewer an audible delight.

Juno is a terrific movie that each viewer will want to watch over and over again. 

Assignment 14 - Prestige

Christopher Nolan's suspenseful film is full of twists.  This movie follows in the same spirit as Momento, Nolan's 2000 film.  

The Prestige goes through the lives of two rival magicians trying to discover the secrets of each others tricks. However, in typical Nolan style, the film jumps around from different perspectives and times from past to present to future.  This can to be confusing at times but always draws the viewer in, leading you on a wild goose chase that eventually ties together beautifully in the end. 

Each character does an amazing job at playing several different characters at the same time and constantly keeps the viewer unaware and wanting to know more.  Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play off each other in a very realistic way and seem to really be living in their characters heads.  The supporting cast is phenomenal as well, including prestigious members such as Michael Caine, Scarlett Johanson and David Bowie.

The only complaint I might have about this film would be that the big 'twist' in the end is not as impressive as it could have been, there could have been a more likely, yet still as unique answer for these magic tricks if the writers had put a little more thought into it.  Still, overall, there were plenty of other twists and turns to keep the viewer occupied. 

Christopher Nolan is somehow able to tie every twisted aspect of the movie together but the viewer never really knows how until the end. This is a movie that one needs to see twice in order to fully grasp.

Assignment 13 - Rushmore

Rushmore is a delightful movie with a quirky twist.

This endearing tale is about Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzman), a 15 year old student at Rushmore Academy who falls in love with a teacher at the school (Olivia Williams).  Along the way we realize that Max, although a devoted Rushmore lover, is a terrible student. However, we also see Max's love for extracurricular activities.  Max meets Miss Cross (Williams) and decides to build her an aquarium, with the help of the strange Mr. Herman Blume (Bill Murray).  The story progresses and Max is betrayed by his new, weird friend, Mr. Bloom, when he too falls for Miss Cross. Things really aren't going Max's way when he gets expelled from Rushmore and is forced to go to public school. Also he loses all of his friends because of a nasty rumor spread around campus.

This film is an interesting adaptation of a high school student.  It covers the role of Max from a completely unique perspective.  Mr. Blume and Miss Cross's relationship is also unique because Bill Murray and Olivia William's strange chemistry is prevalent throughout.  Also, one cannot help but love the quirky Max and all of his antics.  The supporting cast holds up splendidly as well and really delivers.

The comedic timing in this film is something to be admired, every moment is perfectly delivered and no line is forgotten.  After viewing this movie, one will have a tough time deciding which moment was their favorite, for their are just too many to choose.

Another thing that this movie excels in is it's unique plot.  It is not a run-of-the-mill dramedy, it is a new story filled with ingenuity and creativity. Something else interesting throughout this film is the recreation of Jacques Lartigue's photographs throughout the story, one in particular, Max sitting on a go-kart during a race behind him. This iconic image is subliminal in nature, but really helps tie the film together nicely.  As a long time fan of his work, I was very impressed to see it used so creatively in this movie.

This film will keep you laughing ironically at many of its beautifully crafted comical moments.  One will come away from this film wishing they knew a student like Max or wishing they could have been more like him in their youth.  This film really has something for everyone and never fails to deliver.  Though wildly unknown, the films semi-cult following prove its enduring qualities.  It is also a tribute to the film community because it accomplishes things that other films cannot; a beautiful sense of irony and endearment.  

Assignment 12 - Top Gun Critical Review

Top Gun leaves something to be desired.  

This movie it about Lt. Maverick (Tom Cruise) and his job as a pilot.  He is promoted after the number one pilot has a panic attack during flight. Maverick is sent to Top Gun Naval Flying School where he meets other pilots with bad attitudes and competitive spirits.  Maverick struggles to deal with his past and also to win over the flight instructor Charlie, a woman who he has had his eye on since their dramatic meeting in a bar. 

Top Gun is a cheesy story that is very flat, yet widely known.  This is the film that really launched Tom Cruises career and gave him the famous name that continues today.  This overly cliched film stays true to its cheesy and almost comical nature through and through.  It is the pinnacle 80's movie, and the romantic relationship between Maverick and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) is portrayed well through both characters, though very generic and impersonal.

The acting in the film in generally good, but the film really lacks anything to be remembered.  The actors do well at playing simple and generic parts that have been done much better and much to often before. Something interesting about this film is Meg Ryan's cameo performance. Though rarely recognized for this film, she plays a part very unlike any other she has since then. She pulls off the part well and comes off as the perfect girl for this film.

I guess if you're interested in seeing a cheesy 80's movie, with cheesy 80's acting and an equally cheesy soundtrack, then Top Gun is the perfect film for you. However if you long for something more profound, you could probably do better.

Assignment 11 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This beautiful splendor is as captivating as it is endearing. 

Benjamin Button is a heartfelt love story that follows the unique life of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) through his backwards aging process.  The film spans about eighty years, beginning with Benjamin's birth as an old man, continuing on to his meeting of the lovely Daisy (Cate Blanchett) and their deep and eternal love for each other, ending with Benjamin's death as an infant. The entire story is being told by Benjamin's estranged daughter, Caroline (Julia Ormond) who reads this tragic and interesting story out of Benjamin's diary to her sick and ailing mother, Daisy.

David Fincher, the director, has certainly proved to audiences that he knows how to make a name for himself. Everything he touches turns to gold. Whether it be the thrilling Panic Room or the inspiring Fight Club, Fincher understands the meaning of a good movie.  He also is an excellent judge of character, casting wonderful and memorable actors for each character in his films.  

In Benjamin Button, Fincher proves his knowledge for good acting by casting Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett side by side. Their chemistry is something not often seen on screen. They aren't the most passionate or intense on screen couple, however their respect and attitude towards each other shows how devoted to their films they can be.  

Another one of Fincher's miracles is his unique visual outlook. Each shot of Benjamin Button is a beautiful scene that captures the soft feeling of New Orleans throughout history.  Another lovely attribute to this film is the excellent special effects/ make up to make the same actor look completely different based on his age at that part of the film. The interesting contrast he creates between Pitt getting younger and Blanchett aging is superb.

This film is bound to live on forever as one of the most interesting and unique love stories ever told and is certain to solidify Pitt, Blanchett and Fincher's already steadfast careers.

Assignment 10 - Raiders of the Lost Arc

This thrilling tale will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Arc, a classic Spielberg movie, follows the life of the adventurer/archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) on his quest for the Arc of the Covenant.  Dr. Jones travels to Cairo in search of this covenant with the help of the feisty Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and "the best digger in Cairo" Sallah (John Rhys-Davies).  Indie searches the desert trying to find the arc before the french nazi archaeologist Dr. Rene Belloq captures it for his own personal use.  Indie learns the importance of all things sacred and realizes the most important things in life are not the material things.

This action adventure movie is very gripping and is a portrayal of cinematography at it's finest.  Spielberg creates another masterpiece to live on forever with Indiana Jones.  

Harrison Ford and Karen Allen have undeniable chemistry and fit both parts perfectly.  Their choppy romance is interspersed into the movie brilliantly with their romantic tension filling ever shot.  Marion Ravenwood becomes an icon in history as the woman who caught Indiana Jones.

Sallah, Indiana's good friend, plays the loveable oaf-like character with pristine, John Rhys-Davies is magical on screen.  

The historical elements of this movie would inspire anyone to dig deeper and learn more about this fascinating subject.  Also the idea of present day (at the time) issues coming in contact with ancient ideas and stories make the movie very interesting.  Each scene delves further into the plot and keeps the audience wondering what will happen next. The suspense mixed with the classic Spielberg stunts and effects really make this movie enjoyable.  

The amount of iconic images (the rolling bolder, Indiana's hat, etc.) throughout this movie are countless.  Indiana is sure to live on forever.

Assignment 9 - Stand By Me

After seeing Stand By Me viewers will come away with mixed feelings. 

Stand By Me tells the story of four young teenage boys about to start Jr. High School. It follows the boys lives in their last remaining days of summer as they go out to find the dead body of a boy close to their age who was killed by a train.  Each boy is dealing with different trials in their life and yet they are all still able to come together as friends.  Gordie LaChance (Wil Wheaton) is dealing with the recent death of his brother, Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) is constantly reminded that he comes from a bad family and will never amount to anything, Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldmen) is taunted by civilians about his insane father and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell) is just trying to make it through the summer.  

The bond between these boys on screen can only reflect the real life bond they must have felt for each other.   The young actors display wide varieties of emotions that some more mature and experienced actors have yet to master.  Through each child we are able to see clearly the tribulations that can haunt young adults.  Every deep emotion is interspersed beautifully by playful childish antics throughout the film which parallels the real life maturing and growing process.

The film also includes a young Keifer Sutherland in one of his earliest roles.  He plays the villian, Ace Merrill, a troubled young man trying to make a name for himself.  He is followed by Eyeball Chambers (Chris's older brother and fellow trouble maker) and Billy and Charlie (other members of their teenage gang).  This rival gang of older and meaner boys decides to go looking for this dead body as well and understand that in order to get to it first, they may have to cheat.

What starts out as innocent fun and a search for fame, turns into an emotional roller coaster as the young boys deal with their own demons on the way to seeing the body.

This movie, although enjoyable, poses some interesting questions about whether or not one should be excited to see the dead body of another human being.  As the boys come closer to their destination, their true character comes out and they realize the reality of what finding this body means.  

Upon finding the body at the climax of the film, they are met with the rival gang and have to prove their courage in the face of danger.  Each boy meets head on with danger and show that they are all older than they may appear.  The creepy undertone to this movie gives it a unique feeling that most other childhood movies lack.  It also poses interesting and thought provoking questions throughout and is overall a highly enjoyable film.

Assignment 8 - Finding Nemo Critical Review

After watching the adorable Finding Nemo, it is clear that Pixar movies have established themselves as the hierarchy of the animated film genre.

The movie tells the story of Nemo, and baby clown fish, and his father, Marlin, a worry some father who over-protects and represses Nemo.  When Nemo is kidnapped by a scuba diver, Marlin must come to his rescue. While on his journey he meets the hilarious and forgetful Dory, as well as some other interesting sea creatures including a sea turtle, a shark and a giant blue whale. While in captivity Nemo meets his fellow fish tank mates and develops a close bond.

While watching this movie, everyone in the audience is enthralled in a sweet tale that might just bring you to tears.  

From the beginning of the movie, when the tragic death of Marlin's wife Coral occurs, the audience is thrown into the emotional peril of the life of a fish. One cannot help but fall in love with the sweet and sincere Nemo as he struggles to gain freedom from his loving, but overbearing father.  Nemo easily makes friends with his fish tank room mates and learns about the importance of having someone who loves and cares about you.  He also learns from an erratic and sensitive fish, Gil, the importance of working together and helping those who care about you. Nemo grows emotionally and learns of his real love for his father while trying to escape from the evil scuba diving dentist.

While on his journey to save Nemo, Marlin slowly learns to bond with Dory.  While at first Marlin is irritated with Dory and her whimsical ways, Marlin understands the importance of having someone there for you to count on and comes to rely on Dory through and through.  

The incredibly creative story line of this movie never falters and the audience is able to attach a personal relationship with each character being presented.  The animation is also amazing because the look and feel of the underwater world created is a huge success.

Ellen Degeneres gives and absolutely stellar performance as Dory and is beautifully complimented by the equally good Albert Brooks as Marlin.  Every actor in this film magically captured the spirit of the underwater creatures and really make this film come to life.

This story is not only a physical journey from one end of the ocean to another, but an emotional journey of a father and of a son.  

Assignment 7 - Iron Man Critical Review

Iron man is an enjoyable action movie.

Iron man tells the story of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), owner of a multimillion dollar weapons company that is used to annihilate the world.  Tony loves his company that his father built and enjoys reaping the benefits in daily life, however when Tony is thrust into the lives of the people being affected by these weapons of mass destruction he realizes the damage that his company has caused to civilians. Upon returning home, Tony turns a new leaf and decides to change the direction of the company, however this is easier said that done seeing as how the board of directors and his best friend/business partner,  Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) is not very keen on the idea of losing millions of dollars. In order to save the fate of the world, Tony finds a very creative way to end the destruction.

Throughout the film, the cast does and amazing job and keeps the audience laughing and entertained. Robert Downey Jr. gives a hilarious performance as Tony Stark and really fits the part well.  Also, Gwyneth Paltrow really 'wows' the viewers with her casual elegance in the film. Hopefully in the future one will see more work from Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow because their chemistry is undeniable.  The real life analogies of the middle eastern war and life in the U.S. are interspersed throughout the movie very nicely as well and really give the film a deeper meaning.  Although the film is highly entertaining, the plot line doesn't seem completely plausible and can at times 'lose' the viewer due to difficult technical terminology.  It's definitely a movie worth seeing twice, or three times, or more.  Overall the movie is somewhat predictable, but very enjoyable and entertaining.  

Vacation Assignment - New Film Review

Over the Spring Break I was able to see the movie Knowing, starring Nicholas Cage.

This movie was a predictable tale about a man (Cage) who discovers a secret number code in a time capsule and discovers that it holds the secret to the ending of the world.

Nicholas Cage gave a memorable performance as  John Koestler, recently widowed father to Caleb Koestler. When Caleb's grade school class decides to open a time capsule buried in the ground for 50 years, Caleb's gets ahold of a piece of paper containing a sequence of numbers.  While examining this piece of paper, John discovers that each number sequence relates to a time, date, longitude, latitude and amount of people who died in a tragic accident over the last 50 years. Meanwhile, Caleb is being visited nightly by strange alien voices and creepy whispers from an unknown source in the beyond.  John decides to seek out the help from the daughter of the girl who wrote the numbers 50 years ago, Diana. They soon discover that as the numbers on the paper run out, so does their time left on earth.

This movie is relatively suspenseful and has a strange twist at the end, although I have to admit, it was a little hard to concentrate on the overall theme because you were too busy trying to understand what the purpose of the alien whisper people is.  The effects are nice, but the plot lacks density. The acting was as good as anyone can expect Nicholas Cage's acting to be, but as he ages, his film rolls become redundant.  Rose Byrne gives a good performance and is able to keep the plot moving forward. However, the real stars of this film were Chandler Canterbury (Caleb) and Lara Robinson (Abby, Diana's daughter). Although very young, these small actors give a spectacular performance and really keep you involved in the film.   Hopefully we will be seeing a lot more of these talented young stars in films to come.  While the plot has some major gaps (ie. how exactly is it that no one was able to predict the ending of the world sooner than two days in advance??) the movie on the whole is entertaining and worth seeing, at least once.

Assignment 6 - Napoleon Dynamite (critical review)

Jared Hess' first full length film, Napoleon Dynamite, is bound to be a cult film classic.  

This film tells the story of an awkward high school student, Napoleon Dynamite, who is left to spend a week alone with his technology obsessed brother Kip and his time warped uncle Rico when Napoleon's grandmother is injured while on vacation.  The story also introduces child star, Tina Majorino as Deb, an awkward, yet sweet, peer of Napoleon and Efren Ramirez as Pedro, Napoleon's one and only friend. This movie goes through Napoleon's high school trials and tribulations with a comical flare and an ingenious spin on this young man's life.

Throughout the film, the acting is consistent, however, the challenge provided for the actors to 'be the part' is not a hard one to live up to.  Each actor seems to feel at home with the character they are playing and each adds their own unique style to their various roles. The film is filled with hilarious moments that are interspersed with friendly music and awkward moments.  Something that many will notice about this film, however, is that there is very little plot or story line in this movie.  Despite this trivial component, the film seems to move smoothly along and provides the viewer an entertaining few hours.  I believe that this movie is a novelty and is very excellent when viewing it the first time, however, after seeing it several times, the ingenuity wears off and the movie becomes somewhat dull.  

Overall, this film is bound to be a classic, and will live on for a long time.

Assignment 5 - The Matrix (critical review)

My overall opinion of The Matrix is that it is a good, predictable sci-fi film about what life would be like if people had no free will or freedom.

The Matrix tells the story of a man named Neo who spends his time hacking computer programs.  He knew that he was different from most people, and when a strange message comes across his computer this feeling is confirmed. Soon he meets Trinity and Morpheous who tell him that life is not what it seems and help him find the answer to the Matrix. In the process, Neo learns that he could be the answer to saving the free world and that it is up to him to stop the evil agents of The Matrix.

This film has many biblical and political references which are interspersed with the futuristic technology that gives this film an interesting twist.  Keanu Reeves does a good job of playing a stiff and somewhat confused agent for good, but in the end, his performance isn't really believable.  The story challenges the idea that people are given their own right to chose what they like and don't like, or what they want or don't want.  The film does succeed on a philosophical level but doesn't exactly seem very realistic.  The plot is thoroughly developed and the supporting cast outshines Reeves ten fold.  Many interesting questions are posed throughout this film and most of them are answered with expected results.

Overall the film is somewhat confusing and has definitely been told before.  However the acting is relatively good and the effects and theme is very strong throughout the movie. Definitely worth seeing!

Assignment 3 - Being a Critic

My Critique of Coraline

While viewing this particular film, I was overwhelmed with a sense of mixed emotions. I am a true fan of the book, however Coraline the film did not live up to my expectations. I found Coraline to be creepy, pointless and predictable.  However, the story is very unique in and of itself.

Based on the book, Coraline, written by Neil Gaiman, Coraline depicts the story of a young girl who has been forced to move into a dilapidated, old, pink Victorian house with her parents in the Pacific Northwest.  Her parents are very involved in their work and have little time to spend with their only child, Coraline.  One day Coraline runs into her young neighbor, Wybie Lovat, who gives her a rag doll that looks exactly like her.  After receiving this doll Coraline witnesses a strange plethora of events including being sent into an alternative world, finding lost souls of forgotten children, and getting buttons sewed on her eyes.  These elements are not only scary in nature but also very upsetting to young audiences.

Upon deciding to see this movie, I was told that it was very scary, even for adults.  After viewing it, I understood what this meant. Coraline touches upon issues that are very mature for young audiences and can even be somewhat terrifying to an adult. However, as the movie progresses one prematurely understands the ending of the plot which, for me, took out most of the frightening elements.  

All in all, however, Coraline was a relatively enjoyable film for those who are not too scared to see it and the 3D element of the movie was executed perfectly, giving the creepy element a boost.  Although the film is not flawless, it is a nice effort and I commend the makers on their wonderful animation.

Assignment 2 - What Film We Should Watch

I believe that we should watch The Godfather 1 and 2 in this class. The Godfather 1 and 2 are both classic movies that many would argue to be the two best movies ever made. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, these movies combined earned 11 Oscar nominations and 9 wins.  

The Godfather part 1 tells the story of young Michael Corleone and his struggle to decide what is right and what is expected. The film begins on the day of Don Vito Corleone's (Michael's father) daughter Connie's wedding.  Michael realizes that upon his return from the war, he will be expected to take over the family business, however he is uncertain if he has the moral capacity to do so. Over the years Michael has discovered that his family business is less than honorable, and is unsure if he wants to be involved.  Michael is thrust into a world that he neither wants nor supports all for the sake of his 'family'.  When a new family comes to the Corleone's asking for support, Don Vito is torn between the ways of the past and the future.  The Corleone family is pushed to the edge as they struggle between choices that they all must make.

The analogy about being the head of the business and the head of the family is prominent throughout this movie and gives the film a deep underlying meaning.

The Godfather part 2 is mainly comprised of stories about a young Vito Corleone and his childhood growing up in Italy and New York in the early 1900's.  It is contrasted by the present day Michael Corleone expanding the family business to different parts of the world.

Both films have achieved an iconic status and I believe that both would be beneficial to any film class.

Assignment 1 - My Top Ten

My Top 10 Favorite Movies

1. Pulp Fiction - The lives of several seemingly unrelated characters are woven together throughout this film as a series of funny and bizarre incidents are portrayed.  Jules and Vincent Vega are hit men trying to obtain a briefcase for their mob boss. After failing to get said briefcase, mob boss, Marsellus Wallace, asks Vincent to take his wife out to dinner while he is out of town.  Meanwhile, Marsellus pays Butch Coolidge, an aging boxer, to lose his next fight. I love this movie because of the artistic editing and the vintage feel.

 

2. Almost Famous -  The story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a rock journalist is shown in this film. It depicts him going on the road with one of his favorite bands, Stillwater, and dealing with all the trials and tribulations being a rock star has to offer, including betrayal, forbidden love and frustration. Almost famous is a story about a young boy trying to find himself and I appreciate this movie because most teenagers can relate.

3. Donnie Darko - A troubled teenager, Donnie Darko, follows a giant rabbit named Frank outside and escapes death when a jet engine crashes through his bedroom. The rabbit then tells him that his life will end in 28 days and as his final days draw to a close a series of bizarre events unfold. I love Donnie Darko as a film because it depicts the emptiness one can feel when they are misunderstood.

4. This Is Spinal Tap - A mock rockumentary depicting the lives of aging rock stars. The film candidly follows the group throughout their struggles and includes an infamous scene in which an 18 inch stonehenge prop is used. Spinal Tap is a clever movie and one that almost anyone would enjoy.

5. Fight Club - A lonely, isolated young professional seeks an escape from his mundane existence with the help of a devious soap salesman.  They seek release through underground fight clubs, where men can be what the world now denies them.   Their boxing matches and harmless pranks soon lead to an out-of-control spiral towards oblivion.  Fight Club is a powerful movie because it deals with very deep issues in a very comical way. I love black humor movies because more often than not, they are also very important to society and deal with very intense issues.

6. Annie Hall -  This film traces the first meeting of neurotic Alvy Singer and bashful Annie Hall and follows through to the end of their odd relationship. Annie Hall is an enjoyable movie about people who are struggling to make a relationship work, and this is something that anyone can relate too.  Also Woody Allen has a very enjoyable stage persona and is always entertaining to watch

7. Wall-E - Pixar animation film that shows the life of a cleaning robot from the future.  Wall-E is left alone on planet earth until a spaceship comes down with another robot, Eva (EVE).  The film follows Wall-E and Eva while they try to save the planet.  I love Wall-E because of the impressive animation and cute story about a sweet little robot.  

8. Marie Antoinette - A retelling of the life of France's iconic queen, Marie Antoinette. Follows her life from the time she enters the Palace of Versailles to her death.  Marie Antoinette is one of my favorite movies because it is artistically made with beautiful colors and a very clear vision.  Also I  love the way that the film deals with a very important and historical figure in a very light manor.

9. Dazed and Confused - Shows what life is like for Texas teenager in 1976 on the last day of school. Includes freshman hazing and several party sequences.  This is one of my favorite movies because I love the way that the film really lets you experience life for these teenagers in the 70's. Also it lets the viewer understand the similarities between teens now, and then.

10. Rear Window -  Story of a man who sees several suspicious goings-on through his window while on bed rest from a bad broken leg.  Several mysteries unfold before the wheelchair bound Mr. Jeffries and it is up to him to stop them. Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favorite directors and I think that Rear Window is my favorite film by him. I love this movie because it is suspenseful and scary without being too frightening and still very clever.