My Favorite Movies

I'm kinda afraid of what I'm gonna say in a review like this. It feels a little bit like writing a love letter: there's little chance that I could possibly put into words why I like this movie so much and at the same time, there's a huge chance I come off sounding stupid and incoherent. So why bother? Honestly, I don't even know myself. But... oh well, here goes.

Art, as a general whole, tends to strive to show the human condition. To me, that seems to be a rule that carries through to all of the artistic mediums: movies, music, what have you. In particular, movies tend to show you a story, and the story has a morale that highlights a certain condition of being human. Then we can all relate to it, and if even we don't, we can still get something out of the experience, knowing that whatever was shown was very much a part of being a human being. And thus we're further enlightened.

That's one of the things that sets this movie apart. Other movies use stories, and at times, it feels very very apparent that you're watching a story unfold. That's not the case here. This movie is unique; it doesn't feel like a pre-written story at all. It feels as if we're placed smack dab in the middle of the lives of two very common people with very common problems. At no point in this movie does it feel like we're watching a pre-written story being acted out. Instead, we're simply experiencing life, as must be experienced by millions of people on this planet, by following these two people.

It's this uniqueness which sets this movie apart. Since it never feels like a "story", we approach it like we would approach things that happen in real life. You sympathize with both the characters of Charlotte and Bob. Even when certain things aren't said, you can tell what they're thinking, as if you were watching these events unfold with real people you knew in front of your eyes. You know why Bob is attracted to Charlotte, and vice versa. You know what they're thinking, and how they must be feeling. This goes on from scene to scene, and you see the gradual transformation, maturation and growth of each character. This creates a sense of connection that you simply can't feel if this movie was done any other way, because it personally feels like the life experience we've gone through ourselves.

By seeing everything in this manner do all the themes pop out at you. And wow, there are a lot of them: Everyone is confused about life. Everyone is unsure about growing up. Everyone is unsure of how content they really are about the way their lives have turned out. Life always feels a little odd as we proceed in it, as if we've been displaced from our native countries (by the way, that's a damn awesome metaphor).

I'm an Asian-American college kid from Southern California. Yet, the humanity shown in this movie was so universal that I could relate to two white Americans' experiences in Tokyo.

And that's where the appeal of this movie lies: we're all human, and we're all going through this funny little thing called life. It'd be nice to have a translation to it, but that Rosetta Stone probably won't be discovered. All of this, everything shown in this movie... this is exactly what being a human being is about.

Fueled by the brilliance of Jimmy Stewart, this movie simply shines. It's a realistic movie that deals with a lot of everyday life ordeals that anyone who's ever lived can relate to. It follows the admirable life of George Bailey (portrayed beautifully by Jimmy Stewart), and through his eyes, we see the beauty of dreaming and hoping, the pain of having lose his dreams to fit into his place in the real world, the pain of his self-sacrificing, and the importance of clinging to his ideals. Although it seems like we should be crushed by Bailey's ordeals and situations, we find that we eventually see the beauty of life, and why it's exactly "a wonderful life."

Possibly the most heartwarming movie ever. Pop it in every Christmas, because this one's perfect, and is considered a classic for good reason.

I'm not gonna sit here and pretend this isn't my favorite Disney movie anymore. I wouldn't ever argue it was actually better than Beauty and the Beast or Lion King, but deep down, I know I like it more.

Bumped up to #1 on my Disney list, bumped up a couple of spots on my favorite overall movie list, etc.

Review below remains the same
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Saw it a 2nd time in theatres. Just as damn good as I remember it. Probably better. Beware Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, I'm seriously asking myself if this is my favorite Disney movie of all-time or not.

In a fair world, this would definitely be considered an instant Disney classic. So many great things about it:

- the amazing hybrid of 2D and 3D animation to bring out the best qualities of each style of animation (this movie wouldn't look good as a pure 2D movie)
- the awesome light-dark symbolism throughout the movie
- the theme of the power of goodness and optimism (lol, it's corny, but it works)
- some of the most memorable characters in the Disney canon (the entire freakin' cast)
- a great set of songs and great score (Menken's done it again)
- some breathtakingly gorgeous scenes that only Disney could do ("Kingdom Dance" scene, Lantern scene)

This movie is as good as anything Disney Animated Studios has ever done. Disney is back with a vengeance: It has rediscovered it's identity, knowing what made itself so great in the first place. Disney is doing their thing, and it's in top-notch form. Love it.

i feel like my old review had a lot of fluff in it, so i'm revising it. i'll keep it short and sweet, but that doesn't mean i love this movie any less (in fact, probably the opposite).

to me, the reason why this movie is so great is how it completely realized the whole "Broadway musical" style of Disney animation. The Little Mermaid felt like an exercise, a warm-up lap in this endeavor. The individual songs in that movie were great, but it felt a little bit "rough" as a musical. Beauty and the Beast, on the other hand, showed that style of Disney done to pure perfection. Every single musical number serves a purpose: "Belle" simultaneously introduces Belle, her estrangement from the rest of the village, the setting of the town, Gaston, and Gaston's desire to marry Belle. Excuse me, but that's effin flat-out ridiculous, to be doing so many things at once, and to have done it so well. I read in Disneywar that screening audiences straight-up started applauding after the "Belle" sequence... when you consider everything it did, it's no wonder.

"Belle" isn't an exception. If you think about every other musical number in this movie, you'll realize just how much each sequence really adds to the movie. Each musical number helps us understand characters, portray emotions, or push the action forward. It truly has become just as much a musical as it is an animated movie. Therefore, this is the full realization of the Broadway musical style of Disney animation. A movie like this deserves no less than the full 5 stars, it really is a cinema masterpiece.

"Who wants to trade places with him?"

"I do."

The movie which led to the end of Alfred Hitchcock and Jimmy Stewart working together. But, considering that they made his film right they went separate ways, I almost wish they could break up a million times.

A stunning masterpiece. In both Alfred Hitchcock and Jimmy Stewart's iconic careers, it may be the best film each of them has ever made.

The perfect ending to a trilogy, and one of the best odes to the joy of youth that i have ever seen.

At it's core, this movie celebrates youth and childhood. Like the first 2 movies, there are zany adventures... not unlike what we personally have had with our own toys as kids. There's strong human emotions (something that most everyone had before becoming numb and developing a cynicism towards the world.) But like our own youth, everything fades. Andy grew up, and we grow up.

Magic still exists, but it seems to be mostly the territory of children. It's a bittersweet moment, we celebrate what we had: the days where magic and adventure crept around every corner. Now we lament that, as we come of age, it's likely over for us forever.

That's what Toy Story 3 means.

wait, this wasn't 5 stars for me? my bad, lemme change that real quick.

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine."

MAN, what an awesome possum movie. Seriously... a contender for the greatest movie of all time.

As a Christian, other fellow Christians would probably tell me that even watching this film was a sin. Well, guess what guys. I watched it, and not only did I LOVE it, it's even getting 5 stars. I'd like to think that I don't hand these out that easily too.

If you think about this film, you would realize that this film is not trying to offend theists. It actually affirms the theist belief - God does exist. What people are pissed off is that it mocks the Catholic Church.... well, i dont know, but i don't think Jesus loved the Pharisees when He was here either. This film is actually speaking out against organized religion, not the actual beliefs, something Jesus Himself was all about. Also...Kevin Smith, the writer and director, is a Catholic. So what exactly are we getting all up in arms about? Defending the institution? Who cares? The people are the church! And this film shows that well, it actually portrays a ton of Catholic/Christian values that people hold.

And that's exactly what got to me. There's such remarkable portrayal of things Christians go through that I can relate to. There are two parts I have in mind specifically, but in order to not spoil the movie, I wouldn't say them. Let's just suffice it to say that this is the best I've ever seen Ben Affleck. I actually even teared up at some parts... it hit really close to home (and that's probably why this made the jump from 4.5 stars to 5.0 stars... anything that moves me deeply is held in high honor for me). I don't think I've ever teared up at any form of media that wasn't intentionally put there to try to make me cry, because by all accounts, this was certainly not a "tragedy" or a "sad" movie.

In fact, it's a comedy. That's what's so crazy. The fact that a movie moved me so much... and was a comedy, still blows my mind. It's hilarious, yet, I could really relate at parts, to the point of almost tears. Never seen anything like it. It was such an unique experience, it's got to be 5 stars.

It's definitely a favorite movie of mine now. Not a question of "is" or "if." The question is now "where on my favorite movie list does this fit?"

The movie that started the best trilogy in movie history. Not only was it the best trilogy in movie history, when you consider all things, it's also probably the height of cinema.

Thats right, I said it.
All things considered, the original Star Wars trilogy is the height of cinema.
And I'll say it again. Anytime.

The swelling, epic soundtrack that conjured grandness. The way they were able to create an entire new universe on film. The epic tale of a young, enthusiastic kid trusting in the Force, and by letting go, is able to take down an evil totalitarian government.

Essential viewing, any way you look at it. It's amazing, easily one of the best movies ever.

(Can't say I'm a fan of George Lucas's revised DVD version, though. If you can, try to track down the VHS version of this flim to watch the original. It's a little bit better.)

Step right up, you delicious slice of cartoon film noir genius. You're the number #17 entry into my 5.0-star club. You are so clever, so amazingly done, it honestly boggles my mind. Bravo.

It's hard to determine where to start when talking about this film. It did so many things right. It simply had it all. Acting, cinematography, story, pacing, and a whole lot of heart.

If there was ever any doubt that Jim Carrey could do a serious role... well, there's none now. Jim Carrey convincingly portrays the role of the quiet, average, and slightly dull Joel Barish. And of course, Kate Winslet's a great actor, and continues that consistency in this film. She plays a wild-haired free spirit, and does it well. Throughout the movie, you don't ever think in terms of "Jim Carrey's character" or "Kate Winslet's character", and for these two top names, that's a true testament to the skill they showed by being able to disappear from their celebrity status, and re-emerge to us as Joel and Clementine.

Cinematography was top notch. The movie dealt heavily with the subject of memories, and the filming reflected that quite well. It was able to portray the way things just seemed to blend together, accurate to the way we only remember "important" events, without memorizing the "little things" in between. It's hard to describe, but the atmosphere this created was perfect and extremely relevant to the subject at hand. The sequences where the memories are disappearing easily have to be some of the most beautiful sequences in recent film history.

The story and the heart behind it were also obviously major focal points of the movie. It had a wonderful message and a lot of authenticity and heart to it. Simply put, love is something that is beautiful, no matter what how "low" a relationship gets. The good times always outweigh the bad times , in both quality and quantity. And of course, the equally important message that we all need to treasure the memories and experiences we gain through life, because they had an effect on everything else we did in life, and made us the person we are today.

But, if I were to tell you that this movie was a movie about the different aspects of love, the importance of memories, and the construction of character based on past experiences, and was shot very dreamy/memory-like, you'd tell me that it sounded like a bunch of pretentious bull. However, the movie's also able to balance this out well. Not once does this movie come off as pretentious, because it's able to throw in comedy every once in awhile. So, don't worry. This isn't a douchey indie movie that takes itself to seriously. It has the perfect pacing, and is able to mix the dramatic with the comedy, and is still able to send it's message loud and clear. That's something definitely to be admired, in this age where we either have movies that are way too childish, or movies that think they're deep, artistic, and God's gift to the film industry.

It's a perfect film that has a lot of important things to say. And it definitely says it, and does it in cinematographic grace, and in a way we can all relate to. Don't be surprised if you're swept off your feet by this one. Simply amazing.

Part of what makes this film so great is that not only was it highly relevant to the events that were happening back then, it's still relevant to what's happening today. And it does this while keeping you on the edge of your seat and making you laugh at the same time.

It's a film that filled with action and comedy, but more importantly, really has something to say. And they make that message loud and clear, in a way that makes you wonder about the fate of humanity in general. In a way, this film could be terrifying. Satire is a powerful thing, and it's used as such a devastating weapon in this film.

Peter Sellers also delivers what could perhaps be considered one of the best performances ever. He is nothing short of amazing here, taking on 3 different roles in one movie, and hitting them spot on with each one.

This one is a timeless masterpiece. It's perfect. One of the best films of all time, easily.

A classic buddy/friendship movie that legitimized computer animation as a medium for movies. There is no other rating for this except for all 5 frickin stars.