My Favorite Movies

A powerful film. What more can be said?
Based on the book of the same name, To Kill A Mockingbird is set in the American south in a time when the black community is still not seen as equals to the whites. When a black man is accused of raping a white girl the town is set into turmoil and a lone unbiased well respected publice defender must take a case he know he is going to lose even though the evidence suggest his client is innocent.
Although most people look towards the trial as the main plot of the film it is in reality the story that follows the young stars that take centre stage. The film is told through the eyes of young Scott Finch who recounts that faithfull summer when her father Atticus took on the case and when her older brother Jem and their mutual friend were trying to make the resident neighbourhood recluse, Boo Radley come out of his forced housearrest.
Perhaps one of the greatest fictional stories ever told this dilm has a lot going for it, and when we do finally meet Boo we can't help but cheer at his heroic actions and the sacrifice Atticus and the town sheriff were willing to make so he does not face further punishment. Gregory Peck won an Oscar for his role as Atticus and it was a performance that will forever go down in film history as memorable. Although I strongly recommend watching this movie, reading the novel first is perhaps a better as you begin to appreciate the film more.

If ever there was a better person in the 20th century it was Oscar Shindler. If ever there was a movie that was worthwhile to tell his story and do justice to one of the horrors of World War Two, then it is Shindler's List. This movie is by far one of the best films ever created. Spielberg stand up and take a bow.
After viewing this movie we can actually see how realistic the fear many of our grandparents and great grandparents had to go through in their lives, regardless if they were Jewish or not. The stories were one thing, the pictures another, but to actually see such horrors can make one sick to their stomach which nearly rivals actually being there. Seeing many of those horrific scenes I reminded myself how bad the mental torture would have been, not knowing whether you were going to live or die, simply because of your faith. This was a time where heroes rose in the most unlikely of places, as did Oscar Shindler.
In retrospect this movie proves that we can find heroes in the most unlikely of places at the most unlikely of times. We should all take the quote mentioned in the movie from the Talmud to heart "He who saves one life saves the world entire".

I don't care what Aslan says you are never to old to go back to Narnia. I'm glad to have viewed this new fantastic journey, and beg the producers to hurry with the next installments.

Honestly, Prince Caspian was the least filmable of all the books, and the story in terms of turning it into a film and surpassing the first would have been incredibly difficult to pull off. Yet pull it off they did. Yes there were tweaks and changes, but they were welcomed, as this version surpasses the first film, and has a much darker tone.

We all know that Narnia seems to have difficulty adjusting their time to ours, so yes centuries have passed since the kids have had their adventures, which many a Narnian believe to be a mere myth/fairytale. Narnia has been overrun by the Telmarine army -- a group of humans that seem to live by backstabbing and misleading one another -- who invade shortly after the children returned to our world after the first story. Lord Miraz seeks the throne for himself and has even killed his brother the true king in an attempt usurp the throne. When he views his nephew Prince Caspian as no longer needed he makes another attempt a regicide. Caspian flees, and meets the Narnians of myth, but not before blowing the ancient horn held by Susan which summons the Pevensie children -- and Aslan -- back to Narnia.

The character development of the story was really well handled in particular that of Peter. Peter has had issues in the real world as he is no longer a king and no longer has the ability to command others. In reality he has been a king longer then an ordinary human boy and that causes a severe moral dilemma. You begin to take notice of this when he clashes with Caspian. Susan the character I have always hatted, is more involved in the battle, then she has ever been portrayed in anyother media. Frankly, she can even hold her own in combat. She even begins to fall in love with Caspian, but they both know that love can never be as she quips near the end "well for one I'm 1300 years older then you". As for Edmond and Lucy, their characters frankly haven't really changed much since the first film, although Edmond does have a larger faith in Aslan, and is the first to believe Lucy when she claims to see him. So what of the Jesus allegory lion also known as Aslan? Well he's around but doesn't really put in a full appearance until the end.

New characters include the titular prince who ralies the Narnians and wants to reclaim what is rightfully his by bringing Narnia and Telmar to peace. We meet a lot of new Narnians this time around but it is Reepicheep the mouse who steals the show. Hilarious, and courageous this is one mouse you want at your side, just don't call him cute. He plays a huge role in the next film which is why he is worth mentioning.

So I think you can guess I liked this film, and was really surprised they were able to make this movie work better then the first. Many fans like myself will be saddened that this is Peter and Susan's last time to these magical lands (although if you read the books and considering they are making these films in order of shich they are written, there is a loophole, moreso for Peter), but we all know the adventure will continue for Lucy, Edmond, Caspian, and Reepicheep. Alas the next installment is The Voyage of the "Dawn" Treader and that is my least favorite in the series (also the only book that doesn't have a big bad), however if the magic done to Prince Caspian was any indication I may not need to worry too much.

I'm going to make this clear to everyone. The only way you can consider yourself a Transformers fanboy is if you watched the show in the eighties, played with the original toys, and shed a tear when Optimus Prime died. Anyone else is a simple wannabe poser; you know who you are Malcolm Douglas.

If I had the ability to cry I would, but these would have been tears of joy. This film was a modernized version of the classic cartoon. Although this is the second Transformers movie it is the first live action version. The movie kicked my nostalgia factor into high gear. My favorite Autobot growing up, Bumblebee plays perhaps the most important role in the film. Ha take that Optimus Prime. Okay that's not fair Optimus is the man (metaphorically speaking of course). Optimus had the same spirit and soul as he did in the original cartoon, not that he was voiced by the same actor had anything to do with it. Jazz, Ratchet, Ironhide are the other Autobots who help "destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons". Yup Megatron is our main baddie (only this time he's voiced by Hugo Weaving, and does not transform into a gun), and with him are Starscream, Bonecrusher, and Scorpinox. So what do they want? Well seems that there's this cube that can decide the fate of this long lasting Cybertronian war. If the Decepticons get it goodbye Earth, so the race is on.

So where do all the humans fit into this? Well the only characters that make an appearance from the initial cartoon are Sam Wartwicki and his father. I hate to say it but this is where things would go a little sour for the hardcore fans. Sam is never called by his nickname "Spike" and his father is completly oblivious to the whole robots in his backyard. All other humans are just filler, but Megan Fox and Rachel Taylor are welcomed additions in my book.

So what's left to talk about, a sequel? Well yeah that's going to happen, and obvious to anyone who was smart enough to stay through the credits. Classis lines? Yup "Autobots transform and roll out" and "one shall stand; one shall fall" were there. The winning line from the make Optimus speak contest does infact pop up (it's "freedom is the right of all sentient beings"). So yeah you want me to talk sequel fine. Well since the Autobot Matrix of Leadership was only briefly glimpsed there's more to that in the next one. Plus there are all the fans running afoul that there favorite robot didn't make the cut this time around, well that's why they'll make another movie.

Okay so I think I've ranted and raved long enough. The film is a dream for a child of the eighties (not Malcolm Douglas). Will upcoming cartoons turned live action movies such as Underdog, Alvin and the Chipmunks and Speed Racer be as successful? Hard to say cause this movie raised that bar substantially higher. So to sum it up forget people with radioactive spider-powers, or green ogres, or Johnny Depp as a pirate, Transformers is the definitive champion of the summer.

Ladies and gentleman we have a franchise. My favorite childhood books The Chronicles Of Narnia comes to the big screen in the first installment The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. This film would have Narnia author author C.S. Lewis giving his thumbs up in approval.
Much like Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings, this movie expands on the books key scenes but stays very true to the source material. The battle of Britain for example which is only mentioned in a line of the book has about five minutes of screen time and serves as introductory point for the four children, and how they come to be at the Professor's mansion in the country. Equally, the climatic battle which again was only a couple of lines is instead an epic conflict that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
So I guess my review should speak for itself. This film rocked. The movie itself also was a good follow-up to The Magician's Nephew as the designs on the wardrobe depict scenes from the story. As well as previously mentioned the Professor, but also the lampost, and the history between Jadis and Aslan. The film also sets itself up for A Horse And His Boy, but also makes way for the next film Prince Caspian, which can't come soon enough.

Fifteen years, that's how long I have been waiting for this movie. Was it well worth the wait? Hell yes (pun intended). I have been Ghost Rider's biggest fan for years so much so that I am a virtual encyclopedia. This movie hit all the right notes and the character was in good hands.
When John Blaze discovers that his father is dying of cancer, he sells his soul to Mephistopheles (just a note he was always called Mephisto in the comic) in order to cure him of the disease. As always any deal with the devil is twofold and you always get the raw end. Although Johnny's dad is cured of the fatal disease he dies later that day in a motorcycle accident. Years later Johnny's past comes up to him as Mephisto needs him to stop Blackheart. Johnny is bestowed with the powers of the Ghost Rider, the devil's bounty hunter. Johnny is not alone in his quest as he is instructed in the history of the Ghost Rider by the enigmatic Caretaker, and is aided emotionally by childhood sweetheart Roxanne.
Ghost Rider was indeed well handled and his confusing comic book history is clarified for the movie-goer. There were nods to every version of the Ghost Rider that hit the comics. Ghost Rider's powers were all present, and he looked exactly like he did in the comic. Frankly, his attitude came as the biggest surprise as I never remember him giving the finger or saying "You're pissing me off". The most drastic change came with Carter Slade who was a Ghost Rider was never the flaming skull version. Although seeing a cowboy dressed in glow-in the dark clothes would have proabably weakened the film. Caretaker's backstory was equally altered, but he is still the spitting, shovel wielding, tells you on a need-to-know basis he always was. The addition of Captain Dolan came as the biggest surprise as he plays a large role in the Ghost Rider's future career. Johnny and Roxanne were handled as their characters were intended. Johnny is the misguided soul who made a bad deal and is looking for his second chance. Roxanne is his rock and beacon, keeping him from making any further mistakes and proving he can overcome his curse. Mephisto and Blackheart are portrayed differently on film then in the comic. They have a human form and only echoes of their true selves are revealed. Blackheart's true form is revealed at the end. These relationship between the two was true to form. Mephisto plays by the rules and lies to get humans to give up their souls. He has the devilious traits as defined by our mythology. Blackheart is his impatient son who wants to bring hell to Earth and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Beyond the characters I must add that the addition of the song "Ghost Riders in the Sky" was welcomed as that was the original inspiration for the character.
A sequel will definetly happen as the film is left open for one. Mephisto was left rather peeved with Johnny Blaze so no doubt he will want some form of revenge. Ghost Rider has a rich rogues gallery but who will makes it to the screen next? Although Cage has said he does not like sequels that opinion seems to be changing. It is pretty clear there is more to learn of the Ghost Rider and the sequel can't come soon enough.

I think I've just seen the best foreign film ever! In my mind any film made outside the United States and English Canada is foreign. This movie was phenomenal and I believe should win best foreign movie at the 2006 Academy Awards.
Set in Spain during 1944 a young girl named Ofelia and her pregnant mother come to the home/base of her step-father. Ofelia's step-father happens to be captain in Spain's army bent on destroying the growing rebellion in the outlying forest. The captain makes it evident that he has no love or care for Ofelia and has only married her mother as she is carrying his child. Ofelia sole means of coping is with her books and soon becomes entrawled in a fairy tale all her own. The question remains if the fauns, fairies and her claim to the throne are real or a fabrication of her mind.
The cinematography of this film is remarkable. The creatures created take CGI effects to a whole new level. Ofelia's step-father is by far one of the greatest on-screen villains created. This film will just blow your mind. I give the entire cast a perfect score cause they were all phenomenal (that and I don't know who the actors are). In the race for the Oscars this film should get due credit.

HOLY F***ING G-D!!! I had my doubts about this movie but I never thought it would be that good. Wow. Little Miss Sunshine is one of those films that flies completly under the radar when it is in theatres and then makes a huge impact on society. I am kicking myself for not watching it earlier.
Although a drama this film is also a comedy. Their were many moments when I burst out laughing, in particular when you finally see what the talent act put on by the daughter. I found it hard to see Steve Carrell in a serious role but he pulls it off nicely. He does get the occassional gag.
The only thing I would have to say that is remotly negative is not about the film itself -- no his movie is perfect in everyway -- but rather that Paul Dano did not get an Academy Award nomination. Although he doesn't say a word for the majority of the movie his facial expressions say it all, and when he finally does speak we can see he is a well rounded actor. If you doubt me watch L.I.E. if you have the stomach. Paul Dano (or Paul Franklin Dano) will go place and every role I have seen him in is well done. I think he is one of my favorite actors.
If you have yet to see this movie, you better. This has now become my odds on favorite for Best Picture. Chances are it will not win or be overlooked in every category, but the fact that it is getting recognition will do this film justice. This film is in the exact same boat as Sideways and look at where that film is now.

An incredible and powerful film. This movie dealt with a controversial topic that few studios would dare touch or few theatres would dare show. Amazing performance by Brian Cox and the young cast. The film takes place in and around the Long Island Expressway, where Howie who recently lost his mom in an accident on said highway is engulfed in a world of embezzlement, peer pressure and the main theme of this film pedofilia. This film is not for the weak of heart, and some may have a lot of trouble with the content. Although this film is really well done some of my friends who are film-buffs refuse to watch this film based on the content alone. I do recommend at least a look as most distrubing scenes are implied and never shown.

At long last it all comes together. Questions are answered, and the galaxy will never be the same again.

George Lucas' epic saga comes full circle and we finally learn how Anakin Skywalker became on of the greatest villains in movie history known as Darth Vader. Although Vader by himself is terrifying the true villain is Darth Sidious who has played everyone to meet his own selfish end. Our heroes are forever scarred and changed and some do not survive. The epic battle scene between Obi-wan and Anakin is not only memorable but a definitive classic. The saga is over, but the adventure begins.

The final battle to save the galaxy is upon us. The last of the original triology is by far the best in my mind. Characters who have only been hinted at are introduced for the first and last time (prequels not counting) and the fate of our heroes will be determined. The ending is by far the most surprising as more secrets are revealed and a character makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones he loves. The movie is about redemption, and how important the people you care for have an impact on your life.

I guess the old Hebrew saying is true "he who saves one life saves the world entire".
I'm pretty sure you all know the story of It's A Wonderful Life even if you haven't seen the movie. This is by far a timeless heartwarming classic even if one of the main characters doesn't make his full physical appearance till about three quarters of the way through the film -- I'm talking about Clarence by the way.
Our protagonist George Bailey is by far one of the greatest movie heroes in cinema history. He sacrifices his dreams, and ambitions so that others may have a better life. When he gets overwhelmed and circumstances become to much for him he is ready to throw in the rope, and yet he perseveres and realizes he was a much richer man then he originally thought. He is a great foil to the antagonist Mr. Porter who is also a candidate for best movie villain of all-time. Porter only cares about money and doesn't care who gets in the way or who he hurts. Think of a much more ruthless version of The Simpsons' Mr. Burns.
Needless to say this film made me laugh, and almost made me cry (a feat which is an accomplishment by itself). This is what true movie making really is, even though Clarance is hardly in it you certainly understand that he deserved his wings.

Everyone kept telling me to watch this movie. Why didn't I listen to them earlier? This movie was amazing. Raises the bar much higher for vampire films.

I finally got to sit through this movie in its' entirety. Last time I tried to watch it I got called away for some reason that escapes my mind and never had the opportunity to screen it again. I'm glad I did.
Quentin Tarantino sure knows his underworld and organized crime. One wonders if he is one of the mob. When a heist goes wrong the remaining perpatrators realize that one of them is a rat. With two of their numbers dead and one dying the question remains as to who is truly loyal.
Like the majority of Tarantino's film this film does have its' share of gore. The cop getting his ear cut off while "Stuck in the middle with you" is playing in the background is a definite piece of cinematic history. It was even parodied on The Simpsons and once you get a parody you know the film is memorable.

This film is a horror masterpiece. Imagine a serial killer that never kills. You are put into a situation where you can either live or die depending on the choice you make in the sadistic game you are force to play. The Jigsaw killer has ever detail well thought out and has one objective to teach you how to appreciate life. This was one of the most well thought out movies in a long time, and the surprise ending is more then a decent payoff. I got to meet Danny Glover when he was at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004 promoting this film while I was a theatre manager, and he is a great guy. We are even on a first name basis. He signed up for one classic cult movie that I have no regrets watching repeatedly.

When will Scorcese get his Oscar? If he does not get it for this film then I can conclude one of two things: The Academy is corrupt, or there is no G-d. If you see only one film this year then "The Departed" is it. An amazing film with stellar performances from its' all-star cast. There is nothing wrong with this film. If there is one premise of this film it's who's the rat? One works for the cops one works for the mobs and they have each infiltrated the others organization. They know the other exsist and they must discover the identity of the competition before the other. Trust me this film is a must see and if you don't see it or hate it you obviously suck.

Where were you the day Princess Diana died? For that matter where was the monarchy? Going back ten years it feels like that tragic day occured just yesterday. It's a day the world will never forget and in my eyes it was a day that the British monarchy changed and entered the modern world.
The Queen is a film about how Queen Elizabeth copes and deals with the week following Diana's tragic accident. We see the story from two points of view that of the monarchy and that of the government/public. The fact of the matter is that the monarchy was not ready to deal with this loss and they completly underestimated Diana's popularity. Because of how Queen Elizabeth was brought up she has no understanding of how the general public thinks. Prince Philip even comments at one point that the general public is mad. After enough pressure from the public, Tony Blair and Prince Charles, the Queen comes to realize she is not as powerful as she thought and it is time to start brining the monarchy into the modern world.
The actting is phenomenal. Helen Mirren did a superb job of playing the stone-cold emotionless Elizabeth. The description of her sounds kind of harsh but as Tony Blair eventually says and comes to realize, this was how she was brought up and she was put into thrust suddenly into a career she did not choose. I expect Helen Mirren to win best actress for her part in this film.
Let's be honest this film was directed for the older couple crowd and to be honest I felt out of place. That being said the movie is remarkable and has a good chance of winning best picture. So my advice like Queen Elizabeth swallow your pride and do something different, go see this movie.

"Let us go down and mix up their language so that they will not understand one another" Genesis 11:7.
Babel is Crash on a global scale. Four different stories all intertwine: from the illegal Mexican immegrant looking after American children; whose parents are on vacation in Morrocco; where their mother is accidentally shot; by two boys who were testing a rifle; which was trailed back to a Japanese tourist. Going to four different areas in the world, Mexico, the U.S., Morrocco, and Japan we can see that the world is a small place.
The film is done in four different languages, English, Spanish, Arabian, and Japanese, and yes the film is subtitled when English is not in use. In reality their is a fifth language in the film which is sign language as one of the main characters is a deaf-mute. By incorparating the art of signing we see another aspect of the world that is normally overlooked.
Althought he film is not told chronologically and jumps from the four different sub-plots. As the film pans out we see how everything is interconnected. We learn about the different cultures of the world and how they deal and understand one another. A great film and a must see.

I don't know why the critics hated this film. The plot, setting, score, cinematography and acting were beautifully done. The film definetly shows a side of justice that frustrates the legal system, and why some people chose to take the law into their own hands. Keep your eyes open as a lot of the sets were later used for "A History Of Violence".

What happens if you put a madman in charge of the most devastating weapons on Earth? The result is the classic Stanley Kubrick black comedy Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
This film is be far one of the best films out there. It is quite obvious why other pieces of media choose to parody elements of this film. Despite the drama, and tension there was still elements where they managed to sneak in some comedy.
The actting in this film is astounding, and I'm sad to say I really don't know any of the actors all that well, with the exception of Peter Sellers from his Pink Panther movies. I've been able to rate the above actors purely by piecing together information I have found on the internet. This is probably the sad reality of not living in that particular genertion.
As for the story and directing I have to say this was definetly an eye opener. It shows that there are loopholes to even the best systems, and that eventually a madman will come along and expose them and use it to their advantage. As for the directing this film to me just didn't strike me as Kubrick except for the ending. It is possible that since this was one of his earlier films his style has changed over time. Don't get me wrong even though the style was different I enjoyed this film.

The second installment in the Star Wars prequel triolgy. This one begins to chronicle Anakin's fall to the dark side, and the foundations that led to the rise of the Empire.
Almost ten years has passed since Episode 1, and Episode 4 is another 20 years away. Anakin has grown up and near to becoming a fullfledged Jedit knight. Obi-Wan has become more sinical, and Padme all the more radiant. However not all is well in the universe as many star systems are removing themselves from the Republic to join former Jedi, Count Dooku's Confederacy. In time both sides inevitably clash, and Anakin and Padme forbiddenly fall in love.
This movie explores the Star Wars mythos in greater detail. Although Anakin does not succumb to the dark side we see him dangerously near to crossing that line. We begin to understand why circumstances happened to garnish the events of the future. The universe is quickly becoming a more dangerous place.
This movie take digital filmaking into a whole new realm. I could go on for hours about how believable the universe was, but the only proof one need is in the Yoda fight scene. This scene alone demonstrates the next step in film.
The only problem with this movie is that it is incredible.

"I've had enough of these mother f***ing snakes on this mother f***ing plane!" A cult film even before it hit theatres, this film is by far one of these best thought out movies in a long time. Definetly requires a look. What made the film even more enjoyable was the mouse that was running loose in the theatre. Fortunetly I did not have to live an experience where some idiots in an Arizona theatre let loose a bunch of rattlesnakes during one of the shows.