My Favorite Movies

I had never read the comics so I went into this as a completely blank slate, as it were. I was absolutely gobstopped. Groundbreaking cinematography, mind-blowing story premise, tight well written script and phenomenal acting.

THIS is one where Keanu displayed his true talent. And this is also in that genre of movie where, while rife with violence, it also portrays a bizarre beauty to the violence.

Truly the beginning of an amazing journey. I've read the books and seen the movies and can't wait for yet dread the ending. This one, particularly is great for kids.

This is one of a genre of movies I know I shouldn't like because I don't generally care for loads of gratuitous violence. But the story is so rich, the cinematography is so beautifully done, and Brandon Lee gives such a soulful performance, I can't help but love it.

Getting past David Bowie being drop dead sexy... This is a beautiful coming of age story among other things. The fantasy and fun are wonderful and my kids just love it, but I enjoy the deeper meaning behind it all as well.

My personal favorite of the modern vampire universes. While I love Blade, the character, the Vampire Culture described in these movies is absolutely fascinating.

And the Rebellion of the Young Turks against the Elders rather makes for a reference point, as it were for humans to identify with this society.

Lastly, the ANGST! Oh the ANGST!!! :D

BIG TIME Excelsior to everyone involved in this project. So many great comics have been murdered on the big screen. This wasn't one of them. It keeps the simple formula of self evaluation as a species that Stan Lee alwasy had at the heart of all his comics. And Hugh Jackman is damn fine! :D

A brilliant interpretation of Taming of the Shrew cleverly disguised as a teenage romp. And I say this as someone who has seen just about every interpretation there is from Burton/Taylor to the Moonlighting spoof. It's one of my favorites of the comedies.

This was my first introduction to Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles and I was very impressed with both.

This movie is about the indominable human spirit, imagination and hope. As long as there is a speck, a spark, the human mind and soul can make of the world whatever it wants.

This is a WONDERFUL splicing of Matrix, 1984 and Farenheit 451. It could have come across as a cheap rip-off, but the acting and directing are so fresh it really carves out a unique spot for itself.

A great story about cutting through the crap about People. The dialoge is quick, clever and insightful and the chemistry between all the actors is engaging and believable.

There wasn't a less than stellar performance turned in by anyone. Including Virginia Weidler, who's rendition of Lydia the Tatoo'd Lady rivals the Great Groucho Marx himself. Hee hee

I HIGHLY recommend this over High Society, which is a sad and pale imitation. LOL

The thing about the Matrix Trilogy is that you can't take them as individual movies. I realize they were made to be able to stand alone, but everything hinges on the Meta Level journey of all the characters. The focus is on Neo as The One, but every character is an integral piece.

The religious symbolism was at it's most blatant in this movie, but it was done so well, I really didn't mind so much. If Neo hadn't ended up in a mock crucifix position at the end I would have been happier, but we can't have everything. All in all a wonderful conclusion to a facinating theatrical and metaphysical journey.

Same excellent quality as the first one. Same great mix of book and movie changes. Loved it.

Not my favorite of all the HP movies, but it has some of my favorite bits in it. The introduction of The Marauders for one. It's too bad they couldn't introduce the backstory surrounding them, it rocks. And this is where my complete obsession with Snape began. And my HP universe split for a time. LOL The movies were much kinder to the character of Snape than the books. The image of Snape protecting The Trio is indelibly burned in my brain. ::sigh:: I completely fangirl Snape.

My favorite of the series so far, but definitely on the other side of the cut off point for kids. There is so much character growth here, a new level of depth and complexity. It's as Hermione says "Nothing's going to be the same again". And no matter how many times I see this movie, the scene where he brings back Cedric always breaks my heart. Daniel Radcliffe did a fine piece of work in this movie all the way through, but particularly here.

Read the book. Really. If you later feel the need to see the special effects and yumminess that is Alan Rickman as Snape by all means watch the movie. But It just skims the surface of the actual story.

I will never understand why they leave out the bits they leave out. I guess they don't make the movies for the people who read the books. HOWEVER, it did hit all the important bits and set up the second movie rather well. That's where the rubber hits the road though. If the second one sucks this one will all have been for naught.

While not my favorite of the trilogy, still an enjoyable movie. I think probably what I enjoyed the most was the deeper look into the vampire culture. The "new breed" were so completely opposite the "regular" vampires, which I know was intentional. Modern vampires are always slick and sexy and somehow give an aire of superiority to the humans around them. Predator and prey, but in a way that makes the relationship attractive to some. The "new breed" were animalistic , base and crass and somehow portrayed as "less". Rather like comparing a panther to a hyena.

I must admit this is my favorite of the Blade series. And while it has much on it's own to recommend it, Ryan Reynolds flat out makes this movie for me.

It's slick, well written, the character of Dracula "The Original Vampire" is fascinating. It's rather more what we expect based on the original movie and the Vampire Elders. I found the Whistler's Daughter plot device a bit cheap, but not enough to detract from the rest.

And did I mention that Ryan Reynolds is just flat out sexy as hell and cracks me up? Nothing turns a girl on more than a cut young man with a sense of humour. LOL

As I've said so very often in the past, the thing that separates a great Marvel movie from a horrible Marvel movie is the chemistry and characterizations. If the movie focuses so much on the "superhero vs badguy" that they lose sight of the humanity of the characters and their very "normal" hopes and dreams and fears, they suck the soul right out of the movie. It becomes just another big buget action flick, which are a dime a dozen, sad to say.

The makers of the XMen movies have their focus firmly on these key dynamics. The introduction to Logan's experiences during the Weapon X Project, the struggle of the younger mutants to find their true identity and place in the world, and the sacrifice of Jean brought this movie to life.

Lastly, for the true X Geeks, the flyover of the lake at the end positively screamed Phoenix, which made us just drool in anticipation of the third movie. :D

I would be willing to bet no one who saw this movie when it first came out will ever forget that whoppin big space ship flying over their heads as they sat in the theater. It was one of those Defining Moments in Cinema.

The combination of ILMs groundbreaking special effects combined with a down to earth, simple, Quest Plot and fresh, young talent made this an undeniable Milestone Movie. There's Before Star Wars and After Star Wars. LOL

Probably the most angst driven of the three with buckets full of character development. Pretty much what a middle episode of a trilogy should be. LOL

And, on a purely I-was-a-teenager-when-I-saw-it note, I just loved the Han and Leia relationship. It's just squeeworthy. Hee

Aside from being a very well done action/adventure/sci fi flick, this was a very nicely crafted endpiece to a trilogy. Everything tied up in a nice little bow with the Good conquering over the Evil.

Good stuff. :D

Hands down one of my all time favorite movies. It's just goofy and sweet and romantic and heroic and wonderful. The cast is just amazing and the writing is riotous.

Quite possibly the most beautiful, angst-ridden, fairy tale love story ever conceived of in the mind of human beings. 80s production values and all.

My very first exposure to Rutger Hauer, which is probably not such a great thing as this was an anomoly in his career, but he should do this kind of role more often. He's damn good at it. And the interactions between Mouse and the Father are priceless.

So yeah, I'm a big ol' honkin' sap. Deal. ;D

My first exposure to Johnny Depp Not A Teen Idol. This movie is so sweet and fun. It's about love in all it's different forms. It's also about trust and letting go and growing.

Truly a beautiful movie.