My Favorite Movies

First, let me say the following:

The Fountain is not a film; it is an experience. A thought, feeling, or idea. It is a very personal and emotional trip. Each person will have different feelings and ideas towards the film.

The plot isn't the main focus of the film, but here's a brief overview. Around the year 1500, Spain is being torn apart from the inside. A religious zealot figure is hunting down those who do not belief what he does throughout the country. It leads him to Queen Isabel (Rachel Weisz), a beautiful and gorgeous young ruler who "twists the words of God." Isabel, fearing for her country and the lives of her people, sends for Tomas (Hugh Jackman), a strong warrior, to search for the Tree of Life. Whether or not this tree actually exists is up for question, yet the Queen sends him on this quest.

In the present time, veternarian Tommy Creo (Jackman) is searching for a cure to brain tumors. He wishes to use this information and translate it to help his sick wife, Izzi (Weisz). Tommy becomes completely engulfed in his work and often neglects (though not on purpose) his dying wife. Izzi is writing a novel entitled The Fountain, for which she does not have an ending for yet. She is enthralled by ancient Mayan civilization, mainly Xibalba, the Mayan underworld seen in the stars as a dying nebula.

The distant future holds for Tom (Jackman) years of travel to Xibalba. He travels with a tree, eating from it's bark to keep alive. The fly through the stars in a bubble housing the two of them. Tom often has illusions of both Izzi and Isabel, talking to him as if he were either Tommy or Tomas. He wishes to reach Xibalba in order for the tree to be reborn.

That's the best I could do giving a plot summary. Like I said, the plot is not the main concern of the film...it only serves as a vehicle to deliver the intense emotions and feelings present in the film.

I'll start with the technical aspects. The film's cinematography is gorgeous, taking in both the ancient Mayan architecture, the modern winter wonderland, and the far reaches of space. The films visual and special effects are by far the best I've ever seen in a film. The filmmakers used an unconventional means in creating the space FX...they filmed different specimens under microscopes and used those as the space FX, keeping the organic feeling to the film. I promise you, it's like nothing you've ever seen before. I really really hope that an Oscar nomination is given out.

The score is really one of the highest attributes of the film. Clint Mansell, along with Mogwai and the Kronos Quartet, has done a phenomenal job. The music is brilliant and really reflects what they characters are going through as well as what emotions you are feeling at that time. Mansell really deserves the Golden Globe, and I pray for an Oscar nom.

The acting is spot on. Jackman and Weisz give great performances and really know what they are dealing with. The bath tub scene is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, just because of the emotions these two feel. (The other two scenes are spoiler heavy, so I'll leave them for you to see).

The climax of the film is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen in cinema.

Darren Aronofsky has really evolved into quite a stunning filmmaker. He's even matured in his process. But I'm not calling Pi or Requiem for a Dream immature by any means. What I mean is that Aronofsky has created such a somber and serious tone...he's really reached a new level in his directing. Some of his quirks are present, but aside from a few scenes (and two recognizable Aronofsky actors), this doesn't seem like an Aronofsky film. It's really a new standard he has set.

The Fountain is very similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey in terms of visuals, feelings, and the overall trip the viewer goes on. While 2001 was more focused on evolution, creation, and humanity, The Fountain focuses on love, life, and death as a means of creation. I'm sure that in the near future many people will be comparing Aronofsky to Stanely Kubrick.

If I could, I would rate this movie higher than a five. Sadly, I cannot do so.

Highly stylized, great humor, spot on acting; the perfect film.

One of my all time favorites.

Choose life.

What's NOT to like about it?

Love love love this movie. Hilarious and disturbing...makes for an excellent combination.

The Dark Knight hits a new epic level of cinema, for the comic book genre as well as the crime genre (and don?t forget the marketing campaign). The Dark Knight tackles themes from its predecessor (Batman Begins, 2005) and expands them to new horizons.

The film starts off with an elaborately planned bank heist. Thieves donning clown masks rob one of the most prestigious banks in Gotham City, but little do they know it?s actually a mob bank. The grand schemer of this heist is none other than the Joker (Heath Ledger).

The Joker holds the money ransom, bribing the mob bosses into giving him half the entire share if he can eliminate the Batman (Christian Bale). The mob intially turns down the Joker's offer. Meanwhile, Batman is hot on the trail of both the various mob bosses and the Joker himself. Batman, with the aid of Police Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and Gotham's new District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman begins to to bring the mob bosses to justice. But he takes it to a new level. His faithful butler Alfred (Michael Caine) warns him of his limits, not wanting to see his friend push things to far.

How far is too far? The Dark Knight brings up various questions, such as 'does the ends justify the means?' It also brings up a psychological thesis on the border between madness and sanity. The Joker attempts to cripple the good guys by destroying all that they care about. "Madness," he says, "is like gravity: all it takes is a little push."

Words cannot describe Heath Ledger's performance. By now, I'm sure that most of you reading this review have already seen the film (as most of the people in the world have), so me describing how magnificent his performance was will seem a little redundant. But for those of you who haven't seen it yet, Ledger's performance is one for the books. He brought something new to the character: he wasn't Romero, he wasn't Nicholson, he wasn't Hamill, and he wasn't even Ledger. He was the Joker. He completely transformed himself into the character, creating the antithesis of Batman. This reviewer really hopes for a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the very least.

Other notable performances include the supporting cast. This film succeeds because of the supporting characters, who play as large a role as Batman and Joker do. Gary Oldman really portrays the future Police Comissioner as if straight from the comics, but he offers a great emotional range, showing compassion for both his friends, allies, and family. Aaron Eckhart really steals the show in the latter half. For those of you familiar with the character of Harvey Dent, then you are well aware of his doomed fate. Michael Caine provides some well needed comic relief, as does Morgan Freeman. Christian Bale isn't given too much to say in this film, but it's his characters actions that define him. Maggie Gyllenhal is really just a one note performance but she's miles better than Katie Holmes was in Begins.

The Dark Knight is a great film that works on all levels. Christopher Nolan and crew really delivered. The film is more than a superhero movie: it's a character drama, a tragedy, a social commentary.

It's a film to remember.

Viddy well.

My type of horror movie, where character overruns actual scares.

I'm a sucker for these types of flicks. Bale's performance and Anderson's directing make this one unforgettable film.

HOLY CRAP. The 2nd best movie of the year, hands down!!!!!!! SEE IT!!!

Great politics, SUPERB acting...it's a brilliant film.

Hilarious and cool. Such a fun movie.

I consider the Kill Bill films to be one whole, so this is for both of them.

I consider the Kill Bill films to be one whole, so this is for both of them.

The greatest action film of all time. And of course, gotta love Bill Paxton.

GAME OVER MAN, GAME OVER.

Leave it to Terry Gilliam to conjure up such an imaginative and satrical look at the future.

The one that started it all.

The epitome of Grindhouse. So much fun it should be illegal.

God damn I love this movie. It's a perfect blend of comedy and horror. It's not a satire on zombie movies...it's a comedy with zombies.

The best Star Wars film of them all and my personal favorite. The film proves to be still entertaining 26 years later.

The 'revelation' is one of the greatest cinematic scenes of all time.

The best superhero film ever made. I'm a big Batman fan (have been for years), but there's no bias here. This is an amazing film. See it if you haven't.

Am I the only one that aboslutely LOVED this movie?!?!

COMEDY GOLD.

Gilliam is brilliant. One of the best Sci-Fi films of all time.

Prepare for glory. 300 is an epic movie along the lines of Braveheart, Gladiator, or even any of the Lord of the Rings films? except on steroids. It offers what Sin City (also written by Frank Miller) offered: blood, broads, and battle.

Don?t go in expecting a historically accurate depiction of the events that transpired at the Battle of Thermopylae lead by King Leonidis. This is a history movie for action buffs.

Set around 480 B.C., 300 tells the tale of King Leonidis? (Gerard Butler) fight against an entire Persian army (lead by King Xerxes, played by Rodrigo Santoro). This isn?t an ordinary battle? it?s 300 Spartans against thousands of Persians. With his faithful Captain (Vincent Regan), the strong Dilios (David Wenham), and the sometimes arrogant Stelios (Michael Fassbender), it is evident that this is no ordinary army. The Spartans are a breed of mankid born to be warriors. They?ve been trained since the day they learned to walk to be ruthless and fierce soldiers.

I?m sure everyone already knows that it?s a big war movie of sorts, but why are they going to war? The conflict begins when a Persian messenger is sent to speak with Leonidis and the beautiful Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey). He offers them peace through means of submission to the Persian king. ?Earth and water.? This doesn?t settle well with Leonidis as he handles the situation? accordingly.

Leonidis wishes to put Sparta at war with the Persians, but it doesn?t settle well with the Spartan council, mainly Theron (Dominic West) who has an agenda of his own. Against the wishes of the council, Leonidis ventures out with 300 of Sparta?s best men to confront the Persians. While they?re away, the Queen faces conflict with Theron and the council, wishing to send reinforcements to aid the 300.

The film is visually arresting - kudos to Zack Snyder (fingers crossed for Watchmen). Astounding effects and gorgeous scenery (all CGI) make for some of the most breathtaking images in modern cinema. The slightly saturated look of the film is very welcome. The soundtrack was quite impressive, amazing choral selections as well as brutal percussion fit the mood of each scene (however, isn?t the ?Moaning Woman? a bit overdone?). The acting was fine for this type of movie, certainly not Academy worthy, but not detracting from the experience.

But you don?t see the film for the acting. You see it for the action, and it?s top notch. Brutal at times, yet very flowing, almost like a dance. There was one particular sequence which I found supremely badass in which the Captain?s son and Stelios do this awesome thing back to back, playing off each other and kicking butt along the way. Very very cool.

The Queen?s subplot adds some political intrigue, but really offers nothing needed to the overall narrative of the film. My only gripe with the film would have to be that it wasn?t long enough, falling short of two hours. But that?s really minute.

300 brings new meaning to the word ?epic.? The grandeur of the film makes for one enjoyable ride.

The best crime thriller ever made. Kudos to Fincher.

My favorite Tim Burton film of all time.

It's beautiful in a Gothic (pun intended) sense. The score is amazing.

It's tragic and dark, and I love it.

THE BEST zombie film of all time. Outstanding gore effects, great storyline...it's fantastic. I love it.

It was quite interesting seeing it the first time. I love the way it worked out...suspense, blah blah blah everything. Good movie.

Ahhh great great movie. Funny, witty, clever...and Irish!!

My personal favorite of the Lecter series. Norton, Fiennes, and of course Hopkins deliever amazing perfomances.

Man, this is such a good flick. Love it. Stellar performances and great storytelling.

Something about this really captured me.

Love it. Have for years, will for years. Perfect casting, great directing. I love the whole 40's noir thing going on too.

FUNNIEST FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN.

NICE FUCKING MODEL

Jean Reno and Gary Oldman really hit it out of the park, but it's Natalie Portman who makes it soar.

The pen is mightier.

Loved it the first time I saw it. Perfect blend of hip hop and samurai. Great soundtrack, too.

Pure genius.

Great. I don't mind the Ewoks. I still friggin loved this film.

My most anticipated movie of 2007.

Depp's best performance by far. Love the Mariachi series...it's a shame this was the last one.

This film is cult at it's best. The humor and effects are all top notch.

Great, ballsy action. I got exactly what I wanted.

Well crafted superhero flick...quite dark as well, filled with regular Raimi-isms.

See it. Now.

25:17

This film is expertly crafted in every sense.

This is probably my favorite Burton flick next to Batman Returns.

This is told beautifully and makes for a very well crafted mystery.

M. Night's best. Tragic, flawless...love it.

My favorite Hitchcock flick. There's something about it, but I don't know what.

Much better as a standalone flick than in the double feature. Tarantino scores again.

This movie was absolutely amazing. I recommend you all see it.

Are you watching closely?

Such a great film...words can't explain the emotions and feelings of it.

One of the most gorgeous films I have ever had the privelige of seeing.

Wow. What a great flick. Intriguing story telling and great characterization (not to mention intensity and a phenomenal score) this flick scores.

Quite possibly one of the greatest action films of all time. The FX are astounding even by today's standard. T2 really raised the bar on what action is.

This film does exactly what it said out to do. It knew what it was and really took grasp of it.

Plus Sam Jackson.

Why don't people like this one? I, for one, love it!!!

KAH LI MAH!!

One of Smith's best. Brilliant and touching.

Really gripping and acted wonderfully.

Great, inspiring film.

The second best superhero film ever made. Great action, SFX, casting, etc etc. And the ending was chilling.

One of the best movie musicals ever. Romantic, thrilling, and just awe-inspiring.

Funny funny funny funny funny.

Second only to SE7EN, it's one of the best crime thriller's ever made. Kudos goes here to Kevin Spacey.

Gritty, dirty, and harrowing.

Love the Sci-Fi noir style. Great score, too.

One of the best horror films in the past decade. Leave it to the Brits to show us how horror is REALLY done.

This film was dreamy...in a literal sense. You felt like you were going through some dreamscape while watching...it was brilliantly directed.

Gorgeous and touching film. Love the music, love the casting...Shitmaker got lucky here.

Funny, quirky...outstanding performance by Tim Roth.

Phenomenal heist film. I strongly recommend it.

Quite a surprisingly good thriller...Hitchcock would be proud.

One of the best comedies ever. LOVE it.

Quite possibly the best sci-fi film to come out of the 90's.

Interesting Sci Fi/Thriller.

Don't overlook it just because it's a horror sequel. You'll be surprised at the quality of this film.

A modern comedy classic.

Impressed, but what else should I expect from Kubrick?

Fun, slighty better than one.

My second favorite animated film of all time. It's friggin hilarious.

Terry Gilliam is one of my favorites.

Probably the most intense film I've ever seen. After watching it, I found myself saying "holy crap."

Nevertheless, it's great.

Such a great horror flick. Leave it to the Brits to show how horror is really done.

See Also: The Descent

PS: It's NOT a zombie movie!!!!!!!!

Probably biased, but it brought back the fun that the original trilogy had.

I watched this so many times when I was a little kid. Great comedy, great characterization, and great SFX (for the time). Highly recommended.

My favorite of the Harry Potter films. It's darker than the first but still maintains the magic that the first did.

Probably my favorite animated film.

Another one of my favorite animated flicks. Hamlet with a twist.

Such a beautiful film. One of Burton's best.

Kubrick is the man. Horror classic. Heeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!!

Nearly as good as the first. Who ya gonna call?!

Along the line of Shaun of the Dead, this film mixes the comedy genre with the horror genre and does so seamlessly. See it now for a good laugh and good scare.

Quite good, but didn't really deserve that Oscar attention.

Great and creepy. Amazing makeup.

Near the top on the list of "greatest superhero movies"

One of Depp's best performances to date. Hilarity, drugs, and bats ensue.

Does whatever a spider can.

This could've been a god-awful flick, but guess what: it's not!