My Favorite Movies

I have never had so much fun in a movie theatre in my whole life! (Well, there was that one time . . . but we won't get into that. *wink*)

I went to see this film on a Monday afternoon. It was packed yet almost everyone in the theatre was singing, dancing in their seats, and clapping along. My experience aside, the movie itself felt like a two-hour long party. I didn't notice the time pass at all and it felt like it was over in a blink. The characters were having a ball and so was I.

I have never ever ever gotten so into a movie before. I well imagine that this is what fans of Rocky Horror Picture Show felt like when it first came out.

I don't really know how to describe the joy that this film brought to my day! It had everything. I laughed lots, cried a little, and chair-danced my tail off! Who knew that ABBA had such mystical powers? Who knew that Pierce Brosnan's campy singing could give me chills?

Seriously though, I left that theatre with a grin on my face that has still not disappeared. I've never been one to re-watch movies more than twice but I will be on pins and needles until Mamma Mia! is released to video so that I can set "repeat all" on my DVD player for all eterenity.

I am the dancing queen!

I literally watched this twice in a row and I'm pretty sure it's my new favourite film. This is captivating. And it prominently features, Damien Rice's song The Blower's Daughter which is amazing. The acting is top notch and the story interesting and I'll probably be reviewing the symbolism for days to come.

This is my favourite movie bar none. For some reason I really connect with Hugh Grant's character. It's a search for meaning in life, carried out in an entirely British fashion. Based on a great novel with a great soundtrack from Badly Drawn Boy, this film is, as the cover says, irresistable.

Why do I love The Beach? I love it because it is interesting, because it is magical. It is not simply a retelling of Lord of the Flies, in my opinion. Instead it is a sociological examination of generation x.

I literally loved every single thing about this movie. EVERYTHING! I loved the use of cartoonish ambience, the presence of Tautou, the quirkiness of the characters, the garden gnomes - EVERYTHING! I literally did not want to stop watching and was really disappointed when it came to an end.

This movie changed the way that documentaries are made. For me, it articulated what I had been trying to say for years. I could watch it over and over and I have.

This isn't a movie; it's a film. It presents an amazing story that perhaps only the likes of Tautou could bring to life. As a whole, it is refreshing and wonderful but the final scene alone is reason enough to watch. It might just be the most well done ending to a film to date. (And yes, there were tears.)

Let me start by saying that before I watched this movie I didn't get boxing at all. And I don't think I really got Sylvester Stalone either. I was kind of like Adrianne. But by the end of this movie, I sort of got both - and that's a great accomplishment!

This is a traditional story of the underdog. However, it is not the least bit manipulative of the audience. Instead, it is lovely and understated.

I found myself cheering, "Rocky! Rocky!" along with everyone else during the big fight. I had a lot of emotion invested into that man. Now, that's some great filmaking!

I was most impressed by the acting. It is subtle but made the characters come to life in a real, wonderful way.

It's such a simple little film but it has become one of my favourites. I am shocked that I actually liked it, let alone loved it more than 99% of all other movies I had ever seen.

It's easy to see why this is a classic. Don't overlook it or mislabel it as a testosterone-filled man movie. Absolutely don't miss it.

This is a perfect example of why the British rule at comedy. This could not be funny if it weren't British. This will forever be a staple in my arsenal of cultural references.

This is romantic and pathetically real in parts. I don't know how else to explain it.

John Cusack AND Jack "Fucking" Black plus it's about an audiophile AND love. I commissioned this movie.

If you want an interesting look at relationship, give this film a watch. The chemistry between all the actors, but particularly Hepburn and Henry Fonda, was fantastic. Without it, the film would have been a total flop. But that chemistry drives the film and makes it a great success. Like most plays that are adapted to film, this story could be interpreted and analyzed for days. I particularly liked the dual theme of an old man dealing with aging and death and a young man dealing with coming of age. I identified strongly with Jane Fonda's character, especially her negative attributes. Funny, moving, simply charming! I wish that I could visit Golden Pond.

Gosling has a real gift for chosing a wide array of wonderful films. I appreciate his selectiveness and courageness as an actor. Lars and the Real Girl is a charming example of that.

This film is a real gift. I was absolutely amazed at how it draws the viewer in effortlessly. Even if you think the premise is silly, by the end of the movie, you too will see that Bianca is a real girl. I was so glad for these people and this community that Bianca came into their lives! And now I feel a lot less crazy for constantly talking to my cat. It's theraputic!

This film has its funny bits, it's thoroughly quirky, and quite intelligent. It's romantic, human and refreshing. I want to watch it again right now and probably will.

If this is a piece of Woody Allen than I have to look more into this guy. This is one of the only movies that I would truly recommend to literally everyone I know.

I'm pretty sure this is my new favourite Christmas movie. Alongside It's A Wonderful Life, this is all you need to watch at Christmas time. What is there to say about this movie that hasn't already been said? As everyone says, Sims is absolutely brillant as Scrooge. He really makes the film.

Oddly, this was one of the best musicals I had ever seen. It was so much fun! Perhaps the only John Travolta movie I ever enjoyed.

This movie is truly a pleasant surprise. You go in not really knowing what to expect from the independent vibe it projects and come out feeling really fulfilled in having watched the story of three friends subtlely unfold.

The Break-Up was able to do several things that other films fall short on. One of those things with the complete discomfort that the audience feels as it watches the two main characters in conflict. It is almost so painful, feeling their frustration, hurt and anger, that you want to stop watching. I was having major flashbacks. I think the actors where cast extremely well and the supporting roles were crucial to making this work. I guarentee that a remake of this movie will appear in 30 years time, for better or for worse.

I had so much fun watching this movie.

The best animated romance I have ever seen.

It's difficult to decide what to say about this film. It can be discussed on so many levels and from so many perspectives. You discover new things each time you watch it, and I have watched it plenty.

You want to make fun of people who like this movie until you actually see it. It's all about the love story being told. The actors don't matter. The scenery isn't important. I would say that this will become a classic in no time. And the lead female character is totally Ali.

My love affair with Humphrey Bogart has officially begun. Not only is this a classic film but it's got spunk. After watching this be sure to check out Carrotblanca for further enjoyment.

This is a portrayal of my favourite book. I could go on about the completely different perspective it takes, which I think is good, but I won't. I'll just say that this is Jack Nicholson at his finest. If you want a movie that takes you along for the ride, this is a good one.

This is an absolutely amazing true story with absolutely amazing acting.

I entered into the world of a man who learns to love and actually understood him. And that kid has to be the cutest kid in movie history.

This movie is all about dialogue. That's all it is. Walking and talking and it's amazing. The energy between the characters shines through. It leaves you wanting more....and convienently there's a sequel.

This gives Disney a run for its money. Definitely the best non-Disney animated feature of all time.

This is exactly the type of movie that I love. A film with an independent feel, that has romantic elements that are as far from a stereotypical romantic comedy as one would like. Ellen Page and Michael Cera are two of my favourites and the soundtrack is fantastic, fun, and beyond appropriate for the film! I am so glad that this it the first film of 2008 that I've seen!

This is a fantastic film (and I am quite surprised to say so). For some reason, I was hesitant on watching the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe even though I saw it in play-format and loved it and quite admire C.S. Lewis. I think I was afraid that the imagination of the story would translate the way that the story of Harry Potter did on screen (which was poorly, in my opinion.) But, I was delightfully mistaken. This film truly does capture the imagination of the children that C.S. Lewis first wrote about.



Also, the allegorical aspect is fascinating. I especially enjoyed Aslan's ressurection scene. The cinematography was beautiful. Basically, the whole movie filled me with wonder.



The only caution that I would give around this movie is that, while thought to be a "children's movie", it is not. I think it would frighten younger children and is actually quite violent. Not only that but the Queen is quite merciless and represents complete evil. There's nothing wrong with such a character but, like I said, smaller children might not like it.

Shaft is great because it mocks itself in a very serious way. There are so many '70s detective flicks but this one shines above all of them by far. It's because he's the black private dick who's a sex machine with all the chicks and I can dig it.

Michael Moore does what Michael Moore does best in this film. Not only does he have a message that he brings home but he entertains as well. I chuckled and I cried and I was angry. This is very important for Canadians to see as well as Americans. Next to Bowling for Columbine, this is the best Moore film yet.

Without a doubt, one of the best films ever made. A fine work of art. I find it really hard to review a movie that I've enjoyed this much. I can't quite put my finger on what it is about Rear Window that makes me enjoy it so much. I think that's the sign of a great filmmaker. It's got everything that you would imagine a Hitcock film to have. It's got mystery, suspense, depth, intensity, symbolism, humanity, and the list goes on.

The film hit 5 stars for me within the first 30 minutes. Infra-man: The Original Power Ranger

This feature is clever, witty, and socially conscious. The animation is top-notch presenting THE cutest woodland creatures and the music is by none other than Ben Folds. This is another animated masterpiece equivalent to Shrek.

If you are going to bother to watch any film about Natzi Germany and/or Hitler, this better be the one. It's not only a social commentary but it's a personal, psychological look at a madman. This gave me tingles it was so well acted and written.

I am so glad that this is the first film that I've seen in 2007. It set my movie-watching year off to a wonderful start. While DiCaprio has had a few misses, he tends to choose his roles wisely and this is certainly a shining example of that. The film takes the viewer on both a political and personal journey that has suspense dripping from every turn. While the ending is way too drawn out and the love story doesn't add much to the depth, overall this is near-perfect film. This is entertaining, important and refreshing and the great efforts of the director and writers, including the great attention to detail, shall not go unnoted.

To my total shock and amazement, I thought this film was fantastic! It will become a classic in no time. It was everything that an animated feature is supposed to be. Funny, cute, beautiful graphics, great voice characters! This has become one of my favourite family films. It's on par with the likes of Shrek, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Most of all, I'm so relieved that they did justice to one of the best Dr. Suess stories ever!

Felicity Huffman frighteningly plays a great tranny. Kevin Zegers = great actor The acting in general is nothing short of spectacular. And it has that Dolly Parton song that would have won the Oscar if only it wasn't so hard out here for a pimp.

This sequel reunites the only two characters in Before Sunrise. It's a reunion that the original left you wanting to see and it delivers. The dialogue is poetic, yet real. You will fall in love with this couple if you aren't already but please watch Before Sunrise first.

First of all, you need to commit to this film before you begin watching it or else you will be tempted to unfairly give up
on it. I have never seeen anything remotely like this in my life. At first glance, I labelled this as complete existentialism but quickly I came to realize that it uses existentialism as a tool for motivation and not as a futile exercise in discussion. The film really calls us to address our collective apathy by becoming self-aware as individuals. I think it has powerful implications but it is no way light or transparent. I agree that it might be inaccessable to the masses but it is worthwhile for those willing to heed its demands for deep listening and careful reflection. I would strongly recommend this to anyone interested in ideas. One would not only benefit from repeat viewings of this movie but the film itself seems to call for it. And I say all of this without even mentioning the incredible live-action animation style (one which Linklater coined) and poetic, magical ambience. I don't mean to downplay either for they are completely essential to the experience.

This movie was fantastic. It really says something about the potential for compassion that comes out of knowing another's story.

This was a masterful piece of artwork. It feels more like a documentary than fiction and in many ways it is.

This was a really powerful movie largely due to the fact that Braff didn't cop out and go Hollywood with the ending. The sorts of characters you meet along the way are realistic yet unique. There's a great mix of humour mixed with a grippingly dramatic plot that explores the theme of relationship.

This is really an incredible movie. And it's all about Peter Parker's calling. So religious. And it made my manly friend Eddie cry.

I knew very little about Truman Capote when I went to see this movie. The film helps you to understand and know Capote by taking you through his research for his famous novel. You think you are watching a murder mystery unfold but quickly come to find out that you are learning about a very multi-layered man.

The charm of this movie comes from its creative humour and original concept along with a strong and quirky lead character, Alex, who carries you gracefully through the entire story.

If ever there was a truly unique movie, this is it. If only we all knew Kung Fu, the world would indeed be a better place. I want to watch this again.

There is a little bit (or a lot) of Alfie in all of us, for better and for (mostly) worse. This is the story of a living, breathing human being. Jude Law is perfect at this role. This is exactly my kind of movie.

Loved it! It made me feel so good and laugh liquid out my nose.

Julia Roberts does an incredible job playing this true character. Albert Finney is absolutely fantastic. You really empathize with the characters and want to follow the story until the end. It's a great combination of a character and plot driven movie.

I would just like to say that I was responsible for this being added to Flixster! Victory. And I obviously think this movie is great.

An absolutely fantastic story is presented that brings forth not only political issues but human issues. The acting is incredible and the casting for the main character, using three different actors for different times of his life, was phenomenal. Overall, a well-rounded, gripping film.

A pure Hitchcock, unforgettable masterpiece.

This is one of the most timeless movies in existence. Robbins and Freeman do an incredible job in their respective roles and really draw us in to the ethos of their world.

I really couldn't justify giving this less than five stars.

This film was absolutely incredible...unless of course you actually tried to figure it out.... (JUSTIN). It's dark, refreshing, uncomfortable and unique.

Well, 2007 hasn't disappointed me yet. Another fantastic movie. It starts off quite quirky with cartoonish characteristics and gets incredibly suspenseful and mysterious incredibly quickly. For fear of saying too much, I'll stop there.

I don't care what you say. You so didn't get it right away.

One of the best movies of all time. Typical Coen Brothers to the extreme.

Obviously, this is an extremely important film. Telling the story from Shindler's lens brings the Holocaust to life, making it personal for viewers who otherwise might not have a direct connection. The lighting is wonderful, the symbolism rich, and the emotion compelling. The acting is absolutely fantastic. Films like this don't come along every day or not even every lifetime.

This movie clamped on to me and wouldn't let go. Both Braff and Portman have an incredible presence that takes the viewer on a journey from death to life. This is a wonderfully funny, romantic story that is in no way overdramatized but finds its charm in a more subtle approach. As an added bonus, the soundtrack, dialogue, and images were amazing.

So what if it's just Shakespeare's Hamlet? It's got tunes and cute little lions.

Despite the fact that it was difficult to tell the difference between the leading lady and the leading horse, this movie was excellent. It would cause any intelligent, human being to continually ask "What's going on?" right until the ending. For those simplier viewers, this would not have been an issue.

This movie was refreshing for its uniqueness. Brillant.

Absolutely hilarious! This movie was completely overlooked.

This is an absolutely fantastic short. I wish so much that it was somehow a full length film! You can watch it on YouTube if you like. It's in two parts.

I'm a huge fan of Lauren Graham and this will give you a taste of why. In the Gilmore Girls, it's all about her ability to rattle through wacky, humourous, sarcastic dialogue as if with a friend at the mall. In this film, she barely has anything to say but is able to act the part very wonderfully with body language.

It amazes me that something so short could leave me with so much to think about and an understanding of characters that I've only briefly met. It reminds me of a couple of short episodes in my own life when you only catch a glimpse of the life of another but will feel connected forever whether or not you ever see them again.

It is a bit of a mindfuck but very well executed and unlike anything else I've ever seen.

This is one of my most favourite movies and I will forever have a spot in my heart for Kevin Smith because of it.

I was starting to think I was being overly negative and cynical in my movie viewing as of late. Then along came The Pianist. This is a fantastic film that looks at the Nazi occupation with fresh(ish) eyes. The focus on one man does a great deal to propel the film forward.

This movie defines the word 'classic'. Is there anything more heartwarming than stumbling upon this on TV during Christmas?

A really cool piece of work on persepctive. I've said it before and I'll say it again: There are some things that only the French can pull off. This is one of them. This solidifies Tautou's place as my favourite actress. I'm sure she's delighted.

This film has some of the greatest lines. Both Allen and Keaton present very quirky and likeable characters. You wonder though if you got any further than where you started by the time the movie is over; not unlike most of the failed romances I have participated in.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this film already. I have watched it multiple times and think it is extremely well done.

I am from a long line of Cape Breton coal miners and Maragaret's mother reminds me so much of my grandmother that it creeps me out. So, perhaps my opinion is quite tainted but here's what I thought.

1. The acting was fantastic. The actors captured the Glace Bay and Highland accents with ease but, beyond that, they captured those archetypes well.

2. The scenery was breathtaking. Margaret's house was built down the road from where I grew up. I remember watching the film crews come and go. Maybe it takes the big screen to wake one up to the beauty that surrounds them their whole life long.

3. The story feels real and sincere. It's based on a short story by Sheldon Currie which I have read and is adaptly gracefully to the screen. The story is funny, tragic, and always passionate.

And a few words about the ending. I don't see why people say it's "weird" as if that's a bad thing. Not only do I think that it fits well with Margaret's quirky and strong character but I thought it was absolutely perfect, unexpected (except you'll expect something now that I said that), dramatic, and, most importantly, interesting - the exact aspects that are missing in so many films.

All in all, I can say that I am extremely grateful that so many people get to see the struggle and the story of one sliver of Cape Breton in this artistically pleasing way.

What a very odd film! Absolutely hilarious! It is not hard to see why this film is a classic.

I can't believe that people are comparing this movie to American Pie. It's like the anti-American Pie, in my opinion. I thought it had an honest humour about it and much of that came from the obviously contrived plot. I'm embarassed (and a little proud) to admit that this is the crowd I hung around with in high school....the ridiculously self-conscious, wet behind the ears, so geeky it's cool types. He made his home ec partner into a kitty cat! "It's no fair. That looks like the most fun in the world!" And Michael Cers is too cute for words!

Hitchcock takes a premise that is absolutely ridiculous and makes it work ridiculously well. He gets an extra star for that alone. While not as "scary" as I had expected, this certainly has a suspenseful quality to it that's hard to match.

Just like a good piece of dark chocolate, this film is wonderfully seductive. The story is magical, the characters are intriguing, and the imagery is beautiful.

Those who worked on this project are to be commended for drawing the viewer into an almost fairytale world and keeping us there right up until the very end. The actors are largely responsible for this. You could feel the passion in their respective roles.

This was a delightful movie to watch and I'd recommend it to just about anyone who would like to escape reality for an hour or two.

This is a gripping portrayal of the situation in Ireland in the '70s. It is so emotionally charged and timeless.

Mix 1/3 bowling with 1/3 Viet Nam and 1/3 an episode of Scooby Doo and you've got The Big Lebowski. The casting is perfect, the feel is guinuinely Coen, and the laughter it generates is authentic. Like any Coen brother's movie, they manage to masterfully manipulate their audience. You're able to find a comforting sense of the familiar in the main characters amongst the absolutely zany, far-fetched plot. That's what the Coens are good at and this movie is a wonderful case in point!

My comment for the longest time was "I'd give this movie four and half but since I'm not allowed I'll round up." But now the rules have changed and this is a perfect example of a 4.5. The concept is unique and, although I wouldn't call the message powerful, I'd call it perhaps inspirational (?).

This is like an experiment you would see on The Spark back when it was good, entertainment-wise. It certainly sent me over the edge to finally stop eating at Mickey D's.

I could relate to this movie so much (even before I became clergy) and probably will for years to come or until I stop dating my friends.

What a great cast! There is nothing cuter than that little girl, Olive. Nothing!

This is a fantastic follow-up to the first movie. Although I found it a little slow in the beginning, it more than made up for it by the end.

I wish I could place my finger on exactly what it is that makes Rocky and Rocky II so wonderful because I would make a fortune. I think it's a combination of things. The acting is fantastic. (Talia Shire really shines in this film. The subtleness of her character is amazingly effective.) You can feel Stallone heart beat throughout the whole thing. The story is wonderfully simple and the characters charmingly mundane. Put that all together and you got yourself success.

The Rocky series continues to be the ultimate underdog series in my mind. I can't wait to watch III.

While it is absolutely beautiful with wonderful backdrops like the marine life of the Galapagos, this film is less about sharks than it is about the apathy and neglect of the human race as of late. It's interesting to see how Stewart's view fits with other filmmakers who explore the many impending global crises that human self-centeredness is responsible for. Oil Crash and An Inconvienent Truth immediately come to mind. Stewart's passion is undoubtable and both the frustration and hope are real. Even managing to be quite suspenseful in places, this film is extremely well done.

No capes! Pixar does it again with this highly entertaning film. I'm not so sure though that these characters will be as memorable as those in the other films but nevertheless this is fun, funny, and creative.

A very entertaining and thought-provoking film! Bill Maher and I share a very similar viewpoint on the practice of religion. I think it's interesting that I, a Christiian minister, have more in common than a self-proclaimed Atheist than most Christian denominations. I think that says more about the current state of "the church" than it does about me, I'm afraid.

This film is in no way anti-religious; it's anti-ignorance. And I really appreciate its compassion, its honesty and its humour. This should cause all "religious" people to stop and examine what they are doing and saying and to see where change might be in order.

I wanted to add that at first I was disappointed that Maher gave more air time to the wing nuts than he did the moderate and liberal voices. But then it occurred to me that these are the people in the majority right now. These are the repersentatives of faith right now. You'll notice that the people he does talk to who are somewhat rational are the ones that actually have an education. Coincidence?

This is an absolutely beautiful film in every sense of the word. Visually, it's stunning. And it is deeply moving as it explores the tension between human struggle and religious hope. The symbolism is powerful yet simple. The acting is strong yet subtle. This is such a meaningful look at a tragic real life circumstance. However, what I like about this film is that the tragedy isn't crippling; it's actually quite empowering.

The world needs more films like this. Maybe it's because the content is so powerful but Guggenheim is able to take the age-old format of lecture and present a film that is thoughtful, fair and motivating. The passion of this film (and of Al Gore, especially) is contagious. Please watch.

The best Christmas movie that I've seen in a long time. If you are the least bit skeptical of the magic of Christmas, try this on for size. The acting is superb. Watch this film to get your Christmas season started.

I thought this movie was really great and I'd really like to read the books now. It had some serious romance happening not to mention death and dying.

The characters in this movie are so bizarre and witty. The plot is driven and it's a very personal look at the real effects of the war.

Fantastic! Some of the scenes were filmed at my university incidently. I think that's what makes it so great honestly. =) Seriously thouh, a wonderful story about an offbeat romance with great character development. I felt like I could relate even though the situation wasn't even remotely close to anything I've been through. I think that's a sign of great filmmaking.

This film is absolutely stunning. Although it does seem long, the use of the seasons to measure time allowed me to have some sense of where I was in the timeline that made its draginess a nonissue in my overall opinion of the film. The symbolism and themes make this a rich film, well worth watching.

This is magical in the way that Disney is magical. Another example of how people in costumes make everything more enjoyable.

Now here's a film that feels very Canadian. I don't know if it's the wintery setting or what but almost immediately you know that this film has something to do with Canada. And that's a good thing, as Canadian dramas tend to be pretty cool.

Right from the start of Snow Cake, you can tell that you are in for an interesting tale. It feels like you are about to be taken on an adventure and you aren't quite sure where you'll end up. And the place that you are taken is like an odd wonderland.

There are quite a few things going on here. We see a great portrayal of a character with high-functioning autism. We see relationships form and develop. We see some great symbolism and some pretty stellar acting. But what I like the best is the transformation in the chacters. As the story unfolds, the main character changes and goes from seemingly flat to very vibrant. And he is not alone. It seems like every character develops intensely throughout the film. That is very enjoyable to watch.

Best line: "II'm having sex and these muffins are great."

"Hey look! It's that movie about robot kids!" It isn't really about robot kids but it's fantastic nonetheless.

I've been wanting to see this for quite some time so I was thrilled when I finally got the chance to. It's perhaps the first time that I've seen an animated doc.

This is a great tribute to Ryan Larkin, his work and achievements. It does what any good tribute should - makes you want to know more about a stranger by being faithful to his/her story.

The animation is so appropriate for the story being told. The style speaks to the tortured artist that is Ryan and the rawness of life.

Overall, it's a great concept. I walked away from this film informed and touched.

I have so been there. The worst day of your life....over and over again.