My Favorite Movies

'Brazil' has dream-like beauty, comedy, yet it is depressing and frightening, but most of all engaging and intelligent. Visually, this movie is amazing, this is Gilliam's art. As with a lot of his films, it's thought provoking and uses many subtle elements to compliment a solid screenplay to convey the message brilliantly.

Brazil, to me, is an example of perfectionist film-making. It's a surreal masterpiece that stays true to the collective creative vision of the makers, while still enjoying a large fan base.

It's hard to name many movies that have successfully tried what 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' does. An out-of-flavour and seemingly miscast lead, who shines brilliantly in a complex film that brings together comedy, sci-fi and romance. If anyone could do it, it would have to be Gondry and Kaufman.

I'll admit I had missed a lot of the hype for this film, in fact I didn't know anything about it. Which made it a huge surprise and just that bit more enjoyable to watch. Yes, it's a very complex and intelligent film, yet it's so genuine and honest. A treat to both the mind and the heart. The concept of the movie is a testament to the imagination of the makers, but the acting, screenplay and writing just give so much depth to the exceptional core elements.

It so easily could have been a mess, but credit must go to the makers for putting the pieces together so well. It's not often such a film satisfies such a broad audience without sacrificing on genuine film-making quality.

American Splendor is stylish, intelligent and original. Yet it is appropriately humble and honest to life, as bitter-sweet as it can be. The characters are given a lot of depth and the story builds in a way that pulls you in to life of Harvey Pekar. He is a seemingly likeable man, but he is presented in such an honest way, I feel as though I know him personally.

A very complex but satisfying film. A rare case of a solid story told in a unique way that actually enhances the experience, rather than coming off as a gimmick. It's amazingly engrossing and completely embodies you with the experiences of the main character. Each time you watch this movie, and believe me, there will be more than one, you will become more and more satisfied as the pieces come together more fluidly.

It may be a too complex for some, so take warning if you aren't interesting in having to think about what happened long after initial viewing. For others, the intricate nature of the story is told well enough to be entertaining without making sense straight away. If you do watch it, it will be worth it.

A film like 12 Monkeys sort of reminds you of how obvious and silly strategically placed twists are. Rather than relying on a twist as a pay off and easy way to wrap up the story, we are treated with a story and concept, that compliment each other. The film works so well because the core elements are so good. Being Terry Gilliam in the director's chair, the attention to detail and vision are spectacular as always, but the film has great writing, a solid cast and it's all based around a very engaging, if not hectic plot. If you miss something, you're bound to pick it up the next time you watch it, which will happen.

Great dialogue, acting, cinematography and most of all, sense of reality. It's easy to fall in love with this movie because it's almost breathing. Touching in a genuine way, that I don't think anyone can deny.

Before Sunrise is very natural and relaxed, so it's a delight to watch and I highly recommend it.

It's depressing, but probably appropriate, that such a brilliant film is so unheard of. Ivans XTC is a film that features the superficial, greed-driven persona common of today, which happens to have taken the form of a Hollywood agent. The word persona is quite appropriate, as the film's main character, Ivan, displays an elaborate mask to others, yet he is being eaten away and is completely empty inside.

It's easy to assume that just the sheer amount of dirt dug up and smeared over America's films industry played the most part in such a limited release (those of you using R1 DVDs will have no luck finding a copy). However, the life of talent agent Jay Moloney, who once represented director/writer Bernard Rose, is the arguably most direct inspiration for film's main character. There are many parallels in the two, but the film is not about defamation. While unflattering, it's completely honest by demonstrating the flaws in a lifestyle, not one particular life. So much so that the Creative Artists Agency, whom previously employed Moloney, went as far as trying to block the film from being shown, for obvious reasons. The film is also largely inspired by the Leo Tolstoy novel, 'The Death of Ivan Illyich'.

I don't think any description of the story will do it justice, as it the way in which it presented is bold, true, sad and beautiful.

A smart, psychological thriller that takes the core elements of a formulaic thriller to a different level. Seven is very expressive and dark, but not surreal. It's really clever, engaging and tense, a mature take on a genre that has grown stale.

One of the few of it's genre that I thoroughly enjoyed.

'Into the Wild' is a bold film full of life, as beautiful and harsh as it can be. This is much more than just a well told story of an incredible adventure. It's a touching journey, but often heart-wrenching. We are treated to an observation of the profound effect of human relationships, the power of forgiveness and love, and the desperation of loneliness.

'Into the Wild' gives an in-depth angle of Chris McCandless' life, an often inspirational and intelligent, though misguided and hurt. Although Chris possesses a large amount of fire and enegery, the story is humble and ultimately represents love, forgiveness, truth and caring. The main drive of the film is the conflict that life gives us. We see an intelligent, kind young man who is caged by his selfishness and naivety. His heart is large but his actions only hurt those who love him the most.

Sean Penn does rather well, he makes fine strokes as director and screenplay writer. The story is subtly told back and forth to have the adventure unravel in a very engrossing, yet constantly refreshing manner. It is an effective way of allowing the viewer to see the rather profound effect our actions have on those around us, while serving the story well in the process. It's obvious a lot of thought and passion went into this movie. The acting on pretty much all parts is superb, which was a surprise from Emile Hirsch, the lead. The music and cinematography also compliment the flow and direction of the film, helping tell a great story in a great way.

By far, one of the strangest, yet most compelling and funny movies I have ever seen. The premise may sound silly, yet your intelligence isn't insulted. Being John Malkovich is extremely inventive and original, it's the kind of film that doesn't lose either it's brilliance or it's mass-appeal.

Recommended to all.

Sidney Lumet once again comes through. He treats us to a a constantly intense and engaging film, much to his style. It succeeds in accurately portraying the repercussions of crime, death and betrayal, without dehumanising those who commit it.

The character development and overall interaction serves the story well and leaves the viewer feeling very much a part of the action. It doesn't take your intelligence for granted, so it feels real, though it never becomes stale and predictable.

For me, Gattaca is sci-fi done right. It's not over-the-top at all, rather, it's quite believable, original, inspiring and really beautiful. It makes you think, makes you feel for the characters and entertains you on a deeper level than most of it's genre.

It's an engaging experience and a prime example of a film of obscure subject matter that doesn't alienate the larger movie-going audience. That said, it doesn't impede it's intelligent conscience while still focusing on the human element of this not-so-future world.

In the hands of anyone else, we'd have an oddball comedy. Yet the Coen brothers have the ability to inject an intelligent and stylish spine into a simple, yet unique idea. It's surprisingly complex and subtle. A smart script and really impressive performances from a solid cast really make the movie work. The characters are simply hilarious, I find it hard to imagine the film working with anyone else. These elements are put together well, and form a very unique blend of dark comedy that serves itself under several genres.

Simply, a beautiful movie.

One of the most moving 90 minutes I've experienced. I didn't expect much more than a bit of a sappy story, but I was blown away. 'Grave of the Fireflies' works so well as an anti-war story because it is simply about the human element, there is no trace of a childish 'Us vs. Them' mentality or political motivations. The content is so easy to relate to and understand because we don't feel manipulated or tricked. The feeling is genuine, and the story has a dignity to it.

There are poignant moments, but the presentation and the music really lift the whole experience. 'Grave of the Fireflies' is a truly beautiful film.

A masterpiece that sets a benchmark for it's genre. There isn't much that I can say about this that someone else hasn't, so I'll leave it at that.

A movie of this type is pretty rare, it transcends the many different labels attached, yet still retains a humble, genuine feel. I really connected with the characters and loved how they developed as the story went on. It's portrays the confusion and mixed feelings of relationships well, cutting down the usual Hollywood love story to something resembling real life.

It's a treat to watch a romantic comedy with cynical, yet genuine characters, which doesn't follow the standard story arch. It's blended well with good music, a combination of humour and emotion, and intelligent writing.

Quite rewarding and enthralling viewing all the way through. Leaves you wondering, yet seems entertaining and clever throughout.

A great sequel. People will argue that it's better than the original.

Bleak, depressing and as real and immersing as anything. This story is less about children (or lack thereof) than it is about the plight of men, women and civilisation in their own downward spiral.

Although this movie is set in the future, it isn't in an outlandish manner at all. A subtle, conservative approach is taken to technology and the scenery is absolutely perfect for the film.

The directing and cinematography are absolutely fantastic, too. Long takes are a refreshing change and the makes the action seem so much more real.

Go see it.

A fantastic action movie. Everything seems so real and the movie builds up well with characters and tensions developing well throughout. A simple idea done with precision, passion and dedication.

Dark, delirious and quite upfront. What it lacks in subtlety it makes up for in meaning. While no one can deny it's a bit twisted, you aren't sure how to feel by enjoying it so much. How does a society desensitised to violence react to something that lets us indulge in mindless killing without questioning why we do?

After watching Buffalo '66, I knew I had enjoyed it, I just didn't expect it to be something I'd like enough to watch a second time.

'Synecdoche, New York' will definitely be seen as pretentious and depressing by most, especially on the initial viewing. I must argue that Kaufman's directorial debut there offers some incredibly moving performances and an amplitude of heart and raw emotion. He brings the grand vision his screenplays are renowned for, though the lingering taste is bitter-sweet, as the experience is brutally honest throughout. There is also quite a bit a the film that is left open to your interpretation, or at least there are interesting elements that will be completely missed by some.

You may see this as a brave and brilliant film, or you might shrug it off as heavy handed and miserable. For me, it' is a tough pill to swallow, but there is still a great deal of reward for those interested. Like a good coffee, 'Synecdoche, New York' is rich and bold experience, but still for one with an acquired taste.

A highly entertaining movie for people of most ages.

This movie has a certain charm and not-so-subtle message that I can't help but adore. It's the kind of thing that makes you want to aspire to be a better person (maybe I'm easy to sway!) As obvious as it all may be, the characters still show development and it's nice to see how a change in attitude can affect those around you. Bill Murray is great in this, very funny.

One of my most-watched movies. An absolute obsession.

A second sequel that you don't wish they didn't make.

A modern rom-com that doesn't rely on quirky bullshit or cheesy Hollywood tripe is always a breath of fresh air. It's manages to come off pretty smart, all things considered, and treads carefully between the worlds of nostalgic charm and overly sentimental gush.

It's not brilliant, but romantic comedies are unavoidable, so they may as well be this good.

A movie that is often compared to and seems to try to be a modern day 'Taxi Driver. There are a few short-comings that don't ultimately ruin the movie, but don't guarantee it the respect it wants. Between the two, I prefer the ending of this over Taxi Driver, though over all Taxi Driver is a better film.

Very engrossing. It didn't seem close to 3 hours and 12 minutes because I enjoyed watching it so much.

Probably best left to HST fans.

A thrilling tale with some really memorable lines and moments. A classic.

A very tender film. Gritty and dark enough to blur the lines of a love story, but not funny enough to be a black comedy. A good movie is in all that somewhere, it'll just take the right eye to spot it.

Very funny!

Seems to hold up to most of the praise it receives. Not a lot else I can add... I mean it's Scorcese and De Niro, fuggedaboutit!

Gotta have patience, but I think it pays off.

This movie is quite engrossing. It's very dark, yet tense and so real all at the same time. A stylised and moody film that isn't at all boring.

Doesn't quite live up to the large amount of hype, but quite good nonetheless.

Deeper than expected.

An inspirational story, it made me ponder the obscurity of humanity and the struggle that it can be at times.

A classic movie that I feel a nostalgic warmth for. If it came out today I wouldn't appreciate it as much. There are many mistakes in this movie, the are many gaping holes in the plot and story and script. If you can look past that, it still has something to say and although somewhat expected, the ending is satisfying.

Loveable fun with a unique charm.

I feel like an idiot for not being interested in this film because it is anime. It's hard to fault Spirited Away, quite possibly essential viewing.

Sweet zombie jesus! Some of the most tense and truly horrific viewing ever.