Sunday, March 30, 2008
I Am Legend, PG-13
Grade: A-
Wow! What a movie. Will Smith, once again, proves why he is one of America's national treasures. This post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller was full of emotion and action. The first half of the movie reminded me a lot of Cast Away, where Smith is the only person on screen, indeed in the "world." His means of coping with the loneliness came across as genuine and convincing.
Many critics say the end was disappointing, an opinion with which I can sympathize. It felt a little abrupt, and left a few unresolved plot points. An alternate ending is available (I found it on YouTube), which I am told more closely follows the book. I like both endings for different reasons. The original ending has a messianic quality to it: a savior must sacrifice to save the world, hearkening to the Time Magazine cover page displayed at the beginning with a picture of Smith's character and the title "Savior?" The alternate ending, however, does tie up the loose ends (even the ones you didn't realize were loose at the time), manages to portray the humanity in the "bad guys," and is "happier."
Overall, I really liked it. I am sure that I will watch it again.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Top 10 Animated Films
The best cartoon movies ever. I am including computer generated cartoons in this category. As always, in no particular order:
- Mulan
- Hercules
- Toy Story 1 and 2
- Emperor's New Groove
- The Incredibles
- Lion King
- Beauty and the Beast
- Shrek
- Prince of Egypt
- Treasure Planet
- Jimmy Neutron
Top 10 Romantic Comedies
This is the only list here that even remotely resembles "chick flicks."
- Princess Bride
- You've Got mail
- Sleepless in Seattle
- Joe Versus the Volcano
- Miss Congeniality
- While You Were Sleeping
- Dan in Real Life
- It Could Happen to You
- Two Weeks Notice
Labels:
2 Weeks,
Congeniality,
Dan,
Got Mail,
Hapen to You,
Joe,
Princess Bride,
Romantic Comedy,
Sleeping,
Sleepless in Seattle,
Top 10
Top 10 Scary Movies
I hate the horror genre. But these movies are really good without being too gory or horrific.
- The Village
- The Sixth Sense
- Wait Until Dark
- I Am Legend
Labels:
I am Legend,
Scary Movies,
Sith Sense,
Top 10,
Village,
Wait Until Dark
Top 10 Action/Adventure
Here they are, in no particular order.
- Armageddon
- Hero
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- Matrix
- Mission Impossible (1)
- The Bourne . . . trilogy
- Indiana Jones
- Batman Begins & The Dark Knight
- The Fugitive
- Italian Job
- Ocean's 11
- The Jack Ryan series (Hunt for Red October, Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games, Etc.)
- Transformers
Top 10 Fantasy
The line between sci-fi and fantasy is not thin as many claim. It is wide and gray. For example, where do superhero movies fit? (I chose to include them in sci-fi.) Orson Scott Card classifies both into the larger genre of "Speculative Fiction." I need to add to this list when I have some time to think more about it.
- The Lord of the Rings
- Harry Potter
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Willow
Top 10 Historical Dramas
Movies realistically set in a historical period, though not necessarily "based on a true story." Again, in no particular order.
- Chariots of Fire
- The Last Samurai
- Saving Private Ryan
- Gladiator
- The Count of Monte Cristo
- The Right Stuff
- Hotel Rwanda
- Hidalgo
- Life is Beautiful
- The Mission
- Braveheart
- The Patriot
- Forrest Gump
Top 10 Sci Fi
In no particular order.
- Star Wars
- Signs
- Matrix
- Minority Report
- The Hulk (I think I was the only person in America who liked it. But it was Freudian deep)
- Spider Man
- I Robot
- Serenity
- X-Men
- Independence Day
- Back to the Future
- I am Legend
- Gattaca
Labels:
Back to the Future,
Gattaca,
I am Legend,
I Robot,
Independence Day,
Matrix,
Minority Report,
Sci Fi,
Serenity,
Signs,
Spider Man,
Star Wars,
The Hulk,
Top 10,
Top 10 Sci Fi,
X-Men
Top 10 Comedies
Tough to narrow down to just 10. Impossible to place in an order, except that Dumb and Dumber is #1.
- Dumb & Dumber
- What About Bob?
- Tommy Boy
- Nacho Libre
- School of Rock
- Napoleon Dynamite
- The Man Who Knew Too Little
- Zoolander
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- One, Two, Three
- Christmas Story
Top 10 Movies of All Time
My version of the Top 10 Movies of All Time, drawing from all genres. My top pick definitely belongs in the #1 spot, but the rest are in no particular order.
- Chariots of Fire
- Lord of the Rings
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Saving Private Ryan
- Indiana Jones
- Braveheart
- Life is Beautiful
- The Mission
- Star Wars
- The Matrix
- Armageddon
First Launch
Okay, here us the first post of my newest blog. I have a keen interest in movies, but am in no way an "expert." I've just spent a lifetime watching and admiring America's favorite art form and story telling medium. In this blog I will post my reviews of new movies as well as give my thoughts on all thinks film.
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