Out of the thirty films I watched in September 2007, these are my Good Watches. They are listed from favorite to least (rating is on a 5 scale):
The Great Escape (4)
This movie is an inspiring film with a different approach to the typical war movie. Although not the best outcome for our characters, I still saw it as a very uplifting film. and overall enjoyed it considerably.
Chinatown (4)
Great detective story, maybe the best one I've seen to date. Great mystery, inner personal relations and the witty and smart ass Jack Nicholson is perfect for his character's role. The best (hardest) scene to watch is 'she's my sister/she's my daughter,' which is beautifully acted by Faye Dunaway.
Some Like it Hot (4)
What a breath of fresh air between all the heart wrenching dramas on the list! Some Like it Hot is a lighthearted comedy with a good mix of character building, action, and great chemistry between Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Merilyn Monroe's adorable and hot character makes up for her lack of acting ability.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (4)
I love Jim Carrey in serious roles. I admire the attempt to show a realistic portrayal of a somewhat dysfunctional relationship and love. Interest idea overall.
12 Angry Men (4)
Some people say you can't have a movie or book take place all in one setting-- this movie proves otherwise. A feel good movie about the system working-- let's hope all of us will have this dedicated of juries in our own cases.
Lawrence of Arabia (4)
I found the main character inspiring because he was so invested in another people's issues and culture. Peter O'Toole is amazing in his first lead role in a movie. Although at times O'Toole looks like an over stretched scarecrow. One of my dislike about this film is the framing of the main story where the beginning and ending the movie are placed back in Britain years after the main story's events. This takes away an element of interest-- since the audience already knows how Lawrence dies. So far I would argue that this is Omar Sharif best performance.
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship (4)
Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (4)
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (4)
I'm a huge fan of the book series and the movies. for the most part the changes made in the movies make sense from a filming prospective.
The Philadelphia Story (4),
Other than remembering that I enjoy this film-especially the chemistry between Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn-- I can't remember much about it. I love Grant's tongue and cheek character and Jimmy Stewart's lovable reporter character and the play-like plot was amusing. Mostly I just remember having a fun time watching it.
God Father pt. I (3)
God Father pt. II (4)
overall entertaining. best scene is Keaton and Pacino argument where she tells him she has had an abortion.
Finding Neverland (3)
A fun and heartfelt film. One of Johnny Depp's best performance, with a lovable plot about creating Peter Pan, the play and nurturing your inner child.
Spartacus (3)
I remember watching this film when I was a child and really enjoy parts of it. So I was excited to see it again for the competition. Spartacus does run long at 198 minutes (or at least with the new version from 1991), but for the most part doesn't drag. Kurt Douglas is alright in the lead role but Tony Curtis steals the show. I was surprise that a heavy innuendo scene talking about bisexuality was allowed in to a movie at the time of censorship. Overall, a moving film about the underdog.
Big Fish (3)
Wonderfully shot and fascinating ideas brought to the screen with flawless computer graphics. Great use of color and storytelling for a bigger then life character.
Ox-Bow Incident (3)
This flick starts the breathtaking Henry Fonda in a similar role that he plays in 12 Angry Men. However instead of being the accused champion, he is a bystanders that although stands for what is right, doesn't force others to see his viewpoint. There were a few scene that felt misplaced at the beginning (why do we need to know about the painting in the bar or the past love interest?), but after the main plot starts, everything is well done.
The Great Dictator (3)
One of Chaplin's first sound films. Still with some slap stick humor with a barber's chair and a dance with a globe, Chaplin once again takes a serious world issue and brings it to light.
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