IMdb prior to blog date but after Sept 2007

Since the Sept competition I've seen:

Shawshank Redemption (5)
This Sleeper movie is the number one DVD buy. And it's worth it. A story that really deals with the love that only good guy friends can have for each other. A story about fighting for freedom, unfairness in the system, and inspirational tale. A must see for anyone.

Million Dollar Baby (5)
I cried my eyes out on this movie. A great tear-jerking performance from Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank. One the moving aspects of this story is how despicable Maggie's family members are and the father/daughter bound she finds with Eastwood's tough guy character.

Roman Holiday (4)
Roman Holiday is an interesting film because it doesn't have much conflict and yet it's entertaining. Don't get me wrong, Gregory Peck's does have the internal conflict of selling his story and getting the desperately needed money or keeping the princess's secret holiday under wraps. And Audrey Hepburn character has the choice of a carefree vacation or going back to her duties. Overall, a fun story is propels by the wonderful acting on Hepburn's part. A great black and white film.

Little Miss Sunshine (4)
What can I say all around great comic movie about families and what happens with broken dreams. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as when the dance scene comes up.

Batman Begins (4)
I believe this to be the best representation of Batman in films to date. The dark and grim reality completely outshines the postmodern approach that Joel Schumacher does in Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. Granted, Christopher Nolan has the add advantage of a more powerful story that shows the audience how Batman begins. Of course, I'm bias-- I'm a huge fan of both Christian Bale and Liam Neeson.

*Juno* (3.5)
My parents went to this movie before I did. When they got back my father told me it was a 'Dani Movie.' Now my family has a joke about 'Katina (my sister) movies,' which is pretty much an creative new approach to something that may be too artsy or shocking for my parents' tastes. But what is a Dani movie? Apparently a Dani movie is full of odd (but funny) one liners, with a sarcastic, young heroine stealing every scene she appears in. Yeah, this is a Dani show.

* Into the Wild* (3)
This movie is based on Jon Krakauer true story of Christopher McCandless (also known as Alex Supertramp) travels across the country that ends in Alaska's wilderness. Christopher is portrayed as a tragic hero and both the movie and book leads the audience to feel one of two things:
1. What a selfish waste of a life. He was completely stupid/crazy to try what he did and the only I feel is pity and sorrow for his parents.
or
2.Christopher was a great charismatic character, who was only following his own morals-- which you got to respect since we live in a society that is full of hypocrites.
either case a power piece for food for thought.

The Prestige (3)
This a good modern movie about revenge that Edmond Dantes would be proud of. However, I don't know if this movie will stand the test of time. it's an interesting enough concept but had a too simple of a solution for one problem and too difficult/far fetched for the other.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (3)
An idealistic approach on the workings of our government. This is one of Jimmy Stewart's best films-especially since his character completely embodies that of the ordinary/everyman vibe that Stewart is known for. Uplifting just like 12 Angry Men.

The Maltese Falcon (3)
this movie renewed my respect for Bogart's acting ability (since I didn't care that much for him in Casablanca). Bogart does subtle moves or tones that totally give a new life to his line. his character Sam Spade, has a difficult decision in the end and Bogart plays it out beautifully. I love May Astor beautiful, unique look in this film (although I'm sure she wouldn't be considered beautiful into today's standards. The ending, however, is anticlimactic.

The Incredibles (3)
A Brad Bird Pixar movie with a creative ideas/plot-line. I would even argue that Bird is the best director for the Pixar/cartoon genera that I've seen. I love the character Edna (voiced by Bird) which is a rough mirroring of legendary Edith Head-- one of Hollywood's first costume designer (I believe she is the first woman costume designer in film history). Actors chosen for the voices match well with their characters and their characters' alter egos (especially James Lee's Buddy/Syndrome). A definitely see for the family.

Strangers on a Train (3)
My parents own this movie for years and we never watched it. I thought it was the perfect time to watch it now. Filmed in black and white this film is about two people talking on a train about people they wished would die. One of them actually kills the other one's victim and now expects the other man to kill his. Scary and disturbing idea in general. Alfred Hitchcock once again chooses amazing shots and filming techniques to move the plot along. The opening scene is beautifully done (almost as beautiful as the opening scene in Rear Window... ALMOST) and is my favorite performance by Patrica Hitchcock to date. I remember a Danny Deveto movie that redresses up this idea and I feel that effected my viewing on this film.

Modern Times (3)
I have to admit that I appreciated this movie much better after watching the extras that accompanied it. Not only did I learn that this was the last movie The Tramp appears in, but I also learned that Chaplin purposely made this a silent film-- even through sound was available at the time. Chaplin also directed most of his movies-- something I didn't know. Extras a side, it was a good up-beat movie. Slapstick comedy at its best.

The Apartment (2)
The Apartment has a great plot setup of an employee lending his apartment out to his higher-ups and their mistresses. A surprising dark comedy with Jack Lemmon with a sweet, happy ending.

* indicates new movies added on the list since my Sept 2007 competition.

IMdb movies competition (9/2007) MUST SEE list

What originally got me started on the top 250 list was my friend Ben and I created a competition back in September. So, of course, being the child of two very competitive individuals I had to watch a movie a day for the contest and ended up watching thirty movies for the month-- However, I watched eight of those movies in the last two days of the competition and couldn't watch anything from fine cinema to stupidly, funny movies for a good couple of weeks after that. But I've started watching them again and hopefully will have this list licked in two years.

this is my top choices of the ones I watched in September listed from favorite to least (rating is on a 5 scale):

Rear Window (5)
Everything about this movie is great. Brilliant cinematography, gripping plot, Emotionally provoking, and phenomenal acting from the leads Grace Kelly, Jimmy Stewart, and Thelma Ritter are just to name a few things that make this film one of the best films ever created. From the opening scene where without any words one knows who Jimmy Stewart's character is and why he's in the situation that he is in, to the emotional nerve racking ending-- this is a must see for everyone.

Psycho (5)
This maybe the finest film I've ever seen. I was so invested into the show, I had to pause it and take a break from it because my nerves couldn't take it. Hitchcock is differently the 'King of Suspense' in my book. Great buildup and a fantastic ending-- even though you knew who the killer is due to Psycho's strong appearance in our pop culture.

The Elephant Man (5)
Amazing story about diversity and acceptance. Magnificent acting jobs on Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt parts. I think the best shot in all of Hollywood film that I've seen is when Anthony Hopkins' see the the Elephant Man for the first time. Simply Incredible. Wonderful decision on filming it in black and white to give it a older/ageless feel. And make-up so superb that it opened the door to a new category in Academy awards.

A Man of All Seasons (5)
A rousing story of Thomas More, who didn't forsake his beliefs just because his government and and friend (Kind Henry VIII) wanted him to. Thomas More intelligently avoids making any opinionated statements and through out the movie I found myself rooting for the logical and smart Thomas More. A beautiful tale on how to be political and yet keep your own values.

Hotel Rwanda (5)
A terrific movie that will pull at any one's heartstrings. This is one of those movies that you can only watch once a year, because it moves you in such away. An impressive acting performance of the worst and best of men in crisis.

North by Northwest (5)
Another great Hitchcock film with a great buildup, action, and mistaken identity. Cary Grant as always is the fun, charming, and timelessly, gorgeous gentleman. There's only one draw to this film-- it feels like it takes forever to get to the end.

IMdb competition (pt.II) worth skipping movies

Out of the thirty films I watched in September 2007, these are my least favorite of them all. They are listed from favorite to least (rating is on a 5 scale):

Vertigo (2)

Vertigo flopped in theaters when it originally came out-- Hitchcock blamed it on Jimmy Stewart appearing old, and never casted Stewart again. But really the problem with the movie is a drawn-out and poor plot line. I couldn't get emotional invested with any of the characters-- and really only felt relief that it ended.

Dr. Strangelove: How I Learn To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (2)

I loved (and thought that this movies was hilarious) the first time I saw it a few years back. But, I have to admit second run through, it came up lacking.

Casablanca (2)

I was expecting something great-- come on, this is Casablanca the most 'romantic' film ever. I didn't like Bogart in this role, nor did I believe that Bergman's character had any feels for 'poor Ricky. Also, the movie is overused in modern pop culture-- the last 15 minutes of dialog is littered in today's pop culture that some how made it seem more false.

Goodfellas (2)

I watched this after the God Father movies, and well let's just say it fell short in comparison. De Niro does once again an awesome portrayal of a gangster. and the movie had an interesting scene where the main character played by Ray Liotta breaks down the fourth wall and talks straight into the camera at the end-- moving from one frozen setting to the next. Also, it was fun to see the change of style through the time periods (especially ending in the big and more era of the 80's)

Dr. Zhivago (1)

Other than a few great camera shots this film is useless. Unfocused completely to the point of distraction, I almost didn't make it through it, and I will safely say I won't even attempt to read the owned copy of its book counterpart.

Raging Bull (1)

I have no idea how this movie got on to the list. I was told that it's suppose to have wonderful cinematography-- I didn't see. The main character is loathsome and pitiful and although De Niro once again proves to me that he can do a tough guy with the best of them; his performance couldn't make up for my dislike for the whole movie in general.

IMdb movie competition (pt.III) the Good Watches list

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.