Top Ten movies (in progress)
Submitted by buddy on Tue, 02/20/2001 - 09:16
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- Anne of Green Gables (the modern one with Megan Follows) - This story of a girl with a passion for language and life is tremendously uplifting. The adaption from the book is impeccable, right down to the details that make the book so special. For example, Marilla's facial expressions change gradually as the movie progresses, and the first time she actually laughs is as striking in the movie as it is in the book. All the characters are dead on (unlike the old b&w version that I saw some of. Anne was dreadful in that one.) Megan Follows' portrayal shows she has a very good handle on the book. Her tantrum in front of Rachel Lynde is exactly how I pictured it in the book.
- Arsenic & Old Lace - This one makes me belly-laugh every time, and that alone makes it worthy of my ten favourites.
- A Christmas Carol (with Alistair Simm) - A classic story that I cherish watching every Christmas season. Scrooge dancing around in his pajamas singing "I don't know anything" is priceless. This one is a family tradition and puts me in the holiday mood every time.
- Groundhog Day - I loved this movie when I first saw it as a teenager, and felt compelled to quote Ned Ryserson ad nauseum. As I've aged, though, I've found this film resonates even more. I love how so many subtle details show Phil's fundamental changes in his perspective. His underlying notes of manic effort are pitch-perfect in the scene when he has a snowball fight with the kids. And not to be forgotten is Murray's delivery of comic lines. "You have NEVER thanked me! I'll see you tomorrow - maybe!"
- Hope & Glory - The emotional honesty in this one mixes very well with its style of humour. This one is a very personal like for me. I've watched it countless times on Showcase or Bravo late at night, by myself, or with my sister and my mom.
- Lord of the Rings Trilogy - How did I manage to forget this??? Okay, it's cheating a bit since it's a trilogy, but since it tells one giant story arc, I'm counting it as one. It contains what I believe to be one of the best death scenes EVER (Boromir), action (the cave troll battle in Moria), war (the massive battle in Return of the King), horror (Shelob) and characters so believably fleshed out I felt a personal connection to them. It was heartwrenching to watch Merry and Pippin get split up when they didn't know if they'd ever see each other again. These are films how they should be done: with loving devotion to creating something cohesive, entertaining and faithful to its heart.
- The Dark Crystal - for its breadth of creativity
- Rashomon - There are many great films out there which deserve respect, but don't have a personal resonance for me, and many films which resonate but aren't necessarily masterfully created. This film is that rarity which manages to straddle both categories. This film appeals to me because it deals with a philosophical concept I have great interest in: truth, its varying degrees, and the nature of perception. It irks me a little when I see that a film is "based on a true story", as if that means it's factual. Or that a fictional story doesn't have any truth in it. I think the more people realize the many shades of truth/fiction and how they interact, the better we can understand the world around us. It's an interesting film by an artful filmmaker (which, btw, is one of the highest compliments I can pay anyone), and is well worth inclusion in my top ten.
- The Shawshank Redemption - A great movie depicting the triumph of the human spirit. For my comments on this movie, see Some Flicks & Why I like them .
- The Incredibles - I'm not really sure if this film should crack my top ten, as it's quite recent and I'm not sure if it will stand the test of time. However, I feel compelled to include an animated feature, and I'm completely Pixar's bitch. I'm such a fan of animation, and I firmly believe it can do so much artistically, and isn't used often enough to its full extent. The Incredibles probably isn't the most artistic or important animated film I can think of, but it sure reminded me why I love cartoons - and movies, for that matter. Forget Indiana Jones - THIS is the kind of excitement that gets my heart racing. And it's so satisfying that it backs up that action with solid characters (what women doesn't feel like Elastigirl sometimes?), excellent peripheral characters (the little boy on the tricycle, the costume designer), and a good dose of family values. I feel spoiled a little by this film. More children's cinema should rise to this level.
- I'm removing these ones from my list, as I don't feel quite as strongly about it these days as I once did.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark - this is what Hollywood was made for. The best action anywhere, romance, comedy, a compelling lead character, and that hat and the whip...classic.
- The Usual Suspects - excellent story-telling. More movies should focus this well on plot (or character, or setting) and not on the actor's box office drawing power. Kevin Spacey before he was a heavyweight.
- Apocalypse Now - this movie explores important issues about the human condition, and the nature of evil. An intelligent adaption of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad...it's a rare movie that enhances a person's understanding of the book the movie is based on.
Author Comments:
I didn't number these because that would imply that I like #1 better than the rest. How can I possibly compare say, Anne of Green Gables to Apocalypse Now? These are simply movies that I feel a deep personal connection to, for one reason or another.
I really like that you include Anne of Green Gables on this list. It often gets little respect as a "TV movie" "Children's movie" or "Girls' movie". But I think everyone who sees it truly enjoys it. It is indeed a magnificent adaptation and contains some very fine acting. It's also just a great story to come home to.
Did you (or anyone) see the most recent installment of the Anne of Green Gables Series on PBS (it was broadcast a few weeks ago)? Although I loved the other two-- this one went way past anything in the books and put Anne right in the middle of World War I! I don't recomment it if you've liked the others
(nadine)
I did catch that one (how could I not with Megan Follows back to play Anne?). I agree with you whole-heartedly. I was sorely disappointed. She really lacked the fire she had in the first two, and I don't think the writer really stayed true to the spirit of the Anne's character for that reason. The only part I really felt rung true to Anne's charm was when she was running up to meet Gilbert on the beach and fell flat on her face. Other than that, the movie lacked the charm and grace that make me love Anne so much.
Buddy, love the list and more importantly your comments. I think more listologists should comment. As a 39 year old man whose parentage comes from Prince Edward Island, I too loved Anne of Green Gables. Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the funniest broad comedies I can think of...
Thanks for the compliment. I, too, think it's really important to hear WHY people like what they do. Other people may like the same movies I do, but for entirely different reasons. I don't think discussion should be limited to, or focussed on, those who disagree about movies. For example, I discovered something new to like in Ferris Bueller's Day Off from a list by UncRoger - I think it was called "Surprisingly Thought-Provoking Movies" or something.
I'm also glad to see you responded to two of my sentimental favorites. Even if those two weren't good films (which they are), I'd love them just the same. In the case of Anne, I'm a big sucker for anything that is touching without being sappy.
Welcome back buddy! I'm very happy to see the addition of Groundhog Day, and the Alistair Simm version of A Christmas Carol is my favorite of all the versions (and a great movie to boot). Finally, I know what you mean about The Incredibles. I've seen it a couple times now, and it keeps growing on me (and I loved it the first time). Have you seen The Iron Giant, Brad Bird's other feature?
Thanks, Jim, good to be back! I've not seen Iron Giant yet, though it's on my "to view" list - and one of the few that's actually available at my local video store.
As for Groundhog Day, I actually started to consider it in a different light after reading the discussions about it on this site. It provided much food for thought, and helped me appreciate it during my re-viewings.
And finally, I don't know if this makes me a bit sad, but I went to see The Incredibles in the theatre with my boyfriend. At just shy of 30, we were the only ones there unaccompanied by little ones. I am unashamed. I mentioned that I thought more children's films should be this good, but actually I think more films in general could stand to try to be this entertaining.
Don't feel sad, The Incredibles made scads of money, so it must have been more than just families at matinees filling the seats.
I hope you like The Iron Giant. It's one of my favorites, and I even prefer it to the mighty Incredibles (although it probably took two or three viewings before it rose that high in my estimation).
The Dark Crystal is sooooo wonderful
I agree. Jim Henson was truly a creative force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed the darkness of this film, which contrasted with the Sesame Street and Muppet Show (and Fraggle Rock) that I grew up with.
Me and my sis were debating whether you were a man or a woman until we saw Anne Of Green Gables on the top of your list. If there was a prize for chick flicks Anne Of thrash the competition.
Don't like The Dark Crystal anymore, my childhood love for that film has turned into a bitter resentment of it's cheesy qualities. You can't go home again.
Good list, Anne is a sparkplug. :?)
Yup, woman (and fully straight, if that was ever in question). This is now the third time this has come up on Listology. Ah, gender issues. Although, to be fair, my boyfriend loves Anne of Green Gables. I'm pretty sure I even saw a tear when Matthew has his heart attack.
I haven't seen The Dark Crystal in a few years now, but I saw it in adulthood, and even though it looks a bit dated, I have yet to see anything that rivals it in sheer childlike fantasy. Every detail is lovingly created. In all this CGI, I think people forget what can be accomplished with old-fashioned creativity.
And just out of curiosity, what were the arguments for my being male?
1) loving The Usual Suspects
2) name: buddy
3) Overweight pothead
4) Liking actresses bums (Jodie Foster in particular)
There's a definite odour of heminism to your posts as well. (hemanism=femanism for men)
Gender is very important to listology.
How straight people choose to be is completely up to them.
:?)
1) I hadn't considered before that The Usual Suspects is probably more likely a favourite among men than women. Fair call.
2) Buddy is what a few friends have called me (not as an actual name), and what I have called a lot of my friends. I've always seen it as a bit generic.
3) We women are vulnerable to a lot of the same weaknesses as men. Glad that chapter is behind me.
4) Ha! I actually found it funny that anyone would even point out Jodie Foster's bum, as she always seems too serious and well-respected for such inspection. But it's true I appreciate a good bum, and women's bums can be very pleasing to the eye. Let's face it, we're made to look soft and round, and humans like things that are soft and round.
5) I must disagree that my posts lean towards heminism. I would say I'm a humanist more than anything. I just find myself arguing with more staunch feminists, because I think it's best to present a fair view in all circumstances, and it's the feminists who speak out. Hence, being the contrary person I am, I feel the need to argue a bit. I suppose my trying to balance the scales can come across as looking like heminism beside a feminist view.
Women who consider themselves too serious, even posh to be cavorted upon by lusting man eyes just don't know men. :)
Humanist it is then.
On a side note, heminism is my personal creation to combat feminism. I grew up with a staunch feminist and soon realized men needed their own arbitrary code of ethics to live by if men intend to flourish in the 21st century. :)
:?)
Well, there has been some suggestion that Ms. Foster doesn't know men all that well anyway. But that's neither here nor there.
Ms. Foster...a lesbian...the horror. :?O
Dang!
Where did you hear such a rumour?
:?)
From the same general places I hear rumours about Kevin Spacey and Tom Cruise. That is, from trashy magazines, pop culture enthusiasts, etc., all distilled into the phenomenon that was The Fametracker Message Board (R.I.P.).
I don't really care one way or the other, but this particular rumour seems to keep dogging Jodie Foster. The persistent lack of a male love interest seems to be the fuel for that fire. But like I said, I think it matters not one jot.
Would the opposite of "heminism" be called "fachismo"?
Shawshank! Hell yeah, my favourite movie of all time buddy, it's great, really inspiring. I think ya should put Apocalypse Now back in it's THE epic war movie of modern warfare, still , great list keep it up!
I agree Apocalypse Now is truly a great film, and my comments about it still stand. But as a favourite, I had to drop it for more personal likes.
I think I'll give it some thought about what my current top 10 looks like. I've certainly seen some good films in recent years, but whether that puts a dent in my favourite 10 of all time, I don't know. Perhaps it would do to create a top 10 for my 30 year old self compared to my 23 year old self (or however old I was when I first made this list).
I'm glad to see people still affected by Shawshank. It's so honestly and simply hopeful, it seems like a rare film in our savvy, sophisticated, cynical, ironic world.