French Connection is a 10/10 for sure!

Binged DAHMER on Netflix between yesterday and today and honestly, I don't see what all the hype's about. I saw the trailer before the show dropped and it didn't do anything for me (in fact, I passed on watching it). But a family member and a coworker both said how awesome it was so I gave it a shot and again, I wasn't overly impressed. Evan Peters did a great job but outside of that, I kind of felt like it was a waste of time. Anyone else see it?

69. SHANE (1953)

Another scenically beautiful shot western. Alan Ladd is fine as Shane, he's believable, humble, and soft spoken. However, maybe he's a little too nice as I feel over the course of Hollywood history his character is often overlooked as one of the all-time greats. Little Joey (Brandon De Wilde) could get annoying from time-to-time and the main fight scene in the saloon is horribly choreographed, no doubt a victim of its time. What I enjoyed the most were the heavies of the film, particularly Ben Johnson as Chris Calloway, a very young Jack Palance as Jack Wilson, and Emile Meyer as the main baddie Rufus Ryker. 7/10

68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)

I was not the intended audience for this film as I found it to be painfully boring with a thin storyline. Nothing against Gene Kelly but this was a struggle to get through. And Leslie Caron who plays Lisa Bouvier, I did not find to be very attractive. Again, musicals aren't my thing but I enjoyed MY FAIR LADY more than this. Wasn't looking forward to sitting through it to begin with but needed to knock it out of the way so I could proceed with the list. I'm glad this is over now. Yeesh! 3/10

67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)

An amazingly interesting story of brainwashing, politics, and assassination! The plot is ahead of its time in my opinion, with very solid performances by Angela Lansbury, Frank Sinatra, and Laurence Harvey. I even rather quite enjoyed Khigh Dhiegh's Dr. Yen Lo, even though his screen time is regrettably limited. The best scene for my money was the brainwashing scene that bounces back and forth to the "women in a New Jersey hotel" and the real experiment in the lab with the Russians and Chinese. I've never seen the 2004 remake but was wondering if it's worth the time from anyone who has seen it? 8.5/10

66. NETWORK (1976)

Honestly, this is only my second time viewing this film but I remember enjoying it more the first time around. However, Peter Finch is still iconic in his Oscar winning role as the apocalyptic prophet Howard Beale, along with ball-busting, psuedo-mascline, and fellow Oscar winner Faye Dunaway as Diana Christensen. A tale that unfortunately isn't too dissimilar from the drivel that's still plastered upon our TV screens some 47 years after its release. A top notch cast that's balances humor, tragedy, and the fickleness/business of television. 7/10

Anybody ever see THE CROWN on Netflix and if so, is it any good? I've heard good things about it but I'm also not sure that's the type of British TV that would interest me.

Never seen it but heard it is very good.
If i get to view it i will certainly offer opinion.

Thanks DP. Curious about that and SERVANT on Apple TV.

65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)

A powerfully punching film featuring 2 of cinemas most iconic characters: Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling (both earning well deserved Oscars for their performances). Not to mention Ted Levine who plays Buffalo Bill, Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford, and brief but highly anticipated scenes with Anthony Heald as Dr. Chilton. Suspenseful, smart, and wonderfully edited (particularly the home raid at the end while Clarice is at Buffalo Bill's house), this is a true masterpiece of cinema in every sense of the word. Anyone read the book? I'm curious how the film differs from it? 10/10

64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)

The typical Spielberg film we've come to expect from him, albeit this was one of his first great films along with JAWS 2 years prior. Great visual FX, a safe, broad, and heartwarming story that opens up to a family rather than an individual. Overall, I can appreciate the film but with this being the second time I've seen it, it just hasn't done much for me. Not one of the best Sci-Fi/UFO/or Spielberg films I've seen. 7/10

63. STAGECOACH (1939)

The film that made John Wayne a star. Outside of that, some terrific performances by Claire Trevor as Dallas and Thomas Mitchell as Doc Josiah Boone, and some beautiful scenery shots by director John Ford early in the film, there wasn't much from this for me. Once again, another film I felt probably didn't deserve to be on the list, much less beating out some of its counterparts that I've already viewed. Irregardless, we'll continue to make our way through it. 6/10

JOHN WICK

Revisiting the films in anticipation for the 4th release next week. Have only seen this maybe twice and I wasn't the biggest fan of Keavu Reeves for the longest time. Not that I had anything against him but for whatever reason, I would always think of him in BILL & TED, which is not a flattering compliment. Anyways, I hear he's a tremendous dude in real life, we need more people like that, and he's won me over. So the first 2 I missed in theaters but 3 and now 4 next week I'll be catching in theaters. A wonderful entry for the franchise: wonderful action scenes, fast, sweet cars, and Wick's no nonsense, very few words demeanor. 8/10

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2

Personally, I thought 1 was better than 2. This had some moments that dragged a little bit and most of the action is saved for the end but it's a little bit of a struggle to get their. Still a worth follow up to the original and a nice continuation of the story. I did enjoy Peter Stormare as Abram, the brother of Russian boss and JOHN WICK 1 villain, Viggo. Also, Ruby Rose, Laurence Fishburne, and Franco Nero were nice additions to the franchise. 6.5/10

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM

Definitely a step up from Chapter 2, the action scenes are innovative and on another level. Reeves continues to shine as the assassin while the franchise continues to add A-list talent, this time with the lovely Halle Berry. Better than #2 but I still prefer the original so far. 7/10

Are these j wick films part of your countdown?

Closer to the top 25

Yes, the countdown to the new film. I rewatched the original trilogy.

Just discovered this nice Youtube series....go 2 youtube..search.mob lawyer ....u will find a series of episodes called Mouthpiece Voice for the accused in about 5 volumes...volume 4 is the life of Robert Simone...Scarfo sr.s' lawyer w/ vintage interviews w/ the man himself & never b4 seen footage of him even questioning Joe Salerno angrily....& never seen footage of Angie Bruno berating a reporter...I was glued 2 my TV screen....other volumes include Frank Ragano , James Larossa...etc.. DEF check these out.!!!

62. TOOTSIE (1982)

Finally found the time to get back to this list and my first thought before watching this was could you imagine the outrage of this being made today, LoL! Dustin Hoffman strings together yet another wonderful performance, as does Jessica Lange and it was wonderful to see her (even briefly) paired up at times with a young Geena Davis as well. Dabney Coleman is also great as well as the sleazy director Ron (who today would be accused of being too "toxic" and "masculine"). I'm sure at it's time of release this film really spoke to audiences, particularly women, having a man in Dustin Hoffman, as well as director Sydney Pollack, speaking up on behalf of women. It had its funny moments and it's always a pleasure watching Bill Murray working. 6.5/10

61. VERTIGO (1958)

I've seen this movie numerous times but this was my most enjoyable watch. I'm a fan of Jimmy Stewart, who you can always count on to bring home the goods. But the real standout to me was 25-year-old Kim Novak, who played dual roles as Madeleine Elster & Judy Barton. She's incredibly vulnerable as Madeleine and looks like a totally new person as Judy. Her range is breathtaking and damn it if Hitchcock doesn't know how to weave such a captivating story. Dramas like this can seem to drag in certain places but not here. 9/10

New Scorsese with De Niro and DiCaprio

Have been looking forward to this movies release for years now. Trailer looks awesome!

It's been in the making for a long time. Yeah it looks very good. We could be witnessing another masterpiece here

I'm cautiously optimistic! Was a little let down by The Irishman, but will always go see Scorsese's films as soon as they come out. Hopefully we get a few more films from him before its all said and done!

I'll be seeing it for sure. Can't wait! Enjoyed IRISHMAN, thought it was a good bounce back film from Marty. Hoping this is on that same level. Just me or does De Niro look like the villain as an oil baron?

I loved The Irishman. It was beautifully done. Admittedly, they were a little too old for those parts, but they did a great job regardless. If I wasn't such a big fan, I would probably find the movie a bit goofy, so I get the criticism.

ATONEMENT (2007)

Only the second time I've seen this but I enjoyed it just as much as I did previously, almost 16 years ago. Looking back, a star studded cast featuring the likes of Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Juno Temple, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Based on the novel of the same name, the film finds Briony (Ronan) who's infatuated with handyman and hired help Robbie Turner (McAvoy). However, Robbie only has eyes for Cecilia (Knightley) who is closer in age and a fellow classmate. Scorned and rebuffed, Briony accuses Robbie of raping her cousin Lola (Temple), which forever changes the course of all of their lives. I've never read the novel so I can't compare it to the film but the film is a solid work of art that I recommend if you've never seen it or haven't seen it in a while. 8/10

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (2022)

Another film based on a novel of the same name, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING finds young Kya Clark (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who's known to all as the marsh girl. Abandoned by her entire family at a young age (first by her mother, then her siblings, before finally her father), she's able to survive on her own although illiterate and uneducated. That all changes when she meets Tate (Taylor John Smith) who teaches her how to read and write. They fall in love and have plans for the future until Tate goes away to college. Promising to come back but never showing up, Kya is then wooed by former local quarterback Chase (Harris Dickinson). However, when Chase suddenly turns up dead by way of a 60'+ fall, Kya is soon the only suspect in his death. Another strong performance by Edgar-Jones as a follow up to her previous outing in FRESH. She plays the vulnerability and awkwardness of Kya so well. It's also an intriguing love triangle between her, Tate, and Chase. I saw the trailer before it was released in theaters and it did nothing for me. However, it was recently recommended to me by a friend and I'm glad it was as it exceeded my expectations. 7.5/10

LONE SURVIVOR (2013)

The true story of a 4 man Navy SEAL group who attempt to eliminate Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. However, when the mission goes sideways, the group is left fighting for their lives on a mountain, just outside of a Taliban stronghold. Having never seen this before and after the opening scene, I had a pretty good idea of what happened. A solid list of actors fill out the cast from star Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, and Emile Hirsch. Director Peter Berg does another enjoyable job behind the camera, feeding the audience a teary-eyed filled story about our young soldiers. Some of the most brutal scenes are the slow motion shots on the mountain with the group retreating. Very realistic and not overly dramatized, as an audience member, it shows the proper respect for the fallen. Overall, I didn't love it but this was the second time I've been recommended to watch this so I finally broke down and did. 6/10