Heres your orange

The novella's name is also "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". the novella is OUTSTANDING. What is even more amazing is that you can find it in the same book that has another masterpiece of Stephen King - "The Body" . The Body is the novella on which "Stand By Me" was based on.

If "Stand By Me" and "The Shawshank Redemption" are also 2 of your fav movies and you dont have a book called "Different Seasons" in your room, then I have no idea what're u waiting for

Sideways (2004) - ***1/2
Director: Alexander Payne
Two friends spend the week out in wine country before one heads off to get married

Why I laid this off for so long is beyond me... I enjoyed it alot. It was humerous in that strange way, entertaining, well put together, and Paul Giamatti finally has more than fifteen minutes of screentime in a single film. The humor is well delivered, and Payne captures some swell visuals of the wine country; and I suppose it is even informative in regards to wine tasting.


The King of Comedy (1983) - ***
Director: Martin Scorsese
An aspiring comic stalks his idol.

I can see what Scorsese means when he says he wasn't particularly proud of this one. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun film and on its own is an interesting piece--which is why I gave it three stars--but it fails to hold up against other Scorsese films, let alone a Scorsese/De Niro project, as they tend to work best together. If you're a true Scorsese fan, see it and even buy it for the hell of it. If you're just looking for a good time, go ahead an see it, but rent it first. If you're looking for that hugely inspiring Scorsese film, this isn't the one. I just had a hard time giving Scorsese less than three stars... But justly so, if you were to ignore Scorsese's other work, it deserves the three stars.

An American In Paris #68 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

I surprisingly liked this as I'm not one for musicals but I did really enjoy this one. The tap dancing lines were probably the most enjoyable to me as I've always found tap dancing to be interesting

Close Encounters of the Third Kind #64 on the AFI Top 100 List *

Unfortunately, not Senor Spielberg's best work

Have you seen Singin' in the Rain, Irishman? Check it out, and soon. I have An American in Paris ready to watch.

LLC, I rate The King of Comedy as Scorsese's most underrated work (After Hours comes a close second). A convincingly brilliant and disturbing view of the media today. It was a commercial and critical flop at the time; De Niro's best comedic performance, with only his role in Midnight Run coming close.

Mick

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ** (1st time; big screen)
2005, Burton, GB/US/Australia
A down-to-earth boy living with his family in a poverty-stricken house wins one of five tickets to visit Willie Wonka's chocolate factory.
Entertaining aesthetic feast which offers its best moments early on; the introduction and subsequent dismissal of the obnoxious children are highly satisfying, but the turn into family drama in the last half hour brings the film to a halt.

Mick

No I haven't seen Singin' in the Rain yet. It's number 10 on the list and I'm only in the 60s so it'll be a long time before I get to watching it. Though let me know what you think of An American In Paris please

I just finished The Bourne Identity great movie, first one I've seen in a while that realied on storyline and small parts of action to keep me interested rather than chest,thong,ass,fire,guns,more chest....

Stagecoach #63 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Another surprisingly good movie. My 2nd John Wayne film that I've viewed and I'm getting more interested in his films

SPOILERSsorry but I just can't keep myself shut when it comes to my favorite movies... I believe The King of Comedy is not just Scorsese's most underrated film, but the most underrated flim of all time. these two genious minds (Scorsese and De Niro) have (and already had at 1983) came up with such great films, that sometimes another great one might be overshadowed. I just love the comedy-drama mix of this film. most scenes are funny to watch, but if you think about them, they mean much more. just like when De Niro hosts a show to a fake Liza Minelli in his basement, or when Jerry Lewis finds out the gun he was kidnapped under was a fake one. not only top-notch acting, these scenes give us also a perfect picture of how funny disgrace can be. I wouldn't say "The King of Comedy" is better than "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull", but it surely affected me more than these two masterpieces in the first viewing. in my personal list, "GoodFellas" would be Scorsese's #1, and then I'd have to break my mind to decide which classic would follow. I watched "Raging Bull" only once, and until I get a 2nd viewing, I'd say "The King..." is better.

The King of Comedy is Scorsese's 4th best film behind Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Mean Streets. By far the most underrated film of all time.

I will agree it's extremely under-rated, all due to Scorsese's other work (as I said earlier).

I do plan to buy it regardless, but I'm going to give it a second veiwing before I return it to the Video Rental Store.

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

***/5

Pretty good, if overrated, drama that unfortunately won the top Oscar prize of Best Picture over more-worthy films like ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND or Michael Mann's COLLATERAL, etc.

THE TERMINAL

**/5

Like Terry Gilliam's THE BROTHERS GRIMM, Steven Spielberg directs not a terrible movie, but instead a bland mediocre "meh" film that reminds me of a super-duper jumbo jet that is about to take-off, but then pops a flat tire, and has to cancel the flight. Superb art direction(and yes, the whole airport it seems was a giant set!) that maybe was Oscar-nominated worthy.

Vertigo #61 on the AFI Top 100 List **

I made it through my first Hitchcock movie. I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping for but the twist in the story and the ending definitely had a nice Hitchcock touch to it.

So I just got done watching Vertigo, which I have only seen once before. I noticed a lot more this second time watching the film, probably because I knew where it was going in the beginning of the movie so I could pick up on little things. This movie really strikes me as a great one to watch to learn more about the appreciation of the construction of films. I noticed a lot of positioning type stuff that lent itself to where the characters were in the flow of the story and stuff like that, also some really good lighting scenes. Like I said a really good film to start learning a greater appreciation of the art on.

A Bronx Tale (1993; De Niro) ***

Here, in De Niro's directorial debut (which they stress very much on the box of the VHS...) gives us the story of Calogero, nicknamed C, a young boy living in the Bronx with his father, Lorenzo (De Niro). "C" thinks the mobster next door, Sonny, is the epitimey of "cool". One day he witnesses Sonny murdering someone, and is questioned. When C keeps his mouth shut, he becomes a "son" of sorts for Sonny. When Lorenzo (his father, a bus driver) finds out, he confronts Sonny. They don't speak again for 8 years. While C grows older, he meets a girl, which causes hapiness and sadness for him at the same time.

This is a very well made film, and it's awkward and entertaining and wonderful seeing De Niro confronting and trying to save his son from a character who he's played many times before. Joe Pesci makes a cameo. Altogether this film is very well acted, especially on the parts of Lillo Brancato (C) and Chazz Palimenteri, who's play this was based on.

Vertigo is the epitome of Hitchcock's entire oeuvre, but also the toughest watch to begin with. Because many consider it his best, Irishman, you've dived into the deep end in seeing it. My first was Foreign Correspondent (1940), his first film in the US. The first time I saw Vertigo (1958), I didn't quite grasp its greatness. Now I think it's a masterpiece. Perhaps his masterpiece.

Mick

You can make a case for Vertigo to be the greatest film of all time. It is absolutely flawless.

Oh DA, you punk! :p

I guess now I'll have to review that damn college movie next........anyone seen my Toga?

:p

Hey Capo, when I hear talk about Hitchcock, usually it includes North by Northwest, how do you rank it against Vertigo?

That's probably true, maybe after a few more viewings or watching other Hitchcock movies I'll appreciate it more. I did enjoy the color and sometimes lighting and the directing done by Hitchcock (as well as the story) but I thought it was kinda slow in parts and that was probably my biggest beef with it

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) ****
Diretor: James Foley
Upper Management gives the salesmen of a real estate firm a hard time, in a sales contest in which first place is a new Cadillac and last is a pink slip.
I picked this movie up doubting how interesting a film seemingly all about real estate (the way it was marketed, at least) could be. But, the acclaim and amazing cast list pulled me in. I was indeed wrong. Entralling, amusing, a true work of art. But none the less, if the plot fails to pull you in, this is a performance film, and should be seen regardless of interest for the putstanding performances. The billing includes some of the best such as Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey (both of whom are considered to be in my top five favorite actors of all time), and the always great Jack Lemmon. But the casting doesn't end there. Each of the actors involved in this film are at the top of their game and give purely brilliant performances. Bravo, Mr. Foley.


Catch Me If You Can (2002) ****
Diretor: Steven Spielberg
A run-away teenager teaches himself to forge checks, and play the part of well-paying occupations--including a pilot, doctor, and lawyer--in order to support himself.
Spielberg, judging by recent films, seems to have lost his touch since the new millenium, putting out mediocre-at-best films since 2000 (although I haven't seen Minority Report). With this gem, he really shows that he may still have it. This was great. I enjoyed the great cast (including another favorite of mine, Christopher Walken). It was a cleverly put together piece.


Poolhall Junkies (2002) ***
Diretor: Mars Callahan
A look into the world of pool hustling.
I feel this one could've been stronger if underground gambling/hustling hadn't already been explored with Rounders. This was basically the Rounders of Pool. None the less, it was a good film. Towards the beginning, some of the performances started out a bit dry, and some of the dialouge--mostly cliche and attempted 'bad-ass' insults--came of a bit weak. But, Chazz Palminteri and Christopher Walken come to the rescue, thankfully, always giving off a good performance. I would prefer that 50% of the time, Mars Callahan stay behind the camera, as his choice of music and cinematography seem to completely set the mood of the film. Infact, if he had not casted himself in the lead role, I think the few areas of ill-acting could've been banished from the film. But anyways, a good, under-rated film.

Network #66 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

This movie was incredibly funny and great. Totally exceeded my expectations!

Raiders of the Lost Ark #60 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Ford + Spielberg + Lucas = A great f'n movie!

Rebel Without A Cause #59 on the AFI Top 100 List *

I was very disappointed with this movie. I had heard so many good things about it and it just didn't do it for me. James Dean did a good job but I thought he was supposed to be this "bada$$" and it just didn't come off that way to me

Wasn't he supposed to be a dark, lonely figure?

I dunno, I still need to see Rebel...

I can't wait to see "Rebel Without A Cause" in theaters next month (James Dean Anniversary)...

...You're... You're fucking kidding me?

First off, you have to understand Rebel for what it was back in '55. Even still, I feel it holds up today, both cinematically and message-wise.

But Dean isn't rebelling to be this "badass" as you so bluntly put it. The kids in this movie aren't rebelling as a 'fuck you' type effort, but more-so to gain the appreciation of their parents. That's what it all comes down to--their parents.

Take Natalie Wood's character. All she would like is the love of her father. Dean's character just wants his parents to allow him responsibility for his actions. He feels that if his parents want to show him they care, then they should let him go off and stop running from his past.

Then there is Sal Mineo's character, who really examplify's the entire message--he lost his parents and their love, and is left with no one but his house-keeper. He's an outcast, and wants nothing more than the love of a parent. Dean een says it himself, towards the film's finale. "You know what he tried to do, was make us his family," or something to that degree.

What Rebel is, is a film with a great story, brilliant acting, great visuals, and more than enough substance.

While I can't sway your opinion, I reccomend you at least give it a rewatch, Irish.

Yeah, he wasn't as "pimp" as Elijah Wood in Sin City. He had reading glasses and long nails!
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Unfortunately my vacation was cut short, adding to the annoyance that I now must go to my first day of school, so I'm not happy at the moment.

Sin City - (Robert Rodriguez/Frank Miller;2005;USA) - ***
Three stories of crime in "Basin City" mixing comic book unrealism with film-noir.
A pretty good film that is ridiculously overrated, being far from a masterpiece. Good cast with a few bad actors, great visuals. Read past proview for more.
Top 100 Favorites

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
In eight hours during one night in L.A., two lives are changed forever when a nihilistic contract killer uses a taxi driver to drive him.
The best crime film of 2004. Michael Mann heals his wounds from Ali with this great film. The visuals and cinematography are top notch, as well as Mann's entire direction, period. Just about everything in this film is good/great, especially Tom Cruise's performance, which was overlooked by the Academy.
#3

Animal House - (John Landis;1978;USA) - ****
Dean Wormer tries to end the Delta house Fraternity, but they keep up with their antics.
A classic comedy that inspired many more to come. This film never loses it's pace, keeping the great comedy through every moment. The music is great as well, especially during the "Shout!" scene. Unfortunately National Lampoon was never able to make one as good as this ever again.
Top 100 Favorites

Falling Down - (Joel Schumacher;1993;France/USA) - ***1/2
A defense worker leaves his car in a traffic jam and violently lashes out at the flaws in society, while trying to get to his daughter's birthday party.
A great film that could've been a masterpiece, with another director. The final image is a perfect ending, but the climax was mediocre. This is definitely a film that actually has something to say under it's action film exterior. Douglas' performance is great, and the supporting cast is very good, especially Duvall.
Top 20 or 30 Favorites

To Live and Die In L.A. - (William Friedkin;1985;USA) - **1/2
Two FBI agents try to bring down a counterfeiter.
It has it's moments, and Friedkin even manages to surpass his chase scene from The French Connection, but this is a very flawed film that has bad Wang Chung music, and many moments that just feel unrealistic. It still comes out as very entertaining and a decent film. The best character was Willem Dafoe as the villain. I'd love to see this under Michael Mann's direction.

Starman - (John Carpenter;1984;USA) - ***
An alien takes the form of a widow's husband and asks her to take him to Arizona.
Carpenter takes a surprisingly unconventional approach to this film, which could've been another sci-fi thriller. It instead acts like a drama of sorts, and works to an extent. Of course the film is flawed, but it still proves to be a nice, good film. Bridges' performance is the best aspect of the film, which is very convincing rather then cheesy.