I was watching "The Dish" the other night. It's a movie made in 2000, starring Sam Neill, about the Austrailian contribution to the moon landing in 1969.

I realized that, even though I had seen this film, oh, probably something like 16 times in the past eight years, it still seemed as fresh as the first time I watched it. I loved the characters, I loved the acting, ditto the plot ... and pretty much everything about it.

If it's not my all time favorite, it would have to be high on my personal list of top ten films of all time. I also have to say, my personal list is quite different from that of say, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science ... for example, while I realize that "The Godfather" is considered to be a "great" film ... I just didn't happen to like it very much. That's probably because I don't generally like movies that have a lot of violence in them ... unless it's fantasy violence ... in which case I usually root for the dragon.

So ... long story short (too late!!), I started wondering what sort of films would be on the top ten list of people here ... and more important ... what appeals to you about them?? Are you an anime fan? Do you just plain love films with a lot of shoot 'em ups?? It's just not that I'd like to have a series of lists ... but I'd love to know what about certain films puts them on your list.

Sort of my way of learning about films I might not have thought about watching before ... that I found when I watched them, absolutely amazed me. (I watched all of the Godfather films ... and I wanted to like them, I really did, but unless the killers are wearing hockey masks and murdering whole fleets of teenagers ... I just can't get into it.) My best example of this would be a film called "Perfume" with Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman, and Alan Rickman (who I pretty much worship anyway). I had no expectations when I watched it ... didn't even know what it was about. Watched it and then could NOT go to sleep that night for thinking about it. It had that kind of impact on me. "The Dish" .... puts me in a good mood for several days ... makes me want to grab everybody in Australia and just give them a huge HUG!!

Another one is "Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain" that stars Audrey Tautou and Dominique Pinon (who is another actor I've had a crush since forever). I don't speak French well enough to even reliably get myself to the bathroom, so I have to watch it on a screen big enough to read subtitles .... but it is simply ever so good. The acting and plot transcend my inability to speak the language (especially now that I've seen it five of six times with the subtitles :D).

So .... anyone?? I'll be thinking of my additional seven ... and please don't feel like you can't post an answer just because you can't think of ten ... or you only have one film that just does it for you. I'd be curious to hear about them.

However ... and since I posted the thread ... I get to "makey da rules" ... no bad mouthing any film on any one else's list. You are most welcome to explain why you did or did not like something ... but, please ... none of that "Such and such is just crap." That's not an opinion so much as it really is "just crap."

Thank you ... and I'm looking forward to hearing about some films I might not have seen (I'm sure there are a lot of them).

I like films that are -- how shall I say this -- not reality films. Things like "Blazing Saddles", or "Kelly's Heroes." Although the best for me would have to be "Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb"

I like films that are -- how shall I say this -- not reality films. Things like "Blazing Saddles", or "Kelly's Heroes." Although the best for me would have to be "Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb"

Loved "Blazing Saddles" ... loved "Dr. Strangelove" ... never saw "Kelly's Heroes" ... I will put that on my Netflix list immediately, and thank you very much.

I think my favorite scene in "Blazing Saddles" was when Mongo knocked out the horse. I love horses and don't ever want to see a horse really hurt ... but that was just so unexpected and funnier than all getout.

Shrek 1, 2, and 3...because Donkey makes me laugh. I love the computer graphics, the facial expressions were priceless. But the cat, the cat in Shrek 2..played by Antonio Banderas....'sigh. I just wanted to scoop him up. All of the little fairy tale characters were hilarious.

Speaking of Antonio Banderas........I also loved him and Madonna in "Evita" I know, I know, NO ONE liked that movie. But I think the musical score was awesome. The only thing I've ever seen with Madonna in it that I liked. I actually think she did a good job. What can I say, I have weird tastes. I"m about to watch a movie no one will believe.....its called "Teeth". You don't want to know what its about.

I have a fondness for low-budget but well-made movies. Three that come to mind:

1. Star Wars (the original called Episode 3; the rest were all high rollers)
2. The Jane Austen Book Club
3. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
4. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane

I like films that are -- how shall I say this -- not reality films. Things like "Blazing Saddles", or "Kelly's Heroes." Although the best for me would have to be "Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb"

I can't get through a year without watching Dr. Strangelove. I have to put it up on the "big board" every few months so I can stop worrying. Of course these days, I have the war on terror to worry about instead of the cold war.

in no particular order: blazing saddles, blade runner, UHF, paris is burning (do documentaries count?), my best girl, labyrinth.

and i don't think i could pick a best moment in blazing saddles - there are just so many of them :D

Napoleon Dynamite


My favorite lines:


Napoleon Dynamite: Grandma just called and said you're supposed to go home.
Uncle Rico: She didn't tell me anything.
Napoleon Dynamite: Too bad, she said she doesn't want you here when she gets back because you've been ruining everybody's lives and eating all our steak.
Uncle Rico: I'm not goin' anywhere, Napoleon.

I've seen a lot of my favorites mentioned in previous answers to this post so I won't mention them again.

From the maker of Amélie Poulain: 'Delikatessen'. A lot older, very strange but highly enjoyable. It features one of the actors who's also in AP.

"21 grams", "Amores perros" and "Babel" from Alejandro Gonzalez. What can I say ? Very dark movies but I'm a fan.

Y tu mama tambien.
U-turn (superb cast)
Cidade de deus
The Slapper (book by Roddy Doyle but I don't remember who did the movie)
Young Frankenstein, or rather, Fronkenstein (Mel Brooks)
Spaceballs (dito)
The Wedding Singer: making fun with the 80s
La grande bouffe (still unsettling after all these years)

... I could go on all day :)

True Romance by Tarrantino (is that the correct spelling?)

The casting is brilliant. A big part of why the movie works. The soundtrack is very good. I can watch certain scenes on their own out of context and just enjoy the colours and composition working with the soundtrack and the pace of the story. It does have some violence but it is well used and I can deal with it and usually hate violence in a movie.

The Dead, John Huston's last film. I think it is one of the best transpositions of a masterpiece in any media (Joyce's story).
Brideshead Revisited, also a wonderful remake (of the Evelyn Waugh novel).
From Here To Eternity, for a sweeping look at the U.S. at its peak and the cracks in its foundation.
Appocalypse Now, if you can take it. A movie that could never be made again, the visual equivalent of Dylan's song, "Desolation Row."
The Paul Newman, George C Scott, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie? movie. I can't remember the title. Where the young Newman plays a pool player. The Hustler, of course!

There are many excellent movies, but these are classics.

How could I have forgotten, La Strada? Anthony Quinn and Gulietta Masini? in unforgettable performances, certainly a film for all time.

Favorite all time: Casablanca

Favorite somewhat modern: The American President and For love of the Game

Secret and Lies is a very good film. I also like the Kill Bill films a lot...

Only seen one of mine so far so here are my top favorites;


Shawshank Redemption
Shrek (1) - already mentioned :rofl:
Paint Your Wagon - even though I hate musicals


Because they make me feel better. :p and make me smile!

Oh Yeah :smack: & "Quigley Down Under" :thumbsup:

Three films by Godfrey Reggio, with music by Philip Glass
Koyaanisqatsi
Powaqqatsi
Naqoyqatsi
There are no words, just images from across the world with Glass’s musical commentary. They are absolutely hypnotic and magical.

From http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/glass.aspx
“Koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi Indian word meaning 'life out of balance'. Created between 1975 and 1982, Koyaanisqatsi is an apocalyptic vision of two different worlds - urban life, and technology versus the environment.”

Oh yes. You cannot leave out "My Fair Lady"

Only seen one of mine so far so here are my top favorites;


Shawshank Redemption
Shrek (1) - already mentioned :rofl:
Paint Your Wagon - even though I hate musicals




All of the three you listed are movies that I own and like. It is particularly amusing to watch Clint Eastwood sing and dance in Paint Your Wagon. But a true story. PYW came out in youth and being an Eastwood fan, i saw it in the theater. I fell in love with Harve Presnell's singing "They Call the Wind Maria" (pronounced Mariah) that years later, when my daughter was born, she was named Mariah after the song.

But my own movie choices for films I like to watch repeatedly are these:


The Painted Veil
Hairspray (the newest version)
Big Fish
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
Star Wars (the first film)


There are other films that I want often such as other Clint Eastwood westerns and the Dirty Harry series and even some children-oriented films like The Princess Diaries. What I don't like at all are films with gratuitous violence, excessive blood and gore, and horror films.

I've always loved "The Sting" with Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Eileen Brennan, and so many other great actors. This was also my first introduction to Scott Joplin's music.

Dreamer

Shrek 1, 2, and 3...because Donkey makes me laugh. I love the computer graphics, the facial expressions were priceless. But the cat, the cat in Shrek 2..played by Antonio Banderas....'sigh. I just wanted to scoop him up. All of the little fairy tale characters were hilarious.

Speaking of Antonio Banderas........I also loved him and Madonna in "Evita" I know, I know, NO ONE liked that movie. But I think the musical score was awesome. The only thing I've ever seen with Madonna in it that I liked. I actually think she did a good job. What can I say, I have weird tastes. I"m about to watch a movie no one will believe.....its called "Teeth". You don't want to know what its about.

Saw all the "Shrek" films .... and loved them. Of course, I had to love Puss. That's a given.

I saw part of Evita one night .... can't hurt to add it to my list. Thanks. :thanks:

Oh, and PS: I know what "Teeth" is about. :eek:

I have a fondness for low-budget but well-made movies. Three that come to mind:

1. Star Wars (the original called Episode 3; the rest were all high rollers)
2. The Jane Austen Book Club
3. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
4. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane

Ummm ... the original was Episode 4, but I certainly agree with you on that being a remarkable film.

"Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" is a great movie ... and the other two are going on my list .... thank you very much.

in no particular order: blazing saddles, blade runner, UHF, paris is burning (do documentaries count?), my best girl, labyrinth.

and i don't think i could pick a best moment in blazing saddles - there are just so many of them :D

Oh, yes ... "Blade Runner" ... I need to put that on my list of my top 10.

Sure documentaries count ... they are films after all. I saw "Labyrinth" and loved that ("Come in ... have a cuppa tea ... meet the missus!!").

I've seen UHF, and while I liked it (a lot), I don't think it would make my personal top 10 list (although I love a lot of Weird Al's music).

The only "My Best Girl" I know about is the one staring Mary Pickford ... from way back in the 1920s. Are you talking about that one?? Or, do you mean the film "My Girl" with Dan Ackroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis?? I've seen both of them actually ... both good.

So, "Paris is Burning" (drag queens in New York .... why not) is going on my view list. Thank you.

Napoleon Dynamite


My favorite lines:


Napoleon Dynamite: Grandma just called and said you're supposed to go home.
Uncle Rico: She didn't tell me anything.
Napoleon Dynamite: Too bad, she said she doesn't want you here when she gets back because you've been ruining everybody's lives and eating all our steak.
Uncle Rico: I'm not goin' anywhere, Napoleon.

Loved that film. It's a modern day classic. :D

I've seen a lot of my favorites mentioned in previous answers to this post so I won't mention them again.

From the maker of Amélie Poulain: 'Delikatessen'. A lot older, very strange but highly enjoyable. It features one of the actors who's also in AP.

"21 grams", "Amores perros" and "Babel" from Alejandro Gonzalez. What can I say ? Very dark movies but I'm a fan.

Y tu mama tambien.
U-turn (superb cast)
Cidade de deus
The Slapper (book by Roddy Doyle but I don't remember who did the movie)
Young Frankenstein, or rather, Fronkenstein (Mel Brooks)
Spaceballs (dito)
The Wedding Singer: making fun with the 80s
La grande bouffe (still unsettling after all these years)

... I could go on all day :)

Saw 'Delikatessen' ... which also had Dominique Pinon in it (which is why I saw it .... he's just too good to miss).

I've seen everything Mel Brooks ever made (and there's only one that I didn't care for ... I can't put my finger on why ... but that was "History of the World Part I").

Saw "The Wedding Singer" ... and probably need to watch that one again. However, there are a lot of films on your list ... and I like "dark" ... that I have not seen. So .... on the list they go. Thank you.

(PS .... did you ever get around to accepting my apology??) :D

True Romance by Tarrantino (is that the correct spelling?)

The casting is brilliant. A big part of why the movie works. The soundtrack is very good. I can watch certain scenes on their own out of context and just enjoy the colours and composition working with the soundtrack and the pace of the story. It does have some violence but it is well used and I can deal with it and usually hate violence in a movie.

Haven't seen it .... so going on the list. Thank you.

The Dead, John Huston's last film. I think it is one of the best transpositions of a masterpiece in any media (Joyce's story).
Brideshead Revisited, also a wonderful remake (of the Evelyn Waugh novel).
From Here To Eternity, for a sweeping look at the U.S. at its peak and the cracks in its foundation.
Appocalypse Now, if you can take it. A movie that could never be made again, the visual equivalent of Dylan's song, "Desolation Row."
The Paul Newman, George C Scott, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie? movie. I can't remember the title. Where the young Newman plays a pool player. The Hustler, of course!

There are many excellent movies, but these are classics.

The only one of those that I had seen part of was "Apocolypse Now" ... and I think the reason I couldn't get through it was that my movie tastes were a lot more Disney when I was younger. I will give that one a try again. Thanks for the recommendations.

How could I have forgotten, La Strada? Anthony Quinn and Gulietta Masini? in unforgettable performances, certainly a film for all time.

Haven't seen it ... going on list. Thanks.

Favorite all time: Casablanca

Favorite somewhat modern: The American President and For love of the Game

Yeah .... that's the fav of a lot of people and it is a great movie.

Secret and Lies is a very good film. I also like the Kill Bill films a lot...

Haven't seen "Secrets and Lies" .... putting that on the list. I own the "Kill Bill" films, but oddly, I have never watched them. Putting that on my list of things to do. :)

Only seen one of mine so far so here are my top favorites;


Shawshank Redemption
Shrek (1) - already mentioned :rofl:
Paint Your Wagon - even though I hate musicals


Because they make me feel better. :p and make me smile!

Oh Yeah :smack: & "Quigley Down Under" :thumbsup:

Love all three of those .... haven't seen "Quigley" ... so that goes on the list.

Thanks!

Three films by Godfrey Reggio, with music by Philip Glass
Koyaanisqatsi
Powaqqatsi
Naqoyqatsi
There are no words, just images from across the world with Glass’s musical commentary. They are absolutely hypnotic and magical.

From http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/glass.aspx
“Koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi Indian word meaning 'life out of balance'. Created between 1975 and 1982, Koyaanisqatsi is an apocalyptic vision of two different worlds - urban life, and technology versus the environment.”

I own and have seen Koyaanisqatsi, which is an amazing film ... and which I think would probably be in my top 10 as well.

I have not seen the other two ... and feel sort of stupid for not even knowing there were two other films.

Hi ho .. hi ho ... it's on the list they go ...... :D

Oh yes. You cannot leave out "My Fair Lady"

"My Fair Lady" is a wonderful film. I love Audrey Hepburn, but you know, I would have liked to have seen the film as it would have been had they had the guts to use Julie Andrews in the role of Eliza (which she played on Broadway).

I always felt a little cheated whenever I would find out that the actor portraying the character didn't do their own singing. Shallow of me, I know, but there you have it.

All of the three you listed are movies that I own and like. It is particularly amusing to watch Clint Eastwood sing and dance in Paint Your Wagon. But a true story. PYW came out in youth and being an Eastwood fan, i saw it in the theater. I fell in love with Harve Presnell's singing "They Call the Wind Maria" (pronounced Mariah) that years later, when my daughter was born, she was named Mariah after the song.

But my own movie choices for films I like to watch repeatedly are these:


The Painted Veil
Hairspray (the newest version)
Big Fish
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
Star Wars (the first film)


There are other films that I want often such as other Clint Eastwood westerns and the Dirty Harry series and even some children-oriented films like The Princess Diaries. What I don't like at all are films with gratuitous violence, excessive blood and gore, and horror films.

The only two I've seen on your list are "Big Fish" and "Star Wars" .... loved them both, so the rest go on the list.

Thanks.

I've always loved "The Sting" with Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Eileen Brennan, and so many other great actors. This was also my first introduction to Scott Joplin's music.

Dreamer

Heh .... I played Scott Joplin's various rags as a child. However, I never saw "The Sting" .... all I know about it is that finger on the nose signal (which they used to great effect in a commercial starring a dog, cat and mouse who ..... well, I don't want to spoil the story).

on the list ....

How about some 30's screwball comedies? Topper, Bringing Up Baby, or Ball Of Fire. Or Carry On Up the Kyhber? Great Entertainment....

How about some 30's screwball comedies? Topper, Bringing Up Baby, or Ball Of Fire. Or Carry On Up the Kyhber? Great Entertainment....

The only one I haven't seen is "Carry On Up the Khyber" .... so, adding it, and thanks.

How about some 30's screwball comedies? Topper, Bringing Up Baby, or Ball Of Fire. Or Carry On Up the Kyhber? Great Entertainment....

Not made in the 30's but time placed there - Thoroughly Modern Millie (Julie Andrews) was an entertaining spoof.:rofl:

BTW, RM, interesting new avatar.

(PS .... did you ever get around to accepting my apology??) :D

Still thinking about it ;)
Btw how did you get hold of Delikatessen ? It's such an obscure movie and french to boot !?

Hmm ... Some nice films have already been mentioned (StarWars, Shrek, Mel Brooks, Sting, Big Fish, ...).

Others need mentioning (not restricting to favourites but to films I like):
* Ice Age
* Dragonheart (only the first! - the best dragon animation so far)
* Adams Family
* Lady L
* The Frisco Kid
* The Downfall (really good!)
* Forest Gump
etc

Dont get me started, I've already deleted a couple ;)

How about some 30's screwball comedies? Topper, Bringing Up Baby, or Ball Of Fire. Or Carry On Up the Kyhber? Great Entertainment....

To that list I would add these 1930s movies to my all time favorite movies: The Thin Man series with Myrna Loy and William Powell (and Asta, of course :thumbsup:). The onscreen relationship between Loy and Powell is magnificient.

A 1960s movie that was not well received but is a good classic adventure is Sean Connery and Michael Caine's version of Kipling's The Man Who Would Be King.

And for minimalist movies -- that is minimalist in terms of actors and stages, not in terms of power and quality -- #1 in my book is Twelve Angry Men starring Lee J. Cobb and Henry Fonda, as well as other either top stars or soon to be top stars. I think this movie, along with To Kill a Mockingbird, should be required viewing by every American and every wannabe American at least once every 5 years. Every time I am called for jury duty (much as I hate being called because it really disrupts my business) I watch Twelve Angry Men before my first day. It reminds me of the importance of our jury system and the power that jurors have and need to exercise responsibly.

I made my children both read an watch To Kill a Mockingbird several times over the years as they were growing up. Its message is important and universal.

To that list I would add these 1930s movies to my all time favorite movies: The Thin Man series with Myrna Loy and William Powell (and Asta, of course :thumbsup:). The onscreen relationship between Loy and Powell is magnificient.

A 1960s movie that was not well received but is a good classic adventure is Sean Connery and Michael Caine's version of Kipling's The Man Who Would Be King.

And for minimalist movies -- that is minimalist in terms of actors and stages, not in terms of power and quality -- #1 in my book is Twelve Angry Men starring Lee J. Cobb and Henry Fonda, as well as other either top stars or soon to be top stars. I think this movie, along with To Kill a Mockingbird, should be required viewing by every American and every wannabe American at least once every 5 years. Every time I am called for jury duty (much as I hate being called because it really disrupts my business) I watch Twelve Angry Men before my first day. It reminds me of the importance of our jury system and the power that jurors have and need to exercise responsibly.

I made my children both read an watch To Kill a Mockingbird several times over the years as they were growing up. Its message is important and universal.

THE THIN MAN !!!! yeah baby !!! i bought the box-set of dvds the day they came out, as a birthday present for myself, even though the series goes downhill after the first couple of films and "The Thin Man Goes Home" is a travesty. i adore those films.
Nora : "I read where you were shot 5 times in the tabloids."
Nick : "It's not true. He didn't come anywhere near my tabloids."

in case anyone didn't know, the original Thin Man is (somewhat loosely) based on the Dashiell Hammett novel by the same name. Hammett was a true master, and the book is just as good (if not better than) the film, although somewhat darker. still funny though. a lot of the story is left completely out of the film, as is often the case.

i've not seen the film of To Kill a Mockingbird but i love the book (hmm... time to re-read it i think).

Ralph Sir Edwards : 30's screwball comedies are my FAVORITES !!! have you seen "The Awful Truth" ? the story is sort of like "the Philadelphia Story" but with Irene Dunne instead of Katharine Hepburn, so a thousand times sillier (oh god, if you don't roll on the floor laughing, there's something wrong with you), but also with Cary Grant (the perfect man. i'm completely in love with him.). seriously, you should watch it TONIGHT. in fact i think *i* will watch it tonight (or maybe topper, or the thin man...). oh and what about "My Man Godfrey" ! a classic. absolutely brilliant. also with William Powell (the thin man). i would recommend "Les Tontons Flingueurs" as well but much of the brilliance is the absolutely masterful dialogue and i'm not sure half of it could be translated at all, much less *well*. but, if you speak french, don't miss it.

i could go on, but i meant to read the whole thread before replying and also i'm starving, so dinner now.

Dont get me started, I've already deleted a couple ;)

i should probably say that as well... :rolleyes:

Still thinking about it ;)
Btw how did you get hold of Delikatessen ? It's such an obscure movie and french to boot !?

I saw it on tv. I don't remember what channel ... certain not broadcast tv, something on cable.

But, it was just so quirky, strange and dark ... I loved it. I should really stick it on my Netflix list and see it again.

Hmm ... Some nice films have already been mentioned (StarWars, Shrek, Mel Brooks, Sting, Big Fish, ...).

Others need mentioning (not restricting to favourites but to films I like):
* Ice Age
* Dragonheart (only the first! - the best dragon animation so far)
* Adams Family
* Lady L
* The Frisco Kid
* The Downfall (really good!)
* Forest Gump
etc

Dont get me started, I've already deleted a couple ;)

I haven't seen the two in red .... so they are going on the list. Thanks.

To that list I would add these 1930s movies to my all time favorite movies: The Thin Man series with Myrna Loy and William Powell (and Asta, of course :thumbsup:). The onscreen relationship between Loy and Powell is magnificient.

A 1960s movie that was not well received but is a good classic adventure is Sean Connery and Michael Caine's version of Kipling's The Man Who Would Be King.

And for minimalist movies -- that is minimalist in terms of actors and stages, not in terms of power and quality -- #1 in my book is Twelve Angry Men starring Lee J. Cobb and Henry Fonda, as well as other either top stars or soon to be top stars. I think this movie, along with To Kill a Mockingbird, should be required viewing by every American and every wannabe American at least once every 5 years. Every time I am called for jury duty (much as I hate being called because it really disrupts my business) I watch Twelve Angry Men before my first day. It reminds me of the importance of our jury system and the power that jurors have and need to exercise responsibly.

I made my children both read an watch To Kill a Mockingbird several times over the years as they were growing up. Its message is important and universal.

I loved the "Thin Man" series of films. Although I think my favorite William Powell film is "My Man Godfrey." I think that film should also be required viewing for all American ... it's a good lesson on the importance of respect regardless of wealth or social class.

On your list, the only one I haven't seen is "The Man Who Would Be King" ... it's been on the tv a few times, but I guess I wasn't certain I would like it, so I didn't watch it. (I know ... this, from a woman who has watched "The Attack of the Mole People" more than once).

It is now on my list ...

Thanks.

THE THIN MAN !!!! yeah baby !!! i bought the box-set of dvds the day they came out, as a birthday present for myself, even though the series goes downhill after the first couple of films and "The Thin Man Goes Home" is a travesty. i adore those films.
Nora : "I read where you were shot 5 times in the tabloids."
Nick : "It's not true. He didn't come anywhere near my tabloids."

in case anyone didn't know, the original Thin Man is (somewhat loosely) based on the Dashiell Hammett novel by the same name. Hammett was a true master, and the book is just as good (if not better than) the film, although somewhat darker. still funny though. a lot of the story is left completely out of the film, as is often the case.

i've not seen the film of To Kill a Mockingbird but i love the book (hmm... time to re-read it i think).

Ralph Sir Edwards : 30's screwball comedies are my FAVORITES !!! have you seen "The Awful Truth" ? the story is sort of like "the Philadelphia Story" but with Irene Dunne instead of Katharine Hepburn, so a thousand times sillier (oh god, if you don't roll on the floor laughing, there's something wrong with you), but also with Cary Grant (the perfect man. i'm completely in love with him.). seriously, you should watch it TONIGHT. in fact i think *i* will watch it tonight (or maybe topper, or the thin man...). oh and what about "My Man Godfrey" ! a classic. absolutely brilliant. also with William Powell (the thin man). i would recommend "Les Tontons Flingueurs" as well but much of the brilliance is the absolutely masterful dialogue and i'm not sure half of it could be translated at all, much less *well*. but, if you speak french, don't miss it.

i could go on, but i meant to read the whole thread before replying and also i'm starving, so dinner now.

"the Awful Truth" is now going on my list. I WISH I SPOKE FRENCH .... however, as mentioned previously, I have to watch a French film up close so I can read the subtitles. Then, it takes me a few more viewings until I know enough of what they are saying to be able to concentrate on the actors and not the subtitles. It's a loooooong process.

The Downfall is a disturbing film about the last days of the third reich in the Führerbunker in Berlin. I wanted to write that after the "really good!" but forgot ...
You perhaps should not watch the film while children are watching.

The Downfall is a disturbing film about the last days of the third reich in the Führerbunker in Berlin. I wanted to write that after the "really good!" but forgot ...
You perhaps should not watch the film while children are watching.

There are no children within 10 miles of this house ... so it's not a problem. I am fairly certain that the good people of Crapfest, Texas, warn their little ones to steer clear of that awful Buddhist woman with all the cats. :rofl:

;) ;)

I love films set in WWII, particularly:

The Great Escape
The Guns of Navarone
Hope and Glory
Casablanca
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Das Boot

For some reason, I've never been able to sit through an entire showing of "Saving Private Ryan". And both "Schindler's List" and "Sophie's Choice", though fine movies, are too upsetting to see more than once (at least for me).

My personal Favourites are

The Lord of the Rings Series, Especially the Extended Cut, With the Extras.

The Carry On Series, Especially the Earlier movie's in the series.. While a bit vulger at times, they always make me laugh.

Hatari - Wore out two tapes when I was a kid. but then again, I was crazy about wild animals at that time, living in Tanzania.

Born Free - Again, a movie I used to see monthly, if not weekly. That reminds me, need to find a new DVD of it, as the old tape is quiet worn.

Cheetah - A Really nice story about about a couple of kids who end up adopting a cheetah cub. Need to hunt down a copy, as I haven't seen it in a few years.

The Herbie Series. The original ones, not the Modern remake.

Mary Poppins - And all time classic.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - The original, not the horrible Johnny Depp version.

The Lion King - The First part, didn't like the second very much. but did enjoy the spinoff TV series, based on the adventures of Timon and Pumba.

Shrek 1 - Again, Liked the First the best, but the 2nd was ok. The third Jumped the Shark IMHO.

MIB I - Was one of my all time favorites for a while. while the 2nd was good, it didn't match greatness of the 1st.

3 Ninjas - Nice Kids adventure, where 3 kids are trained as ninjas by their grandfather, I believe there were 3 or 4 movie's in the series, but the 1st couple were the best of the bunch.

7 Luck Ninja Kids - I thinks that was the name. Believe was HK film, about 7 kids all with different skills who get together to solve a mystery. Is a cute movie, and if you area kid, even more fun .

The Police Academy Series - If you haven't watched it, its a must. Great comedy, and while a bit dated at times, is a classic in my opinion, even if in many ways they do typify the typical B-movies.

Ninja academy - In the same vein as the Police academy, A great B grade comedy movie, spoofing everthing in site.

The Pink Panther - Peter Sellers at his best.

Down Periscope - Great Comedy. Great for a few laughs.

Under Siege 1 and 2 - two of my favourite action movies. Really enjoyed the fight sequences.

Bloodsport - Probably one of van dams better movies. Just watch it for the fight sequences if nothing else.

Kindergarden Cop - Nice to see Arnie in such a position.

Mrs. Doubtfire - One of Robin Williams Best performances.

Toys - Also one of his better ones. Really liked this movies as it combined my childhood fascination of toys with weapons.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - My Favourite in the whole series.

Lilo and Stich - Great, and love the music. Hawaiian Roller Coster Ride indeed!

The Gods Must be Crazy - Hilarious Series. a must see. Its about what happens when a bushmen village in the Kalahri come into contact with te modern world and the results.

The Rescuers - one of disnys older, less well known movies, but still a great one.

Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man - while not a movie per se, is still one of favourite DVD's to rewatch, but even better is ...

Cirque du Soleil: Alegría - My all time favourite performance. love the music. I do have most of the other DVD's but this is the one I always turn to.

Kill Bill - Have to watch both parts back to back to get the full effect.

Enter The Dragon - My Favourite Bruce Lee Movie. Probably helped start my martial arts movie obsession.

Most of Jackie chans older HK movies. Not so much his newer stuff.

King Kong - The new one, haven't seen the older versions.

The Bridge over the River Kwai

The Great Escape

The Hogfather - This is proably one of the best adaptions of a novel I have ever seen. If you like Terry Pratchett, it is a must see. Even If you don't its worth a look.

Whew! That All That I can think off the top of my head :)

:yay: The Hogfather! Its quite nice :)
While reading your list I remembered "Cast Away" (isnt the Sushi-buffet nice?) and "I am legend". While I absofragginglutely dont like the zombies in "I am legend" (they are so stereotypical and boring), I like the character Will Smith is playing. *sings* 'cause every little thing, 's gonna be all right.
Dead Poets Society ... So far not mentioned?

"The Awful Truth"[/B] ? the story is sort of like "the Philadelphia Story" but with Irene Dunne instead of Katharine Hepburn, so a thousand times sillier (oh god, if you don't roll on the floor laughing, there's something wrong with you), but also with Cary Grant (the perfect man. i'm completely in love with him.). seriously, you should watch it TONIGHT. in fact i think *i* will watch it tonight (or maybe topper, or the thin man...). oh and what about "My Man Godfrey" ! a classic. absolutely brilliant. also with William Powell (the thin man). i would recommend "Les Tontons Flingueurs" as well but much of the brilliance is the absolutely masterful dialogue and i'm not sure half of it could be translated at all, much less *well*. but, if you speak french, don't miss it.

i could go on, but i meant to read the whole thread before replying and also i'm starving, so dinner now.

But of couse I have them all (and have seen them recently - last night I watched "Libeled Lady" with Myrna Loy and William Powell). I just didn't want to make a looong list. You might try "I Was A Male War Bride" - Cary Grant and Ann Sheridan. Ah, the joys of bureaucracy....

(Embarrasing to mention on a reading forum, but I have more movies than books - though not by much...)

I love films set in WWII, particularly:

The Great Escape
The Guns of Navarone
Hope and Glory
Casablanca
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Das Boot

For some reason, I've never been able to sit through an entire showing of "Saving Private Ryan". And both "Schindler's List" and "Sophie's Choice", though fine movies, are too upsetting to see more than once (at least for me).


The ones in red, I've seen. I've got "Saving Private Ryan" ... but I'm ashamed to admit, I'm scared to watch it.

I went with a friend to see "Schindler's List." He walked out about mid-way through the film ... and left me to finish it out on my own. I thought it was an amazing film ... upsetting, yes, but still amazing.

My personal Favourites are

The Lord of the Rings Series, Especially the Extended Cut, With the Extras.

The Carry On Series, Especially the Earlier movie's in the series.. While a bit vulger at times, they always make me laugh.

Hatari - Wore out two tapes when I was a kid. but then again, I was crazy about wild animals at that time, living in Tanzania.

Born Free - Again, a movie I used to see monthly, if not weekly. That reminds me, need to find a new DVD of it, as the old tape is quiet worn.

Cheetah - A Really nice story about about a couple of kids who end up adopting a cheetah cub. Need to hunt down a copy, as I haven't seen it in a few years.

The Herbie Series. The original ones, not the Modern remake.

Mary Poppins - And all time classic.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - The original, not the horrible Johnny Depp version.

The Lion King - The First part, didn't like the second very much. but did enjoy the spinoff TV series, based on the adventures of Timon and Pumba.

Shrek 1 - Again, Liked the First the best, but the 2nd was ok. The third Jumped the Shark IMHO.

MIB I - Was one of my all time favorites for a while. while the 2nd was good, it didn't match greatness of the 1st.

3 Ninjas - Nice Kids adventure, where 3 kids are trained as ninjas by their grandfather, I believe there were 3 or 4 movie's in the series, but the 1st couple were the best of the bunch.

7 Luck Ninja Kids - I thinks that was the name. Believe was HK film, about 7 kids all with different skills who get together to solve a mystery. Is a cute movie, and if you area kid, even more fun .

The Police Academy Series - If you haven't watched it, its a must. Great comedy, and while a bit dated at times, is a classic in my opinion, even if in many ways they do typify the typical B-movies.

Ninja academy - In the same vein as the Police academy, A great B grade comedy movie, spoofing everthing in site.

The Pink Panther - Peter Sellers at his best.

Down Periscope - Great Comedy. Great for a few laughs.

Under Siege 1 and 2 - two of my favourite action movies. Really enjoyed the fight sequences.

Bloodsport - Probably one of van dams better movies. Just watch it for the fight sequences if nothing else.

Kindergarden Cop - Nice to see Arnie in such a position.

Mrs. Doubtfire - One of Robin Williams Best performances.

Toys - Also one of his better ones. Really liked this movies as it combined my childhood fascination of toys with weapons.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - My Favourite in the whole series.

Lilo and Stich - Great, and love the music. Hawaiian Roller Coster Ride indeed!

The Gods Must be Crazy - Hilarious Series. a must see. Its about what happens when a bushmen village in the Kalahri come into contact with te modern world and the results.

The Rescuers - one of disnys older, less well known movies, but still a great one.

Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man - while not a movie per se, is still one of favourite DVD's to rewatch, but even better is ...

Cirque du Soleil: Alegría - My all time favourite performance. love the music. I do have most of the other DVD's but this is the one I always turn to.

Kill Bill - Have to watch both parts back to back to get the full effect.

Enter The Dragon - My Favourite Bruce Lee Movie. Probably helped start my martial arts movie obsession.

Most of Jackie chans older HK movies. Not so much his newer stuff.

King Kong - The new one, haven't seen the older versions.

The Bridge over the River Kwai

The Great Escape

The Hogfather - This is proably one of the best adaptions of a novel I have ever seen. If you like Terry Pratchett, it is a must see. Even If you don't its worth a look.

Whew! That All That I can think off the top of my head :)

Again ... I've seen the ones in red. Some sound like films I would have liked as a kid ... probably not so much now.

"The Hogfather" sounds really interesting. I think I will put the Carry On series on my list as well.

Thanks.

:yay: The Hogfather! Its quite nice :)
While reading your list I remembered "Cast Away" (isnt the Sushi-buffet nice?) and "I am legend". While I absofragginglutely dont like the zombies in "I am legend" (they are so stereotypical and boring), I like the character Will Smith is playing. *sings* 'cause every little thing, 's gonna be all right.
Dead Poets Society ... So far not mentioned?

I have decided to watch "The Hogfather." I saw "Cast Away" some years ago ... and thought it was an outstanding tour de force for Tom Hanks. I saw the remake of "I Am Legend" recently. It was ok, but pound for pound, I actually like the Vincent Price version better.

I know I saw "The Dead Poets Society" ... but I guess it didn't do that much for me, because I only dimly remember it. Most of the time, even after one watching, I'll remember large amounts of dialogue and plot points ... and for some reason, I only have little wisps of memory for that film. Wonder why? I might just have to watch it again on principle.

But of couse I have them all (and have seen them recently - last night I watched "Libeled Lady" with Myrna Loy and William Powell). I just didn't want to make a looong list. You might try "I Was A Male War Bride" - Cary Grant and Ann Sheridan. Ah, the joys of bureaucracy....

(Embarrasing to mention on a reading forum, but I have more movies than books - though not by much...)

I don't think I've heard of "Libeled Lady" ... on the list. "I was a Male War Bride" was on the tv not long ago, although it might be nice to see that again without the commercials.

Ricky,

If you decide to check out "The Guns of Navarone", make sure it's the great 1961 version starring Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn. DO NOT confuse it with the 1978 stinker of a sequel with Robert Shaw and Harrison Ford called "Force 10 From Navarone".

Again ... I've seen the ones in red. Some sound like films I would have liked as a kid ... probably not so much now.

"The Hogfather" sounds really interesting. I think I will put the Carry On series on my list as well.

Thanks.

The only thing in Hogfather is that there are several layers, so it can lead to a lot of enjoyable rewatching. And if you read the books, you will get even more out of it with a lot of in jokes and veiled references. but you don't need to read the book to just enjoy the movie(s) (as it was split into two parts for the broadcast, so over 3hrs in total)

I agree, Many of the ones I mentioned may be more enjoyable to kids, but even then most of them are still a decent viewing.

I threw them in, figuring someone may get a kick out of it.

Would suggest that you start with the earlier Carry on films first, as they were some of the best Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carry_On_films) has a nice list of the films.

But they are all enjoyable, however the ones with Sid James tend to quiet a bit more bawdy.

And If you enjoy those, would suggest getting a hold of DVD's of some of the older BBC tv series such as Blackadder, Yes Minister, etc.. While not exactly the same thing, the sense of humour in many cases is the same, ad lib a bit dryer.

I don't think I've heard of "Libeled Lady" ... on the list. "I was a Male War Bride" was on the tv not long ago, although it might be nice to see that again without the commercials.

Do catch "Libeled Lady". It's one of the best Powell/Loy pairings.

Here are some particularly good movies (from the 30's to 70's).
Remember your taste may vary....

Film Noir

All the top Bogies - but everybodies already seen them.

A before/after code remake pair of the same Chandler book.
"Murder My Sweet" - Dick Powell - 1945
"Farewell My Lovely" - Robert Mitchum -1975
Both are excellent, and it is interesting to see how the story was "cleaned up" for the Hays code.

Westerns

This is a complex set, but worth watching in order. The philosophy of the last movie is brought into much sharper relief by having seen the first 2 movies.

They Call Me Trinity - followed by Warlock (1959) - followed by My Name is Nobody.


Caper Films

The original Ocean's 11 - A perfect time capsule of Las Vegas circa 1960.
The original The Thomas Crown Affair - The perfect caper movie.

Extra Comedies

Ninotchka - Greta Garbo
Harvey - Jimmy Stewart
Man's Favorite Sport - Rock Hudson
Father Goose - Cary Grant


Odds and Ends/Guilty Pleasures

The Life And Times Of Col. Blimp
Doc Savage (1975)
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Secondhand Lions (2003) - so sue...

Ralph Sir Edward, can we have movie night at your house ?

(oh, and of course everyone's already seen it, but my favorite noir bogart film is "the big sleep.")

Ralph Sir Edward, can we have movie night at your house ?

(oh, and of course everyone's already seen it, but my favorite noir bogart film is "the big sleep.")

Well, Zelda, I'll even serve you a 2000 Bordeaux to go with the movie. (Chateau my choice...)

château your choice, film my choice, it's a deal ;) name the night.

château your choice, film my choice, it's a deal ;) name the night.

You'll have 900 to choose from...

:wideeyed: better make this a recurring thing then.

Ricky,

If you decide to check out "The Guns of Navarone", make sure it's the great 1961 version starring Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn. DO NOT confuse it with the 1978 stinker of a sequel with Robert Shaw and Harrison Ford called "Force 10 From Navarone".

Will do. :)

:wideeyed: better make this a recurring thing then.

With the price of jet fuel......

The only thing in Hogfather is that there are several layers, so it can lead to a lot of enjoyable rewatching. And if you read the books, you will get even more out of it with a lot of in jokes and veiled references. but you don't need to read the book to just enjoy the movie(s) (as it was split into two parts for the broadcast, so over 3hrs in total)

I agree, Many of the ones I mentioned may be more enjoyable to kids, but even then most of them are still a decent viewing.

I threw them in, figuring someone may get a kick out of it.

Would suggest that you start with the earlier Carry on films first, as they were some of the best Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carry_On_films) has a nice list of the films.

But they are all enjoyable, however the ones with Sid James tend to quiet a bit more bawdy.

And If you enjoy those, would suggest getting a hold of DVD's of some of the older BBC tv series such as Blackadder, Yes Minister, etc.. While not exactly the same thing, the sense of humour in many cases is the same, ad lib a bit dryer.

Oh, I have a copy of the entire Blackadder series .... all the way to Blackadder Goes Forth. I sort of kind of HAD to have those because the character of Percy Percy was based on one of my great x 48 or so grandfathers. I really hope he wasn't quite that big of a twit.

:)

Do catch "Libeled Lady". It's one of the best Powell/Loy pairings.

Here are some particularly good movies (from the 30's to 70's).
Remember your taste may vary....

Film Noir

All the top Bogies - but everybodies already seen them.

A before/after code remake pair of the same Chandler book.
"Murder My Sweet" - Dick Powell - 1945
"Farewell My Lovely" - Robert Mitchum -1975
Both are excellent, and it is interesting to see how the story was "cleaned up" for the Hays code.

Westerns

This is a complex set, but worth watching in order. The philosophy of the last movie is brought into much sharper relief by having seen the first 2 movies.

They Call Me Trinity - followed by Warlock (1959) - followed by My Name is Nobody.


Caper Films

The original Ocean's 11 - A perfect time capsule of Las Vegas circa 1960.
The original The Thomas Crown Affair - The perfect caper movie.

Extra Comedies

Ninotchka - Greta Garbo
Harvey - Jimmy Stewart
Man's Favorite Sport - Rock Hudson
Father Goose - Cary Grant


Odds and Ends/Guilty Pleasures

The Life And Times Of Col. Blimp
Doc Savage (1975)
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Secondhand Lions (2003) - so sue...

Secondhand Lions would definitely be on my top 10 list. I have seen this film more times than I can count ... and never grow tired of it.

I knew one of the (bit part only) actors who was in the "Doc Savage" film, so I had to see it. It was ok .... but, I don't know if I would want to watch it again ... maybe.

Several of the other films you mention I have not seen. So, I'll start adding them to the list as well. I know I should have seen "Ninotchka" ... I've always intended to see it ... don't know why I haven't yet.

"Father Goose" is simply one of Cary Grant's best. I alwasy enjoy the reaction at HQ when "Goodie Two Shoes marries The Filthy Beast." And, the whole bit about the snake ...... :rofl: ("That looks like a snake!!"

Ralph Sir Edward, can we have movie night at your house ?

(oh, and of course everyone's already seen it, but my favorite noir bogart film is "the big sleep.")

He does understand that movie night has to include ALL OF US??? Riiiight???

I love films set in WWII, particularly:

The Great Escape
The Guns of Navarone
Hope and Glory
Casablanca
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Das Boot



The motorcycle ride by Steve McQueen in The Great Escape is magnificient. Love that movie, too. Bridge on the River Kwai is also a fantastic movie -- and the theme song is so memorable. Both are in my library of movies.

I also have Das Boot in my library but I find it difficult to sit through (I did once and that seems to be enough). Casablanca I never liked and never thought was a particularly good movie. Guns of Navarone falls into the same category as Von Ryan's Express -- OK but not great.

But then there is the Magnificient Seven with Yul Brynner and crew. Although not a war movie, still a great movie. I've watched that a number of times.

A lot of really good movies have been made over the years. Cool Hand Luke with Paul Newman, Marty with Ernest Borgnine are two that come immediately to mind from years ago.

I knew one of the (bit part only) actors who was in the "Doc Savage" film, so I had to see it. It was ok .... but, I don't know if I would want to watch it again ... maybe.


That's why it's under the category "Guilty Pleasures". I'm a serious Savagologist, with a complete set of paperback reprints. Everybody has a movie or two that they know isn't great, but it syncs with them...

He does understand that movie night has to include ALL OF US??? Riiiight???

Will I get sued for having a theatrical performance??? Texas Stadium costs an awful lot to rent.....

That's why it's under the category "Guilty Pleasures". I'm a serious Savagologist, with a complete set of paperback reprints. Everybody has a movie or two that they know isn't great, but it syncs with them...

Ah ... but I would never put "Secondhand Lions" in the guilty pleasures group. That movie is just plain great. Of the few families that live down in this valley, we pass my copy of that movie around constantly. Everyone just loves it. The casting is great, the acting is great, the lion is wonderful, and even the "villain" (that word simply does not look right to me ... I'm sure I've misspelled it) turns out to be a man of great principle and wisdom.

Loooooove that movie sooooo much. :thumbsup:

And If you enjoy those, would suggest getting a hold of DVD's of some of the older BBC tv series such as Blackadder, Yes Minister, etc.. While not exactly the same thing, the sense of humour in many cases is the same, ad lib a bit dryer.

BBC series films are excellent. I have and love the Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister series. Even though dated by political topic, they are still current excellent commentaries on government and politicians.

Also own and love the Rumpole of the Bailey series. I have watched them innumerable times.

Two other good comedy series from the BBC are the Hyancinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) series (whose actual series name escapes me right now) and the Fawlty Towers series with John Cleese.

American PBS ran a series in the late 1970s called Meeting of Minds by Steve Allen. Unfortunately, except for 1 episode, they have not been released on video. They were excellent. The idea was to have a roundtable discussion of various topics with historical figures including Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, Marie Antoinette, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Paine, Francis Bacon, Thomas Jefferson, Voltaire and Charles Darwin. Several would sit around the table and Steve Allen would moderate the discussion.

Ah ... but I would never put "Secondhand Lions" in the guilty pleasures group. That movie is just plain great. Of the few families that live down in this valley, we pass my copy of that movie around constantly. Everyone just loves it. The casting is great, the acting is great, the lion is wonderful, and even the "villain" (that word simply does not look right to me ... I'm sure I've misspelled it) turns out to be a man of great principle and wisdom.

Loooooove that movie sooooo much. :thumbsup:

The catagory header was Odds and Ends as well as Guilty Pleasures. I didn't know where else to put the Bishop's Wife and Secondhand Lions, so I put them under Odds and Ends

Will I get sued for having a theatrical performance??? Texas Stadium costs an awful lot to rent.....

Hmmmmm .... maybe. But then, maybe we could talk them into letting us have it as part of some sort of charitable event. Let's see .... that's up in Dallas, right??

Hmmmmm .... maybe. But then, maybe we could talk them into letting us have it as part of some sort of charitable event. Let's see .... that's up in Dallas, right??

Yes. Let's see, you fly everybody over, and I'll arrange the venue...

BBC series films are excellent. I have and love the Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister series. Even though dated by political topic, they are still current excellent commentaries on government and politicians.

Also own and love the Rumpole of the Bailey series. I have watched them innumerable times.

Two other good comedy series from the BBC are the Hyancinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) series (whose actual series name escapes me right now) and the Fawlty Towers series with John Cleese.

American PBS ran a series in the late 1970s called Meeting of Minds by Steve Allen. Unfortunately, except for 1 episode, they have not been released on video. They were excellent. The idea was to have a roundtable discussion of various topics with historical figures including Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, Marie Antoinette, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Paine, Francis Bacon, Thomas Jefferson, Voltaire and Charles Darwin. Several would sit around the table and Steve Allen would moderate the discussion.

I have the Fawlty Towers series on DVD. They only made something like 12 episodes ... which is just so sad, because it was so good. I also purchased a book with all the scripts in it, as well as a lot of behind the scenes information.

I saw a few episodes of Rumpole, also of Meeting of the Minds. I know I've seen the show with Hyacinth Bucket in it ... but I can't remember the name of it either.

Mrs. Moon (the elderly lady who lives a few minutes walk from me) sets aside one night every week when she has to watch her "British Shows." There are several -- one after the other -- on PBS. Nothing budges her then. You do NOT disturb Mrs. Moon when her British Shows are on. No sir. Not if you value your life.

BBC series films are excellent. I have and love the Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister series. Even though dated by political topic, they are still current excellent commentaries on government and politicians.

Also own and love the Rumpole of the Bailey series. I have watched them innumerable times.

Two other good comedy series from the BBC are the Hyancinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) series (whose actual series name escapes me right now) and the Fawlty Towers series with John Cleese.

American PBS ran a series in the late 1970s called Meeting of Minds by Steve Allen. Unfortunately, except for 1 episode, they have not been released on video. They were excellent. The idea was to have a roundtable discussion of various topics with historical figures including Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, Marie Antoinette, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Paine, Francis Bacon, Thomas Jefferson, Voltaire and Charles Darwin. Several would sit around the table and Steve Allen would moderate the discussion.

The show you are referring to is Keeping up Appearances which along with Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister can be watched online for free on Netflix if you are a member.

Keeping up Appearances is also shown on PBS stations on Saturday nights.

Yes. Let's see, you fly everybody over, and I'll arrange the venue...

'Scuse me??? Must be my audio hallucinations acting up. Must check my temperature. Ummmm .... can audio hallucinations show up on a computer screen??

Twenty cats to feed ..... keep that in mind. Every cent I make goes into their mouths and out their asses into the kitty litter that I HAVE TO BUY!!

(Wanders off mumbling about cat poo ..... and oh, the garbage man comes tomorrow ... must take out the trash.)

The show you are referring to is Keeping up Appearances which along with Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister can be watched for online for free on Netflix if you are a member.

Yes ..... that's the one!!

Oh, and your mention of cheese reminded me of another series of films I love. All of the Wallace and Grommit series. I actually got to meet Nick Parks the night before he won his first Academy Award (for "The Wrong Pants"). He autographed my T-shirt .... :jump:

I love all the cheese jokes in those films. And, the references that most folks around here don't get .... like Wallace eating his Meatabix. :rofl:

I can't disagree with any of the films posted so far, so I will just add a few that I haven't noticed anyone list yet (I may have missed them if they were)

2001: A Space Odyssey

Memento

Donnie Darko

Dark City

Inglorious Bastards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglorious_Bastards) (OK, this one hasn't even been made yet, but how can a WWII Tarantino film not be a "must-see"?

I can't disagree with any of the films posted so far, so I will just add a few that I haven't noticed anyone list yet (I may have missed them if they were)

2001: A Space Odyssey

Memento

Donnie Darko

Dark City

Inglorious Bastards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglorious_Bastards) (OK, this one hasn't even been made yet, but how can a WWII Tarantino film not be a "must-see"?

I've seen them all (except the one that hasn't been made yet) ... and enjoyed them all immensely. Especially "Dark City" which I've watched several times and purchased.

Oh, and a PS: My Sparkletts water delivery man had to take a few months off work, because he's gotten a part in a Quentin Tarantino film. I was used to that sort of thing in LA ... but not so much in Texas.

There are so many great movies, or so many movies that may not be great but are very entertaining. Among the ones that I never tire of:

It Happened One Night
Harvey
Casablanca
The Maltese Falcon
The Thin Man series
The Big Sleep
Lawrence of Arabia
Pulp Fiction
The Longest Day

Some people have been mentioning TV series. If we include those, then:

Father Ted series - I can watch these over and over but most people I've shown them to just seem to not be interested

There are so many great movies, or so many movies that may not be great but are very entertaining. Among the ones that I never tire of:

It Happened One Night
Harvey
Casablanca
The Maltese Falcon
The Thin Man series
The Big Sleep
Lawrence of Arabia
Pulp Fiction
The Longest Day

Some people have been mentioning TV series. If we include those, then:

Father Ted series - I can watch these over and over but most people I've shown them to just seem to not be interested

Only one of the films I haven't seen is "The Longest Day" ... which if memory serves is a war (WWII??) film. I might put that on my list, although most war films are really hard for me to watch.

I don't think I've ever heard of the Father Ted series. I've put them into my movie queue. They look like I'd probably like them. Thanks for the suggestion.

I'll just start going for ten here, and see how far I get. (Note, any "foreign film" that I mention I have only watched in the original language, and, for me, that is the best way. Two in particular - they'll likely be obvious - became quite gauche in dubbed form when I tried to rewatch them that way)

I'll start with my favourite movie to leave me feeling just generally happy all over:

1. Muriel's Wedding - I think I just said why in my lead-in :)

2. Powaqqatsi

3. Baraka - this and number 2 are pretty much for the same reason, since they're a similar style. They take you out of your own private universe and thrust you into the World

4. Goldmember - this I can watch over and over again. Yes, I know how juvenile the humour in it can be. What's your point? :) I hear they are making another, though my love of this one makes me hope they're not setting up the motorbike, pool and shark for The Fonz.

5. Amelie - one of the most beautiful films (visual, character, story) I've ever watched. Audrey Tautou is the second-most beautiful actress I have watched, and I've only ever watched her in this film.

6. Anything with Katherine Hepburn - see above, and let the "second-most" tell you who the "most" is. :)

7. Fargo - it's the only Cohen Brothers film I've seen, and not all that long ago. It is completely and utterly brilliant in its contrast of violence against peace. Frances McDormand left me awed at the simple perfection of her portrayal of her "simple" (not the pejorative version of "simple") character

8. Shortbus - this movie somewhat makes redundant the question, "Is it art or is it pornography?". It is magnificently filmed, wonderously peopled, completely heartfelt (the small vignettes of "animation" are exquisitely placed), and the ending will have you marching around the room cheering and singing the anthem. This movie is most extremely sexually explicit (just thought I'd chuck that warning in there). Not for everyone, I strongly suspect.

9. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - I think this would rival Amelie in the visual aspects of beauty. Each scene feels as carefully and perfectly composed as an image from any master photographer (Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, et cetera). It's a damned lovely story too, and even the fight scenes are a magnificent dance within their violence.

10. Here I'll just list some that jockey for this position, changing constantly:


Fight Club
Monty Python's [anything]
Caddyshack
Blazing Saddles
Flying High/Airplane
2001
Bliss (but this is swayed here by the book)
The Spongebob Squarepants Movie
Apocalypse Now


I could go on, but probably to needless effect.


I also just wanted to mention something that was flung into my thought processes by rhadin. Cool Hand Luke was my Dad's favourite movie. Although he was a fan of Peter Sellers, and thought extremely highly of Doctor Strangelove... and Being There, it was Paul Newman's gentle and subtle leading role in Cool Hand Luke that he always referred to as "Brilliant!", and passed similar sentiment on to all other aspects of the movie. I've watched it one-and-a-half times - once, as a child, before my parents realised I was behind them watching it, and once as a late-teen. I've not watched it since, wanting to savour the time to watch it, and to only occasionally feed myself that treat. Thus, it's not in my "Top 10", though that's because it's in a separate and very personal realm to general "movie appreciation". Regardless, I think it's Paul Newman's best, and, to me, certainly he is at his smolderingly sexiest.

Cheers,
Marc

Don't think anyone has mentioned 'Brief Encounter' so far - Noel Coward, David Lean, Rachmaninov, Trevor Howard, Celia Johnson - pretty much a perfect film imho :).

I'd also recommend
The Big Lebowski
Silent Running
Branagh's 'Henry V'
Olivier's 'Richard III'

... and anything with Louise Brooks in it, primarily because it has Louise Brooks in it :smitten: - especially 'Pandora's Box' and 'Diary of a Lost Girl'.

Chopper
The Fifth Element (Not Like We Haven't All Seen It)
Half Baked
Bringing out the Dead
Eraserhead
The Holy Mountain ('cause why not?)

There are to many to make a list of "best of", so I'll just list a few I've watched recently (although the movies aren't recent) and that I thought would be recommended:

Dr. Jivago
In the Mouth of Madness
Blade Runner


And if you like TV series:
How I Met Your Mother (an excelent comedy series. Very funny and wity)

..
Blade Runner
...
I was lucky enough to see the restored version of Blade Runner in the cinema recently. One of those once-in-a-lifetime chances. It was just perfect :)

I'm actually taking media studies at the university so I have to watch a lot of (mostly old) films. My favourites are more or less recent though:

Lost in Translation
Ghost World
Broken Flowers
Dan in Real Life
Pieces of April
Cashback
Garden State
American Beauty
Donnie Darko
Cube
Millenium Actress (Anime)
Spirited Away (Anime)
Haibane Renmei (Anime)

I prefer movies that concentrate on human relations without being ordinary or clichéd. Sol Stein put it this way (I'm quoting from memory): "Every character has to be a bit excentric to be interesting."

Since you are an awful Buddhist woman with cats have you seen Kundun? I loved that movie. Went to Tibet 2 years ago, awesome.

Also on the Buddhist theme try Samsarra. The movie I mean:) . I will look up the details this evening. It is about a monk that disrobes and the life he lives after. I think it is set in Ladakh in Northern India and has an Indian director.

I've seen them all (except the one that hasn't been made yet) ... and enjoyed them all immensely. Especially "Dark City" which I've watched several times and purchased.

Oh, and a PS: My Sparkletts water delivery man had to take a few months off work, because he's gotten a part in a Quentin Tarantino film. I was used to that sort of thing in LA ... but not so much in Texas.
I've seen the one that hasn't been made yet. It will be okay, but I think that the inclusion of the alien invaders will be a bit derivative.:rofl:

I'll just start going for ten here, and see how far I get. (Note, any "foreign film" that I mention I have only watched in the original language, and, for me, that is the best way. Two in particular - they'll likely be obvious - became quite gauche in dubbed form when I tried to rewatch them that way)

...

Cheers,
Marc

Hey Marc, when did you become a ... cat?:rolleyes:

Interesting topic - favorite movies, well here goes:
Casablanca
The Great Escape
Shane
The Maltese Falcon
Shawshank Redemption
Volver
Amelie
The Sand Pebbles

Just because of the impending holiday, I'll recommend a movie that I've seen almost as many times as there are years in my life: 1776.

Yes, it's a low-budget movie musical, and silly at times... but it does a good job of showing how the Founding Fathers were not Demi-Gods or geniuses, but ordinary men in an extra-ordinary situation. I've watched it almost every year around July 4th, as it tends to help remind me what this country is really about: People, not institutions or titles or even ideals. It's inspirational. But still fun to watch.

And speaking of musicals, another one with almost the same notation: West Side Story.

And that's all for now. The list is too big...

I'll just start going for ten here, and see how far I get. (Note, any "foreign film" that I mention I have only watched in the original language, and, for me, that is the best way. Two in particular - they'll likely be obvious - became quite gauche in dubbed form when I tried to rewatch them that way)

I'll start with my favourite movie to leave me feeling just generally happy all over:

1. Muriel's Wedding - I think I just said why in my lead-in :)

2. Powaqqatsi

3. Baraka - this and number 2 are pretty much for the same reason, since they're a similar style. They take you out of your own private universe and thrust you into the World

4. Goldmember - this I can watch over and over again. Yes, I know how juvenile the humour in it can be. What's your point? :) I hear they are making another, though my love of this one makes me hope they're not setting up the motorbike, pool and shark for The Fonz.

5. Amelie - one of the most beautiful films (visual, character, story) I've ever watched. Audrey Tautou is the second-most beautiful actress I have watched, and I've only ever watched her in this film.

6. Anything with Katherine Hepburn - see above, and let the "second-most" tell you who the "most" is. :)

7. Fargo - it's the only Cohen Brothers film I've seen, and not all that long ago. It is completely and utterly brilliant in its contrast of violence against peace. Frances McDormand left me awed at the simple perfection of her portrayal of her "simple" (not the pejorative version of "simple") character

8. Shortbus - this movie somewhat makes redundant the question, "Is it art or is it pornography?". It is magnificently filmed, wonderously peopled, completely heartfelt (the small vignettes of "animation" are exquisitely placed), and the ending will have you marching around the room cheering and singing the anthem. This movie is most extremely sexually explicit (just thought I'd chuck that warning in there). Not for everyone, I strongly suspect.

9. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - I think this would rival Amelie in the visual aspects of beauty. Each scene feels as carefully and perfectly composed as an image from any master photographer (Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, et cetera). It's a damned lovely story too, and even the fight scenes are a magnificent dance within their violence.

10. Here I'll just list some that jockey for this position, changing constantly:


Fight Club
Monty Python's [anything]
Caddyshack
Blazing Saddles
Flying High/Airplane
2001
Bliss (but this is swayed here by the book)
The Spongebob Squarepants Movie
Apocalypse Now


I could go on, but probably to needless effect.


I also just wanted to mention something that was flung into my thought processes by rhadin. Cool Hand Luke was my Dad's favourite movie. Although he was a fan of Peter Sellers, and thought extremely highly of Doctor Strangelove... and Being There, it was Paul Newman's gentle and subtle leading role in Cool Hand Luke that he always referred to as "Brilliant!", and passed similar sentiment on to all other aspects of the movie. I've watched it one-and-a-half times - once, as a child, before my parents realised I was behind them watching it, and once as a late-teen. I've not watched it since, wanting to savour the time to watch it, and to only occasionally feed myself that treat. Thus, it's not in my "Top 10", though that's because it's in a separate and very personal realm to general "movie appreciation". Regardless, I think it's Paul Newman's best, and, to me, certainly he is at his smolderingly sexiest.

Cheers,
Marc

Hmmm .... I marked the ones in red that I haven't seen. A few of them have been mentioned more than once, so they are definitely going on my list.

I've decided that this was a really (really) good idea!! My Netflix list is now 174 films long. :D

Don't think anyone has mentioned 'Brief Encounter' so far - Noel Coward, David Lean, Rachmaninov, Trevor Howard, Celia Johnson - pretty much a perfect film imho :).

I'd also recommend
The Big Lebowski
Silent Running
Branagh's 'Henry V'
Olivier's 'Richard III'

... and anything with Louise Brooks in it, primarily because it has Louise Brooks in it :smitten: - especially 'Pandora's Box' and 'Diary of a Lost Girl'.

The only film on your list I haven't seen is "Brief Encounter." "Pandora's Box" is a remarkable film.

Short aside .... when I was interviewing at one of the large law firms (many years ago), the partner who was interviewing me asked me about my favorite actors/actresses. I immediately said "Harold Lloyd and Lousie Brooks." He looked like he was going to fall over!! So, then he asked me which of Ms. Brooks' films I liked best .... well, she didn't make all that many ... but my favorite of hers is definitely "Pandora's Box." Needless to say, I got hired. I found out much later that the partner's wife (I think it was his wife ... it might have been him) was Mary Pickford's nephew. I guess my appreciation for silent films did me a solid (so to speak).

I don't think anyone has ever done a better St. Crispin's Day speech than Branagh.

Chopper
The Fifth Element (Not Like We Haven't All Seen It)
Half Baked
Bringing out the Dead
Eraserhead
The Holy Mountain ('cause why not?)

Well, more importantly (for me anyway) .... why? I think "Bringing Out the Dead" is already on my list. I saw "Eraserhead" when I was about your age. I'll do a little research into the rest of your list ... only because I think our taste in films probably would have meshed better when I WAS your age .... although, you wouldn't have been born yet ... so scratch that. :D

There are to many to make a list of "best of", so I'll just list a few I've watched recently (although the movies aren't recent) and that I thought would be recommended:

Dr. Jivago
In the Mouth of Madness
Blade Runner


And if you like TV series:
How I Met Your Mother (an excelent comedy series. Very funny and wity)

Saw "Dr. Zhivago" more than once. Great film. "Blade Runner" deserves a place on my Top 10 ... if for nothing else but Rutger Hauer's beautiful speech just before he dies.

I haven't seen "In the Mouth of Madness" .... so that goes on the list.

To that list I would add these 1930s movies to my all time favorite movies: The Thin Man series with Myrna Loy and William Powell (and Asta, of course :thumbsup:). The onscreen relationship between Loy and Powell is magnificient.



My favorites too. Everyone one of the Thin Man movies are great.

My other favorite movie series are the Charlie Chan movies. I prefer Sydney Toler to Warner Oland.

I also enjoy the The Saint and The Falcon movies too.

I love old "B" detective movies from the 30's-40's. I LOVE old "B" movies in general. My all time movie is "The Thing from another World". The acting is superb. John Carpenter's "Thing" is very good also, one of the few times the remake is good.

Interesting topic - favorite movies, well here goes:
Casablanca
The Great Escape
Shane
The Maltese Falcon
Shawshank Redemption
Volver
Amelie
The Sand Pebbles

Anything with Humphrey Bogart is usually pretty good. Casablanca, Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, To Have and Have Not. All great films!

I'm actually taking media studies at the university so I have to watch a lot of (mostly old) films. My favourites are more or less recent though:

Lost in Translation
Ghost World
Broken Flowers
Dan in Real Life
Pieces of April
Cashback
Garden State
American Beauty
Donnie Darko
Cube
Millenium Actress (Anime)
Spirited Away (Anime) Haibane Renmei (Anime)

I prefer movies that concentrate on human relations without being ordinary or clichéd. Sol Stein put it this way (I'm quoting from memory): "Every character has to be a bit excentric to be interesting."



I own DVDs of some of these films ... I'm talking about some of the ones I haven't seen. Again .... I don't know why I haven't watched them yet ... I need to. I've had "Sprited Away" for a long time .... but, most of the anime I have seen just completely fails in my eyes. This could be because the anime I see on TV is really low budget ... I don't know. I think the two things that bother me the most (and you can probably tell me if this is true of any of the anime films you've recommended) is:

1. What seems like endless periods of "talking heads" ... where the animation is frame after frame of pretty much nothing; and
2. The dialogue, which seems interspersed with gratuitous "Huh?" and "Uh!" exclamations ever few scenes.

I'm actually worried I'm so prejudiced against Anime, that "Spirited Away" ... which won so many awards, will be something I can't like. If you get my reasoning ... which sounds a little convoluted to me.

Since you are an awful Buddhist woman with cats have you seen Kundun? I loved that movie. Went to Tibet 2 years ago, awesome.

Also on the Buddhist theme try Samsarra. The movie I mean:) . I will look up the details this evening. It is about a monk that disrobes and the life he lives after. I think it is set in Ladakh in Northern India and has an Indian director.

Kundun is on my list. It has been for a while. I will put Samsarra on the list as well. Thanks.

My list favourite films - in no particular order, and not necessarily exhaustive.

Blade Runner
Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire)
Lord of the Rings
Hero
Princess Mononoke
Orlando
Strictly Ballroom
Local Hero
13th Warrior
Elizabeth
Fantasia 2000

I tend to prefer the fantastic over the 'everyday drama' style.

My favorites too. Everyone one of the Thin Man movies are great.

My other favorite movie series are the Charlie Chan movies. I prefer Sydney Toler to Warner Oland.

I also enjoy the The Saint and The Falcon movies too.

I love old "B" detective movies from the 30's-40's. I LOVE old "B" movies in general. My all time movie is "The Thing from another World". The acting is superb. John Carpenter's "Thing" is very good also, one of the few times the remake is good.

I always enjoyed the Charlie Chan movies. I realize they perpetuate a very painful stereotype for many Asians .... well, that and it bugs them no end that the character wasn't even played by an Asian actor. For those two reasons, they haven't gotten much play on most stations, I suppose it's understandable ... I still think it's a shame.

I also love all the old detective movies, and the original Thing (James Arness did such a great job as an evil vegetable).

I may have to see if the CC movies are available on Netflix. I'd like to watch them again, if only to see Keye Luke, who was an amazing actor.

Anything with Humphrey Bogart is usually pretty good. Casablanca, Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, To Have and Have Not. All great films!

My favorite Bogart film will always be "The African Queen." There is nothing of his that I have not seen ... including some of the godawful stuff he did when he was first starting out.

"The African Queen" is a must have on my list of Top 10.

My list favourite films - in no particular order, and not necessarily exhaustive.

Blade Runner
Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire)
Lord of the Rings
Hero
Princess Mononoke
Orlando
Strictly Ballroom
Local Hero
13th Warrior
Elizabeth
Fantasia 2000

I tend to prefer the fantastic over the 'everyday drama' style.

Several on your list that I have not seen. If memory serves, "Princess Mononoke" is anime?? If so ... I may put it on the list, but as I admitted in a prior post ... I find myself sort of pre-prejudiced against anime.

I didn't go see "Fantasia 2000" ... which is odd in that, I am a die-hard Disney freak. I'm going to have to check my DVD locker and see if I purchased it and just never watched it.

Several on your list that I have not seen. If memory serves, "Princess Mononoke" is anime?? If so ... I may put it on the list, but as I admitted in a prior post ... I find myself sort of pre-prejudiced against anime.

I didn't go see "Fantasia 2000" ... which is odd in that, I am a die-hard Disney freak. I'm going to have to check my DVD locker and see if I purchased it and just never watched it.

There's anime - and then there's anime. I guess I mean that while Japanese animated movies tend to share a certain style, they vary as much quality-wise, or style-wise to be nice, as for instance American animated films. I don't watch 'amine' myself, but I think when it comes to making animated films, Hayao Miyazaki, who've made, among others, "Princess Mononoke", can sweep the floor with Disney. Sorry ;) There's a otherworldly magical quality to these films that you just don't find with Disney. Really great storytelling, and beatiful, detailed handmade animation. THey're all over very 'rich'.

'Princess Mononoke' has some themes that are best understood by older children or adults, but some of his earlier films, like 'My neighbour Tototo' are more children's films, and captures a wonderful childlike innocense.

I think the best one to start with would be 'Chihiro' ('Spirited Away'). It has some of both childish and the adult themes - probaly because the character herself is between child and adult), and I think it's one his absolute best films. It feels very complete. So don't don't watch it because it's 'anime', actually it's much more like a Disney film - I just feel Miyazaki's films has greater depth and nuance. They feel more like a work of art than a product.

There's the most beautiful short with flying whales in Fantasia 2000. And we get to meet Donald Duck on Noah's Ark. The short films are generally playing around with drawing and colouring styles to great effect. The original Fantasia is more conservative that way. The introductions by famous actors is a bit cheesy, but you can always skip that :)

What did you think of 'Local Hero' btw.? Hardly anyone I meet have seen it - it's always a surprise to me that someone else know of it.

There's anime - and then there's anime. I guess I mean that while Japanese animated movies tend to share a certain style, they vary as much quality-wise, or style-wise to be nice, as for instance American animated films. I don't watch 'amine' myself, but I think when it comes to making animated films, Hayao Miyazaki, who've made, among others, "Princess Mononoke", can sweep the floor with Disney. Sorry ;) There's a otherworldly magical quality to these films that you just don't find with Disney. Really great storytelling, and beatiful, detailed handmade animation. THey're all over very 'rich'.

'Princess Mononoke' has some themes that are best understood by older children or adults, but some of his earlier films, like 'My neighbour Tototo' are more children's films, and captures a wonderful childlike innocense.

I think the best one to start with would be 'Chihiro' ('Spirited Away'). It has some of both childish and the adult themes - probaly because the character herself is between child and adult), and I think it's one his absolute best films. It feels very complete. So don't don't watch it because it's 'anime', actually it's much more like a Disney film - I just feel Miyazaki's films has greater depth and nuance. They feel more like a work of art than a product.

There's the most beautiful short with flying whales in Fantasia 2000. And we get to meet Donald Duck on Noah's Ark. The short films are generally playing around with drawing and colouring styles to great effect. The original Fantasia is more conservative that way. The introductions by famous actors is a bit cheesy, but you can always skip that :)

What did you think of 'Local Hero' btw.? Hardly anyone I meet have seen it - it's always a surprise to me that someone else know of it.

OK .... I will give Miyazaki's films a try. And, since I already have a copy of "Spirited Away" ... I can probably start my education tonight.

I loved "Local Hero" ... it was such a strange film, but Burt Lancaster and Scots mermaids?? What's not to like??

I was in to pin collecting for awhile ... so I have all sorts of pins from Fantasia 2000. Doesn't really add anything to my reply, I know ...

I think the two things that bother me the most (and you can probably tell me if this is true of any of the anime films you've recommended) is:

1. What seems like endless periods of "talking heads" ... where the animation is frame after frame of pretty much nothing; and
2. The dialogue, which seems interspersed with gratuitous "Huh?" and "Uh!" exclamations ever few scenes.
No and no. Both Millenium Actress and Spirited Away have fluid animation, good dialogue and intelligent stories. Haibane Renmei is a series with 13 episodes total, ~20 minutes per episode and of course a lower budget than the movies, but it's still very good and with beautiful music.
You can watch the trailers, if you want to:
Sprited Away Trailer (http://www.trailerfan.com/movie/sen_to_chihiro_no_kamikakushi/trailer)
Millenium Actress Trailer (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291350/trailers-screenplay-vi4254662937)
Haibane Renmei Trailer ... sort of (http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2225471769/)

My favorite Bogart film will always be "The African Queen." There is nothing of his that I have not seen ... including some of the godawful stuff he did when he was first starting out.

"The African Queen" is a must have on my list of Top 10.

Great movie. Best of Bogart!

I always enjoyed the Charlie Chan movies. I realize they perpetuate a very painful stereotype for many Asians .... well, that and it bugs them no end that the character wasn't even played by an Asian actor. For those two reasons, they haven't gotten much play on most stations, I suppose it's understandable ... I still think it's a shame.

I also love all the old detective movies, and the original Thing (James Arness did such a great job as an evil vegetable).

I may have to see if the CC movies are available on Netflix. I'd like to watch them again, if only to see Keye Luke, who was an amazing actor.

I'm almost sure that Netflix has the CC movies. A few years ago I bought quite a few CC movies that were finally released on DVD. I agree Keye Luke was great.

Another favorite of mine are the old Margaret Rutherford Miss Marple movies. Her expressions were priceless. I have these on DVD too.

Great move. Best of Bogart!

Absolutely!

OK .... I will give Miyazaki's films a try. And, since I already have a copy of "Spirited Away" ... I can probably start my education tonight.

I loved "Local Hero" ... it was such a strange film, but Burt Lancaster and Scots mermaids?? What's not to like??

I was in to pin collecting for awhile ... so I have all sorts of pins from Fantasia 2000. Doesn't really add anything to my reply, I know ...
I'll look forward to read what you think of "Spirited Away".

I love "Local Hero" for the understated, slightly dark humour. Maybe it's because it's a lot like Danish humour, but I think the humour is just great, and I loved the stars and sea theme. As you say, what's not to like about a Scottish mermaid?
It is just perfect. the film has even turned into a 'friend litmus test' for me. If you like it, you're all right ;)

And if you can get around to it, you should watch Fantasia 2000 as well. There's some really great animation.

Saw "Dr. Zhivago" more than once. Great film. "Blade Runner" deserves a place on my Top 10 ... if for nothing else but Rutger Hauer's beautiful speech just before he dies.

I haven't seen "In the Mouth of Madness" .... so that goes on the list.

Jon Carpenter's "In the Mouth of Madness" is inspired in Lovecraft's works. So expect some horror in his distinct style ;)

No and no. Both Millenium Actress and Spirited Away have fluid animation, good dialogue and intelligent stories. Haibane Renmei is a series with 13 episodes total, ~20 minutes per episode and of course a lower budget than the movies, but it's still very good and with beautiful music.
You can watch the trailers, if you want to:
Sprited Away Trailer (http://www.trailerfan.com/movie/sen_to_chihiro_no_kamikakushi/trailer)
Millenium Actress Trailer (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291350/trailers-screenplay-vi4254662937)
Haibane Renmei Trailer ... sort of (http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2225471769/)

Thanks for the links. I will watch them later today. I'm listening to my George Carlin albums (I bought four of them the other day, and I'm having such a great time .... laughing my ass off).

I'm glad to know that all anime is not as awful as the stuff I've seen on tv. I suppose it's not different from Western animation ... there was gold among the dreck there too. Even some of the stuff I liked ... like Hanna Barbera ... at some point even I noticed that the background would just repeat every few frames. :rolleyes:

I'm almost sure that Netflix has the CC movies. A few years ago I bought quite a few CC movies that were finally released on DVD. I agree Keye Luke was great.

Another favorite of mine are the old Margaret Rutherford Miss Marple movies. Her expressions were priceless. I have these on DVD too.

The only problem I had with the Margaret Rutherford Miss Marple movies was .... well, she just wasn't how I pictured Miss Marple. She was much to ... physically intimidating somehow. Fine actress ... it's just that I can no more accept her as Miss Marple than I can Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. Still liked the film ... but not on my favorites list for not being well cast ... they really should have conferred with me first .... right??

I'll look forward to read what you think of "Spirited Away".

I love "Local Hero" for the understated, slightly dark humour. Maybe it's because it's a lot like Danish humour, but I think the humour is just great, and I loved the stars and sea theme. As you say, what's not to like about a Scottish mermaid?
It is just perfect. the film has even turned into a 'friend litmus test' for me. If you like it, you're all right ;)

And if you can get around to it, you should watch Fantasia 2000 as well. There's some really great animation.

Well .... you've got a leg up on my friends list just by being Danish. Ever since I read about King Christian X's treatment of the Danish Jews in WWII, I have been a big fan of the Danes. Any country that can produce a king like him is a country I can respect.

Will definitely watch Fantasia 2000.

Jon Carpenter's "In the Mouth of Madness" is inspired in Lovecraft's works. So expect some horror in his distinct style ;)

I figured from the title that it must be Lovecraft. His work is difficult to translate to the screen. It's so dark ... it's sometimes like a black hole.

(Listening to Carlin's "Seven Words" routine. Oh, man .... he was great. If I'm wrong, and it turns out there is a "god" ... then he/she/it must be laughing his/her/ass off right now.)

My favorite Bogart film will always be "The African Queen." There is nothing of his that I have not seen ... including some of the godawful stuff he did when he was first starting out.

"The African Queen" is a must have on my list of Top 10.

After you said this, a couple of others also commented on Bogart. I agree, totally, that he was fantastic. However, as is implicit from my previous mention, I could watch Katherine Hepburn sell insurance and be enthralled, and so I was naturally somewhat dazzled by African Queen. Mind you, though I do like Tracy and Hepburn together (Desk Set is a favourite), watching Bogart and Hepburn interact was perfection.

I was loathe to narrow down Hepburn to a single movie, but African Queen was the first thing I saw Hepburn in, and it was love at first sight, and so if you forced my hand it would definitely be this movie.

Cheers,
Marc

After you said this, a couple of others also commented on Bogart. I agree, totally, that he was fantastic. However, as is implicit from my previous mention, I could watch Katherine Hepburn sell insurance and be enthralled, and so I was naturally somewhat dazzled by African Queen. Mind you, though I do like Tracy and Hepburn together (Desk Set is a favourite), watching Bogart and Hepburn interact was perfection.

I was loathe to narrow down Hepburn to a single movie, but African Queen was the first thing I saw Hepburn in, and it was love at first sight, and so if you forced my hand it would definitely be this movie.

Cheers,
Marc

Oh, absolutely!! Katherine Hepburn was a goddess. No question.

The African Queen
The Desk Set
The Philadelphia Story
The Rainmaker and
The Lion in Winter

Not saying that these are the only films I liked her in ... far from it. It's just that these are my favorite KH performances.

If I were ever going to switch teams ... I would hope I could end up with someone as beautiful and intelligent as Katherine Hepburn.

I haven't seen Snatch mentioned here, one of my all time favorite movies, along with memento, donnie darko, fight club and many others.
Favorite guilty pleasure: Stargate

I've seen quiet a few recommendations for Anime films.

Instead of hijacking this thread :) I'm starting a new thread about that.

Has anyone mentioned We're no angels (the original with Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov (a genius!) et Al) yet?

Here are some of my favourite movies. No particular order.

Double Indemnity......... with Fred McMurray.
The Apartment............ " "
Now Voyager.............. Bette Davis
Tender Mercies........... Robert Duvall
Goodbye Mr. Chips....... Greer Garson. Earlier version and the best.
Random Harvest.......... " "
Some Like it Hot..........
Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe.
Two Mules For Sister Sara.
Monsoon Wedding..........Excellent film.

Hope you find something there to your liking.


Slan
Mag.

I don't recall anyone mentioning "Excalibur" (1981), my favorite retelling of the King Arthur legend. It's gorgeous to look at and stars the divine Helen Mirren as Morgana.

(And speaking of Helen Mirren, she made "Prime Suspect" one of the greatest television series of all time.)