MJs Sing-Along Blog: Seahawks won the Super Bowl, Woo Hoo!

[Mighty Jack]

No Hulk on this one. I’m cutting out movies from 2000 to the present since I did an exhaustive look at those films in the decade thread this summer. I’d only be repeating myself (plus it gives me room to breathe for other pictures)

94. The Last of Sheila (1973)
A crackling who-dun-it scripted by the unlikely pair of Anthony Perkins and songwriter Stephen Sondheim. They pen a convoluted mystery involving a group of actors, directors etc, who are invited on the yacht of powerful movie producer (James Coburn) on the anniversary of his wife's death. He then has them play a cruel little game that turns deadly.




93. The Crying Game (1992)
This film and Jaye Davidson was the talk of the town upon its release. Neil Jordan’s intricate story about an IRA kidnapping - weaves together several themes -- where people are more than they seem and love isn't so easily defined. While there are politics and Hitchcockian suspense, it's the human angle that struck and challenged me most. Davidson earned an Oscar nomination, but retired to rejoin the fashion industry after one more movie (Stargate)




92. Lilies of the Field (1963)
This is simply a nice, wholesome, good hearted film about a wandering carpenter (Oscar winner Sidney Poitier) who happens upon a group of Nuns that cajole him into building them a Chapel (or "Shaple" as Mother Superior put it). The relationship between Poitier's character and the actresses who played the Nuns was cute. It's one of those motion pictures best described as a charmer.

Catch the full flick at Youtube...




91. The Yakuza (1974)
Sydney Pollack directed this little-seen thriller from a script by Paul Schrader and Robert Towne. The Yakuza stars Robert Mitchum as Harry Kilmer, a former soldier who returns to Japan to help rescue the daughter of his friend George Tanner (Brian Keith). – RT summary. This is an underrated nail bitter and a fascinating look at a culture. I first saw this about the time Black Rain was released. In Rain the ugly American in Japan does things the American way and to hell with the stupid people who live there. Yakuza was refreshing and unique in its approach because it respected the culture and made it clear that Mitchum was the outsider who had to do things the "Japanese" way.




90. Cape Fear (1962)
Forget the unnecessary remake and sink your teeth into real Fear. Robert Mitchum is coldly frightening... he doesn't need tattoos or histrionics to scare the pants off you. Despite the friendly Southern accent and manner, the man oozes menace. Gregory Peck is perfect in the role of the steadfast former prosecutor. J. Lee Thomas directed a lot, and I mean a lot of crap, but he nailed it with this suspenseful noir classic.




89. The Major and the Minor (1942)
Damn, I limited Hitch and Kurosawa, but forgot about Billy Wilder’s dominance (well, I guess I could push Ace out if I needed room). This is Wilder's first directorial effort and it's an effervescent farce, with delightful performances. Despite the premise it doesn't get creepy. Ginger Rogers stars as Susan Applegate, a broke young woman who pretends to be an unusually tall 11-year old girl named Sue-Sue in order to pay half-price for a train ticket. She doesn't fool the conductors, and she hides from them in the car of Major Philip Kirby (Ray Milland). The concerned Kirby adopts the "lost little girl," and circumstances force Susan to play along and accompany him to the local military academy. Hi jinks ensue

Can be seen in full at Youtube...




88. Romeo and Juliet (1968)
Sick of movies with angsty teen lovers in love? Blame Shakespeare... and Franco Zeffirelli. The Italian director took a gamble in casting 2 unknowns to portray the legendary lovers, it was a gamble that paid off. Though only 15 years old, Olivia Hussey stole audiences hearts with her breathtaking beauty. And her unpolished performance is actually a plus, it serves the character well. The film was a hit, as was the stirring love theme (later rewritten and titled "A Time For Us")

[Torgo]

Ah, that's what I get for reading with a migrane.

Then your cool points went through the roof, since that excludes the Ring also.

[Mighty Jack]

Knowing of your deep abiding love for them I could be sweet talked into not only including "Hulk" and the "Ring", but the ever delightful, "Let Me In" as well!

[Torgo]

You do that. And while you're at it put Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as supreme overlord of them all.

[Mighty Jack]

87. Mystery Men (1999)
Quirky comedy about a team of wannabe superheroes. The great cast makes these colorful losers special, among them - William H. Macy, Hank Azaria, Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo and Paul Reubens. Geoffrey Rush is the evil Casanova Frankenstein (best name in comics) and Greg Kinnear plays the egotistical superstar Captain Amazing. Loads of fun and lots of laughs are to be had.




86. Dirty Harry (1971)
Yeah it’s exploitive and manipulative and it caused feminists to protest the Oscars... blah, blah, blah… You know else it is -- Bad-ass cool. The 70’s are where I started to bloom as a film fan, and Harry was a one of the movies from that era (along with Jaws, to name another) that I watched innumerable times. Clint Eastwood plays Harry Callahan, a hard-nosed San Francisco cop who plays by his own rules, and is assigned a case to take down a serial killer. I don’t know if this started the action hero ‘tag-line’ thing, but it sure helped to make it a staple..."Do you feel lucky?"




85. Johnny Belinda (1948)
Oscar winning, star-making performance from Jane Wyman - brilliant in the role of a deaf mute who is raped and bears an illegitimate child. Lew Ayers plays the doctor who takes her under his care and teaches her sign language. While daring at the time, some might find it dated, I don’t. This touching drama is timeless. It’s understated, moody and while it has an open ended finish, I fell in love with it. It also features a lush score by Max Steiner (Casablanca). It was nominated for 12 Oscars but won only one due to stiff competition from Hamlet, The Red Shoes and the Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Full feature can be viewed at youtube -




84. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brook’s greatest comedy, a film as memorable and quotable as anything out there. It’s a true classic (if I was a little more strict with my listing order, it likely would have ranked higher). Gene Wilder leads an impressive cast. If you've never seen it, what are you waiting for... Go, now, and laugh!




83. Great Expectations (1946)
My favorite David Lean movie isn't Lawrence of Arabia or Bridge on the River Kwai, it’s this filming of Charles Dickens classic 1861 novel. As the RT summary puts it... "the result is considered by many to be one of the finest literary adaptations ever made as well as one of the greatest British films of all time." The movie also boasts one of the best opening sequences in cinema history.




82. Mirage (1965)
Hitchcockian thriller about a man with amnesia who finds himself embroiled in a complex conspiracy. Gregory Peck stars in this tense, tangled mystery. Written by Peter Stone as a follow up to Charade.




81. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Critics and fans might rank other modern Disney features higher, but I still love the one that started it all – started the resurgence of Disney animation- best of all. Ariel is simply delightful, as are all the colorful characters. Plus I love the music - "Part of Your World", "Under the Sea"... they were so good I bought the soundtrack.

[Mighty Jack]

80. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
The Wrath of Khan deserves every bit of the praise it has received over the years. I love it, truly I do. But sit me down and force me to pick just one Trek flick, and my hands will reach out for the whale movie every time. Oh I know, when folks watch sci-fi they want otherworldly beings and space ships firing at one another. And spending a lot of screen time watching our heroes stroll down a modern city street doesn't fit that bill, I can appreciate that. But IV is such a strong character piece, such a showcase for the personalities I've grown to love, that I find it irresistible. It’s also funny as hell. While they milked the idea in future Trek projects, the first time I heard Spock swear -in that deadpan voice of his- I about lost it. Nice work from director Leonard Nimoy. (One nit-pick. Catherine Hick's overwrought acting was embarassing)




79. The Truman Show (1998)
Jim Carey in one of his best roles - plays a man whose entire life has been scripted and televised. Pete Weir’s film is eerily prescient. Anticipating our reality show fervor with a spot on accuracy that makes it ever more insightful.




78. Flirting (1991)
Australian filmmaker John Duigan’s follow up to "The Year My Voice Broke" - I personally like the sequel better than the first. It’s a charming and humorous coming of age love story. Top notch acting by Noah Taylor. It also features a young Nicole Kidman.

They have the film at Youtube, but I imagine the R rated movie was edited...




77. Ninotchka (1939)
Garbo laughs. Greta Garbo proves that she’s as adept at comedy as she was with drama. This classic from director Ernst Lubitsch features a script that was written by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett (among others). Garbo plays the title character; a humorless Russian agent sent to retrieve her countrymen in Paris, who were there to generate revenue for their country. This is a delightful satire, with a sparkling wit and keen performances.




76. Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
Woody Allen's seamless blend of comedy and tragedy -- It has a cynical edge that might be off putting, but I found it one of Allen's most brilliant works. Critic Emanuel Levy said it well... "This examination of the nature of evil interweaves masterfully comedy and melodrama in equal proportion. Instead of taking a casually brutal approach, Allen dwells on the consequences of sin."




75. The Limey (1999)
My favorite Steven Soderbergh film, and as with his best I get a sharp mix of style and substance. It’s a revenge thriller with a British ex-con coming to America after discovering that his daughter died under mysterious circumstances. Superb cast include Peter Fonda and Terrance Stamp, who gives a powerful, scary performance.




74. Harold and Maude (1971)
Hal Ashby’s cult classic isn't for every taste -- but this quirky dark, romantic comedy about a young man who is obsessed with death and an eccentric older woman, is one that impressed me from the first. Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon are a great pair, and the Cat Stevens music is memorable and adds much to the tone of the film.

[Mighty Jack]

73. Glory (1989)
This film –about black soldier’s fighting in the civil war- haunted me. I sat in the theater as credits rolled, not wanting to move, needing to absorb all I saw. Of the films I saw that year, none affected me as much as Glory did. Some criticized it as a glorification of war –and I can understand that perception- but I saw it more an exploration of humanity, courage and dignity.




72. Spartacus (1960)
Sweeping epic about a slave uprising. Stanley Kurbrick’s film packs an emotional wallop. The performances are often broad (how can it not when your film stars the likes of Kirk Douglas and Charles Laughton) and it can get weepy, but I still find it a moving and powerful work.




71. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Written by Paul Rubens and Phil Hartman, Tim Burton’s big screen film début just gets better and better through the years. A creative, fanciful and quirky original comedy about a boy and his bike. Burton and Ruben’s sensibilities mesh to perfection.




70. Fearless (1993)
Jeff Bridges stars as a man who survives a plane crash and thereafter he thinks he’s invincible.. This powerful character piece is often overlooked in discussions about great movies. That’s a shame because it’s another triumph for director Peter Weir - an intelligent look at the big questions about life and death. It’s one of those films that steals the breath from my lungs... just wows me (in the same way “Glory” does)




69. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this funny and violent western about a lone fugitive who picks up some allies on his journey. Chief Dan George was a delight, and speaks one of filmdom's classic lines of dialog, "I shall endeavor to persevere". While it took a while before the film received the acclaim it deserved, it now gets its due and Clint considers it the equal to the Unforgiven




68. Leon: The Professional (1994)
Luc Besson’s stylish thriller about a young girl (Natalie Portman, wonderful in her début) who takes up with a simple minded hit-man (Jean Reno) after her parents are killed, and asks him to teach her the ropes, so she can take her revenge. While it’s a hell of an action movie, I liked the drama, and the relationship between the leads was warm and (at times) funny. The fatherly affection Leon has for the girl –probably the only honest thing in his whole life- added a little light to the ugliness present in this world. The only negative was Gary Oldman's exaggerated performance.




67. Tremors (1990)
Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward star as hapless handymen who come entangled in some strange goings on. RT summed it up nicely… ”Tremors is actually two movies in one. On its own terms, it's an enjoyable modern sci-fi horror-thriller, with good pacing and a sense of humor; but it's also a loving tribute to such 1950s low-budget desert-based sci-fi-horror films like Them!”

[Torgo]

Tremors higher than Young Frankenstein?

You're either crazy or a genius. Either way...YAY!

[Mighty Jack]

I do love my Tremors. But I might be brain damaged too. Looking at my list I have Jesus Christ Superstar and Robo-Cop ranked ahead of the Godfather and Chinatown. That should be enough to get me committed.


(Honestly, I'm kind of throwing stuff out there loosey goosey, from a long list I jotted down)

[Torgo]

It's great that you listed it at all. I love that movie.

I just finished up my Rifftrax DVD collection, and on the Maniac DVD there's a Comic Con panel where they took suggestions as to what they should riff next. One of the suggestions was Tremors, and Mike glared at the man and then growled "I like Tremors."

I squealed in glee. I shouldn't have been surprised he was a fan, but it was wonderful to hear.

[Mighty Jack]

Good for Mike. Can't imagine why someone would think that would be good to riff on. It's funny all on its own.

66. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Frank Darabont and Stephen King are a perfect match. Prison movies aren't my favorite, you've seen one, you've pretty much seen ‘em all. But the basic skillful storytelling, the camaraderie and human elements, all bind together to create something profoundly inspiring. Freeman and Robins are brilliant. Can’t believe this story of hope in a hopeless situation, failed to win one Oscar.




65. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Rob Reiner's touching, funny film (from a Nora Ephron script) set a new standard for romantic comedies, and he was ably abetted by the sharp interplay between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. – RT. This is one of my all time favorite romantic comedies, it touched upon so many truths (at least within my life). It made me laugh, made me care about the people in this thing.




64. Perfect Blue (1999)
It’s David Lynch meets Hitchcock! Satoshi Kon’s manga classic proved to be a huge influence on Darren Aronofsky – The theme of a diva’s fracturing realities in Black Swan, drew heavily from the plot of Perfect Blue - and he even paid for the rights to use and restage the bathtub scene from Blue, in his movie “Requiem For a Dream” (girl holds her head underwater in bath, and screams). I just wish they'd hurry and put this on Blu-Ray (it's among my top 'wish list' releases for BD)




63. Airplane! (1980)
From the team of Zucker and Abraham: While silly as hell, this charged up spoof is a non-stop riot. Great decision to cast actors best known for their dramatic roles (and to have them maintain their deadpan serious delivery) - it forever changed Leslie Nielson’s image to that of a comedic actor.




62. The Searchers (1956)
John Wayne in the role of his life, anyone who thinks he can’t act, well... they are wrong. Wayne has several key scenes: The shooting of the dead Indians eyes, the bit where he comes down the hill after finding his nieces body – powerful. There is uncomfortable racism, but this is a racist man. Some of John Ford’s broad, manly-man humor fails for me (always has) but when it gets down to the heart of the story and to John Wayne’s character... it’s a masterpiece. The final bittersweet scene is one for the ages.




61. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Brando’s star making, incendiary performance, Kazan (ever an actors director) and Tennessee William’s are the key ingredients to this classic tale. Superlative cast: Kim Hunter, Karl Malden and of course Vivien Leigh as the faded, fragile Southern belle, Blanche DuBois. All 4 were nominated for Oscars, only Brando failed to bring one home.




60. Sling Blade (1996)
Southern style storytelling at its best – with measured pacing, atmosphere, distinct locales and colorful characters. Written, directed and starring Billy Bob Thornton. Thornton gives a memorable performances as a mentally handicaped man who befriends a boy with troubles of his own. John Ritter is among the talented cast of actors. My only problem was with Dwight Yoakam. He's not menacing enough (we're told he's pure evil, but all we are shown is a mean drunk - obnoxious and pathetic)

[Mighty Jack]

59. Charade (1963)
Suspense, comedy and romance from director Stanley Donen. This is one of the most entertaining films I've ever seen, the next best thing to Hitchcock. Plus it stars Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn - it doesn't get much better than that. The title theme was a big hit.




58. The Graduate (1967)
Some critics have soured on the film, saying it’s dated. I think that’s more a fault of the critics than the movie. Hell, I can put myself back in that era and relate to what it’s saying, it’s not that difficult (I’m looking at you Roger Ebert). Mike Nichols’ dark comedy was one of the great ‘post college’ coming of age tales, and it remains so today. Dustin Hoffman is brilliant as Benjamin, a man who is unsure of his future and enters into an affair with the mother of the girl he loves. It’s a cynical film, Ben isn't a purely noble counterculture hero, and most of the characters aren't likable. So what, they are still fascinating… and the last bittersweet scene is still a knock out. The music of Simon and Garfunkel adds much.




57. Toy Story (1995)
This is the one that started it all and set Pixar on the road to becoming one of the most respected studios. All of the Toy Story films are wonderful, but I still have a soft spot for the first above all. I think it’s the pleasure of getting to know these characters, with the additional bonus of a clueless Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) thinking he’s the real deal, and impressing every toy in the box, with the exception of Woody (Tom Hanks).




56. A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
Inventive and unusual British fantasy about a pilot who should have died in a crash, but didn't. So Heaven brings him to trial to decide his fate. This might be too odd from some American audiences, the dialog is different, even the sound is rather otherworldly - but the team of Powell/Pressburger have crafted something stunning and original and for those who can appreciate it.

The movie in full...




55. Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Frantic screwball comedy from one of the masters of the genre, Howard Hawks. It’s a madcap affair, but also stylish and flawlessly constructed. Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn are over the top hilarious in the leads.




54. Das Boot (1981)
True story about the life and crew aboard a WWI I German U-Boat. One of the greatest war movies ever made – it’s a gripping feature, full of claustrophobic suspense and raw-boned humanity. Wolfgang Petersen’s direction and Jost Vaccano’s cinematography is impeccable.




53. My Life as a Dog (1985)
From Sweden’s Lasse Halstom, comes this sensitive, smart and often funny story of the life of a philosophical little boy, who relates to the dog Laika (who was sent into space in a Russian capsule). The movie is filled with interesting townsfolk, and captures the era to a T (ala the pride the people felt with homegrown hero Ingemar Johnansson won the heavyweight title).

[Mighty Jack]

52. Diabolique (1955)
The film Hitchcock wanted to make, but Henri-Georges Clouzot snatched the rights way just before Alfred could get them (Hitch then bought the rights to the authors other book, and filmed the masterpiece, Vertigo). Clouzot directed, produced and co-wrote the screenplay to this fantastic horror/thriller. The premise concerns the wife and mistress of a cruel boarding school headmaster, who plot to kill him. Once the dead is done though, the body disappears and a series of strange events follow.




51. The Road Warrior (1981)
George Miller takes his concept for Mad Max and ramps it all the way up to 11. The plot in this post apocalyptic adventure is simple – The movie works because it’s pure, fuel injected chaos. The chase scenes are faster; the action is louder and more explosive. Though I've never been an action junkie per say, I adored this film, couldn't get enough of it. And thought Mel Gibson was the coolest thing since Bruce Lee. (he’s still a cool action hero, just not a cool human being)




50. MST3K: The Movie (1996)
This slot in the list deserves a special movie. What’s more special than Mystery Science Theater 3000? It might not be greatest thing they've ever done. But it still offers boatloads of laughs.




49. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
While I respect Roger Ebert and quote him frequently. This is the second movie, along with the Graduate, where I’m baffled by his negative nit-picky review. Yes, this adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize winning autobiographical novel is a time capsule. So what, it doesn't make it any less powerful. Tonally it works, from beginning to end. Its a gripping, human story about racism/prejudice, and how it touches these children and their father... a wise and sober voice in the community- who stands up and does the right thing. The idea and film, never fails to move me. (oh, and Gregory Peck gives the performance of his career) . You know, I used to think I was a cynic, but now I think, not so much. I’m a sentimentalist at heart.




48. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Speaking of “all the way to 11” – This is the that started the modern “Mockumentary” style (championed further by star Christopher Guest). Not only a great comedy, but a spot on portrayal of the world of rock n’ roll… and actually pretty sad (though the sad part could have been worse. The deleted scenes are loaded with material that would have made the movie a total downer had director Rob Reiner not excised it). You couldn't ask for a better cast and the music was funny and easy on the ears.




47. Hope and Glory (1987)
John Borman’s most personal and touching film. Focuses on a boy and his family in London during the blitz. It’s funny, wise and warm. This was a date movie for my future wife and I - we saw several foreign and Indie films together. She went because I liked them -- that she enjoyed and could discuss them with intelligence was one of the reasons I fell for her. I have fond memories of seeing this, at one of the cities old school theaters (not a multi-plex)




46. Why Worry? (1923)
This is Harold Lloyd’s largely forgotten classic. Mention the comedian's best and this tends to get lost in the shuffle. But I think it ranks among his top 3 all time. Lloyd plays a rich hypochondriac who goes on vacation with his nurse (the lovely and talented Jobyna Ralston) and winds up in the middle of a civil war. While funny, it’s also memorable for the interaction of the characters, in particular, the giant with a toothache (John Aasen) Harold befriends.

[Mighty Jack]

45. The Thing (1982)
About a year ago I revisited the films of John Carpenter. And while I always considered Starman and Escape from NY my favorites, upon further review, it was the Thing that stood head and shoulders above the rest. What made it work for me were the characters, the suspenseful paranoia, the creepy monster -- and Kurt Russell, who is great as usual.




44. Queen Christina (1933)
Lush, sweeping historical extravaganza with Greta Garbo playing the Queen of Sweden. 'course, they take liberties with the facts: The premise in a nutshell concerns the question of whether Christina will serve her kingdom or her heart. Garbo was a huge star at the time of it’s release. It’s her best film and performance. It’s pre-code Hollywood, so it gets away with some sexual innuendo. This sensational picture was directed by Rouben Mamoulian




43. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)
Though the kinky characters and aberrant social behavior common to the works of Spanish director Pedro Almodovar are very evident in his Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, the film is at heart a door-slamming farce in the grand tradition. – RT. Love and obsession are the key ingredients in this screwball world – it’s a good introductory film for Almovodar. If you don’t like this, it’s unlikely his other productions will satisfy




42. The Godfather (1972)
The subject of gangsters has never held much interest with me, the only reason I watched this was because of Brando (I still haven’t caught part 2). Godfather is the Revolver of the film world – there’s a faction who eschews the Sgt Pepper brilliance of Citizen Kane in favor of placing Francis Ford Coppola's magnum opus as filmdom's #1 all-time greatest. As for me, while I admire the film and am blown away by Brando’s performance, it doesn't feel like my movie (if you get my meaning). Regardless, there’s no denying its brilliance. It's deserving of every accolade.




41. Purple Rose of Cairo (1984)
wistful, bittersweet romantic comedy about the need for the magic of the movies during the depression era. In it a woman goes to the same film over and over again. A character from a movie takes notice, leaves the screen and enters our world. This is my all time favorite Woody Allen movie, it’s a lovely tale – the premise draws from Buster Keaton’s classic Sherlock Jr.




40. People Will Talk (1951)
The film doesn't try to disguise its intent – this is screenwriter/director Joseph M. Mankiewicz’s liberal response to McCarthyism. Cary Grant gives one of his finest performances, playing a doctor who gets in trouble when he falls for his unmarried, pregnant student. Hume Cronyn is his small minded conservative nemesis. While Mankiewicz beats us over the head with his politics – what emerges is engaging. And even if you disagree with its point of view, you gotta give it it’s due if for nothing else than offering something more thoughtful than your average Hollywood fare in that day and age.

The movie in full...




39. The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Charles Laughton’s lone directorial effort is a fairytale nightmare come to life. Robert Mitchum is both sinister and charming as the child-hunting preacher (he, with the words “Love” and “Hate” tattooed across his knuckles). There’s so much in this offbeat story that impresses me. The camera work and set design in particular are stunning.

[Torgo]

I'm not fond of mob movies either, but I did enjoy the Godfather.

On the note on part 2, a lot of people prefer it to the original, but I just didn't see it. It was worth watching for the Robert DeNiro portion of the movie, but the Al Pacino portion was just so bland. It was a good movie, but I have no desire to see it again.

The less said about part 3, the better. It wasn't abysmal, but there really wasn't much to it that made me think it was worth making. I did like the way it ended, though.