Movies!

I have no life. Or TV programming. I'm not sure if one begat the other or not, but that's not where I'm going here. Because of a combination of the 2, I watch a lot of movies.

I have 3 favorites (I know it's against the rules- I tell my kids all the time that "favorite" means "only ONE that you like better than the others")

1. Kung Fu Hustle
2. V For Vendetta
3. Leon The Professional

I hate movies that are put on a pedestal as the best movie in the entire universe that has ever been and ever will be made. I won't watch (most of) them for that reason.

My favorite actor is Simon Pegg. I can't stand lots, but Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio are at the top of the list.

So, what's your favorite movies? Actors? Do you avoid a certain type of movie or watch them all?

I avoid the dramas that are too close to reality. I don't like to cry at the movies so I try to avoid the sad ones. I love to laugh, I love to be scared and I love thrillers and sci-fi movies. I usually stay away from the chick flicks but there is one that I like called The Mirror Has Two Faces with Jeff Bridges and Barbara Streisand. (I can't stand her but she's ok in this movie). I watch it at least once a year.

I love The Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Star Wars (the originals), Pride and Predujice (the A&E version), and so many more that I can't think of right now!

**Edit** High Anxiety is one of my favorites. I love Mel Brooks stuff.

Carnosaur 2

I hate movies that are put on a pedestal as the best movie in the entire universe that has ever been and ever will be made. I won't watch (most of) them for that reason.

That's a terrible reason not to watch a film.  There is a reason movies are put on those pedestals.

I found Raging Bull boring.  But I could understand why it's considered a cinematic masterpiece.  I love Bride of Frankenstein, but I don't personally feel it's one of the best films ever made.  Though I can see where people would feel that way.  I like the 70s remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers better than the 1956 version, but I understand why the 56 version is on a pedestal and the remake isn't.  I despise musicals but I understand the importance of the film Singin' in the Rain.

A good film is like good literature.  I don't avoid classic literature because people put certain books on pedestals.  I read them.  Appreciate them, then either put them into my re-read pile or pass them along.

Give Citizen Kane a chance.  Watch the character development.  Watch for the isolation that increases between the couple.  Look for parallels between Kane's estate and his personality.

Watch 2001.  It's not confusing if you give it a chance.

Watch Dr. Strangelove.  It's one of the funniest films ever and has some of the best performances ever seen.  You just have to notice the not-so-subtle subtleties. 

I know Psycho seems tame by today's standards, but watch it anyway.  It's truly a great flick and it deserves it's position on the pedestal.

1. 300.
2. On Any Sunday.  (if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand)
3. ok, I reallly like V for Vendetta, too
4. Multi-way tie, Spaceballs, LOTR, Star Wars, Tin Cup, Bull Durham, Shawshank Redemption, The Champ, Metropolis, The Time Machine (old version), Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Natural, Dust to Glory, The Patriot, Braveheart, Rob Roy.... (noticing a theme here...)

Original Post by jewelsmcblah:

I hate movies that are put on a pedestal as the best movie in the entire universe that has ever been and ever will be made. I won't watch (most of) them for that reason.

That's a terrible reason not to watch a film. There is a reason movies are put on those pedestals.

 

A good film is like good literature. I don't avoid classic literature because people put certain books on pedestals. I read them. Appreciate them, then either put them into my re-read pile or pass them along.

Give Citizen Kane a chance. Watch the character development. Watch for the isolation that increases between the couple. Look for parallels between Kane's estate and his personality.

Watch 2001. It's not confusing if you give it a chance.

Watch Dr. Strangelove. It's one of the funniest films ever and has some of the best performances ever seen. You just have to notice the not-so-subtle subtleties.

I know Psycho seems tame by today's standards, but watch it anyway. It's truly a great flick and it deserves it's position on the pedestal.

I'll concede that sometimes there's a good reason they're put on a pedestal. I guess the ones I don't like are the big Hollywood blockbusters that have so many big names the movie title barely fits on the movie cover.

Psycho- definitely a good movie- I have both the original and the one staring Anne Heche.

st_rider- yup to 300 (super bloody though- not a movie for those who aren't fond of gore!), Spaceballs and Rocky Horror Picture Show (I was doin the Time Warp dance just 2 days ago!)

1. Fight Club
2. Office Space
3. Old School
4 Grandma's Boy
5. Superbad
6. Goonies
7. Can't Hardly Wait
8. Se7en
9. Stand By Me
10. Billy Madison

edit to add: I only like stupid movies that make me laugh, because I feel they are a direct reflection of me.

I avoid any and all teen movies and majority of 'stupid' comedy films. I think a good comedy but I want something with wit and ingenuity. Flipping through my collection of movies I'd say I mostly watch dramas. I love a good film that can make me cry like a baby. I like movies that are based on things that have happened (Schindler's List, etc). I've recently really gotten into the Khmer Rouge and Cambodian history so I'm trying to find a place to download it/watch it online because I know I won't be able to find it at any of the video stores here (and if I do, I don't have a VCR haha). 

I don't know if I could pick just 3 favorites. Like books, I like them all for different reasons. 

I have way too many, most are listed on my myspace page..but if I had to pick one then it would be Jim Henson's "Labyrinth." That movie rocks my socks and has been my ultimate favorite movie since I was a child.

Original Post by qmwillcand:

I'll concede that sometimes there's a good reason they're put on a pedestal. I guess the ones I don't like are the big Hollywood blockbusters that have so many big names the movie title barely fits on the movie cover.

Psycho- definitely a good movie- I have both the original and the one staring Anne Heche.

 Okay, that's better.  The opening post made my soul hurt a little.

My faves

• Tombstone
• The Notebook
  

I love a good action flick.  However, I do not like horror movies or endless battle scenes, or too much blood, or fighting for the sake of fighting.  Give me a good hero with a sense of humor, fighting an evil villian and a few really great explosions and I'm happy. 

 
The Terminator yes.  Rocky no (can't stand Stallone! He's a humorless dolt). 
Independence Day and Mars Attacks yes.  Men in Black yes.
The Fifth Element - yes
Movies about cars or motorcycles - no no no. 
Movies with no female characters - hell no. 
Jackie Chan gets on my last nerve and so does Bruce Lee (it's all about him).  Steven Segal should retire - have you noticed how he delivers a karate kick then sort of tippy toe minces away like a girl?
Conan the Barbarian - any time!
War movies - no 
Die Hard yes.  Freddie Kruger no. 
Axe murderers, chain saws, and blood and guts (unless they are green or blue, alien blood and guts) are banned. 

What I'm saying is, I'm a picky watcher which is worse than a picky eater.

I'll name one that you specifically would really enjoy, it's called The Red Violin.

Casanova di Federico Fellini: A film on the great life of Casanova directed by an actual Italian. Even though it is sightly surreal and overall odd, it is the closest portrayal I've seen of the real Casanova. 

The Piano Teacher: If you like classical music enough to know the name Schumann, and scandalous French drama, this film is for you. 

American Movie: One of the greatest documentaries I've ever seen of a blue-collared film maker named Mark Borchardt. 

SLC Punk: Salt Lake City Punk, essential movie to understand the punk era in the 80's!

The Decline of Western Civilization II:The Metal Years: Hilarious Documentary on 80's metal.

Blue Velvet: One of the best performances I've ever seen of Dennis Hopper.

Straw Dogs: Must see before anyone tours rural England.

American Psycho: Could be the best film in the last ten years., and it really epitomizes my sense of humor.

Midnight Cowboy: HAHAHA! This movie kicks Casablanca's arse!

Inferno: Italian horror by Dario Argento.

Don's Plum: The movie Toby Maguire and Leonardo Dicaprio tried to get destroyed! It's GREAT!

Thomas est amoureux: High concept film about an agoraphobic. 

Original Post by jewelsmcblah:

Original Post by qmwillcand:

I'll concede that sometimes there's a good reason they're put on a pedestal. I guess the ones I don't like are the big Hollywood blockbusters that have so many big names the movie title barely fits on the movie cover.

Psycho- definitely a good movie- I have both the original and the one staring Anne Heche.

Okay, that's better. The opening post made my soul hurt a little.

my deepest apologies- I would never want to hurt somebodies soul. Well, unless they reeeally deserved it! j/k  :D

Don't know how I forgot this one, but the movie Evil Dead- sheer genius!

heh. Fellini's Casanova with Donald Sutherland. Bizarre, yet amusing.

American Psycho was creepy at first, but after watching 3 or 4 times, it grows on you.

Agree re: 300 excellent movie - excessive eye-candy a bonus.

No Country for Old Men was really, really good.

My two favorite movies, ones I could watch anytime regardless of my mood, are Singing in the Rain and The Princess Bride.

I like all kinds of movies, but as already mentioned, I tend to stay away from teen flicks - I kind of outgrew them, but I will always have a fondness for The Breakfast Club and 80s John Cusack movies.  And I typically don't go for bloody/violent horror things.  The truly scary ones, IMO, have little to no blood in them.  I have my guilty favorites, ones that are either at cult status or are bordering it:  Roadhouse and Clash of the Titans.

Strangely enough, only one of my favorite actors (Gene Kelley) is in my listed movie favorites.  I've had a crush on Harrison Ford since I was 6, so I'd even watch a teen flick if he were in it.  (Needless to say I love Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies.)  I'll also watch anything with Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Zeta Jones, or Cate Blanchette.

I only like Audrey Hepburn when she is dancing to AC/DC.

Original Post by dnrothx:

I only like Audrey Hepburn when she is dancing to AC/DC.

 That commerical was an abomination.

Original Post by santonacci:

Original Post by dnrothx:

I only like Audrey Hepburn when she is dancing to AC/DC.

 That commerical was an abomination.

 ...made by a genius.

hee hee: Roadhouse. One of the best bad movies of all time. Of course the presence of Sam Elliot doesn't hurt. :)

I like it when women kick ass in movies:

The Point of No Return & The Long Kiss Goodnight come to mind.

Original Post by kathygator:

I like it when women kick ass in movies:

Good ones!  In that category, I also like:

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Terminator II, and Alien.