|
|
|
Comment |
Sorted by
Date Written |
Re: You have to start at the bottom. (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
on Hitchcock because if you measure him with the other movies at the time, he was a master
I don't deny that Hitchcock was a master. My claim was that his classics are usually boring. To me. With this list I'm not interested in putting these films in any historical context. Rather I'm putting them in a personal context. Subjectivity is king.
Again you have to take into consideration the time and age of the movie.
For the same reason as above, I disagree. If she doesn't do it for me today, in 2002/03, then she doesn't do it for me ever, no matter what era she came from. I do find it possible to be thrilled by actresses from the 1930s, just not by Ms. Bergman.
Anyway, thanks for the comments. And yes, "GBU" does have an excellent ending (I just watched it yesterday, as a matter of fact, in preparation for a review I'm writing for another write-off). Keep reading, if you please...
-mike
|
Dec 31 '02
5:20 am PST
|
|
You have to start at the bottom. (Reply to this comment)
by seidswipe
I worked my way back so my perspective is different. You have an interesting choice of films. I wonder if Harold Ramis has made his best film yet?
I disagree with your opinion on Hitchcock because if you measure him with the other movies at the time, he was a master. All current mystery movies lead back to him in one way or another.
Ingrid Bergman does it for me. Again you have to take into consideration the time and age of the movie. She had the perfect blend of fire and ice.
Great choices and I agree with the G, B and U just for the final showdown alone.
|
Dec 30 '02
10:47 pm PST
|
|
Re: Ah! Hudson v. Desperado v. Shawshank! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
I don't defend Hudson Hawk as one of cinema's greatest achievements, a "must see" as you put it. Then again, I wouldn't defend Desperado or Shawshank Redemption based on the same criteria either.
But, as the title of this series indicates, this is more of a list of my favourite movie-going experiences (i.e. "One Hundred Nights at the Cinema") than a collection of what I feel should belong in the canon (I'm realizing this fact more and more as I go along). And based on that criteria, Hawk, El Mariachi, and Andy Dufresne all deserve recognition.
I haven't read King's Shawshank (I haven't read any King since I was 15 years old, but that's another tale), so I can't comment on the strength of the source material. Except to say that, yes, The Green Mile was published in installments (a la Dickens) and the movie version was rather banal.
Glad you liked the pieces otherwise... thanks for reading...
-mike
|
Dec 30 '02
7:05 am PST
|
|
Ah! Hudson v. Desperado v. Shawshank! (Reply to this comment)
by aeoluscmc
I have to say that I'm enjoying reading your top 100, but I just have to cringe that Hudson Hawk (which I thought was terrible) and Desperado (okay, I'm guilty, I enjoyed it... but I wouldn't put it on a must-see list) next to Shawshank Redemption (have you read the book? I always thought Darabont's problem after Shawshank was that he just couldn't find another story as well written and put together... sure King wrote both Different Seasons and the Green Mile, but I always sorta thought Green Mile wasn't very well thought out... isn't that the one King wrote section by section??)
Anyhow, didn't mean to make this long-winded. Really _am_ enjoying your review... but Hudson & Desperado next to Shawshank???
|
Dec 29 '02
8:31 pm PST
|
|
Re: Re: Re: "mature reviewers steal from Brits with hobbled legs" (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Oh, I knew that. I think. But just to clear something up: I would indeed kick a man when he's down. It's funnier that way, because he'll have a harder time getting up to chase you... ;)
Anyway, glad to see your feeling better. Have a happy new year, Chris. We'll be here when you get back...
-mike
|
Dec 23 '02
4:42 am PST
|
|
Re: Re: "mature reviewers steal from Brits with hobbled legs" (Reply to this comment)
by Simply_Crispy
Just having you on, knew you wouldn't kick a man when he was down (almost literally, in my case).
See you in 2003 fella. Take care of yourself, and make sure you have a huge stack of reviews for me to peruse upon my return
Chris
|
Dec 23 '02
2:04 am PST
|
|
Re: "mature reviewers steal from Brits with hobbled legs" (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
I don't know if I should be flattered or offended, but I'll take a chance and go with the former
The former! The former! Of course it's the former!
-mike (who meant it as an ode to a fallen e-friend)
|
Dec 19 '02
6:04 am PST
|
|
"mature reviewers steal from Brits with hobbled legs" (Reply to this comment)
by Simply_Crispy
Larf. I don't know if I should be flattered or offended, but I'll take a chance and go with the former.
Glad you got both The Truman Show and Groundhog Day in there. Can't wait for the final three instalments.
Chris
|
Dec 18 '02
10:48 am PST
|
|
Re: Mike... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
I have attempted to compile a top ten list, which changes with every breath
You see, that's the trick isn't it? Once the list is made, once you're happy with the order, DON'T CHANGE IT! Resist the urge! I've looked over my list several times since I finalized it, and there are at least a dozen film that I'd change. But it does accurately represent a snapshot of my 100 faves at the time I made it. So, I'm sticking with it.
-mike (stubborn as a mule, and with twice the kick)
|
Dec 11 '02
12:26 pm PST
|
|
Re: wow! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Thanks, Annie. Feel free to make any suggestions of films that I haven't seen. I'm always on the lookout for an undiscovered gem.
-mike
|
Dec 11 '02
12:24 pm PST
|
|
wow! (Reply to this comment)
by annecal
Impressive undertaking! Since I've enjoyed all the films you've listed that I have seen, I'm making note of the ones I haven't! Slums I really enjoyed, and I though In the Company of Men was horrifyingly fascinating.
Looking forward to the rest of the list!
:)
Annie
|
Dec 08 '02
6:40 pm PST
|
|
Re: Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
By the way, Mike, I did a word count of Simply_Crispy's. It came to something like 8,000 words.
I did the same thing. My first 20 came in at over 4000 alone. And that was with holding myself back. More importantly, like I said, I needed the time to finish the rest of the list. That played a bigger role in my decision to break the list up.
My response to your most recent e-mail is in the works. Look out for it.
In the works? What, are you doing several drafts? Is it book length? I'm frightened, Neal. Very frightened. ;)
-mike
|
Dec 08 '02
8:38 am PST
|
|
Re: I don't know how anybody could not worship Kubrick (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
I don't know how anybody could not worship Kubrick
I don't worship Kubrick. But I do admire most of his work (except for the boring bits). In fact, I have a couple more of his films to go on my list. Don't count him out yet.
Thanks for the comment, woke…
-mike
|
Dec 08 '02
8:35 am PST
|
|
Re: ------------ (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
A few people on this site have dared to partake in a top-100 listing in 20-film segments, but none made it past the first stage, abandoning it as quickly as they apparently envisioned it
All the more incentive to get the sucker done. I'm done up until the mid-70s, so far. Which means I'll have to pick up the pace in order to meet my next deadline. Glad at least somebody has confidence that I can do it.
Well, it's good to know we heavily disagree on a lot of things -- makes it more interesting, you know?
I'm actually finding the 'disagreeing' comments more fascinating than all the others. Chop away, if you must.
I thought edTV too much like a sitcom to be enlightening. LaBute, well, I understand your displeasure. Misanthropy can be tough to swallow, even for the most hardened cynics. Dead Man Walking, despite its flaws, I find eminently watchable. And Groundhog Day hides its subversive streak so well behind a coat of shimmering gloss, that I always get a kick out of it.
Keep watching the skies, for the next (and next, and next) installment…
-mike
|
Dec 08 '02
8:32 am PST
|
|
Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Neal,
I’m the senior member between the two of us
In longevity at the site, sure. But I'm nearly double your age, young buck.
But you don’t seem to suffer from writer’s block or trying to figure out what film to review
No, I don't. Cause I just review every film I've seen.
“Casablanca” ... at least made your list. Which means you like the film but just prefer some more flicks over it.
Casablanca is in my top 10% (or so). Which, you're right, is pretty damn good.
Do you have the DVD edition of it?
Nope.
“Vertigo”: I stayed awake though it, but later asked myself why.
I know why Vertigo is an important film. I just don't feel it in my gut.
But you and I seem to be on opposite ends of “Psycho”:
Neal, you're jumping the gun here. True, I despise the middle and end of Psycho, but that doesn't prevent me from loving the movie (in fact, you will read more of my thoughts on this subject in the near future).
Get this: There are some people I know who loathe Kubrick’s films, but have never laid eyes on “The Killing” or “Dr. Strangelove”.
That's akin to saying "I loathe all flavours of ice cream, but have never tasted chocolate or vanilla." Ridiculous.
I assume that you will post some other reviews in between list entries
I better. It seems like I've promised participation in over a dozen write-offs in December (exaggeration for effect), not including the one I'm hosting. Still, there is much opening soon that I am longing to see: About Schmidt, The Two Towers, Gangs of New York, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, etc. No rest for the weary, right?
Thanks Neal for the (as always) thorough and enlightening comment...
-mike (who still hasn't seen It's a Wonderful Life, and has no plans too in the near future)
|
Dec 08 '02
8:26 am PST
|
|
Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by weirdo_87
By the way, Mike, I did a word count of Simply_Crispy's list (I just copied and pasted it to a word file, along with a subsequent word count). It came to something like 8,000 words. So it can be done in one posting. But, of course, Chris' entries weren't as descriptive as yours.
I would also like to say that, though I prefer his earlier work, Kubrick has an excellent hit with "Full Metal Jacket". And I seemed to have liked "Clockwork Orange" better than yourself (Though I never read the book).
My response to your most recent e-mail is in the works. Look out for it.
Neal
|
Dec 07 '02
3:40 pm PST
|
|
... (Reply to this comment)
by weirdo_87
Mike, I’m sorry it took me awhile to post a comment. I wanted to write something more than “Great job” or “Congrats on your 100th review”. Not that you didn’t do a great job or that I’m not happy you reached 100. Just envious. Still, according to Epinions, I’m the senior member between the two of us. But you don’t seem to suffer from writer’s block or trying to figure out what film to review. This Saturday, which you probably know, is Pearl Harbor day. Perhaps I’ll write a review to do with that. And no, I won’t trivialize the day by writing of Michael Bay’s overblown soap opera (Though I’ll admit that I haven’t seen it since it’s theatrical release. Perhaps it will look better if I watch it again now).
Anyway, about the review in question. Like some of the other commentators here, I too think “Casablanca” is one of the greatest, most nearly perfect of movies. Maybe the not the greatest or most nearly perfect, but close. However, the others seem to forget that it at least made your list. Which means you like the film but just prefer some more flicks over it. Oh well.
“North by Northwest” is also my favorite of Hitchcock’s films I’ve seen. Maybe not the greatest, but it’s the one I would want to be buried with. Do you have the DVD edition of it? Not a bad buy at all: It’s bargain priced package (About 15 dollars in U.S money), yet has the same quality transfer and extras you would expect from a special edition. I’m in agreement with you about “Vertigo”: I stayed awake though it, but later asked myself why. And, despite the charming presence of Grace Kelly, I only got through half an hour of “Rear Window” (Though I’m intending to watch it again soon so I can dedicate a review of it to our pal Chris).
But you and I seem to be on opposite ends of “Psycho”: I’ll admit that I’ve only seen it once to date, but I remember being thrilled past the beginning scenes (Even if those various “Best Movies” documentaries had spoiled half of the surprises). My only major complaint was with the tell-all ending: I understand why Hitch put the psychiatrist in, but couldn’t someone have told him to shut up? Once again, though, it’s your writing. And I admire people who stick to their opinions, even if I disagree.
I must say that I agree with your assessments on Kubrick: I’m a fan of all or most of his filmography, but his early works have a certain quality that those afterwards are lacking or have less of. Get this: There are some people I know who loathe Kubrick’s films, but have never laid eyes on “The Killing” or “Dr. Strangelove”. When they tell me that, I advise them to see one of those or some of his other early films. They aren’t as technically proficient as his work in the 1970’s, '80's or '90's, but they more humane. Still, I also admire directors who would do anything to make the movies they wanted, even if they were largely detached from humanity. At least it was their movie. Or perhaps Kubrick followed that Billy Wilder formula of “Making movies he would want to see”.
Don’t know if I can guess every other film you have in store for us, but I assume that you will post some other reviews in between list entries. You do have that write-up coming up soon. Speaking of it, I’ll go to the video store either this weekend or sometime next week to look for a film. And that infernal “It’s a Wonderful Life” is on T.V this Saturday, so perhaps I’ll watch it as well. I liked the film when I saw it last year, but who knows how cynical and harsh I’ve become since. The ultimate test, you might say.
Anyway, another round of congratulations on your one-hundredth review. Have fun writing the other entries. And I'll try to get some new work out for you and the rest of the site to read.
Neal
|
Dec 06 '02
11:59 pm PST
|
|
Re: AYE KARAMBA! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Casablanca. I reckon the film has everything going for it, and it would certainly be up in my top 20 list
Imagine the furor if I left it off the list altogether! Yeesh!
As for Hitchcock, I stand by my words. For the most part I find him too technical and too academic. He does, on occasion, manage a few visceral jolts, but not enough for someone of his reputation. If the Cahier de Cinema guys never got their hands on him, Hitchcock would probably be remembered as nothing more than a rich man's Wes Craven/John Carpenter. And it would have spared the world the pretentiousness of M. Night Shyamalan. There. Chew on that for a while. ;)
Thanks for the comments, crip...
-mike
|
Dec 06 '02
9:32 am PST
|
|
Re: I am so impressed! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
You actually have the dates planned out and everything? Wow. And 100 reviews already?
I'm nothing if not anal and consistent.
He's happy when it gets to Feb. 3 because that's my birthday
Thanks for clearing up this bit of little-known subtext. It brings the movie into a whole new light for me. ;)
Glad you liked the list so far...
-mike
|
Dec 06 '02
9:27 am PST
|
|
Re: Re: Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
So is the movie with the tiger Blue Chips starring former LSU Tiger Shaquille O'Neal?
What makes you think it's not Kazaam? Or Steel? Is Blue Chips Shaq's Citizen Kane? Yup.
-mike (who's not telling, no matter how much you beg)
|
Dec 06 '02
9:24 am PST
|
|
AYE KARAMBA! (Reply to this comment)
by cripper
Yep, I admit I am one of those film watchers that is madly in love with Casablanca. I reckon the film has everything going for it, and it would certainly be up in my top 20 list. However, I disagree with your comments on Hitchcock films. Hitchcock's technique is to lay back and let the story coast along throughout the film and I like the way he moves a film along slowly, because once you reach the end, Hitchcock manages to surprise you with some kind of twist.
Apart from that, you've come up with a pretty good list so far. Can't wait to see what the next 80 films are.
cripper
P.S. Congrats on 100 reviews! Here's to 100 more.
|
Dec 06 '02
1:38 am PST
|
|
I am so impressed! (Reply to this comment)
by beckytcy
You actually have the dates planned out and everything? Wow. And 100 reviews already? I loved Rosemary's Baby and The Slums of Beverly Hills, but Groundhog Day made me want to kill. He's happy when it gets to Feb. 3 because that's my birthday. (It's a known fact.)
Awesome-ness! I look forward to your next installment.
|
Dec 05 '02
2:20 pm PST
|
|
Re: Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by d_fienberg
Nuts. You caught me. The Ghost and the Darkness were, indeed, both lions. However, the movie was set in Africa, so surely a tiger wandered by...
OK. So is the movie with the tiger Blue Chips starring former LSU Tiger Shaquille O'Neal?
Dan
|
Dec 05 '02
9:24 am PST
|
|
Re: Some good choices... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Shallow Grave might be the beneficiary of my (1) being shocked that a film I'd never heard of (before seeing it in theatres in 1994) by a new director was so entertaining, and (2) never really having seen it again to confirm or deny my first impressions. Thus, the memory of that first glorious encounter has stayed with me.
Glad you found something to disagree with (what's the point of these silly lists if you can't argue about them afterwards)...
-mike
|
Dec 05 '02
6:05 am PST
|
|
Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Wasn't The Ghost and the Darkness about lions? Not tigers? Other than that little faux pas... you are exactly right! Stop reading ahead, will you!?! (heh-heh)
Pushing Tin actually has a spot reserved if I ever do a Worst 100 Films of All-Time list... I kept wishing the planes would crash into control tower, and put us all out of our misery.
-mike
|
Dec 05 '02
6:02 am PST
|
|
Re: Yargh! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Dan,
The incredulity that this list has brought out in you (and others) was my main goal. If I didn't get people's ire up with my selections, then I wasn't really being true to myself, was I? Otherwise, I might as well just post the AFI lists, verbatim, no?
Thanks for the congrats... here's hoping you get inspired to finish your project (the Eighties be damned)...
-mike
|
Dec 05 '02
5:59 am PST
|
|
Re: HAPPY 100TH, STUD!!! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
What's Mike's #1 movie?!?!?!?!
Care to take a guess, Joe? I won't confirm or deny if you're right, but it would certainly amuse me to no end to see what you thought...
Thanks, as always, for your overwhelming enthusiasm, Joe. You are a bright light on a cloudy day (ugh!)... ;)
-mike
P.S. As for that other request, I'll not post them here. But I will give you this link, to help tide you over:
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=sodomy
Enjoy...
|
Dec 05 '02
5:56 am PST
|
|
Re: Cant wait for the rest (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Thanks, zen, for your haiku-like comment. How appropriate...
-mike
|
Dec 05 '02
5:53 am PST
|
|
Re: Oh yeah... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
I had second thoughts about including Groundhog Day at all, but then I realized that I watch it ever time it comes on TV. Plus, I have a huge man-crush on Bill Murray. So there.
Glad you're liking it so fare, fp...
-mike
|
Dec 05 '02
5:52 am PST
|
|
Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
i hope you realize this is a massive undertaking though and, by spacing it out over a month, you'll find yourself changing your mind about certain movies before you make it to the end!
Don't think it hasn't happened already! It took me a while to formulate the list, and I made a commitment to stick to it, no matter what second thoughts I have.
Re: Toxic Chad. This is the second time this week that I inadvertently used your name in a quasi-derogatory way (sparkless and I had an amusing little exchange in the comment section of her Throwing Copper review: http://www.epinions.com/content_82465296004/show_~allcom). Hope you don't take it personally... ;)
Thanks as always, Chad...
-mike
|
Dec 05 '02
5:51 am PST
|
|
|
|
