On The Waterfront (1954)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films, No. 19

Academy Award for Best Picture, 1955

Hey, you wanna hear my philosophy on life? Do it to him before he does it to you. - Terry Malloy

Another of the classic black and white films I found to be quite entertaining. However, unlike many of the others, the dialogue seemed to me to be slightly outdated and the story moved slowly. However, the story line of the dock workers fighting for equality is a classic in itself, and this movie was very well-done.

The idea for the story, according to imdb.com, first came from an expose series written for The New York Sun by reporter Malcolm Johnson. Johnson's 24 articles eventually won him a Pulitzer Prize, and were reinforced by the 1948 murder of a New York dock hiring boss, which solidified the story to the American public. Budd Schulberg, the movie's writer, became obsessed with the subject, and spent years of his life learning everything he could of the killings and extortion going on in docks across the country. He spent a great deal of time in West Side Manhattan and Long Island bars interviewing longshore-union leaders and learning more of the priests from Hell's Kitchen.

Easily one of Marlon Brando's greatest performances, and it's little surprise he took home an Oscar for his work.

3.5 stars out of 5

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 16

I am big! It's the pictures that got small. Norma Desmond

For all the cheesiness I expected from this film, I was pleasantly surprised by the time it was over. I had never known much of the story line other than an affair between the young writer and older, faded star. However, everything from the beginning and end scenes with Joe Gillis' body in the pool to the eccentric acting by Gloria Swanson was enjoyable.

In my opinion, I think it was an original story line that was destroyed when Andrew Lloyd Webber tried to turn it into a musical. Although I will never say I'm not a fan of musical theatre, this was just pushing the envelop. I for one liked it as is. Again, with so many of the films I've seen so far, with the exception of some dated dialogue this is not a movie a viewer could initially tell was an older film. Interesting plot, would for sure see again.

3.5 stars out of 5

The Graduate (1967)

American Film Institute's Top 1oo Films: No. 17

Are you here for an affair, sir? Hotel Clerk

This movie was not at all what I anticipated, but in the end I still ended up enjoying the film. Although I had the general gist of what was going on, I thought Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman, who was perfect in the role) was already dating Elaine (Katharine Ross) when the affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft began). However, the movie was quite the opposite, so to start out in the beginning with the affair was different from what I was expecting, but still enjoyable.

One thing I noticed while watching were the constant subtle references to women and sex, something imdb.com called "womb imagery." Benjamin constantly wants to stay in his parents swimming pool, there are close up shots of women's hips and the most obvious returning to the womb of the older Mrs. Robinson.

Another aspect of the film I enjoyed was the soundtrack, done completely by Simon & Garfunkle. I have known of the more or less title track, Mrs. Robinson, for many years, but again didn't realize the duo completed the entire soundtrack for the movie. I found that most enjoyable, and thought the light, easy songs of the 60s help set the atmosphere for Ben's post-graduate struggle into adulthood.

4 stars out of 5

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 15

Just what do you think you're doing, Dave? HAL

In all honesty, the only think I liked about this movie was the soundtrack. Although the spots of the ship flying through space were intriguing considering when they were made, overall by far not a favorite movie.

The very beginning with the "Dawn of Man" did nothing but irritate me. As far as I'm concerned, any movie where people dress up as apes is bound to lose favor with me quickly. Even when it finally switched over to the space scenes, and there was real dialogue, little could be done to earn my interest in this movie.

I found the story line confusing, HAL the computer creepy and Frank and Dave bland. Furthermore, the heavy breathing in the spacesuits drove me to near insanity, and the long periods of time without music made me restless.

Although not a huge science fiction fan, I do enjoy the occasional science fiction movie. This certainly was not one of them. Why this movie is so highly regarded is beyond my reasoning.

1 star out of 5

Psycho (1960)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 14

Uh-oh, Mother, what is the phrase? She isn't quite herself today. Norman Bates

By far my favorite Alfred Hitchcock film, I personally believe it's a better movie than Vertigo. I've seen it a couple times years ago, but watching it again I really took in quite a bit more this time around. 

One thing I really picked up on was just how much of an adult film this movie was. The fact that many of the scenes depict Janet Leigh in her underwear, or less, Marion Crane was having an affair and Norman Bate's odd sexual tension were all mature concepts. While Vertigo did have some adult themes, this movie seems to have many more. 

Once again, Hitchcock's superb story-telling skills were evident in this particular film. He opted to shoot the entire movie in black and white despite the fact other big budget films of the time were being produced in color. As a director, he was meticulous - for the three weeks Leigh was on the set, one entire week was devoted to the 45-second shower sequence. Additionally, after the film was released Hitchcock received several letters from ophthalmologists saying Leigh's eyes were contracted during the extreme closeups after her character's death, while in real life a corpse's eyes are dilated. To remedy this problem for all of his remaining movies, he began using belladonna drops. Highly recommended, eerily creepy, and a bone-chilling score by Bernard Hermann to match.

5 stars out of 5

The Searchers (1956)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 12

That'll be the day. - Ethan Edwards

This is the first time I've seen an older, more traditional Western, and all in all I was pleasantly surprised. There was much more story line and in depth character development than I ever anticipated, making it a highly enjoyable film.

John Wayne truly is the cowboy he's made out to be, but after watching the movie he also, in my opinion, really proved himself as an actor. He's quoted as saying this role as Ethan Edwards was a personal favorite, so much so he named his son Ethan, and I can see why. Even for being made in the 1950s, the script is not hokey or unbelievable in any way - quite the opposite, it deals with a number of deeper concepts.

One thing in particular I got from watching the movie was the unusual relationship between Ethan and Martha, his brother's wife. From the very beginning I was confused over the open affection between the two, and in 1974 Wayne said in an interview director John Ford hinted throughout the film of an affair between the two, even going as far as to say Ethan might be the father of Lucy and Debbie, owing to his obsessive quest to reclaim the girls. Furthermore, his desire for vengeance was not over his slain brother, but after the woman he loved. Apparently these hints were so subtle they passed over the head of many viewers at the time.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. I thought not only Wayne but the entire cast was superb in their roles. It was a shame to discover Jeffery Martin, who played Martin Pawley, died so young (43). The movie moves quickly, has a great plot, and even some more comedic moments, such as when Martin accidentally buys a Native American wife, thinking he is getting a blanket. Anyone interested in seeing their first Western, this would be a good choice.

4 stars out of 5

Gladiator (2000)

Academy Award for Best Picture, 2001

The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate, it's the sand of the Colosseum. He'll bring them death, and they will love him for it. - Gracchus

Mrs. Curran would be proud... after years of taking Latin in Orchard Park, I have come to have a profound interest in ancient Roman history, so naturally this movie was right up my alley. Although the story line itself is mostly fictitious, much of the historical concepts are accurate.

In real life, Joaquin Phoenix's creepy Emperor Commodus was not the evil incarnation portrayed in the film, but rather was appointed by his father as the youngest counsel member of the Roman Senate ever up until that date at age 15, and upon Marcus Aurelius' death Commodus became sole Emperor, uncontested. Although it is true he was unpopular with the senate but favored by the public for his gladiatorial combats, he was historically documented as being a "simple, peaceful" man. His region was historically a peaceful one, although he was eventually assassinated in his room by an athlete named Narcissus - the original name considered for Maximus in the film.

Although extremely bloody, the movie itself is highly accurate in its depiction of Gladiators. The Colosseum itself is undoubtedly one of the most amazing structures ever made. Many times there would be dozens of gladiator battles going on and once, and it was even constructed to be flooded to create a pool for the retelling of Roman sea-faring battles. The costumes were outstanding and every lead character was outstanding in their role. Russell Crowe's Maximus is one of the most noted film heros today, and Crowe himself has said he has been his favorite character to portray to date. For those not afraid of blood, I would recommend it.

5 stars out of 5

Vacation Sensation

Well, April 11 has finally arrive, which for me means only one thing: I'm going to Disney World!

Yes, for all you blog readers, I will be flying south (luckily not via American Airlines) for the next five days to take part in some Florida sun and see my idol, Mickey Mouse. The reason for the trip is my sister's marching band QMB, the reigning New York State Field Band Conference National Champions, is participating in a workshop at the theme park, so Mom, Dad and I are going down to watch her march in the parade, then staying an extra few days to bask in the glory that is Disney.

But never fear faithful readers! Thanks to a condo adorned with wireless Internet, postings should continue assuming I'm not too exhausted from all the fun I'll be having ;) Courtesy of a Mr. Dennis Phillips, county reporter extraordinaire from The Post-Journal, my in-flight movie from Boston to Orlando will be The Searchers, and to accompany me on the trip we also have Gladiator. Enjoy your weekend everyone, as I will surely be enjoying mine, seeing as how above all else, I will be turning 24 years old Tuesday, at the Happiest Place on Earth.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Academy Award for Best Picture, 2001

You are the reason I am... you are all my reasons. - John Nash

Regardless of how many times I watch this movie, it never gets old. The outstanding story line focuses not only on the trials Nash faces as his disorder progresses, but the intimate love story of support between him and his wife Alicia. As much as I enjoy Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly's portrayal of Alicia in my eyes steals the movie. Her interactions with Crowe make the pair a perfect onscreen couple, and her powerful performance of a woman dealing with her husband's fall from grace is simply outstanding. Her Oscar for the Best Supporting Actress was very much so deserved.

Again, the soundtrack to this movie is another of my personal favorites. Although James Horner might be most well-known for providing the backdrop for the on-screen sinking of Titanic, in my opinion A Beautiful Mind's score is a by far more moving work.

After doing a little Wikipedia searching, I found out a couple of interesting facts about the real John Nash that were purposefully left out of the movie. The first being he was married several times, and the second he was known for having several hetero- and homosexual affairs. These facts were left out to not only make the relationship between John and Alicia seem stronger but because director Ron Howard did not wish to associate homosexuality with mental disorder. The last thing they left out was Nash's real out-of-wedlock child, who was born when John was in his 20s. The movie version of the mathematician is a much more pure man by nature. Regardless of these changes, it is still a wonderful, wonderful highly recommended movie.

5 stars out of 5

The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King (2003)

Academy Award for Best Picture, 2004

My friends, you bow to no one. - Aragorn

Ok, I'll admit it.... I've never read the book. Not just the last book, but any of them. I made it half way through The Fellowship of The Ring, but was more than confused as to what was going on. Needless to say, I am a HUGE fan of the movie franchise and own all three.

Naturally, as the last in a series of three movies, this is by far the most climactic. I could easily go on for hours about how much I enjoyed it, the story line, the acting, the 1,400 plus special effects. Instead, I'll talk a little bit about what I enjoyed most: the soundtrack.

Howard Shore composed the tracks to all three movies, and makes every last aspect seem that much more real and exciting. Born in Toronto, Shore studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, moving on to spend five years as musical director for Saturday Night Live. In addition to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Shore has also composed music for The Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, Panic Room, Crash, The Departed and The Aviator. He is without a doubt one of my most favored contemporary composers. In 2004, he combined the themes to all three movies and performed them at different venues across the country.

Fantastic movie, even better soundtrack.

5 stars out of 5

The Kite Runner (2007)

Academy Award Winner for Best Original Score: 2008

For you, a thousand times over! - Amir

Like many book to movie translations, the story line was much more indepth in the novel form. However, a pretty fair retelling of the story in my opinion. Here were a couple things I didn't like...

First of all, too much was cut out of the beginning of the movie. A significant portion of the novel is dedicated to exploring the relationship between Amir and Hassan. The fact that Hassan is his servant comes into play much more in the written word as the caste system is more established. Additionally, we see more into their personalities: Amir is more a meek child and Hassan is a bigger, stronger boy who stands up for him, a trait that did not carry over into the casting for the roles.

Secondly, the lack of information about the kite flying and traditions. This is something that simply could not be included, understandably, for time constraints. However, in the book the reader gets to learn quite a bit about the tradition, how it got started and how important it is to the people. 

Lastly, in the novel Assef is in fact Caucasian. He has blond hair, and if I remember correctly, fair eyes. The way author Khaled Hosseini describes the character in the book it brings to mind almost a Nazi, making him seem even more evil than he is. I thought that played an important part in the book and was upset to see the film makers chose to do away with that aspect. Overall, remains one of my favorite books, and the movie was sufficiently entertaining.

3.5 stars out of 5

Chicago (2002)

Academy Award for Best Picture, 2003

First she steals my publicity, then she steals my lawyer, my trail date. And now she steals my goddamn garter! - Velma Kelly

As a sucker for musicals, this is naturally one of my favorite movies. I saw the show on stage about a year or so after the film version came out, and only then did I realize how different a concept the movie took on.

The musical itself is far more of a Fosse show, with sexually-driven outstanding choreography. The movie, however, includes the Fosse-inspired dance numbers, as shown through the eyes of Renee Zellweger's Roxie Hart. The rest of the movie is "set" in the 1920s Chicago, complete with the character's costumes, etc. This is very different from the production I saw at Shea's in Buffalo, where the cast kept on the "sexy" outfits for the entirety of the show.

What I find most interesting about the story itself is that the musical, originally a play released in the late 20s, was written by a reporter who put herself into the story through the character Mary Sunshine. Maurine Dallas Watkins penned the original story line. As a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, in 1924 she covered the sensational trials of Belva Gaertner and Beulah Sheriff Annan, who would go on to become the characters Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart. Watkins herself soon left the journalism to write plays full time although Chicago remained her most notable, running for 172 performances on Broadway before touring two years with a then-unknown Clark Gable acting in the role of Amos Hart.

Great movie, lots of fun. Definitely a good take on the story itself and solid performances by the two main women.

4.5 stars out of 5