Not a bad group this week as we roll on. I find it more interesting at times, not what was included or excluded from this book, but how the author choses to endorse some movies way more than others. I guess it is hard to same wonderful things about all these movies, but each should at least sound like you think it is a good movie or that you like it. I would think.
This film was destined for greatness even if the mission it depicted was doomed. The blockbuster combo of Ron Howard and Tom Hanks never seems to go wrong. Throw in Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton and man you got yourself one hell of a movie. The film really focuses on the human story of the mission and more serves as a celebration of the American will and drive to achieve our dreams. Still Ed Harris is the man!
As Good As It Gets: 1997, USA (Romance)
I guess I never thought of this movie as a romance. I remember my mother taking me and Red to go see this movie. Chalk full of one liners from Jack and this lovable gay charm from Greg Kinnaer. The movie has heart but is full of laughs along the way. I guess that is how two teenage boys enjoyed this 'romance' movie so much.
The Asphalt Jungle: 1950, USA (Mystery & Thriller)
This film is credited as inspiring many later 'heist' movies such as the original "Ocean's Eleven" and "Reservoir Dogs". But unlike those, this film has little action and is instead focused on the flaws of the character. Some of the scenes are well described in the book and make me want to see it. Marilyn Monroe got her break co-starring as the bimbo niece. Seemed fitting.
Attack!: 1956, USA (War)
Jack Palance & Lee Marvin star in this WWII picture. The overall theme is man's efforts to prevail against all odds, yet there is a ton of anti-war. Or at least of exposure of poor behavior by certain officers. Seems to me like they made a TV series out of this because I have seen this title before. But I could be wrong.
Audition: 2000, Japan (Horror)
This is a romantic horror film, something that doesn't sound quite right. But there is one thing I know, Japanese filmmakers can make some twisted crap. It sounds good though.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery: 1997, USA (Comedy)
This is our generation's 'Airplane'. Although the way the book reads about it, you would think the author didn't like it at all. This film propelled Mike Myers out of the shadow of SNL and into the comedy powerhouse he has become.
Back to the Future: 1985, USA (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
This is The 80's Movie in my opinion. The style of the 'present' scenes and the use of the Delorien (sp?) forever cement it in the memorable time period. The sequel was very good as well, but the 3rd just went too far.
Bad Company: 1972, USA (Western)
The book claims this is an unjustly neglected masterpiece of the 70's. I've never heard of it before, which means I got some Westerns to catch up on. It stars a young Jeff Bridges as a group of young men desert from the Union Army.
Ballad of Cable Hogue: 1970, USA (Western)
This western follows the story of Cable Hogue who is left to die by two double-crossing partners and reclaims a life for himself eventually set on revenge. The book points to a comedic edge and a clear affection for the Old West.
Ballad of a Solider (Ballada o soldate): 1959, USSR (War)
Set during WWII, a young Russian solider refuses a medal and sets off on leave to see his mother. This is noted as a change in Russian cinema and was the first film from the USSR to enter an American film festival that it even won.
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3 comments:
I think I am having a hard time deciding what the criteria for this book is.
I like Apollo 13. It's entertaining. I like Tom Hanks. I like most of what Ron Howard does. But I have to wonder if it really is anything that groundbreaking or offers anything different that some of the other work that either has done. I see it as your basic big-budget hit and not something that is necessarily a must-see. There is a historical aspect to it, but about a space mission that most had forgot about, that will likely pale over time. It doesn't have the wide cultural and historical perspective of a Forrest Gump, that I assume will be on this list.
As Good As It Gets was a career reviver for Nicholson. It's a good movie because it is a romantic comedy without being overly so. There's an overarching story that drives it more so than the love affair.
I think you said everything that needed to be said about Austin Powers. Funny. Important for making comedies really big budget, moneymakers.
I am torn on Back to the Future. It's got that 80s hokeyness, but it is a movie that everyones seems to have seen.
This is a little late, but I'd toss "A Few Good Men," on this list. That is a powerful film, with huge lines, big stars, and compelling drama. I assume they didn't pop this into the "F"s by dropping the "A" off. Some books do that, some don't.
Yes, A Few Good Men is not in the book. It is interesting what the criteria is. Makes it harder to predict too because of the Genre splits. Some of the movies wouldn't be a straight 500 greatest, but into sub categories good movies lose out and other come out of the ashes because of their significance in a certain pigeon hole.
I believe your thoughts are exactly why the author argued so hard in the book for the character points of Apollo 13. We know what happens, it wasnt a monumental event (it is even pointed out in the movie how the public wasnt paying attention until it turned to tragedy). So crux has to be the people involved and the resolve, kept mentioning the resolve of America to overcome any obstacle. cliche if you ask me
Well controversy creates interest. If it were a perfect list, then we'd look at it, say that's looks good, and that'd be the end of it.
I've been trying to place where I'd put Apollo 13 on my list of Must-sees. Obviously I haven't seen the old movies and foreign films this guys has, but I don't know if Apollo 13 would crack my top 50. Maybe it would. I'd have to think about it more.
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