31 December 2010

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)


Trailer

I hate snakes!
So basically: It’s Indiana fucking Jones. Get out from under that rock already!

It’s Indiana Jones. It’s the first Indy movie and full of adventure and excitement, lost treasures, romance, comic relief, SNAKES!! The plot is awesome, the characters are good (for this type of story, you really can’t expect the girl to be anything other than the damsel in distress … unfortunately). Ok, yeah, you have to suspend some belief for the duration of the film, but isn’t that the fun part? As long as it’s done well, I mean.

As you might have guessed, I totally believe this should be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

29 December 2010

Rear Window (1954)


Trailer

When two people love each other, they come together - WHAM - like two taxis on Broadway.
So basically: A week before he is scheduled to get out of a leg cast that has rendered him housebound, photographer L.B. Jeffries, aka Jeff, is witness to what he suspects to be a murder. He tells his nurse, who scoffs at him, telling him to stay out of other peoples’ business, and his girlfriend, who doesn’t believe him until she witnesses some funny business herself. The three of them spy on the suspected murderer from the rear window, trying to gather evidence for Jeff’s detective friend.

I remember not liking this on first viewing at all, but I can’t remember why. I didn’t mind it this time. Again, I don’t rly like Hitchcock very much, but I’m not predisposed to dislike his films. I give them a change, at least. And I was pretty interested in finding out what happened in this one. So, it kept my attention, which is a lot more than his other films. But, I did find it a bit slow and the characters all very static – which makes a bit of sense given that it mostly takes place in that one room, but it could have been handled better.

For that, I don’t think this deserves to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of disapproval!

28 December 2010

Psycho (1960)


Trailer

A boy's best friend is his mother.
So basically: Marion is in love, but they can’t get married because most of his money goes to his ex-wife and he can’t support them. When her boss trusts her to bank $40,000 dollars, she takes the money and begins her drive from Phoenix to her boyfriend in California. She pulls in at the Bates motel one night, due to the weather, and meets Norman, the quiet innkeeper who has a hobby of taxidermy. He lets her a room, much to the dismay of his mother.

This is the one with the famous shower scene. In case you didn’t know. And it also proves how unbiased I am as a reviewer, because it’s by Alfred Hitchcock – who I have already expressed my dislike towards – and I still love it! The guy who plays Norman Bates is amazing! I really hope he did all of his own voice acting, cause that would be awesome, as well. This film really draws you in. You’re not so much worried for Marion, who isn’t that interesting a character and totally horrid at acting subtle and innocent, but the fate of Norman and his mother are rly what make this film interesting, especially if you don’t know how it’s going to end!

Defs deserves to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

The Usual Suspect (1995)


Trailer

The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
So basically: After a cocaine deal goes terribly wrong, the police question the only two survivors: a Hungarian man in hospital, who keeps repeating the name of legendary criminal mastermind, Keyser Soze, and Verbal Kint, a smalltime criminal. Verbal is held for questioning by Kajun in the police department. Verbal recounts the events leading up to the accident, from six weeks ago when he and four other “usual suspects” were brought in on a heist charge.

I think this is the film which made me fall in love with Kevin Spacey. But I totally saw the twist coming. According to IMDb, this was the best user voted twist (beating out The Sixth Sense, The Crying Game, and Witness for the Prosecution). I don’t see it. I’m sorry. I even knew the twist for The Sixth Sense and I freaked out – I had, obvi, forgotten it while watching. And I also never get twists. I hate figuring out the movie before the director wants me to; ruins the fun. And that scene near the end, when Kajun was yelling at Verbal who Soze was would have been so intense, if I didn’t know!

Despite all this, however, the characters and plot hold up enough that it makes an awesome movie, defs deserving of the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

C'era Una Volta il West (1968)


Trailer

How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants. 
So basically: On the day his new wife is due to arrive from New Orleans, a farmer and his three children are slaughtered. Mrs McBain, now a widow, arrives to find her family slaughtered and two men, Cheyenne and Harmonica, team up to help her and find whoever is responsible.

I have to be honest and say that I’m studying for exams and did not pay the utmost attention to this movie. Mostly because I don’t like Westerns. And I don’t have a very memorable experience of this film from the last time I saw it, so I doubted, even with paying full attention, that this film would get a seal of approval. But, I hold Sergio Leone in high esteem as a director and as such I can appreciate this film – it was very beautiful and the score was exciting, it did get annoying by the end, but I come to expect this from Westerns. I can’t really say anything else, because of the reasons given, but this film did not catch my fancy.

Despite all the bias on the IMDb page – seriously! in the synopsis (both of them, since they changed the lay-out) the writers lace them with their own review. HELLO! That is what the review section is for! I expect to get an unbiased rundown of the movie, thank you! I don’t need to hear your input! – I can’t say that this deserves to be on the list. But, it’s definitely worth any Western/Sergio Leone fans to watch.

Ziggi seal of disapproval!

23 December 2010

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)


Trailer

Good evening, Clarice.
So basically: FBI student Clarice Starling is hired by Jack Crawford to talk with infamous serial killer, Dr Hannibal Lector. Crawford believes Hannibal’s psychology knowledge and insight will help the ongoing investigation on “Buffalo Bill.”

Firstly, homg Jodie Foster is awesome. And I love this movie. Exactly what I want out of a film about serial killers. It’s also one of those movies I saw after everyone else, and is always on T.V. so after the first time, I saw this about a thousand times. So I hadn’t seen it in awhile before this. I was oh so very excited. And I wasn’t disappointed. This movie takes you in and doesn’t let go until the last seconds – and a very hilarious line by Anthony Hopkins!

Defs deserves to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

22 December 2010

The Matrix (1999)


Trailer

Throughout human history, we have been dependent on machines to survive. Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony.
So basically: Thomas Anderson is a computer hacker by the name of Neo. He questions his reality and what The Matrix is, which leads the authorities after him. He is contacted by legendary hacker Morpheus who tries to explain what The Matrix is, giving Neo a choice of the blue pill, to go back to ignorance, or the red pill. Neo chooses the red pill and is taken into the real world, a world overrun by machines, using humans as an energy source. Morpheus believes Neo to be The One, the one with the capabilities to overpower the computers and free humanity.

I forgot how epic this film was! Before I had seen this film, and after everyone else had, I got into my head that it was a bad movie. Not, like, a terrible flop-type movie, but that kind of film where everyone makes fun of, y’know? Quentin Tarantino was like that as well. (I think my mother is a bad influence when it comes to movies.) Yeah, so is there anyone who hasn’t seen this film? Because it is epic. And amazing. And I can’t get mad at the floating people like I do regular martial arts movies – that ALWAYS bugs me – because they came up with a valid reason, yey!

I wouldn’t go see the sequels – this is from word of mouth, ‘cause I refuse to see them – but this one defs deserves to be on the list. And look, it’s Morpheus all grown up!

Ziggi seal of approval!

20 December 2010

Se7en (1995)


Trailer

You're a fucking t-shirt, at best.

So basically: Veteran Detective Sommerset is about to retire and Detective Mills has transferred to take his place. Before he leaves, however, the two are paired together for one last murder. This one murder reveals itself to be the first of a serial killer’s message to the masses. The man was punished for one of the Seven Deadly Sins – Gluttony – and the victims continue the pattern: Sloth, Lust, Greed, Pride, Envy, and Wrath. Detective Sommerset pushes back his retirement in order to solve the crimes and discover the motive of the killer

I was really looking forward to watching this film and when I finally did … I gotta say, I was expecting more. I like my serial killer movies a bit more messed up. But, that’s just me. Aside from my disappointment, it is a good movie. It’s basically Saw, but with a biblical twist. John Doe totally trumps Jigsaw. Anyone who says otherwise is lame.

I don’t have much to say, mostly because I’m supposed to be studying for exams … But, this is definitely one to check out. I don’t it should be this high, tho.

Ziggi seal of approval!

19 December 2010

Memento (2000)


Trailer

Remember Sammy Jankis.
So basically: After the rape and murder of his wife, Leonard suffers from short-term memory loss. He writes himself messages, carries photos of people, and tattoos himself with clues to find his wife’s second attacker, who the police don’t believe exist.

I’ve seen this movie at least 3 times, this might have been my fourth, and I still don’t have it figured all out. Which is what I love about it. It’s like a new film every time. I hope one day I’ll figure it all out, but I rly am in no rush. The order. Oh the order of the film is fabulous, I thought. It really makes you invested into the film and adds to the experience – or confuses the hell out of you! Watch it again if you don’t understand. I promise it’s worth it!

Defs deserves to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)


Trailer

I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.
So basically: The town of Bedford Falls is all but belonging to one Mr Potter, a selfish money mongering type. The only thing standing in his way is George Bailey, who runs a small building and loan company. When Bailey’s uncle looses $8,000, it is picked up by Mr Potter. This sets up a series of unfortunate events, landing Bailey in jail and paving the way for Mr Potter to take over the town. Thinking his family would be better off without him, George contemplates suicide, but an angel appears to try and convince him that he shouldn’t do it.

People are going to be so mad at me when I say this movie doesn’t deserve to be on the list!! It’s a classic Christmas film, it’s Frank Capra, and it has Jimmy Stewart being awesome. You would think I would like this film, right? I found the whole thing rather boring, and I guess I don’t get all nostalgic like most people who grew up with this movie – I just saw it a few years ago for the first time. I dunno, the pace is slow and there are some charming moments, but the film on a whole falls flat.

If you’re a fan of heart-warming Christmas films, or Jimmy Stewart, watch this. If not, you probably won’t like it. But, I do believe every film lover/people interested in the world of film should see this, if only on principle since it’s so well known. But, regretfully, I don’t believe this should be on the list.

Ziggi seal of disapproval!

17 December 2010

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)


Trailer

The battle of Helm's Deep is over; the battle for Middle Earth is about to begin.
So basically: The Fellowship split up and stroll their separate ways, but they are still on epic strolls.

I know one of them has to be the lowest on the list, but I am very upset that this is at the bottom. (I can’t decide which should actually be the lowest, because I love them all). Merry and Pippin are, obviously, my favourite characters and this film really lets them shine as they are separated from the group and go into Fangorn (the Ents are pretty awesome, as well). Also, it has Helm’s Deep, how epic is that scene, rly?!

The epicness of the first film continues into this one (duh! They were filmed continuously) so that is why this deserves to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

Sunset Blvd (1950)


Trailer

All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.

So basically: A small-time Hollywood writer, Joe Gillis, has some car trouble and stops at a large mansion to use the telephone. He meets Norma Desmond, a famous silent pictures star. When she discovers he is a Hollywood writer she employs him, albeit slightly against his will, to help her finish a script starring herself. She keeps him held up at her mansion and begins to fall madly in love with him as she waits to hear back from Paramount Studios.

Does Sheldon Cooper remind anyone else of Buster Keaton? Especially when he talks in this film? This also means, YOU GET TO SEE BUSTER KEATON TALK! How epic is that? Okay, done fangirling over Buster Keaton. The actual film is epic as well. Gloria Swanson is brilliant as Norma Desmond! Srs. This movie is worth it for her performance alone! And, if you’re a big movie buff – which I’m assuming you are – the subject matter is fascinating as well. The rest of the cast do not get overshowed by Swanson, either, which is awesome. And, the voice-over feels natural in this film.

Defs deserves to be on the list!

Ziggi seal of approval!

16 December 2010

Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)


Trailer

Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

So basically: During the Cold War, Brigadier General Jack D Ripper has a theory in his head about “natural fluids”. To him, the Russians have poisoned the American water supply. To counteract this “attack”, Ripper has deployed a series of bombers into Russian territories to drop Nuclear Bombs. He is also the only one who knows the codes to recall the attack and has shut off all communications. The government gets ahold of this information and are on a frantic campaign to stop it, before the Doomsday Machine is set off, even so far as to alert the head of the Russian government, Demetri.

I saw this movie twice before this, and I still remember the first time I saw it – I don’t even remember if I watched it because it was the only thing on or because it was on telly and on the list, so yey! – and I instantly fell in love. I wasn’t even a Kubrick fan at the time, so yey bonus! I have to admit that I wasn’t paying the fullest attention at this viewing and did not pick up on all the funny, but I still enjoyed the hour and a half I spent with this film on. It’s really hilarious! And awesome!

Defs deserves to be on the list! I wouldn’t say the best Kubrick film – I’m biased to Full Metal Jacket and A Clockwork Orange – but defs one of the better ones.

Ziggi seal of approval!

13 December 2010

North by Northwest (1959)


Trailer

I think I’d like to meet these killers.
So basically: Roger O. Thornhill, a New York advertising executive, is thrown into the world of spies when he is picked up by foreign agents thinking he’s a Mr Kaplan. Thornhill travels to the midwest as a fugitive, after mistakenly being called a murderer, and meets a beautiful woman, Eve Kendall. Together, they have to discover the mysteries revolving around Kaplan.

I definitely like this film better than most Alfred Hitchcock films. That being said, I don’t think this film is all that great. It lacks any sort of depth. Yeah. I didn’t feel any connection to the story, the bad guys didn’t anger or frighten me or do anything they’re supposed to do, or anything. The scenes are pretty, though, and they’re very memorable, but I think that’s all this film has going for it.

No, this doesn’t deserve to be on the list, sorry folks.

Ziggi seal of disapproval!

Citizen Kane (1941)


Trailer

Rosebud.

So basically: Charles Foster Kane is super rich and owns a lot of newspapers. He is loved by a lot of people and hated by just as many. On his deathbed, he whispers Rosebud, which sets off an investigation by one journalist to discover the meaning, to hopefully shed light on the man’s life. The journalist talks to his second wife, his ex-best friend, his manager, and others to make sense of his life.

This is like the ultimate cinema sin, but I’m not in love with this movie. I think maybe if I hadn’t known the twist – and I mean, who doesn’t at this point, it’s the most well-known, quoted twist in film – it would have been pretty interesting. But I did know. The curious part came in how they figured it out, which was a big rip off, let me tell you. The film itself wasn’t boring or anything and it was well paced and put together. It was just kind of douchey and I didn’t really want to know Kane, I just couldn’t care. But, that was to be expected from “the greatest movie ever.”

So, you should definitely check this out, just to say you have, but … I don’t even want to say it. It was, however, better than I was expecting. So, yey for that.

Ziggi seal of disapproval!

12 December 2010

Léon (1994)


Trailer

Is life always this hard, or is it just when you're a kid? 
So basically: Twelve year old Mathilda lives in New York with her family, who she doesn’t get on well with. Her little brother is the only one she has a connection to. One day, when she is out shopping, a corrupt policeman shows up, angry at her father, who supplies them with drugs, for giving them an unsatisfactory stock. She witnesses her family being murdered and quickly takes refuge in her neighbour’s apartment. She discovers that her neighbour, Léon, is a professional assassin and asks for his help in exacting revenge for her baby brother.

I think this movie is pretty epic. Natalie Portman is fabulous (it’s very lovely not seeing her as Padmé!) in this film. I can’t think of any other 13 year old who could act that brilliantly – and I don’t think I’d want to see anyone else try, the world of kid actors has really sucked lately. Jean Reno was also awesome as Léon. And of course, who doesn’t love movies about assassins, really?

I kno I just raved about the actors, but the story is really good, too. So, defs deserves to be on the list!

Ziggi seal of approval!

11 December 2010

Apocalypse Now (1979)


Trailer

I love the smell of napalm in the morning.
So basically: Captain Benjamin Willard is known for doing off the record missions during the Vietnam conflict. His next mission takes him up the Nung river on a Navy Patrol Boat into Cambodia. He was given classified files on Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, who he must assassinate at the end of his journey.

HOMG MORPHEUS IS IN THIS MOVIE!!!!! Ok, done, now onto actual review. Vietnam is one of those settings that most directors/writers/producers/what-have-you love to use for films about human nature. (Basically look at every Vietnam conflict movie on this list and you’ll know what I mean). This story wasn’t even set in Vietnam when it originally came out, instead being set in the heart of Africa (good book, please check it out, especially if you like this film, and even if you didn’t). But, the story translates so well into Vietnam it’s really no question of why the filmmakers adapted it to this settings, especially given the time. So no, this film is not about Vietnam, it’s not a pro-war or an anti-war film, it’s about human nature. Yeah, I think that is what makes the movies about Vietnam so fascinating and why a lot of them have ended up on this list. And I know I’ve said I hate voice-overs, but it does work in this film (and yes, I know I keep referring to the book, but the voice-over is very familiar from it) and adds to the atmosphere.

Defs deserves to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

10 December 2010

Forrest Gump (1994)


Trailer

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.
So basically: This film chronicles the life of Forrest Gump, a simple minded boy from Greenbow, Alabama. Forrest sits at the bus stop and tells his life story to whoever is going to listen to him: from when he was a little boy and befriended Jenny, to when he went to Vietnam during the war, and when he ran back and forth across the country. Forrest Gump, then, has a small role to play in many major events in American History, even so far as to teach Elvis how to dance!

I want to hate this movie! I rly rly do! It’s just one of those movies that seem very overrated, but as soon as you watch them you can’t help but fall in love. Ok, maybe not fall in love because some parts of this movie annoy me or I find boring, but on the whole, this is a really good film. I do have to watch it at least once a year, not that I purposefully do, it just ends up that way. It was also one of those movies I watched after everyone else started quoting “run Forrest run” so I kind of had a hatred for it. But, I got over it, and Tom Hanks is pretty awesome.

Defs worth checking out … is there still people who haven’t seen it? I guarantee you will at least like some segments of this movie – since there are so many different parts, right? And yes, it is a bit long and kind of drags at some points, but it’s those good parts – your favourites – that make it worth it (like, I’m a big American History nerd, so this movie has a lot of interesting parts for me, but there are many others!).

Ziggi seal of approval!

07 December 2010

American Beauty (1999)


Trailer

I feel like I've been in a coma for the past twenty years. And I'm just now waking up.
So basically: Lester Burnham lives the typical suburban life: boring job, picture-esque wife, rebellious teenager daughter. From the outside, his life is pretty average, but when Lester spirals down into depression, he reaches the breaking point. He falls in love with his daughter’s beautiful best friend, starts taking drugs from the boy next door, quits his job, and basically turns his life upside down.

This movie is fucked up. But what else can you expect from Kevin Spacey? He takes on the role brilliantly, like srs. He was basically made to play the role of Lester. I kno I’m being slightly hypocritical in my praise of this movie, since it is one of those artsy-type movies that I’ve generally regarded as crap. But, sometimes they are done well, and I think this one is. I mean, this film rly makes the audience go ‘ew, creep-out factor.’ It creates such a strong reaction in the audience and I think that was the point.

This film will make you squirm in your seat and feel uncomfortable, but it’s so worth it. Maybe watch it with someone you are very comfortable with!

Ziggi seal of approval.

06 December 2010

American History X (1998)


Trailer

Has anything you've done made your life better?

So basically: Danny Vinyard is a highschool student and neo-nazi living in America. His principal, concerned with Danny’s anger and racism, has him write a paper on his older brother, Derek Vinyard. Derek has just been released from prison after murdering a black man. Through writing the paper and the return of his idolized brother, Danny learns valuable lessons about life and hatred.

My summary sucks. Basically this movie is about Derek being released from prison with a new outlook on life; namely that bigotry, hatred, and racism are pretty lame. Once he’s released, however, he finds his little brother is following in his footsteps to becoming a major member of the local neo-nazi organization. Everyone around him is worried, and Derek tries to get his brother to understand what happened to him in prison. The themes are pretty simple enough and we’ve all heard them before, but the way in which it’s presented is pretty new. I can’t think of another movie like this one. Not to mention Edward Norton and Edward Furlong are pretty epic actors.

Defs check this one out. It’s a bit violent, but it’s totally worth it!

Ziggi seal of approval!

03 December 2010

Taxi Driver (1976)


Trailer

You talkin' to me? 
So basically: Travis Bickle is a Vietnam War vet living in New York City. Working as a taxi driver during the night due to insomnia, he witnesses the lowest of humanity and is disgusted. During the day he watches porn videos and Betsy, one of Senator Palatine’s campaign workers. As he gets to know Betsy, he is convinced he must clean up the city and starts with a young prostitute.

Taxi Driver is one of those movies that everyone quotes but rarely ever know what they are quoting, like A Few Good Men or In The Heat of the Night. And of course, like these movies, everyone should see them. Even if it’s just to be able to knowledgably quote films! But, other than that, I think this is a fabulous movie. It’s just one of those movies that you don’t want to end, y’kno? Robert De Niro is, like most of the time, flawless and I do believe this is one of his better roles – yey he’s not playing a gangster!!! I’m so relieved.

Yup, so defs deserves to be on the list and where it’s at, too. Go check out this movie!

Ziggi seal of approval!

02 December 2010

Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)


Trailer

Hasta la vista, baby.
So basically: Several years after the events of the first move, Sarah Conner has faced a lot of hardships because of what she knows. Her son, John Conner, future leader of the resistance, is now a teenager and living with foster parents. This time, a new, more powerful, terminator is sent back in time to destroy John, instead of Sarah. A modified terminator, resembling the terminator who tried to kill Sarah, is also sent back by the resistance to protect John.

This is the most memorable Terminator movie for me (well, sort of. I’ve never actually seen the third one!) and my favourite. I think Eddie Furlong was brilliantly cast as a young John Conner and does not take away from the awesomeness that is Sarah Conner! The story can get a tad confusing with all the time-travel, but that’s only if you think about it too much, like me! So really, even non-sci-fi fans can enjoy it.

Defs did not suffer the curse of the sequel and does deserve to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of approval!

01 December 2010

Vertigo (1958)


Trailer

Only one is a wanderer; two together are always going somewhere. 
So basically: An acrophobic police detective, John “Scottie” Ferguson, quits his job after a terrible accident. An old college friend begs him out of retirement to tail his wife, suspecting her to be the victim of possession. Reluctantly, Scottie agrees, and begins to follow Madeleine. When he jumps into the San Francisco Bay to save her, they become friends and, eventually, lovers. Madeleine is clearly troubled, but she won’t tell Scottie what it is.

I don’t understand. I’m sorry. I was hoping rewatching this would help me to better understand why this is considered a classic, one of Hitchcock’s best. But, I honestly don’t get it. I know I’m not the biggest fan of Hitchcock – and you all know it – but I can appreciate most of his movies. This one just didn’t flow with me. I didn’t care at all about Madeleine or why there was a girl running around who looked like her, or about the possession or whatever – I didn’t like that part of the plot, either. The one praiseworthy thing is Jimmy Stewart, not only is he awesome [duh!], but his character. Sure, it’s like “dude, you’re kind of an asshole to Judy,” but at the same time, he’s a refreshing lead character.

Sorry, but this doesn’t deserve to be on the list.

Ziggi seal of disapproval!