Fantaverse Top 100 Movies of All Time (Thread #3): 80-71

[numbersix]

MOVIE #73

Shrykespeare: Con Air (1997) – The Bay reference is spot on. It just feels like a Bay film. I get that it's supposed to be a fun, no-brain film, but there's only so many times a person can be blown back into the air along to the wailing of an electric guitar solo before I get a little tired. For me, the best kind of action needs a dash of realism in order to make the world feel more real, and then I get involved because the outcome of the story matters. This is far too much in la-la land for me to engage with in any way. It's like a firework show.

silversurfer: His Girl Friday (1940) - It's just classic after classic with you, SS. I have seen three versions of this movie (the original The Front Page, the Wilder remake, and this), and this is by far the best. Just amazing pace, witty lines, and a great battle of the sexes. Anyone who is interested in writing needs to watch this movie, and listen to the verbal jousting between Grant and Russell. One of the greatest comedies of all time.

thegreenarrow: Harold And Maude (1971) - I always mix this film up with the other Name And Name films, which is a bad thing because most of them are uninteresting and from watching the trailer this seems to be intriguing, especially as I've loved the two Ashby films I've seen (Being There and The Last Detail).

transformers: Inception (2010) - Not surprised to see this on a few Top 100's. for me, I think Memento, TDK, and The Prestige are all better films. Like all Nolan films, there's always nagging problems in there, and in this it's the expositional dialogue (which makes me not want to watch it again), the poor characterisation of the supporting cast, and a disappointing portrayal of dreams (it could have been way more imaginative). But, it does look amazing, DiCaprio is good, and the zero-gravity fight scene is one of the best action scenes in years. A classic? Not for me. But enjoyable? Certainly.

englishozzy: Tropic Thunder (2008) - Need to give this another go.

Ron Burgundy: Primal Fear (1995) - I'm not big on twist-y films, especially when the twist is at odds with sense, and this certainly feels like it. It's like a routine adaptation of a Grisham novel, or something. But it does showcase Norton's talent. It's only a pity Norton has failed to amaze since The 25th Hour.

Buscemi: Grindhouse (2007) - Nope, this just didn't work for me. If the film is aimed at fans of the long-deceased sub-genre, then good for them, but I hated it. And bear in mind, I don't like martial arts movies but I loved Kill Bill. But here it's just a non-stop bore. It's hard to tell which is worse. Death Proof is a snooze-fest, full of extended conversations from a bunch of gals you don't care about, babbling about nothing in particular. Tarantino's normally hip dialogue is just inane. And the story itself is enough for a 20-minute film, not the 90 minutes here. And Planet Terror starts off amusing but very soon the joke wears thin and again, despite all the gore and gags, it's just predictable and dull. the only thing I liked was Edgar Wright's false trailer for Don't. Other than that it was a pointless exercise. Also, I have a big problem with the approach taken by the directors. They spent 30million dollars to make homages to films that were usually made for a few thousand bucks. If they wanted to honour the films, they should have used a similar budget, and shot on 16mm. Instead, they just used digital and 35mm, and then spent loads of money making it look crap. That's just ridiculous. They should have shot it on a camera phone or something, and truly honoured the no-budget creativity of these movies.

Chienfantome: The Sweet Hereafter (1997) – Ah, it's good to balance a film like Grindhouse with a film like this. A few years ago this would have been in my Top 100 but time has faded it away a bit, and I need to rewatch it. But it's a beautiful, melancholic film about death and tragedy. It also showcases how brilliant an actor Ian Holmes can be, when he's not playing silly characters (he even gives depth to Bilbo Baggins).

Banks: Heat (1995) - Another film that I expect to appear plenty more times, but just didn't impress me. I wonder if it didn't have Pacino and di Niro as the leads, would people like it as much? That said, I think Pacino gives one of his worst performances in this flick (bear in mind there's a lot of recent Pacino films I haven't seen).

BarcaRulz: Casino (1995) - It's a good film, I'll give you that. But for me it marked the end of Scorsese's genius (even though I liked Kundun and The Departed). There's something lazy about this film, mostly because thematically and stylistically it's far too similar to Goodfellas, but without a strong lead character like Henry from the earlier film. It feels like a sequel, but like a typical sequel that just offers nothing new beyond a somewhat different story. So while it's solid, Goodfellas is way better, and there's even more Scorsese films that beat that!

Geezer: The Blind Side (2009) - Haven't seen it (the only Oscar nominess of last year that I haven't). In ways i'm intrigued. The left-leaning critics hated it, but I'm kinda curious to see what a mildly "Republican" film is like. Surely they need to portray their ideals too. Or are the critics going too far in labelling it a right-wing movie? I don't know, but I do know that Armond White liked it!

leestu: 7 Up (1964) – The one that started it all. I haven't seen it, but I think I've seen most of 42 Up, and I saw the Russian 14 Up. I think they're fascinating projects although it's interesting how much they disrupt the lives of the interviewees (one lost his job because he criticised Thatcher, or how another's relationship was affected by the perception of comments made).

W: That Thing You Do! (1996) - I saw it years ago, and thought it was slight and forgettable. And that song became so bloody annoying!

[Ron Burgundy]

Shryke
Copycat
Sounds ok, i think ive seen the cover back when i used to scale the isles of the local video shop. But never picked it up.
N/A

District 9
Ive watched this a few times now. And like ive said before, i liked it most the first time. When i studied film earlier this year, we had to review this one, and lots of it was compared to the Apartheid in South Africa, which i can see now. Good effects and a great intro with the documentary type interviews to bring the audience up to speed with the alien invasion.
7.5/10, 4 views

Cars
Like most people have said, Cars is the least favorite film by Pixar for me, not that i dislike it. It just seems a little like a Dreamworks picture because pixar have set their standard so high with gems like Toy Story and Finding Nemo and the movie gets a little boring for me.
6/10, 3 views

silversurfer
Rififi
Will look it up.
N/A

Sin City
Wow, this movie is just amazing. Ill say more when it comes up in my top 100 later.
10/10, 7 views

Rosemary's Baby
Well, like i said before, i own this on a DVD, just haven't watched it yet. I wont be forgetting it again.
N/A

thegreenarrow
fried green tomatoes
N/A

Before Sunset
Not interested right now. Ill probably watch it when i get a girl
N/A

Cape Fear
Only ever saw it once and that was only halfway cause it was on TV.
1/2 view, N/A

transformers
Clerks
Well, this deserves a rewatch cause i was just 14 or something when i watched this. And for some reason i thought it was a little dull, but that might be cause i didnt get the quicky offbeat humour
5/10, 1 view

Braveheart
A bit of an epic, no, a huge epic. Grand scenery and inspiring performances make this one of Mel Gibsons best. But like so many movies, i used to like it more when i was younger.
7/10, 6 views


Remember the Titans
Another one i enjoyed heaps when it first came out. Inspiring is the word.
7/10, 5 views


englishozzy
thegreenmile
If you didnt know Stephen King wrote this you'd probably be a little tripped out watching this. It was the first time i saw Michael Clarke Duncan and Sam Rockwell, and they did really well with their parts. All i can remember about Tom Hanks is him 'pissing razorblades'.
7/10, 2 views


V for Vendetta
Why have i only seen this once. It was a blast to watch
8/10, 1 view

Ster Trek
This was a great movie to see in the cinemas. But possibly the wrong movie to take a girl out to see, but i cant really blame myself because she really didnt want to watch that Matthew McConaghy movie, and in the end she said it was good, but i didnt see that hot Austrian again after that. hmmmm
8/10, 3 views


Buscemi

To Kill a Mockingbird
Just downloaded this recently, maybe ill put it on tonight.
N/A

Coming Home
Didnt know about this one. But if Voight won an oscar, maybe i should get this.
N/A

Bride of Frankenstein
Wow, this is old. But if you say its good, i should believe you.
N/A

Chien
JFK
I rate this film very highly. Glad to see someone else does too.
9.5/10, 3 views

Les Tontons Flingueuers
Well though it is old, i like french films, and i hardly seen enough of them, but a comedy, well, will it deliver the same for me as it did you?
N/A

The Chaser
Sounds great. Will hunt it down.
N/A

num
bersix
Boogie Nights
Well i enjoyed this. An i enjoyed Heather Graham taking her top off even more. But didnt expect this pick from you six.
7/10, 2 views


Kill Bill 1 & 2
Well i'd give number one a 9/10, and number two a 7/10, so overall its an 8. Cool characters, from one cool director.
8/10, 2 views

Princess Mononoke
Saw this a few weeks ago, and it was unbelievable. Great pick.
9/10, 1 view


Banks
Small Soldiers
Wow, i liked this so much when i saw it in cinemas. But i just need to be that same age to love it like i used to.
6/10, 2 views

Ratatouille
Pixar is just, awesome. A splendid movie (is that the right word?). Awesome. Hows that
8/10, 4 views

Finding Nemo
ill let you know later why i loved this so much
10/10, 5 views

Barcarulz
The Big Lebowski
Oddball characters and a very original storyline make this an entertaining watch, probably my fav John Goodman performance, while its my 3rd fav Jeff Bridegs performance. And 2nd fav from the director(s).
7.5/10, 4 views

Heat
Just up there in super cast territory, and a great plot to boot.
9.5/10, 5 views

Shaun of the Dead
A pretty great movie. Hilarious at times.
8.5/10, 3 views


Geezer
Mrs Doubtfire
Another one from this post that i loved back in my younger days. Robin Williams is fantastic.
7/10

Psycho
N/A

The Departed
A terrific pick. Damon and DiCaprio are excellent. Scorsese deserved his oscar.
9/10, 4 views

JohnL
Trainspotting
Excellent movie, ill tell you why later on.
10/10, 10 views

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
another bullseye!
10/10, 9 views

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
An underrated flick. Tim Meadows is great.
8.5/10, 2 views

Leestu

Finding Neverland
Haven't seen.
N/A

Old Boy
Terrific film.
10/10, 2 views

Serenity
Entertaining, im guessing this isn't the last of this one.
6.5/10, 2 views


W

The Matrix
Up there with the best.
9.5/10, 7 views

Kramer vs Kramer
I should watch this.
N/A

Wall-E
Good movie. A cute robot, if thats possible.
7.5/10, 4 views

[numbersix]

Out of curiosity, Ron, do you keep a track of how many times you view a film, or is your memory that good, or are you just estimating the views?

[Buscemi]

I don't understand why everyone trashes Grindhouse for the budget. Do you ever see anyone trash Children of Men (could have been made for $10-15 million rather than the $80 million it cost to make it) or Spider-Man 2 (could have easily cost half of what it actually did) for costing way more than they should have?

[numbersix]

But none of those films were trying to honour/recreate a genre that is distinctly low-budget

[Geezer]

Six, I didn't get anything political about the Blind Side, but I don't typically look for crap like that when I'm watching a freaking Disney sports movie. All it was about to me was a kid in a bad situation who overcame great adversity, with the help of a very kind-hearted family, to triumph in the greatest way, and that is why I love it. I didn't get anything pro-right or anti-left wing about it at all.

[Shrykespeare]

MOVIE #73


Geezer - The Blind Side - Terrific movie. My second favorite film of last year, and Bullock's best performance ever. Your fifth film from my list, Geez. (10/10)

transformers - Inception - This film will probably move into my Top 100 once I see it a couple or three more times. Since its release on DVD is but weeks away, that will probably be soon. (9/10)

Ron Burgundy - Primal Fear - My first exposure to Edward Norton, and still one of my favorites. I can honestly count the number of Gere films that I like on one hand, and this is definitely one of them. And I loved the twist ending. (9/10)

Only seven movies chosed by the collective lot of you so far have I "hated", and I get two in the same day.

englishozzy - Tropic Thunder - As I've already said, I didn't find this move remotely funny, with the exception of Tom Cruise's character. The only way it worked for me was a quasi-intellectual examination of the movie business, and only just. (4/10)

Buscemi - Grindhouse - I pretty much echo everything that Six said on this. This film bored the shit out of me. Some of the fake trailers were amusing, but barely. Planet Terror had a few campy moments that were tolerable, but Death Proof was just one big snoozefest when the vehicles weren't moving. And the fact that Russell's big badass character turned out to be a whining, sniveling pussy at the end just sealed the deal for me. (3/10)

[Buscemi]

To answer the complaints on Death Proof's talkiness: most grindhouse movies were actually like that. Case in point: Policewomen (a 1974 film that Tarantino referenced in Pulp Fiction). That film is easily 80 minutes talking, 20 minutes action. Tarantino's movie just managed to be better written than those movies.

[numbersix]

Can't remember what I said originally, but my point was that it's hardly worth commending that he mimicked the dialogue of a subgenre known for awful dialogue but made it a tad better, even though it's still awful dialogue.

[Buscemi]

Yeah, I had to delete that because I absent-mindedly posted my comment in the wrong thread. I apologize.

[numbersix]

No worries, I thought as much!

[Chienfantome]

#73

Shryke - Con Air
Wow, Con Air !!! Ha ! I haven't seen this one in aaaaaages. Heck, I gotta admit I enjoyed this one when I saw it in theaters. The concept is classic and efficient, it's full of good actors, I'm not surprised I liked it back then. But this is the kind of movie that when I rewatch it, I see the flaws the 16 year-old I was did not care about. I'm still taking this over most of what Bay has made though.

Surfer - His girl friday
Here's one I strongly considered for my own Top. It's so smart and funny, it's a real blast watching. Howard Hawks was a king when it came to screwball. Russell and Grant 's chemistry is strong and their wit is communicative. Hawks is a filmmaker I deeply admire, as he was one of those rare directors who was able to come up with a masterpiece in any cinematographic genre. I've got a couple of films of his in my own Top coming up...

greenarrow - Harold and Maude
Well, our fantaverse couple come up with a winning duet of films this round. Harold and Maud is a film I remember I did not expect much of (I did not really know who Ashby was back then), but immediately seduced me when I saw it. In fact, it's very, very rare for me, but when I first saw it, I felt the strange urge to see it again quickly. So I must have seen it twice the same week, and it's really something I rarely do.

transformers - Inception
I still haven't really watched the list of the films I have seen in 2010 and started thinking of my 2010 Top, but I know Inception will appear in it. It fascinated me more than most of the films I have seen this year in theater, and I have seen MANY. Too soon for a Top 100 for me, but excellent film for sure, tranny.

Ozzy - Tropic Thunder
A great US comedy which had me laughing louder than anyone in the theater when I saw it. Downey and Stiller were the highlights more than Cruise for me though.

Ron B - Primal Fear
I remember when I saw this one back in 96, I wondered "Who the heck is this Norton ??!!". Hoblit is a director that is specialized in good but minor films, and Primal Fear is a perfect exemple. There are good things in there, especially Norton "out of nowhere" performance, but in the end, the film is not that memorable. I hope Leaves of Grass will be released in Paris one of these days, as Norton seems excellent in it, yes.

Buscemi - Grindhouse
It's hard for me to express an opinion on this film, as I have not seen it as a whole. In France, "Death Proof" and "Planet Terror" were released separately in their full length versions. It's a different experience. Death Proof turned out a minor Tarantino film, but on the other hand I enjoyed the hell out of Planet Terror. This one is pure fun.

Six - Kind hearts and coronets
Ha ! This one is a delight to watch. Well, I have only seen it once, something like 7 or 8 years ago, but I loved it. I remember I was very excited to see it due to the famous multi-performances of Guiness, and sometimes I was wondering if it really was Guiness when I saw a character onscreen. He's insanely good in it, but as you mention, there wouldn't be such greatness without the jubilatory writing behind it all.

Banks - Heat
Michael Mann's best film for me. Way to go, Banks !

Barca - Casino
This is the first Scorsese film I ever saw in theaters, that's probably why I have a particular fondness for it. Maybe it even was the first Scorsese film I ever saw, I don't remember. Pesci's death almost traumatized me back then !! It's an excellent Scorsese.

Geezer - THe Blind Side
This one never played in theaters in France. It went straight to DVD, as most inspirational US sports movies do here. Despite Bullock's OScar, I can't really say I regret it, the theme does not really speak to me...

leestu - 7 up
??? Well I have to say that I had never heard about this documentaries... And I also have to say that out of all the films I discovered the existence of upon reading each and everyone's favourite films, THIS has got to be the film I am the most curious about, the one(s) I most definitely want to see !! Fascinating project !! I have to see this ! Thanks leestu, thanks a lot for making me discover these films !!

W - That thing you do !
I don't think I had seen it in theater, but I have seen it... I think I had rented it on video when it came out... anyway, it was a nice and gentle film. Nothing extraordinary, nothing really bad.

[silversurfer19]

MOVIE #74

Shrykespeare: Back to the Future (1985) – Truly one of the greatest pieces of cinema ever. Satisfies on so many levels, a great movie for all. And yeah, I SOOO wanted those hover sneakers, even if they did have that very 80s look. But byond that, I just wanted to be able to skateboard like Marty and hang off the back of a ute as I coasted around town. And I wanted to play guitar and blow up my amps, and to have a car with vertical opening doors. And well, to go back to the future! Brilliant movie, best of your picks so far! (10/10)

silversurfer: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - Although I do still enjoy Burton's movies, that is now mainly from a purely visual experience, as i just don't think his story telling has reached the high points of his early 90s work. The last film of his I really enjoyed was Sleepy Hollow, but even then I so long for him to direct an original idea. Getting back to Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands creativity would be wonderful. And Chien, even though Selick did direct the movie, I can't see this as anything other than a Burton movie. That's not just to say Selick was a hired help with no imput, but this was Burton's idea, his characters and his vision. The only reason he didn't direct it was because he had too many movies on his plate at the time and so wanted to pass it on to someone who could fully devote their time into creating something special. Which I believe he really did.

thegreenarrow: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - What a great start to this round, seriously one of my most watched movies when I was younger, and even now it stands the test of time. It's magical blend of animation and live action, and putting it in a noir setting was genius. Brilliant characterisation, gripping plot and one of the greatest villains of all time. When Judge chages at the end and squels, "When I killed your brother, I looked just... like... this!" was one of the most chilling scenes I'd ever seen, he was terrifying. Seriously though, what happened to Zemeckis, from this and Back To The Future to The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol? He should have quit when the 90s hit in. (10/10)

transformers: X2: X-Men United (2003) - Highlight of this for me was definitely Nightcrawler, who is by far my favourite X-Men. Alan Cumming was brilliant in the role and Singer gave him a back story and I only wish we'd seen more of him. Probably not as strong as the first one in some areas, but it made up for them in others. I still can't decide which I prefer more, but both of them were very good comic book movies. (8/10)

englishozzy: Ice Age (2002) - Without Scrat, I couldn't care less for this. I've watched them all now, and I'd say I probably enjoyed the Dawn Of The Dinosaurs most, and that's mainly because it has more screen time for Scrat. The other characters were largely annoying and the animation was such a step down from Pixar (and even Dreamworks) that I really didn't get much from it. Not the worst animated movie, but certainly not one of the better ones. (5/10)

Ron Burgundy: The Last Samurai (2003) - Yeah, it was quite obvious for the most part, but I wasn't expecting much when I finally watched this a few months ago, so i was pleasantly surprised to at least find it watchable and Cruise in good form. Not a movie I'd bother watching again, but certainly not a movie I wished I hadn't seen. (5.5/10)

Buscemi: Sling Blade (1996) - Still haven't seen it, maybe I should. (N/A)

Chienfantome: Groundhog Day (1993) – I dunno with this, I love the concept, and Murray is perfect in it (I love the reaction to the radio turning on with "I Got You Babe" playing, and his confrontation with the guy outside his apartment), but i cannot stand Andie Macdowell, and I couldn't ever care for their relationship. I suppose it was crucial to the story, but less of the sissy stuff!! (7/10)

numbersix: American Splendor (2003) - Certainly one of the best comic book movies ever, its a movie which truly captures the spirit of Pekar, right down to the cinematography. I can't think of a better actor than Paul Giamatti for the role, he was pitch perfect. It's a quirky little movie which I know has been loved by everyone who sees it. Just a shame so few have. (9/10)

Banks: Rush Hour (1998) - Still not for me. (3/10)

BarcaRulz: Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987) - I've heard this is supposed to be brilliant and it's in my local library so I should check it out soon. (N/A)

Geezer: Armageddon (1998) - I'm with six on this one, I can't differentiate this from so many other disaster movies (Independence Day, Deep Impact). Anyway, I think I've already had a rant against Michael Bay on The Island, so I don't think I need to do so again. He should just stick to music videos. (3/10)

leestu: Ba Wang Bie Ji (Farewell My Concubine) (1993) – I've known of this for a long time but not gotten around to watching it yet. I'm sure I will do soon enough as this genre of movie is certainly something I usually enjoy. (N/A)

W: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991) - I'm sure you're doing this on purpose now! I suppose we should be grateful you're actually picking movies you grew up on and enjoyed rather than just picking movies from the last couple of years or movies which are 'supposed' to be good. But man, it's a struggle not to hate this. I kind of agree, in that it does appeal to kids, in that I remember for my 9th birthday I was allowed to pick a movie to go see at the cinema with my friends. On name alone I chose this, so it obviously appealed to me a little. Luckily enough it wasn't on when we were going to I got All Dogs Go To Heaven instead. Lucky escape, as well as getting to see a truly heartbreaking movie in the process! Unfortunately I did eventually see this, wished I hadn't. (2/10)

[silversurfer19]

MOVIE #73

Shrykespeare: Con Air (1997) – After just slating Armageddon for it's over the top style and little substance, I gotta admit, I actually have this as a bit of a guilty pleasure. I remember being about 15 or 16 when this was released, and we were on holiday in Spain. Every evening my family thought it 'fun' to spend the evening watching cabaret and singing and dancing to some of the worst euro-pop ever created. So while this was taking place I found out the resort also held movie screenings and it seemed to be running a triple feature of Nick Cage movies (this along with Face Off and I think maybe The Rock, I'm not sure), and I loved it. Malkovich was awesome, Buscemi was creepy as hell, and Cage was a monster. Yeah, over the years, like Chien, I've noticed it's flaws becoming more evident, but nevertheless this was good fun, and a much better way to spend my time than listening to another rendition of The Mavericks' Dance The Night Away or Eiffel 65's I'm Blue [shudder]... (6.5/10)

silversurfer: His Girl Friday (1940) - To be honest I've watched very little Hawks movies, so it will be interesting to see what you find better movies of his than this, Chien, as I adore it.

thegreenarrow: Harold And Maude (1971) - Definitely my favourite Ashby movie, he seemed to just come out of nowhere for me a few years ago, and every one of his works have impressed me. (10/10)

transformers: Inception (2010) - At the moment I don't think there will be a single movie from 2010 which makes my top 100 of all time at any point in the near future. This was one of the better ones, but to be honest they've been hard to come by this year. I can probably count the number of truly good movies on one hand. Maybe with another viewing my opinion will change, but I just don't think this is as good as Nolan can be. (8/10)

englishozzy: Tropic Thunder (2008) - Still don't get the appeal really. And that cameo, don't get me started. Just because he wears a fat suit and acts like an ass doesn't make it good or funny. (5/10)

Ron Burgundy: Primal Fear (1995) - I'm not sure I've seen this, it sounds familiar and if i check the trailer later I'll know, but I don't think I've ever had the opportunity, though it certainly seems to be something I'd enjoy. (N/A)

Buscemi: Grindhouse (2007) - I'm kinda in two minds on this. Although it is by far one of my least liked Tarantino movies, it is still a Tarantino movie (well one half is), so it bear the hallmarks of what makes him great (great dialogue [yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it], iconic characters and lots of feet [QT really does have a foot festish!]). But it just doesn't ever reach the highs of Kill Bill Vol.1, Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs. I've watched it a couple of times now and up until Russell starts acting like a sissy, he was bad ass and a brilliant character, and that scene where he smashes through the car (fully breaking through one of the girls jaws!) was awesome. His use of music was also great, the lap dance scene is entracing. However, I didn't like Planet Terror very much to he honest. I was expecting to like it most, but it was just too much of a gimick for me. (6/10)

Chienfantome: The Sweet Hereafter (1997) – I'm definite I haven't seen this, but following your comments I feel I really need to now. Sounds like a really powerful movie. (N/A)

numbersix: Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) - A movie which has been on my Amazon list for years but I'm still to get around to watching it. I'm a big fan of the other Ealing movies such as The Ladykillers and The Lavender Hill Mob, so I should really check this out ASAP. (N/A)

Banks: Heat (1995) - Certainly a movie I considered for my own list, good to see it's appreciation on here. (9/10)

BarcaRulz: Casino (1995) - To be honest these movies are not a favourite of mine. The Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, they all roll into one with me. Not to say they are not well made, just they don't really appeal to me in particular. (6/10)

Geezer: The Blind Side (2009) - Haven't seen it, but to be honest it doesn't sound like a movie I would be interested in. Sounds way too formulaic, the good triumphing from struggling in a bad world. Seems to be very much like a kind of Gangster's Paradise (I may be way off base, just the impression the story has had on me so far), where the middle class woman helps the kids. (N/A)

leestu: 7 Up (1964) – We have been keeping up to date with this for years, and it really is a fascinating study. It's interesting to see how our upbringing can affect our lives as we get older, from some of the smallest things which might appear on the surface to be inconsequential to actually be a big factor in their lives. And how tow people in the same upbringing can become completely different people. Such a clever idea which has been fascinating to watch. (8/10)

W: That Thing You Do! (1996) - Don't think I've ever seen it. At least it doesn't sound familiar. I'll check the trailer out later to see if I recognise it. (N/A)

[Shrykespeare]

Geezer: The Blind Side (2009) - Haven't seen it, but to be honest it doesn't sound like a movie I would be interested in. Sounds way too formulaic, the good triumphing from struggling in a bad world. Seems to be very much like a kind of Gangster's Paradise (I may be way off base, just the impression the story has had on me so far), where the middle class woman helps the kids. (N/A)

I think you mean Dangerous Minds. Gangsta's Paradise was just the name of the hit song from the film. And while both films are meant to be uplifting, there's a big difference between Pfeiffer's character and Bullock's, apart from Bullock's being quite a few steps above middle class. That difference is that Bullock's character invoked a lot of humor as well, or, at least, that's how she was written. I honestly think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not seeing it, whether you're a fan of sports movies or not. I personally loathe country music, but every blue moon or so a country song comes out that just captivates me. Maybe this will do the same for you.