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MY TOP 10 FAVORITE FILMS

Well, I’ve done my Top 10 Favorite Horror Movies and my Top 10 Favorite Disney Movies so it was logical this post would be the next one. I will not lie but this list has probably been updated/changed more than a hundred times as it is a tough list to make and picking out my Top 10 Favorite Films is tricky. There are times where i’m like “I want to put that film on the list” or “To put this film on the list means I have to take this film off which is one I really enjoy”. There are of course several firm choices that will stay on the list as there are films I absolutely love including my Top Favorite Film which will soon be revealed which has also recently changed (interchangeable or what).

Anyway as much as I love my films, the main factor for me is Story, Story is key to a good film as CGI and special effects can only go so far. Too many films have relied on CGI and weak plots to make it work but if fails miserably leaving the end result as a film no one will be re-watching in a hurry. A film with a good story is one you will always watch again and again (and again). Most people when doing a list like this would rank the films but I tried and just couldn’t do it so I’m arranging the films in chronological order i.e year of release. Anyway without further ado here are my Top 10 Favorite Films.

1: THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)

Starting off with what is without doubt my Favorite Film of all time, it has only just recently taken the top spot and this down to personal reasons as well as the fact I adored this movie as a child. This is also a film you love as a child and love even more as an adult as you discover a deep meaningful message you can strongly relate to through the themes of love, friendship and home. Everything is about this movie is just beautiful from the story, music, characters and the stunning technicolor. Judy Garland’s performance as Dorothy is phenomenally heartwarming as she learns the true meaning of home, a lesson we can all very much appreciate. Let’s also not forget the excellent performances of Ray Bolger, Jack Hayley and Bert Lahr as the Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Lion who each bring in their own unique brand of comedy. Margaret Hamilton is also menacing and wickedly wonderful as the Wicked Witch of the West, every great film needs a great villain.

The soundtrack is just phenomenal and it’s iconic songs are why it is my favorite Musical of all time. Judy Garland’s “Over The Rainbow” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and my favorite song in the movie with it’s timeless message of home and love.

2: CASABLANCA (1942)

Without doubt everything about this movie is perfection the cast, the production design, the lighting, the story, everything. Let’s of course not forget the films iconic and immortal dialogue with golden lines like “Play it Sam”, “Here’s looking at you kid”, “We’ll always have Paris”, no way will any other film trump this one in regards to excellent dialogue. Given that this film was made during the height of WW2, it masterfully captures the plight of the refugees who are all trapped with little or no means of escape. The shots/cinematography of their despair are so beautifully filmed and perfectly capture what was going on in the world at that time. Tough Guy Humphrey Bogart as romantic, sentimental lead Rick is a change but he does it beautifully as the anti-hero torn between choosing love and doing what’s right. Ingrid Bergman is perfectly paired with Bogart as Ilsa the stunning love interest who also displays determination and resilience to try and aid the cause

Of course the film is made even more perfect with it’s central love song “As Time Goes By” and how it defines the relationship between Rick and Ilsa. As time goes by the love will always remain.

3: REAR WINDOW (1954)

My Top Favorite Hitchcock and Absolute Favorite of all time, Rear Window is the ultimate Hitchcock thrill ride of suspense and shock. James Stewart as Photographer LB Jeffries is resourceful and determined as the lead and keeps the picture driving forward to a suspenseful conclusion that will have everyone on the edge of thier seats. Grace Kelly as Lisa Freemont is not just beautiful and glamorous but strong willed and not afraid to take risks when trying to prove the murder of Mrs Thorwald. Stewart and Kelly work together beautifully in this film as the perfect couple who have some differences about careers and life but through thier investigations come closer together and everything works out. Raymond Barr also excels as the antagonist, Killer Lars Thorwald who even though is seen at a distance for most of the picture dominates with his cold and calculating presence.

The film dazzles with Hitchcockian touches like all of Jeffries neighbors and how we get a glimpse of thier lives and struggles. This without doubt is the definitive Hitchcock Film.

4: 12 ANGRY MEN (1957)

If ever there was a film that was relevant to the issues faced today then this is it especially in how it deals with the problems of bigotry and prejudice. The group of juror’s has people from all walks of life to the snobby banker to the loud mouthed garage owner. The amount of prejudice leveled at the young boy accused of murder from his skin color to his being from a rough/slum background is pretty much a mirror image of the prejudices still existing in today’s society. Almost like a mirror image in some cases. Henry Fonda as Juror No.8 is excellent in how he wants to discuss the case more thoroughly rather than rushing to a prejudiced decision. His performance as the voice of reason and understanding drives the film forward and through the conflict with other jurors makes them question thier own bigoted, prejudiced decisions and why exactly they raced to thier own choice of a guilty verdict.

5: PSYCHO (1960)

What can you say about Psycho aside from the fact it is a chilling and ingenious piece of cinema and my second favorite Hitchcock. Anthony Perkins gives an engaging but menacing and chilling performance as Norman Bates, here is a character where you feel something is wrong before that memorable ending. Janet Leigh also put’s in a great performance as the doomed Marion Crane who is weighed down by guilt over her crime but fate and horror intervene before she can atone. The cinematography of this scene is pure film excellence as can be seen in scenes like the inner monologues that take place in Marion’s car or the shots inside and outside the Bates House which would send a shiver down anyone’s spine.

The shower scene is a towering example as Marion’s brutal demise in the shower was filmed and edited in a way that managed to appease the strict production code at that time

6: BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992)

Aside from Bella Lugosi’s version this is my Favorite Adaption of the Dracula Story. The production design in this film beautifully creates the Gothic macabre world of Bram Stoker’s iconic Horror Novel especially in scenes in Castle Dracula or Lucy’s Crypt. The Gothic style masterfully created by Francis Ford Coppola perfectly adds to the tone of darkness and evil. Gary Oldman is perfectly cast as the Evil Vampire Dracula and his commanding menacing presence dominates the screen in all of his scenes. He is masterfully sinister in whatever form he takes whether it’s as a Man, Wolf or Bat Creature. Overall this film is a great example of how performance and production design make for a really excellent film especially a horror story like Dracula. After his excellent work on the Godfather Francis Ford Coppola is a director who knows how to bring the world of a film to life especially a dark and twisted like Dracula.

7: THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995)

As I said in the introduction a film simply does not work without a good story and this is a film that has a well structured and written story. This is cinematic storytelling at it’s finest where you think you know what’s going to happen but your completely wrong. The way this film is written and it’s cast of untrustworthy characters leaves you realizing that you cannot always trust what a character says or if they are telling the truth. The twists and turns in this film leaves you uncertain of what will happen next and that’s why it’s such a great film.

8: HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHERS STONE (2001)

I love Harry Potter and it made sense to put a Harry Potter Film on the list and of course it has to be my Favorite Harry Potter Film which is the first one. I have so much nostalgia from seeing this in the cinema as a kid and seeing the Wizarding World from Diagon Alley, Hogwarts to the Quidditch Game come to life. The production design of this film is excellent and truly brings the pages of Rowling’s book to life. There are so many excellent performances in this film but my favorites have to be Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe as Hermione and Harry. Emma Watson is resourceful and strong willed as Hermione whose brightness and knowledge helps get herself, Ron and Harry out of some tight situations. Daniel Radcliffe is amazing as Harry Potter, the character we love and want to see win the day. Rupert Grint of course is also awesome as Ron and shows himself to be a strong and loyal friend, he also adds some comic relief to the proceedings. The trio of Ron Harry and Hermione is without doubt the best movie Friend Group of all time.

9: LORD OF THE RINGS, THE TWO TOWERS (2002)

My Favorite Lord of the Rings Film and it has me hooked from the opening scene between Gandalf and the Balrog which has to be the greatest opening to a film in history. This is a film that excellently handles multiple plot-lines and keeps things moving in a well structured and action packed way. This is something others film have tried and failed at. The film is jam packed with amazing performances but the two best for me have to be Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood is phenomenal as Frodo as he continue his journey to Mount Doom and tries to resist the evil influence of the ring and it’s corruption. Ian Mckellen is just awesome as Gandalf rising again as Gandalf the White rallying the forces of good to fight back against Saruman not to mention his bad-ass entrance with the Rohan Soldiers at the end of the movie.

The Helms Deep battle scenes are absolutely phenomenal in thier choreography, staging and cinematography. I’ve seen the battle scenes a million times and never get bored of them. Gotta love Legolas and Gimli’s little contest, adds some humor to the proceedings. Without doubt this is my favorite Movie Battle Sequence of all time.

10: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (2017)

It’s been a while since we’ve had an original musical with iconic catchy songs and this one ticks all the boxes in what makes a great musical. Hugh Jackman shows once again he is a man of many talents as PT Barnum the family man and constant dreamer who will do what he can to make his dreams come true. His journey from merely being the son of a Tailor to a Beloved Entertainer is wonderful to watch and even if he does get lost along the way his determination and the love of his family are what help him find his way back to what matters. All the songs in this soundtrack are so memorable and ones you could sing again and again, this movie definitely has the look and feel of one of those old Hollywood Musical Extravaganzas. My Favorite Song has to be “A Million Dreams” as it’s about seeing the world in your own unique way and believing in your dreams. My other favorites are “Never Enough”, “This Is Me”, Rewrite The Stars” and “From Now On”. Each song contributes to the story and has it’s own unique message.

Well that wraps up my Top 10 Favorite Films and if you haven’t seen any of them then I suggest you start watching ASAP. Maybe this list will inspire you to choose your own Top 10 Favorite Films. There are of course some films that nearly made it onto the list or were on it but had to moved so stay tuned for the Honorable mentions. Thanks for checking out this post.

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MY TOP 10 FAVOURITE HITCHCOCK FILMS

For the last number of decades Alfred Hitchcock Film’s have become synonymous with the Golden era of Hollywood Cinema. Hitchcock’s films have become iconic and indeed powerful on how they play upon our emotions more specifically those of fear, shock and horror. I started watching Hitchcock films during my undergraduate years in Video and Film, I loved watching them as what drew me to them were powerful suspenseful images, shocking scenarios and of course iconic, memorable and in more than one case chilling characters.

Hitchcock’s work in cinema has earned him the title “Master of Suspense”, a title that suits him perfectly as every picture he has made has us an audience hanging off the edge of our seat. this is evident in moments such as the famous Shower Scene in “Psycho” or the chase atop Mount Rushmore in “North by Northwest”. I have decided to take a break from my Cancer Diaries to write some other posts and I decided to start with this one as I have been watching some of my Favorite Hitchcock’s Lately

In selecting my Top 10 Favorite Hitchcock Films this list has become slightly interchangeable but now I have firmly narrowed it down to the Top Ten Hitchcock Films I could watch again and again.

1: REBECCA (1940)

Adapted from the 1938 Novel the story of Maxim De Winter’s New Bride constantly reminded of his late Wife Rebecca within the walls of Manderly is masterfully brought to life by Hitchcock. Hitchcock’s excellent direction brings to life the ominous atmosphere of Manderly haunted by the specter of Rebecca with reminders of her everywhere. Lawrence Olivier (Maxim De Winter) is perfectly cast as a man desperately trying to escape something which we cannot quite fathom until later as events come to a head. Judith Anderson adds to the haunting atmosphere as Housekeeper Mrs Danvers determined to keep her deceased Mistresses memory alive. Anderson’s performance is truly disturbing on the brink of insanity as she drives the new young wife almost to the brink of madness.

Fontaine’s performance as the Protagonist is absolutely beautiful as she braves the enviroment of Manderly which in turns transforms her from a naive young girl into a young woman. The black and white cinematography is evocative and strongly contributes to the hantuing atmosphere of the film.

2: SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943)

Known to be Hitchcock’s personal favorite of all his films and it’s no surprise why. a Niece finding out her favorite Uncle, Charlie is in actual fact a Dangerous Killer makes for the perfect thriller. The setting is also perfect, the charming, pleasant town of lovely people that cannot avoid the evils of the world. Joseph Cotton is beautifully cast as outwardly charming but internally evil and sinister Uncle Charlie and his menacing presence dominates the picture as the perfect antagonist. Teresa Cotton put’s in a great performance as Young Charlie whose faith in her uncle and naive innocence is shattered upon discovering her Uncle’s secret. The tension builds perfectly as young Charlie finds herself in danger as Uncle Charlie will even kill her, his favorite Niece to keep his secrets.

Adding to things is Young Charlie’s Father (Henry Travers) and his Friend and fellow Crime Buff Herbie (Hume Cronyn) constantly discussing committing the perfect murder when the complete irony is that there is a Dangerous Killer in the house. You have to appreciate Mr Hitchcock’s talent for ghoulish humor.

3: SPELLBOUND (1945)

A Hitchcock Film shrouded in mystery and intrigue as we the audience along with Ingrid Bergman’s Dr. Constance Petersen try to uncover the mystery of the fate of Dr. Anthony Edwardes and who is the man pretending to be him. Ingrid Bergman is perfectly cast as Dr. Constance Petersen whose cool exterior is melted as she falls in love with Gregory Peck’s Character with an admirable determination to prove he is not a deranged man. Gregory Peck excellently plays a character who the audience are unsure if they can trust him or not of whether his unlocked memories can prove he is trustworthy. The plot is so well constructed it keeps us an audience enthralled to uncover the truth and what really happened to Dr. Anthony Edwardes.

The Dream Sequence is the film is a very memorable scene and brings strong elements of symbolism and almost German expressionism to a sequence that opens the truth to interpretation and the key to everything.

4: DIAL M FOR MURDER (1953)

The first of Grace Kelly’s three fabulous outings with Hitchcock. Tony Wendice played to Villainous perfection by Ray Milland plots to murder his unfaithful wife Margo played by the Beautiful Ms. Kelly. This is a fantastic piece of Hitchcockian Cinema filled with nail biting tension and excellent camera direction. Aside from Grace Kelly’s beautiful performance the crown for top performance must go to Ray Milland. He is calculating, poised and sinister in his plans. The scene where he fully explains his plan down to every little detail with birds eye view camera angles is completely magnificent. Only Hitchcock could make the planning of a murder so elegant and full of panache. Another performance worth noting is John Williams Chief Inspector Hubbard who may not be the clueless police officer the audience have him pegged as.

Hitchcock’s direction on this film is purse mastery and as I said before it is evident in so many of the scenes. The birds eye view camera style is a Hitchcock flouirsh used to cinematic perfection.

5: REAR WINDOW (1954)

My Top Favorite Hitchcock and Absolute Favorite of all time, Rear Window is the ultimate Hitchcock thrill ride of suspense and shock. James Stewart as Photographer LB Jeffries is resourceful and determined as the lead and keeps the picture driving forward to a suspenseful conclusion that will have everyone on the edge of thier seats. Grace Kelly as Lisa Freemont is not just beautiful and glamorous but strong willed and not afraid to take risks when trying to prove the murder of Mrs Thorwald. Stewart and Kelly work together beautifully in this film as the perfect couple who have some differences about careers and life but through thier investigations come closer together and everything works out. Raymond Barr also excels as the antagonist, Killer Lars Thorwald who even though is seen at a distance for most of the picture dominates with his cold and calculating presence.

The film dazzles with Hitchcockian touches like all of Jeffries neighbors and how we get a glimpse of thier lives and struggles. This without doubt is the definitive Hitchcock Film.

6: TO CATCH A THIEF

Hitchcock undertaking a romantic thriller seems like a change but he still delivers those moments of suspense and shock. Cary Grant delivers an excellent and masterful performance as John Robie risking prison and danger to clear his name, he is the perfect anti-hero. This marks the third and final Hitchcock outing for Grace Kelly as the beautiful but daring Frances Stevens who falls for John and becomes embroiled in the race to expose the real thief, her driving skills could use work though. The scenes in which Frances outruns the police on the mountains road add some comedy to the proceedings. The exhilarating conclusion of the film and the reveal of the real thief is filled with excitement as anti-hero and villain have it out as they scale the rooftops.

The backdrop of the film in the stunning and picturesque French Riviera makes for the perfect exciting and beautiful setting for action, intrigue and romance.

7: VERTIGO

Hitchcock’s tale of love, obsession and tragedy is an unforgettable film with twists and turns you wont see coming. This is one of those films where you think you know everything but you dont know how things will turn out at all. James Stewart excels as anti-hero John Ferguson who falls deeper and deeper from love into obsession creating the perfect tragic hero. As his obsessive behavior reaches a peak he starts to become very unsympathetic as a character. Kim Novak is both beautiful, tragic and the perfect example of a film character shrouded in mystery and tragedy. She is almost ethereal and we hope she can be saved by Stewart but the atmosphere of mystery and tragedy adds to the excellent craft of her character. This film also ingeniously makes use of colors such as red and green to symbolize the mood or sometimes predict what could be coming next.

8: NORTH BY NORTHWEST

The Ultimate Hitchcock thrill ride starring Hollywood Heartthrob Carey Grant. Hitchcock weaves a cinematic tale of suspense, intrigue and a little romance and the chase/action that starts in New York that ends in a suspenseful conclusion atop Mount Rushmore, undeniably one of the most Iconic film endings ever. Carey Grant in his Sixth and Final Hitchcock Outing plays the Advertising Man turned agent who evades death and capture, his suave charm and sharp instinct make him a great character who saves the day and gets the girl. Eva Marie Saint as Double Agent Eve Kendall is both beautiful and resourceful and whilst we as an audience are unsure if we can trust her, the chemistry between her and Grant is electric like any pairing from the Hollywood Golden Era.

Like any Great Hitchcock the film is packed with iconic action packed moments like the Crop Duster Plane Chase or the Finale atop Mount Rushmore. I think Hitchcock’s cameo in this film is the funniest when he tries to get on the bus but the door is slammed in his face.

9: PSYCHO (1960)

What can you say about Psycho aside from the fact it is a chilling and ingenious piece of cinema and my second favorite Hitchcock. Anthony Perkins gives an engaging but menacing and chilling performance as Norman Bates, here is a character where you feel something is wrong before that memorable ending. Janet Leigh also put’s in a great performance as the doomed Marion Crane who is weighed down by guilt over her crime but fate and horror intervene before she can atone. The cinematography of this scene is pure film excellence as can be seen in scenes like the inner monologues that take place in Marion’s car or the shots inside and outside the Bates house which would send a shiver down anyone’s spine.

The shower scene is a towering example as Marion’s brutal demise in the shower was filmed and edited in a way that managed to appease the strict production code at that time.

10: THE BIRDS (1963)

Hitchcock masterfully weaves this tale of nature gone horribly mad and a possible guarantee you will never look at birds the same way again. Tippi Hendren is well cast as the beautiful but seemingly lost Melanie Daniels who builds a sweet and strong relationship with Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) and even a slightly paternal relationship with his Mother Lydia (Jessica Tandy). Rod Taylor is perfectly cast as Mitch Brenner who must try keep his family safe from the horrific bird attacks and we as an audience love his building romance with Melanie. The excellent effects in this film mainly the bird scenes and attacks make the CGI effects today look tacky and amateurish. So much effort went into creating scenes that will have people look at birds more warily as if fearing life will imitate cinema.

The sound effects of the birds are also excellently created so that the sounds send a shiver down your spine. It is a credit to all the hard work on this film to make people slightly fearful of our feathered friends.

So this wraps up my Top 10 Hitchcock Films. there are of course other honorable mentions, other Hitchcock Films I enjoy which I will do in another post. In the meantime if you haven’t seen any of these Amazing Hitchcock Films then I suggest you get onto Amazon Prime and start watching them PRONTO

1930s, Camera, cinema, classic films, film blog, film reviews, golden age of hollywood, Movies, Uncategorized, wizard of oz

ODE TO OZ

Felt like penning a small poetic tribute to The Wizard of Oz in honor of it’s 80th Anniversary

1939 saw the release of a timeless classic 
A story of Friendship, Love and Magic 
Judy Garland as Dorothy was Beauty and perfection 
The studio made the right selection  

Cometh the Cyclone, Dorothy did not know
She would go somewhere over the Rainbow 
Meet Glinda, Munchkins and the Witch of the West
until she has the Ruby Slippers she will not rest   

Follow the Yellow Brick Road every one did say 
Dorothy makes wonderful new friends along the way
Meet the Lovable Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion 
As they dance down the Yellow Bricked Horizon 

The Wizard requets the Wicked Witch's Broomstick 
The Wicked Witch herself prepares a despicable trick 
Watch out Dorothy as Flying Monkeys fill the skies 
Has the Wicked Witch finally nabbed her ruby Prize 

The heroes rescue Dorothy, melt the witch and return to the City
The Wizard is revealed as a Fraud but still quite witty
The Ruby slippers can send Dorothy home Glinda Rveals
Dorothy bids goodbye and returns home with a click of her heels

Dorothy is glad to be back with her friends and family
She now understands why there is no place like home

1930s, Camera, cinema, classic films, film blog, film reviews, golden age of hollywood, Movies, Uncategorized, wizard of oz

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ IS AS WONDERFUL 80 YEARS LATER

For over 80 Years the enduring magic of The Wizard of Oz has captivated, enchanted and touched the hearts of audiences. It is the kind of film you could watch again and again and never fail to be enchanted by its endearing story, colorful characters, and beautiful music. The immortality of the film also lies in its universal themes of friendship, love, home, and adventure, themes that connect any film with an audience I absolutely loved the film as a kid and even more now as an adult. The touching heartwarming message behind the movie touches you even more deeply as an adult and you like Dorothy realize there’s no place like home or the people there. As this marks my second blog post honoring the films 80th anniversary I felt like writing a reflective or looks back piece if you will

The Wizard of Oz remains embedded in our hearts and minds through the many iconic moments and images that come to mind when we think about the movie, Dorothy entering Munchkinland, the Munchkins, The Flying Monkeys, The Wicked Witch, the Emerald City and the Journey of Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wonderful Wizard himself and of course Toto too. Like any great classic of that era, The Wizard of Oz is also well remembered for its many iconic lines of dialogue – “Toto I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”, “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too”. Basically, as this could go on for ages everything about this Movie is beautiful and complete perfection.

The Cast deliver performances that are nothing short of phenomenal and which cements them as the memorable characters we know and love. Judy Garland is undoubtedly beautiful in her performance as Dorothy, her journey in Oz and the friendships she builds along the way resulting in how she truly learns why there is no place like home is both emotive and moving and a lesson even we as an audience can take in. Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, and Jack Hayley deliver performances that make us laugh and each brings his own unique talents to his role in particular to their musical numbers but their scenes with Judy Garland remind us why we love our friends. The friendship between Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tinman and the Lion is heartwarming and even this blogger sheds a few (manly) tears when Dorothy departs.

Billie Burke shines as Glinda the Good Witch and acts as both Dorothy’s sort of Fairy Godmother and guide and by sending Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road she helps Dorothy truly understands why there is no place like home. This really touches on how in modern life with some guidance we understand what really matters. Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West reminds us why every movie needs a good villain and still sends a chill down audiences spines. Her performance is nothing but despicably wicked and she dominates the screen during her scenes with her wicked presence rivaling Judy Garland.

So what else can we say makes this movie even more magical, why the Music of course. The score is a work of art and helps move the story along. Like the dialouge, the music is so memorable and helps to move the story along and give us a chance to sing along too. Out of all the song’s the one that stands out so strongly is Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Today’s kids can keep their Pitch Perfect and other crap because to me there is nothing more beautiful than Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The way she puts her heart and soul into the song is pure and beautiful as she believes in the sentiment and meaning behind the song, Garland would go onto sing it all her life and to her was the closest melody to her heart. No other singer’s version will EVER be as beautiful as the one in the movie. It’s the mark of any great musical if you remember every song from the movie, all someone has to say is Oz and we remember Over The Rainbow, Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, If I Only Had a Brain/Heart/The Nerve. Heres hoping they release a Sing A Long DVD soon so we can all along.

If there is one memorable defining moment within the Movie it is that iconic moment when Dorothy steps out from the grayness into the technicolor Wonderland of Oz. It is the moment everyone remembers so well from the film. Remember that this movie came in 1939 was recovering from the great depression so Oz brought a sense of escapism and hope to 1939 audiences. Today’s films are layered no bathed in CGI effects so to see something so simply achieved as a transition from grayness to Technicolor without any CGI/special effects is an amazing achievement

The film of course still holds relevance today through a deeper meaning we better understand watching the film as adults. Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road is about self discovery, making new friends and that home no matter how far away we are is something close to our hearts (getting meaningful in my old age).

Well, I think I’ve covered everything that makes this Movie a Magical Experience. Overall despite the chaotic creative process, everyone involved put their heart and soul into making the movie happen and bringing L Frank Baum’s story to life. 80 Years of Oz have had audiences falling in love with it time and time again, so here’s to another 80 years of going Over The Rainbow with this timeless classic.