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.

FAMILY FILM RECOMENDATIONS

Starting off my series of Film recomendations with some suggestions for Family Films, these suggestions have something for everyone to enjoy. If it’s an rainy day or you fancy a movie day with the kids then here are my top recomendations for films you will love and enjoy as a family.

1: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

The ultimate musical extravaganza in celabration of being different and making your dreams come true. PT Barnum follows his visons and dreams to create a true spectacle on stage. Filled with unforgettable moments/scenes and musical numbers you will that will warm your heart and you will be singing for a long time afterwards

2: MAMMA MIA

Whether your a Musical Lover or an ABBA Fan Mamma Mia will have you singing along even afer the credits have rolled. Bride to Be Sophie in the run up to her wedding has invited three of her mothers old boyfriends belieiving one of them to be her Father. It all adds up to a myriad of confusion and musical madness and fun. Well worth checking out the sequel too

3: SHREK

Iconic for turning the traditional fairy tale formula completely on its head Shrek the Ogre must rescue the beauitful Princess Fiona in order to reclaim his swamp home. Unlike any Fairy Tale this one features an annoying yet loveable talkative Donkey and a karate chopping Princess with a big secret that could either hinder or very well be her happy ending.

4: THE ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES

Only the Addams Family could hire a homicidal nanny with plans to marry Uncle Fester, bump him off and get he claws on his cash. The dark and the macabre have never looked so hilarious or even delightful in this 90’s classic. There is also the potential for the usually macab Wednesday Addams to find love or could the possibly unlicky guy meet an unexpected demise

5: THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY

Couldnt pick which one to recomend so I decided to suggest all three but there are some scary parts so maybe not advisable for the little ones. A Brave Hobbit sets out to destroy a Magical Ring and save the world from a Dark Lord intent on enslaving all it’s people. Throw in a Wizard, more hobbits, brave men, elves and dwarfs not to mention battle sequences that will go down in film history.

6: THE WIZARD OF OZ

One of the most iconic and beloved films in history, Follow Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road with her friends the Scarecrow, TinMan and Cowardly Lion to meet the wonderful Wizard of Oz to get home to Kansas. Filled with beloved and beautiful musical numbers, unforgettable characters and sprakly stunning technicolour magic, The Wizard of Oz will cast a spell on you like no other film can.

7: SPACE JAM

Basketball and the Looney Tunes come together in this mix of looney madness and hilarity. The Looney Tunes call in Famous Basketball Star Michael Jordan to help them win a Basketball game against the Alien Team The MonStars otherwise they become enslaved on the aliens planet. It is a laugh a second as the Looney Tunes dominate the screen with thier madcap antics not to mention featuring the most Looney madcap Basketball game ever played in History.

8: JUMANJI

The sounds and sights of the Jungle come to life in this Robin Williams Classic about a board game you probably wouldnt want to play if you found it. Two Kids Judy and Peter find the game in thier attic and along with long lost Alan Parrish and Sarah Whittle they must face every foe that comes out of the game if they want to reach the end and shout JUMANJI. The game unleashes a stampede, spiders, a monsoon and a gun weilding Hunter determined to hunt Alan. A must watch for those like the unexpected.

9: BACK TO THE FUTURE

Travelling to the future has never been more fun in this iconic 80’s adventure which see’s Marty McFly try to fix the past after acidentally stopping his parents first meeting. He must now try to bring the two together in time for Prom Night or risk the fabric of space and time being drastically changed forever and his own existence will become undone. Filled with hilarity and time travelling mayhem

10: HOCUS POCUS

Technically a Halloween Film but who wouldnt want to check out this 90s classic. Three kids unwittingly reseruct three salem Witches determined to reclaim thier youth so it is up to these three kids to stop them once and for all with the help of a feline friend. A fun, hilarity filled classic with some crazy spells and an iconic performance of I Puta Spell on You. Bette Middler truly is a Queen

11: HARRY POTTER

Like LOTR I’m going to recommend all of the Harry Potter films. Boy Wizard Harry Potter embraks on spellbinding adventures at his Wizard school Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry and when the time comes must be the saviour of the Wizarding World and defeat the Evil Lord Voldemort. Filled with astounding creatures, unforgettable adventures and iconic wonderful characters the whole world knows, Harry Potter will cast a spell on you to watch them at least 1000 more times

12: MARY POPPINS

Practically perfect in every way the magic of Mary Poppins will enchant young and old. Magical Nanny Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks Household to help bring the family closer together with magical adventures and lessons in love and family. Enchanting and marvellously magical with wonderful loveable characters, iconic beauitful musical numbers and simply glorious animation. Step in time to that Practically Perfect Jolly Holiday with your family, dont forget that Spoonful of Sugar

Anyway that concludes my Family Film recomendations stay tuned for my next set of recomendations of SUPERHERO FILMS

STAY TUNED

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

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.