6 Fantastic Films
I thought I would lighten the mood here by identifying 6 movies that I find so enjoyable that I can (and have) watched over and over. Suggestions for comments would either be to comment on my list, or even identify your own…
In no particular order:
K-PAX (2001)
K-PAX is the mysterious story of ‘prot’ (played by Kevin Spacey), a patient brought to a mental hospital on account of his claiming to be an alien from a far away planet named K-PAX. When a psychiatrist at the hospital takes on his case, he is fascinated by the immense scientific knowledge of ‘prot,’ and in one humourous scene takes ‘prot’ to a conversation with some prominent astrophysicists, whereupon ‘prot’ astounds them with his own astronomical knowledge. As the questions regarding ‘prot’ origin remain unanswered, the psychiatrist begins to hunt down every discernible detail that he can in an attempt to establish and convince ‘prot’ of his ‘true’ identity, all of which leads to a rather splendid, sad, but touching ending.
Millions (2004)
The relatively unheard of film (unless you walk in my circles) is directed by Danny Boyle, and written by Frank Cottrell Boyce (a father of eight…) and is the story of two brothers, Damian and Anthony Cunningham, who having come across a sack of British pounds, have only a short time to spend it before the transition is made to the Euro. The boys differ as to how best to spend it, with the more materialistic Anthony wishing to satisfy his own needs, while the more imaginative Damian, because of his fascination with Saints (some of whom he actually converses with), instead wishes to spend it on the poor. When the nature of the money’s origin is discovered, the confusion about what to do with it is even more pronounced.
The Village (2004)
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village is the story of an isolated, late 19th century community shocked by a recent wave of animal killings believed to have been committed by "those we do not speak of," an unknown set of creatures that is believed to populate the forest which surrounds the village.
The film received rather negative reviews, and was not financially successful, however The Village like all of his others (except Signs) is brilliantly done, and it does seem a shame that viewers at least judge all of his films (and particularly their endings) on the basis of how they compare to his wildly successful Sixth Sense.
Heat (1995)
Heat is described as an epic crime drama, and centers around the relationship between expert thief Neil McCauley (played by Robert De Niro) and Lt. Vincent Hanna (played by Al Pacino) who is attempting to stop him before his next big heist. Directed by Michael Mann, this film was both a critical and commercial success and includes a stellar cast of actors (Pacino, De Niro, Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd and John Voight).
Big Fish (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish is the story of a son returning to visit his dying father who he hasn’t spoken to in three years. Their relationship has been strained on account of the son’s eventual frustration with the fact that he does not truly know who his father is, in light of the rather larger than life, exaggerated and fantastic manner in which the father has presented his own life history. These particular experiences, which are quite remarkable, are lived through by the viewer of the film, during flashbacks to the father’s earlier years.
The Insider (1999)
Like Heat, The Insider also is directed by Michael Mann and starts Al Pacino.
This is the true story account of a research chemist/big tobacco executive (played by Russell Crowe) who comes under fire from his company for calling into question the rightness of the company manipulating nicotine through ammonia chemistry so as to allow it to be more rapidly absorbed by the brain and central nervous system. Once fired, the chemist is befriended by a producer at 60 Minutes who devotes everything to bring this story to air.
There’s six.
K.
If you liked Big Fish you should really check out Second Hand Lions.
I recently saw Georgia Rules, a film with Lindsay Lohan and a few other big names. I can’t stand Lohan but she plays her part in the movie really well. The thing that I loved about the movie was that for the first while anyway, you have no idea what the heck the movie is about. But overall it was a really well done movie with some real depth.
Actually one movie you might really like Kelly is called Keeping Mum. Don’t read about what happens in it though you just need to watch it and let it happen. I really love those movies that you sit down to and you end up basically saying… wait… WHAT!?
Oh, and last movie recommendation. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Probably one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
Comment by David Malcolm — April 12, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
I have seen ‘Second Hand Lions’ and while I liked it, ‘Big Fish’ in my view was better.
I don’t think I’ve seen Georgia Rules, or Keeping Mum, or even Eternal Sunshine…
Summer is my time to catch up on movies, so thanks for the suggestions.
K.
Comment by K. — April 12, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
I may as well write six as well. The first two are ones that you should see before you die. I can definitely watch them over and over again. I’ll try and keep it short where I can. All of them are fairly raunchy with the obvious exception of the first.
1. The Great Dictator- by Charlie Chaplin -1944
Chaplin’s first “talkie,” and a very interesting historic film- Chaplin essentially parodies what is happening in Germany at the start of World War II. It is absurd, but quite touching. It succeeds as a social commentary, delivering a very interesting ethic regarding the human condition. There are also some of the funniest scenes I have ever seen. Released at a very sensitive time politically, Mr. Hitler certainly wouldn’t have been pleased with the film. Interestingly enough, Hitler is said to have adopted Chaplin’s mustache earlier in his political career in order to get a boost from Chaplin’s popularity.
Annie Hall- Woody Allen- 1977
One of my favorite movies of all time. If I can skulk away for a couple hours from schoolwork today, I will definitely watch it. I found myself in a mood for it today. Any attempt on my part in order to describe this movie really wouldn’t give it justice. It is bizarre, tragic, funny, and interesting all around. The tagline is “A nervous romance” but that doesn’t really fit it well in my opinion. It centers around a neurotic comedian and his love interest. It also examines the rivalry between New York and LA though the eyes of a staunch New Yorker. A major role is also played by Paul Simon. Best picture 1977.
Sleeper- Woody Allen -1974
Why not include another Woody Allen movie here? Apparently he also played clarinet in the soundtrack. Sci-fi comedy about a man from the Greenwich village who is frozen and reawakened in the future in order to assist a rebel group in the defeat of the overbearing government. Interesting societal commentary as well.
Hot Fuzz- 2007- Hilarious film which is a by-and large parody of action movies. Incredibly well done. Most of the cast from “Shawn of the Dead” is in it.
I Heart Huckabees- This movie has a special place in my heart, although people give it mixed reviews. The tag line is “an existential comedy.” When I watched it, my senior year of high school, I was starting to think about existentialism. This movie gave me interesting food for thought on nature of coincidences and how things in the universe are connected. I thought it was charming.
The Blues Brothers- This is one film that I love. The manner in which it is done is fantastic. Dan Akroyd and John Belushi play such unassuming characters. Funniest and probably most destructive chase scenes ever. This movie is probably the only good movie to come out of the 80’s.
Six.
Comment by Theburdman — April 13, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
I loved THE VILLAGE, as well…..but lately I have also seen Miss Potter, the story of Beatrix Potter, who wrote the Peter Rabbit books for children! Loved it! Loved also another true story, Becoming Jane, the story of the author, Jane Austen! Both of these are worth watching……..
Comment by Kate — April 18, 2008 @ 11:27 am
big fish is definately burtons best work… did you see sweeny todd?
Comment by Sean — April 24, 2008 @ 10:51 am
No, I haven’t but I really wouldn’t expect to it be anywhere near the quality that ‘Big Fish’ is, probably mostly because of the subject matter.
Comment by K. — April 24, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
In response to David’s comment, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” was undeniably one of the worst films I have ever seen.:)
Comment by Colleen — April 24, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
Really?
Now I am conflicted.
Everyone seems to say it’s a brilliant film BUT people disagreeing with David isn’t unusual. What to do?
K.
Have you seen any that I am recommending. What would your six be?
Comment by K. — April 24, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
I love to watch movies but honestly I don’t have too many that I could see again and again…the ones I like are probably predictable: I really love “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Evita”. Another long time favorite is “Swing Kids” about swing music in Nazi Germany. I also like “Vertigo” by Alfred Hitchcock, but that is probably one you would just watch once or twice, not again and again. That’s all I can think of for now, although I’m sure there are more! I also really liked “The Village”!
Comment by Colleen — April 25, 2008 @ 1:34 am
I was just trying to sound nice by asking you.
Truth be known, if you didn’t like “Millions” then I question your overall ability to evaluate films.
Comment by K. — April 25, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Ah, how I would love to come back with a cutting comment, but I am afraid to hurt your feelings.
;)
Comment by Colleen — April 25, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
Five People You Meet in Heaven, that was a great one……
Comment by Kate — April 25, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
Yes, I found it very thoughtful.
Comment by K. — April 25, 2008 @ 5:51 pm