3 Movies

[Servo]

I recently joined TCM's Classic Film Union (think our beloved Movie Fan Central but geared more toward the TCM nerds - love it) and one of my buddies posted a blog that posed an interesting survey. She's currently a film student, and her professor is considered to be well-respected within the film community (apparently he's written a lot of books or something). One day he confessed to his students that one of his all-time favorite films was Space Jam. Yeah, THAT Space Jam. So here's a well-respected guy who's dedicated his life to the art, history, theory and process of film and filmmaking and he professes to his students how SPACE JAM holds a dear and special place in his heart.

Moving along, my blogging friend suggests that we all have three favorite films, and here they are (From her blog):

1. The Repeat - This is a movie you watch over and over again. If you watch it one day and see it is on TV the next, you will sit through it again. Once it's over, you feel a little lost. For me, 'The Repeat', stands for comfort. I have noticed that when friends of mine are having a bad day, they want me to play 'The Repeat' to kind of take their minds off something and they immediatly become engaged in something familar. You know every line and every character like they are a close personal friend.

For me, this movie is The Philadelphia Story (1940). I first saw this film on TCM about four years ago. Since then, I think I have watched it about 400 times. Sometimes, I just have it on the background while I am doing other things because it is just so comforting to me. No matter how many times I watch Cary Grant win over the spoiled but intoxicating Katherine Hepburn, I will never get tired of it.

2. The Cinematic Achievement - This film you admire for it's technical qualities. You love it's directing, the talent of the actor, the writing etc. When you watch it, you are impressed how the film was composed and the story taking place within the film is stronger because of these aspects.

Hands down, for me this film is The Bad and the Beautiful (1952). I think this film could have been written today and still be so significant. I love how the story is told through flashbacks. How it captures the film industry in such a corruptive light represents the fantastical depiction of the film industry everyone secretly loves. Kirk Douglas and Lana Turner give incredible performances and I love how Vincente Minnelli takes a Citizen Kane approach to Hollywood.

3. The Guilty Pleasure - This pretty much speaks for itself. Just like my professor could not explain his love for Space Jam, this film connects with you on an unknown level. You hate to admit you like it, but it's a part of you. I don't want to go into detail about this category because it really is unknown territory and wonderfully individual.

For me, this is Gidget (1959). I love the over-the-top innocence of Sandra Dee, the tacky surfing backgrounds and the horrible performances delivered by Gidgets parents. This film is just fun and even though I find myself criticizing it whenever I'm watching, I still watch and I am still entertained.

So I thought I'd put this out there for my fellow Schmoes (and I hope I'm posting it in the right place...) because I'd be interested in both your opinion and what your three favorite films by this guideline will be. I'll start us off.

1. The Repeat - Shawshank Redemption is definitely the film I can watch over and over and over and over again and I will never tire of it. It still hits all the right emotional chords with me. I can't help but to indulge in the journey we take with Andy in Shawshank. I used to play this a lot when I was in college, especially when I had to study. It was muted of course, but having it play nearby while I worked brought a certain level of comfort.

2. The Cinematic Achievement - Chinatown. My all-time favorite film. There is nothing about this film that doesn't have me gushing over it. The beautiful cinematography, the brilliant acting, the intriguing and mystifying story and the lovely score by Jerry Goldsmith - how can anyone watch this movie and not be in awe of it's beauty and then stunned by it's haunting last act? You had Polanski at the helm, guiding the masterful Jack Nicholson and mysteriously enchanting Faye Dunaway. Not to mention John Huston's Noah Cross, the obvious inspiration behind Daniel Day-Lewis's Daniel Plainview. I could go on and on about how wonderful this film is, and how Robert Towne wrote one of the most important scripts of an era. This film is the embodiment of a Cinematic Achievement.

3. The Guilty Pleasure - The Mummy. No, not Karloff's Mummy. Fraser's Mummy. As in Brendan Fraser. I'm not going to try and defend this movie; it's a losing battle. But I LOVE THIS MOVIE! I love Brendan Fraser's tongue-in-cheek performance as dual-pistol-toting, shotgun-wielding, ex-legionnaire Rick O'Connell (that's just fucking cool). I love the bumbling yet charming Evy Carnahan played by the gorgeous and versatile Rachel Weisz. Hell, I even like the annoying John Hannah as Evy's brother John. The action is just all kinds of fun, and I thought Arnold Vosloo made a GREAT B-Movie villain. It's as if they combined two great films - Raiders of the Lost Ark and the original 1932's The Mummy. I don't really think there would be a better way to pull it off (by the way I hate the other mummy movies).

So there ya have it. Would love to hear everyone else's choices.

[SAI]

I'll cover the actual topic tomorrow (it's nearly 1am here) but just wanted to say... There's nothing wrong with Space Jam. Though personally I prefer Looney Tunes: Back in Action.

[Servo]

Originally Posted by SAI

I'll cover the actual topic tomorrow (it's nearly 1am here) but just wanted to say... There's nothing wrong with Space Jam. Though personally I prefer Looney Tunes: Back in Action.

I suppose it has it's moments...

[athf1980]

the repeat-the dark knight

the cinematic-there will be blood
guilty pleasure-road house

[Prismatic Sphere]

1. The Repeat - Ghostbusters(1984)
One of my favorite pasttimes when I am bored is to order chinese(since they all eat chinese together before -"the call") or pizza(as it is a New York movie) and watch this. I always laugh at Murray's jokes every time. And as a child I used to watch this and Gremlins on video over and over again.
It never gets old.

2. The Cinematic Achievement - Thief(1981)
Michael Mann and Jimmy Caan's best work. Brilliant direction, amazing nighttime photography/cinematography, and an awesome score by Tangerine Dream. This movie really hits home for me on so many levels. It gets down to what makes people really tick.
It has a great opening, some very powerful scenes, gritty dialouge, and a cool-as-fuck final resolution. It also has my single favorite scene of any movie: the Diner scene where Frank(Caan)spills his guts to the woman he loves in a masterful scene of ebb & flow.

3. The Guilty Pleasure - Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning(1985)
It has the coolest and most violent deaths, my favorite 80's goth chick(Violet), Dudley from Different Strokes screaming like a little girl, a real living human being behnd the mask(instead of a zombie), and John Shepherd is awesome as the traumatized, pissed off-as-fuck Tommy Jarvis.
It may not be Jason but it is still entertainng as fuck as has a real 80's feel to it.

[Servo]

Originally Posted by Prismatic Sphere

2. The Cinematic Achievement - Thief(1981)
Michael Mann and Jimmy Caan's best work. Brilliant direction, amazing nighttime photography/cinematography, and an awesome score by Tangerine Dream. This movie really hits home for me on so many levels. It gets down to what makes people really tick.
It has a great opening, some very powerful scenes, gritty dialouge, and a cool-as-fuck final resolution. It also has my single favorite scene of any movie: the Diner scene where Frank(Caan)spills his guts to the woman he loves in a masterful scene of ebb & flow.

You know, I've actually never even heard of this movie until recently when I saw it on some folks top lists. I'm not a HUGE Michael Mann fan but I at least thought I had a firm grasp on his best films, so I dunno how this one got by me. I'm definitely intrigued to see this now.

[Mr. Creasy]

The Repeat - The Godfather
The Cinematic Achievement - The Godfather
The Guilty Pleasure - ...

[Servo]

Originally Posted by Mr. Creasy

The Guilty Pleasure - ...

...The Godfather part III?

[Prismatic Sphere]

Originally Posted by Servo

You know, I've actually never even heard of this movie until recently when I saw it on some folks top lists. I'm not a HUGE Michael Mann fan but I at least thought I had a firm grasp on his best films, so I dunno how this one got by me. I'm definitely intrigued to see this now.

I'd say it is so good that I greatly envy you being able to see it for the first time.

[QUENTIN]

The Repeat - Pulp Fiction/High Fidelity
The Cinematic Achievement - 2001: A Space Odyssey/Persona
The Guilty Pleasure - Strange Brew/Spies Like Us

[Pentangeli]

1. The Repeat - Rear Window

2. The Cinematic Achievement - The Godfather part II

3. The Guilty Pleasure - Secretary

[Natty]

Originally Posted by Servo

Not to mention John Huston's Noah Cross, the obvious inspiration behind Daniel Day-Lewis's Daniel Plainview.

I think Day-Lewis said he looked at John Huston tapes because it was his voice he wanted Plainview to have, but I don't think the characters are actually that similar.

The Repeat - The Godfather
The Cinematic Achievement - I guess it could be the same but I'll go for Goodfellas
The Guilty Pleasure - Jingle All the Way

I also love The Mummy

[Cronos]

Nice to know there's at least one film professor who isn't completely stuck up their own ass.

Many films could fit in any of the 3 so taking the first that come to mind.

The Repeat - Carnosaur 2 / Apocalypse Now
The Cinematic Achievement - 2001: A Space Odyssey
The "Guilty" Pleasure - Spawn

Really hate the term "guilty pleasure", even if I can't exactly say why I might like the film in question I don't feel guilty for it or afraid to say I enjoy it. I get why it's used but it's always irritated me.

[SAI]

I don't believe that film can really be great without fulfilling both of these categories, but I'll play anyway.
The Repeat: The Princess Bride
I've seen this more than any other film, probably more than 20 times (which may not sound that many, but I try to watch as many new films as I can) and not only has it not stopped being funny, it actually seems to be funnier every single time I see it. I can't imagine a single role being cast better, there's not a line in it I don't love, it is 100 minutes of pure, escapist, heaven.

The Cinematic Achievement: I'm torn here, I want to say Badlands. Badlands is a truly magnificent film. It is utterly wonderful to look at, the script and performances are perfect and the use of music is completely brilliant. BUT, a part of me thinks that in pure technical terms The Red Shoes might be cinema's true crowning glory. Just watch the ballet of the red shoes sequence and tell me it's not among the most breathtakingly wonderful things ever put on camera.

The Guilty Pleasure: Honestly, I don't believe in these. If you love a movie you shouldn't feel guilty about it (well, unless it's The Hottie and the Nottie, you shouldn't just feel guilty if you own that, you should be tried at the Hague). I guess Masters of the Universe is probably the worst film I've some affection for, it's a nostalgia thing, but it would not get anwhere near my top 50, or even my top 500. It's a 3/5 movie at best.

[APzombie]

The Repeat: Boogie Nights / Pulp Fiction
The Cinematic Achievement: Raging Bull / 8 1/2
The Guilty Pleasure: Shoot the Piano Player / The Party

[Mr. Creasy]

Originally Posted by Servo

...The Godfather part III?

Nawhhh... but I'll go with Independence Day

[Danny Brow]

The Repeat: Resevoir Dogs, I can watch this movie over and over and it never gets old to me. The acting in this movie to me is 2nd to none.

Cinematic Achievement: Pulp Fiction, not only did this movie revive John Travolta's career but it also was one hell of a follow-up to Resevoir Dogs.

Guilty Pleasure: The Condemed (Stone Cold Steve Austin). I am not a WWE person at all and the other WWE movies I have not cared for at all but I rented this movie on a whim and I must say I enjoy watching this movie whenever I have a chance.

Death Sentence (Kevin Bacon). All I can say is wow I had no idea that the Bacon could whip some crackhead ass crazy style. I had to keep reminding myself that this is the same Footloose guy from the 80's throughout that entire movie.

[MightyCelestial]

The Repeat: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Best. Action. Adventure. Movie. Ever.
These days no matter how much I try to assimilate with all the other adults my age, most of whom have had they're childhood spirits crushed a long time ago, Raiders is a reminder to me of what it was like to watch a movie with childlike awe. This is a film with alot affection for me, that never fails to bring a smile to my now grown-up hairy pimp-ass.
This early blockbuster not only shaped the way I enjoy watching movies, but also, it also contributes to the foundation of why going to the theatre & having the experience of being swept away by what is playing on the big silver screen has become one the greatest joys in my life.



The Cinematic Achievement: Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Back in the day when merging the idea of bug-eyed aliens with a top-notch, serious story along with some heavy duty blockbuster special effects was thought of as nigh impossible (up to this point, the closest we came was with Kubrick's 2001 years earlier, though the aliens were still too abstract for it to qualify in this entry, IMO).



The Guilty Pleasure: The Last Dragon.
Prince's ex-nasty girl, Vanity teams up with a dragon that can catch bullets with his teeth. Sho-Nuff.

[Danny Brow]

Originally Posted by MightyCelestial

The Repeat: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Best. Action. Adventure. Movie. Ever.
These days no matter how much I try to assimilate with all the other adults my age, most of whom have had they're childhood spirits crushed a long time ago, Raiders is a reminder to me of what it was like to watch a movie with childlike awe. This is a film with alot affection for me, that never fails to bring a smile to my now grown-up hairy pimp-ass.
This early blockbuster not only shaped the way I enjoy watching movies, but also, it also contributes to the foundation of why going to the theatre & having the experience of being swept away by what is playing on the big silver screen has become one the greatest joys in my life.



The Cinematic Achievement: Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Back in the day when merging the idea of bug-eyed aliens with a top-notch, serious story along with some heavy duty blockbuster special effects was thought of as nigh impossible (up to this point, the closest we came was with Kubrick's 2001 years earlier, though the aliens were still too abstract for it to qualify in this entry, IMO).



The Guilty Pleasure: The Last Dragon.
Prince's ex-nasty girl, Vanity teams up with a dragon that can catch bullets with his teeth. Sho-Nuff.

I think I watched the Last Dragon about 1,000 times as a kid, damn now I am going to have to go out and buy it......

[Sigur509]

The Repeat: Rushmore/Before Sunset
The Cinematic Achievement: Pulp Fiction/Manhattan
The Guilty Pleasure: Twister/The Edge

[syxxpac]

The Repeat: The Usual Suspects, though it's often the last twenty minutes in particular, which is just a brilliantly delivered payoff to a brilliantly conceived puzzle.

The Cinematic Achievement: At this moment, I'll say The Shawshank Redemption. My love for this movie only grows each time I see it, my respect even moreso.

The Guilty Pleasure: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which is still snugly in my top five superhero films of all time. Yeah, I SAID it.

[Frosty_86]

The repeat: Pulp Fiction/ Goodfellas
Cinematic Achievement: The Godfather Part II/ The Shawshank Redemption
Guilty Pleasure: Armageddon/ Road House

[john_rambo]

Space Jam is FANTASTIC! My favorite movie from my childhood hands down. So that professor is insanely awesome in my book.

The Repeat: Rocky (the entire series really): I have a borderline obsessions with these movies. Rocky and Rocky Balboa are the ones I watch most. I just love the shit out of them in every aspect.

Cinematic Achievment: The Godfather: The movie is just perfect.

Guilty Pleasure: Once Upon a Time In Mexico: I hate the term guilty pleasure in film. It is never wrong to like a movie. Basically I chose this because it's a favorite and its not regarded as a classic of cinema. I love the cast, action, and direction of the movie. Agent Sands is a great character.

[Jig Saw 123]

The Repeat: Blade Runner, This film is not only, in my opinion, the best science fiction film ever made, but it is also my all time favorite film. I didn't actually watch the film until I purchased the Director's Cut three years ago, and ever since than I've been wrapped in complete awe towards what the film is and continues to offer after multiple viewings.

The Cinematic Achievement: Schindler’s List, Why is this film a cinematic experience? Because it is and possibly forever will be the perfect depiction of the Holocaust. Steven Spielberg definitely put his heart and soul into the film, and it shows throughout the constant consistency the film manages to pull off. Its a definite tearjerker and an overall one of a kind experience.

The Guilty Pleasure: I will admit I have more than one guilty pleasure, but mainly two come to mind. First, Cloverfield; is the film nearly as bad as everyone says? Of course not. Not only does this film excite me from start to finish, it also manages to introduce one of the greatest monsters in history. J.J. Abram's originality when it came to creature design is apparent and the designer should definitely be hired for more sci-fi films. The second film is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Its hands down the third best musical, following The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I have never lost faith in Tim Burton, instead I just grew uninterested in his recent work, but Sweeney Todd got my attention and I'm glad I gave it the chance it deserved.

My other guilty pleasures include; Insomnia, Death to Smootchy, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, and Event Horizon.

[echo_bravo]

The Repeat- Fight Club

The Cinematic Achievement- Apocalypse Now

The Guilty Pleasure- The Beach

[bigred760]

The Repeat - I'd probably have to go with Good Will Hunting; anytime that movie is on I watch it. I'll watch my DVD several times a year as well.

The Cinematic Achievement - This is definitely my favorite flick Unforgiven. I love the story, the direction, the characters, the performances, the symbolism, the beginning, the end, the script, the music . . . everything about it.

Guilty Pleasure - This is a tough one; there's Road House, Hudson Hawk and a few other movies that could be considered bad or cult classics . . . but I don't exactly go out of my way to watch them or buy them. I'm going to go with Transformers; I own it on DVD, enjoy watching it a lot, and isn't exactly cinematic brilliance when it comes to writing, directing, or acting.

[MightyCelestial]

Originally Posted by bigred760

Good Will Hunting

Originally Posted by Jig Saw 123

Cloverfield

Yep, to boaf of dese.

[BadCoverVersion]

The repeat - This Is Spinal Tap, Harold & Maude

The cinematic achievement - Persona, Don't Look Now

The guilty pleasure - Dirty Dancing, Some Kind Of Wonderful

I will write more in the morning (it's after 2am)...and probably limit my choices to just 1 each if I can.

[FrancoYesca]

The Repeat - Army of Darkness

The Cinematic Achievement - Leon:The Professional

The Guilty Pleasure - The Last Dragon (kudos to Celestial and Danny, I'm with you guys. "Who's the one and only master?")

[anniexD]

The Repeat- Phantom of the opera!- yes! the best musical that was ever made, i have seen it nearly four times now! the songs and the atmosphere of the movie just pulls me in and I'm totally mesmerized for the next 1 and a half hours!

The Cinematic Achievement- Batman, The dark knight-To be honest i find the character batman itself quiet boring:/ I can't sit trough any batman movie if it wasn't for my most favorite characters, Two face, Riddler and my personally favorite of this movie the joker, if it wasn't for him the movie would be quiet dull (sorry batman fans) he truly is a fictional masterpiece.

The guilty pleasure- To die for, yep i thought that Nicole kidman did brilliantly there! She played a great role, and the movie itself was very intense slightly horrific and gets right to the core! i would give 10/10 for that one!

[krazy drako]

One of the best topics I have noticed in awhile. Solid discussion material. Now onto my picks.

1. The Repeat - Slap Shot(1977) - What can I say, Paul Newman at his best. I love every opportunity I get to introduce someone to Slap Shot.

2. Cinematic Achievement - Blade Runner(1982) - Even by today's standards this film still stands up. I get enamored by the world Ridley Scott sets up. I love the story and the acting. Overall a fantastic movie.

3. The Guilty Pleasure - Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure(1989) - Keanu Reeves and George Carlin, how can you go wrong?

[Koroshiya1]

1. The Repeat: Bourne Trilogy...honestly they will never ever get old and as long as bourne's kicking ass, I'll be watching.
2. Cinematic Achievement: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest...it's just so good.
3. Guilty Pleasure: Ace Ventura, Pet Detective...yeah...i know

[blankpage]

The Repeat: JAWS. I've actually seen this one 80+ times, and can watch it any time and pay attention. I used to watch it daily. Also...it's my all-time fave.

The Cinematic Achievement: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. To me, there isn't any other film so masterfully crafted. A visual and intellectual feast.

The Guilty Pleasure: TITANIC. I love this film so dearly because it is the film that sparked my love for cinema when I was a wee lad. I tried to escape it, but I just can't help but love every minute of this bad boy.