What is the best movie you've ever seen? [Archive]

Objectivity

07-06-2008, 09:43 PM

The question is simple. If someone put you on the spot and asked you the best movie you've ever seen, what would the answer be?

Ideally, you give one answer. But, if you're wishy-washy and have to explain what you didn't pick, feel free. As long as (and this is the important part) by the end of the message you clearly state what the best movie you've ever seen is.

It can be best by whatever standards you want, funniest, goriest, scariest, happiest, most moving, most thought provoking etc. But on the Olympic podium of "Best Movie" as determined by you, give the one gold medal recipient out of everything you've ever seen.

I'll leave mine in another post to keep it from getting buried here.

EDIT: One point of clarification that I realized was necessary when writing about my choice. This is NOT your favorite movie. It's the BEST movie you've ever seen. You could possibly have even hated it, but you can't deny its power.

bikiniarmstrong

07-06-2008, 09:45 PM

The Notebook

Objectivity

07-06-2008, 09:51 PM

I thought of the idea for this thread after combining to separate ideas.

First, I was reading a review of a movie on AICN and the reviewer made a comment that he can often seen how a certain movie would be someone's favorite film, but he couldn't imagine that the specific movie that he was watching could be anyone's favorite.

The second idea came after watching Wanted tonight. I loved the movie and thought it was great. It's not the best movie I've ever seen, but I can clearly see how someone could name it their favorite.

With that in mind, I began thinking through the great movies that I've seen and own. Spartacus, Casablanca, Apollo 13, Eurotrip, Dave, Schindler's List, American President, etc. are all excellent movies.

There can only be one best though (and this is different than favorite). For me, that movie is The Pianist. Adrian Brody gives a perfect performance and he deserved that Oscar. They always say that all the nominees are deserving. In his case, they should have all withdrawn their names from consideration. That's how good he is. The story doesn't tie things up in a bow. It demonstrates the horrors of the holocaust, not through a German perspective, or from a Jewish perspective, but from a singular perspective. It's a powerful story of survival, told better than I though could ever be possible.

Sideburns

07-06-2008, 09:57 PM

Godfather I

gallden

07-06-2008, 10:16 PM

The Passion of the Christ.

Pushmonkey

07-06-2008, 10:18 PM

cold mountain

cindyluvsbrady

07-06-2008, 10:37 PM

Casablanca!:)!!

bobmc

07-06-2008, 10:38 PM

I guess for me the defining period of my life was the Vietnam War - how it was different from other wars, how it polarized our country, how it showed our vulnerability from so many perspectives.

With that being the case for me, I had to go with "The Deer Hunter" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077416/). It wasn't just a war movie. It took real people and placed them in difficult situations and treated them as such. De Niro's performance was astounding, imho, and Christopher Walken really came of age with his magnificent rendering of an imprisoned soldier who plays "Russian roulette" for his VC captors.

Great thread idea.

ledzepp8

07-06-2008, 10:45 PM

It's a little movie called Pulp Fiction.

longflyball

07-06-2008, 10:50 PM

There are an awful lot of good movies I've never seen, but off the top of my head the best of those I have is probably Signs.

geschinger

07-06-2008, 10:55 PM

The most enjoyable movie I've seen (dozens of viewings later it still makes me laugh) is Airplane.

The best movie I've seen during is theatrical release is Forrest Gump. I had no preconceived notions and really had no idea what it was about when I went to see it and came out thinking what a great moview it was. It also the best movie soundtrack.

For me the best movie I've seen is The Godfather. It deserves all the accolades it has received throughout the years.

EddieO's21

07-07-2008, 07:01 AM

sorry i do this by decade

70's- Jaws
80's- Amadeus
90's- Philadelphia
2000's- The Pianist

Dipper9

07-07-2008, 07:48 AM

Wow. Tough choice dude! I have many favorites, including the Star Wars movies, Indy, Fugitive. Armageddon is probably my favorite movie. But BEST? Godfather is a good choice. But to me, I gotta agree with Gallden. The Passion of the Christ! Powerful beyond belief. Brings the Bible to life.

Moose Milligan

07-07-2008, 08:16 AM

The Big Lebowski.

The Dude abides.

glenn__davis

07-07-2008, 08:21 AM

Not sure if I'd call it the best I've ever seen, but the one that really influenced me the most was probably Saving Private Ryan. The scene where Tom Hanks tells Matt Damon to "Earn it" made me really have a new appreciation for life and how valuable it is.

theonestevewh

07-07-2008, 08:52 AM

Die Hard, Willis vs. Rickman... easily the best. :)

McNulty

07-07-2008, 09:51 AM

The Big Lebowski.

The Dude abides.

You mean coitus?

I agree completely, but I think that LA Confidential and The Prestige are up there as well.

Signs? Really? I thought that was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. To each his own.

Mackus

07-07-2008, 10:04 AM

The Shawshank Redemption

tennOsfan

07-07-2008, 10:12 AM

For the funny title, I'd personally go with the first Naked Gun movie. We were in college then and unfamiliar with the prior TV series. My buddy I went with was a funny little hillbilly type who would laugh at anything. He could barely breathe during the movie, he laughed so much. He was as much of a show as the real thing.

For the sweet-themed movie, nothing beats The Notebook. Just a sweet story, him reading that narrative to his Alzheimer's wife just to get a few seconds back with her. It makes me cry just typing this.

For the real reason we go to movies -- violence -- my nod goes to Unforgiven. That was the best two or so hours I've ever spent in a movie theatre. I just loved being where that movie took me (men with cowboy hats and six shooters riding on a dusty range is alone worth three stars out of five). It had its touching aspects too, which played well in contrast to the violence.

Elbren

07-07-2008, 11:49 AM

What Dreams May Come

YardBirds13

07-07-2008, 01:31 PM

I just think it's unrealistic to pit comedies against more serious movies. I always break movies down into comedies and dramas, with dramas including action, horror, whatever.

With that said, my favorite comedy of all time is Anchorman. Before Will Ferrell got a bit stale, i can still watch this movie and laugh at every joke that was just as funny the first time. I saw it 3 times in the theatres and still cry several times through the movie because I'm laughing so hard. Lots of older comedies rank up there as well like Animal House, Caddyshack, the Naked Gun, Airplane, I'll even throw Dumb and Dumber in there. The newer ones that apply to me are 40 Year Old Virgin, Old School, Superbad, Knocked Up etc.

In terms of dramas, there are certainly a ton to choose from. Godfather, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, The Usual Suspects are all incredible. My favorite movie is Training Day, by far Denzel's best acting, and he deserved the Oscar for it. I actually wrote a paper Freshmen year of college on the merits of his Oscar win when many people were upset that he won because they thought he only won because he was a black man portraying a evil character. Ethan Hawke is fantastic as well and the story of the corrupt police system is just awesome.

However, in terms of BEST movie of all time, most well done, leaves you sitting at the end of the movie staring at the screen wondering why every film can't be that well done.

Shawshank Redemption to me. That movie is perfect in every way, I think.

Jagwar

07-07-2008, 01:51 PM

Silence of the Lambs.

It is the only movie I have ever seen in theater where I left convinced that it would win an Oscar for best picture.

Objectivity

07-07-2008, 01:58 PM

I just think it's unrealistic to pit comedies against more serious movies. I always break movies down into comedies and dramas, with dramas including action, horror, whatever.

I think it depends on what you're talking about. It's unrealistic to put comedies against more serious movies when you're talking about your favorites, because you can have more than one.

In talking about "the best" though, there can be only one. But, you can use whatever criteria you want to reach that determination. For me, it was about a movie that left a lasting impact. For others it could be the movie with the most dismembered limbs. There can be only one.

With all the great things we've all seen, it's not an easy question. Just imagine a gun to your head with a trigger that will be pulled if you name more than one film. In the end, in that scenario, you said Shawshank and I said The Pianist. That doesn't make any of the other movies we listed as favorites any less great.

itsernst

07-07-2008, 02:17 PM

I think Into The wild was a great movie. The book was much better, but this story is unbelievable! It is very moving.

beaner

07-07-2008, 02:21 PM

1-Pulp Fiction
2-Goodfellas
3-Bull Durham
4-Hoop Dreams
5-Fletch (far from "the best", but great memories and damn funny)

TyCobb

07-07-2008, 03:51 PM

The Shawshank Redemption

I concur.

The funniest Movie of all time and my favorite is This is Spinal Tap. But this is what I think is the best movie of all time and I have to go with Shawshank.

TinCup

07-07-2008, 04:32 PM

TonySoprano

07-07-2008, 04:50 PM

The Godfather

TinCup

07-07-2008, 06:52 PM

The Godfather

Oh sure Tony, way to end the thread with such a definitive post from such an "authority" as yourself on the organized families! ;)

BaltBird 24

07-07-2008, 07:50 PM

Plenty of great choices between Goodfellas, the Godfather, the Shawshank Redemption.

Personally, I'd have to say that it's a toss-up between the Green Mile and the Departed.

Objectivity

07-07-2008, 08:45 PM

This is an example of one of those questions where it is all but impossible to pick one single movie as the best I've ever seen. There are simply too many good ones out there, several of which have been mentioned herein. Shawshank, Godfather, DeerHunter....let me add in The Great Escape, Platoon, Gladiator, A River Runs Through It..........Cannonball Rally.............Legally Blonde 1 and II.......

(just to see if anyone is really paying attention...:p

Hopefully your "commentary" begins after your first set of extra-long ellipsis. A River Runs Through It is one of my favorite movies. My favorite scene is when he tells her he got the job. My favorite line is, "Hark, Fair Juliette speaks."

Also, I assume you meant Cannonball Run, not Cannonball Rally. Those movies were good fun. I would love to see something similar today with a mix of big movie stars and TV stars all having a good time.

J.D.

07-07-2008, 09:13 PM

This is a really tough one for me. Saving Private Ryan is definitely up there (though it's not my favorite). Pulp Fiction is in my top 5, The Godfather is high up there, Silence of the Lambs, Fight Club (my personal favorite)...

But for me, my decision on this is based on which movie absolutely gave me goosebumps from watching it. The one that held the most weight for me as far as making me think, feeling emotionally drawn into the movie, had the right combination of story and acting, and made me feel like I just had an experience instead of just watching a movie.

For me, the gold medal movie is Shawshank Redemption. The silver medal is probably going to Donnie Darko.

TakebackOPACY

07-07-2008, 09:17 PM

Also, I assume you meant Cannonball Run, not Cannonball Rally. Those movies were good fun. I would love to see something similar today with a mix of big movie stars and TV stars all having a good time.

I think it's a cross between Cannonball Run and Gumball Rally.

In 1994, Forrest Gump stayed in the theaters forever, deservedly so. So I knew my new favorite movie (at the time), Pulp Fiction, wouldn't win the Oscar. Sadly, I and many others had completely missed the boat. The greatest movie in my time came out that year, and won zero Academy Awards.

Yup, I'll add another vote for The Shawshank Redemption.

J.D.

07-07-2008, 09:35 PM

I think it's a cross between Cannonball Run and Gumball Rally.

In 1994, Forrest Gump stayed in the theaters forever, deservedly so. So I knew my new favorite movie (at the time), Pulp Fiction, wouldn't win the Oscar. Sadly, I and many others had completely missed the boat. The greatest movie in my time came out that year, and won zero Academy Awards.

Yup, I'll add another vote for The Shawshank Redemption.

Pulp Fiction's probably my bronze, but it's neck and neck with Donnie Darko.

Considering that Pulp has a far reaching cultural impact, while Donnie Darko usually gets me looked at like I'm slightly insane... Pulp should probably be my silver.

But meh, oh well. ;)

cmcgarvey

07-07-2008, 10:49 PM

You guys all forgot to mention Ishtar (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093278/).

Frobby

07-07-2008, 11:07 PM

Casablanca!:)!!

Gotta agree with Cindy here. If I'm flipping channels and run across it, I'm riveted until the final scene, even though I've seen this movie 25 times easily.

By the way, another movie that fits into the catogory of "I'll never get tired of it" is The Natural. Not really an all-time great movie, but a tremendous homage to America's love affair with baseball.

TyCobb

07-07-2008, 11:21 PM

I already picked my movie, but a very very very close 2nd after thinking about it.

American Beauty.

TonySoprano

07-07-2008, 11:36 PM

Oh sure Tony, way to end the thread with such a definitive post from such an "authority" as yourself on the organized families! ;) Predictable and always right, a double-threat

Did I tell you that #2 was The Godfather, Part II, and #3 was Goodfellas?;)

ledzepp8

07-08-2008, 01:51 AM

scOtt

07-08-2008, 06:24 AM

I initially thought of The Shining, one of my very favs and one of the best too.

Vanilla Sky ranks with me too. Just watched Bucket List this past weekend, immediate fav. Good Will Hunting is brilliant too. Many other contenders.

I'm going to have to say Pay It Forward. A brilliant and difficult movie. Tragic and uplifting at the same time. #1.

scOtt

07-08-2008, 06:37 AM

And reading the thread, Shawshank is right up there... probably to #2. The end scene where Morgan Freeman is walking up the beach, to meet his friend, makes me bawl. Every. Single. Time.

But I'm still going with Pay It Forward.

TinCup

07-08-2008, 08:44 AM

Hopefully your "commentary" begins after your first set of extra-long ellipsis. A River Runs Through It is one of my favorite movies. My favorite scene is when he tells her he got the job. My favorite line is, "Hark, Fair Juliette speaks."

Also, I assume you meant Cannonball Run, not Cannonball Rally. Those movies were good fun. I would love to see something similar today with a mix of big movie stars and TV stars all having a good time.

I owe you a splash of rep for divining my post 100% correctly. I was indeed being tongue in cheek on the last pair only. "A River Runs Through It" is probably my favorite Redford movie and I liked Sneakers and Spy Game too.

Thanks for the correction on Cannonball too.

TakebackOPACY

07-08-2008, 10:09 AM

Which movie are you talking about here?

The shawshank Redemption

glenn__davis

07-08-2008, 11:47 AM

Good Will Hunting is brilliant too.

Ah, how'd I forget that one?

I'll go with Good Will Hunting one, Shawshank two, Saving Private Ryan three. Surely this will be edited once I read more selections and realize great movies that I've forgotten about.

DuffMan

07-08-2008, 11:52 AM

The Shawshank Redemption

The Fellowship of the Ring #2

GeorgiaBird

07-08-2008, 12:02 PM

5-Fletch (far from "the best", but great memories and damn funny)
My dog is named Fletch in honor of this movie. This is a real guy/girl thing. I don't know a woman who understands, or a man who disagrees.

I already picked my movie, but a very very very close 2nd after thinking about it.

American Beauty.

Good call.
I was sitting here reading this thread and that is the name that kept coming to my mind. I would have to think really hard before declaring it my all time fav, but it would certainly be way up there.

DREKTUNES

07-08-2008, 12:36 PM

You guys all forgot to mention Ishtar (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093278/).

I have always kinda loved that movie, if only for the intentionally terrible songs - "Give me half an hour - NOT the last half hour!"

And I don't much like the Fletch movies. Not that they're bad per se; I just thought they left so much of what made the books really good behind.

Best movie? Hmmm. For the experience in the theatre, Eternal Sunshine was absolutely stunning. Makes me sorry Carrey doesn't get more "real" acting jobs. Loved Stranger Than Fiction too. Teared up at the end.

And The Muppet Movie. C'mon - Rainbow Connection? That's the goods right there.

ledzepp8

07-08-2008, 12:46 PM

The shawshank Redemption

Oh, gotcha. I thought you were talking about Pulp Fiction for a second.

J.D.

07-08-2008, 01:58 PM

I have always kinda loved that movie, if only for the intentionally terrible songs - "Give me half an hour - NOT the last half hour!"

And I don't much like the Fletch movies. Not that they're bad per se; I just thought they left so much of what made the books really good behind.

Best movie? Hmmm. For the experience in the theatre, Eternal Sunshine was absolutely stunning. Makes me sorry Carrey doesn't get more "real" acting jobs. Loved Stranger Than Fiction too. Teared up at the end.

And The Muppet Movie. C'mon - Rainbow Connection? That's the goods right there.

I kinda agree with you on the Fletch movies. And I 100% agree with you on Eternal Sunshine and Stranger Than Fiction. You and I have had discussions on the merits of these two movies. They're both in my top 15 overall (I have a very odd, eclectic top-10).

I already picked my movie, but a very very very close 2nd after thinking about it.

American Beauty.

American Beauty is my third favorite movie overall, and definitely up there as far as "BEST" movie I've ever seen goes. If this had been a thread on my favorite movies, my top-10 would've been:

1. Fight Club
2. Memento
3. American Beauty
4. Chasing Amy
5. Pulp Fiction
6. Donnie Darko
7. Juno
8. Anchorman
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
10. Clerks

Definitely not the BEST movies, but my favorites.

ledzepp8

07-08-2008, 02:07 PM

If this had been a thread on my favorite movies, my top-10 would've been:

1. Fight Club
2. Memento
3. American Beauty
4. Chasing Amy
5. Pulp Fiction
6. Donnie Darko
7. Juno
8. Anchorman
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
10. Clerks

Definitely not the BEST movies, but my favorites.

Mine would share some of yours.
In no order...

1. Pulp Fiction
2. Forrest Gump
3. Back To The Future Trilogy
4. Donnie Darko
5. The Shawshank Redemption
6. Stand By Me
7. True Romance
8. Say Anything
9. Fargo
10. The Big Lebowski and Chasing Amy (a tie)

God my top ten is dominated by Tarantino, Zemeckis, Stephen King adaptations, and the Coen Brothers...with Cameron Crowe thrown in for good measure. We should definitely make this a new thread...maybe stretch it to your fave 50 or something like that. It's way too hard to come up with a top ten.

scOtt

07-08-2008, 03:05 PM

8. Say Anything
Nice! That scene with him holding up the boom box is very powerful. I even used it as my avatar for a while.

NewMarketSean

07-08-2008, 03:27 PM

I said moments after watching The Godfather trilogy that I will never watch another movie that is as good, or better than these (especially I & II). That has been true for over 10 years. Other movies have come close (LOTR, There Will Be Blood, The Shawshank Redemption, etc...) but not yet equalled the complexity, intensity and epic grandness that these movies have going for them.

Sanfran327

07-08-2008, 03:32 PM

Mine would share some of yours.
In no order...

1. Pulp Fiction
2. Forrest Gump
3. Back To The Future Trilogy
4. Donnie Darko
5. The Shawshank Redemption
6. Stand By Me
7. True Romance
8. Say Anything
9. Fargo
10. The Big Lebowski and Chasing Amy (a tie)

God my top ten is dominated by Tarantino, Zemeckis, Stephen King adaptations, and the Coen Brothers...with Cameron Crowe thrown in for good measure. We should definitely make this a new thread...maybe stretch it to your fave 50 or something like that. It's way too hard to come up with a top ten.

Top 10s are hard...

1. Bull Durham
2. Field of Dreams
3. Pulp Fiction
4. Robin Hood Price of Thieves
5. Forrest Gump
6. Fight Club
7. Oceans Eleven
8. Boogie Nights
9. Get Shorty
10. Weekend at Bernie's

ledzepp8

07-08-2008, 03:39 PM

Nice! That scene with him holding up the boom box is very powerful. I even used it as my avatar for a while.

Like the greatest romantic comedy ever. That scene and the scene where Lloyd's soaking wet in the phone booth talking to his sister get me every time.

"Hello Constance. It's me, Lloyd... nothing, I'm just driving around... she broke up with me... what do I do? Can't she come back? How can I get her back?... I can't think, talk to me... I'm so ****ed up... I feel like crying... she gave me a pen. I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen."

So many great and powerful lines in this movie...god I love it.

Objectivity

07-08-2008, 11:16 PM

Top 10s are hard...

They're also a cop out. Imagine a gun to your head...

4. Robin Hood Price of Thieves

I love this movie for what it is, and I'm not knocking you for it. I think Kevin Reynolds is a great director when given the right material, but I think his Count of Monte Cristo is even better than Robin Hood.

That being said, if you ever want a drinking game guaranteed to make you forget that you even played a game, watch this movie while looking for continuity errors. It's like they didn't even try to make sure things matched up from shot to shot.

Objectivity

07-08-2008, 11:19 PM

I owe you a splash of rep for divining my post 100% correctly. I was indeed being tongue in cheek on the last pair only. "A River Runs Through It" is probably my favorite Redford movie and I liked Sneakers and Spy Game too.

Sneakers is great. I haven't seen that in I can't remember how long...

"You're right. I can't kill my friend... Bob, kill my friend."

"I think it's such a turn-on when a man says.... passport."

"Power to the people, coz"

scOtt

07-09-2008, 07:07 AM

Sneakers is great. I haven't seen that in I can't remember how long...

"You're right. I can't kill my friend... Bob, kill my friend."

"I think it's such a turn-on when a man says.... passport."

"Power to the people, coz"
I love that one, haven't seen it in ages.

"This trash is so neat, so compact, ... so anal."
*everyone looks at [Liz]*

Like the greatest romantic comedy ever.
I'd have to give that nod to 10 Things I Hate About You (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/).
"She has black underwear!" :)

Parodied so well in Not Another Teen Movie...

"Janey's got a gun. Janey Briggs got a gun."
"OMG! She's got a gun!"

"Oh it's already been br-rought-ten!"

CrimsonTribe

07-09-2008, 07:18 AM

Such a tough question, but I'm going to have to go w/ Raging Bull. "You didn't get me down, Ray."

Honorable mentions: American Beauty, Eternal Sunshine, Adaptation, Office Space, Caddyshack, Braveheart.

CrimsonTribe

07-09-2008, 07:22 AM

I'd have to give that nod to 10 Things I Hate About You (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/).
"She has black underwear!" :)

I love that movie. "I'm thinking of getting a Tercel. Yeah, that's a Toyota."

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 10:10 AM

Sneakers is great. I haven't seen that in I can't remember how long...

"You're right. I can't kill my friend... Bob, kill my friend."

"I think it's such a turn-on when a man says.... passport."

"Power to the people, coz"

Probably one of the better, and oddly enough considering the cast, overlooked "hacker" type movies of the era.

Whistler: I want peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
Bernard Abbott: We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing!

Mother: Cattle mutilations are up.
Donald Crease: Don't.

Whistler: Fellas, Janek's little black box is on his desk between the pencil jar and the lamp.
Mother: Uh, Whistler, I hate to tell you this, but you're blind.

Martin Bishop: "Give him head"?
Whistler: "Be a beacon"?

And the scene where Whistler drives is classic.

But my vote for best movie I've ever seen is probably Unforgiven, with Saving Private Ryan a close second. Both of those movies I just sat there in a daze for a few minutes after they ended.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 10:32 AM

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 10:54 AM

...has no one seen a movie made before 1975?? I'm not the world's biggest old movie fan, but come on. Somebody brought up that iffy Costner Robin Hood (saved, as many movies are, by Richtman). Errol Flynn, people.

Orson Wells? Not just Kane, neither.

Cagney? Yankee Doodle Dandy??

Bogart?

Cary Grant??

Has no one heard of Hitchcock?

Sheesh. Godfather. Quite possibly the most overrated film (certainly trilogy) of all time. I said it.

Rickman.

And while those movies may very well be great, they were much greater at the time...the movies of today built upon what they started. But none of those "classic" movies made me go "wow" like Unforgiven and Saving Private Ryan did. Probably the closest would have been Network, or The Grand Illusion (or however it's actually spelled in the original French).

I kind of agree with you on the Godfather by the way. Good movie, better sequel, very disappointing third, and overall overrated.

NewMarketSean

07-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Anyone can say any classic movie is overrated because they are often considered the best of the best movies ever.

Nothing anyone can say will convince me The Godfather is overrated though. I can agree that Part II is better. There are message boards dedicated to discussing the labrythine plot still going strong today, and it still hasn't been completely figured out yet.

J.D.

07-09-2008, 11:00 AM

...has no one seen a movie made before 1975?? I'm not the world's biggest old movie fan, but come on. Somebody brought up that iffy Costner Robin Hood (saved, as many movies are, by Richtman). Errol Flynn, people.

Orson Wells? Not just Kane, neither.

Cagney? Yankee Doodle Dandy??

Bogart?

Cary Grant??

Has no one heard of Hitchcock?

Sheesh. Godfather. Quite possibly the most overrated film (certainly trilogy) of all time. I said it.

The third Godfather is fairly throw-away. The other two are fantastic, though.

I love me some classic movies. Don't get me wrong. But obviously, since I'm 25, movies that were made during my lifetime are going to have more of a lasting impact to me than movies that came before it, speaking in generalities.

Apocalypse Now, BTW, is another movie that I forgot to add that I find an absolutely haunting movie.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 11:08 AM

Rickman.

And while those movies may very well be great, they were much greater at the time...the movies of today built upon what they started. But none of those "classic" movies made me go "wow" like Unforgiven and Saving Private Ryan did. Probably the closest would have been Network, or The Grand Illusion (or however it's actually spelled in the original French).

I kind of agree with you on the Godfather by the way. Good movie, better sequel, very disappointing third, and overall overrated.

Hey, thanks for contributing. ;)

And Unforgiven is a prime example of a Lifetime Achievement Oscar for a subpar product. Also see Untouchables, The. Watched it lately? Not so great. Tombstone shreds Unforgiven.

Anyone can say any classic movie is overrated because they are often considered the best of the best movies ever.

Nothing anyone can say will convince me The Godfather is overrated though. I can agree that Part II is better. There are message boards dedicated to discussing the labrythine plot still going strong today, and it still hasn't been completely figured out yet.

One man's labrythine is another man's muddled. And I like the first two fine. Own em, even. Wooo, that third one. It really is as bad as everyone says.

The third Godfather is fairly throw-away. The other two are fantastic, though.

I love me some classic movies. Don't get me wrong. But obviously, since I'm 25, movies that were made during my lifetime are going to have more of a lasting impact to me than movies that came before it, speaking in generalities.

Apocalypse Now, BTW, is another movie that I forgot to add that I find an absolutely haunting movie.

fair enough. *fistbump*

BaltimoreTerp

07-09-2008, 11:18 AM

...has no one seen a movie made before 1975??

Well, you have to remember that some of us weren't BORN before 1975 :laughlol:

(And if I said that the best Robin Hood movie was Men in Tights, how much neg-rep would you give me? :rofl:)

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 11:22 AM

Well, you have to remember that some of us weren't BORN before 1975 :laughlol:

(And if I said that the best Robin Hood movie was Men in Tights, how much neg-rep would you give me? :rofl:)

Well, if you care about film, you delve into it's history :D Don't own any records made before 75?

And I was born in 72. Wasn't at the theatre at three years old. I think.

And no neg rep. The admission is it's own punishment. :ohlord:

TakebackOPACY

07-09-2008, 11:24 AM

Sheesh. The Godfather

My favorite book of all time... not "the Best" book, but still my favorite... it's one of the best stories ever told, in my opinion. The movie did it justice. Even though I've made some posts on here about books, I'm much more of a 'movie' guy. But man, what a great book.

EDIT:
As for best movies prior to 1975, I just bought Paths of Glory. Along the lines with the point THE Wedge made, you could watch it and think, "been there, done that." But keep in mind that this movie came out in 1957, and noone had been there or done that. Kubrick was remarkable.

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 11:25 AM

Hey, thanks for contributing. ;)

And Unforgiven is a prime example of a Lifetime Achievement Oscar for a subpar product. Also see Untouchables, The. Watched it lately? Not so great. Tombstone shreds Unforgiven.

Agree to disagree. I think Tombstone is a great movie, but it didn't have the same impact on me as Unforgiven. I don't see it as Lifetime Achievement Oscar at all.

And actually I have seen The Untouchables lately, was showing on some movie channel when I got home from work, and it's still a pretty good movie.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 11:29 AM

My favorite book of all time... not "the Best" book, but still my favorite... it's one of the best stories ever told, in my opinion. The movie did it justice. Even though I've made some posts on here about books, I'm much more of a 'movie' guy. But man, what a great book.

Hey, to each their own, but...ew. Hated the book. Thought Copolla's greatest achievement may have been pulling something worthwhile out of it.

Agree to disagree. I think Tombstone is a great movie, but it didn't have the same impact on me as Unforgiven. I don't see it as Lifetime Achievement Oscar at all.

And actually I have seen The Untouchables lately, was showing on some movie channel when I got home from work, and it's still a pretty good movie.

Sorry if I wasn't clear - meant Unforgiven. Quite liked the Untouchables. Just thought it was an apology to Connery from the Academy for not giving him one sooner. I mean, The Man Who Would Be King? Anybody?

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 11:33 AM

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 11:37 AM

Well, in the case of Unforgiven, I haven't seen it in about 2 years, I'd say. I still loved it then, though.

Plus, a few of the westerns made afterwards took their cues from the unflinching style of Unforgiven, which, if I recall, caused quite a stir at the time amongst western fans.

That's all fine. Still prefer Tombstone. Convinced me Val Kilmer could act, and that Kurt Russell was not always to be taken lightly.

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 11:42 AM

That's all fine. Still prefer Tombstone. Convinced me Val Kilmer could act, and that Kurt Russell was not always to be taken lightly.

Apparently someone never saw Escape from NY or The Thing. ;) Agreed about Kilmer, though. Up to that point the most impressive piece of acting was that gum chomp in Top Gun.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 11:48 AM

Apparently someone never saw Escape from NY or The Thing. ;) Agreed about Kilmer, though. Up to that point the most impressive piece of acting was that gum chomp in Top Gun.

Oooh. Good call on Escape From NY (NOT LA, though. Icky. Plisken surfboarding. Just not right).

Thought Kilmer (along with Judd) was the best thing in Heat. Another horribly overrated movie, btw.

NewMarketSean

07-09-2008, 11:53 AM

Paths of Glory... a good pick. Excellent movie. I'd like to watch that one again.

The Godfather book is a good story... not a good book. Puzo can tell stories, but his writing style is hammish. I think FFC made the movie what it was. I also think it's one of the rare cases of the movie being better than the book. Much better.

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 11:57 AM

...has no one seen a movie made before 1975?? I'm not the world's biggest old movie fan, but come on. Somebody brought up that iffy Costner Robin Hood (saved, as many movies are, by Richtman). Errol Flynn, people.

Orson Wells? Not just Kane, neither.

Cagney? Yankee Doodle Dandy??

Bogart?

Cary Grant??

Has no one heard of Hitchcock?

Sheesh. Godfather. Quite possibly the most overrated film (certainly trilogy) of all time. I said it.

I like a lot of older movies like...North By Northwest, To Kill A Mockingbird, Rear Window, Psycho, Strangers On A Train, It's A Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz, The Hustler, The Good The Bad And The Ugly, Rebel Without A Cause, etc. It's just that most of the time a lot of older movies are harder to find and if you can find them they are a lot more expensive. I buy all my movies used, so when I find older stuff I usually try and buy it.

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 12:04 PM

Agree to disagree. I think Tombstone is a great movie, but it didn't have the same impact on me as Unforgiven. I don't see it as Lifetime Achievement Oscar at all.

And actually I have seen The Untouchables lately, was showing on some movie channel when I got home from work, and it's still a pretty good movie.

I like Brian De Palma, but I thought The Untouchables was pretty lame. Not the worst movie but pretty boring over all. Robert Deniro is way over the top in the 5 minutes he's actually in the film and I'm not sure why Sean Connery won an Oscar.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 12:09 PM

I like Brian De Palma, but I thought The Untouchables was pretty lame. Not the worst movie but pretty boring over all. Robert Deniro is way over the top in the 5 minutes he's actually in the film and I'm not sure why Sean Connery won an Oscar.

Please see previous "lifetime achievement Oscar" post.

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 12:10 PM

Oooh. Good call on Escape From NY (NOT LA, though. Icky. Plisken surfboarding. Just not right).

Thought Kilmer (along with Judd) was the best thing in Heat. Another horribly overrated movie, btw.

*Shocked Gasp* You take that back. Heat is easily one of the best crime drama's ever made. The bank robbery shootout is the best thing I've ever seen.

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 12:13 PM

Please see previous "lifetime achievement Oscar" post.

I mean he's good in it...it's just the whole movie seems kind of silly to me. Especially Costner's performance, like the first raid where he's made to look like a fool. "Let's do some good" or some lame dialogue like that. The best part of that movie is De Niro killing that guy with the baseball bat and Costner pushing Nitti off the roof to his death.

DuffMan

07-09-2008, 12:14 PM

As far as old movies go one that immiedately jumps to mind is 12 Angry Men. I've never gotten tired of that one.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 12:17 PM

*Shocked Gasp* You take that back. Heat is easily one of the best crime drama's ever made. The bank robbery shootout is the best thing I've ever seen.

Nope. Never. Not even close. Pacino in full "HOO HAH!!" bad acting mode killed most of it for me. Heck, he was better in Carlito's Way, where at least he seemed in on the joke.

I mean he's good in it...it's just the whole movie seems kind of silly to me. Especially Costner's performance, like the first raid where he's made to look like a fool. "Let's do some good" or some lame dialogue like that. The best part of that movie is De Niro killing that guy with the baseball bat and Costner pushing Nitti off the roof to his death.

Not a great film, but somewhat entertaining.

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 12:36 PM

Nope. Never. Not even close. Pacino in full "HOO HAH!!" bad acting mode killed most of it for me. Heck, he was better in Carlito's Way, where at least he seemed in on the joke.

Not a great film, but somewhat entertaining.

It's funny when people say Pacino overacts...but he's like that in every film. I think it's just him.:laughlol:

But even if you don't like him in it...you've got De Niro, Kilmer, Sizemore, Haysbert, etc. Any movie where Pedro Cerrano gets shot in the head during a bank robbery is tops in my book.;)

Carlito's Way is killer though...Sean Penn is damn good.

PeteCanes

07-09-2008, 12:57 PM

Sorry if I wasn't clear - meant Unforgiven. Quite liked the Untouchables. Just thought it was an apology to Connery from the Academy for not giving him one sooner. I mean, The Man Who Would Be King? Anybody?

"Now listen to me you benighted muckers. We're going to teach you soldiering. The world's noblest profession. When we're done with you, you'll be able to slaughter your enemies like civilized men."

Great movie.

TyCobb

07-09-2008, 01:15 PM

My favorite Western and one of my favorite movies period is "Shane". That is pretty old derk.

Surprised by no mention of Full Metal Jacket.

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 01:21 PM

My favorite Western and one of my favorite movies period is "Shane". That is pretty old derk.

Surprised by no mention of Full Metal Jacket.

I've always seen FMJ as "half of a good movie." There was some good stuff in the second half, but it was mostly uneven. Most of the things people remember from that movie come from the boot camp half.

TyCobb

07-09-2008, 01:23 PM

I've always seen FMJ as "half of a good movie." There was some good stuff in the second half, but it was mostly uneven. Most of the things people remember from that movie come from the boot camp half.

I was editing my post. I took out, "I thought it was 2 movies therefore didn't list it cause I thought it could be improved with more boot camp scenes."

BirdlandMedic72

07-09-2008, 01:23 PM

American History X

Very powerful movie. I also really dig the flashbacks in black & white.

The Wedge

07-09-2008, 01:27 PM

I was editing my post. I took out, "I thought it was 2 movies therefore didn't list it cause I thought it could be improved with more boot camp scenes."

Fair enough. :)

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 01:28 PM

TyCobb

07-09-2008, 01:32 PM

How about "Million Dollar Baby" or "Wizard of Oz"?

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 02:32 PM

Yellowbeard. (http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/my_year_of_flops_case_file_113)

*spikes computer*

;)

J.D.

07-09-2008, 02:46 PM

Yellowbeard. (http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/my_year_of_flops_case_file_113)

*spikes computer*

;)

The computer spike is just fantastic form. Shame you won't be able to use it again, but I felt the celebration over here.

Agree with what was said about FMJ. Great movie for about 70 minutes. So-so after that.

American History X is powerful, and it's a good solid movie, but I just can't get past curb stomping. It's one of my buttons, I guess.

Million Dollar Baby is incredibly overrated in my opinion. I tried to get into it... I just couldn't. To each their own.

And DuffMan, good call on 12 Angry Men. Underrated movie.

scOtt

07-09-2008, 02:57 PM

That's all fine. Still prefer Tombstone. Convinced me Val Kilmer could act, and that Kurt Russell was not always to be taken lightly.
I love Escape From New York. Russell was THE coolest in that.

Older... Dr. Strangelove is a classic. And anything with Tracey and Hepburn. Not even any particular movie, just the chemistry between them was electric.

As far as old movies go one that immiedately jumps to mind is 12 Angry Men. I've never gotten tired of that one.
Oooo another great one!

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 03:08 PM

Million Dollar Baby is incredibly overrated in my opinion. I tried to get into it... I just couldn't. To each their own.

Yeah. Good movie, great performances...not Best Picture material. The storyline is kind of boring but it's saved somewhat by the performances of Swank, Eastwood and Freeman. Although I really don't get the point of the end. It has nothing to do with the rest of the movie and it's totally out of character for Maggie.

TyCobb

07-09-2008, 03:43 PM

Yeah. Good movie, great performances...not Best Picture material. The storyline is kind of boring but it's saved somewhat by the performances of Swank, Eastwood and Freeman. Although I really don't get the point of the end. It has nothing to do with the rest of the movie and it's totally out of character for Maggie.

I think it has more to do with the "fatherly figure" Eastwood never was which he deeply regretted, but became one because of Maggie.

I thought it was a great story. I don't really like dramas at all, but this one that I just loved.

TyCobb

07-09-2008, 03:45 PM

No comments about Wizard of Oz? Isn't it the first picture to have color? I thought the transation from Black to Color was genius.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 03:55 PM

No comments about Wizard of Oz? Isn't it the first picture to have color? I thought the transation from Black to Color was genius.

Nah. S'all about the Wiz.

But seriously - can that movie really be looked at critically? It's such a part of American culture now, I wonder.

ledzepp8

07-09-2008, 04:05 PM

I think it has more to do with the "fatherly figure" Eastwood never was which he deeply regretted, but became one because of Maggie.

I thought it was a great story. I don't really like dramas at all, but this one that I just loved.

Yeah but doesn't the fact that he trained her to become a champion, she softened him, and he was there for her after her accident illustrate that he had become a father figure? The whole other thing just seemed like a shocking twist for the hell of it. And I still think it was completely out of character for Maggie...someone who had been a fighter her life and overcome so many obstacles and struggles in her life.

NewMarketSean

07-09-2008, 04:29 PM

I found MDB to be somewhat overrated too. It was a weak year for movies though, so I guess it deserved to win although I wouldn't have had a problem with The Aviator or Sideways winning either.

J.D.

07-09-2008, 04:32 PM

I found MDB to be somewhat overrated too. It was a weak year for movies though, so I guess it deserved to win although I wouldn't have had a problem with The Aviator or Sideways winning either.

I thought Sideways was a superior movie. I think it failed in not having the "clout" that MDB had.

DREKTUNES

07-09-2008, 05:03 PM

I thought Sideways was a superior movie. I think it failed in not having the "clout" that MDB had.

I thought it was another horribly overrated film. Decent little character study, but for Giammati goodness, go for Pekar.

J.D.

07-09-2008, 05:55 PM

I thought it was another horribly overrated film. Decent little character study, but for Giammati goodness, go for Pekar.

I didn't say it was the greatest movie ever. Or even the best movie that year. Just that it was better than Million Dollar Baby. ;)

Alphonse

07-09-2008, 07:13 PM

It's gotta be The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for me. There's flaws, to be sure, and it's quite uneven as films go, but I cannot get past how great the last three scenes are, starting with Wallach running through the graveyard and the camera blurring the green and sand background. Of course, there's Morricone throughout. That last twenty minutes renders the film more absolute than anything else I've ever seen.

My PH is Chinatown.

Alphonse

07-09-2008, 07:16 PM

I thought it was another horribly overrated film. Decent little character study, but for Giammati goodness, go for Pekar.

Best Toby Voice: You listen to your jazz records.

Alphonse

07-09-2008, 07:22 PM

I thought it was another horribly overrated film. Decent little character study, but for Giammati goodness, go for Pekar.

Or read "The Green Fields of the Mind", in keeping it in the family.

CrimsonTribe

07-09-2008, 11:47 PM

The second idea came after watching Wanted tonight. I loved the movie and thought it was great. It's not the best movie I've ever seen, but I can clearly see how someone could name it their favorite.

I can't believe part of the idea for this thread came after watching Wanted. I don't want to know the person who would name that as his/her favorite movie.

Malike

07-10-2008, 01:28 AM

Was a tough choice, the top 3 for me would be Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, and Ben-Hur.

I went with Ben-Hur. Man what an epic movie.

SteveA

07-10-2008, 01:30 AM

Well, reading this thread front to back has convinced me one thing....there is apparently a big gap in my film watching resume' because I have never seen The Shawshank Redemption. I'll put it on top of my list to rent.

For movies that I have seen, I will go with Godfather II. The gun was to my head as Objectivity demanded, and it JUST BARELY edged out Glory.

These other movies at least popped into my mind while I was brainstorming for #1. That doesn't mean they are necessarily #2 thru #whatever on my list, or even that they got any serious consideration for #1, but they are certainly personal favorites that jumped into my head while I was thinking of movies that I really thought were good. And with maybe just one or two exceptions I have seen every one of these movies multiple times and would watch them again if I happened upon them. Alphabetized because ranking them is too daunting: Airplane, The Big Chill, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Caddyshacks, Casablanca, Dr. Strangelove, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Foul Play, Godfather I, The Gods Must Be Crazy, In the Heat of the Night, Jaws, Kelly's Heroes, Let it Ride, Life of Brian, M*A*S*H, No Way Out, The Odd Couple, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Outside Providence, Psycho, The Right Stuff, Rounders, Ruby in Paradise, Silence of the Lambs, Star Wars, This is Spinal Tap, Tora Tora Tora, When Harry Met Sally.

J.D.

07-10-2008, 09:00 AM

DREKTUNES

07-10-2008, 09:19 AM

Talk about some dedication to the thread. I dunno if I would've gone as far as actually putting a gun to my head to appease Objectivity, but to each their own. ;) :D

Yes, rent The Shawshank Redemption. It may not move to the top of your list or anything, but it's a phenominal movie.

Well, it's okay....

I just get the feeling I'm going to disagree with a bunch of people on here.

And Pulp Fiction isn't nearly as good as you remember it being.

Miller's Crossing, however? AWESOME.

The Wedge

07-10-2008, 09:23 AM

Well, it's okay....

I just get the feeling I'm going to disagree with a bunch of people on here.

And Pulp Fiction isn't nearly as good as you remember it being.

Miller's Crossing, however? AWESOME.

What is wrong with you? :D

I just watched Pulp Fiction last week and the only thing that I cringe at is when Mia makes the "square" sign to Vincent and it actually makes a visible line.

DREKTUNES

07-10-2008, 09:26 AM

What is wrong with you? :D

I just watched Pulp Fiction last week and the only thing that I cringe at is when Mia makes the "square" sign to Vincent and it actually makes a visible line.

Pulp Fiction = not nearly as good once the adrenaline wears off. Sorry, ThePaulBartonWedge. It is what it is. A decent movie that played with time.

The Wedge

07-10-2008, 09:29 AM

Pulp Fiction = not nearly as good once the adrenaline wears off. Sorry, ThePaulBartonWedge. It is what it is. A decent movie that played with time.

Once again, agree to disagree. Except you're disagreeing with way more than me. I'm never gonna proclaim it one of the best movies ever, not like top ten or anything, but its still a very good movie.

DREKTUNES

07-10-2008, 09:39 AM

Once again, agree to disagree. Except you're disagreeing with way more than me. I'm never gonna proclaim it one of the best movies ever, not like top ten or anything, but its still a very good movie.

Naah, I'm mostly disagreeing with you. :D

J.D.

07-10-2008, 09:44 AM

Well, it's okay....

I just get the feeling I'm going to disagree with a bunch of people on here.

And Pulp Fiction isn't nearly as good as you remember it being.

Miller's Crossing, however? AWESOME.

Considering that I was a nightowl, had Starz for a movie channel, and enjoy Pulp Fiction... I've seen it probably a solid 7 or 8 times this year. It's every bit as good as I remember it being. :D

DREKTUNES

07-10-2008, 09:46 AM

Considering that I was a nightowl, had Starz for a movie channel, and enjoy Pulp Fiction... I've seen it probably a solid 7 or 8 times this year. It's every bit as good as I remember it being. :D

Don't you have a blog to neglect? A class to sleep through? Some kneecaps to bust? ;)

J.D.

07-10-2008, 09:50 AM

Don't you have a blog to neglect?

Done.

A class to sleep through?

Today's my last day. But I'm working on it.

Some kneecaps to bust? ;)

Aaaaaaand done.

Tank

07-10-2008, 04:46 PM

square634

07-10-2008, 04:49 PM

Some of the best movies I've ever seen (scene): American History X, Se7en, Memento, Requiem For A Dream, The Diving Bell And The Butterfly

Some Personal favorites: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, X-Men 2, SuperBad, Iron Man, Donnie Brasco

That's funny, I did not care for Requiem For A Dream. It was artfully done, but it was way too creepy/depressing for my taste.

ledzepp8

07-10-2008, 09:54 PM

I thought it was another horribly overrated film. Decent little character study, but for Giammati goodness, go for Pekar.

I don't know...I didn't really like American Splendor that much.

DREKTUNES

07-11-2008, 09:08 AM

I don't know...I didn't really like American Splendor that much.

I liked it. Maybe it was a lack of expectations, and a fair amount of previous Pekar exposure. And Sideways just wasn't anything special.

ledzepp8

07-11-2008, 12:31 PM

I liked it. Maybe it was a lack of expectations, and a fair amount of previous Pekar exposure. And Sideways just wasn't anything special.

I thought Sideways was pretty good with some really good performances...but definitely not as good as all the hype.

Coker

07-11-2008, 08:14 PM

Not the best movie I've ever seen, but just watched Deat at a Funeral and thought it was absolutely hilarious.

JTrea81

07-13-2008, 09:05 PM

The Hunt for Red October shall remain my favorite book and movie. Alec Baldwin was the perfect Jack Ryan. Harrison Ford turned him into an action hero and Ben Affleck - well was Ben Affleck. Baldwin nailed the role.

So many good people in that movie, Baldwin, Sean Connery, James Earl Jones, Sam Neil, Courtney B. Vance, Scott Glenn and Fred Thompson.

The Wedge

07-13-2008, 09:11 PM

Don't forget Tim Curry.

And I couldn't agree more about Baldwin and Ryan. Though I think Ford did a good job with the Clear and Present Danger Jack Ryan, he's much less "action-y," and in fact, looks out of place in most of the last 1/4 of the movie when he goes down to Columbia again. I kinda wish they had have recast younger when Baldwin didn't return and made Patriot Games the prequel it was supposed to be, though.