Some movies are not to be missed
Published Saturday November 7th, 2009
In my short 18 years on this earth, I have watched a lot of movies.
Probably thousands. No kidding...movies are my No. 1 passion. They have become a necessity in my life, so I take pride in my ability to sort the good movies from the just plain bad.
That said, there are certain movies that I believe every self-respecting human being should see. The best of the best. These heavyweights have taken home such honours as Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Lifetime Achievement awards. In fact they're not merely movies, they are experiences.
This week, without further ado, I am proud to present my list of the "Top 10 Movies of All Time."
10. Harry Potter
and the Philosopher's Stone
Being the first of the long-awaited movie franchise, this particular instalment of the Harry Potter saga has been judged by audiences to be the most genuine.
Directed by Chris Columbus, this film captured the whimsy and sprit of J.K. Rowling's debut novel in ways no other director (or production company) could. Millions of fans all over the world waited with bated breath for the film that would kick off the famous Harry Potter series -- and couldn't have been more relieved.
The Philosopher's Stone remains (to date) one of the most authentic book-to-film adaptations Warner Brothers has ever released.
9. The (original) Star Wars Trilogy
This classic trilogy has etched a permanent place on the hearts (and childhoods) of first our parents' and now our generation.
The winner of six Oscars, along with 27 other awards and nominations, Star Wars has become the most popular sci-fi film series of all time.
Written, directed and produced by George Lucas, it is also credited as being the most imaginative original screenplay ever written. With countless sub-plots and twists, Star Wars made being a geek COOL.
Who could ever forget the always-awesome Darth Vader? The ultimate villain, Vader (AKA Anakin Skywalker) was single-handedly responsible for reinventing the "bad boy" on an intense 'love-him-or-hate-him' scale.
Star Wars not only re-configured the boundaries of good vs. evil, but proved to the entire world that science fiction was no longer just for nerds.
8. Frank Miller's 300
Anticipated for years before its release, this film has become one of the most-quoted films of the 21st century.
Originally written as a comic book by Frank Miller, this film shattered expectations when it roared onto the big screen in 2006. The film style, however stylistic, depicts the Spartans as the ultimate heroes, prepared to do anything to defend their pride as a people.
The entire film was shot in front of a green screen on a sound stage in Montreal, and revolutionized the genre of action film. (Not to mention the platter of marinated man-steak also known as the actors- yum.)
Every scene is a masterpiece, and 300 is the ultimate graphic novel-to-film adaptation.
Not for children, though- this one is rated R.
7. The Princess Bride
Reinventing -- and celebrating -- the fractured fairy tale, this story has captured the hearts of audiences since its premiere in 1987.
Nominated for an Oscar, along with various other wins and nominations, The Princess Bride has everything you would ever want in a classic fairy tale: romance, loyalty, sword fighting, magic, unforgettable (and lovable) characters and a very strong dose of comedic brilliance.
The originality and imagination that went into making this film is obviously the reason it has stuck with us for more than 20 years. "Hello...my name is Indigo Montoya..."- and I'll bet you can finish that line!
6. Crash
Speaking of re-drawing boundaries, this film has been doing that since its release in 2004. Dramatic from start to finish, Crash is one of too few films brave enough to address racism as an epidemic in our society.
It squeezes your heart from the very first scene, and has ripped it out by the last frame.
This film is a must-see for so many reasons, but foremost because it shows us what we usually refuse to admit...that inside each of us is lurking something shameful.
No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, you will be able to relate to this film because our humanity is so closely connected to our frailties. The winner of three Oscars, along with another 41 wins and 66 nominations, this film is absolutely one you should watch -- and learn from.
(But not with the kids...serious shock value).
5. Seven Pounds
A definite tear-jerker, this film had me crying from the first 10 minutes until the last 10 seconds. I must admit, I have never seen a film as mesmerizingly real, and that probably has everything to do with Will Smith, who plays the main character.
It is a story about self sacrifice, guilt and, ultimately, redemption, but I can guarantee you will never guess the twist. Watch it; you'll never forget it.
4. The Man in the Moon
A largely unknown but classic story featuring a 14-year-old Reese Witherspoon, The Man in the Moon gives us realistic representations of love in every form: first love, puppy love, true love, parental love and sisterly love are all vividly depicted- as is the pain of losing someone you love.
Shaken by the tragedy at the heart of this film, a family must band together to affirm that love is everything, and without it, there wouldn't be any reason to live.
This film will move you in all the right ways, and Witherspoon is endearing and sincere in this, her first- leading role.
3. Lord of the Rings
Mere words cannot explain why this trilogy is a must-see, because, next to this epic wonder, words are inadequate.
However, I can tell you that there is nothing that these films have overlooked; they just do it all: outstanding acting, haunting music, amazing adaptation, breathtaking visuals and a stunning location and, above everything, faithful adherence to J.R.R. Tolkein's fantastic story.
Much like Harry Potter (and over the same span of years) fans waited and waited for this series to come out and, when it finally did, they were not disappointed.
In fact, most of us were devastated when the final film was released; it was over.
After three successive years, suddenly there was no new Lord of the Rings film to anticipate, so we were off to buy the deluxe special edition, extended version, so we could spend an entire day watching all three films all over again -- and again.
The proud recipient of a whopping 17 Oscars in total and hundreds of other wins and nominations, Peter Jackson has become one of the most famous directors of all time, and also the first to ever film three full-length films at once.
If you are one of the 12 people who haven't seen these movies yet, go directly to your local video store and rent them. Immediately. LOTR isn't just a trilogy, it is a life-altering experience.
2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Once again, with this film (but for different reasons), there are no words to adequately express why this film is a must-see. It is truly a film that needs no introduction.
As the first-ever completely preposterous movie, Monty Python has been offending its way into our popular culture for over 40 years. The Holy Grail competes only with Hamlet for most quoted film ever.
"Tis but a flesh wound." Hah!
Without Monty Python, Judd Apatow would be out of a job, and Superbad would have tanked at the box office. Monty Python showed the world how outrageously fun it is to laugh at the things your grandmother says you really should not be laughing at.
Silly has never been so much fun.
1. Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet
First of all, I really must give props to the author; he really seems to know what he's doing.
And, if you are willing to overlook his multiple roles in this production, props must also be given to the talented Kenneth Branagh, who starred in, directed and produced this film and also adapted it from The Bard's original version.
Hamlet remains to this day the most quoted work of literature in the English language; you might be astonished to know just how many sayings and words in our everyday language came from Hamlet.
The actors in this beautiful film version not only personalize the experience for the audience, but also make it accessible. You don't have to be fluent in Elizabethan England's written word to understand what is happening. The fact is, Hamlet is the epitome of the 'Classic', both on paper and on screen.
You know you really love a character when you want more than anything to change the (inevitable) ending...Say, how about a sequel?
"Saving Hamlet", anyone?
So there you have it...my ultimate list of must-see movies. There is something for everyone -- romance, action, comedy, drama, fantasy, so go ahead: get up off the couch and head on down to your local video store.
Experience for yourselves the power of an unforgettable movie.
* Alex Pipes graduated from Riverview High this spring. She is a veteran of the local arts scene.
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