So far this week I have posted my top 10 books (books) as well as my top 10 theological works (theology). Today, I decided to add my top 10 movies. I realize the difficulties in making such choices but, at this stage, who cares. They're MY choices anyway!
My criteria for these selections are:
My criteria for these selections are:
1. It must be a movie I have watched completely.
2. It may be of any genre.
3. It may be a silent or a "talkie".
4. It may be "black and white" or "color".
5. Its position in the list is, for the most part, indicative of (a) how much I enjoyed it and (b) how often I have seen it.
I'm certain my list today is different from one written a few years ago and, probably, different from one written a few years from now. But, as of today, here are my top 10 favorite movies.
10. "Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back" - 1980 starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Billy Dee Williams (Empire)
No list of mine would be complete without a Star Wars film. These films radically changed special effects within science fiction flicks. Of the eight presently available (I do not consider "Rogue One" in this collection), #5 is the best of the bunch. The characters are cleverly developed, the special effects are outstanding, and the storyline progresses much better than it did in Episode IV. And, of course, it has John Williams' music.
9. "North by Northwest" - 1959 starring Cary Grant, James Mason, Eva Marie Saint, Leo G. Carroll, and Martin Landau (NNW)
I love Alfred Hitchcock movies and this one tops his list for me. It is a case of mistaken identity, resulting in a chase across the country. Grant is chasing those who have mistaken him while he is being chased by the authorities for the murder of a United Nations member. It is funny and exciting with great camera shots. Of course, you will also find the airplane-human corn field scene.
8. "The Maltese Falcon" - 1941 starring Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Mary Astor, and Elisha Cook, Jr. (Falcon)
Detective Sam Spade's partner has been killed and he has to find the killer. Suddenly, he is involved with three men and a woman in quest of a priceless statuette. Bogart is at his best as Spade and I believe this is one of Greenstreet's best film.
The story of T. E. Lawrence and his fight for Arabia. The film won 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. The shots of the desert are absolutely stunning. Having read some by Lawrence as well as about him, I thought the film did a good job at telling his story in an exciting manner.
6. "The Bridge on the River Kwai" - 1957 starring Alec Guinness, William Holden, Jack Hawkins, and Sessue Hayakawa (Kwai)
Winner of the Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor Academy Awards, the movie tells the story of a captured World War II British force (led by Guinness) who build a bridge for the Japanese camp commander (Hayakawa) across the river Kwai. Stunning setting and an actual bridge explosion highlight this film of "madness".
5. "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" - 1963 starring Spencer Tracy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Ethel Merman, Jonathan Winters, and more (World)
"It's buried under a big W" and the show begins. It is a mad dash by a crowd of moronic individuals looking for buried treasure. Almost every comedian from the 1950s and early 60s has a role in this film.
4. "Arsenic and Old Lace" - 1944 starring Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, and Raymond Massey (Lace)
Of all the comedies I have seen on film, I think this is the best one. It is not a long film but has one laugh after another. The Brewster sisters are up to no good and things get hectic when their nephews (Grant and Massey) arrive at their home.
3. "Ben-Hur" - 1959 starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, and Stephen Boyd (Ben-Hur)
This film won 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. The movie is based on the novel by Lew Wallace. It is a long movie but well worth the time. The story revolves around Judah Ben-Hur and his Roman friend Messala. Interwoven beautifully is the story of Jesus Christ leading to his death and resurrection. Of course, the film contains the famous chariot race.
2. "Casablanca" - 1942 starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains (Casablanca)
Rick's is the place to be in North Africa during World War II. Well, that is until the Germans arrive followed by Rick's former girl friend, Ilsa. A classic movie with several well-known quotes. Also starring Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet.
1. "Citizen Kane" - 1941 starring Orson Welles and Joseph Cotton (Kane)
The greatest movie ever made! Welles wrote it, directed it, and starred in it. His camera shots are legendary. The movie presents the life story of one Charles Foster Kane (loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst). Of course, the infamous "Rosebud" looms over the entire picture. No thrilling special effects necessary, thank you very much!
So many movies left off. I could include all the Star Wars films, several of the Star Trek movies, the Indiana Jones films, more Hitchcock, and other films with Bogart. How about "The Ten Commandments" with Heston, "Fargo" and "No Country for Old Men" by the Coen brothers, and great westerns ("High Noon", "Tombstone", "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence")? My list also omits disaster movies such as "The Poseidon Adventure" and "The Towering Inferno"). Other sci-fi films such as my favorite pre-"Star Wars" movie: "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (the 1951 Michael Rennie version, not the recent remake!). Comedies would include the Hope and Crosby "Road" pictures or the "Abbott and Costello Meet" films. Furthermore, I have no John Wayne movies on my list!
And so on and so forth... Perhaps, one day, I will divide my movie lists according to genre. That might provide a better representation of the films I enjoy.
For now, that's my list. How about you?
GORT, KLAATU BARADA NIKTO!
GORT, KLAATU BARADA NIKTO!
No comments:
Post a Comment