Favorite Films - Introductions
We will be forming pairs for discussion next week. Use this blog to share a little bit about yourself through your film choices. Tell us your favorite movie and why. Also, what was the last film you saw in a theater and what was the last film you watched at home on DVD or VHS?
posted by cmartin at 1/12/2006 10:31:00 AM
34 Comments:
HI! My name is Sam and yes i do like green eggs and ham. My favorite movie is Boondock Saints, and i dont have an official reason as to why...it just struck me. i love all types of films and for some reason im a little obsessed with the Blade trilogy. Recently i saw Zatiochi in the theater and it was amazing. if anyone reads this before tomorrow...i reccommend going to the Reitz at either 8 or 10:30 and watching it for FREE. in fact, every sunday, monday, wednesday, and thursday at both 8 and 10:30 there are free screenings of some awesome films at the Reitz. grab a roomate, friend, enemy...whatever. its FREEEEEEE!
Hey Sam I think it is really cool that you like the Balde trilogy,how can you not be obsessed with it! I have probably seen each movie 4 times at least. I didn't know the reitz plays free movies during the week, thanks for the tip! See you in class!
Picking a favortie movie for me is quite difficult; i like different movies for different reasons. . . but if I had to pick one, it'd probably be Kubrick's "2001: a space odyssey." sure it's dry and awfully slow at times (the first 15 or so minutes is a blank screen with an overture playing), but it made me think a lot, which is a major criterium whether i enjoy a film or not. Just as the title suggests, the film encompasses a vast view of time (2001) and space (space odyssey.) The last movie I saw in theatre was "Chronicles of Narnia." It was extremely similar to the original BBC movie which was extremely similar to the book (by C.S. Lewis, "the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" check it out.) The last movie i saw at home was "I Heart Huckabees". Hilarious movie about the quest for truth in a postmodern era with dialogue saturated in philosophical ramblings. is that 100 words?
Alana- good choice on the little shop of horrors, i agree. Any movie where two strangers can silmutaneously start singing the same song while music mysteriously starts playing on whatever street corner they're standing on is a-ok in my book. If you like musical comedies with slightly disturbing themes (a singing man-eating plant for example), then check out "Cannibal: the musical." Filmed by the creators of south park way before south park.
Hi, my name is Ray… As far as favorite movies go, I can’t say that I have only one… I have many favorites. I’d say that one of them is GATTACA. I just love the story-line and it definitely gives one much to think about in regard to what the future could hold. I enjoy almost any movie that makes me think and holds my attention until long after it’s over. The most recent movie I saw in theatres was Pride and Prejudice. I had to read the book in high school, so I thought, “why not see the film version?”… Keira Knightley stars in it which is a plus… The last movie I watched at home was I Heart Huckabees. I’ve seen it a bunch of times and it’s amazing… If anyone wants to discuss this one, I’d definitely be up for it…
Alana - yeah, I saw Memoirs of a Geisha recently too... i comletely agree with what you said...
Jon - Huckabees is great, isn't it? Haven't yet seen 2001 space odyssey, but I'm a big fan of some of Kubrick's other works...
Sam - I've heard many great things about Boondock Saints... I'll definitely check it out asap...
Yo. This is Jonathan, when it comes to a favorite movie I feel just naming one is damn near impossible...but if I must choose I will go with "Fight Club". Chuck Palahniuk originally wrote the book about the way we are shaped by the media and popular culture. The fact that it is at times excessively violent helps too...I mean lets face it what sells better than violence with the exception of sex? By the way there’s a sex scene or two as well. The last movie I saw in theatres was King Kong. The last one I watched in the privacy of my own home was Wedding Crashers.
Jon - Huckabeees was an amazing movie...I've watched it tons of time.
times*
Hey ENG 2300!
My name is Debbie Lherisson and I love all types of films, especially action adventure!!! I'm extremely hooked with watching the behind the scenes clips on digital effects, sound, and lighting. I have many favorites in film, but I must say that my most favorite would be The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. I just love how director, Stephen Sommers uses his creativity on making these creatures as real and thrilling for an exciting and adventurous movie. I truly enjoy his work on other films as well. I last film I've watched at home was The Wedding Crashers. It was very funny. The last film that I've seen in theaters was Hostel. It was pretty gruesome, but if you've seen Saw and alot of Dr. 90210 plastic surgery shows, you should be O.K.
Hey Alana, I totally would love to see Memoirs of a Geisha! I've heard alot of good things about it. And to the rest of ENG 2300, I've truly enjoyed your comments on films, I definately have to check some of those out!
Hi guys, my name is Rebeca Esparza and i would have to say that i have a ton of favorite movies but on top of that list would have to be Beetlejuice. I fell in love with this movie when i was really young, probably around 4 or 5 and I would make my parents rent it every weekend until they finally bought it for me. Over the years ive come to understand more of the jokes, obviously because the movie had lines that little kids wouldnt understand. You'll come to find that Tim Burton is my favorite director among others (Stanley Kubrick, Allan Ball -Six Feet Under, American Beauty- etc, etc.) My favorite thing about Beetlejuice and most Tim Burton films is that the score for the movies are usually done by Danny Elfmann who is an amazing composer. So the soundtrack to Beetlejuice would have to be my favorite. The last movie I saw at home was Broken Flowers with Bill Murray. I usually love him but this movie ultimately left me disappointed. It had a great buildup then ended with one of those endings that really isnt an ending. I like closure. And the last movie I saw at the theatre was Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I think I would have enjoyed this movie more if I was a kid, and thats strange for me to say because I love most Disney films and childrens films. I think the cinematography was great but the movie lagged. And it paralleled the whole Jesus story too much. Im going to stop typing now, but more to come..
Use this blog to share a little bit about yourself through your film choices. Tell us your favorite movie and why. Also, what was the last film you saw in a theater and what was the last film you watched at home on DVD or VHS?
Hey everyone, my name is John and for me to pick a single movie that I'd have to label as my favorite is really hard but I'd have to say that its Fight Club. I love movies that deal with the whole duality of nature thing and the blurring of the distinction between reality and what is percieved as 'reality' a la The Matrix minus the drastically overdone science fiction addatives. The last film I saw in the theater was Memoirs of a Geisha, the plot line wasn't enthralling but i found the visuals to be absolutely spectaclacular. The last film I saw on DVD was Mr. and Mrs. Smith. This movie is incredible, I love its overuse of sheer wit and tongue-and-cheek-humor that completely overrides the lack of a complex plot.
Hey, everybody. My favorite movie is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's novel, because I really enjoy its representation of the psychedelic and the 70’s as seen by serious drug abusers, for lack of a better way to say it (kind of unclear, I know…sorry). I think that both Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro give great performances in what I consider to be their coolest and probably most unconventional roles. Those of you who have seen it know what I mean when I say that this is a really crazy movie. The last movie I saw in theaters was Munich. I definitely recommend this. It drags on a bit, but it presents a very emotional and intense look at nationalism and killing for one’s country in retaliation, along with many other issues still plaguing us today (it’s more about after Munich, rather than the events at Munich… in case you didn’t know). The last movie I watched on DVD was The 40-Year Old Virgin. Hilarious!
Hey everyone, Dan here (the one who voted for Bush, hell yeah!). I wanted to let everyone know that I’m kind of a movie nut. I really enjoy movies, and have been collecting DVDs for about 6 years. I own around 550. I know, it's crazy, I think it’s almost like OCD. Anyway, my favorite movie of all time is Braveheart, hands down. I’m kind of surprised that no one else shares my opinion. This movie has got it all: battle scenes, love, revenge, honor, and even a little comedy. The last movie I saw in the theatre was Hostel. Besides a few cool parts, I didn’t think it was all that good. Other Tarentino films such as Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill I believe to be much better. I usually have a movie playing all the time in the background. The last one I had on was American Wedding. I thought this third installment was a decent ending to the trilogy, but my fiancé wanted to re-watch it to maybe pick up any wedding tips. Thanks for reading…
I read Rebecca’s comment about Narnia, and I agree with it. I liked all the Harry Potter, and Lord of the Ring films, and I thought it was going to be of that caliber. Instead, the story really did seem to drag on. I thought they could’ve done a much better job with it.
john g:
i love mr. and mrs. smith! i think the chemistry between the two main characters is what makes the film, plus i think the soundtrack is amazing. i like listening to all kinds of music and love finding new types to listen to, and that soundtrack is a perfect example. i also love the garden state soundtrack...but who doesnt?
Hello, my name is Brian Love. There are so many great movies out there and there are so many that I consider my favorites. I would have to say that my favorite movie is Donnie Darko for many reasons. The film work and story line of this movie is just so amazing. At my former job at home, an indepenpent movie theater, I actually got the chance to meet the director Richard Kelly when he came for the re-release of the film. The most recent film I saw in the theaters was Fun With Dick and Jane. This film was horrible, Jim Carey is going way down hill. He should have quit after Liar Liar. The most recent film on DVD I watched was Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. This film is amazing, a non stop laugh.
Yeah, Rebeca, Beetlejuice is a really good movie. Everything about the movie is cool and entertaining, but the soundtrack definitely does stand out. Danny Elfman is an amazing composer and his name alone pretty much guarantees a great soundtrack, then throw in Harry Belafonte’s “The Banana Boat Song” and “Jump in the Line”, and that little bonus seals the deal.
Hey Everyone!
My name is Betsy and my favorite movie is definitely The Phantom of the Opera. I saw the musical on Broadway in New York City during my senior year of high school and fell in love with it immediately. I went to see the movie on opening night and loved it even more than the show. I think that the movie is better than the live show for many reasons – you get to see the actors up close and personal, the sets are way more elaborate and there was extra material added into the movie that is not in the live show. Emmy Rossum is absolutely beautiful in the movie and she has an amazing voice for being so young. I also think Gerard Butler does a great job as the phantom. I love everything about it! The last movie that I saw in theaters was The Producers and the last movie I saw at home was Madagascar, a very cute and funny movie!
brian - I totally agree about Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle...it is definitely one of the funniest movies I have ever seen!
ray and rebeca - I think I am gonna check out I Heart Huckabees!
Hi everyone, my name is Jacky. It's hard for me to pick one favorite movie because I have so many and I enjoy lots of different kinds of movies. One of my favorites though is The Royal Tenenbaums. It has an amazing cast and the characters are all so bizarre. Lately I haven't had much time to make it to the theaters to see a movie, but the last time I did I saw Rent. I know not everyone likes musicals, but personally I love them, so I really enjoyed this movie. The last movie I saw at home was Jerry McGuire, which I've probably seen at least a dozen times but it still makes me laugh.
Brian-
I definitely have to agree with you on Donnie Darko. It's one of my favorites too. The first time I saw it, it totally blew my mind and I watched it again the same day.
Hey guys, my name is Tyler... I, like a lot of people, have more than one favorite movie. But if I had to choose one, I'd pick The Spanish Prisoner. I'd give a cookie to anyone that has actually seen it. It's written and directed by David Mamet, an acclaimed playwright, and stars Steve Martin (in a serious role) and Felicity Huffman (from Desperate Housewives). It's a simple whodunit about a stolen formula worth millions with some pretty awesome plot twists and character development. It's interesting because they never reveal what the formula actually is, as it's not even important to the story. The whole thing really throws you for a loop. Reminds of some classic movies such as North By Northwest and Charade. I highgly recommend it. Last movie I saw in the theater was Rent (eh, ok...) and the last movie I watched at home was Wedding Crashers (FUNNIEST. MOVIE. EVER).
Dan- I have your little OCD, DVD collecting problem as well. I'm up to just over 500 now.
Jon- I love 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick was a genius.
Brian- I agree with you about Harold & Kumar. Absolutely amazing.
Betsy- I've seen Phantom of the Opera a bunch of times live and will forever have those songs stuck in my head. The movie was a lot better than what I was expecting it to be.
Hi! My name is Laura...I don't think I can pick out a favorite movie, but I can pick a genre! I love musicals and smart comedies (not gross ones)I also love pretty much any animated Disney movie. The last movie I saw in the theater was Munich. I thought it was really well done. A little gory, but thought provoking and had a real message. The last movie I rented was Crash (my roommate made me) I thought it was ok, but it didn't really live up to it's hype. I think the screenplay was lacking some.
John G...I saw Fight Club to and kina liked it. But have you read the book? I read a book by the same guy who wrote fight club, Chuck Palanuhnk, and I'd have to say I found his stuff to be really messed up. But i think Fight Club does translate well to the screen.
Hey everyone. Jason here. Like many of you, I too enjoy all different kinds of movies. One of my favorite movies of all time is Coming to America. Almost anything with Eddie Murphy is hilarious. The last movie i saw in the theaters was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I thought that this was definetly the better Harry Potter film so far. However, I enjoyed the books much more than i did the films. The Exorcism of Emily Rose was the last movie i rented. I liked this movie because it combined elements of horror/suspense with a court room trial. Thats all for now, see you in class.
ryan- The Big Lebowski is definetly up there on my favorite list. I can quote almost every line of that movie.
I noticed a bunch of people liked I Heart Huckabees and I havent seen it yet. I will definetly check that one out.
I really want to see Donnie Darko, i've been meaning to for a while now. I also want to see Being John Malkovich, I heard its really cool.
Laura- No, I didn't read the book, I didn't even know it was a book, I definitely need to read it.
Sam,
Would you post the information about the films at the Reitz on our class wiki under films around town?
Thanks.
jon g- i definately agree that Jude Law's character was originally cast in a negative light, but every character had his or her flaws. While Jude's was more extremely negative, it set up for an even greater redemption at the end of the movie when he had lost it all.
everyone- who liked I Heart Huckabees, check out the book "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" or "The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul" both by Douglas Adams. I think Huckabees stole the idea of existential detectives straight from this guy (who also wrote "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" series which was recently adapted to film.)
ryan- if you haven't seen "Where the Buffalo Roam", do. It's a film adapted from another Hunter S. Thompson's book with the exact same character (drug crazy, boozehound traveling journalist with a penchant for social and political satire)
dan- i haven't seen Hostel yet, but I heard Tarantino had almost nothing to do with the producing or directing of this movie, and his name is strictly on the title for publicity and money.
My name is Bobby. My favorite movie is a really tough call. I think I'll go with Clerks, but I really liked Slap Shot with Paul Newman. I have an unhealthy love for the sport of hockey and it is a cult classic to say the least. I don't really have a favorite genre or anything. I LOVE to laugh constantly, so anything with humor is always good. I also like a good helping of drama, and pretty much anything else. The most recent movie I saw in the theater was Rent and it is definately on my list of favorite movies. I thought I'd HATE it, but it was amazingly good. I hope to see the broadway version one day. The last DVD I watched was Katherine with Henry Winkler and Sissy Spacek. I got it for a dollar at Wal-Mart, because I saw "The Fonz" on the cover in a flannel shirt with a beard and crazy hair, along with Spacek looking like John Denver and of course, the obligatory picture of a time bomb. It was AWEFUL.
Jon(s), I hate to disagree with you guys, but I really do not heart I Heart Huckabees. I have seen it twice and both times thought it was a movie full of people trying too hard to sound like they knew what they were talking about, when in fact they really had no real point.
The one positive thing I can say is that I took ENG 1131 last semester and it did have a lot to do with things we discussed in that class about space and identity. I still don't think it's a DVD I will be adding to my collection any time soon.
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