The Best Movie Ever
I have a feeling we've been down this road before. If I was more industrious (read: "less lazy"), I would search the archives for similar discussions. But, alack, I am not. So here we go again.First, let me point out that I referred to "Citizen Kane" as "the best-made movie of all time." That doesn't mean it's my favorite. And what makes a "Best Movie Ever" a "Best Movie Ever" is up to individual interpretation. The Stumpman thinks that "The Godfather, Parts I and II" is the "best movie ever made," a slight re-wording of what I said. I am a HUGE fan of the Godfather movies. I even find merit in "Part III," it's greatest merit of course being that Sophia Coppola went on to direct rather than to act. But I still give the nod to "Kane." First of all, it's a tighter movie, clocking in at a minute under 2 hours, rather than the 114 hours of the Godfather Epic. I don't think Francis ever found a scene on the cutting-room floor he couldn't splice back in. But I give points for pioneering. "The Godfather" had a better story and MUCH better acting. Given the choice between the two, I'll watch "The Godfather" every time. But Coppola and Spielberg stand on the shoulders of giants. Welles was the giant. Literally.
Having said that, The Best Movie Ever is "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The reasons for this are countless and I'm sure I have documented them elsewhere. When this blog thing takes off, I'll hire a staff to go through the archives and find them for you. For now, suffice it to say that no movie makes me feel better than "Raiders," no, not even "Star Wars." I have seen "Raiders" well over 200 times and it never gets old. So, am I looking forward to "Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods?" Yes. Yes, I am.
As to your comments:
I'm sorry to say I've never seen "The Quiet Man."
"Highlander" was it's own sort of classic, Ricky. Sorta like "Anchorman."
No movie can possibly be the Best Movie Ever if it was even better in book form. This eliminates "Mockingbird" and others such as "Lord of the Rings."
"The Color Purple" deserves mention for convincing Steven that he could be serious, thus causing him to give us "Schindler's List," "Saving Private Ryan," and "Munich."
"Sleepless in Seattle" and "Top Gun" are movies I can't comment on because I'm not a chick.
"Singin' in the Rain" is The Best Musical Ever and in my top five picks for The Best Movie Ever. Every time I watch it, I can't believe it when it's over...the time flies.
"Field of Dreams" is in my top ten also. But "Sweet Home Alabama?" Still not a chick.
Isn't it cool that God gave us all our own personalities and tastes? Diversity can be a wonderful thing. If we allow ourselves, we can learn so much from somebody who sees the world differently than we do. We can stretch and learn and become better people. And it's also sweet when we find people who like the same things we do. "What's that? You can quote Zorak from 'Space Ghost' too? Please come eat with me and be my friend."
Still. I leave you with a final warning. If anyone, anyone, ever claims that The Best Movie Ever is "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," stay away. Far, far away.
posted by Thurman8er @ 9:34 AM
8 Comments:
The best movies of all time should cause best movie moments, that is, a moment in the cinema that sticks with you forever. (Something that watching a DVD for the first time can never do.)
With that reasoning, I see how Raiders could make it as the best film of all time. Who doesn't remember sitting in the cinema, tearing at the armrests, assaulted by action and ingenious dialogue.
Then again, I'll never forget seeing Rocky 1 at the theaters, and people really stood up and cheered during the fight. It was not the greatest film ever, but it did provoke one of the greatest reactions ever.
Now, If we could only get Ground Hog Day into this discussion.
Brady's comments made me think of one of my all-time favorites, Shenandoah. Senior high-school boys left the theater in Corning in tears! I did, too, but it's not hard to make me cry. But that's a great reaction movie (tear-jerker, if you will).
Now, isn't Raiders the one with all the snakes crawling around? THAT would definitely get a reaction out of me! In fact, I heard about it ahead of time; consequently, have never seen the movie!
No honorable mention for Nacho Libre?
I must add "Christmas Vacation" as at least a classic. You could ever forget Chevy Chase's classic line, "Ellen, we're on the threshold of Hell" in regards to dealing with all of the family at Christmas.
I'll also give an honorable mention to "Patton" and "The Hunt for Red October." Who could forget those "crazy Ivans."
Ah, "Raiders"-lovers (NOT the football team)...how WILL we wait for the 4th one to be released? I, too, have watched it about 300 times. (Don't know if my sister has seen it for the same reasons as meowmix. She has a phobia about snakes) "The Color Purple" did show Steven he could do "serious"...but the movie itself has alot of funny moments...but it is a movie about "redemption" maybe...of change. Two scenes at the end always make me boo-hoo...not just your token tear - and those would be when the singer/entertainer walks to the church, singing that remarkable song, "God's Tryin' to Tell You Somethin'" THAT'S redemption in more ways than one. The prodigal daughter returns to the embrace of her preacher-father! And then the "redemption" of sorts as the guy makes arrangements to bring over her family from Africa, More boo-hoo!! Oprah and Whoopie perform some stellar acting - it's relevant, it's timely, and it's powerful. The entire cast was amazing. Their moments of pain are so palpable.
Sleepless in Seattle is NOT just a chick film...it says a lot for young men rasing their sons alone. And I again Boo-hoo at the ending.
Let me throw out a couple of "sleepers"..."Moonlight Mile",
"The White Palace'---powerful story lines!
Which came first- the book or the movie?? I've not read any book of the movies listed. And speaking of Robin Hood, since I watched the tv series, I'm partial to the OTHER Robin Hood movie "RH - Prince of Thieves" Loved the humor of Alan Rickman!!
Groundhog Day??? ONLY if we also mention "Twelve Monkeys"
PS
"Field of Dreams" - another "best".
It's all about HOPE....LOVE IT...always watch it when it's on TV.
PS
"Field of Dreams" - another "best".
It's all about HOPE....LOVE IT...always watch it when it's on TV.
I saw “To Kill a Mockingbird” before I read it, but I didn’t fall in love with Atticus Finch until I read the book.
I still maintain that “Singin’ In The Rain” is the Best. Movie. Evah. At least it’s on your top five, Steve. Hope remains for you.
Even I agree that Sleepless in Seattle is a chick flick, Mom. XOXO
Post a Comment
<< Home