#207. Magnolia

"This happens. This is something that happens."

Magnolia recounts a complex story of several characters that are interconnected, using them to demonstrate the imminent trials one must face while being human.

Wow. I really don't know where to begin with this review. There are so many aspects that I admire about this film. One of these is its elaborate storyline, filled with countless hidden meanings and allusions. I actually decided to watch it twice, because I realized that just viewing it once wouldn't be enough for me to fully grasp the essence of the film and how all the characters relate to one another. (And because it's just utterly fantastic, of course). The movie soundtrack is truly great; Aimee Mann just captures the bittersweet mood of the film so perfectly. Another quality I love about it is how the characters are so amazingly executed and diverse. The performances of some of these actors are quite literally the best I've ever seen in any movie, most particularly Tom Cruise. It's simply inconceivable that he presented this masterpiece not even one year before the catastrophe that was Mission: Impossible II.

Even without all of these great things I've mentioned, the concept itself makes it worth the watch. I love films that delve into the philosophy of life and give the movie viewer a lot to contemplate, and Magnolia is the epitome of that. Even after seeing the movie a second time, I found myself wanting to watch it yet again. There's still so many details and mysteries in the plot that I can't quite comprehend, and I have a feeling that this film is one of those in which viewers realize something new about it each time they watch it. I'll be buying this one on DVD as soon as I can. My immediate rating is an 8.7/10.

Characters: 8.8/10

Acting: 9.6/10

Storyline: 8.5/10

Entertainment Value: 8.4/10

Immediate Rating: 8.7/10

Total Score: 44/50

#208. Letters from Iwo Jima

"For our homeland. Until the very last man. Our duty is to stop the enemy right here. Do not expect to return home alive."

Told from Japan's perspective, this film recounts the events of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Though severely outnumbered, the Japanese stop at nothing for the pride of their country and emperor.

I was very impressed by this movie. I never seem to enjoy war films very much, but I found this one to be an exception. It provides a different perspective on the second World War from the side of the Japanese, and holds the perfect amount of emotional and dramatic moments. Clint Eastwood is an extremely talented director, and this film, if nothing else, certainly proves that.

Whether this movie is completely historically accurate or not, I was very intrigued by the portrayal of the Japanese people. Their devotion to their country is simply incredible, and their continuous decision to proceed with fighting and die instead of surrendering to an inevitable loss is astounding, and something that I don't think I could ever understand. The stories of the characters are heartbreaking and engaging, and though I'm an American, I found myself not wanting any person from the side of the Japanese harmed. This film wonderfully executes the concept that all soldiers are essentially people, and the act of war is simply unnecessary and inhumane.

The duration of this movie is two and a half hours long, but it honestly didn't feel like it. The plot drew me in from beginning to end, and I found the fresh perspective fascinating. This film is no doubt a must-see. My immediate rating is a 7.8.

Characters: 7.1/10

Acting: 7.5/10

Storyline: 8/10

Entertainment Value: 7.9/10

Immediate Rating: 7.8/10

Total Score: 38.3/50

#209. Rocky

"You gotta be a moron... you gotta be a moron to wanna be a fighter."

Slum boxer Rocky Balboa receives the once in a life chance to fight against the world-renowned Apollo Creed.

There were a few things I liked about this film, and a bit more that I didn't like about it. For starters, I really like the underdog concept. I found it endearing, and I think that's one of the main reasons why this movie is a classic. Another aspect I liked was the music; it definitely set the ambiance of the film. 

What I didn't like about it was that many of the scenes felt contrived and unnecessary. I also thought Rocky and Adrian's relationship was extremely depressing, especially at the skating rink. I just didn't really like Adrian as a character at all honestly. Why did Rocky like her? What kind of redeeming qualities did she possess to make up for her extreme aloofness and lack of personality? Stuff just doesn't happen like that. Actually, the way all the characters acted was a bit off. They were all so mean to each other, and got exceedingly angry at the simplest of things. I mean, is this characteristic of the Rocky movies or just the way that Northerners act normally? Nevertheless, watching all of that was just bothersome.

I can understand why a lot of others may love this film for its underdog concept, and I tolerated it alright; I just thought that a lot of the scenes were irrelevant. I also couldn't understand a lot of what Rocky or anyone else said, which may have taken away a lot of the content for me. I can tell that this is one of those movies that must be watched a few times to be fully appreciated. I'll probably like it the second or third time around, but for now, I give it a 6.6/10.

Characters: 6.2/10

Acting: 6.3/10

Storyline: 6.8/10

Entertainment Value: 7/10

Immediate Rating: 6.6/10

Total Score: 32.9/50

#210. Sleuth

"The shortest way to a man's heart is through humiliation."

A man obsessed with games of the mind invites over his wife's suitor for a riveting undertaking in the craft of perception, unaware that doing so has gotten him into much more than he bargained for.

I was pretty much bored out of my mind for the first half of the movie, and I honestly couldn't fathom how I was going to sit through two and a half hours of it. Fortunately, there was a plot twist that struck my interest, and the second half of the film turned out to be a bit more enjoyable. This is when the "game" that the characters continuously refer to becomes more intricate, which made it kind of entertaining to try and uncover clues and predict what was going to happen next as the plot progressed. Both Laurence Oliver and Michael Caine did a wonderful job with their roles; the comedic subtleties they incorporate in their acting performances are what reveal the true skill they possess in the art.

It's not exactly the most thrilling piece of entertainment one can experience, but the movie is respectable in the fact that the acting was proficient, and there are a few curve balls in the storyline to keep you awake. I'll give it a 6.2/10.

Characters: 6.5/10

Acting: 7.4/10

Storyline: 5.4/10

Entertainment Value: 3.3/10

Immediate Rating: 6.2/10

Total Score: 28.8/50

#211. Shadow of a Doubt

"We're not just an uncle and a niece. It's something else. I know you. I know you don't tell people a lot of things. I don't either. I have a feeling that inside you there's something nobody knows about... something secret and wonderful. I'll find it out."

An average family's Uncle Charlie decides to come and visit. His niece, also named Charlie after him, is very excited for him to be there at first, but the uncle's suspicious behavior makes her become skeptical of him.

I was pretty excited to watch this film for a couple of reasons. For one, Alfred Hitchcock directed it and I usually enjoy his work. Secondly, from what I've read, this is one of his most favorite directed films. Though it wasn't quite what I had expected, I still enjoyed watching it a lot.

I found the relationship between young Charlie and Uncle Charlie quite odd. Though young Charlie may have had nothing more than deep admiration for her uncle, she seemed to have some sort of a school girl crush. Their encounters really seemed off, like there was romantic tension between them. That was definitely a piece of foreshadowing for me that Uncle Charlie wasn't a man with good intentions. A few more examples of foreshadowing were how his other niece and nephew weren't fond of him from the very beginning, and the movie's soundtrack as well. The dissonant notes in the piano music of the film built up tension throughout, letting you know that something bad was bound to happen. I admire how Hitchcock used factors like this in his films; it certainly keeps them interesting.

All and all, I thought this movie was pretty good. I don't know if I agree with Hitchcock as far as it being his best directed film ever, but it had a solid storyline and some entertaining scenes. I give it a 7.2/10.

Characters: 6.8/10

Acting: 7.2/10

Storyline: 7.5/10

Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

Immediate Rating: 7.2/10

Total Score: 36.5/50

#212. Mystic River

"Sometimes I think, I think all three of us got in that car... "

Three men who were childhood friends reunite when one's daughter is murdered. As the thrilling mystery progresses, the realization occurs that not everything is quite what it seems.

I was looking forward to seeing this movie prior to watching it, and I wasn't the least bit disappointed. Clint Eastwood did an amazing job as the director (as always), and the actors were fantastic! The plot was extremely interesting as well and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire film. I was intrigued by not only the mystery the movie held, but the psychological aspect. We see how much a traumatic childhood event can impact someone's mindset with the captivating performance of Tim Robbins, who plays the mentally unstable Dave Boyle. Sean Penn, who acted as the grieving father Jimmy Markum, demonstrated the emotional tole of losing a child, almost as if he had been through the experience himself. And of course, Kevin Bacon, who plays detective Sean Devine, kept the suspense intact with trying to uncover the storyline's mystery. These three powerhouse actors were the highlight of the film for me.

What I also liked about the film is its subtle symbolism, and how it didn't exactly give everything away. You're still left with questions by the end of it, but judging the situation for yourself makes it that more interesting. Because of the wonderful acting and the exciting plot, my immediate rating is a 7.9/10.

Characters: 8/10

Acting: 8.5/10

Storyline: 7.8/10

Entertainment Value: 8/10

Immediate Rating: 7.9/10

Total Score: 40.2/50

#213. Stalag 17

"Nobody has ever escaped from Stalag 17. Not alive, anyway."

A group of Sergeants are kept as war prisoners at the German military camp Stalag 17 during World War II. The German officers continuously catch them in their schemes of escape, leading the prisoners to believe that there is a mole in their group.

I was thoroughly entertained by this film. It wasn't quite what I expected a war movie to be, but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. Though it contained some dramatic scenes, it was mostly a comedy, and probably an accurate portrayal of what the prisoners at the Stalag 17 were like. The characters were diverse and interesting, and kept my attention throughout the movie. I especially liked J.J. Sefton; William Holden did a wonderful job as the witty and independent Sergeant, accused by the other prisoners of giving the Germans information.

Though a few of the lines were corny and outdated, they of course added to the classic 50's charm the film possessed. I thought the movie was an interesting combination of comedy and drama, and with that, my immediate rating is a solid 7.2.

Characters: 7.5/10

Acting: 7/10

Storyline: 7.2/10

Entertainment Value: 7.4/10

Immediate Rating: 7.2/10

Total Score: 36.3/50

#214. Network

"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

A failing television network resorts to desperate measures when they exploit a deranged newscaster for ratings.

I really enjoyed watching Network. I absolutely love the concept, and I think it's interesting how it has actually proved true over time. The mindless television watchers in the film remind me of people today, and how we will eat up any explicit and overly dramatic show that comes on TV.

The characters in the film were all dynamic and interesting, and I thought Faye Dunaway was especially fantastic. She played a completely different character than Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde, and proved her versatility. I also loved Beatrice Straight's performance as Louise Schumacher in the scene where Max admits his infidelity. I could hear the pain in her voice and see the hurt in her eyes as the anguished wife on the other side of an affair, almost like it had really happened to her. It was an extremely powerful scene, and brought a different aspect to the film than expected.

My favorite attribute of this film was its realism. From the selfish intentions of the TV network to the not-so-perfect love affair between Diana and Max, nothing was glamorized. It was an entertaining and enlightening watch, and I give it a 7.4/10. 

Characters: 7.3/10

Acting: 7.5/10

Storyline: 7.5/10

Entertainment Value: 7.6/10

Immediate Rating: 7.4/10

Total Score: 37.3/50

#215. Brief Encounter

"It's awfully easy to lie when you know that you're trusted implicitly. So very easy, and so very degrading."

When housewife Laura Jesson and doctor Alec Harvey meet, they form an instant friendship. They begin their weekly tradition of meeting every Thursday, and gradually fall in love with each other, even though Laura is already married.

The great thing about this movie is the fact that it doesn't exaggerate for cinematic effect. Many movies in the 1940's did that, and though it may have been entertaining at the time, it's now a cringeworthy quality for "old movie" watchers. Brief Encounter is a very realistic take on a momentary infidelity. It wasn't exactly a fairytale, but it changed both associated lives drastically. It wasn't as if the short-lived couple was made perfectly for each other, but more so they used each other as a perfect escape. Alec's escape was from his monotonous job, and Laura's from her monotonous marriage.

I thought the characters in this film were fair. They were neither boring nor extraordinary, but I suppose that just adds the realism that this film brings. I did, however, find Everley Gregg's performance as Dolly Messiter pretty hilarious at the end (and beginning) of the movie.  She definitely played another key role in the film's honesty.

Though I have to admit that it wasn't the best film I've ever seen, I can appreciate it's influence on modern romance (the train scene), as well as its authenticity.

It was simply a solid movie. My immediate rating is a 7/10.

Characters: 7/10

Acting: 7/10

Storyline: 7.3/10

Entertainment Value: 6.9/10

Immediate Rating: 7/10

Total Score: 35.2/50

#216. The African Queen

“Nobody in Africa, but yours truly, can get a good head of steam on the old African Queen.”

Boat captain Charlie Allnut and missionary Rose Sayer leave Africa on Allnut’s boat to escape German threat. Once Rose comes up with a plan to attack Germany’s warship Louisa, the couple embarks on the adventure of their lives.

This film was a pleasant surprise for me! It had a very slow start, but once the main characters Charlie and Rose started their love interest, I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to find out what would become of the couple’s journey, and if their plan of bombing the Louisa would actually work out.

The movie involves two classic actors: Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Both of them have performed in other critically acclaimed films (I really enjoyed seeing Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, and I can’t wait to watch Bogart in Casablanca once I get to it on the list), and their acting in the African Queen is nothing short of the wonderful. Everything was put together very well.  The animal noises and bugs flying around the couple definitely looked off, but what kind of effects could one expect of a movie from 1951? This film was a great mix of comedy, action, and romance, so my immediate rating is a solid 7.3.

Characters: 7.2/10

Acting: 7/10

Storyline: 7.2/10

Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

Immediate Rating: 7.3/10

Total Score: 36.2/50

#217. Rope

“The good Americans usually die young on the battlefield, don't they? Well, the Davids of this world merely occupy space, which is why he was the perfect victim for the perfect murder.”

Two young men choke one of their friends to death with a rope because they find him surpassingly inferior to themselves. They refer to their plan as the “perfect murder” and throw a party to prove it, hiding his body under the guest dinner table.

When I first looked up this movie, I was disappointed to find that I would have to watch something from 1948 (I seem to never be in the mood for extremely old movies), but that disappointment quickly faded when I saw that Hitchcock directed it. His movies have always sparked an interest in me, and I feel that they really do stand the test of time. The concept of the film is great, and I was hanging on the edge of my seat then whole time, trying to figure out if the two men would get caught or not.

Though I thought the minor characters were a bit boring, I loved Brandon (John Dall) and Phillip (Farley Granger). Brandon was probably my favorite character, because his arrogance progressively increased the suspense throughout the movie as he gave more and more hints of David’s murder. Farley Granger did a great job also as conscience ridden Phillip, Brandon’s foil. Though this film isn’t life changing, it’s still a good watch. My immediate rating is a 7/10.

Characters: 6.9/10

Acting: 6.8/10

Storyline: 6.9/10

Entertainment Value: 7/10

Immediate Rating: 7/10

Total Score: 34.6/50