#196. Dial M for Murder

"Mind you, even I didn't guess that at once...extraordinary."

After the discovery of his wife's infidelity, an ex-pro tennis player carries out a well-thought out, "perfect" plan to murder her.

The first time I tried to watch this, I got through about 25 minutes, and decided to quit because I just couldn't get into it. The second time around, I was determined to give the movie my undivided attention, and was able to concentrate the whole time, though I found it difficult in some scenes. That's probably my biggest complaint about this film: having to give deliberate concentration. My favorite movies are the ones that I don't even have to try to pay attention to; they demand it. This is not one of those for me. Thankfully, the film got much more interesting and suspenseful after its slow beginning.

I found this movie quite similar to another that I've watched from the Top 250, Rope. They were both directed by Alfred Hitchock, and both plots were essentially centered around the idea of a "perfect murder". I enjoyed the theme of mystery that Dial M for Murder brought; it kept me thinking, and I never expected the ending. I also enjoyed the personalities of the characters. Ray Milland portrays a confident, intelligent criminal, and Grace Kelly the beautiful, doe-eyed damsel. The inspector is also quite interesting, with his perceptive observations ultimately tying the entire plot together.

Though this film had some great aspects that I can appreciate, I was expecting to be more entertained. My immediate rating is a 6.9/10.

Characters: 7/10

Acting: 6.6/10

Storyline: 6.8/10

Entertainment Value: 6.8/10

Immediate Rating: 6.9/10

Total Score: 34.1/50

#197. Good Will Hunting

"Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself."

When a janitor from South Boston displays his uncanny mathematical ability on a school chalkboard, an MIT professor pairs him up with a psychologist in hopes of unlocking his motivation to succeed.

I've always wanted to see this movie, and I'm so glad that I finally got the chance to. There are some great actors involved in this, and the fact that Ben Affleck and Robin Williams both wrote, directed, and acted in this movie is really cool. Robin Williams and Matt Damon are also beyond fantastic together in their roles, and their therapy sessions tactfully touch on some of the most important issues in any person's life.

It doesn't even matter that there's not some deep, hard-to-grasp message behind this film; its plot held my interest throughout and its lessons stand the test of time. There's also just something so heart-warming about 90's movies. It may be the uplifting instrumental music, or that they remind me of my childhood, or maybe even the cliche but endearing storylines. Nonetheless, they never fail to make me feel good about life again, and this one was no exception. My immediate rating is a 7.8/10.

Characters: 7.7/10

Acting: 7.9/10

Storyline: 7.8/10

Entertainment Value: 8.2/10

Immediate Rating: 7.8/10

Total Score: 39.4/50

#198. Rosemary's Baby

"Witches... All of them witches!"

How coincidental is it that the first horror film I watch from the top 250 ends up being on Halloween?! Not too impressive actually, because I planned it this way, but regardless, it was quite fitting. This 1968 film is about a newly wedded young woman who becomes unexpectedly pregnant. As strange, unexplained events become more and more frequent as her pregnancy progresses, she gradually gets more paranoid about the safety of her unborn baby and the intentions of the people around her.

One thing I really enjoyed about this movie was its interesting plot. There were many twists and turns that I never saw coming, and I had a lot of fun trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Rosemary and Guy's neighbors Minnie and Roman were great, and gave the movie an appropriate amount of creepiness.

Even though the film was fairly entertaining and I'm glad I got to see it, I have to admit that I felt somewhat disappointed after it ended. I deliberately waited until it was around the time of Halloween to watch it, and I didn't find it that scary. One of the genres IMDB lists for it is "horror", but it never ended up scaring me as much as I wanted it to. Maybe it has to do with my belief that horror films have gotten progressively scarier over the years, or maybe I'm desensitized from the likes of recent movies such as "You're Next" and "The Conjuring", where shocking gore scenes are implemented almost to an excess, but I have to admit that I was a little underwhelmed by this one. I think I'd categorize it as more of a suspense/mystery than anything else.

Because I was still entertained and I enjoyed the suspense that the movie did have to offer, my immediate rating is a 7/10.

Characters: 6.5/10

Acting: 6.8/10

Storyline: 7/10

Entertainment Value: 7.3/10

Immediate Rating: 7/10

Total Score: 34.6/50

#199. Ed Wood

"This is the one. This is the one I'll be remembered for."

A depiction of director Edward Wood Jr.'s life and the production of his "greatest" works, told from a mostly true perspective.

I had never even heard of Ed Wood before watching this, but upon seeing this movie, I'm tempted to go watch all of his films. I have an odd love for movies that are based on a true story, and this one is especially interesting. Two years after his death, Ed won the title for "worst director of all time" and gained a cult following, and most ironically, a film about Wood's films is highly critically acclaimed, while every film that he directed and acted in was considered a cinematic failure.

I think one of the best aspects of the movie is how it delves into the lives of the characters. Ed Wood seems like he was such an optimistic, enthusiastic person, even in the face of continuous defeat. His relationship with Bela Lugosi was especially touching, and gave the movie a serious undertone in the midst of its ridiculous antics and biting satire. I don't know if Ed really helped Bela with his depression and drug dependency like the film portrayed, but I really hope that he did. Those scenes broke my heart.

Overall, I thought this movie was pretty fantastic. I did a little bit of research on Ed Wood after watching it, and have found out that some of the information is not entirely accurate, but it doesn't matter. The acting was great, and I loved all of the offbeat characters that played in Wood's films. Furthermore, after recently seeing Big Fish, I've come to realize what a versatile director Tim Burton is. Though he gets flack for almost always casting Johnny Depp as a lead role, it's indisputable that the two do great work together. My immediate rating is a 7.9/10.

Characters: 8/10

Acting: 8/10

Storyline: 7.8/10

Entertainment Value: 7.7/10

Immediate Rating: 7.9/10

Total Score: 39.4/50

#200. Harvey

"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it."

Elwood P. Dowd is the friendliest man around, always accompanied by a six-foot rabbit he calls Harvey. His family believes he belongs in a psychiatric institution, but it turns out Elwood might not be so crazy after all.

This is somewhat of a strange movie, but I enjoyed it. Since it was recorded way before my time, I found it somewhat hard to relate to and lost interest during a couple of scenes. I actually chose to watch it for the second time today, because I first saw it last December, and put off writing a review on it for so long that I couldn't remember much. I liked it more this time, as I was better able to understand its meaning.

The main concept that I take away from this movie is that of contentment. Though Elwood Dowd is considered crazy by his whole family, he is the only one who's happy. He's charismatic, optimistic, and never worries about anything. In Mr. Dowd's delusion, he is truly content. On the other hand, the members of his family that consider themselves normal are erratic and bitter. They care about everyone's perception of them, and even though they think rationally and see the world the way it is, they will be never happy with it nor feel peace within themselves.

63 years after its release, the lesson from this movie still rings true. There is a such a thing as being realistic to the point of misery. This is confirmed by the behavior of Mr. Doud's family, most particularly Veta and Myrtle May. Elwood's child-like spirit and imagination shield him from the negativity of those around him, and he is never lonely due to the company of his best friend Harvey. Not to mention, the music and ambiance fit the movie like a glove. Just a good old-timey film. And though the plot is somewhat slow, its message is great. I give it a 7/10.

Characters: 6.9/10

Acting: 6.8/10

Storyline: 6.9/10

Entertainment Value: 6.5/10

Immediate Rating: 7/10

Total Score: 34.1/50

#201. Big Fish

"There comes a point when any reasonable man will swallow his pride and admit he made a mistake. The truth is... I was never a reasonable man."

Edward Bloom likes to refer to himself as a "big fish in a small pond". To his son's skepticism, the elderly Ed Bloom depicts his life from birth to young adulthood, and leaves out no details of his vivacious adventures and the enchanting individuals he meets along the way.

I am quite impressed with Tim Burton with this one, and am a little bit surprised that he directed it, besides the fact that Helena Bonham Carter was in it. It was a bit more normal than his other films.

I adored every experience that Ed Bloom had. It's very similar to Forrest Gump and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button in how it follows the life of an unconventional man. The main male character in each had a long, incredible life journey, spent younger years in a rural area, went to war, etc. I honestly think I like the tales of Big Fish the most though. All of the characters that Ed Bloom encounters are so interesting, and his adventures are refreshing and inspiring. I love how Bloom made all his greatest memories from taking chances and doing what he felt was right, the best way to live. 
Another aspect I really love about this movie is that there are so many notable scenes. As I was looking through pictures to find which one to use for this review, it took me a long time to decide which one to choose to capture the heart of this movie, because there were tons. Edward Bloom's character is brilliant, and whether his stories are meant to be seen as true or false is irrelevant; they have the unique ability to speak to the soul of any person who watches this movie.

I always tend to like these kind of life story/feel-good films, and this one was no exception. It was somewhat far-fetched and indescribably sad, but still managed to feel genuine and magical. My attention was captured the entire time. 8.4/10.

Characters: 8.5/10

Acting: 8.3/10

Storyline: 8.5/10

Entertainment Value: 8.3/10

Immediate Rating: 8.4/10

Total Score: 42/50

#202. King Kong

"We'll give him more than chains. He's always been king of his world, but we'll teach him fear. We're millionaires, boys. I'll share it with all of you. Why, in a few months, it'll be up in lights on Broadway: Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World."

A film crew and a young woman sail to a mysterious island in order to capture exclusive footage. Little do they know the dangers that await them in the depths of their remote destination.

Wow! This movie was unlike any that I've seen before. It's probably one of the oldest that I've ever watched, and was a unique mixture of adventure, romance, and suspense. The first half of the film was mainly plot set up and getting familiarized with the characters, and the second half was pure action. I found it a lot easier to pay attention during the first half, most likely due to my fondness of character development in every movie I watch. There was none of that in the second half of King Kong.

One aspect of the film that I did think was neat was the special effects. Though movies have undoubtedly come a long way since 1933, it's interesting to see what was considered breath-taking production, as well as what was considered a thriller, in this time period. The plot was interesting at times, the acting was sufficient, and the quality of special effects was great for its day, but overall, this movie isn't one that I would normally watch for entertainment. If I were to refine the film to my liking, Ann and John's romance wouldn't have been a sudden juncture, but instead a slow progression. The reckless and fame-seeking personality of Carl Denham would have also been explored a little more.

Despite its flaws, I'm glad this movie is on the top 250. I've heard countless references to King Kong throughout my lifetime, and at the very least, I can now say that I've seen this classic. A 6.5 is my immediate rating.

Characters: 6.3/10

Acting: 6.7/10

Storyline: 6/10

Entertainment Value: 6/10

Immediate Rating: 6.5/10

Total Score: 31.5/50

#203. A Streetcar Named Desire

"Oh I don't mind you being older than what I thought. But all the rest of it. That pitch about your ideals being so old-fashioned and all the malarkey that you've been dishin' out all summer. Oh, I knew you weren't sixteen anymore. But I was fool enough to believe you was straight."

When Blanche DuBois (played by Vivien Leigh) moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in New Orleans, tensions arise on the subject of Blanche's true identity.

This movie wasn't anything like I expected it would be. I wasn't anticipating the theme of physical and emotional abuse in a relationship, nor a "young" woman's severe neuroticism. The plot has deeply intertwined layers that may require a second viewing to fully understand. The personalities of the three main characters are quite complex through simple actions. As a psychology student, I found it fascinating to analyze how their behaviors quench certain natural desires within them.

The lead role, Blanche, attempts to conceal her dishonorable past as well as frequently deny her actual age. Both of these factors signify basic human weakness, as well as a craving for approval from peers. Stanley is an emotional, physical, and sexual abuser. He demands perfection out of both Vivien and Kim, most likely because of abuse that he had endured in the past combined with his inevitable hate for women. His wife Stella continuously threatens to leave him, but soon caves in with forgiveness time after time for his inexcusable wrong-doings. It's a not so rare cycle that's still extremely relevant in today's society.

Thankfully, the acting wasn't cheesy like a lot of other films from the 50's. Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, and Kim Hunter fit their roles perfectly. Though not the best I've seen, this movie was thoroughly entertaining. I'll give it a 7/10.

Characters: 7.3/10

Acting: 7.1/10

Storyline: 7.3/10

Entertainment Value: 6.9/10

Immediate Rating: 7/10

Total Score: 35.6/50

#204. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

"My diving bell has dragged you down to the bottom of the sea, with me."

A man who is paralyzed everywhere on his body except for his left eye manages to write a book, meanwhile reflecting on the life he had before his stroke.

This is what I'd like to call an eye-opening film. It's a true story about a man who literally feels trapped in his own body, and through its depressing nature, made me appreciate everything I have in my own life. It's not exactly inspiring like the synopsis would make it seem. It's an extremely realistic account of what life would be like to be paralyzed to an extensive degree from the eyes (or eye, I should state) of a cynic.

Jean-Do, the film's main character and hopeless invalid, has a forlorn attitude of his circumstance from the very beginning of his stay at the hospital. Even though his outlook considerably lightens when he begins comprising his book, it doesn't take away from the fact that he feels indefinitely imprisoned, and the words he wants to convey are excruciatingly written by a hospital speech therapist through a kind of Morse code Jean Do must do by blinking his left eye. Most of the movie's scenes are filmed from his perspective, as you hear everything he is thinking but is unable to say due to his condition. This gives a true representation of the darkness that overtakes one's life when faced with such an inexorable adversity.

I found this movie intriguing, and the French subtitles didn't take anything away from it, as I barely realized they were even there. My immediate rating is a 7.9/10.

Characters: 6.9/10

Acting: 7.7/10

Storyline: 8.2/10

Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

Immediate Rating: 7.9/10

Total Score: 38.2/50

#205. Let the Right One In

"I'm twelve. But I've been twelve for a long time."

Oscar, a bullied and neglected twelve year old, finds companionship and falls in love with his neighbor Eli. Coincidentally, while Oscar is hungry for revenge on his foes, Eli is thirsty for blood.

The more I reflect on this movie, the more I appreciate it. It's a Swedish film, and I'm not one to enjoy reading subtitles by any means, but everything about it was so interesting that I completely forgot about the language difference. I also don't much like movies about vampires, but again, this one was different. It gave me a really odd feeling while I was watching it though, probably because its main themes are romance and horror, and there was so much intimacy as well as gore involving two children.

The relationship between Oscar and Eli is somewhat disturbing, but beautiful. The two young outcasts, who have both been damaged in their lives in different ways, manage to find love within each other and display it in such a thought provoking way. Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson have so much chemistry together, and both demonstrate an acting ability far beyond their years.

Though there were a few scenes that were so gruesome they made me cringe with disgust, I admire this film's originality, and it's one that I don't think I'll forget for a longtime. My immediate score is a 7.3/10.

Characters: 6.8/10

Acting: 7.5/10

Storyline: 7.8/10

Entertainment Value: 8/10

Immediate Rating: 7.3/10

Total Score: 37.4/50

#206. Kill Bill: Vol. 2

"You and I have unfinished business."

The Bride, played by Uma Thurman, continues her pursuit of revenge as she sets out to kill Bill and two of his affiliates.

Before watching this movie, I decided it would probably be best to watch Kill Bill Vol. 1 first so I could have a clear understanding of Vol. 2, and I have to say, I found the second one to be a lot better! There were more thrilling scenes, not as much gore and fake blood, and Bill is finally a primary character. The first Kill Bill simply wouldn't be complete without Vol. 2, and I almost feel like Vol. 1 is simply a prequel. Though it was still pretty decent, I'm very surprised and disappointed to see that it is much higher

on the list.

One aspect I didn't like about this film was I felt like a few of the actors' performances, David Carradine's as Bill especially, seemed too dramatic at times, and made several scenes come off as hokey. However, this was pretty much the only thing that bothered me about Vol. 2, and that specific type of demeanor was even warranted during some of the really intense moments of the movie. I love all of the unexpected twists this film took, and I thought the ending certainly wrapped everything up quite nicely. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected, and my immediate rating is a 7.3/10.

Characters: 6.8/10

Acting: 6.6/10

Storyline: 7.7/10

Entertainment Value: 7.8/10

Immediate Rating: 7.3/10

Total Score: 36.2/50