#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

#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