#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