Firstly, sorry it's been so long. Been a long month, not entirely sure why.
Secondly - March's resolution has, for once, been a resounding success. With the addition of the treadmill to our household inventory, I've been able to run every day, plus take a class at the Y that has been very good. In addition, I've started tracking my calories with www.sparkpeople.com, and that has really helped. I actually lost some weight, finally! And most surprisingly, I kind of enjoy it. I mean, I would far rather go out to eat, read a good book, etc., but the time I spend working out isn't "wasted time" to me, which I was afraid it would be.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Top 50 Movies - The Top 10
Here they are. I'm sure you're all waiting with bated breath ... but honestly, I found it really interesting to sit down and quantify all these movies I love and rank them. (Even more interestingly, I find I could never do it with books. There's just no way.)
#10 - L.A. Confidential:
Contains one of the finest single moments of acting I've ever seen (by Guy Pearce, in his unutterably fabulous portrayal of Edmund Exley). Pearce, Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, James Cromwell - all turn in subtle and excellent performances. The movie does justice to the book, but stands alone as a separate entity (and I LOVE the book and highly recommend it - Ellroy is the Dickens of our time). It is just very well-crafted all around.
#9 - The Blue and the Gray:
A friend once asked me what kind of thing I wanted to write, and I pointed to this miniseries as the example. Earthy, honest, well-cast, epic, finely acted, it manages to be an overview of a very complicated era without delving into the realm of the soap (as North and South did).
#8 - Lord of the Rings trilogy:
I take these movies as a whole because they really form a single body of work - and are probably the greatest technical achievement in film since Gone With the Wind. The advances in special effects made in these movies should revolutionize the effects industry - and the debt the literary world owes to Peter Jackson and his belief in staying true to the story cannot be overstated.
#7 - Rear Window:
Talk about a classic. Who doesn't try to look into the windows of the houses nearby, wondering what the lives of the people who live in them are like? Then you add a murder mystery, the odd but wonderful combination of Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly - and magic!
#6 - On the Town:
New York shows up again! This time with Ann Miller and Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and the wonderful Jules Munchin and Betty Garrett. The dancing is superb, the love story touching, the camaraderie between the cast charming.
#5 - It's a Wonderful Life:
Must I, really? I think this one is about as obvious as it gets. "No man is a failure who has friends."
#4 - The Breakfast Club:
An '80s classic. A statement about relations between people - and not just in high school. Funny, sweet, angry, pointed ... and eminently quotable. "You think I'd speak for you? I don't even know your language!"
#3 - Westward the Women:
Probably the best depiction of the westward journey I've ever seen. Certainly not 100% true to life, but the movie pulls very few punches in showing the bleakness, the hardships, and the sheer effort involved in walking across half a continent toward a new life.
#2 - Pleasantville:
To me, this movie is sheer art. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted ... and the messages pack a powerful charge.
#1 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:
Are you surprised? Really? Go back and reread my review from December - there was really no question.
#10 - L.A. Confidential:
Contains one of the finest single moments of acting I've ever seen (by Guy Pearce, in his unutterably fabulous portrayal of Edmund Exley). Pearce, Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, James Cromwell - all turn in subtle and excellent performances. The movie does justice to the book, but stands alone as a separate entity (and I LOVE the book and highly recommend it - Ellroy is the Dickens of our time). It is just very well-crafted all around.
#9 - The Blue and the Gray:
A friend once asked me what kind of thing I wanted to write, and I pointed to this miniseries as the example. Earthy, honest, well-cast, epic, finely acted, it manages to be an overview of a very complicated era without delving into the realm of the soap (as North and South did).
#8 - Lord of the Rings trilogy:
I take these movies as a whole because they really form a single body of work - and are probably the greatest technical achievement in film since Gone With the Wind. The advances in special effects made in these movies should revolutionize the effects industry - and the debt the literary world owes to Peter Jackson and his belief in staying true to the story cannot be overstated.
#7 - Rear Window:
Talk about a classic. Who doesn't try to look into the windows of the houses nearby, wondering what the lives of the people who live in them are like? Then you add a murder mystery, the odd but wonderful combination of Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly - and magic!
#6 - On the Town:
New York shows up again! This time with Ann Miller and Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and the wonderful Jules Munchin and Betty Garrett. The dancing is superb, the love story touching, the camaraderie between the cast charming.
#5 - It's a Wonderful Life:
Must I, really? I think this one is about as obvious as it gets. "No man is a failure who has friends."
#4 - The Breakfast Club:
An '80s classic. A statement about relations between people - and not just in high school. Funny, sweet, angry, pointed ... and eminently quotable. "You think I'd speak for you? I don't even know your language!"
#3 - Westward the Women:
Probably the best depiction of the westward journey I've ever seen. Certainly not 100% true to life, but the movie pulls very few punches in showing the bleakness, the hardships, and the sheer effort involved in walking across half a continent toward a new life.
#2 - Pleasantville:
To me, this movie is sheer art. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted ... and the messages pack a powerful charge.
#1 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:
Are you surprised? Really? Go back and reread my review from December - there was really no question.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Top 50 Movies - 11-20
#20 - The Shawshank Redemption:
Beautiful movie. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are awesome, and the whole thing is a really good adaptation from the story. (It's from Stephen King's short story volume Different Seasons - also contains "The Body", from which Stand By Me was made. Both stories well worth reading.)
#19 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit?:
A pioneer in the field, the animation/live action combo is extremely well-done. The story is fun for all ages. (This one is very different from the book, Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, which is quite good but much darker.)
#18 - How the West Was Won:
A movie that gives new meaning to the idea of epic. Again, from a book (this one by Louis L'Amour ... need I say more?) - but the movie displays the sense of the breadth of work these people had to do. It is, of course, out of date from a political correctness standpoint and does not deal with a lot of the less heroic aspects of the westward expansion. It's still a fantastic movie - and it's hard to go too far wrong when you have Jimmy Stewart, Debbie Reynolds, George Peppard, and Gregory Peck all in the same movie. (Not to mention an appearance by Carolyn Jones, better known as Morticia Addams.)
#17 - Stand By Me:
This movie gets bonus points considering that the four very fine actors it contains were all in their preteens when it was made. (Also contains John Cusack, which gives a bonus point to any movie!) It's a lovely adaptation of the story (see above, #20) and manages to combine nostalgia, little boy crudity, the poignance of growing up, and the gravity of death without a jarring note anywhere.
#16 - Paint Your Wagon:
What a romp! Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin singing, the complete collapse (literally) of the camp, the supporting characters - it's all fun and sweet and completely muddy all at once.
#15 - Glory:
I defy anyone to watch the ending of this movie and not cry. I've seen it time and again, and it still moves me to great sheets of tears. Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher, Morgan Freeman - all turn in fantastic performances. It's a moving tribute to the men of that unit.
#14 - Say Anything:
John Cusack at his most raw and sincere. A love story that gives hope to anyone who has ever been a Lloyd Dobler. (Or, for that matter, a Diane Court.) And, of course, a fantastic performance by John Mahoney.
#13 - When Harry Met Sally:
A tribute to love and to New York - two things I never get tired of seeing. I'm not a Meg Ryan fan, but I think this was a great performance by her (there's also Addicted to Love, which is well worth seeing, but in a very different way!). Nice delicate touch with the directing, and of course the classic "interview" framing device.
#12 - Same Time, Next Year:
Another movie that moves me to tears every time. It's such a touching love story, of a completely unique kind. Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn are both amazing in very complicated roles - they manage to pull off a relationship that has love and friendship and respect without at any point seeming tawdry.
#11 - High Society:
How can you go wrong? Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly - beautiful music - love stories crossing love stories - a fantastic supporting cast that includes Louis Armstrong. Awesome movie!
Beautiful movie. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are awesome, and the whole thing is a really good adaptation from the story. (It's from Stephen King's short story volume Different Seasons - also contains "The Body", from which Stand By Me was made. Both stories well worth reading.)
#19 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit?:
A pioneer in the field, the animation/live action combo is extremely well-done. The story is fun for all ages. (This one is very different from the book, Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, which is quite good but much darker.)
#18 - How the West Was Won:
A movie that gives new meaning to the idea of epic. Again, from a book (this one by Louis L'Amour ... need I say more?) - but the movie displays the sense of the breadth of work these people had to do. It is, of course, out of date from a political correctness standpoint and does not deal with a lot of the less heroic aspects of the westward expansion. It's still a fantastic movie - and it's hard to go too far wrong when you have Jimmy Stewart, Debbie Reynolds, George Peppard, and Gregory Peck all in the same movie. (Not to mention an appearance by Carolyn Jones, better known as Morticia Addams.)
#17 - Stand By Me:
This movie gets bonus points considering that the four very fine actors it contains were all in their preteens when it was made. (Also contains John Cusack, which gives a bonus point to any movie!) It's a lovely adaptation of the story (see above, #20) and manages to combine nostalgia, little boy crudity, the poignance of growing up, and the gravity of death without a jarring note anywhere.
#16 - Paint Your Wagon:
What a romp! Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin singing, the complete collapse (literally) of the camp, the supporting characters - it's all fun and sweet and completely muddy all at once.
#15 - Glory:
I defy anyone to watch the ending of this movie and not cry. I've seen it time and again, and it still moves me to great sheets of tears. Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher, Morgan Freeman - all turn in fantastic performances. It's a moving tribute to the men of that unit.
#14 - Say Anything:
John Cusack at his most raw and sincere. A love story that gives hope to anyone who has ever been a Lloyd Dobler. (Or, for that matter, a Diane Court.) And, of course, a fantastic performance by John Mahoney.
#13 - When Harry Met Sally:
A tribute to love and to New York - two things I never get tired of seeing. I'm not a Meg Ryan fan, but I think this was a great performance by her (there's also Addicted to Love, which is well worth seeing, but in a very different way!). Nice delicate touch with the directing, and of course the classic "interview" framing device.
#12 - Same Time, Next Year:
Another movie that moves me to tears every time. It's such a touching love story, of a completely unique kind. Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn are both amazing in very complicated roles - they manage to pull off a relationship that has love and friendship and respect without at any point seeming tawdry.
#11 - High Society:
How can you go wrong? Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly - beautiful music - love stories crossing love stories - a fantastic supporting cast that includes Louis Armstrong. Awesome movie!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Top 50 Movies - 21-30
A fairly obvious third criterion for choosing movies is whether they speak to me. It's not enough just to be funny, or sweet, or sad - they have to have something to say to me, even if I can't exactly define what that is. (This is also part of the rewatchability - many times, just as with books, when you rewatch a movie you find something in it you've never seen before.)
#30 - The Ref:
This is a new one on the list as well - I enjoy how completely screwed up and twisted everyone is. It reminds me of Christmases in my family once upon a time ... both positively and not so much. Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary are brilliant. "Excuse me, excuse me, EXCUSE ME! If no one minds, the corpse still has the floor!" Also: "Slipper socks! Medium!"
#29 - A Few Good Men:
With an amazing cast that you could never afford today (and I'm not sure how they afforded it then!), A Few Good Men is a high mark in a number of different careers. Aaron Sorkin's writing is brilliant (alas, poor Sports Night, canceled in its prime), the direction masterful - in all, really a fine example of film craftsmanship.
#28 - Chicken Run:
Now, I'm not a huge fan of Wallace & Gromit. I just don't get the humor, frankly. So I was skeptical about Chicken Run. But what a delightful surprise! I think it's one of the movies I quote most frequently: "Mrs. Tweedy, the chickens are revolting!" "But I don't want to be a pie!", and I love the animation, the story - and the fact that it's a movie I can watch with my kids and we can all enjoy it equally. (Okay, who am I kidding - I like it more than they do!)
#27 - Frequency:
I like this movie better every time I watch it. The acting is wonderful, the plot twisted and complicated enough that it continues to be fresh without being too stretched (once you grant the main premise, of course), and the dynamic between Dennis Quaid and Jim Caviezel is really touching.
#26 - That Thing You Do!:
A truly under-rated movie. It's sweet and touching, but fun, with a certain touch of seriousness as well. Tom Everett Scott really carries the movie, and the supporting cast is excellent.
#25 - The Mummy:
Yes, I'm talking about the one with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. (And, of course, John Hannah.) I just love this movie. It's my favorite adventure movie ever - filled with eye candy, fun, interesting ... it's got everything.
#24 - The Full Monty:
For me, the star of the movie is Mark Addy. Dave is the heart of the group, and without his storyline they remain a bunch of desperate men who can't dance. It's funny, poignant, and the scene at the end between Mark Addy and Lesley Sharp makes me cry every time.
#23 - Diggstown:
Who doesn't love a good con movie? And this one is awesome. James Woods is masterful, Oliver Platt, Lou Gossett - the whole movie has that humorous but serious tone that I am a sucker for. (Also, has the distinction of being the first movie Lou and I ever watched together. We picked some interesting date movies!)
#22 - Heathers:
This one is pure nostalgia. Highly quotable (I could go on for days, so I won't even start); contains Christian Slater at his most teen idolish ... and is pretty much the reason that he will always be my personal teen idol; and dark, dark, dark humor. Love it! ("Oh, the humanity!")
#21 - The Butcher's Wife:
I love this movie. I fell in love with New York watching this movie, and wherever that particular New York is, I want to live there. I love the characters, I love the inevitability of love that pervades the movie ... I love everything but Demi Moore's accent. Or lack thereof.
#30 - The Ref:
This is a new one on the list as well - I enjoy how completely screwed up and twisted everyone is. It reminds me of Christmases in my family once upon a time ... both positively and not so much. Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary are brilliant. "Excuse me, excuse me, EXCUSE ME! If no one minds, the corpse still has the floor!" Also: "Slipper socks! Medium!"
#29 - A Few Good Men:
With an amazing cast that you could never afford today (and I'm not sure how they afforded it then!), A Few Good Men is a high mark in a number of different careers. Aaron Sorkin's writing is brilliant (alas, poor Sports Night, canceled in its prime), the direction masterful - in all, really a fine example of film craftsmanship.
#28 - Chicken Run:
Now, I'm not a huge fan of Wallace & Gromit. I just don't get the humor, frankly. So I was skeptical about Chicken Run. But what a delightful surprise! I think it's one of the movies I quote most frequently: "Mrs. Tweedy, the chickens are revolting!" "But I don't want to be a pie!", and I love the animation, the story - and the fact that it's a movie I can watch with my kids and we can all enjoy it equally. (Okay, who am I kidding - I like it more than they do!)
#27 - Frequency:
I like this movie better every time I watch it. The acting is wonderful, the plot twisted and complicated enough that it continues to be fresh without being too stretched (once you grant the main premise, of course), and the dynamic between Dennis Quaid and Jim Caviezel is really touching.
#26 - That Thing You Do!:
A truly under-rated movie. It's sweet and touching, but fun, with a certain touch of seriousness as well. Tom Everett Scott really carries the movie, and the supporting cast is excellent.
#25 - The Mummy:
Yes, I'm talking about the one with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. (And, of course, John Hannah.) I just love this movie. It's my favorite adventure movie ever - filled with eye candy, fun, interesting ... it's got everything.
#24 - The Full Monty:
For me, the star of the movie is Mark Addy. Dave is the heart of the group, and without his storyline they remain a bunch of desperate men who can't dance. It's funny, poignant, and the scene at the end between Mark Addy and Lesley Sharp makes me cry every time.
#23 - Diggstown:
Who doesn't love a good con movie? And this one is awesome. James Woods is masterful, Oliver Platt, Lou Gossett - the whole movie has that humorous but serious tone that I am a sucker for. (Also, has the distinction of being the first movie Lou and I ever watched together. We picked some interesting date movies!)
#22 - Heathers:
This one is pure nostalgia. Highly quotable (I could go on for days, so I won't even start); contains Christian Slater at his most teen idolish ... and is pretty much the reason that he will always be my personal teen idol; and dark, dark, dark humor. Love it! ("Oh, the humanity!")
#21 - The Butcher's Wife:
I love this movie. I fell in love with New York watching this movie, and wherever that particular New York is, I want to live there. I love the characters, I love the inevitability of love that pervades the movie ... I love everything but Demi Moore's accent. Or lack thereof.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Top 50 Movies - 31-40
A couple of my "Top 50" criteria. #1 would be rewatchability. All the movies on this list (except for the most recent ones) I've probably watched 25 times. And will be happily watching them over and over again for the rest of my life! #2, well, that's just sheer love for the movie. All of them make me happy - many make me think, many make me cry.
Continuing ...
#40 - The Color Purple:
Another book that should be read. Another really nice adaptation. A fantastic performance by Whoopi Goldberg. And a movie that is overall beautiful, solemn, joyous, sorrowful ... it's all in there.
#39 - The Iron Giant:
I'm not usually one to pay too much attention to animation styles, but I love the way this movie is drawn. It's beautiful to watch just for the art. But also a really nice, well-put-together script with real love between the characters that is believable and touching.
#38 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off:
"Bueller? Bueller?" "Ferris Bueller, you're my hero." "They bought it." I could go on. A classic of the '80s, a classic of my youth, endlessly quotable, completely wacky and yet just what you'd like to do at the end of your senior year ... or at any other time in your life, let's be honest.
#37 - Fast Times at Ridgmont High:
To begin with, a cast that brings new meaning to the phrase "star-studded". Another classic of the '80s, appealing to every aspect of the inner high school student that still lives in all of us.
#36 - Gaslight:
Not only an early appearance of Angela Lansbury, whom I love, but a compelling psychological thriller that loses none of its effect for being three-quarters of a century old. Ingrid Bergman's performance is chilling, and Charles Boyer, flawless. Beautiful costumes, a delicate touch in the direction - truly a classic.
#35 - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark:
Really, must I say anything? Harrison Ford's defining role, the man who made us all want to be archaeologists, and the parent of all good adventure movies.
#34 - Victor/Victoria:
This one is a recent favorite of mine - I had seen it once as a teenager, and then not again until a year or so ago, and what a romp! Robert Preston, Julie Andrews, James Garner, all turn in fantastic performances. It's just a delight to watch.
#33 - Lone Star:
(Which has the distinction of being the first movie Lou and I saw together in the theater.) I really enjoy the way the story unfolds, the twists and turns, the complete but satisfying unexpectedness of the ending. And the interweaving of several plotlines here makes for a complex and rich story.
#32 - Out of Sight:
I love the chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney in this movie. I really enjoy J. Lo's acting, as well, although I'm not generally a fan. I like the art that is obvious in the way the movie is put together, and the underlying sense of real affection and connection between the main characters. (This is a rare movie that is, in my opinion, better than the book. I found many of the things I love about the movie completely missing in the book.)
#31 - The Truman Show:
Jim Carrey gave a breathtaking performance in this movie. The last five minutes are absolutely enthralling. The whole concept seemed so cutting-edge when we first heard about it ... but doesn't seem so far off in today's television market, does it? I enjoy the blends of different kinds of surreality and the idea that Truman, for all his manufactured surroundings, is the only person in the movie who is truly himself.
Continuing ...
#40 - The Color Purple:
Another book that should be read. Another really nice adaptation. A fantastic performance by Whoopi Goldberg. And a movie that is overall beautiful, solemn, joyous, sorrowful ... it's all in there.
#39 - The Iron Giant:
I'm not usually one to pay too much attention to animation styles, but I love the way this movie is drawn. It's beautiful to watch just for the art. But also a really nice, well-put-together script with real love between the characters that is believable and touching.
#38 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off:
"Bueller? Bueller?" "Ferris Bueller, you're my hero." "They bought it." I could go on. A classic of the '80s, a classic of my youth, endlessly quotable, completely wacky and yet just what you'd like to do at the end of your senior year ... or at any other time in your life, let's be honest.
#37 - Fast Times at Ridgmont High:
To begin with, a cast that brings new meaning to the phrase "star-studded". Another classic of the '80s, appealing to every aspect of the inner high school student that still lives in all of us.
#36 - Gaslight:
Not only an early appearance of Angela Lansbury, whom I love, but a compelling psychological thriller that loses none of its effect for being three-quarters of a century old. Ingrid Bergman's performance is chilling, and Charles Boyer, flawless. Beautiful costumes, a delicate touch in the direction - truly a classic.
#35 - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark:
Really, must I say anything? Harrison Ford's defining role, the man who made us all want to be archaeologists, and the parent of all good adventure movies.
#34 - Victor/Victoria:
This one is a recent favorite of mine - I had seen it once as a teenager, and then not again until a year or so ago, and what a romp! Robert Preston, Julie Andrews, James Garner, all turn in fantastic performances. It's just a delight to watch.
#33 - Lone Star:
(Which has the distinction of being the first movie Lou and I saw together in the theater.) I really enjoy the way the story unfolds, the twists and turns, the complete but satisfying unexpectedness of the ending. And the interweaving of several plotlines here makes for a complex and rich story.
#32 - Out of Sight:
I love the chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney in this movie. I really enjoy J. Lo's acting, as well, although I'm not generally a fan. I like the art that is obvious in the way the movie is put together, and the underlying sense of real affection and connection between the main characters. (This is a rare movie that is, in my opinion, better than the book. I found many of the things I love about the movie completely missing in the book.)
#31 - The Truman Show:
Jim Carrey gave a breathtaking performance in this movie. The last five minutes are absolutely enthralling. The whole concept seemed so cutting-edge when we first heard about it ... but doesn't seem so far off in today's television market, does it? I enjoy the blends of different kinds of surreality and the idea that Truman, for all his manufactured surroundings, is the only person in the movie who is truly himself.
Top 50 Movies - 41-50
After months of stewing on it, I have finally made my list of my 50 favorite movies. And in honor of the Oscars yesterday (not that I watched them, since I haven't seen any of the nominated movies yet) ... #s 41-50 of my personal favorites list.
50. The Phantom of the Opera:
This was a TV movie that came out in 1990. (Starring two young actors who later went on to be favorites of mine - Adam Storke, who also starred in The Stand, and Teri Polo, of Sports Night fame.) I'm including TV movies because in my lexicon, they count! I loved in this the phantom himself (played by Charles Dance), the touches of comedy, and the overall ironic but beautiful tone to the movie.
49. The Crossing:
Starring Jeff Daniels as Washington (and personal favorite Sebastian Roche as John Glover), this movie depicts the famous crossing of the Delaware during the Revolution. Again, a TV movie - but also again, quite fine. The movie humanizes Washington and the men around him, and does a good job of making the event live in the minds of the audience.
48. The Greatest Show on Earth:
The circus the way it was meant to be. With a star-studded cast including Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston, and Gloria Grahame, and appearances by many actual members of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus of old, it hearkens back to a time when the circus really was fun for the whole family ... in a much more affordable way. Not to mention, of course, under the big top!
47. The Lost World:
An A&E TV movie this time! Made from Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel, and reasonably faithful to the (remarkably good) book. The sets and costumes are gorgeous, the acting believable, and overall a gratifying adaptation.
46. Sliding Doors:
Starring John Hannah - a perennial favorite of mine. The chemistry between Hannah and Gwyneth Paltrow is fabulous, the supporting characters entertaining. Altogether, a romantic comedy that manages to be both - with a slightly darker edge than one might expect.
45. While You Were Sleeping:
Love Sandra Bullock, love Bill Pullman, especially in this movie. But what made it such an enduring classic on my TV for years and years was the family. I dreamed of marrying into a family like that - warm, endearing, quirky, and most of all, welcoming with open arms. (If I had married into a family like the Callaghans, I'm sure I would have felt smothered and claustrophobic ... but the fantasy got me through several lonely years.)
44. The Great Escape:
Need I really explain? Classic, classic, classic. (And I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book if you can find it!) Perhaps the only explanation needed is why this movie is all the way down in the 40s - and I can answer that with one word. Colin. There was just no need for that, sweet little character that he was.
43. White Christmas:
Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney. The singing, the dancing, Christmas, the "Old Man" - slightly marred by the silly trumped-up issue in the middle, but overall just a beautiful spectacle.
42. Ocean's Eleven:
The remake, that is. I just love the romp, and even more the fact that the actors clearly enjoyed it as well. A good heist movie is a joy to behold, and this one adds the glitz and "bling" of real Hollywood star power to boot!
41. Ben-Hur:
The chariot race alone would get this one on the list. I'm a sucker for an epic, and this one is simply glorious. Heston may not have had a lot of range as an actor, but this role suited him to a T.
50. The Phantom of the Opera:
This was a TV movie that came out in 1990. (Starring two young actors who later went on to be favorites of mine - Adam Storke, who also starred in The Stand, and Teri Polo, of Sports Night fame.) I'm including TV movies because in my lexicon, they count! I loved in this the phantom himself (played by Charles Dance), the touches of comedy, and the overall ironic but beautiful tone to the movie.
49. The Crossing:
Starring Jeff Daniels as Washington (and personal favorite Sebastian Roche as John Glover), this movie depicts the famous crossing of the Delaware during the Revolution. Again, a TV movie - but also again, quite fine. The movie humanizes Washington and the men around him, and does a good job of making the event live in the minds of the audience.
48. The Greatest Show on Earth:
The circus the way it was meant to be. With a star-studded cast including Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston, and Gloria Grahame, and appearances by many actual members of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus of old, it hearkens back to a time when the circus really was fun for the whole family ... in a much more affordable way. Not to mention, of course, under the big top!
47. The Lost World:
An A&E TV movie this time! Made from Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel, and reasonably faithful to the (remarkably good) book. The sets and costumes are gorgeous, the acting believable, and overall a gratifying adaptation.
46. Sliding Doors:
Starring John Hannah - a perennial favorite of mine. The chemistry between Hannah and Gwyneth Paltrow is fabulous, the supporting characters entertaining. Altogether, a romantic comedy that manages to be both - with a slightly darker edge than one might expect.
45. While You Were Sleeping:
Love Sandra Bullock, love Bill Pullman, especially in this movie. But what made it such an enduring classic on my TV for years and years was the family. I dreamed of marrying into a family like that - warm, endearing, quirky, and most of all, welcoming with open arms. (If I had married into a family like the Callaghans, I'm sure I would have felt smothered and claustrophobic ... but the fantasy got me through several lonely years.)
44. The Great Escape:
Need I really explain? Classic, classic, classic. (And I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book if you can find it!) Perhaps the only explanation needed is why this movie is all the way down in the 40s - and I can answer that with one word. Colin. There was just no need for that, sweet little character that he was.
43. White Christmas:
Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney. The singing, the dancing, Christmas, the "Old Man" - slightly marred by the silly trumped-up issue in the middle, but overall just a beautiful spectacle.
42. Ocean's Eleven:
The remake, that is. I just love the romp, and even more the fact that the actors clearly enjoyed it as well. A good heist movie is a joy to behold, and this one adds the glitz and "bling" of real Hollywood star power to boot!
41. Ben-Hur:
The chariot race alone would get this one on the list. I'm a sucker for an epic, and this one is simply glorious. Heston may not have had a lot of range as an actor, but this role suited him to a T.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
March resolution
March is here! (So far, pretty lamb-like, but a damn cold lamb.) Exercise month. The plan this month, aside from continuing to work on computer time and time management (yeah, yeah, laugh it up), is to run on the treadmill every morning first thing. At least a mile and a quarter—aiming for 20 minutes run and hoping to get up to 2 miles by the end of the month. Plus two times a week conditioning training at the gym. In order to help this endeavor out, I'm also trying to get up earlier, moving my wake-up time back 15 minutes every week. (Someone please tell my beloved daughter that I'm doing this and she needs to help me out by sleeping all night!) And, finally, adding some work on diet. No snacks of any kind—breakfast, lunch, and dinner in controlled portions only. If I'm hungry outside those times, have a glass of water or cup of tea or coffee. (Not a latte.) Still allowing one small bite-sized candy for dessert, but that might go away over the course of the month.
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