Favourite Film(s) and why

Parrish_Crooks

So what are everyone's favourites? There's so many to choose from, so here are a few of mine:

Mulholland Drive-- A wonderfully unsettling masterpiece
Goodfellas-- No finer mob movie
The Godfather-- Brando
Heat-- Great L.A. crime epic with an amazing cast
Batman (1989)-- The original, darkest, and best!
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest-- Jack makes me laugh and cry
The Deer Hunter-- Walken & De Niro at their finest
City of God-- Great story, amazing movie
Halloween-- First and best stalk 'n' slash
A Streetcar Named Desire-- Brando at his best
2pac: Resurrection-- Best made documantary I've ever watched
Swingers-- One for the lads
Reservoir Dogs-- Tarantino's best

That's all I can think of, will add more though

Basq

From the Charter:

SPAMMING/POINTLESS THREADS
Do not start posting threads such as:

* Best/Worst threads. (Example)

I recommend reading it before posting.

Parrish_Crooks

basquille wrote: »

From the Charter:


I recommend reading it before posting.

Sorry about that!

Karl Hungus

Sorry about any confusion, I'm re-opening this, and may have to re-examine the charter in future.

CerebralCortex

Blade Runner - Because I'm a big sci-fi fan and this ticks all the boxes.

krudler

Raiders of the Lost Ark, because its the best film ever made

Larianne

Edward Scissorhands

The set, the music, the make-up, Johnny Depp. Love it!

And to think Tom Cruise was meant to play the lead! :eek:

Tom10

Serenity - because its sci-fi, funny, with very dark moments, some great action sequences and Nathan Fillion is legend as Mal

Sinfonia

Gonna go with stuff besides the Pulp Fictions and the Shawshanks, they're a given. I'll go with stuff I've had opposition on

Blues Brothers - Ridiculous, irreverent, hilarious, exciting, great music
Caddyshack - See above
This is Spinal Tap - Hilarious, improvised, accurate (Ozzy Ozbourne once said he didn't know for ages that it was a piss-take, because it was so spot-on )
High Fidelity - Romcom for men, basically. Great music once again. Love the book too - some parts of it I felt like I was reading about myself
The Darjeeling Limited - As Wes Anderson movies go, this is really only a better movie than Bottle Rocket, but there's just something about the flow of it or something that I love

I'll add more later...

Sanjuro

2001: A Space Odyssey- The ultimate expression of film as an artform
Apocalypse Now- Devastating, action packed, and filled with epic performances
Seven Samurai- Set up what has become staples of all action films
In The Mood For Love- Beautifully written, acted and shot
There Will Be Blood- The greatest film of the 21st Century
Raiders of the Lost Ark- Adventure just doesn't get any better

Basq

I really don't know how people can list off favourite films so easy.. I'm at a loss to think of just one!

But 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a given!

qwertplaywert

Toss up between Serenity and L.A. Confidential for me. Serenity for the diologue, great action scenes, emotional closure from the series, and freakin' Nathon Fillion in a (semi)big budget movie.
L.A. Confidential for the awesome noir style, classy writing, Kevin Spacy and the first movie I saw my favourite nutsack actor in, Russell Crowe.

ActorSeeksJob

Yeah LA Confidential was very good. I loved Kevin Spacey in it :P

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon would be my favourite movie. Behind all those beautiful fight scenes is a very touching love story.

Blade Runner would also be vying for my favourite movie. Sean Young is so hot in it ! The book is pretty good as well, worth a read if you enjoy the movie.

rednik

For me it is Kellys Heroes, as it was the first film I was brought to in the cinema. It had everything great action,great comedy and a great cast. It has stuck in my mind since the day I saw it. When it was released on VHS I bought it,when the dvd came out I bought it and if released on blu ray I will but it. It is by no means the best film ever made and thats a different list entirely but Kellys Heroes is my favourite film.

kraggy

To this day can't figure out the fuss with Shawshank. Good film but jesus...

Anyway, for me, Magnolia is about as close to the perfect film you can get.

Also, Naked by Mike Leigh and Amelie are memorable ones for me.

Wacker

I had been meaning to start a thread of this title for ages, so I was delighted that someone else did. This thread isn't exactly my style though: I would be more inclined to mention one film and write a veritable essay on it. I'll meet this thread half way, by giving a couple of lines on my favourite film.

Se7en is my favourite film, by a country mile.I love it for two broad reasons: 1. It is consistently well put together up until the end, with fine acting, cinematography, characters, pacing, etc. 2. The ending has more impact than speeding train.

I'll discuss point 2 more, as I feel point 1 is a bit too vague to elaborate on in less than a thousand words.
Serial killer movies often annoy me if they take the angle that all the victims deserved to die, as I feel they rarely explore how insufficient this is as a motive (I'm looking at you, Saw franchise!). What about the killer? How can they presume to judge people like that? I mean, maybe the victims are total scum, but anyone who presumes to kill them for their crimes is no better.
Se7en is different. This is one movie where you have got to hand it to the murderer, as he holds himself to the same moral standards as the rest of us. He recognized that he too was a sinner, and thus he too had to be punished. This meant that he would not be around to see the fruits of his labours, so his sick deeds were clearly done for unselfish reasons. He really did believe that he was doing the right thing, and he was prepared to pursue this belief with unbelievable conviction (the film indicates that he had been planning the operation for five years, as this was when he opened his bank account with cash).

Incredible script. SAW is a cheap rip-off with none of the same genius.

johnny_ultimate

Yeah can't really narrow it down to one film, but theres a few that definitely stand above the rest:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: I liked this film the first time I watched it, but every subsequent time has made me appreciate it more and more. The structure is so original, the acting so stunning (Kate Winslet especially), and the script never cloying, but always witty, original and affectionate. Shows what can be done with a genre formula. Could watch it again and again.

My Neighbour Totoro: Toy Story would nearly make it for nostalgia value, but Totoro pips it. One film that leaves a smile on my face every time I watch it. Just the happiest, most joyful and innocent movie ever made.

Persona: Bergman is just on a completely different level to every other director in my mind, and Persona is the film that truly won me over. Really made me realise what you can do with a masterful cinematographer, two amazing actresses, and the greatest director/screenwriter who has ever lived. For a film which is mostly just conversations (with some surreal imagery and complex structure for good measure), its just so engaging, shocking and intelligent. Intense and brilliant.

Rashomon: Just love the way this film is structured. Its a dark, clever and sometimes blackly comic film that was decades ahead of its time. Such an original film remains as powerful today as ever.

Stalker: such a beautifully composed and haunting film that has a hell of a lot to say. Really blew me away, totally worth the effort.

Sunset Boulevard: Proof that they don't make them like they use to. The most impressive Hollywood history lesson ever.

Serenity: The best sci-fi action film around. Funny, action packed and a triumph against the odds. Endlessly rewatchable.

Amelié: a recent entry, but a visually stunning, original and hilarious comedy that has a heart of gold.

The Lord of the Rings: One of the finest adaptations in cinema history as well as being a thoroughly entertaining film. Hard to believe that it's been nearly seven years since we were first introduced to Jackson's vision of Middle Earth. All three films stand up magnificently well remain the bar by which I judge all others.

Serenity: Every aspect is tailored to perfection. I laugh, cry, sit on the edge of my seat every time I see it which is at least once a month.

The Lost Boys: One of the defining films of my childhood. Like Serenity I can rewatch it over and over again never tiring of it. Some great dialogue, fantastic performances and Joel Schumacer's finest hour.

The Boondock Saints: The definition of cult classic. 2 hours of madcap violence, inventive swearing and the greatest hitmen duo since Leon.

Stargate: Alongside Serenity it stands as my favourite Sci Fi film ever. I cannot count how many copies of the video I wore out as a child, alongside two DVDs and a Blu Ray which has been watched 12 times. It's a film which captured my childhood and every time I watch it I feel like a kid again discovering it for the first time. Everyone knows the TV series but it's surprising how few know that it's based on a film.

Dellamorte Dellamore: The last of the great Italian horror films. Rupert Everett is on fine form as our hero, a graveyard caretaker who is tasked with sending the risen dead back to their slumber. Plenty of sex, violence and humour. The only real shame is the lack of a R2 DVD release though in recent months rumours of a sequel have surfaced.

Night Watch: The greatest Russian sci fi/fantasy film ever made. With a budget that wouldn't cover catering cost on a Hollywood film Timur Bekmambetov gave the world the most visually stunning and entertaining film of 2005.

Transformers: Based on an 80s toy line, Michael Bay delivered last summers stand out film. Just a pure joy to watch from start to finish. I'll admit to jumping out of my chair with a massive smile across my face as I heard Peter Cullen's opening voice over and then sitting teary eyed as I listened to his closing.

The Mist: Just the perfect old school horror film. Opening this weekend over here I cannot recommend it enough. I could talk about it for hours but it really is a film that one should discover for themselves.

Zodiac: How this wasn't even nominated for best film aswell as every other category at this years Oscars is beyond me. The finest film of 2007 bar none, with all round superb performances, a great script and some of the most unsettling scenes of all time.

Basq

Darko's list comes fairly come to being mine anyways.. some great taste in there mate!

Parrish_Crooks

Darko's name reminded me

Can't believe nobody's mentioned Donnie Darko yet! Great film, one of the most original in years. Multi layered and demands repeat viewings! Great start to Gylenhaal's career too!

Also Fight Club. WHAT. A. FILM. I could write all day on this one so I'll leave it at that!

Vic Vinegar

Children Of Men - What a film! Alfonso Cuaron's direction (directing? I dunno!) of this film is stunning, it almost seems like the film is shot in about 10 very long takes

Total Recall - One of my faves from childhood, still looks really good today, Verhoevens finest work (not saying too much I know!)

Brain Dead - Absolutely the goriest and most ridiculous film ever made! brilliant!

Requiem For A Dream - Disturbing but brilliant film from Darren Arofonsky.

shrapnel222

one that jumped to my mind is True romance, simply brilliant!!!

faceman

I agree with Basquille, i dont know how people can shortlist their favourite films without being genre discriminatory. (is that a word? )

Parrish_Crooks wrote: »

Reservoir Dogs-- Tarantino's best

But i am going to spur a discussion as the result of this. I wholeheartedly disagree about RD being Tarantino's best. As much as im not mad on his films, i think jackie Brown is probably his best film. The characters are less plastic and have more depth and development

Cheeky_gal

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly !

Absolutely superb! Brilliant acting and extremely emotional. Stupendous!

Parrish_Crooks

faceman wrote: »

I agree with Basquille, i dont know how people can shortlist their favourite films without being genre discriminatory. (is that a word? )



But i am going to spur a discussion as the result of this. I wholeheartedly disagree about RD being Tarantino's best. As much as im not mad on his films, i think jackie Brown is probably his best film. The characters are less plastic and have more depth and development

Maybe I should have said 'My favourite' instead of the best.

As regards character development, I'd have to disagree. In Reservoir Dogs the characters, in my opinion, are developed pretty well. This is the reason for the flashbacks. By the end of the movie we feel we know a great deal about the two characters of Mr. Orange and Mr. White. I can agree that some weren't developed at all, e.g. Mr. Brown and Mr. Blue, but that's just the type of film it is. Also, I think the story is much better than Jackie Brown.

faceman

Parrish_Crooks wrote: »

Maybe I should have said 'My favourite' instead of the best.

As regards character development, I'd have to disagree. In Reservoir Dogs the characters, in my opinion, are developed pretty well. This is the reason for the flashbacks. By the end of the movie we feel we know a great deal about the two characters of Mr. Orange and Mr. White. I can agree that some weren't developed at all, e.g. Mr. Brown and Mr. Blue, but that's just the type of film it is. Also, I think the story is much better than Jackie Brown.

Im not having a pop dude, just discussing so hope you didnt take offense.

IMO knowing a character better doesnt necessarily mean the character has any depth. Take James Bond for example. I will give some more detail later when i have a chance

Parrish_Crooks

No, You've got me all wrong!

I'm just discussing what I think makes RD a better film. Don't get me wrong, have Jackie Brown in my collection too! Film debate is what this forum is for!

Vic Vinegar

faceman wrote: »

Im not having a pop dude, just discussing so hope you didnt take offense.

Parrish_Crooks wrote: »

No, You've got me all wrong!
I'm just discussing what I think makes RD a better film. Don't get me wrong, have Jackie Brown in my collection too! Film debate is what this forum is for!

Come on, fight!!!

Only joking, I used to like Tarantino but whenever I see him in anything now I just want to lamp the tw@ on account of him being an ass & an arrogant knob

Kashkai

Deleted User wrote: »

The Lord of the Rings: One of the finest adaptations in cinema history as well as being a thoroughly entertaining film. Hard to believe that it's been nearly seven years since we were first introduced to Jackson's vision of Middle Earth. All three films stand up magnificently well remain the bar by which I judge all others.

Serenity: Every aspect is tailored to perfection. I laugh, cry, sit on the edge of my seat every time I see it which is at least once a month.

The Lost Boys: One of the defining films of my childhood. Like Serenity I can rewatch it over and over again never tiring of it. Some great dialogue, fantastic performances and Joel Schumacer's finest hour.

The Boondock Saints: The definition of cult classic. 2 hours of madcap violence, inventive swearing and the greatest hitmen duo since Leon.

Stargate: Alongside Serenity it stands as my favourite Sci Fi film ever. I cannot count how many copies of the video I wore out as a child, alongside two DVDs and a Blu Ray which has been watched 12 times. It's a film which captured my childhood and every time I watch it I feel like a kid again discovering it for the first time. Everyone knows the TV series but it's surprising how few know that it's based on a film.

Dellamorte Dellamore: The last of the great Italian horror films. Rupert Everett is on fine form as our hero, a graveyard caretaker who is tasked with sending the risen dead back to their slumber. Plenty of sex, violence and humour. The only real shame is the lack of a R2 DVD release though in recent months rumours of a sequel have surfaced.

Night Watch: The greatest Russian sci fi/fantasy film ever made. With a budget that wouldn't cover catering cost on a Hollywood film Timur Bekmambetov gave the world the most visually stunning and entertaining film of 2005.

Transformers: Based on an 80s toy line, Michael Bay delivered last summers stand out film. Just a pure joy to watch from start to finish. I'll admit to jumping out of my chair with a massive smile across my face as I heard Peter Cullen's opening voice over and then sitting teary eyed as I listened to his closing.

The Mist: Just the perfect old school horror film. Opening this weekend over here I cannot recommend it enough. I could talk about it for hours but it really is a film that one should discover for themselves.

Zodiac: How this wasn't even nominated for best film aswell as every other category at this years Oscars is beyond me. The finest film of 2007 bar none, with all round superb performances, a great script and some of the most unsettling scenes of all time.

Darko,

Are you using my brain while I sleep? This is my list - make up your own .
Great choices - all brilliant films, although I haven't seen the mist but I've read Stephen King's short story. Can't wait to see it in the flix.

If I was to pick one film it would be LOTR, no wait, Serenity (Girls, action, girls, humour, girls.....), no wait Transformers (Megan Fox - oh she most definitely is - well named there your parents ) - argh I can't decide:eek:

Parrish_Crooks

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.......

Star
wars

R0ot

Fight Club - Pitt, Norton, Soundtrack, Storyline All Win!

The Darjeeling Limited: Just after watching this twice in a row. Put simply it's a delightful little film which you can't help but love. Watching the opening scene I knew that I was going to love the film the minute the Kinks kicked in. Just skip to 1:34 on the video below and try not to smile, though I highly recommend watching it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T88WSRhV_38

One of my favourite montage scenes of all time. I must have watched it a dozen times the first time I watched the film earlier tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNYbs22CdUs

irish_bob

heres my top 10 in no particular order

the lord of the rings
groundhog day
die hard
pulp fiction
godfather 2
the remains of the day
back to the future
gladiator
once upon a time in america
the big lebowski

mbv

Wild at heart my fave Lynch film, has everything really
The thing Probably the best horror ever made
This is Spinal Tap Hilarious stuff from start to finish
Young Frankenstein Mel Brooks best by a mile
Cannibal Holocaust One of the most disturbing films ever
Taxi Driver De Niro at his best
Clerks Great film with no bollox about it

Eirebear

The Darjeeling Limted seems to be getting a lot of mentions here, i have to say that it didnt work for me at all.

I love Wes Anderson, and would count The Life Aquatic up there with some of my favourite films ever but TDL i felt never had the heart and compassion that Life aquatic or The Royal Tenenbaums etc had.

Dont get me wrong, it LOOKS fantastic, but it almost felt to me like Wes Anderson was trying very hard to make a Wes Anderson film.

sprinkles

Shawshank (I know I know....)
Donnie Darko - if only for the arguements that ensue afterwards
Terminator
LOTR
A few good men
Blazing Saddles

Parrish_Crooks

mbv wrote: »

Cannibal Holocaust One of the most disturbing films ever

Couldn't justify this because of the actual animal cruelty that took place filming. Disgusting. :mad:

Basq

Deleted User wrote: »

The Darjeeling Limited: Just after watching this twice in a row. Put simply it's a delightful little film which you can't help but love. Watching the opening scene I knew that I was going to love the film the minute the Kinks kicked in. Just skip to 1:34 on the video below and try not to smile, though I highly recommend watching it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T88WSRhV_38

Cheers for that Darko. I'm a massive Wes Anderson fan but really disliked 'The Life Aquatic' (except for a couple of scenes and soundtrack).

And I never bothered with 'The Darjeeling Limited' but after seeing the scene above, I'm gonna really have to watch it this evening.

Wes Anderson is an absolute fantastic director and his use of music in films is un-matched.

SuperGrover

My tuppence worth...

Bad Boy Bubby - dark, strange and very funny Australian film. My favourite film ever.

Visitor Q - hugely entertaining Takashi Miike film. Also see Audition and Ichi the Killer.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - classic gem.

The Man Who Wasn't There - very underrated Coen Bros output. Watch it again.

Naked - Mike Leigh at his best. Same goes for David Thewlis. Someone mentioned it earlier.

Requiem for a Dream / Pi / The Fountain - Darren Aronofsky kills me, he's that good.

3 Iron - very watchable introduction to Kim Ki-duk's films. They're all good, though.

Eraserhead - David Lynch goes all the way down into the subconscious.

kraggy

[QUOTE=SuperGrover;56446281

Naked - Mike Leigh at his best. Same goes for David Thewlis. Someone mentioned it earlier.

QUOTE]


Yup that was me.

Can't believe I never really see it mentioned on here considering how many film enthusiasts there are on boards.

Amazing script, and amazing performance from Thewliss. My favourite film of all time.

SuperGrover

Kraggy, you are right, it truly is excellent.

Watched it again lately (Film 4?) and it blew me away all over again.

I see it as a series of scenes / set pieces in my head. The scene with the night shift security guy was great.

Also, the cameo with a young Ewen Bremner (Hey, Maggie!!) was superb.

johnny_ultimate

Eirebear wrote: »

The Darjeeling Limted seems to be getting a lot of mentions here, i have to say that it didnt work for me at all.

I love Wes Anderson, and would count The Life Aquatic up there with some of my favourite films ever but TDL i felt never had the heart and compassion that Life aquatic or The Royal Tenenbaums etc had.

Dont get me wrong, it LOOKS fantastic, but it almost felt to me like Wes Anderson was trying very hard to make a Wes Anderson film.

I loved it, but wouldn't be in favourites of all time. I think its a better film than the Life Aquatic (which is still great, but very uneven) but doesn't quite reach the heights of Rushmore. Its a very funny film, sometimes quite emotional (even the tonally odd river rescue) and with a fantastic soundtrack. It also has the best opening in years, as linked by Darko above. It isn't quite as mindblowing as first viewings of Rushmore or The Royal Tenebaums were though, but thats only going on Anderson's already ridiculously high standards.

Eirebear

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

I loved it, but wouldn't be in favourites of all time. I think its a better film than the Life Aquatic (which is still great, but very uneven) but doesn't quite reach the heights of Rushmore. Its a very funny film, sometimes quite emotional (even the tonally odd river rescue) and with a fantastic soundtrack. It also has the best opening in years, as linked by Darko above. It isn't quite as mindblowing as first viewings of Rushmore or The Royal Tenebaums were though, but thats only going on Anderson's already ridiculously high standards.

I never managed to see it in the cinema, and actually only got around to watching it last week.

It does look absolutely brilliant, i cant take away for that...and yes i agree with the soundtrack as well. But i just couldnt care for the characters the way i do about them in Andersons other films.

Maybe it was because i was dying with the flu when i put it on, ill give it another try maybe next week.

delbertgrady

All the President's Men
Annie Hall
The Apartment
Back to the Future
Le Bossu
North By Northwest
Once Upon a Time in the West
The Shining
Taxi Driver
What's Up, Doc?