Original Films, Classic Movies

I know it's cliched, and just about everybody on the wonderful world wide web has their favourite film guides, but I've gotta start somewhere, right? This isn't going to be a chick flick guide, so don't sign off just yet! This is my list of movies (in no particular order) of those movies that you can just watch over and over and over and never get bored of. So let's get kicking...

First off, I have actually watched this film twice in one sitting, and I think many people will agree this is just a GREAT story, The Shawshank Redemption.

Now I actually read the book first (Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - Stephen King) which I must say was 100 times better than the film, a popular feeling for me. It has everything you could want from a film, prison fights, opposites who bond over their difficult circumstances, legendary quotes, Morgan Freeman's soothing dulcit tones and of course redemption.

I personally didn't like the casting of Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne - I think if you've read the book you'd probably agree too. William Sadler (Heywood) and James Whitmore (Brooks) are my two favourite characters, although in supporting roles, they portray their characters so well, especially the scene between the two during Brooks' departure from Shawshank.

Next we have The Man with the Golden Arm, I'm not a black and white buff, but this is a brilliant story and so original and controversial for its time (1955).

Our hero on heroin Frankie Machine (Sinatra) becomes clean in prison and after his release, aspires to be a drummer, but his disabled wife Zosh (Eleanor Parker) tries to keep him with her. After he gains a tryout, he meets old flame Molly (Kim Novak), a crime involving Frankie and a stolen suit lands him jail again, and after accepting bail from a bad old friend, gets back into drugs and dealing. He soon discovers his wife's paralysis isn't real, leaves her for Molly and the whole thing ends in a rather sad, but predicatable way.

Toms hanks in The Terminal as Viktor Navorski, a wonderfully sweet man visiting New York with his fathers tin, there to finish one final task. However, conflict in his home country means he is without a country (at least in the eyes of the U.S.A) meaning he cannot enter until something is resolved. Speaking very little English he is trapped in the aiport not knowing what is going on, the big man in charge of watching over him in the airport takes an almost immediate dislike to him. Viktor soon finds himself falling for his leading lady (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and making friends with the other airport workers. Some predictable events but surprisingly he does NOT end up with the girl! Shock Horror!

Based on a true story Monster depicts the life of Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron), one of America's first female serial killers, abused from a very young age turned to prostitution and drugs. It focuses on her lesbian relationship with Selby (Christina Ricci), Aileen and Selby, both naive in their own ways just want to be loved for who they are, after a vicious rape by one of her clients she begins murdering her men without having sex with them and taking their money, throughtout the film my heart went out to Aileen until her final murder, a man who was simply a good samaritan, Aileen was sentenced to death after being sold out by Selby.

(Aileen was executed by lethal injection on 9th October 2002)

The reason I love this movie, is mostly because of Charlize Theron, not your typical actress who stays beautiful through whatever is happening to her like most others, she gained weight, had make-up an false teeth and basically looked horrible trhoughout the movie.

I Am Sam is a heartwarming story of a mentally disabled man who, after fathering a child to a homeless woman, has to raise her alone. With the help of his other disabled friends, he creates a beautiful, intelligent, caring and considerate daughter Lucy Diamond (Dakota Fanning). However when she reaches the age of 7 (the mental age of Sam) the courts decide that he is an unfit father. He manages to acquire a pro bono lawyer in the form of Rita Harrison Williams (Michelle Pfieffer) he gets her daughter back, and surprisingly teaches the cold hearted lawyer a few things about love and family.

The hand that Rocks the Cradle is a cult classis thriller! Mrs. Mott (Rebecca de Mornay) a scorned woman decides to seek vengence on the woman who ruined her life, by turning her family and friends against her. Posing as the sweet, perfect nanny - Peyton Flanders she infiltrates the family perfectly, with only the slow handyman, Solomon, knowing her dark agenda.

And the REST

City of God - Set in Sao Paolo, Brasil - The slums are a dangerous place to live, with people killed everyday from gun violence, drug wars and thefts. Rocket, an aspiring photographer manages to get up close to the leading drug lord Ze and finally makes it to his dream!

The Constant Gardener- A dimplomat (Ralph Fiennes) uncovers a shocking conspiracy that will destroy millions of innocent people, after his wife (Rachel Weisz) was brutally murdered. After his own death, his wife's cousin finally outs the horrendous conspiracy, potentially saving millions of lives.

One Hour Photo - This psychological thriller starring Robin Williams, in one of his most serious roles to date, shows an eerily lonely photo guy at the local supermarket, is just longing to be part of a real, loving family. After discovering the doting father and husband of a very specific family is cheating on his wife, undesired events begin to unfold...

Catch me if you Can - Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. This criminal mastermind manages to con his way into being a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, most shockingly he does all these things before turning 21! It follows the close relationship between Frank Jr (Leonardo DeCaprio) and his father Frank Sr (Christopher Walken) and the chase that ensues with FBI Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks).

So that's it guys, any suggestions to add to the list or unusual titles that lift your soul make sure you add it to the page!

Twit Twoo