90. Swing Time

"Listen. No one could teach you to dance in a million years. Take my advice and save your money!" -Penny

Oh MAN does it feel nice to get back on the movie watching circuit. This is the story of a dancer by the name of Lucky who is an amazing dancer, and an even better (or shall I say... "luckier"? hahahahahahahaha) gambler. He leaves his hometown after his dance troupe (or crew as people today would know them) played and he proposed to a woman he grew up with. He leaves to earn $25,000 as she is from a wealthy family. True to musical tradition, he falls in love with somebody else AND SHE IS A DANCER AS WELL. He tries his best to avoid it at all costs but eventually gave in and what we get is singing, dancing, and some loveable secondary characters.

My mom and I agreed that this movie was probably so-so but every song and dance are now classic pieces of entertainment. I found myself humming this song (below) where Lucky, his new flame (Penny) his friend (Pop) and her friend (Mabel) go to the country for the day. Lucky told Pop to not let him be alone with Penny because they will inevitably fall for each other and break the heart of his fiancee back home. It's also in this scene Penny discovers the true reason behind Lucky's cold ways.



Oh my goodness! This video reminded me! The cinematography was superb for a 1936 film! Dance scenes ran as one long continuous shot, crane shots, and a bit of what appears to be green screen technology... but its probably advanced camera trickery. I love that abouit old movies, they didn't just say, "Oh we'll just get special effects on that and add it in later" they had to plan these things out extensively and went to huge lengths, an almost magical process.

I love how people used to sing back then, Ginger Rogers seems to have this really rich voice and its just... aw man =F

I'm not really going to tell you all to get off your computer and watch it, but if you have nothing else to watch and its between this and Sophie's Choice... pick Swing Time.

Watching progress note: Our disc skipped a bit so we had to fast forward through some scenes but I don't think we missed anything. Only had to watch this one twice because of how late we started watching it the first time.


Next Movie: The Swing Time (1999)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sixth_Sense

Winter project sees the sun.

This project is still going on. School did throw a wrench in the machine, but I will finish this eventually. The plan was to finish before 2010, but I must say once more I do not think that will happen.

I will NOT make this project a driving force. I'm going to go about my normal life and not plan a movie each week like I intended. I adore movies, don't get me wrong. The reason I don't see the Top 100 as often as I'd like is that I'm watching other movies.

I want to make this blog more informal though. Formalities never were my style, and I believe you reach more people with a casual approach.

I will do my best to keep coherent thoughts in here because I am bad to ramble in my head faster than I can type.

Stick with me kids, we're going to keep going places. Excited about watching Swing Time, I would also love to keep the ritual of watching these with my parents which is another scheduling obstacle. In the meantime, I recommend reading the graphic novel, Watchmen... then watching the movie Watchmen. you'll get more out of it, trust me.

91. Sophie's Choice

In Progress: If it says anything... I dozed off while watching this movie and it is still on as I type this. I'd rather be working on my Botany paper. Here's hoping it eventually proves me wrong when I come back to finish this post.

Left this hanging from April.

Re-watching as of July 9, 2009.

If it says anything, I have watched it 3 times now. All 3 times I have yet to update this blog. Let's get this going here...

"I've barely saved enough money to write my novel, for I wanted to be and hoped or dreamed to be a writer. But, my spirit had remained locked, unacquainted with love and a stranger to death." -Stingo.

As far as Holocaust films go... I think Steven Spielberg has spoiled me with his masterpiece we know as Schindler's List. It's good... but I just didn't like it. Ever have that film where you recognize its greatness and see is strengths... but really just don't care enough to like it? I tried. I tried my damnedest to get into this movie. First time I watched this, my mind continually drifted to other things (See the Botany paper reference.) The second time I watched this, I fell asleep. The third time I let this movie grace my television, I just flat out didn't want to finish it, so I chose The Village instead. (If you don't know me, I can watch The Village 9000 times and never get tired of it.) I'll give you all an outline.

Stingo = southern writer
Sophie = Meryl Streep
Kevin Kline's batshit insane character = batshit insane.

All set in BROOKLYN. I have expressed my views on the state of New York in this blog already, so I believe nothing else needs to be said here. I can't tell you all about the only good part in the film because that is probably the one pivotal scene that makes this movie eligible for AFI's Top 100. Actually, screw it I am telling you all.

Sophie (the wonderful Meryl Streep who played a phenomenal role) is a Holocaust survivor. Not Jewish, just at the wrong place at the wrong time... not 100% sure on this because all 3 times I just didn't care enough to watch it. She is in line to the Concentration Camp and a Nazi asks her to choose which one of her children to save or he will kill both. After some struggling, she gives up her daughter.

I'm not going to lie.
GROUNDBREAKING.
This was the only part that REACHED me, that actually made me feel any emotion other than boredom. It is a choice that nobody would dare ponder, but this woman had to make and lives it with it to the present day.

Then she goes to Brooklyn and shacks up with Kevin Kline who is some weird Holocaust fanatic. I blame Kevin Kline, he was just too eccentric. Not funny eccentric, boring eccentric.

That is it for this review.
I blame Kevin Kline for being too crazy.
I did not care enough for Stingo, regardless of his southern roots.
I wish Meryl Streep narrated the film and centered around her life in Poland.
Screw Brooklyn.
I'm actually kind of mad at how much I did not like this movie.

Not saying this is a bad movie... but there will be no 4th viewing. That is all folks.



Next Movie: Swing Time (1936)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Time_%281936_film%29

92. Goodfellas

"Paulie may have moved slow, but it was only because Paulie didn't have to move for anybody." - Henry Hill

Martin Scorsese (who will be referred to as "Martin" because... come on, that name) hit gold. Pure cinema gold with this film. He does that with most of his movies, but this one is quite fantastic. I'm pretty sure he got things rolling for The Sopranos producers while making this (which is a series I highly recommend.)

It all follows Ray Liotta's character, Henry Hill, and how he became a gangster at the age of 13. He doesn't become a boss or anything higher up though because apparently only full blood Italians are allowed to, and he is half Irish. There's not too much plot besides that but it goes into detail all the heists they pulled off and how he made his money. Robert De Niro was fantastic and Joe Pesci supplied numerous memorable lines that have been spoofed for as long as I can remember (You think I'm funny? Do I amuse you?). 

I can not begin to describe how exciting it was to see all the young Sopranos actors in this movie though! Not only that, I recently watched Repo! The Genetic Opera and saw Paul Sorvino go from greedy organ CEO to father figure mobster and I loved every second. Samuel L. Jackson also plays a small role. Come on, SAMUEL L. JACKSON playing a minor role has to tell you just how many big names are in this film.

It uses a narrative throughout the movie, which I love because the narrator can let you in on things that normal dialogue would do no justice and lets the imagery do most of the talking. 

Now, don't get me wrong, they were all vicious mobsters, but they were so good and pretty badass that you couldn't help but root for them and hope nothing bad happens. The soundtrack follows a timeline so that wherever the plot is taking place (or, whenever) the music matches it. This is a pretty well known technique, but it really strengthens the film's intent and makes sure that you are pulled into the movie. THAT is what makes a great movie. If you are sitting on the couch, watching a movie, and you notice your television is crooked, or check your cell phone from time to time or space out and halfway listen... the movie is not doing its job. You can not be aware that you are currently watching a movie in your living room, you have to really feel the movie and be really involved with what your watching.

It keeps you entertained.

I recommend Goodfellas.

Next Movie: Sophie's Choice (1982)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_Choice_(film)

93. The French Connection

"You put a shiv in my partner. You know what that means? Goddammit! All winter long I got to listen to him gripe about his bowling scores. Now I'm gonna bust your ass for those three bags and I'm gonna nail you for picking your feet in Poughkeepsie" - Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle.

ACTION ACTION ACTION ACTION ACTION ACTIONATOIANASOIASDOINOINSDFJNHDSF

That sort of sums up my thought process while watching The French Connection. Let's get the plot ball rolling here...

It is the semi-true story of two undercover cops who work in narcotics and bust pill poppers on a daily basis. For fun one night, they trail a guy who has connections to drug dealers and ultimately leads them to his FRENCH CONNECTION (haha! get it? The dealer is from France and he is their connection and.....yea). The movie then follows them as they follow the small fish and ends following the main French fish.


I feel pretty guilty for not enjoying it more... and it was only after Wikipedia-ing for a while did I get to understand just what made it stand out, and that was the car chase.



That exact car chase. The song is called "Black Magic Woman" and it didn't play in the film. But this was the song the entire chase was edited in time with it. Again, it didn't play in the film, so it was like WATCHING the song. (For anyone not really familiar with movies in the 70's, they rarely used music. Coincidentally, this time period has been deemed as the greatest era of film mainly because of these huge periods of silence. I think I discussed this in an earlier post, but when you think about it, compared to modern film, we need something happening nonstop but all sound is taken away when something is emphasized or important, it helps concentration... coincidence? I think not.)

In any case, this chase set a higher standard for action films because it is still good to this day. It may even look familiar as Christopher Nolan based a good majority of his chase scenes in the new Batman series on this one scene. You can find tons of fun facts about it too, because who doesn't eat them up?

- They did not have permission
- They hit one or two civilian cars but paid for the damage.
- An actor in the film actually performed the stunts in the car surrounded by mattresses
- Traffic was NOT under control, hence the wrecks which were unintentional, but left in the film

THIS is what happens when you get creative folks, and it does leave an impression for action films today. That being said, I... sort of like action movies, but not really. I probably won't watch it again but if you are an action buff, I believe this would be one of those things you're required to watch. If you do feel the need to watch, here are a few more fun facts to help ya out:

- A straw hat in the back window means undercover cops are on duty.
- The "Do you pick your feet in Poughkeepsie?" line is just...a line.
- Don't expect too big of an ending.
- Based on a true story but not TOO true.

Next movie: Goodfellas (1990)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodfellas

94. Pulp Fiction

"The night of the fight, you may feel a slight sting. That's pride fucking with you. Fuck pride. Pride only hurts, it never helps" - Marsellus Wallace


I'm not going to lie, I have been looking forward to this one since we started the list. I've seen this film again and again and I can't love it less. This was not only a step for visuals but also for screenwriting. Quentin Tarantino seems to just have ideas and make them all his. He IS a trademark (and a Knoxville native I might add).

Review best I can because he uses an out of sequence timeline. It intertwines about 3 or 4 different stories and how they all show up in each other's lives. There's the two hit men, the crime boss, the boxer and his wife, the small time crooks and the wife of the crime boss. I could go into more about the individual stories but then I'd tell you the entire movie. Just keep in mind it'll be gritty and raw to keep true to the title and you will actually see CHARACTERS. Not regurgitated copies of the same protagonist/antagonist.

Fun trivia that does not pertain to the actual movie, but to Quentin Tarantino. He is known for long continuous shots, a barefoot scene and a reference to Knoxville in all his films. It was actually on the set of this film that him and Uma Thurman began to talk about Kill Bill (whch isn't on the list, but I do recommend it....my dad actually found my Kill Bill lunchbox and it's sitting across from me).

Comedy galore in this film, but you sort of have to have no mercy. The intimidation tactics employed by the hitmen Jules and Vincent are a good example of this.

I can't really write a long review of this because if I summarize it I'll tell you the whole movie. If I sing its praises, it'll just build it up too much and you may be disappointed.

All I can say is to see it.


Next movie: The French Connection (1971)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_French_Connection_(film)

95. The Last Picture Show

"He was sweeping you sons of bitches! He was sweeping!" - Sonny Crawford

So sorry for the gap, school started back up and I'm already struggling to balance assignments, work and time to retain sanity and step back from it all. This past weekend we finally got back to the list and watched The Last Picture Show. According to the DVD case, it is a tale of teenagers in a small Texas town who face "sexual and social mores." I had to use the cover slip's words because no amount of paraphrasing could say, "The movie is about everyone wanting to get it on." Then again, I'm also putting it quite blunt, but each character's sexual life directly influenced their public lives. Let's get a summary going here:

The plot revolves mainly around Sonny Crawford while his best friend Duane follows as a second, but minor, main character. The two are fairly popular and well-liked in this community set in the 1950's. Of course, the community was closer then those portrayed today. (Small towns in movies today seem to harbor nothing but novelty serial killers or right wing religious fanatics. I'm looking at you, Silent Hill movie.) Getting off that tangent, the people are nicer and trust each other more which really allows for more characters to be involved and more is known about them. This is pretty awesome for the audience of course because we are really just nosy neighbors as these characters' personal lives are revealed. Every detail they know, we know about sooner, such as the affair between 18 year old Sonny and 40 year old Ruth Popper*. The women in the movie were pretty intriguing really. The film really revolved around sexual freedoms and taboos, so to have these young girls with the ideals of the 1950's and these older women who are wanting to just break free. The teenagers seem to WANT to go all bases, but they are still reluctant or want to use sex as a gateway to marriage. Taking Duane's girlfriend, Jacy, for example, she just wanted to lose her virginity and have everyone know it. I'm going to be blunt again and tell you all she was a slut.

The rock in this movie was Sam "The Lion" who owned a few businesses in town. You could really tell that he was a constant and strong character, but I am going to use Wikipedia's description (I know, I know) of him as the conscience of the town. He knows what is right and wrong and he sticks with his morals, and serves as a father figure to some of the boys of the town. He was just one of those necessary characters that really balanced the plot out.

I really did enjoy this one. I don't think this movie helped usher in an age where sex is featured more prominently in cinema, but I would not be surprised if it helped greatly. I was pretty excited though to see one from the 70's. My screenwriting teacher talked about how this decade was considered to be one of the greater eras of film, and really utilized the power of silence. I'm hoping the 1970's don't let me down along the way of the list though, so far, so good.



*It was awkward to write. It is awkward to read. You better believe it was awkward to watch.


Next movie: Pulp Fiction (1994)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_Fiction_(film)

Cinco

So, taking a brief moment to get in touch without a movie. I don't want this to be a "bloggy" blog. (I have to admit, I wish there was a different word for blog.) The kind where I list off what all I've done today, what all I plan on doing tomorrow then hope for comments from internet strangers.

We leave the list of movies on our kitchen counter and whenever I walk by it, I can't help but look through them again. All these films, well...they just look so dang good for lack of words. Some I have been meaning to see and others I'd probably never give a chance. 

I am worried about seeing them all in time... I go back to school this upcoming Thursday (Jan. 15...weird day to go back, right?) and when I'm not at school, I'm at work. I'd feel incredibly guilty to watch any without my parents (my mom mainly because my dad has a habit of falling asleep pretty much during anything.) I guess we'll get a schedule together or something.

About this blog (ugh) though, I don't want it to be this boring review after review of movies I've seen. If you all have seen them, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well, even if you have seen it a bazillion and three times. Open to any suggestions about the blog CONTENT as well (don't even start about my grammar skills) or if you want to watch the next movie before I write a review, you can add what you thought about it when it's posted.

In any case, I am still excited about it all and we're already through the first 5. 95 to go =F

96. Do The Right Thing

" My people, my people, what can I say, say what I can. I saw it but didn't believe it, I didn't believe what I saw. Are we gonna live together, together are we gonna live?" -Mister Señor Love Daddy

Like Blade Runner, Do The Right Thing was meant to make people think and interpret it as you will. (As are all movie honestly, but in contrast to tight endings that give you every plot point's end in a neat little package, you have to look for your own. Let's get into the summary here...

This tells the story of separate races on one street in Brooklyn. Several SEVERAL characters with their own stories. The main races though were African Americans, Italian Americans, Latin Americans and a small branch for a Korean immigrant couple. It's set during a 24 hour day and during the hottest days of the year. 

With any movie, you know heat is going to represent a building of tension and this is just what happened. Each group had their own prejudices against others. They all had their own problems. They were real. There were bits of comedy and slices of drama. I was also overjoyed to see a younger John Turturro I must admit.

It's hard to really let you all know what I thought about without giving away the ending. I can say that I believe it ended with however you interpret it. There are two quotations at the end advocating two different sides... and I must say there's a time for each. 

If you see it, I think it all started with one accidental act and had horrific consequences for each person. I think people want to see a clear "winner" in any conflict, and I think nobody won in this film. 

Sorry it's so short, but I don't want to say too much without giving it away... and I could really use some sleep. Can't wait for the next one. =D 

See it though. See it.

Next movie: The Last Picture Show (1971)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Picture_Show

97. Blade Runner

"Quite an experience to live in fear, isn't it? That's what it is to be a slave."  - Roy Batty

EDIT: I thought upon it more and realized this was a really good movie. Looking past the music of course, I'm digging the sci-fi feel the more I look back on it. I really love the innocence of the replicants until they discover their fates. I do recommend this one and while I won't type any more, I will leave the review below untouched because first impressions always count. Least, that's what I hear.

I'm not going to lie about this... this movie is a bit weird. Even more truth, I'm still on the fence about how I feel about it. You all deserve a bit of background.

Harrison Ford plays Deckard, a sort of cop from the year 2019. He held the title of Blade Runner whose job required him to destroy criminal replicants. Criminal replicants are engineered human-like organisms to do certain jobs on colonies "off earth." They are designed to have a four year lifespan (by the Tyrell Corporation) so that they will not gain emotions and a desire to get out and live their own lives. If they want these things before their four years are up, and have taken action (such as fleeing the colonies and coming to Earth) they are considered criminal, and that is when the ball lands in Deckard's court*. There has to be conflict, so of course four of these replicants escape and search frantically to locate the head of all things replicant, Tyrell of Tyrell Corporation.

It feels quite nice to have the plot organized before you, take a bit of a breather here.

...

All set?

Good, let's continue.

I let my guard down a bit with this one. I thought the story to be interesting, but it did sort of move too slow. We also watched the director's cut which meant that narration was cut out which meant these long shots of pure silence on a character's face. (Apparently, it also meant we missed out on statements that that bring about intriguing questions, such as whether or not Deckard was a replicant). I can say the leader of the replicants, Roy, was pure evil maniac but also innocent. I enjoyed his character quite a bit, hence the quote, but the film just left me behind.

I'm all about looking for positive things, so I liked the plot and where it could have gone... but it still feels like it was missing something. I look back and see the themes spread throughout.. but it was...just....so.........slow it was almost painful. 

I partially blame the music... something about saxophones and synthesizers get to me. Nothing against Vangelis... but at times it felt like I was watching a more vicious version of Labyrinth. Every single time I heard synthesizer...I immediately thought of this:

Suffice to say... it was hard to focus on Roy gouging someone's eyes out with David Bowie dancing with Muppets in my head. 

Perhaps the film was too dark for my tastes? Even though I've seen some pretty dark movies... so maybe the sci-fi elements got to me? There's no way I'll blame it on that though, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I'm just not as gung-ho for this one as the others and it's a bit of a disappointment. 

Sort of one of those things where you can see how it'd be great... but just don't feel it. About out of things to say on this besides how disappointed I was, but more than likely for the wrong reasons. I hope it's one where I can perhaps watch again and get with it more.

Just to sound fancy, I did notice the neo-noir feel. Kudos Ridley, kudos.

* Upon more Wikipedia research... the replicants are outlawed on Earth and THAT is what makes them criminal... or maybe it's because they turn violent. The internet/cult following and the 6 or 7 versions of this film conflict greatly,  so I'm trying to stick to one story.

Next movie: Do the Right Thing (1989)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_the_right_thing

98. Yankee Doodle Dandy

"My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you." - George M. Cohan

Went in with much skepticism for this film... I try to not read anything about the movies before watching and to go in knowing as little as possible to get the whole experience. I did the most logical thing and judged a book movie by its cover... this one in fact:

I'm...just going to say I went in not really expecting too much. "Oh, look at his cute white gloves. The Broadway dancers. That New York vivacity*." 

The best thing that can happen to a person, is to be wrong. I personally loved it. It is a sort of musical, but more like a movie about music. It centers around the Broadway mastermind, George M. Cohan. For those who don't know the first thing about Broadway or its celebrities,  (such as myself) his works defined what we think of as Broadway. He penned the songs "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There" which have now become American themes.

He was an amazing patriot and is the epitome of the American spirit. His quick wit, determined manner, and pure love for the country really raises spirits. In comparison to some of the songs inspired by America today (which are either actually anti-American heavy metal calling for anarchy or twangy boot stomping country melodies that make you think of faded denim and cheap leather) these are the quintessential songs for the everyday Patriot. It all boiled down to the pure adoration of his country, and you can really see it in this film.

I have never seen a James Cagney film, but after this one I don't think I could ever see him as anyone else (which means I better check the list...just to be sure). Even if he is playing a violent mob boss, I'll recollect the playful banter, fast paced tapping and lively spirit that he brought to George Cohan. 

The film was made in 1942 and set roughly between 1878-1936. It is sort of amazing to see what all was included in the film that movies today would consider horrible and be frowned upon by society. I made a mental list of what all would cause a media backlash:

- Smoking galore (remember, they don't glorify it like they used to)

- Spanking (Now it may be shot as a scene of child abuse, when it was comical back in the day)

- People in blackface (I think that one speaks for itself, but it was part of that time period so it may avoid the media exposure.)

Not saying that these things offended me and should be taken out, but if shown to today's audiences, I think the message would be lost amongst the minor things.

Back to the actual movie. It is based on Cohan's life and his rise to fame along with how his cocky attitude hinders him at times. There are points where you can't believe this guy could have such a huge ego, but it immediately turns as he reaches out to his loved ones with his sly and extremely touching acts of kindness. (Of course there are historical inaccuracies, but I think it best we ignore those and focus on the film.) The patriotism takes a backseat at times, but it still plays a major role, coming off as corny at times but you just can't help but love it and how it adds to the overall mood.

I realized last night that I don't go too much into the movies and what they are about. I apologize for this and will try to give as much info possible without spoiling a thing. I am still an advocate of really losing yourself in a movie, watching it with no idea what it is about and being open to just about anything. I honestly believe being wrong in judgment can be a truly beneficial and marvelous experience. You learn more that way. When I was younger, I would not give a movie a second glance if it was black and white. I've grown and I came close to not giving this one a chance based on cover alone... then I remembered something my mother always tells me: "You only regret what you don't do." I can safely say that I would regret missing this film and I recommend it to all who come across this.

Ah, the things we learn.

* For the record, I have nothing against New York... but I don't really have as much of an admiration for it as the rest of the nation seems to. Again, nothing against it, just no spirit for it.

Next movie: Blade Runner (1982)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_runner

99. Toy Story

"I've set my laser from stun to kill" -Buzz Lightyear

I'm positive anyone who was born in the late eighties/early nineties saw this movie and loved it. If you didn't, you're either being lied to about your age or you were/are devoid of imagination. Not saying it to be mean, merely relaying the facts of life.

Phenomenal movie which ushered in the age of computer animated movies. Unfortunately it brought with it Fly Me to the Moon, Space Chimps, and several attempts to recreate human beings which always result in glossy, creepy eyeballs See Jane and the Dragon. Fortunately for us, Pixar knows what they are doing and created the bandwagon. See Wall-E, A Bug's Life Monsters Inc., The Incredibles...

Back to the actual movie and no more gushing on about how Pixar struck animation gold. For those who aren't into the kid movie circuit or have lived under a cinematic rock, it's the story of Woody, the cowboy doll. He has risen to the top of the toy ladder and is the favorite toy of his boy owner, Andy... that is... until Buzz Lightyear comes in and replaces the antiquated sheriff. This tears Woody up inside, especially since Buzz has no real attachment to Andy and believes that he is the only Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger of Star Command. In short, the story is filled to the brim with conflicts and that keeps it alive. Pixar goes the extra mile and by keeping it alive and funny, which is the best combo you could ask for in film. It is also one of the few to utilize the "squeak" sound effect perfectly.

This one was tough on my dad... he's not really one for musicals or anything animated over 30 minutes. When he did stay awake, he said he had never seen it... which...struck me as odd because it was one of those tapes I wore out as a kid. I had a Buzz action figure, a Woody doll and even Bo Peep with her conjoined sheep. Watching it now with some years behind me, it's easy to see how revolutionary it was and to compare how far the animation has come. To see actual developed characters... and to let yourself laugh for 5 minutes straight at the small things:

Next movie: Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_doodle_dandy

100. Ben-Hur

"By condemning without hesitation an old friend, I shall be feared" - Messala

Did a bit of research after watching this and found out the film had 300 sets and more extras in one scene than an entire movie nowadays. Even though it was this huge sprawling epic... it was sort of difficult to look past some of the effects at times. I think because of the grand films nowadays with quicker camera movements, more authentic fight scenes and high quality effects.

Suffice to say, there were a few unconvincing punches and one particularly funny whack on the head with chains.

Otherwise, it was a powerful film. The script just sounded solid and the music (every epic needs an amazing score of course!) built the emotions and the actors delivered heavy performances.  The plot... actually existed! Modern movies might be more aesthetically pleasing with their high definition picture and gruesome fights, but their plots? I think those speak for themselves... The story though had all the essentials of a good epic: strong characters, romance, family dilemma, struggle to rise up and a few chuckles. I was actually surprised the story of Jesus was included as well, truth be told. I never saw the full title of the movie/novel (Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ) so when Joseph and Mary were in the introduction, I did think to myself, "Oh hey, Jesus has a cameo." But I love the decision to never let his face be seen or his voice heard. Graceful.

Back to the effects, which were probably groundbreaking at the time (and Charlton Heston was considered attractive) but now, there are new standards. I'm not putting it down because when you put it in perspective this was a GARGANTUAN project at the time. I see why the chariot scene has become such a huge part of film history, because what you think is a miniature is actually a gargantuan arena in Rome and filled to the brim with real people. I searched for a decent picture, but couldn't find one so I can say it took up 18 acres. There were convincing death scenes in it, destruction, excitement and basically it was Roman Nascar in short.* 

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. The plot grabbed you and when it hit a few lulls, the action brought you back. Due to the length I probably won't watch it again for a year or 7 but I don't regret the time. 

*I have never watched an entire Nascar race... nor do I really intend to.

Next movie: Toy Story (1995)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story