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