What's not to love about the movie adaptation of the most famous and longest-running broadway musical of all time? It's so good, and the cast is phenomenal. But why do I really LOVE it? It is SO unbelievably romantic.
This is a rugby movie, and it came out two or three years before Invictus, (which I have seen, and thought was good). I hate pitting the two movies against each other because the undercurrents and themes in the movies are VASTLY different, but I prefer Forever Strong over Invictus. It is heartfelt and beautiful, and you watch the main character find himself and transform from being an arrogant, selfish, talented player into a strong, compassionate, caring leader. And you still get to watch guys knock the snot out of each other on the playing field. What's not to love?
Every girl went gaga over Ryan Gosling in The Notebook. (I've liked him since The Mickey Mouse Club.) He's played a variety of characters, but there is something about this movie, and this character that sets him apart. I love the whole thing from start to finish. There's not a single moment of this movie that isn't wonderful. But, mostly, I love how the community surrounds and supports Lars through the difficulty he's trying to process. It's a beautiful picture of unconditional love and support for someone who is struggling.
I know it's already made my previous "Top ten sports movies for kids" list, but this is absolutely, unequivocably my favorite sports movie of all time. I know it's cheesy and ridiculous, but I love it. I have loved it since the first time I saw it some 16 years ago. From Becky "Ice Box" O'Shea running boys down on her go cart, to Spike referring to himself in 3rd person, to Johnny "holding a pound of Aunt Betty's Nut Butter," to the "Annexation of Puerto Rico." It's complete and utter fun from top to bottom...and I doubt it's place as #1 sports movie will ever be supplanted.
Yes, it's a foreign film. Yes, it's completely in Chinese, and you have to read the subtitles. But this movie is brilliant and breath-taking. The cinematography is breath-taking. The fight scenes are balletic rather than gruesome. The story is wondeful. And the acting is phenomenal. The entire movie feels like watching a painter with his pallet and brush in hand, filling his canvas with color and shape. It is entrancing and beautiful.
These friends trek across the country, and break into George Lucas' mansion so they can watch Star Wars Episode 1 before it comes out in theaters, because one of them is sick and may not make it to the premiere. Hilarity and ridiculousness ensue. It's a completely outrageous love offering to science fiction in general, but specifically to Star Wars. And, to boot, the movie is full of cameos and appearances by Carrie Fischer (Princess Leia), William Shatner (Captain Kirk), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Seth Rogen, and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob).\
Do I have to explain myself on this one? Based on (arguably) the best romantic novel ever written, and certainly, the best known and most lauded of Jane Austen's work, the film is a gem. Keira received an Oscar nomination for her role. McFadyen was a brilliant Darcy. Plus, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, and Carey Mulligan (who has since been nominated for an Oscar, herself), as the other Bennet sisters. And top it of with Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn and the colorful Mamma and Pappa, and Dame Judy Dench as the Baroness. Can a girl ask for anything more? It's wonderful. Purely wonderful.
I have never watched a better bio-pic of a musician in my entire life. Seriously. This outdoes everything I've ever watched about a real musician. Possibly the only thing that comes close is The Coal Miner's Daughter, the bio-pic of Loretta Lynn. Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash is brilliant. Ginnifer Goodwin as his first wife was wonderful. And, the you have Reese Witherspoon in her Oscar-winning role of June Carter Cash. PLUS...Reese and Joaquin did their own singing. Come on! FANTASTIC!
In 2003 a sci-fi series about gun-slinging cowboys in space showing on Fox, was canned. It was called Firefly. Its fans were in an uproar, and show creater, Joss Whedon (he created Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel) came up with a plan to give the fans an appropriate ending to the series. The result came in 2005: Serenity. I saw the movie before I saw the TV series, and loved it immediately. Then I purchased the series box set and watch the series and rewatched the movie. I never grow tired of it. It's innovative and fun, and the storyline is brilliant. Plus, the cast includes Nathan Fillion (from ABC's Castle), Morena Baccarin (ABC's V) Adam Baldwin (NBC's Chuck) and Summer Glau (Fox's Sarah Connor Chronicles and now NBC's The Cape).
This is my most recent addition to the top ten list. I only watched it a couple weeks ago. And, it would be fair right now to say that it is probaby my current favorite movie. After watching it I was so intrigued by the life of Queen Victoria, I went to Barnes & Noble and bought a biography about her life and the life of her husband, Prince Albert. Emily Blunt gives the performance of her career (so far), as the young princess-turned queen (and earned a Golden Globe nomination for it last year). The movie is beautifully shot, and splendidly acted by all, including Blunt, Rupert Friend (as Albert), Mark Strong, Miranda Richardson, and Paul Bettany, with a few wonderful scenes with Jim Broadbent (as William IV) which are like the sprinkles on top of the perfect ice cream sundae. I could probably write an entire blog solely on The Young Victoria and perhaps I owe it to myself and the movie to do so. But suffice it to say I haven't watched such a pleasing movie in probably six to eight months. The last time I felt this way was when I watched a little movie with Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, and Carey Mulligan called The Greatest, and if I had eleven spots on this list, it would make the cut.
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