Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Final Update

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme or reason there, just watching those movies I love so much. And this is my final update, because as of now, I have rewatched all 100 of them. 
 

96/ 100: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still a barely outdated ode to the adventure film. We meet archeologist Indiana Jones for the first time in this film. He has to contend with an untrustworthy rival, who has been commissioned by Hitler to search for the mythical Ark of the Covenant, a historical relic said to possess magical powers. Exciting and funny, the absolute embodiment of the adventure genre. And in my opinion still the best film of the series.  Read my full review HERE.
 

97/ 100: Die Hard (1988)
New York cop John McClane travels to L.A. to visit his estranged wife at work. Unfortunately, during the company’s Christmas party, a gang of terrorists led by Hans Gruber, has planned a hostage taking/ robberty operation. This is still Bruce Willis’ most iconic role. Where “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is the embodiment of the adventure genre, “Die Hard” is that for the action film. Also had numerous sequels. I liked all but part 5. HERE you can read my full review.
 

98/ 100: Reservoir Dogs (1992)
“Reservoir Dogs” is director Quentin Tarantino’s masterful debut film, about a jewelry heist that gets completely out of hand. The surviving robbers try to figure out what went wrong and if there may be a mole in their midst. The story is told in a non-linear way, where we get to meet certain characters before the heist, how the heist is planned, the actual day of the heist and the aftermath. A beautifully crafted screenplay with clever and funny dialogue and brilliant acting. Still my favorite Tarantino film to date. Check out my full review HERE.
 

99/ 100: Sin City (2005)
In this film noir  film, based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, we follow three stories of violence in Basin “Sin” City. A big, tough criminal seeks revenge on the killer of his dream woman. A troubled policeman hunts a psychotic child killer. And a private detective tries tot prevent a massacre of “ladies of the night”. The film amazed me the first time and it still does. It’s like your reading the graphic novel, but the images are moving this time. It looks fantastic. I love that this film is black and white, with the occasional touch of color. HERE you can check out my full review.
 

100/ 100: Drive (2011)
Director Nicolas Winding Refn has a very distinctive style and it shows in “Drive”. We follow an unnamed stunt driver who earns extra money as a getaway driver. The camerawork and direction are fantastic, and with the 1980s vibes of the soundtrack Refn creates this stye. Ryan Gosling is amazing as ‘driver’. And an excellent supporting cast with Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks and Oscar Isaac. Check HERE my full review.

80s Movie Review - Die Hard

Director: John McTiernan
Genre: Action/ Thriller
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 1988
Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, William Atherton

Description: A New York City police officer (Bruce Willis) tries to save his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.

Review: I have watched this movie so many times, I can’t believed I never wrote a review for it. Bruce Willis plays his iconic character John McClane. He is visiting his estranged wife in Los Angeles, only realizing that during her company’s Christmas party, some uninvited guest arrive to keep them hostage. Good luck for them, because McClane is a bad ass New York City cop.

The story is pretty simple, but the execution of it is phenomenal. A real action movie with lots of humor interspersed with rock-hard action. “Die Hard” set a trend for a new generation of films in the late 80s and early 90s.

“Die Hard” is a kick-ass movie that ever fan of the action flick lives. Willis’ most iconic role.

Rating: 5/ 5

Top 10 - Favorite Christmas Movies

I love Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday. Spending time with family, having dinner, play games AND watch movies. Often the same ones me and my family chooses. And I don’t always like th most traditional Christmas movies. Here is a list of my 10 favorite Christmas (or set during Christmas) movies (not necessarily the best by the way).
 

10. Krampus (2015)
A Christmas horror film. Krampus is the devil-variant of Santa Clause, taking all the bad children. A satirical, Christmas horror, I’m so in. Full review HERE
 

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Always referred to as ‘that one with Chevy Chase’ in our household. My dad’s favorite Christmas movie of all-time. Even though we have seen this movie together a gazillion times, we (especially my dad) laugh so hard over all the things going wrong during the Griswold’s family Christmas. And everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. Somehow other people’s sorrow is fun to us….
 

8. Elf (2003)
Buddy grew up as an Elf, but really is not one. He is send to New York to find his real father and realizes that the true spirit of Christmas is disappearing. Will Ferrell as Buddy is just adorable and hilarious at the same time, such an enjoyable no-brainer of a Christmas movie.
 

7. A Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)
This had been my favorite before, but somehow I prefer 7 other Christmas movies now. The Muppets can not do anything wrong, they always bring joy to every family. It’s a musical, fille with all of our favorite Muppets, telling the classic Charles Dickens story.
 

6. Love Actually (2003)
The best romantic Christmas movie in my opinion. We follow several love stories in the weeks leading to Christmas. With a star-studded cast and many memorable scenes, this is such a lovely, heart-warming film.
 

5. Home Alone (1990)
It’s not Christmas without “Home Alone”. And still fun after so many rewatches. The young Kevin is accidentally left home alone right before Christmas. Two burglars have had their eye on the house, thinking no one is home. When they realize someone IS home, but it’s just a young boy, they think it’s a walk in the park. Think again. Super fun film, always a joy to watch with the family during Christmas. HERE you can read my full review. 
 

4. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang  (2005)
I believe this is one of those crime murder mysteries that people seem to forget about. And it’s set during Christmas, so, adding it to my list. High, because this one (and the three after this) are also on my 100 favorite movies of all-time list. Petty thief Harry Lockhart is on the run from the police and accidentally lands a role in a Hollywood movie. To gain some experience, he tags along with private detective Perry. They get involved in a murder mystery. A crime comedy, with a film noir style and a murder mystery going on. Full review HERE
 

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Macabre stop-motion animation that follows the adventures of Pumpkin King Jack Skelington who has had enough of his dark Halloweentown. He discovers Christmastown by chance and want to celebrate Christmas. The ongoing discussion whether this is a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie may never end, but that’s for me a reason to watch this film at least twice a year. A magnificent stop-motion film, that amazes me every time I watch it. Read my full review HERE
 

2. Die Hard (1988)
New York police officer John McClane travels for Christmas to a party in the Los Angeles skyscraper where his wife works. Unfortunately, a gang of terrorists led by the German Hans Gruber has planned a hostage-taking operation that very night. “Die Hard” is a classic action film, with the cynical, lone hero McClane. And even though Bruce Willis himself says that “Die Hard” isn’t a Christmas movie, it’s a top favorite for me and my family during the holiday season.
 
1. Gremlins (1984)
A film that is always my first choice when it comes to the Christmas movie I pick. It wasn’t marketed as a Christmas movie, but it’s set during this holiday and a big part of the film as well. A rock solid mix of dark humor and horror, with an ironic Christmas atmosphere. And with the cutest movie creature to be ever created: Gizmo.  Full review HERE
 
Honorable mentions: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, Jingle All the Way, The Shop Around the Corner, Happiest Season, Violent Night, Bad Santa, Scrooged, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Last Christmas

What's in a Movie Year - 1988

Taking a look at the year 1988, picking my 10 favorite movies from that year in random order.

My Neighbor Totoro
The now classic animation was the international break for director Hayao Miyazaki, who is probably the best and most well-known Japanese anime director. Unlike modern day anime, “My Neighbor Totoro” was drawn by hand, frame by frame, mostly by Miyazaki himself. It’s about two young girls who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother. There they come in contact with spirits, called Totoros. Fun fact: there is no villain in this film.

Die Hard
New York cop John McClane travels to Los Angeles on Christmas, to visit his wife at work. A group of terrorists have taken all the employees hostage and McClane take matters in his own hands to deal with the gang. Bruce Willis, in his most memorable action role, is at his best as the cynical and lonely anti-hero. The start of many sequels.

Rain Man
After the death of his father, yuppie Charlie ‘kidnaps’ his older brother, the autistic Raymond. First he wants to get his part of the inheritance from Raymond, but during a cross-country trip with him Charlie realizes that money might not be as important as family. Dustin Hoffman plays one of his best roles in “Rain Man”, with great support from Tom Cruise. Hoffman portrays Raymond as a seemingly helpless man who also has the amazing ability to store loads of knowledge.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Animation meets live-action. “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is a highlight in animation and film. Bob Hoskins plays private detective Eddie Valiant, who has to investigate a murder and happens to meet innocent cartoon character Roger Rabbit. A film I’ve seen so many times as a kid and an adult. Ah, the wonderful world of film.

Beetlejuice
After Adam and Barbara die, they become ghosts. They still live in their old house, but it’s being sold to the Deetzes who happen to be the new unpleasant inhabitants. Adam and Barb are trying to scare them away, but they are simply to kind. So they call the help of Beetlejuice. It’s one of Tim Burton’s earlier films and has that great gothic style he is known for. Michael Keaton plays the titular character, but isn’t in it as much as you might think. His performance is great.

Big
Tom Hanks is on a roll here as Josh, a twelve-year-old boy who wishes he was big and later wakes up as a thirty-something man. He only looks like an adult, because emotionally he is still twelve. The film is great because of Tom Hanks, who shines. And it’s one of his most memorable performance to date.

Gorillas in the Mist
An adaptation of the life of controversial gorilla-expert Dian Fossey, who establishes some sort of communication between her and the gorillas in Rwanda. It’s an inspirational film, a well-told story and a beautiful subdued performance by Sigourney Weaver.

Mississippi Burning
In the summer of 1964, three members of the civil rights movement were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan, who were helped by local police officers. This notorious case is the inspiration for “Mississippi Burning”. Two FBI-agents investigate the case, with obstruction from the locals. It’s an engaging and gripping thriller, with excellent performances by Gene Hackman, Frances McDormand and Willem Dafoe.

Dangerous Liaisons
France, right before the revolution. To take revenge on an old flame, Marquise the Merteuil asks Vicomte de Valmont to seduce her ex-lover’s new innocent fiancée. When he gets proof of the seduction, he will be rewarded. Valmont agrees, but is more interested in Madame de Tourvel. It’s a very well-adapted film of the 1782 novel. It has a good script, beautiful set pieces and costumes and intriguing performances by John Malkovich, Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Spoorloos (The Vanishing)
A classic from my country The Netherlands, based on novel by Tim Krabbé. A young couple travels to France, when they get car trouble. At the gas station the wife disappears. Five years later director George Sluizer remade his own movie with American actors, but this is the one that you will remember. One of the finest pieces in Dutch cinema.

Best & Worst: Bruce Willis

A lot of people don’t consider Bruce Willis a good actor, but I think he has proven many times that he is very good indeed. He is actually one of my favorites, not only in action movies. I enjoy his movies, his performances and he has done some really good movies. Here are my best and worst pick.

 

 

His most memorable movie and character! When I think of Bruce Willis and when I have to name one action movie, “Die Hard” is the one. The best he made and my favorite. Probably not the most surprising choice.

Honorable Mentions: “Sin City”, “Die Hard with a Vengeance”, “Moonrise Kingdom”, “The Sixth Sense”, “Unbreakable”, “Pulp Fiction”, “Twelve Monkeys”, “The Fifth Element”, “Looper”

 

 

The one that made him famous was “Die Hard, but this fifth instalment was what killed the franchise. This movie is so bad, John McClane doesn’t even get into a fight here. It’s terrible! And the bad guy is tap dancing while eating a carrot. Well….. It sucks.

Dishonorable Mentions: "Hudson Hawk", "Charlie Angels: Full Throttle", "Color of Night", "Mortal Thoughts"

Best Alan Rickman Performances

I honor of Alan Rickman, who passed away January 14th 2016 at the age of 69, I decided to make a list of his best performances. Here are Alan Rickman’s best roles, in no particular order.

Sense and Sensibility

In the adaptation of Jane Austen’s brilliant novel “Sense and Sensibility”, Rickman portrays Colonel Brandon. That makes him part of the love triangle for Marianne’s affection, putting him in competition with John Willoughby. Rickman’s performance is one of measured restraint. It’s a more warm role then we’re used to seeing him in.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

The very best actors have range and don’t back away from a musical either. Okay, singing might not be Rickman’s strength, but his character Judge Turpin is one to remember. Just a supporting role, but Rickman’s the man you remember.

Love Actually

“Love Actually” is a collection of loosely linked stories, set a few weeks before Christmas. One of the stories involves Harry and Karen (Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson), a husband and wife with a fractured relationship. This segment works because of the actors.

Harry Potter

Across eight films, Alan Rickman had a chance to develop the character of Severus Snap into someone far greater that the outright villain that he initially appears as in the Harry Potter story. The trick to his performance as Snape is that, in both his heroic and darker moments, he never lets us really like him that much.

Galaxy Quest

Alan Rickman does have a real flare for comedy as well and his performance in “Galaxy Quest” is there to proof that. “Galaxy Quest” is the film where a bunch of actors from a once-popular television series are doing the convention circuit. Where they encounter real aliens. Rickmans’ character gets a catchphrase, which he spits out with weary reluctance. That Rickman’s character continues to get pissed off by this more and more as the film progresses only adds to the comedy. Proof?

 

Die Hard

No matter how many sequels this franchise will have, there will never be a villain like Hans Gruber. The antagonist was perfectly portrayed by Alan Rickman and is without a doubt one of the best villains in movie history. An intensely clever man.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

This movie holds a special place in my heart. I’ve seen this movie so many times I’ve lost count. And the reason I love it so much, is partly because of the awesome villain role played by Alan Rickman. I think in fact the main reason people are still talking about this movie is because of Rickman. “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is brilliantly entertaining and Rickman steals the show with his overly dramatic acting as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Top 5 Thursday: Bruce Willis Movies

People see Bruce Willis as an action star. He is, but he is so much more. Willis is actually one of my favorite actors and I’m always entertained by him. So I made a list of my favorite movies. This is the selection I eventually made. My five best Bruce Willis movies.

5. The Sixth Sense
Bruce Willis shows us he can be a dramatic actor as well. His performance is timid and subtle, he is a troubled man. And that ending, it really took my breath away and kept me thinking of it for days.

4. Moonrise Kingdom
Not your typical Bruce Willis movie, but maybe that’s why I like him in this movie so much. Wes Anderson really made another masterpiece with “Moonrise Kingdom”.

3. Die Hard with a Vengeance
This just has to be on the list. I think of all the “Die Hard” movies, this is the one I saw most often. I always watch it when it’s on. Bruce teaming up with Samuel L. Jackson, just so awesome!

2. Sin City
This movie really surprised me. I wasn’t into comic books at the time “Sin City” came out, but decided to watch it anyway. Now, it’s one of my favorite movies ever! It’s like the comic book comes to life, such an uniquely made movie.

1. Die Hard
Is this the most obvious choice? I think it is, but I really do love this movie. To me “Die Hard” is the definition of a good action movie, probably even the best action flick ever made. And John McClane is also one of my favorite movie characters of all time.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Unbreakable, Pulp Fiction, Twelve Monkeys, The Fifth Element, Looper

Marry, Kiss, Cliff - Round 3

Round 3: John McClane (“Die Hard”), Jason Bourne (“The Bourne Identity”) and Roux (“Chocolat”)

Marry: Probably John McClane, although he’s proven not the be the best husband in the world. I know I would always be safe with him and he’s the definition of a real man!

Kiss: Roux is a romantic man and looks amazing off course. And he’s also a bit mysterious and controversial. That draws me somehow.

Cliff: Jason Bourne has a lot of issues, first off he doesn’t exactly know who he is. I don’t want to date that, I’ll be in constant danger.

Top 5 Thursday: Christmas Movies

I love Christmas! It’s such a lovely time and I enjoy spending it with my family. What I also love is the Christmas movies. Every year the same, but still I’m entertained. So here is how I ranked them: movie which get me in the Christmas mood. Here are my favorites.

5. Love Actually
My guilty pleasure… I secretly swoon when I watch this movie. Don’t you just melt when Andrew Lincoln is showing his cue-cards, or smirk whenever Hugh Grant starts to dance. And what about that cute kid trying to win over the girl of his dreams by learning to play the drums. Filled with romance and the true spirit of Christmas!

4. Gremlins
Jolly good times I’ve had while watching this movie. Great film, so much fun and also a bit scary. It’s fascinating that a creature as cute as Gizmo, can turn into such a horrible green monster. They do know how to show the Christmas spirit though.

3. Die Hard
OK, not your mood setter, but it is Christmas. I also watch it when it isn’t Christmas, but when I think of this holiday I also think of “Die Hard”.

2. Home Alone
I stopped counting, that’s how many times I have already seen it. And still it cracks me up every single time and I just love how Kevin outsmarts those burglars every single time.

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol
There are so many movies based on the most famous Christmas story, but this is without a doubt the people’s choice. Well, it’s my choice!

They Almost Made the Top 5: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, In Bruges, Life of Brian

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 1988

Back to the 80’s. Let’s see what great movies were made that year. Turns out that 1988 was a fantastic movie year! Here are my five favorites of that year.

5. A Fish Called Wanda
John Cleese and Michael Palin, both Monty Python member, are a great duo. And how amazing was Jamie Lee Curtis. And don’t get me started on Kevin Kline as Otto, what a ridiculous bad guy. This is one hilarious movie.

4. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
This was a big deal, a real life action movie mixed with cartoons. When I was younger, this movie came on television at least once a year. Now…. I don’t remember when I last saw this. It’s funny, so ppppplease…. I want to see it again.

3. Big
Tom Hanks who acts like a child, if that isn’t great I don’t know what is. One of my favorites of Tom, top ten material. It’s so much fun how he and Robert Loggia are jumping on that giant floor piano.

2. Gorilla’s in the Mist
I love this movie even more now that I’ve been there myself. I’ve seen gorilla’s in the wild and I really respect Dian Fossey. This is also a very sad movie…

1. Die Hard
The number one action movie! It’s still great, even after watching it so many times. And Bruce Willis is awesome. Did you know that Richard Gere was considered to play McClane? As much as I love Richard, Bruce is the perfect man for the job.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Rain Man