Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Update 19

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.
 

64/ 100: Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Sophisticated film adaptation of Jane Austen’s story of Elizabeth Bennett, a modern woman in a traditional setting. With five daughters, Mr. Bennet and his wife have a lot on their minds. For Mrs. Bennett it’s mainly that all her daughters get married as soon as possible, preferably to a wealthy man. Elizabeth is not like other women and only wants to marry someone she truly loves. It’s based on my all-time favorite book and this is my favorite adaptation of the story. See my full review HERE.
 

65/ 100: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” follows thief Harry Lockhart, who accidentally ends up at a movie audition and gets an offer. In order he has to tag along with private detective Perry, to get some training. The two get involved in a murder mystery. “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a modern film not style murder mystery, with dark humor and a great cast. HERE is my full review.
 

66/ 100: Big (1988)
One of Tom Hanks’ best performances. We meet 12-year-old Josh, who wants to grow up as quick as he can. At a carnival, he makes a wish to be big and the next morning he wakes up as a thirty-something man. But emotionally he is still that 12-year-old boy. This movie has so much heart and is a coming-of-age movie with a twist. Check out my full review HERE.
 

Still to watch: 34

00s Movie Review - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Director: Shane Black
Genre: Crime/ Comedy/ Mystery
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bensen, Larry Miller, Rockmund Dunbar, Dash Mihok, Shannyn Sossamon

Description: After being mistaken for an actor, a New York thief (Robert Downey Jr.) is sent to Hollywood to train under a private eye (Val Kilmer) for a potential movie role, but the duo are thrown together with a struggling actress (Michelle Monaghan) into a murder mystery.

Review: Director Shane Black was inspired by the film noir genre and old detective novels that he read as a kid. This you can see in “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. Before he started directing, he wrote scripts for movies like the “Lethal Weapon” series. 

Completely in the ‘40s and ‘50s style. Very early in the movie there are some unexplained deaths, the plot gets more complex and the climax is nothing you would ever think of. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer are great, separate and together. Both combine their charisma and flair with energy and perfect comedic timing. 

Downey Jr. plays Harry Lockhart, a small time crook who accidentally gets a job as an actor. Because he has to play a detective, he spends time with private detective Perry von Shrike, also known as Gay Perry. The clumsy optimist Harry and cynical and experienced Perry are not the best duo, but this is a guarantee for great scenes and dialogues. The two get involved in two very complicated cases. Perry is constantly annoyed by Harry’s way of dealing with it all. 

The chapters are narrated by Downey Jr. and this fits the movie perfectly. This narrator has more control over the film however. Sometimes he will freeze a scene or rewind it and he is directly talking to us, the viewers. 

“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is one of the best crime comedies ever made and especially the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer is genius. A very promising and impressive directorial debut from Shane Black.

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

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 2005

This was actually a very good year for movies, at least for me because some of my all-time favorites came out that year. Here are my five favourite movies from the year 2005.

5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Here is where I fell in love with Robert Downey Jr. I think modern day film noir meets comedy is a great concept. I laughed really hard while watching “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. And we finally got to see Val Kilmer again, he also cracked me up.

4. King Kong
I’m not a fan of remakes. The original is a classic, but it was time they did a remake for this one, because it was pretty outdated. Peter Jackson did a great job and although it’s a very long movie, it’s very entertaining and gorgeous looking.

3. Sin City
I can’t wait for the sequel, but I can rewatch “Sin City” anytime. It’s so fantastic how Robert Rodriguez kept the actual comic book elements in there, without making it look fake. Fantastic movie!

2. Brokeback Mountain
No, it’s not a movie about gay cowboys! It makes me mad when people say that, because they don’t care to look past that. “Brokeback Mountain” is so much more, it touches me every single time. Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger are fantastic in this movie.

1. Pride & Prejudice
Another movie based on my favourite book, but the best one so far. Keira Knightley’s performance is spot on and I love Matthew Mcfadyen as Mr. Darcy. I didn’t know him, but he was perfectly cast. I love this movie!

They Almost Made the Top 5: Batman Begins, The 40-Year Old Virgin, Red Eye, North Country

Movie Moments: "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"

As you know, I love Robert Downey Jr. He's just.... irresistible. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is one of his best (maybe even my favorite) and I decided to share with you my favorite moments of the film.

Moment # 1: The audition
Harry is running from the cops, because he was just caught stealing from a toystore. He flees into a room, where an audition finds place. Harry starts reading for the part and because he just lost his partner he gets really emotional. The casting directors are really impressed with him and next thing he knows, Harry is at a Hollywood party.

Moment # 2: Harry and Harmony meet
Harry goes to a bar, where he followed Harmony. They start talking and than Harmony asks him if Harry really didn't recognize her. They've known each other since they were kids. They start catching up on old times and telling each other what they've been doing.

Moment # 3: Stake out
To prepare for his role, Harry goes on a stake out with cop Perry von Shrike (Gay Perry). They see a car in the water and find a body of an unknown woman in it. Harry asks Perry if she's dead and Perry tells him with sarcasm that she's just taking a nap. In the mean time, Harry tosses Perry's gun in the lake, which was a present from his mom and now when the cops dredge the lake they will find Perry's gun and they will know that he was there. They start arguing and Perry tells Harry he's an idiot.

Moment # 4: Spider
Harmony just told Harry about her sister, how she was found dead in a hotelroom. When she goes to bed, Harry sees a spider slip into her bra and he's trying to grab it. Harmony wakes up and realizes that Harry tried to grab her brest. She doesn't believe Harry's spider-story, because he's affraid of spiders. When she sees one of the legs on her brest, she believes him.

Moment # 5: Harry pees on a dead body
After Harmony left, Harry goes to the toilet. While he's peeing, he finds the dead body from the lake in his bathroom. Because he's freaked out, he turns around and accidentaly pees on her.

Moment # 6: "Is that the body?"
After finding the body, Harry called Perry. When he arrives at Harry's hotelroom, he asks him if that's the body. Harry very seriously tells him: "No that's the other one".

Moment # 7: The kiss
While trying to get rid of the dead body, a police car drives by. Perry tells Harry to kiss him, so that the cops don't think they are doing anything criminal. When they finish, Harmony asks them what they were doing.

Moment # 8: The Finger
Harry visits Harmony, who is mad at him. She slams the door and when she opens it again she sees that Harry's finger was cut of.

Moment # 9: A dog eats Harry's finger
Harry's car was stolen why he was sleeping in the back seat. When he wakes up, he enters the house and puts his finger on ice. When he turns his back, a dog grabs the finger. Harry tries to get it back, but the dog eats the finger.

Moment # 10: "You slept with Chook Chutney"
Harry and Harmony get intimate and crawl into bed together. They start kissing, but first Harmony wants to tell him something. She slept with Harry's best friend Chook Chutney, something Harmony always promised she would never do. Harry kicks her out.

Moment # 11: Russian roulette
While trying to get information from a suspect, Harry tries to scare him with his gun. He only puts one bullet in it. After not coorperating, he shoots but the first shot already contains the bullet, leaving Harry speachless and Perry mad because he just shot the only source of information.

Moment # 12: Perry's faggot gun
Harry and Perry are taken captive and Harry's being electrocuted. Perry tries a different approach by telling the hostage taker that he's gay. He makes him extra mad and when he's trying to strike him, Perry shoots him with his so-called faggot gun. He shoots from his crotch and Harry is relieved that it's a gun, because he tought it was a gay thing.

Moment # 13: "Only when I dressed up like a beer bottle"
Perry asks Harry if his father loved him. Harry tells him "only when I dressed up like a beer bottle". Than they turn around because Perry sees a male nurse he likes.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 11: Russian roulette