Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movie – Update 3

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 of reason there, just watching those movies I love so much.
 

5/ 100: La La Land (2016)
Jazz pianist Sebastian and aspiring actress Mia fall in love and try to support in each other as they pursue their personal ambitions and dreams. Delightful musical by director Damien Chazelle, who also directed another favorite “Whiplash”. The film is in the 1950s and 1960s style and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have amazing chemistry and shine. The soundtrack is fantastic (it has spent many hours in my CD-player) and entered my top five right after my first watch. Check out my review HERE.
 

6/ 100: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Greg is a nerdy teen that has no friends and doesn’t fit into any social groups. And he would like to keep it that way. He only hangs out with Earl, with whom he makes crappy films based on classics. Until his mother pushes him to visit Rachel, a girl in his school that suffers from leukemia. This film is so heartfelt, honest, raw and pure. I loved every minute of it. Check out my review HERE.
 

7/ 100: The Way Way Back (2013)
To his horror, shy fourteen-year-old Duncan must spend the summer vacation at the beach house of the arrogant Trent, the new boyfriend of his mother Pam. Fortunately, his suffering is eased by a charming girl next door and a job at the local waterpark, led by bon vivant Owen. A coming-of-age film that offers surprises in terms of content and is refreshingly sincere in tone. Directors Nate Faxon and Jim Rash, who previously wrote the screenplay for “The Descendants”, take adolescent suffering seriously without getting bogged down in melodrama. Warm film with a super fun cast. Check out my review HERE.      
 
Still to watch: 93

Netflix Friday - Volume 9

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.

Action: The Meg (2018)
A group of scientists exploring the Marianas Trench encounter the largest marine predator that has ever existed: the Megalodon.

Drama: The Impossible (2012)
The story of a tourist family in Thailand caught in the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Comedy: Ghostbusters (1984)
Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service.

Animation: Flushed Away (2006)
The story of an uptown rat (Hugh Jackman) that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life.

Romance: La La Land
While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and actress Mia (Emma Stone) fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.

Horror: Insidious (2010)
A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

Science Fiction: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
When their relationship turns sour, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) undergo a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories.

Crime: Dirty Harry (1971)
When a madman calling himself “the Scorpio Killer” menaces the city, tough as nails San Francisco Police Inspector ‘Dirty’ Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) is assigned to track down and ferret out the crazed psychopath.

Thriller: The International (2009)
An Interpol agent (Clive Owen) attempts to expose a high-profile financial institution’s role in an international arms dealing ring.

Documentary: Amanda Knox (2016)
American exchange student Amanda Knox is convicted and eventually acquitted for the 2007 death of another student in Italy.

Family: Free Willy (1993)
When Jesse (Jason James Richter) learns that a beloved killer whale is to be killer by the aquarium owners, the boy risks everything to free the whale.

Movies That Instantly Make Me Happy

With all the sadness in the world and everything you have to worry about on a daily basis, it’s nice to have those movies that can put a smile on your face and not having to worry about a single thing.  I put together a list for you, of movies that never failed to make me happy.

Love Actually (2003)
This beloved film may be a Christmas movie, but it can be watched year-round. At least I watch it any time I can. Its huge ensemble cast makes up eight different couples whose love lives are all intertwined. It all culminates in a story that will always warm your heart, no matter how many times you watch it.

The Princess Bride (1987)
This fantasy romance follows long-lost loves Westley and Buttercup, who in order to be reunited, must fight through various obstacles they face in the kingdom of Florin. When I’m in the worst of moods, “The Princess Bride” always gets me laughing.

Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump in this 1994 classic. His character is so endearing and it might sound cliché, but “Forrest Gump” never gets old. I have nothing but love for this film.

La La Land (2017)
A pianist and actress transport audiences back to the golden days of Hollywood, when musicals and the art of dance were used to encourage viewers to follow their dreams. The 2017 Oscar-winning film is a must-see for theater buffs, and anyone who loved bright colors and romance.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)
“You’ve Got Mail” is maybe a bit outdated, but this is such a fantastic romcom. It’s over 20 years old, but the dialogues still crack me up and each time Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks find each other in the park at the end, it makes my heart melt.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
This is my go-to movie whenever I’m feeling down. It’s a classic and never fails to put a smile on my face. Especially the moment where Gene Kelly sings the titular song in the rain, I can’t stop smiling.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Nothing makes me smile more than a quirky, out-of-the-ordinary family. If this movie doesn’t make you smile, you’re dead inside. It’s about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy. And Abigail Breslin literally brings sun to the rainiest cold days.

Annie Hall (1977)
“Annie Hall” tells the story of a neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer who tries to work out why his relationship with Annie Hall ultimately ended and the nature of love. When I first saw this movie, I learned that Alvy Singer is my long lost sibling, because it’s like watching myself. Woody Allen’s hilarious nervous pessimism will have you gunning for happier vibes. The lobster scene alone should make you feel better.

Amélie (2001)
The magic of “Amélie” is in how it defines us not by what we buy or what we consume but by what we do. It’s a whimsical romance, but it’s more than just a girl-meets-boy love story. Amélie attempts to fix the broken people around her even as she ignores her own happiness in the process. Random acts of kindness is Amélie’s middle name.

Intouchables (2011)
It’s a life-affirming, witty, funny and charming movie. The proportions of drama and comedy are almost perfect. The story of two friends, as different as black and white, day and night, is truly amazing.

Big Fish (2003)
Tim Burton made a movie that’s almost like a fairytale. The story of Edward Bloom says that everyone has their own universe inside of them. This is such a positive film, filled with the ‘dream big’ message.

Oscar Predictions 2017

A bit late to the party, by here are my 2017 Oscar predictions.

Best Motion Picture of the Year
Should Win: "La La Land"
Will Win: "La La Land"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Should Win: Ryan Gosling for "La La Land"
Will Win: Denzel Washington for "Fences"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Should Win: Emma Stone for "La La Land"
Will Win: Emma Stone for "La La Land"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Michael Shannon for "Nocturnal Animals"
Will Win: Mahershala Ali for "Moonlight"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Viola Davis for "Fences"
Will Win: Viola Davis for "Fences"

Best Achievement in Directing
Should Win: Damien Chazelle for "La La Land"
Will Win: Damien Chazelle for "La La Land"

Top 5 Thursday: Ryan Gosling Movies

I’ve listed Ryan Gosling’s movies before, but there have been so many great films added to his resumé, that I need to revisit this list. Here are my five favorite Ryan Gosling films.

5. Blue Valentine
Many people think it’s a romance film when they see the title. Well, I’ll have to warn you then. It has romance in it, but it’s not a romantic movie. It’s actually quite depressing and wants you to never be in a relationship ever again. The acting by Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling is just fantastic.

4. Lars and the Real Girl
Gosling can be your movie hunk, but in “Lars and the Real Girl” he is a nerdy, lonely shy guy who dates a mannequin. It’s a weird plot, but the film is so heartfelt and honest. I loved it!

3. The Nice Guys
This is a 2016 movie that not a lot of people talk about, but the people that do all loved “The Nice Guys”. Nobody is talking about it, because not a lot of people saw it. It’s the perfect definition of a buddy cop movie, without the clichés. And Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are such a good duo.

2. Drive
This used to be my number one and “Drive” will always be one of my all-time favorite films. It’s a cinematographic masterpiece, filmed so well with one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard.

1. La La Land
This movie stole my heart and not only mine. This is a phenomenon and shows us that musical isn’t dead. A film for the dreamers, the creative mind. So, perfect for me. I’m totally in love with “La La Land” and many with me.

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Place Beyond the Pines, Half Nelson, The Notebook, Fracture, Crazy Stupid Love

Top 10: Best Movies I Watched for My 2016 Challenge

The great thing about the 100 Movie Challenge is that I sometimes watch films that I would normally not even pay attention to. It’s a time to rediscover classics or see the movies you missed in the 2000s or 2010s. I watched a bunch of fantastic films, I narrowed it down to this top 10 list. Here are my favorite films I watched for my 2016 challenge.

10. Lars and the Real Girl
This was such a weird story, but it was so heartfelt and honest. And we got Ryan Reynold’s amazing performance to thank for that. He proofs that he doesn’t always have to play the sexy charmer, he can play a lonely geek as well.

9. The Jungle Book
Disney’s uncanny adaptation of their own beloved animation from 1967. It was a blockbuster, it was a technical film. Besides Mowgli, all the sets and characters were computer generated. The visuals are stunning. “The Jungle Book” was one amazing movie experience.

8. The Nice Guys
I already loved Shane Black’s “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. Teaming up Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe was probably one of the best ideas of 2016. They are an irresistible pair. Energized by a dry wry cynicism. It’s crime comedy at its best.

7. Arrival
“Arrival” is an unusually intimate science-fiction epic, that takes the story of humankind’s first contact with an alien race and turns it into a downright poetric meditation on fate, time, love and the limitations and essential universalities of communication. Amy Adams gives a fantastic performance, she carries this film. Director Denis Villeneuve has a flawless record so far.

6. Room
Brie Larson earned all the headlines for her role as Joy, her Oscar winning performance is so convincing and heartbreaking. But her movie son Jacob Tremblay very nearly steals the show. It’s through his eyes we experience the traumatic set of events.

5. Spotlight
“Spotlight” is driven purely by the simplicity of its story. A group of journalists exposing a scandal in the Catholic Church. The film had my attention from start to finish, it has great performances and I loved everything about this film. It deserved that Oscar.

4. The Apartment
I discovered Billy Wilder films this year and I came to the conclusion that I really love this director. “The Apartment” is such a fun film, great acting and it’s basically set in only one location.

3. Some Like It Hot
This is the other Billy Wilder film I watched this year, and loved! It was hilarious. It’s such a funny story, two men disguising as women so that they can play music in an all-women’s group. And although it’s clear that they are two men, nobody sees it. This is one fo the best comedies of all time!

2. La La Land
Damien Chazelle’s first film was “Whiplash”, an Academy Award winning film. He’s back with amusic movie of an entirely different variety. “La La Land” is a heart-eyed musical about two lost Los Angelinos who find each other. I’m seriously in love with this film. This one’s for the classic movie fans.

1. The Princess Bride
This movie has everything and know how to combine all those genres in the most perfect way. Adventure, action, romance, comedy, drama, it’s all there. It’s one of the best fairytales ever told, with humor, mockery and heartwarming moments. Definitely a new favorite on my all-time list.


Honorable Mentions: The General, City Lights, Beasts of No Nation, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Little Shop of Horrors, We Bought a Zoo, Mr. Holland’s Opus, The Soloist

Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched for My Challenge (2016)

My last top 5 of the year is of course dedicated to the last month of my 100 Movie Challenge. I ranked the five best movies I saw this month. (Stay on the lookout for the best movies of the year 2016, best films I watched for my 2016 challenge and the worst of my 2016 challenge. )

5. Captain Fantastic
I love movies like this. A feel good mix of drama and comedy. It’s such an unconventional story, yet so heartwarming and endearing. This film has a lot of heart. And Viggo Mortensen is sublime.

4. Creed
A spin-off Rocky movie, that’s what this is called. But it’s so much more. What a fabulous film! Michael B. Jordan is so good and Sylvester Stallone should really have won that Oscar.

3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
I didn’t expect to love this move as much as I did. The build up to “Star Wars: A New Hope” is great and that last scene with Carrie Fisher has an extra load now that she has passed. And the return of Darth Vader to the big screen is just epic. Thoses were the best moments for me.

2. Some Like It Hot
My mom loves this movie and I was so ashamed that I have never seen it before. And this movie was so funny. Especially because the men dressed as women are obviously men, but nobody sees it. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are a hilarious duo.

1. La La Land
I’m in love with this movie. Sometimes you just want to see a movie, you know you’re going to love it and you actually do. That’s what happened with “La La Land”. It’s been a while that I walked out of the theaters with such a big smile on my face. It’s a joy for every classic musical movie lover.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Nocturnal Animals, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Ghost World

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 167: La La Land

Director: Damien Chazelle
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance/ Musical
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, J.K. Simmons, Rosemarie DeWitt

Description: A jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) falls for an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) in Los Angeles

Review: Even if you’re not a fan of musicals, “La La Land” will mesmerize you. The ode to love, passion, creativity and dreams by director Damie Chazelle stands out and manages never to fall into clichés.
Chazelle uses two characters to tell the story about people who desperately want to make it in Hollywood. Emma Stone plays Mia, a waitress who wants to be an actress. But she is dealing with disappointments and rejections. Ryan Gosling has an even bigger goal as Sebastian, to become a pure jazz musician without any commercial concessions. But he works at a restaurant where nobody really listens to him. By Mia does and they go on an incredibly journey together, trying to pursue their dreams.
“La La Land” isn’t just an ode to all those themes I mentioned earlier, but also an ode to the classic film and classic musical. Nowadays musicals aren’t what they used to be, but “La La Land” got it right. The characters don’t suddenly burst into song, the songs all seamlessly weave into the story.
It’s the most beautiful film I’ve seen in 2016, it constantly amazed me and it put a big fat smile on my face. The film looks beautiful. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have perfect chemistry and they are both sublime in their roles. The music is fantastic and I loved every minute of “La La Land”.
“La La Land”. And instant classic that many movie makers should take as an example.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (266)

Here are this week's trailers.

Life
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Description: An international space crew discovers life on Mars.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson
Trailer: Trailer "Life"
Comment: I love space stories.

Gifted
Director: Marc Webb
Description: Frank (Chris Evans), a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.
Starring: Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer, Lindsay Duncan, McKenna Grace
Trailer: Trailer "Gifted"
Comment: I like to see Chris Evans in a more emotional role.

La La Land
Director: Damien Chazelle
Description: A jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) falls for an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) in Los Angeles.
Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, J.K. Simmons, John Legend
Trailer: Trailer "La La Land"
Comment: THE 2016 I'm looking forward to the most!

The Lego Batman Movie
Director: Chris McKay
Description: Bruce Wayne (Will Arnett) must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.
Starring: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakis, Jenny Slate
Trailer: Trailer "The Lego Batman Movie"
Comment: This looks like so much fun!!!

Pet
Director: Carles Torrens
Description: A psychological thriller about a man who bumps into an old flame and subsequently becomes obsessed with her, leading him to hold her captive underneath the animal shelter where he works. But what will the victim have in store for her assailant?
Starring: Ksenia Solo, Jennette McCurdy, Dominic Monaghan
Trailer: Trailer "Pet"
Comment: A creepy and twisted film.