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“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still a barely outdated ode to the adventure film.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 - Raiders of the Lost Ark

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Actie/ Thriller/ Adventure/ Romance
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 1981
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, Alfred Molina, Wolf Kahler, Anthony Higgins, Vic Tablian, Don Fellows, William Hootkins, Bill Reimbold, Fred Sorenson, Patrick Durkin

Description: Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.

Review: When you think of adventure and action, you automatically think of Indiana Jones. The first installment, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still the best in the franchise and also the best adventure movie ever made.
Indiana Jones is an archeologist who is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant, before the Nazis do. Director Steven Spielberg and his companion George Lucas, who came up with Indiana Jones, aren’t the only reasons for the success of this film. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Indiana Jones is perfect. Charismatic, tough, funny. With that he has created my favorite movie character of all-time.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a perfect movie. It has it all: adventure, action, humor, romance. It’s a movie you just can’t hate, that’s impossible. Everyone loves this film!  The film is filled with memorable and iconic scenes. The boobytraps at the start, the monkey, the drinking game, shooting the guy with the sword, the fight between Indy and the mechanic and the opening of the Ark.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a timeless adventure, that I still enjoy to this day.

 Rating: 5/ 5

Ranking the Franchise - Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones is one of my favorite movie characters of all-time and I love the movies.  And with four films out, I decided to take a closer look and rank them.  
 

4. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
This is without a doubt the worst one in the series. The rest of the franchise is very consistent, but this one really disappointed the audience. It was criticized and I do understand why. And although the film does have its moments and I really liked the comradery between Indiana and Mutt, the film overuses CGI and not in a good way (remember that awful scene where Mutt is swinging from the trees like Tarzan).
 

3. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
“Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom” is the second film and also the darkest one. Officially this film is a prequel and is set before “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (I didn’t even realize that after having seen it already over 10 times, haha). The story follows Indiana, singer Willie Scott and the young Short Round, who visit a village that has children mysteriously disappearing. They find a cult that sacrifices humans and they kidnap children to be their slaves. Like I said, the story is dark but filled with action and adventure.
 

2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The story is interesting. The film starts with a young Indiana who steals a relic from a grave robber. We get a little backstory and see how he got his infamous hat and how he started fearing snakes. When we see adult Indiana, he hears that his father, Henry Jones, has been kidnapped. Sean Connery plays father Henry, a great addition and I loved the fact that is focuses on the father-son bond instead of another love interest. My favorite moment is the chair scene, where Indiana and Henry are bound to chairs and the wall turns. Inventive and very funny.
 

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
Close call, but the first film is till my favorite and although it’s from 1981, it really holds up. This is the equivalent of an adventure movie. The Nazis are trying to find the Ark of the Covenant, which will give them powers. Indiana Jones tries to find it before they do. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” has one of the coolest opening scenes ever and I love the scene with the swordsman and how Indiana just shoots him without even bothering. A film with high rewatchability.

What's in a Movie Year - 1981

Taking a look at the year 1981, picking my 10 favorite movies from that year in random order.

Raiders of the Lost Ark
This hardly outdated film is an ode to the adventure film. Heroic archeologist Indiana Jones gets into trouble with an unreliable rival, who is commissioned by Hitler to search for the mythical Ark of the Covenant, a historical relic that is called to possess magical powers. It’s an exciting and funny film and an absolute highlight within the adventure genre.

An American Werewolf in London
Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists. A classic horror story with playful winks that constantly evoke chuckles. Director John Landis clearly plays with the genre. It wasn’t his primary concern to frighten the audience, while the horror scenes get more effect through the humorous approach. And that transformation scene was groundbreaking for that time. It even won an Oscar for make-up.

Chariots of Fire
A highly emotional reflection on the lives of two British athletes, who represent Great Britain at the 1924 Paris Olympics. The film focuses mainly on the social backgrounds of the young athletes at a time when fascism is strongly on the rise. A splendid image of two boys making their voices heard through sport.

The Evil Dead
This award-winning horror classic created by then 22-year-old Sam Raimi, starts out as a simple an clichéd genre film, where five youngster in a remote forest cabin are besieged by evil demons. But it actually is a brilliant horror flick, filled with amazing frames, hallucinatory sound effects and functional special effects. Lead actor Bruce Campbell grew into a cult phenomenon due to this film and its sequels.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
Director George Miller surpassed himself with this second part of the acclaimed Mad Max trilogy. In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the titular hero assists a group of villagers in defending their oil field and refinery. The hijackers on the coast are Lord Humongous and his motor gang. The action scenes are well choreographed and has some spectacular car chases.

My Dinner with Andre
Writer/ actor Wallace Shawn dines with his old friend Andre Gregory, a theater writer. Andre has been through some strange life experiences. They talk about it over dinner. They talk about their personal philosophies, for almost two hours. A daring and unique film, written by the lead actors. The moments of psychological insight, of drama and hilarity. This film is simply two actors at a table, talking. If that can captivate you for 110 minutes, you’ve done well.

Time Bandits
Young Kevin is startled by a group of dwarves who invade his bedroom. They appear to have stolen a map with which they can travel through time and space. Kevin joins the group and meets among other King Agamemnon, Napoleon and Robin Hood. Director Terry Gilliam, knows for his comedic work in Monthy Python, wrote the screenplay with fellow Python Michael Palin, but it’s mainly a Gilliam film. It’s a bizarre adventure with beautifully designed set pieces and costumes.

Das Boot
It shows us the claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat. This war movie directed by Wolgang Petersen is so beautifully detailed in conveying the suffocating constriction in a submarine. A long film, but really worth your time.

Escape from New York
Manhattan is a walled prison for the most violent criminals in America. When Air Force One crashes on the island, the vilified war hero Snake Plissken has to free the president from the local gangs. John Carpenter directed it and his masterly hand gives the film an eerily dark feeling despite the limited technical resources of the time.

The Fox and the Hound
The dog Copper and the fox Tod meet when they are young. But one day the hound has to go with his boss and discovers that his job is to help in the hunt for fur animals, such as foxes. It’s a nice Disney, that is a bit overlooked, but it does really stand out.

Netflix Friday - Volume 7

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

Action: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
In 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before Adolf Hitler’s Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.

Drama: Legends of the Fall (1994)
In the early 1900s, three brothers and their father living in the remote wilderness of Montana are affected by betrayal, history, love, nature and war.

Comedy: Yes Man (2008)
Carl (Jim Carrey) challenges himself to say “yes” to everything.

Animation: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Wallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, set out to discover the mystery behind the garden sabotage that plagues their village and threatens the annual giant vegetable growing contest.

Romance: Roxanne (1987)
The large-nosed C.D. Bales (Steve Martin) is in love with the beautiful Roxanne (Daryl Hannah)l she falls for his personality but another man’s looks.

Horror: Prooi (Prey) (2016)
A zoo veterinarian gets caught up in a grisly adventure as she finds herself leading the city-wide hunt for a monstrous lion terrorizing Amsterdam.

Science Fiction: The Matrix (1999)
A computer hacker (Keanu Reeves) learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.

Crime: Papillon (2017)
Wrongfully convicted for murder, Henri Charriere (Charlie Hunnam) forms an unlikely relationship with fellow inmate and quirky counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek), in an attempt to escape from the notorious penal colony on Devil’s island.

Thriller: The Next Three Days (2010)
A married couple’s life (Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks) is turned upside down when the wife is accused of a murder.

Documentary: Holland: Natuur in de Delta (2015)
Multiple animals are followed during their life in the by humans created delta.

Family: The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother (Mary-Louise Parker), twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace (Freddie Highmore), along with their sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Scores

You just have to hear the song and you know which movie it’s from. Those scores you can hum along and just make that great movie even greater. Here are my five favorite instrumental movie scores and I have to tell you it was really hard to do this!

5. Concerning Hobbits by Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)

This franchise is one of my all-time favorites and I’m especially a fan of the hobbits. And they have an amazing theme song. I love this score.

 

 

 

4. Becoming One of the People by James Horner (“Avatar”)

“Avatar” is an amazing piece of cinema, but is completed with its music by James Horner. This theme is just beautiful.

 

 

 

3. The Raiders March by John Williams (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”)

This score is just recognizable to anyone, even people who haven’t seen the movies (which is weird by the way, who has never watched it). Indiana Jones is an iconic movie character with an equally iconic theme.

 

 

 

2. Journey to the Island by John Williams (“Jurassic Park”)

“Jurassic Park” is one of my all-time favorite movies and that music is so iconic. As the Indiana Jones theme, everyone knows this too.

 

 

 

1. Now We are Free by Hans Zimmer/ Lisa Gerrard (“Gladiator”)

Probably not the most popular choice, but such an amazingly beautiful and heart felt score. It gives me the chills every single time.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Comptine d'un autre été - L'après midi by Yann Tiersen (“Amélie”), Star Wars Main Theme by John Williams, The Imperial March by John Williams (“Star Wars”), Harry Potter Main Theme by John Williams/ Alexandre Desplat, Pirates of the Caribbean Main Theme by Hans Zimmer/ Klaus Badelt, Liz on Top of the World by Dario Marianelli (“Pride & Prejudice”), Back to the Future Main Theme by Alan Silvestri, Jaws Main Theme by John Williams, End Title by Thomas Newman (“The Shawshank Redemption”), Dream is Collapsing by Hans Zimmer (“Inception”), Halloween Main Theme by John Carpenter, Chevaliers De Sangreal by Hans Zimmer (“The Da Vinci Code”), I’m Forrest by Alan Silvestri (“Forrest Gump”)

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Entrances

Remember when we first met those great characters in those amazing movies? Well, then it’s an epic entrance. Here are my favorite epic movie entrances!

5. Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Concealed in darkness for the entirety of the opening credits, this guy’s nothing more than a shadowy figure in a fedora. Then, when a gun’s raised at his back, Indy cracks the whip, disarms his would-be assassin

 

 

 

4. Darth Vader in “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”

Smoke from a laser gun battle hangs in the air, the John Williams music playing and then there is Darth Vader. It takes my breath away ;)

 

 

 

3. T-800 in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”

Stomping naked into a biker bar, he asks a biker for his clothes, boots and motorcycle, and roars off into the night. It’s super iconic and awesome!

 

 

 

2. Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean”

Captain Jack Sparrow sails aboard a ship that’s in the process of sinking. Not that Jack minds, the ship’s mast reaches docks just in time for him to step casually onto land. Hilarious every single time.

 

 

 

1. T-Rex in “Jurassic Park”

It starts with that cup of water on the dashboard, the sound of heavy footfalls and finally the T-Rex. Epic! And actually my favorite movie scene of all time!

 

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: John Doe in “Se7en”, Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs”, Chest bursting alien in “Alien”, Tina Carlyle in “The Mask”, The Joker in “The Dark Knight”, Jessica Rabbit in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, John Coffey in “The Green Mile”, Alex DeLarge in “A Clockwork Orange”

Movie Moments: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones is my favorite male movie character of all time and I just love these movies (pretending the fourth one was never made). “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still my favorite in the series, so I decided to pick my favorite moments from that movie. Here they are.

Moment # 1: Opening scene

We meet Indiana Jones while he is trying to capture an important relic from a hidden temple. This scene shows us everything we want from an adventure movie.

Moment # 2: Drinking game

We meet Marion Ravenwood, the owner of a bar. She is in the middle of a drinking game. Just when it looks like she’s about to give up, she wins!

Moment # 3: Bar fight

Indiana Jones is trying to find one of the pieces Marion’s father collected. But more people are after it. Dr. René Beloq, a rival archeologist, wants it too.

Moment # 4: Show off

On a busy market a man is trying to show his sword skills and he wants to fight Indiana Jones. Well, Indiana isn’t in the mood and just shoots him. Just like that.

Moment # 5: “Why did it have to be snakes?”

While still on a mission , Indiana Jones has to face what he fears and hates most: snakes! A pit full of snakes.

Moment # 6: Brutal beheading

Indiana and Marion are trying to get on a plane, but someone is in the way. The big guy is putting up a fight, but Indiana is smarter. One of the propellers is coming towards the bad guy, beheading him. Which is a very brutal scene by the way for this movie anyway.

Moment # 7: Truck chase

One of the most awesome chases ever. Especially the part where Indiana Jones is hanging at the back of a truck and then manages to climb back up on it again.

Moment # 8: The ark revealed

The ark is finally revealed by René Beloq and his men, but it probably wasn’t a good idea. Because they, well…. They melt.

 

 

Favorite Moment: Moment # 4: Show off

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Opening Scenes

The opening scene of a movie is often a simple introduction to what you’re going to see. But sometimes it leaves an impression, it sets the tone for the rest of the film. Here is a list of opening scenes in movies that had that effect on me.

5. Up

This is probably also the saddest opening, at least for Disney. We meet Carl and Ellie, how their life started together and also how it ended. The first time a Disney movie made me cry before the actual story had even started.

 

4. Jurassic Park

You don’t get the see the dinosaurs yet, only an eye, but the mood is set. And it leaves you wanting more.

 

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Back in 1981, no one knew who Indiana Jones was. We knew in a couple of minutes. Indy left an impression on us, this opening scene is timeless. It suddenly made archaeology less dull (the clip doesn't contain the scene from the beginning. Because of the music it wasn't alowed on youtube).

 

2. Jaws

We meet Chrissy, and that’s all we get to know about her. Oh yeah, she likes skinny dipping, but she wished she didn’t. We don’t get to see the shark, but this scene tells you everything you need to know about the unique tone of the film.

 

1. The Lion King

This opening scene was a jaw dropping moment for me, when I first saw it. I remember it like it was yesterday. The beautiful animations and the epic music still give me goose bumps.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Goodfellas, Reservoir Dogs, Inglourious Basterds, Scream

Top 5 Thursday: Steven Spielberg Movies

With "Lincoln" coming out in theatres soon, here in the Netherlands, I thought to rank my favorite movies by director Steven Spielberg. He has made so many great, memorable movies. Here are my favorite five.

5. Catch Me If You Can
It's an extraordinary story, that's really hard to believe but actually happened. Love the acting by Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. I always watch it when it's on.

4.Jaws
The power of this horror movie is how the tension is build up. The first 45 minutes you don't even see the shark, but it's terrifying anyway. Nowadays it's more bloody. "Jaws" is a fantastic movie.

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is my favorite movie character and the movies are all great. The first is still the best and I just love that scene with the swordsman Indy shoots. A movie full of adventure, humor and romance.

2. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
This film has a lot of aw-moments. "E.T." is such a sweet, heartwarming and touching movie. Great for all ages. Even the kids in my class, who are from a total different generation, know "E.T.". Timeless.

1. Jurassic Park
I remember when I first saw "Jurassic Park". It was jawdropping and right after the end credits I wanted to see it again. It's so amazing. And still I can watch it over and over again.

They Almost Made the Top 5: "Empire of the Sun", "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", "The Lost World: Jurassic Park"

Top 5 Thursday: Male Movie Characters

I did a list like this with my favorite female movie characters, so now it’s all about the guys.

5. Andy Dufresne (“The Shawshank Redemption”)
Andy is such a quiet man that nobody notices his brilliance. What a genius this man is.

4. Forrest Gump (“Forrest Gump”)
He comes of as stupid and many people call him that, but Forrest Gump accomplished more in his life than most of us. And the way Forrest sees the world is so much easier and less complicated.

3. Rob Gordon (“High Fidelity”)
He can be a douche sometimes, but there are so many things about Rob Gordon you can't possibly hate.

2. John McClane (“Die Hard”)
Talking about a real man. He swears, drink, smokes. You just gotta love John McClane.

1. Indiana Jones (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”)
I like an adventurous man and he actually makes history class interesting. I would love to travel around the world with Indiana Jones.

They almost made the top 5: Bob Harris (“Lost in Translation”), Tom Hannon (“(500) Days of Summer”), Ed Bloom (“Big Fish”), Gil Pender (“Midnight in Paris”), Adam Lerner (“50/50”), Driver (“Driver”)

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Character I Would Date

Off course there are some handsome actors I would date. But do you really know him? In a movie, you really get to know a character, so I made a list of movie characters I would date.

5. Mr. Darcy from “Pride & Prejudice”
This man should be on every womans list. Secretly we all dream of our own Mr.Darcy, a man with manners and respect for women.

4. Indiana Jones from “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Off course! I love Indy, because he so adventurous and has a great sense of humour. How great would it be to go on a vacation with Indiana Jones?

3. Rob Gordon from “High Fidelity”
I know he's a bit of a douche sometimes, because certain relationship problems he didn't handle very well. But we have a lot in common. He has a passion for music and movies and he loves making lists. Well, I'm a sucker for that!

2. Tom Hannon from “(500) Days of Summer”
Tom is a very kind man, someone who enjoys the little things in life and finds beauty in the strangest places. I think I should be lucky to have him as my guy.

1. Noah Calhoun from “The Notebook”
Just like Allie, I think after meeting him I couldn't really think of any other man. He's practically perfect.

They almost made the top 5: John Grogan from “Marley & Me”, Robbie Hart from “The Wedding Singer”, John McClane from “Die Hard”, Edward Bloom from “Big Fish”, Patrick Verona from “10 Things I Hate About You” and Grigg Harris from “The Jane Austen Book Club”.