Rwatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Update 21

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.
 

70/ 100: Warrior (2010)
A story about two brothers, both MMA-fighters, who are estranged and both have a difficult relationship with their father. A sports film with emotional depth and amazing performances by Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte. Click HERE to read my full review.
 

71/ 100: The Godfather (1972)
Don Vito Corleone is at the head of his family business, when he wants his youngest son Michael to take over from him. “The Godfather” is an epic, timeless classic, the best mafia movie ever made and an influential film for Hollywood. Please make sure to check out my full review HERE.
 

72/ 100: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life in prison in 1947 for the murder of his wife and her lover. Prison life is horrific and violent, but Andy befriends fellow inmate Red and cleverly manages to fall in line with the cruel guards. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman provide excellent counterpoints to each other, the clever script and tight direction ensured that the film is a favorite on many lists. It’s at the top of mine, still, after so many years. HERE is my full review.
 
Still to watch: 28

Oldies Review - The Godfather

Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 175 minutes
Year: 1972
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert DuVall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale
 
Description: The aging patriarch (Marlon Brando) of an organized crime dynasty in postwar New York City transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant youngest son (Al Pacino).

Review: Don Vito Corleone, better known as The Godfather, is the head of the Corleone mafia family. When an attempt is made to take his life, son Michael unexpectedly steps into the family business.
For many, including myself, “The Godfather” is an all-time favorite and an absolute timeless classic. It is and remains a great mafia epic and probably one of the most influential films ever made.

As soon as the film starts with the atmospheric music of Nino Rota, you are transported to the past and become part of the Corleone family. The head, Don Vito, commands the screen with his presence. With this, Marlon Brando won an Academy Award for one of the most iconic roles ever.

It is a film completely focused on the Corleone family. Despite all the criminal acts within the world of the mafia, the story also highlights the love, frustration and misfortune within the family. This makes the whole realistic. In doing so, each member also leaves an impression. Daughter Connie who allows herself to be in an abusive marriage, tough brother Sonny with his anger issues and even the more sleezy Fredo, who has a more prominent role in “Godfather Part II” (1974). The film’s lead role is given to the youngest son of the family: Michael Corleone.

This was Al Pacino’s big break, an it is understandable why. We frequently see event sfrom Michael’s perspective, which makes him somewhat sympathetic. Michael’s character development, which begins here and continues in the two sequels, is fairly tragic to see. Someone who had no interest in the family business at first, but unexpectedly follows in his father’s footstep, becoming the head of it.

“The Godfather” is not only a timeless classic, that every person, film fan or not, should see. But it’s also a masterclass in filmmaking. I think it’s every filmmakers dream to create aa masterpiece such as “The Godfather”. After so many years, the praise for this movie is still justified.

Rating: 5/ 5

Netflix Friday - Volume 25

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

Action: King Kong (2005)
A greedy film producer (Jack Black) assembles a team of moviemakers and sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they find more than just cannibalistic natives.
 

Drama: The Godfather (1972)
The aging patriarch (Marlon Brando) of an organized crime dynasty tranfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son (Al Pacino).
 

Comedy: Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
Born on the original Christmas in the stable next door to Jesus Christ, Brian of Nazareth (Graham Chapman) spends his life being mistaken for a messiah.
 

Animation: Madagascar 2 (2008)
The Madagascar animals fly back to New York City, but crash-land on an African nature reserve, where they meet others of their own kind. And Alex (Ben Stiller) especially discovers his royal heritage as prince of a lion pride.
 

Romance: She’s the Man (2006)
When her brother dedides to ditch for a couple of weeks, Viola (Amanda Bynes) heads over to his elite boarding school, disguised as him, and proceeds to fall for his school’s star soccer player (Channing Tatum), and soon learns she’s not the only one with romantic troubles.
 

Horror: The Exorcist (1973)
When a 12-year-old girl (Linda Blair) is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks the help of two priests (Max von Sydow, Jason Miller) to save her.
 

Science Fiction: Spider-Man Far From Home (2019)
Following the evens of “Avengers: Endgame”, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
 

Crime: Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his ten accomplices plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.
 

Thriller: The Girl on the Train (2016)
A divorcee (Emily Blunt) becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.
 

Documentary: American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
In 2018, 38-year-old Shanann Watts and her two young daughters disappeared in Colorado. With the heartbreaking details emerging, the family’s story made headlines around the world.

Family: Dudley Do-Right (1999)
Inept Canadian Mountie Dudley Do-Right (Brendan Fraser) chases after villain Snidley Whiplash (Alfred Molina) and woos girlfriend Nell Fenwick (Sarah Jessica Parker). (Okay, this is actually a really bad movie, but fun for the family)

Top 5 Thursday: Best Picture Winners

The Academy Awards have been presented, but I noticed that there aren’t a lot of movies lately I would choose to win that actually went home with the award. I decided to make a top 5 of my favorite movies, that won an Academy Award.

5. The Godfather
I slightly prefer this one over the second installment, mainly because of Marlon Brando. What an actor. This is such an amazing movie experience.

4. Rocky
One of the best underdog stories ever told. Rocky is a hero, no matter what you say. Sylvester Stallone isn’t just a talking bundle of muscles, he can actually act and win over an audience.

3. Dances with Wolves
One of those films that didn’t bore me due to its length. It’s amazing how fast time goes by when watching “Dances with Wolves”. Great acting and directing by Kevin Costner, one of the reasons why I have a weak spot for Kevin Costner.

2. A Beautiful Mind
Maybe not a viewers choice, but this movie always takes my breath away. Like I said more than once, that I still can’t believe Russell Crowe didn’t win an Oscar for this movie and he did for “Gladiator”. Crowe’s role is extremely overwhelming and so convincing. Thank God Jennifer Connelly did win.

1. Forrest Gump
My second favorite movie of all time and it defeated my favorite movie “The Shawshank Redemption”. “Forrest Gump” is a great movie with a lot of heart. I love Tom Hanks as Forrest, his best role ever and I don’t think he will ever top that.

They almost made the top 5: No Country for Old Men, The Departed, Million Dollar Baby, Braveheart, American Beauty, Silence of the Lambs, Platoon, Rain Man, The Godfather Part 2