Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Update 14

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.
 

46/ 100: Se7en (1995)
This David Fincher directed film is a blood-curdling and original thriller about two detectives who team up to track down a serial killer. They discover that the killer is working off the classic seven deadly sins. I have seen this movie so many times and it still gives me the chills and intrigues me. Such a good thriller, with amazing performances from Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. Check out the full review HERE
 

47/ 100: The Lion King (1994)
The young lion prince Simba grows up in father Mufasa’s paradise kingdom, dreaming of the day when he will rule the savannah himself. But that’s not counting on Mufasa’s jealous brother Scar, who along with a gang of hyenas plots to get him out of the way. Classic, hand-drawn Disney musical that actually has everything you could want: from adventure to humor, romance, upbeat songs and heartbreaking drama. I remember when I saw this movie for the first time, in theaters and what an impact it had on me. And still has. HERE is the full review.
 

48/ 100: Clue (1985)
The movie is loosely based on the boardgame clue, where you have to find out who killed the victim, in what room and with which weapon. In “Clue” a group of people, who don’t know each other, is invited to a mansion, for unknown reasons. When a murder takes place, the strangers, together with the butler, have to find out who committed the murder. A classic whodunnit, which is the main reason why I love this movie so much. It has good comedy, which gives it a lighter tone, and the way it’s all played out is really fun and original. You can read my full review HERE.
 

49/ 100: In Bruges (2008)
With its mix of witty humor, brutal violence and unexpected drama, “In Bruges” shows the talent of director Martin McDonagh. The story of two Irish contract killers who go into hiding in Bruges after a job gone wrong is cleverly written and stylishly filmed. The movie succeeds because of the three formidable leading actors: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. HERE is my full review.
 

50/ 100: Spotlight (2015)
Outstanding drama about the Spotlight team of quality newspaper The Boston Globe, which in 2002 publicized in a series of high-profile articles the Catholic Church’s systematic concealment of sexual abuse in Boston parishes. In “Spotlight”, director Tom McCarthy keeps the emotions at bay as much as possible. In this film, no gruesome details of the abuses or images of conciliatory church fathers; McCarthy zooms in on the journalists and their diligent work. And this down-to-earth approach only makes the film more poignant. “Spotlight” won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Screenplay, which is totally deserved. Check out the review HERE.

Still to watch: 50

00s Movie Review - In Bruges

Director: Martin McDonagh
Genre: Comedy/ Crime/ Action
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2008
Starring: Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, Clémence Poésy, Thekla Reuten

Description: Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray (Colin Farrell) and his partner (Brendan Gleeson) await orders from their ruthless boss (Ralph Fiennes) in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.

Review: The movie starts confusing. A hit gone wrong, we overhear a phone conversation, the person in question has to hide in Bruges. We hear an Irish accents, IRA maybe? What kind of movies is it going to be? And medieval Bruges doesn’t look like the setting for a gangster movie. Then the dialogue between leading characters Ray and Ken starts. Like Vincent and Jules from “Pulp Fiction” they talk a lot and nothing seems to happen. Until Ray meets a girl and Ken gets a phone call from their boss Harry.
In the story that follows, the pieces of the puzzle fall in its place. Why they are in Bruges, what happened and what is going to happen. That build-up at the start seems perfect now, because we understand the characters and their motives. The way to the climax is long and the characters are important for the decisions they will make.
That’s how you build the tension and this is how a movie’s credibility stays up. Martin McDonagh, who directs but also wrote the script, takes us on a winding road. The power of the film is the well written script. But also the cast. Especially Colin Farrell is challenged, for doing something he isn’t used to doing. Farrell’s character is developed and has depth. His best role so far. And Ralph Fiennes is great as boss Harry. With his cockney accent he portrays one of the most hilarious villains, without ever getting ridiculous or forgetting that he is a serious villain.
It’s a special gangster film, on a wonderful location, great cast and a very well written script. It’s not a happy film, but there is enough humor to it. It’s a surprising, lively movie.

Rating: 5/ 5
 

DVD Collection Update (19)

It's time for another DVD collection update. I've got 13 new ones since the beginning of January. To warn you, I went on a Disney shopping spree!

I got the first season of "Downton Abbey". I wanted to know why people loved it (and off course I wanted to see Dan Stevens...). And I now know why, it's loads of fun.

And if you know me a little bit, I also immediatley had to buy the second season. It has become a guilty pleasure of mine.

"In Bruges" is one of the funniest movies in the dark comedy genre. I really like Colin Farrel in this film, but Ralph Fiennes steals the show as the villain. his insults are hilarious! 

An absolute classic, sometimes I feel like buying one of those. "Psycho" deserves that title, because it's one of the best classic movies ever. And pretty scary too!

"Das Leben der Anderen" is one of the best non-English spoken movies. It's not a very spectaculair movie, but it's so well made and acted.

I went to see "Neighbors" last year with my cousin Linda. It was so much fun, finally a new comedy that could make me laugh. So when it came out, I just had to add it to my collection.

"Begin Again" is movie that puts an instant smile on your face. I just love this movie, I loved Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley in this film. Really worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet.

It was criticized, but I don't know why. I think "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" was an amazing film. Off course it could never top the first, but it's still a great movie!

"The Little Mermaid" was the first movie I ever saw in theaters. I think I've only seen it once after that experience, so it was time for me to own it.

I actually never saw the Disney animated version of "Alice in Wonderland", so this will be another view for my movie challenge.

Just thinking of that terrible scene in "Bambi" makes me sad, but I also remember how great the entire animation was. And adorable with all those cute animals.

I also never saw the animated Disney version of "Robin Hood", so another movie on my to-watch list for my challenge.

I think I saw the live action version more often, but I really need to watch the animated "101 Dalmatians" again.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 2008

The most recent year so far for my top five of movies from a certain year. It’s 2008. An what a great year it was for film.

5. In Bruges
It’s Colin Farrell surprising me in this fast paced black comedy, about two assassins who’re laying low after one of them mistakenly kills a young boy instead of his mark. And Ralph Fiennes is fantastic as the coldhearted boss. I laughed so hard!

4. Happy Go Lucky
Sally Hawkins shines as Poppy, a London schoolteacher who is probably the happiest person on Earth. Some will hate her for it, but I loved her and this witty comedy.

3. The Wrestler
Mickey Rourke was nominated for an Oscar and took home the Golden Globe. His best performance so far and there is no single misstep in Darren Aronofsky’s drama.

2. Pineapple Express
When I first heard about this I thought it would be silly. Well, it is, but it’s a good kind of silly. Seth Rogen and James Franco are an awesome duo and how loveable was Franco as stoner Saul Silver?

1. Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood played the most miserable SOB on screen that year (a racist Korean War veteran), but he turns into an unlikely hero worthy of tears shed. That's a stunning accomplishment. I love this movie!

They Almost Made the Top 5: Cloverfield, Untraceable, Definitely Maybe, The Other Boleyn Girl, Horton Hears a Who, Get Smart, The Dark Knight, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Burn After Reading, Slumdog Millionaire, Frost/ Nixon, Marley & Me, Wall E, Milk