#88 Some Like It Hot (1959)

I remember hearing or reading somewhere that this is the funniest movie ever made. I don't agree. This movie just gets its laughs from dressing a couple of guys to look like girls, and then throw the only character Marilyn Monroe seems to ever play and that's the movie. I did laugh a couple of times, which is better than most movies that came out in the 50s so I guess there's that. I am just not all that impressed because a comedy is supposed to make me laugh, and there just wasn't enough. Certainly the story couldn't carry this movie, and maybe this was original when it came out, but not when I am looking back from 2013.

"Real diamonds! They must be worth their weight in gold!" -Sugar

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#82 L.A. Confidential (1997)

I think this is my last Kevin Spacey movie on the top 250. I must say that I like him. Though my favorite with him is American Beauty. I don't have much to say about this film. If you are looking for a good story about cops with some action, bribery, and institutional racism then watch this movie. It's nothing mind blowing, but a good solid story.

"I admire you as a policeman - particularly your adherence to violence 

as a necessary adjunct to the job." -Dudley

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#123 Blade Runner (1982)

I never knew what this movie was about. Personally, I always thought of the video game Grid Runner. Both seem pretty dystopic so I guess there are some similarities. Anyways, I think I figured out how to best enjoy a sci-fi movie. You either have to watch it when it first comes out or as a kid and you haven't been exposed to the ideas the movie brings up. The reason why I say that is because sci-fi movies usually make you think about the future in some way that has never been thought about before. This can easily get dated because we have a different view of how the future actually develops (as with this movie it is supposedly 2019) or the crazy idea that the film explores is no longer original because that thought is now mainstream. Kids can still appreciate it because they haven't been exposed to many different thoughts about the future yet. This should explain why I found the Terminator series great even though it was an old series. The idea of time travel and robots fighting wars against humans was a new concept to me.
I say all of that to say this: I didn't really get into this movie. It is about these bioengineered slaves that are basically indistinguishable from humans except for their empathy. I saw all of this in Terminator (though the first Terminator movie was 1984) and I really didn't ponder much about the future after this movie. I am sure it was just amazing when it came out, but to me, this was just a better 2001: The Space Odyssey. Once again, I can't fault this movie, just the time period in which I finally watched it. I also feel the pace of the movie was a little weird. Chalk it up to the sci-fi genre, I suppose.

"It's too bad she won't live! But then again, who does?" -Gaff

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#222 IP Man (2008)

I never much cared for foreign films. I think it is because the feel of the movies is different, it is hard to appreciate the acting, and it just takes a lot of effort to read the subtitles. The only foreign film I truly loved was #112 Pan's Labyrinth, which you should watch. I decided to watch this movie because I wanted to copy Andrew. As I said earlier, I can't really tell if this movie was cheesy or well done when it comes to acting. The dialogue sure seemed rudimentary, but I will chalk it up to the translation. I get that people want to make a point with their movies, but the portrayal of the Japanese seemed to lack any sort of realism. They weren't even portrayed as realistic villains. This movie seemed like it was produced by jingoistic Chinese flamers. So much of the movie's build up, as far as I am concerned, fell on unappreciated ears. Maybe this is how we portray Nazis? The ending  (no spoilers unless you genuinely don't know who wins WWII) was priceless when the movie subtitles say that the Chinese were able to defeat the Japanese to an unconditional surrender. Somehow I don't think a Kung Fu chop destroyed Hiroshima. Then again maybe America isn't always so honest about Canadian accomplishments. Nevertheless, the movie has cool fight scenes, and if you are like Andrew and want to get that martial arts itch scratched, this would be a good movie. If you want a great storyline, I would look elsewhere.

"I'm just a Chinese man." -Master Ip

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#117 On the Waterfront (1954)

I randomly picked this movie by the title alone. I had no idea this movie was so famous (especially the quote below), and I have never heard of it. If you like union/gangster movies, this is a great one. The main problem I have with older movies is the ridiculous overacting, but I didn't really notice that as much in this movie. It felt authentic. I was talking to +Leslie Roskovich about watching older movies, and what I like about it is that it is like looking through a window to the past. I know it is a fictional story, but it still gives you a look back to the past with at least some authenticity. Check this movie out. It is definitely worth your time. It is available on Hulu+ if you subscribe.

"I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody,

 instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it." -Terry

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#194 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

What is with people splitting books into multiple movies? The first three Lord of the Rings books were done in three movies. Then all of a sudden Hollywood realized splitting one book into three movies is three times more profitable. I don't mind; it just means more chances to to watch Lord of the Rings. Full disclosure, I absolutely love the first three movies. I even own the extended versions. So it is no surprise that I completely loved this movie. There is no other fantasy series that compares. Peter Jackson is the best. The series completely pulls you in, and you feel like this universe exists. This movie, as of now, is my least favorite LOTR movie, but I think that it is hard to compare to the first three. Also, with this movie, the story is just getting started. Although there is some resolution, clearly all three movies are meant to be viewed together (the next one comes out in December, and the next one a year later) so it probably isn't fair to judge this movie till all three are done. Anyways, please watch this series! When all 6 are done, it should only take 18 hours.

"Home is now behind you. The world is ahead." -Gandalf 

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#81 Full Metal Jacket (1987)

I am still not quite sure why there is an obsession with Stanley Kubrick. I like his work, but does he deserve 8 (Full Metal Jacket, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, The Killing, Paths of Glory, The Shining, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon) titles in the top 250 when he only directed 13 feature films? Whatever. I will give Kubrick credit that his movies are all very different but yet feel the same. It is hard to believe the same guy directed (and wrote the screenplay) for The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and A Clockwork Orange. So different. This movie is good and it is gut wrenching. It tells a story the way you think a story would happen. It has the Kubrick feel to it. I am not sure how to explain it. This movie is about the Vietnam War and it follows one character through basic to... well I don't want to ruin it. The movie definitely explores how war has an affect on young men. This movie was made in the 80s, so you would think it would be cynical towards the war. I feel it was relatively honest.

"Me love you long time."-Hooker

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