The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

8/10

Starring

Judy Garland

Frank Morgan

Ray Bolger

Bert Lahr

Jack Haley

Directed by Victor Fleming

The Wizard of Oz is a colorful classic that is filled with thrills, and it’s a straight shooter right from the start to the very end. From following the yellow brick road to finally meeting the wizard himself, it’s a bumpy ride that I always look forward to experiencing again.

Filmed mostly in Technicolor—except for the opening scenes, which were shot in sepia-tinted black and white—The Wizard of Oz has stood the test of time as a top fantasy movie, featuring highly unusual characters. The movie is based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, and although it differs a lot from the book, this movie is the best adaptation that stays close to the original story.

The movie’s plot follows Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto, who get caught in a tornado’s path and somehow end up in the land of Oz. In Oz, Dorothy mistakenly kills the Wicked Witch of the East, who is the sister of the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, the Wicked Witch of the West is after her, and Dorothy must find her way home. The only person who can help her is the Wizard of Oz.

On her way to see the wizard, Dorothy meets a Scarecrow with no brains, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no courage. Together, this team heads off to see the wizard, hoping he will fulfill all their needs.

The movie’s production had its twists and turns. Ray Bolger was originally cast as the Tin Man, and Buddy Ebsen was set to play the Scarecrow, but their roles were switched later on. This switch was to the detriment of Ebsen, who had an allergic reaction to the Tin Man’s makeup. Jack Haley was called in to take his place.

Another thing to note about this classic is how it deviated from the original book. Up to 40 differences can be cited, from the merging of characters to the overall theme of the movie. This 1939 fantasy film carved out its own identity: in the book, Oz is real, and Dorothy does return in Baum’s later books, but in the movie, Oz is just a dream that Dorothy had.

The movie’s popular song, “Over the Rainbow,” won Best Original Song at the Oscars. “Over the Rainbow” has been redone by many artists, notably Kylie Minogue during her treatment and recovery from breast cancer.

The Wizard of Oz is a classic that you must see—a delightful fantasy film for you and the kids. Disney is set to release a prequel to this classic, titled Oz: The Great and Powerful. The movie, starring James Franco as the Wizard of Oz, is scheduled for release in 2013.

Modern Times (1936)

Modern Times (1936)

8/10

Starring
Charlie Chaplin


Directed by Charlie Chaplin

Modern Times is Chaplin’s take on the desperate employment and financial conditions people faced during the Great Depression, which hit the world in the 1930s and lasted until the late 1930s or mid-1940s. Charlie Chaplin took the depression and the problems it caused and found a way to make you laugh it off. Modern Times is an addition to the classic movies of the last 100 years, standing out as an extremely funny movie that you have to see before you leave this earth.

Modern Times is a movie from 1936 that depicts Chaplin’s take on the modern world and what industrialization brought with it. Set during the Great Depression era, the movie’s plot follows the Tramp as he copes with the depression, alongside an orphan girl who is also struggling with its effects.

Our Tramp even discovers that life in jail is better than life outside.

Chaplin had long been against “talkies,” and his last film before this, City Lights (1931), was a silent film. He began preparing for Modern Times in 1934, and it was supposed to be his first "talkie." However, he later abandoned the idea because he felt the world wasn’t ready to hear the Tramp talk.

The movie does have some dialogue, but it’s mostly found in the early scenes. Soon after, the film returns to the silent genre. Near the ending, there’s a scene where Chaplin’s Tramp has to sing to keep his job. This scene marks the first time Chaplin’s voice is heard in any movie. The song he sings (known as The Nonsense Song) is Léo Daniderff's comical song Je cherche après Titine. This is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, as Chaplin’s version of the song is all gibberish, with lyrics being a mix of French and Italian words in a nonsensical way. Yet, his comical gestures tell the story of what he actually meant.

The movie’s opening scene shows the Tramp in a factory, struggling to keep up with the speed of production. This scene has been referenced by many filmmakers, including Disney, and even the sitcom I Love Lucy used the idea.

Modern Times is my second favorite Chaplin movie after City Lights, and the AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) ranked it 78th on its list of 100. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t experience one of Chaplin’s best films out there, so find it and watch it.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

6/10

Starring the voice of

Alec Baldwin

Chris Pine

Hugh Jackman

Isla Fisher

Jude Law

Directed by Peter Ramsey

Lacking a strong story, the fun of this flick comes from its fast-paced action and the exciting effects when Light (Sandy) takes on Darkness (Pitch). The movie’s fast pace is filled with some fun dialogues, but the story does lack suspense and depth, so it’s often clear how it’s going to end. The voice acting isn’t bad either—Alec Baldwin pulled off a nice Russian accent in his role as Santa.

Rise of the Guardians is a movie packed with excitement, thanks to a good screenplay and standout action scenes. The special effects used to depict both Pitch and Sandy are exceptional and remain a highlight throughout the movie.

The movie is based on a short film named The Man in the Moon, a CG animated short film created in 2005 by Aimesworth Amusements, a computer animation company. The short film was inspired by a book series called The Guardians of Childhood by William Joyce (art designer for Toy Story (1995) and A Bug's Life (1998)). The short film served as the foundation for Rise of the Guardians. DreamWorks acquired the rights to the film from Aimesworth in 2008, and William Joyce joined as an executive producer.

Rise of the Guardians is a 2012 3D computer-animated fantasy adventure film, set 200 years after the events of the book series. The movie’s plot revolves around the Guardians: North, or Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin); the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher); Bunnymund, or the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman); and the Sandman. The Guardians face an evil spirit known as Pitch (Jude Law), who wants to take over the world by covering it in fear.

The Guardians must join forces to confront their common enemy, who aims to erase them by making children stop believing in them. To do this, Pitch clouds their minds with fear. The Guardians then enlist Jack Frost (Chris Pine) to help stop Pitch. Frost, who has been in the business of being frost for 300 years, seems to be the only spirit capable of matching Pitch’s power.

The movie serves as an introductory story to who Jack Frost was before he became Jack Frost and what his driving force is.

There’s potential for a sequel that could explore the origins of each of the other Guardians, but the possibility depends heavily on this film’s box office performance. The movie is fun to watch and a great choice for a family outing.

The Gold Rush (1925)

The Gold Rush (1925)

7/10

Starring
Charlie Chaplin


Director Charlie Chaplin

The Gold Rush is known as the movie that Charlie Chaplin said he would love to be remembered for. It’s funny, exciting, and a joy to watch. The script and screenplay are as creative as they come, which is no surprise—it’s pure Charlie Chaplin style, making you laugh all the way through. My favorite scene is where the house is hanging on a cliff, with the Lone Prospector and Big Jim trapped inside. The movie boasts amazing screenplay, and that specific scene is a standout. The movie’s greatest strength is simple comedy is best. The visual comedy from the movie makes it easy for this movie to be viewed anytime.

Chaplin’s movies have received numerous recognitions for their work and appeal, and this one is no exception. It earned an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Recording, even though it’s a silent film. In 1942, Chaplin re-released the movie, adding a musical score and narration that he recorded himself. The original version, however, was a silent film made in 1925.

The movie’s plot follows a character named the Lone Prospector (Charlie Chaplin), whose desire to venture into Alaska to search for gold leads him on a path of adventure. Along the way, he discovers gold and falls in love. During his journey, he meets Big Jim McKay and Black Larsen. A storm traps all three in a cabin, setting the stage for chaos.

While trapped in the cabin, they run out of food. Larsen goes out to search for some, but when he doesn’t return in time, a hungry Big Jim nearly eats the Lone Prospector. After the storm, Big Jim unfortunately loses his memory after battling Larsen, while the Lone Prospector heads into town and falls in love with a girl named Georgia, whom he meets at a saloon.

Although The Gold Rush is fun and a great movie to watch, it’s not as outstanding as City Lights, which came out six years later. Still, The Gold Rush was a box office success, earning over $4 million—more than four times its production cost. It’s featured in the AFI’s 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition), where it’s ranked 58th, and it’s also listed as the 25th funniest movie in AFI’s 100 Years... 100 Laughs.

Charlie Chaplin was a wonderful actor, director, writer, and producer, and this film is just as much a classic as his others. The Gold Rush is fun to watch, and you’ll find yourself laughing all the way through.

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

 

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

6/10

Starring

Boris Karloff

Colin Clive

Valerie Hobson

Ernest Thesiger

Elsa Lanchester

Directed by James Whale

Unlike the prequel, this sequel to the classic 1931 movie Frankenstein is far from being a cinematic draw. The long wait to see the Bride and the disappointing climax after her reveal made the movie feel like a waste for me. My anticipation for a great meeting between the two monsters lasted less than seven minutes and ended in tragedy.

I must admit, it seemed to me like the studio just wanted to milk the franchise, as the story itself wasn’t strong, and the screenplay was less than appealing.

The movie picks up immediately where the last one left off. Frankenstein (1931) ended with the monster burning in a barn and Frankenstein being thrown from the top of it. In this sequel, Frankenstein survives the fall, and the monster survives the fire. The movie has some Christian spiritual undertones, with Christian imagery scattered throughout. There’s even a scene where the Monster is tied up in a cruciform pose.

The movie is based on a subplot from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. The monster is played by Boris Karloff (who also starred in the prequel), and the Bride is played by Elsa Lanchester. Interestingly, in the movie, she’s credited as “The Monster’s Bride _ _ _ _ _ ?”

The plot follows Henry Frankenstein (the monster’s creator—note that the monster isn’t named Frankenstein, but the name stuck because Frankenstein was the man who made him). Henry abandons his plans to create life and decides to retire with his new wife. However, his plans change when his old mentor, Dr. Pretorius, visits him. Pretorius has also been working on creating life but needs Frankenstein’s expertise to create a female counterpart for the monster.

The movie was directed by English director James Whale, who successfully directed the first Frankenstein and later The Invisible Man (1933). Whale was brought back for this sequel because of his success with the first film.

The movie’s makeup artist, Jack Pierce, who designed the monster’s look in the first film, modified the monster’s appearance to show the aftereffects of the mill fire from the previous movie. As the film progresses, you’ll notice the wounds fading to indicate healing. Another detail to note is the monster’s inability to move his left hand.

Pierce also co-created the Bride’s makeup, while director Whale was responsible for her iconic hairstyle.

I’ll stand by this: while it’s not as great a classic as the first, it’s still worth a watch.

Aladdin (1992)

Aladdin (1992)

8/10

Starring the voice of

Scott Weinger

Jonathan Freeman

Robin Williams

Linda Larkin

Frank Welker

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker

Aladdin is a Disney cartoon featuring a character we all wish we had as a friend: the Genie. The movie is filled with endless thrills, plot twists, and music you can’t help but like and sing along to. The film’s intro is a narrative, where a merchant tells us the tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp.

This 1992 Disney classic is based on the Arab folktale Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from One Thousand and One Nights. The idea for the movie was pitched by the late Howard Ashman (who passed away before the film’s release). Ashman was behind many Disney classics, including Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. He was a writer, lyricist, and producer, and he wrote the lyrics for "Arabian Nights," "Friend Like Me," and "Prince Ali," all featured in this movie.

Aladdin’s story follows a street boy who runs into Princess Jasmine after she escapes the palace to experience life outside its walls, where she isn’t constantly told what to do. While they’re together, Aladdin is captured by soldiers under the orders of Jafar, the Grand Vizier to the Sultan of Agrabah (Jasmine’s father).

Jafar needs Aladdin to retrieve a magical oil lamp containing a Genie from the Cave of Wonders.

The story then shifts to what happens when Jafar doesn’t get the lamp, but Aladdin does. While trying to read the inscriptions on the lamp, Aladdin accidentally releases the Genie and is granted three wishes.

As the song goes, “You never had a friend like me…” And it’s true! Throughout Disney’s animated history, we’ve never found a character more appealing to have around. The Genie is simply the best person to have in your corner.

The movie’s screenplay explores fantasy, world travel, fireworks, and action scenes.

Aladdin was a box office hit, earning over $500 million during its theatrical run. It also spawned two direct-to-DVD sequels and a TV series. The film won numerous awards, especially for its music. It took home two Academy Awards: Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "A Whole New World." It also won four Grammy Awards: Best Soundtrack Album, Song of the Year for “A Whole New World,” Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “A Whole New World,” and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media for "A Whole New World."

Love it or not, Aladdin boasts some of the best music in Disney history. It’s funny, fun to watch, and a must-have for your collection. If you don’t own this DVD yet, your Disney collection isn’t complete.

City Lights (1931)

City Lights (1931)

8/10

Starring

Charlie Chaplin

Virginia Cherrill

Florence Lee

Harry Myers

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

After being fortunate enough to see many of the old Charlie Chaplin classics, City Lights stands out as the best I’ve seen him in. Charlie’s films will always hold a special place in the history of filmmaking, as he brought something entirely new to the silver screen. City Lights is an exceptional silent film that showcases the simplicity of romance and the lengths one will go to preserve it—from living a lie to going to jail, all in the name of love.

The final scene in the movie has been cited by many as one of the greatest scenes in cinema history. I agree with that claim. The Tramp’s melancholy look as all the walls of lies crumble will touch you in a way that makes you smile. The acting that follows is masterfully done.

Next to that scene, my second favorite is the boxing fight. If you haven’t seen this movie before, get ready for the laugh of your life. The screenplay is masterful, the acting is wonderful, and the sound effects are just enough. Scenes like this make you wonder what Charlie’s movies would have been like if he had all the gadgets and budgets that studios pour into films today.

Like other Chaplin movies, this is a slapstick comedy made in 1931. Chaplin wrote, produced, and directed the film. By the time of its release, “talkies” (movies with sound) were already in vogue, but Chaplin took a risk by making this a silent film. He did fear that the reception might not be good, but the movie performed well at the box office and was widely praised.

The story, like many of his others, follows the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin). This time, the Tramp meets and falls in love with a beautiful girl who happens to be blind.

During one of his leisurely strolls, the Tramp runs into a wealthy man whom he befriends. However, their relationship is on and off, as the man sometimes recognizes Charlie but later forgets they know each other. The Tramp uses his connection with the wealthy man to help his love, who is going through financial trouble.

Ranked eleventh on the AFI’s list of the greatest films of all time, City Lights is a classic romantic comedy that will keep Charlie’s name on the lips of filmgoers for a long time. No matter how you feel about silent movies, make sure this one doesn’t pass you by.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

10/10

Starring the voice of

Sterling Holloway

John Fiedler

Junius Matthews

Paul Winchell

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and John Lounsbery

Pooh is my favorite Disney character, and I just don’t know why. His ability to reduce every problem to his lack of honey makes me laugh every time. No matter what’s going on, he somehow manages to bring everything back to his love for honey, and that kind of single-minded dedication is hilarious.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a 1977 Disney cartoon composed of material from three previously released animated shorts, all based on A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh books. These shorts are Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too (1974). Watching them all come together in one seamless movie makes it even more enjoyable.

The character Winnie the Pooh is a fictional anthropomorphic bear created by A. A. Milne. Milne named the bear after a teddy bear owned by his son, Christopher Robin Milne—who, of course, became the inspiration for the character Christopher Robin, Pooh’s best friend.

Milne also based other characters on Christopher’s toys, though Disney later added Owl and Gopher. The mix of original and added characters makes for a unique and fun blend that works perfectly on screen.

Winnie the Pooh (Christopher’s teddy bear) got his name from a Canadian black bear Christopher often saw at the London Zoo. The bear’s name was “Winnie,” while “Pooh” came from a swan the Milnes had encountered while on holiday. It’s funny how the name came from two completely different animals, yet it fits him so well.

The movie includes some additions, such as Rabbit trying to make Pooh part of his home décor—an idea Walt Disney himself had while reading the book. The film also features classic songs by the Sherman Brothers, including Winnie the Pooh and The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers. These songs are catchy, fun, and impossible to forget.

This was the last film in which Walt Disney had personal involvement. While he wasn’t directly involved in the full production of this 1977 movie, he did oversee Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), which was released during his lifetime. He was also involved in the production of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, which won the 1968 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film—an award given to Walt Disney posthumously, as he had passed away two years before its release.

This 1977 classic holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the same score as its 2011 successor, Winnie the Pooh. That’s pretty impressive, considering how rare it is for a sequel to match the love of the original.

Many have already seen this classic, and if you haven’t, there’s no reason not to. It’s a timeless film that’s just as fun to watch as an adult as it was as a child. It’s definitely a DVD worth owning and keeping.

Peter Pan (1953)

Peter Pan (1953)

7/10

Starring the voice of

Bobby Driscoll

Kathryn Beaumont

Hans Conried

Paul Collins

Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi and Wilfred Jackson

Peter Pan is a movie created for children to love regardless of their generation. Watching this movie 15 years after what was probably the last time I saw it, I still found myself laughing every time Peter Pan took on Hook. Disney clearly arranged it all for laughs, turning Captain Hook into the butt of the joke.

My favorite character in the movie wasn’t Peter, Hook, Wendy, Wendy’s brothers, or even the Lost Boys—it was the Crocodile. I can’t get over how creative he is in trying to catch Captain Hook. My favorite moment has to be when Hook tries to jump into a boat, only for the Crocodile to push it aside and catch him in his mouth instead.

Disney’s Peter Pan was released in 1953 and is based on the 1904 play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up and the 1911 novel by J. M. Barrie. It is the 14th film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series.

The story follows Peter Pan, a boy who can fly and refuses to grow up, living in Neverland with the Lost Boys. His companion, Tinker Bell, is a mischievous fairy. The film also features Wendy and her brothers as they learn to fly, travel to Neverland, meet mermaids, Tiger Lily, and the Native Indians, and ultimately battle Captain Hook and his pirate crew.

Disney outdid themselves with this money-spinning classic, which raked in more than 20 times its production cost—earning over $80 million at the box office. However, Peter Pan has also been a source of controversy due to its stereotyping of Native Americans. The film refers to them as “red” and compares them to hunting animals, something that would never make it past the production board today.

Peter Pan was the last Disney film in which all nine members of Disney’s Nine Old Men worked together as directing animators. It was also the final movie distributed by RKO Radio Pictures before Walt Disney founded his own distribution company, Buena Vista Distribution.

Over the years, Peter Pan has remained a classic for children and adults alike, and it’s one of my favorite Disney animations. I’d definitely recommend watching it and owning a copy—it’s the kind of movie you’ll want to revisit years later, just to see Peter and Hook go at it again. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be watching just to see the Crocodile try to get Hook one more time.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

8/10

Starring

Gene Kelly
Donald O'Connor
Debbie Reynolds
Jean Hagen
Millard Mitchell

Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen

Singin’ in the Rain is a classic 1950s musical that will leave you smiling and laughing all the way through. When the movie begins, you might not immediately see it as a classic, but as time progresses and the performances unfold, it leaves an imprint that you won’t forget.

The film had moderate success at the box office, produced with a budget of $2.5 million and earning over $7 million. However, over time, critics have recognized it as one of the greatest musicals ever made. It stars Gene Kelly, who also co-directed and choreographed the film. The plot revolves around Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies, exploring how actors adapted to this major shift. It also highlights the birth of musical films, even referencing The Jazz Singer (1927), the first feature-length talkie.

The film features three lead actors: Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, Donald O'Connor as Cosmo Brown, and Debbie Reynolds as Kathy Selden. Set in 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a popular on-screen romantic duo, but while Don sees it as just acting, Lina mistakenly believes their romance is real.

Don and his longtime friend Cosmo have been chasing success for years, and Don’s rise to fame eventually lands him in a major Hollywood production. When their latest film is turned into a musical talkie, a major problem arises—Lina has a terrible voice. To save the production, aspiring actress Kathy Selden is brought in to secretly dub Lina’s voice.

During filming, Debbie Reynolds faced intense criticism from Gene Kelly because she wasn’t an experienced dancer. Frustrated and in tears under a piano, she was comforted by none other than Fred Astaire, who took her under his wing and helped her improve. (Astaire, widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of all time, influenced many performers, including Michael Jackson and Gregory Hines.)

The film’s most famous scene features Gene Kelly singing the title song while twirling an umbrella and dancing in the rain. What many don’t know is that Kelly was running a fever during filming, yet still delivered one of cinema’s most iconic performances. The scene, which involved Kelly being completely drenched, took three days to shoot.

Singin’ in the Rain holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been ranked the greatest musical film of all time by the American Film Institute (AFI). It also holds the fifth spot on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) list.

This movie is pure fun—the comedy will have you laughing, and with its G rating, it’s suitable for everyone. I highly recommend getting the DVD and watching it. It’s a true classic that never gets old.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

The Godfather Part II (1974)

10/10

Starring

Al Pacino

Robert Duvall

Diane Keaton

Robert De Niro

Talia Shire

                                                                          

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

The Godfather Part II stands among the greatest sequels ever made, thanks to the outstanding performances of two phenomenal actors. Al Pacino, as Michael Corleone, delivers such a masterful display of acting that you almost want to hail him as “The Godfather” through the screen. Equally exceptional is Robert De Niro, who plays young Vito Corleone. The film’s casting is unforgettable and remains one of its strongest assets.

The story explores the different paths taken by the Corleone family. Vito ruled with a sense of peace, building his empire through careful alliances, while Michael chose a path of ruthless violence, eliminating any threat the moment it appeared. With Michael, it didn’t matter who you were—friend or family—if you crossed him, you were dead.

Partially based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather, this 1974 sequel serves as both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather (1972). The film features two parallel narratives: one follows Michael Corleone’s reign as he tries to expand and secure the family business, while the other flashes back to young Vito Corleone’s rise from his childhood in Sicily in 1901 to his arrival in America and the founding of the Corleone family.

Michael’s storyline focuses on his efforts to expand into Las Vegas and Cuba. Along the way, an attempt is made on his life by someone close to him, which leads to even more ruthless retaliation. His relentless nature ultimately strains his family and friendships, isolating him further.

Being the first film to include “Part II” in its title, The Godfather Part II was both a box office hit and a critical success, widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. However, the production had early challenges—Pacino initially refused to participate, believing the script wasn’t strong enough. It took a rewrite from Coppola before Pacino agreed to join.

In the American Film Institute’s 10th-anniversary ranking of the greatest films, The Godfather Part II was placed at number 32. It is also ranked 3rd in IMDb’s Top 100 Movies of All Time, just behind The Godfather, which holds the 2nd spot.

The film received 11 Academy Award nominations and won Best Picture for that year. Out of those 11 nominations, it won six Oscars, including Best Director for Francis Ford Coppola, Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Coppola and Puzo.

Al Pacino was nominated for Best Actor but didn’t win, though he did take home the BAFTA Award for Best Actor for the film.

The Godfather Part II is a classic sequel to one of the greatest films ever made. If you’re watching The Godfather, there’s no reason not to follow it up with the second—it’s the perfect continuation of an already legendary story.

On The Waterfront (1954)

On The Waterfront (1954)

6/10

Starring

Marlon Brando

Directed by Elia Kazan

On the Waterfront is a movie I enjoyed. The famous lines—"You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody instead of a bum, which is what I am."—are exciting to hear, but after a while, the movie drags until the great ending, where Terry has to battle it out with Friendly.

Shot over 36 days, the film is based on a 24-part series of articles in the New York Sun by Malcolm Johnson, detailing the crime and corruption on the waterfronts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Titled Crime on the Waterfront, the series won the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting.

The movie follows Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), a former boxer who once took a dive in the ring so that mobster Johnny Friendly could cash in. Now, Terry works for Friendly, thanks to his brother Charley, who is one of Friendly’s closest associates.

Friendly uses Terry to lure a dockworker, Joey, out of his apartment, where Joey is killed—a show of Friendly’s control over the docks.

Joey’s sister arrives in town, seeking justice for her brother. No one wants to snitch on the mob, but Terry’s growing relationship with her pushes him toward breaking the code of silence. Charley warns Terry to stay away from Joey’s sister, but their feelings for each other keep drawing him back.

Some of the movie’s characters are based on real people. Terry Malloy’s character was inspired by Anthony DiVincenzo, who testified before a real-life Waterfront Commission and was ostracized for it. The film was made based on what seemed to be his story, leading DiVincenzo to sue Columbia Pictures. They later settled.

The movie received critical acclaim upon release. It was a box office success and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Director for Elia Kazan.

Kazan himself faced heavy scrutiny in real life. In 1952, the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) summoned him to name suspected communists, and he gave up eight names. As a result, he lost many friends. In a way, On the Waterfront reflects that experience.

Elia Kazan is a masterful director, drawing the best from his actors and delivering the drama and emotion needed to push the story’s message.

On the Waterfront is a well-written movie and a solid watch, I do not feel the classic strength it is said to have, but I did enjoy watching it.

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather (1972)

10/10

 

Starring

Marlon Brando

Al Pacino

James Caan

Richard S. Castellano

Robert Duvall

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

The Godfather will always stand as one of the best mafia crime dramas out there. With a storyline that draws you in and acting that makes you grin with delight, The Godfather is a classic among classics. Its screenplay and legacy have influenced many crime dramas that followed.

Released in 1972—exactly 40 years ago at the time of this review (2012)—the legacy of The Godfather lives on. Many times, phrases and lines from the movie are used in other films or by people just to make a point. The screenplay has also been referenced in various films. One I remember is Analyze This, where Billy Crystal dreams of De Niro’s death (De Niro was in The Godfather Part II), mirroring the attempted assassination of Vito Corleone.

The Godfather is directed by Francis Ford Coppola (who also worked with Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now in 1979) and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, whom I remember as the man behind Cannonball Run 1 and 2.

The movie is based on a 1969 book set between the mid-1940s and 1950s. The book, written by Mario Puzo, shares the same title as the film. The screenplay, which won an Oscar, was adapted by Puzo and Coppola.

The film stars Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, the Don, the Godfather, and the head of one of the five Mafia families in America. He has three sons and a daughter: Santino (Sonny), Federico (Fredo), Michele (Michael), and Constanzia (Connie). The story spans the years 1945 to 1955 and follows the rise of the new Don in the Corleone family.

Sonny Corleone was expected to take over the family, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is forced to step in. Michael, a war hero who had distanced himself from the family business, is drawn back in after an attempt is made on Vito Corleone’s life. He joins forces with his brother Sonny to restore order to the Corleone family.

Made on a budget of $6.5 million, the movie has grossed over $280 million. It received nine Academy Award nominations and won Best Picture for Albert S. Ruddy, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Puzo and Coppola. Ironically, Pacino was not the first choice for the role. He was relatively unknown at the time and only got the part because Coppola threatened to quit if he wasn’t cast.

If you haven’t seen this masterpiece, then I don’t know what you’ve been watching.

Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away (2001)

7/10

 

Starring the voices of

Rumi Hiiragi

Miyu Irino

Mari Natsuki

Takeshi Naito

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

It’s hard to find a cartoon that can please both anime and animation lovers, but this movie does just that. The craftiness of the script, the whole new world, and the fantasy are all well-glued together. All you need is the imagination to access this Japanese Alice in Wonderland.

Spirited Away is a critically acclaimed film that finds its way to the top of many notable lists of greatest animated films of all time. During its release, it was the highest-grossing Japanese film ever, and at the 75th Academy Awards, it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

This 2001 Japanese animated film is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a Japanese film director, animator, manga artist, and screenwriter with a career spanning over fifty years. His films often explore humanity's relationship with nature or technology. The protagonists in his films are usually strong, independent girls or young women. Like Princess Mononoke (1997), which he also wrote and directed, Spirited Away is a classic in its own right. Miyazaki’s career in animation has led many to compare him to Walt Disney.

The movie’s plot begins with ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino and her parents traveling to their new home. Her father decides to take a shortcut, which gets them lost. While moving forward, they stumble into another world where Chihiro loses her parents and is hunted and disliked as the only human in this strange world.

Chihiro’s journey leads her to meet twin grandmas, a dragon, a no-face spirit that can eat anything in sight, and a giant baby who is afraid of germs. Chihiro must always remember her name so she doesn’t forget she’s human and can tell her parents apart from the pigs—all while trying to find her way back to her world.

Spirited Away is based on Miyazaki’s friend’s ten-year-old daughter. He decided to make a movie for her and her friends, who would come to his cabin for vacation with his family.

With the characters mostly hand-drawn and a budget of $19 million, Miyazaki and his production crew kept the graphics simple so the focus of the movie wouldn’t be diverted from the story.

The English adaptation of the film was done by Walt Disney Pictures under the supervision of Pixar animator John Lasseter. Also on the production crew was Beauty and the Beast (1991) co-director Kirk Wise, who acted as the director for this English adaptation, and Aladdin (1992) producer Donald W. Ernst, who also produced this flick.

I still stand by saying this is one of the best animations out there. The fantasy level is high, and the twists and turns make the whole movie very interesting. It’s a great film to watch with the family.

Chinatown (1974)

Chinatown (1974)

7/10

Starring

Jack Nicholson

Faye Dunaway

John Huston

Directed by Roman Polanski

Chinatown is a crime mystery psychological drama film; the screenplay in this 1974 classic is way beyond its time, and it will take years before another masterful screenplay can match the Academy Award-winning script of Chinatown. The screenplay was written by Robert Towne (who you might know for his work on the Tom Cruise movies The Firm in 1993, Mission: Impossible in 1996, and Mission: Impossible II in 2000). Towne decided not to adapt the novel The Great Gatsby (1974), which was handed to him by producer Robert Evans. Instead, he wrote his own script, and Chinatown was the result.

The movie has a tragic ending. Producer Robert Evans intended the screenplay to have a happy ending, but Polanski stuck to his guns for a tragic conclusion. He is quoted as saying, "I knew that if Chinatown was to be special, not just another thriller where the good guys triumph in the final reel, Evelyn had to die."

Director Roman Polanski (who won the Oscar for Best Director for the 2002 movie The Pianist) won a Golden Globe for Best Director for this film. Polanski shot the entire movie from the perspective of J.J. "Jake" Gittes (Jack Nicholson). Gittes is in every scene of the movie, and when he’s knocked out, the whole screen goes black until he wakes up.

The movie’s plot follows private investigator J.J. "Jake" Gittes (Jack Nicholson), whose main job is tailing clients suspected of having affairs. He’s hired by a woman to find out if her husband, Hollis I. Mulwray, is cheating. Gittes tails Mulwray, catches him with another woman, takes pictures, and releases them to the papers—only to get sued the next day by the woman Mulwray was with. Gittes discovers that the woman who hired him was a phony and that the woman he thought was Mulwray’s mistress was actually his real wife.

Polanski also appears in the movie in a cameo as the gangster who cuts Gittes' nose.

A sequel to this classic, titled The Two Jakes, was released in 1990. Jack Nicholson reprised his role as J.J. "Jake" Gittes and also directed the movie, with Robert Towne returning to write the screenplay. Unfortunately, the sequel was a total failure.

Chinatown is one of the few mystery films that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. You’ll eagerly wait to see how all the threads tie up, as the movie weaves together plots and subplots leading to a grand and memorable ending.