Kiwi Film Review: Zero Dark Thirty

IMDB: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Roger Ebert: 3/4 stars

Staring: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Mark Strong, James Gandolfini
Directed By: Kathryn Bigelow
Written By: Mark Boal

Release Date: 11 January 2012
Described by IMDB as: "Maya is a CIA operative whose first experience is in the interrogation of prisoners following the Al Qaeda attacks against the U.S. on the 11th September 2001. She is a reluctant participant in extreme duress applied to the detainees, but believes that the truth may only be obtained through such tactics. For several years, she is single-minded in her pursuit of leads to uncover the whereabouts of Al Qaeda's leader, Osama Bin Laden. Finally, in 2011, it appears that her work will pay off, and a U.S. Navy SEAL team is sent to kill or capture Bin Laden. But only Maya is confident Bin Laden is where she says he is."


I'm really not a fan of movies that are very pro-american propaganda, but I really didn't mind this one. This was actually one of the most intense movies I've seen in a very long time, more specifically the last half hour or so  when they actually get to the compound where Osama Bin Ladin was. I think the fact that you know he dies at the end is even more intense then if you didn't because you're just waiting for that moment when they find and kill him. 

Its been a few weeks since I saw the film so I'm sure there are quite a few things I'm going to have forgotten about it, but I will try my best. I think that there is a pretty good chance of Jessica Chastain winning the Oscar this year for Best Actress in a Leading Role. I mean, Jennifer Lawrence was fantastic in Silver Linings Playbook and, she might have some competition in Quvenzhané Wallis for Beasts of a Southern Wild because everyone  likes to give awards to children, but I think that Chastain has a definite shot. All of the acting in this film was fantastic. I really didn't know who most of the actors in this film, but they were great. The emotions from the prisoners were fantastic. You really got the feeling that they were being tortured.

The conflict that comes with enjoying this film is the torture. There has been a lot of uproar about it all over the media, and I think the reasons are valid. I think that this movie definitely portrays torture, especially water-boarding and sleep depravation. I think the fact that they changed some stuff, or maybe have even gotten some party completely wrong is a big problem for people. For most films based on true events it doesn't matter, but since the Iraq war is still going on, this brings up a pretty big issue for most people. Especially with all of the debates over drone strikes these days, it all links together as a pretty big moral debate. I totally agree with all of this, especially since at one point they are clearly angered by the fact that Obama has put a ban on torture, leaving them with less options in how to obtain information. However, the information that helps them find the messenger wasn't really torture, it was then giving him food and letting him outside. Granted, that wouldn't have worked if they hadn't been torturing him for months, but still.

I think the cinematography and directing were also fantastic in this film. Although most of it was pretty grim-looking, it was still beautifully shot. The whole sequence with them flying into the camp where Osama Bin Ladin is hiding was beautiful and you really felt the suspense  but not as much as when they actually got in there. It wasn't just that you were waiting to see where Bin Ladin was, it was also how they were filming it. It was dark so you couldn't see much. I think the way they chose to show him when they had shot him was smart, they showed used bits and pieces of his face at a time, never really showing the injury, but showing enough of his face for anyone who'd seen a picture of him before to know it was him. I thought it was smart, because I'm sure this film is causing enough rage within the Taliban as it is, they definitely would have lost it if they had shown the deformed-mutilated head of their former leader. My opinion was the same for when Obama didn't release pictures of his dead body when they got him in real life. I know he was a bad dude, but they would just be horribly disrespectful to people who cared about him. No one should have to see their loved one in that way, even if they are a terrorist.

 I honestly don't know how much of this film was true, or elaborated, or just fully made up so I can't really comment on the political accuracy of this film, but I can say that as a film on its own I thought it was fantastic. As I said before it was one of the most intense and heart-pounding films I've ever seen. Its hard to look past inaccuracies, I know, but if you don't know every detail of the Iraq war, or the details of the Seal Team 6 mission, you should perfectly enjoy this film. Unless you just don't appreciate good films, I surprisingly do know people like this. One person told me once that she didn't Precious because "there wasn't enough story."

I'm going to give this film a 8.3/10. Super good, I'd definitely see it again. I'd even buy it on Blu Ray(and we all know how expensive that can be.)

Kiwi Film Review: Top 10 Directors

This weeks list topic is Top 10 Directors. I found this list very difficult because most of these directors who have created different worlds that have changed our lives, or taught us something about ourselves that we didn't know beforehand. 

10.) Sam Mendes
I think most people have actually not heard of Sam Mendes, although his name is getting a lot of coverage lately for the amazing job he did on the most recent Bond film Skyfall. He's actually only Directed 9 films so far, but all of them have been pretty well-known and extremely well recieved. American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, Revolutionary Road, etc. Since American Beauty is one of my very favorite films of all time, I had to allow him to make it onto this list. Like I said, he's only done a few films but thats incredibly exciting because he definitely got some serious potential, and after seeing his most recent film, Skyfall, I can only assume its going to keep getting better.

Check out my Skyfall review HERE

9.) Clint Eastwood
Mr. Eastwood has surprised me in recent years, as its only been that long since I've begun watching his films. Sometimes I sort of forget about him really, but when you really think about it and see the list you just think, "Wow." All of his films have been very powerful and have shown very different sides of life. The first of his films that I watched was Mystic River which I had actually never heard of before watching it, but had actually won 2 Oscars. I then saw Grand Torino, Million Dollar Baby, and Unforgiven, and he was solidified onto this list. If you haven't seen any of these films, you are definitely missing out. So far he has won 3 Best Director and 3 Best Picture Academy Awards and I imagine many more coming in the future. 

Check out my Mystic River review HERE

8.) Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino is a truly unique person and a very unique filmmaking style. Every time I watch one of his films or see him in an interview I just think about what it would be like to be friends with him, it would be incredible. He has many films that are extremely popular and he really has quite a cult following. Some of his more famous films include Pulp Fiction, Resevior Dogs, Kill Bill(Vol. I & II), but it wasn't until I saw Inglorious Basterds that I felt like I finally understood him. When he realsed Django Unchained in December, I have to say I think it was his greatest film yet.

7.) Ron Howard
Ron Howard actually has a rather diverse directing career, but I love everything I've seen so far. The films that stick out most for me would have to be Apolo 13, Cinderella Man, Frost/Nixon but most of all A Beautiful Mind which made #3 on my Top 10 Films of all time list, but even more impressively managed to win 4 Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture. I find that his career has been super random but I think there will be many more interesting films coming out of Mr. Howard. 

6.) Ridley Scott

Few directors have as many classic films under their belts like Ridley Scott. His films are always huge productions that are often ahead of their time. He seems to have a thing with the future, but is equally as capable at capturing the past. His films include Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, American Gangster, and most recently, Prometheus, which I absolutely adored. He and Russell Crowe have had a very productive relationship which works out for all of us as their films are always interesting. Ridley Scott has been making groundbreaking films for decades, and I sure hope he doesn't slowdown anytime soon. 

Check out my review for Prometheus HERE

5.) Woody Allen
I think a lot of people will be surprised that I have Woody Allen so high, but I think that he has an incredible way of capturing people and regular life, like no one else. All of his films I have seen have been incredibly honest and have captured exactly what everyone thinks about when their sitting at home, or trying to get to sleep. Your neighbour mysteriously dies and you think "her husband is suspicious looking, I wonder if he did it." Your listening to your favorite song, or looking at your favorite painting and you think "man, I wish I was born in that decade, those were the golden years." He takes those thoughts and bring them to light. Some of his great films include Midnight In Paris(which made my top 10 flims of all time list), Manhattan, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and probably most famously, Annie Hall. I have many more of his films to see before I'm done, but the ones I have seen have all been enjoyable. 
Check out my Midnight In Paris review HERE 
Check out my Manhattan Murder Mystery review HERE

4.) David Fincher
I had honestly never heard of David Fincher until The Social Network. I was looking up who the director was of some movie and his name came up, and I noticed the unreal list of films with his name on them. Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, etc. I mean, give me a break, I just listed off some of my very favorite films, and some unbelievably ground-breaking ones. He is the master of thrillers, especially psychological ones. 

3.) Christopher Nolan
Chris Nolan only has 10 films under his directors belt, but so far he has made some amazing, mind-bending films that leave us wondering how his mind works. Memento, Insomnia, The Prestige, Inception, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. Just take a moment to remember how amazing these films are and you will then understand why Mr. Nolan has made it to #3. What he did for Super Hero movies will never be forgotten. 
Check out my review for The Dark Knight Rises HERE

2.) Steven Spielberg
There simply cannot be a best directors list without Steven Spielberg. Spielberg is definitely the most famous director of all time, and I think that makes sense. The films that he has created are always big productions, and you know that you won't be bored or let down when you go into the theater to see them. Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, A.I (Artificial Intelligence), Indiana Jones Trilogy, Saving Private Ryan, Lincoln, War of the Worlds, Catch Me If You Can, Jurassic Park, and most famously ET. While writing this list I've realized how much his films have actually impacted my life. I'm so glad that my Dad showed me so many of these in my childhood. Indiana Jones shaped my love of history and adventure, A.I opened my eyes to amazing film and morality, and Schindler's List showed me how horrible the world can be, and how we need good people to survive. Bravo Mr. Spielberg. Bravo.

1.) Martin Scorcese
Scorcese is an absolute master at what he does. He has mastered crime films, and just thrillers in general. I want to live in his mind for a day to see where he gets the ideas for his films. We can thank him for films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Departed, Shutter Island, Raging Bull, Cape Fear, Gangs of New York, The Aviator, and so many more. He creates films and characters that give the actors the incredible opportunity to showcase their amazing acting abilities. His films have entertained us for 4 decades, and I can't see him slowing down anytime soon. I think he impressed me the most when he showed that he could even conquer the genre of feel good family films when he released Hugo in 2011. That film fully solidified himself as my favorite director  and proved that he could really do anything. 


Check out my Top 10 Films of All Time list HERE to see where I rank the products of some of these amazing directors.

Honourable Mentions: Peter Jackson, Stanley Kubirck, Alfred Hitchcock, Kevin Smith, James Cameron, Oliver Stone, Darren Aronofsky, JJ Abrams, John Hughes, Frances Ford 
Coppola, 

Kiwi Film Review: Top 10 Documentaries

This weeks top 10 list is Top 10 Documentaries of All Time.I watch an absurd number of Documentaries, so many that I often forget them, so trying to remember specific ones for this list was actually rather difficult. There are hundreds of fantastic documentaries, but I wanted to make this list about ones that I thought were the most important, most informative, and left the biggest impact on me, because I think thats really the point of documentaries. So here it goes:

10.) Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room

Very intriguing and mind-blowing documentary about this giant company and its enormous corruption which led to the company's ultimate demise. Its unbelievable the level that they went to to make money. These were some seriously bad people, they were incredibly greedy people who went to any length to get money. I urge pretty much everyone to watch this movie to understand just how the world really works and why Capitalism isn't always the answer. Its a great system in theory, but when you account for the human error of greed, its a system that just can't work. You can't let men have that much power without assuming that they will gain a god complex.

IMDB: 7.7/10

9.) Deliver Us From Evil

Really great documentary about the aftermath of the child abuse problem within the Catholic church. It clearly shows just how bad the cover-ups are and how high they go. This documentary is full of first-hand accounts of abuse from abuse victims of the same man, Father Oliver O'Grady, who abused dozens of children, boys and girls, in the 1970s when he was relocated numerous times throughout the state of California as an attempted coverup by the Catholic Church. The documentary even has interviews with Father Oliver O'Grady himself. Very eyeopening and disheartening film for sure. Another extremely important documentary that I think will paint a clear picture of where the Catholic Church actually stands on this controversy. 

IMDB: 8.0/10

8.) The Invisible War

This new documentary is currently up for an Academy Award, and I think its definitely a front-runner for sure. Very powerful documentary that shows the horrifying effects of the incredible problem of rape in the military. Most of the stories are about women being raped but there is one about a man. It shows not just the traumatic emotional effects, but in some occasions, also the physical effects. It also shows the clear cover-up that the American Military has become part of. Its not exactly what I would call surprising. I think the film "A Few Good Men" with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, is the perfect example of the intense loyalty that people in the military feel. This documentary has a similar message because most of the rape cases in the documentary never actually went to trial despite the fact that all of them had been reported to their superiors. Really horrifying but important stuff. 
IMDB: 7.3/10

7.) Dear Zachary: A Letter to A Son About His Father
I almost forgot about this one somehow. Probably the most heartbreaking film I've ever seen, simply because its a true story. I decided to watch this film because of its ties to Newfoundland, but that had very little to do with what I loved about it. It starts off with the filmmaker interviewing family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Bagby, a newly graduated doctor who has just been murdered. The film takes place all over the world to cover his ties to all of the places that were important to him. It follows the murder but we soon find out that his probable murderer is pregnant with his child, and has also fled back to Newfoundland. This film shows the clear failure of the Newfoundland and Canadian justice system when they fail to extradite Shirley Turner before its too late. Unbelievably heartbreaking story. Its so clear how much Andrew meant to everyone in his life. I can only hope that I leave a legacy like his when I am gone. Do yourself a favor and watch this. Also, there is no shame in crying at this movie, even if you are a fully grown man. IMDB: 8.5/10 

6.) Fahrenheit  9/11

A lot of people feel like Michael Moore is extremely biased and that his films are propaganda. There's no doubt that Moore is biased, but 90% of documentaries are, because they are trying to get across their own message, so I'm not really sure why everyone hates on him so much more then others. This documentary raises a lot of questions, and puts a spotlight on some of the many horrors of war, and the many mistakes the American military made during the early years. I think that the most important thing that this documentary exposes is the fact that most Americans don't actually know why they attacked Iraq. They think that the war was because thats where they would find the terrorists who attacked them on 9/11, when that wasn't the reason at all. Even if you don't believe the oil reasoning that Moore relays in this film, that wasn't the reason behind attacking Iraq. I remember hearing about this film when it was first released so I knew there had been controversy, but I didn't see it until about 4 years later. Great movie that I think should be seen whether you agree or not. IMDB: 7.5/10

5.) The Cove

Few documentaries leave me sobbing at the end, but my god this one did. The premis of this film is basically that the man behind the TV show Flipper(Rick O'Barry) has a sudden change of heart when he believes that his dolphin, the one who actually plays Flipper in the show, kills herself in his arms. Thus begun his life-long mission to undo the fascination that his own show created with dolphins around the world. Since then he has been arrested dozens of times for rescuing and releasing dolphins form captivity. This film is an incredibly exciting, nerve-wracking story of a group of activists desperately trying capture on film, the annual dolphin slaughter in Taijii, Japan. They use cameras hidden in fake rocks, underwater microphones, and tons of other impressive devices to help on their quest. There are tons of twists in this story, and it isn't dull for a moment. The final images are shocking and horrifying, but also incredibly effective. This film has changed laws all over the world, and I hope it will continue on its mission. It won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Documentary, and it definitely deserves it. It changed my view on many things, including Sea World, which I will never, ever visit again. IMDB: 8.4/10

4.) Inside Job

This Oscar winning documentary is a shocking and upsetting film that takes a closer look at the 2008 stock market crash. The film makers interview top financial and political experts to get to the bottom of what caused the crash. It is made pretty clear that the cause of the crash was extremely greedy people who had an incredible amount of power within their companies and banks, but also within the political system. The most horrifying part of seeing this documentary is the knowledge that no one has been sent to jail for destroying the entire American financial system, causing many Americans to be left with practically nothing, while they got to keep billions of dollars for themselves. This films shows the sex and cocaine fueled lifestyle of these Wall-Street bankers. Few documentaries have angered me more. There's a reason that this film won its 2011 Oscar. (PS. Matt Damon narrates the entire film)

IMDB: 8.2/10

3.) An Inconvenient Truth

This was the first documentary that truly made me enjoy them. I really believe that this film changed my life. A lot of people are sceptical that this film is purely propaganda especially because of the seemingly random stories told by Al Gore about his life throughout the film. I personally cannot understand in the least how someone can think that Climate Change isn't happening, but apparently there are people who are that naive. My cousin has a doctorate in environmental  sciences, and she told me that 90% of this film is correct (leaving out the parts about his life because that has nothing to do with the actual point of the film.) That personally was enough for me because she clearly knows what she's talking about. Its pretty crazy to see the change in the last few years, I remember when this was first released, it was everywhere, and then Al Gore had that huge concert on 07/07/07, and now the only time you hear about climate change is when the right-wing nuts are making fun of the "theory." I think we need to get back to talking about climate change before its too late. Like I said, the film changed my life, and more importantly my lifestyle. This film won the 2007 Oscar for best Documentary. IMDB: 7.6/10

2.) Food, Inc.

I think is by far the most important documentary about the food industry, mostly because most documentaries on this topic are either solely focused on turning us all into vegans, or leaving us without any other options. This film does a fantastic job at showing the horrors that these animals are forced to endure, and that there are no laws to protect them. I realize it seems kind of silly to have laws for animals that are raised for the sole purpose of consumption, but its not just for them, if they spend their whole lives living in their own excrements, the chances that said excrements will contaminate the meat that we will eventually be consuming. This also shows how the farmers are being put into a headlock by the owners of these cattle and poultry farms by putting them in crippling debt because of the constant changes they are forced to make. At the end they show that farming how it used to be done is still possible, but we have to tell the politicians that we need to see change. 
IMDB: 7.8/10

1.) Bowling For Columbine

This was my first introduction to Michael Moore, and man is it good. Again, those complaints about him being biased are brought up, but the facts in this film are just un-debatable for me. Right now the topic of guns is huge in America, like it should be, but the fact that it is still such a huge problem is mind-boggling to me. The numbers and statistics in this documentary are mind-numbing and truly horrifying. It has now been more then 10 years since this film was released, and we now have a school shooting that is even worse then the horrors at Columbine High School. This year alone there have been dozens of mass shootings in America. I'm so lucky that I live in Canada, but America is a little too close to me to feel truly safe. This film is also about the culture of fear-mongering that the media and government has become part of, which is clearly true. What I really love about this film is that they managed to get an interview with Marilyn Manson who proves how intellectual he is and that he isn't the cause for these horrible crimes. If for some reason you haven't seen this year, go watch it immediately. This film won the 2002 Oscar for Best Documentary. Michael Moore proved just how defiant he was when he used his acceptance speech to voice his opposition to the then new war on Iraq where he was then booed off the stage. Funny how things change. IMDB: 8.0/10

I'd like to stress again how hard it was for me to make this list, all of my honourable mentions are also very important in their own ways, with very important messages to offer so definitely look them all up as well!

Honourably Mentions: Waiting For Superman, Gas Land, How to Survive A Plague, Who Killed The Electric Car?, The Tillman Story, Paradise Lost 3, Super Size Me, For The Bible Tells Me So, Catfish, Religulous,  Sicko, Capitalism: A Love Story, The Times of Harvey Milk, Jesus Camp, Capturing the Friedmans, No Impact Man, Exit Through the Giftshop, Craiglist Joe, Shut Up and Sing.

Kiwi Film Review: Silver Linings Playbook

IMDB: 8.2/10(222 on the Top 250 list)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%(critics) 91%(audience)
Roger Ebert: 3.5/4

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Julia Styles.
Directed By: David O. Russell
Written By: David O. Russell(screenplay), Matthew Quick(novel)

Release Date: 21 November 2012
Described by IMDB as: "After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own."


I watched this movie earlier this week online because of all of the nominations and wins it got at the Golden Globes. I had planned on watching it in theatres when it was released in November, but it hadn't been released here so I assumed it would never be. I thought this until yesterday when it was finally released here, so tonight my friend and I went to see it tonight, her first time, my second. I'm so glad I did because I actually got quite a bit more out of it then I did the first time. I think it was mostly because I wasn't fully watching it, I was doing other things at the same time, so I missed a few things.

This movie was hilarious, heartbreaking, enlightening, and heartwarming. There wasn't a single character (besides Nikki obviously) that wasn't endearing and interesting. I found that the character development was also very well done, and I think that the acting really helped out in that. Pat(Bradley Cooper) is a really great character, I found him very unique and complex, which I find is the best part of books being made into films, there tends to be  better character development. I really liked his quirkiness and how he was completely oblivious to himself. Tiffany(Jennifer Lawrence) is an equally complex character, and I think it was easy to see how much she needed to feel loved. I really liked how open they were with each other, they knew they had nothing to hide, they could just be themselves 100% and they didn't need to change for each other. 

The acting in this film was so good. Bradley Cooper has been in a couple of serious roles now, but none have shown his acting abilities like this one. He was so much more then a pretty face in this one, and I think thats fantastic for him, I really think this movie will open all doors for him and I'm really happy for him about that. He was really amazing as Pat, you couldn't help but just adore him. Robert De Niro was also very impressive in this film, not that he needed to prove himself, but damn, he still has it. But lets be real, it was Jennifer Lawrence who stole the show in this film. Her role as Tiffany was a pretty bizarre one, but a character who is equally as loveable by the end. I've really enjoyed Jennifer since I saw her in her Oscar nominated role in Winter's Bone, which was also a fantastic movie. I'm glad that I had heard of her before she did The Hunger Games, because I was already aware of the fact that she had great talent, and I don't want those movies to be her legacy like it has so far been with Kristen Stewart. She's only 22 and this is her second Oscar nomination, unbelievably impressive, and I think that we can all agree that we'll be seeing great things out of her for a long, long time to come. 

I absolutely loved this film. I think I should redo my Top Films of 2012 list because this is definitely up there now. Such an amazing movie. I'm gonna give it a 9/10. I loved everything about it, it genuinely touched me.

Kiwi Film Review: Top 10 Film Trilogies

So, we all have our own favorites when it comes to trilogies. I think that a lot of people also become pretty passionate about their favorites, because unlike just one movie, you get tons of time for character development and therefore you get much more attached to the characters and the story lines are able to become more more intricate. So here is this weeks Top 10 list: Top 10 Film Trilogies

10.) Jason Borne Trilogy

I actually almost forgot about these ones when I was first making the list. I've only ever seen each one once, so theres actually a huge possibility that they should be higher, but until the day comes that I decide I need to see them again, they will stay at #10. These made me have some serious respect for Matt Damon, especially in The Borne Ultimatum, where he did a lot of the stunt work himself. These films are a perfect example of how to have an action movie with a real story to it. Really great.

9.) X-Men Trilogy

I adore practically everything that is fantasy/geeky, and X-Men definitely fits into that category. I have to say though, that I think the more recent ones are much better, and I think that First Class tops them all. I'm super excited about the new one coming out later this year. Of the trilogy the first is definitely my favorite, but the second two are great as well. I really don't think they're for everybody, but if you like action movies with a twist, especially superhero mutants, you'll definitely like these!

8.) Die Hard Trilogy

Technically there are 5 Die Hard movies but I've only seen the first 3 so I'm counting it as a trilogy, plus the last 2 came much later then the first ones. I only watched these for the first time earlier this year, so they're still pretty fresh in my mind. The first one is widely considered the greatest Christmas movie of all time, I don't think I'd go that far, but its definitely in my top 5. I never really understood the love for Bruce Willis until I saw these, but then I got it full on. I was pretty surprised to see Alan Rickman as the villan in the first one but it was awesome! Also has one of the best quotes of all time.

7.) Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes IV, V & VI)

A lot of people are going to think I'm crazy for not having it higher then this, but I can only love something so much. I think if I had seen it more then once when I was a child I'd like them more. I mean, I'm all about Star Wars, the only thing that holds me back is how awful some of the acting is. The awesomeness of the rest of it makes up for it for sure though. I just wish George Lucas would cut it out and stop updating some of the effects. It really took me out of it a couple of times when there were clearly 21st century special effects happening in a movie that was released in the early 80s. I really do enjoy them and will definitely be having a marathon on this upcoming Star Wars day (May the 4th). Everyone on earth should see these at least one time in their lives.

6.) Back To The Future Trilogy

Somehow I only saw these movies for the first time last year. The same thing will definitely not happen to my children, it is seriously unfair that my parents didn't show this to me when I was growing up. They are seriously so awesome! Such an awesome concept, who doesn't love time travel? I love the 80s version of what they think the future will be like, but going to the past in the first one was also very cool. I loved that they even kept the minor characters in all of them, very cool. Like I said, I really wish I had seen it when I was a kid because I would have enjoyed them even more, but I seriously sat down and watched them all in one day, once I got the first one into me I couldn't stop! I think its a general consensus that the third one is definitely the worst of the 3, but even that one was enjoyable. If you haven't seen them yet (which I doubt because everyone has) you should go see it now. Its never too late!

5.) Hannibal Lecter Trilogy 

I think these might actually be the movies that really pushed my love for  movies over the edge. In my first year of university when I was procrastinating my school work and saw it online and thought that I might as well try out Silence Of The Lambs because I'd never seen it before and I'd heard great things about it. Thats really when I started going crazy for movies, after I'd seen what I had been missing I decided I needed to watch every movie I'd ever wanted to see that I "just hadn't gotten around to." Thus  began my addiction passion. The Silence Of The Lambs is one of my favorite films of all time and I think it definitely deserves it. It won 5 Academy Awards; Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, Best Actress for Jodie Foster, Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hannibal dropped the ball a little bit for me, as much as I love Julianne Moore, I really wish Jodie Foster had stayed for this one as well, but I think Red Dragon picked it back up again by recruiting Edward Norton and Ralph Finnes. Everyone assumes that these are scary movies but they really aren't, its definitely more of a thriller then a horror. Definitely check them out.

4.) The Godfather Trilogy

To be completely honest, I haven't seen the third movie yet, but I think the first two are so good that even if Part III was horrifyingly bad, I still wouldn't be able to put it below #4 on this list. These movies are mind-blowingly good. Part I was my first taste of Marlon Brando, and I have to say I was blown away with his unbelievably acting skills. These were also by far the best movies that I had ever seen Al Pacino in so it really changed him in my eyes. Most of his more recent movies have been pretty awful, so I'm glad I saw these to prove to myself that he hasn't always made bad decisions. All-around great acting and writing, the storylines were fantastic. I never thought I would enjoy gangster movies(despite the fact that I loved The Departed), but after seeing this one I went back and watched all of the big ones; Goodfellas, Casino, Untouchables, Once Upon A Time In America, still haven't gotten around to Scarface yet.

3.) Lord Of The Rings Trilogy

I've loved these movies since I saw Fellowship Of The Rings when I was 10 years old and nothing has changed. They are completely fantastic films in every way. They are beautifully shot, impressively acted, and perfectly written. Its hard to believe they've been out for as long as they have been. I can't wait until I'm able to put The Hobbit Trilogy on this list as well, which I'm sure I will as An Unexpected Journey was fantastic. I really think Peter Jackson did a really phenomenal job on these movies and if for some reason you haven't seen them, give them a chance. It still blows my mind that some people haven't seen them yet. This summer my friends and I took a Sunday and sat down and watched all 3 of the extended editions on blu-ray and it was fantastic. Only took 12 hours!

2.) Indiana Jones Trilogy

My Dad introduced me to these when I was a pretty young kid, and if this isn't an example of ways that films influence your life I don't know what is. When I graduated High School I went into University to study Archaeology. Obviously that didn't stick because I'm not doing that now, but I did do 2 years. I love these movies, I love the history, the mystery, the treasure hunts, but most of all, I absolutely adore Harrison Ford. I mean honestly, just try to watch these movies without falling in love with him. He's not an overly emotive man, but he's definitely what would be considered to be a "man's man." I mean, just look at that hat and whip. So attractive. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was definitely my least favorite, but I still enjoy watching it. I actually think that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was my favorite.

1.) The Dark Knight Trilogy

I know most people will disagree with me, but I don't care. I have loved Batman my entire life, and Christopher Nolan only helped me with that. I even love all of the 90s Batman movies, but not like I love these ones. I really think that Christopher Nolan changed superhero movies forever. Before this they very rarely appeared vulnerable, but that has been the case in one way or another in all three of these. It wasn't until The Dark Knight Rises came out that I could say for sure that this was my favorite trilogy, but I think that this final film weaved the trilogy together as I have never seen before. There was so much interaction between all three films that it just flows so beautifully. There is some absolutely incredible acting in all of the films from Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and especially Heath Ledger who won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance, but everyone else does an awesome job as well, Michael Caine steps up his acting in every movie. The cinematography is beautiful as well as the writing. I have no idea how its possible that Christopher Nolan or the films in general haven't won any Oscars for Directing or Best Picture, but its a shame. Anyone who enjoys any kind of films at all will enjoy these movies. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying them, they are just so good.

Honourable Mentions: The Matrix Trilogy, Mighty Ducks Trilogy, Toy Story Trilogy, Free Willy Trilogy

Kiwi Film Review: Top 10 80's Teen/Brat Pack Movies

Like I said, I've decided I want to try and do a new post every Sunday. I've decided that what I'm actually going to do is to have a Top 10 list every Sunday. The last few I've done have been a lot of fun so I figure, why not make it a new thing. Hopefully some people out there will enjoy them! So here they are: my list of Top 10 80's Teen/Brat Pack movies.

10.) Dirty Dancing

I put this last, only because I was iffy on even putting it on the list because its not really a "Brat Pack" film, or the kind of "high school" movie I had intended, but she is a teen so I think it counts. Great coming of age/ discovering love movie.

 9.) Footloose

Really great "fight the man"story. I enjoy any movie that proves that adults aren't always right, and kids/teens aren't always wrong. Great soundtrack and a great movie about fitting in as an outsider.

8.) The Outsiders

Who doesn't love a good gang movie. Greasers vs preps? Talk about excitement! Almost everyone in this movie became huge stars so it makes it pretty interesting to watch. Tom Cruise looks super different, but he's still crazy, so its all good. Great book and story, something everyone should check out at least once in their lives.

7.) Pretty In Pink

A sweet movie about not being afraid to be yourself in a world that doesn't appreciate people who are unique. Andie has to choose between giving her best friend Duckie a chance, or stepping out of her comfort zone and giving Blane, a rich popular boy at her school, a chance. Great movie that tackles class segregation as well.

6.) Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Have you ever wanted to see Sean Penn play a stoner, "Surfer-dude" character? Well this is your chance. This movie is seriously hilarious and a great movie about life as a teen, discovering love and lust, and the hardships that come with high school, and heartbreak. Really great movie.

5.) St. Elmo's Fire

Who doesn't love Rob Lowe as a badboy who plays the saxophone? Great film for the next chapter of life. A group of friends have just graduated college and are learning about how life really works. Love, moving in together, marriage, cheating, alcohol, drugs,  being a stalker; just a few of the many themes covered in this movie. Half the characters are just awful, and the other half are too sweet to even be friends with the bad ones.

4.) Sixteen Candles

This movie starts off with every teen's worst nightmare; your entire family forgetting your sixteenth birthday. This is a classic "regular girl has huge crush on most popular boy in school who happens to be dating the bitchy most popular girl in school" scenario, but it really stands on its own. You can't help but adore all of the characters, and it really makes you feel like your life is not so bad. Will Samantha's nightmare turn into a dream come true? Check it out!

 

3.) Say Anything

A genuinely nice guy finally gets the guts to ask out the beautiful and smart valedictorian of his class the day of graduation. So begins the ups and downs of a summer romance before she goes to college. I had no idea where the classic "boombox overhead outside of your window" scene came from until I watched this movie. Such a classic romantic scene that every girl dreams of. Or at least every girl who's a fan of these 80's teen movies.

2.) Ferris Bueller's Day Off

It doesn't get more classic then this. John Hughes is a genius. I love the style of filming in this movie where the main character talks directly into the film and at the audience. It really adds to the charm of the film. Plus, who doesn't love a random musical number in a random parade in the middle of a movie? Its really how any teen wants a day to go when they skip off school to go to the city with their friends.  The whole movie you're just hoping and wondering if Ferris will pull it off. 

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

1.) The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is undoubtably the greatest teen film of all time. It pretty much hits almost every teen issue besides pregnancy. Drugs, sex, love, suicide, pressure in school, pressure in sports, pressure to be popular, pressure to fit in, loneliness, divorce, trouble at home, bullying. People who are normally the bad guys in movies, you can't help but feel bad for (ie the Jock or popular girl). You can't help but  connect, at least on some level, with every character, and thats the pure genius that was John Hughes. I don't know anyone who has ever seen this movie who hasn't enjoyed it. I mean, it was made over 25 years ago and it still speaks to so many kids today. 

"Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did *was* wrong. But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain ...and an athlete ...and a basket case... a princess... and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club."