The Greatest Movies of Our Time: A different opinion (Part 2)

Last week, I brought you Part 1 of my blog on the Greatest Movies of Our Time, in my opinion. While the blog was really fun to write, it was also extremely time consuming. I discovered that trying to select 5 movies in each category was no easy task. There are so many great movies that I wasn't able to include as I was trying to keep with the format used by ABC.

While writing part one was exhausting, choosing movies for this week’s categories was even more stressful, especially since a lot of the movies that I considered for each category could easily have been I included in another. The lines between action, thriller and even historical films are easily blurred. I often found myself moving one movie back and forth between two genres, before making my final selection.

When it came to selecting the movies for the Best Film category, I was completely stumped. There are so many great movies, some that are included in my list, how could I possibly narrow it down to only 5? So, instead of making a choice, I decided to create a miscellaneous category to include those films that did not fit into the specific categories already listed. This way, I could ensure that some of my all time favourites still got the recognition I feel they deserve.

So without further ado, here is Part 2 of my list of The Greatest Movies of Our Time:

Best Action Movie
Aliens (1986)
From beginning to end, this movie is filled with one intense action sequence after another, but still includes outstanding special effects and set design that made the first film so amazing.

Die Hard (1988)
Exhilarating action, memorable characters and a unique storyline, this movie inspired countless action films and three sequels, but none compare to the original.

Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (2003)
This movie pays homage to some of greatest film genres of all time, in a way that only Tarantino can. If you enjoy great martial arts, this movie is not to be missed.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Creative action sequences, great script and one of cinemas most memorable characters make this movie not only one of the best action films of all time, but also one of the greatest movies ever made.

From Russia with Love (1963)
Packed full of exciting action and exotic locales, this second outing for James Bond is the best in the series, by far.

Best Suspense/Thriller
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Remarkable performances, stunning cinematography and outstanding direction make for an absolutely riveting movie experience.

Dirty Harry (1971)
Shot on location in San Francisco, an intense film with a great performances by Clint Eastwood as the no nonsense detective, Harry Callahan

The Fugitive (1993)
An exciting cat and mouse thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Duel (1971)
Spielberg’s first film was made for TV, on a limited budget and shot in 13 days. This simple story will have you biting your nails, until the final scene.

Charade (1963)
A witty script combined with great acting from the two leads, Grant and Hepburn, make this a fun and exciting caper.

Best Political/Historical Film
Citizen Kane (1941)
Loosely based on William Randolph Hearst, this is cinema at its best. Truly, a landmark of cinema.

Badlands (1973)
With mesmerizing performance by Spacek and Sheen as frighteningly indifferent young killers, this is a disturbing, yet brilliant film. Inspired by the 1950s Starkweather-Fugate murders.

The Killing Fields (1984)
Set during the Cambodian Civil War, the film follows the story of an American reporter and his Cambodian aid. An outstanding performance by Haig S. Ngor, made even more remarkable considering that he was also held captive by the Khmer Rouge for 4 years.

Goodfellas (1990)
One of Scorsese's best films providing an intense and disturbing look in to mob life, told through the eyes of Henry Hill, in an amazing performance by Ray Liotta.

There Will Be Blood (2007)
A stark and haunting reflection of the ‘American Dream’ gone wrong with an unforgettable performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.

Best Hitchcock Films
Vertigo (1958)
Captures paranoia and obsession in a tense, suspenseful masterpiece, told in the way only Hitchcock can.

Notorious (1946)
This is one of Hitchcock’s most suspenseful films with outstanding performances by Bergman, Grant and Rains.

Strangers on a Train (1951)
Only Hitchcock could make a tennis match so thrilling. Great chemistry between the two leads, Granger and Walker.

Lifeboat (1944)
Shot entirely on one set, this film as much a character study as it is suspense. A remarkable masterpiece that is often overlooked.

Psycho (1960)
A movie that is still as suspenseful and frightening today as it was when it was released, over 50 years ago.

Other Great Films
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro's haunting masterpiece seamlessly combines nightmarish fantasy with harsh reality.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
While the trilogy as a whole is a remarkable achievement, this first chapter brilliantly captures the excitement and suspense of the novel.

Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
A tense film noir with powerful performances and sizzling chemistry between Garfield and Turner.

Cider House Rules (1999)
A touching coming of age story with a beautiful performance by Michael Caine.

Witness (1985)
Harrison Ford's most touching performance as John Book, a hardnosed cop forced to hide in an Amish community.

Greatest Film Characters
Indiana Jones
The ultimate adventure hero, you can't help but cheer for him.

Darth Vader
The greatest movie villain of all time.

Norman Bates
Made us second guess pulling in to a roadside motel.

Ripley
She set the standard for the female action hero

James Bond
After 22 movies and 6 different actors, there is no question that James Bond belongs on this list.

So there you have it, my opinion on some of the greatest films ever made. I hope you enjoyed my list, and I look forward to hearing your comments.

Until next time,

Jon.

The Greatest Movies of Our Time: A different opinion (Part 1)

On March 22, ABC & People Magazine had a TV Special called the 'Best in Film: The Greatest Movies of Our Time'. Not being a huge fan of television, I didn't even realize that show was on until I saw numerous posts on Twitter. However, as a film enthusiast, I was at first upset that I had not heard about the special, but after reading several tweets, majority of which were criticizing the choice of movie included, I was glad that I had not tuned in. However, by about the 25 negative tweets later, I decided that, although it was too late to watch the show, I would at least review the list online, to see how bad it truly was. Upon reading the completed list, which is available at www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Best_Film, in case you’re curious, I could see how people were so upset.

First, some of the categories were simply ridiculous like Greatest On-Screen Kiss and Best Chick Flick. Of all the categories they could choose from, who determined that such a specific and fairly meaningless activity of kissing should be categorized and voted on? The Best Chick Flick just sounds sexist to me. There are many great movies and actresses in the history of film, could they not have created a category for Best Female Character or Greatest Actress?

Second, some of the movies included were baffling to me. The biggest irritation was seeing Avatar listed as one of the five best sci-fi films of all time. I get that it is the highest grossing film of all time, but part of that is due to the fact that ticket prices, particularly for 3D movies, is higher than ever before. Also, the story is hardly original. If you don't believe me, watch Dance with Wolves and Aliens.

Third, there were other movies that were missing from the list. I immediately question the value of any list of the greatest movies that does not include Citizen Kane. From a cinematic perspective, there is no film that compares to it. The acting and story are amazing, but the cinematography and direction put Citizen Kane in a very elite class of films. It's omission from the list is a complete mystery and very disappointing.

After seeing the top 5 films in all 15 categories, I decided that I should create a list of what I considered to be the Greatest Movies of All Time. For the most part, I tried to keep with the same categories with the exception of Best Chick Flick, Greatest Line and Greatest On-Screen Kiss. I have also removed Westerns from my list, as I haven’t seen enough of them to give the genre justice. However, I did include another category: The Best Hitchcock Films. For each movie listed, I will include a brief summary of why I chose it.

Before I begin, I know that many people will disagree with my choices and be annoyed that I didn't include some of the more widely popular films to my list. However, you must realize that although I am an avid fan of the cinema, there are still many great movies that I have unfortunately, yet to see. Also remember, I am just one person and these are my opinions. Sadly, the list compiled by ABC and People's Magazine was voted on by millions of people.

Due to the length of this list and to avoid having too much criticism at once, I have decided to divide into two parts. I hope you enjoy reading it, and feel free to send me a comment with your favourites.

Best Sci-Fi Films
Star Wars (1977)
No Sci-Fi List would be complete without this movie. It set the precedent for the genre and made it accessible to the mainstream film audience.

Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Even better than Star Wars, it combines the special effects that made the first film so remarkable with a brilliant storyline and direction by Irvin Kershner.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
One of the first sci-fi films to represent aliens as benevolent as opposed to bent on mankind’s destruction. Still as thought provoking today as it was when it was made, during the Cold War.

Metropolis (1926)
This silent film is epic in scale. The set design and number of extras used during filming remains a remarkable feat. This movie inspired almost every great sci-fi film after it.

Alien (1979)
With great set designs, pacing and direction, Ridley Scott created a beautiful and frightening masterpiece.

Best Horror Films
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
A critique of consumerism in America, disguised under a disturbing nightmare of horror. If you can stomach the violence and gore, it's well worth a view.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Claustrophobic and tense, this movie will disturb you, but also keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Great acting, disturbing storyline, and tense direction make this a masterpiece of horror.

The Exorcist (1973)
This movie is disturbing, but enthralling. It's more than just a horror movie. It's a work of art.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The most remarkable part of this film is that it's not actually that gory. Most of the violence occurs off-screen. It's what you think is happening that makes it so disturbing.

Best Musical
Singin' in the Rain (1942)
Hilarious spoof on Hollywood as it moved from the silent ear to "talkies". The music and dance numbers are catchy, too.

Sound of Music (1965)
There are very few musicals that have as many memorable songs as this movie. Seamlessly combines music, humour, romance and even suspense in this remarkable film.

A Hard Day's Night (1964)
The Beatles first movie provides a hilarious look into the day in the life of the Fab Four during the height of Beatlemania.

Grease (1978)
You can't help but feel happy after watching this movie. Sure it's a simple story, but sometimes that’s just what we need to escape for a couple of hours.

Moulin Rouge (2001)
Brilliantly combines modern music with period drama. It is truly a one of a kind movie experience.

Best Animated Film
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
The first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture. This is a masterpiece of animation that is as enjoyable as any live action film you will likely see.

The Incredibles (2004)
A movie will satisfy both adults and children with its combination of a mature story, and enough action and comedy to keep the kids happy.

Bambi (1942)
Very few films have captured the beauty of nature and the cruelty of mankind (Sorry Avatar) as effective.

Up (2009)
This movie provides more emotion in the first ten minutes then most movies due in their entirety. It is truly a beautiful and touching film.

Fantasia (1940)
With almost no dialogue and a run time of nearly two hours, many people are often turned off by this film. Those that sit through it will witness a marvel in animation.

Best Comedy
Christmas Story (1983)
No other Christmas movie captures family dysfunction like this one, with so many classic scenes that will leave you laughing for days.

This is Spinal Tap (1984)
This classic mockumentary on the music industry offers a clever script and memorable characters.

Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)
Cary Grant at his charming best combined with a witty script, makes this one of the funniest movies of all-time.

Midnight Run (1988)
A fun, fast paced action comedy with great chemistry between the two leads, DeNiro and Grodin.

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Brilliant script and quirky characters make this action comedy truly unique. This one shouldn't be missed.

Stay tuned next week for Part 2, where I will include my top five favourite movies in the following 6 categories: Best Action Movie, Best Suspense/Thriller, Best Political/Historical Film, Best Hitchcock Film, Greatest Film Characters and Best Film.

Until next time,

Jon.

The Trading of Dustin Penner: One Fans Perspective

Over the past two years, I have listened to a lot of opinions on the Edmonton Oilers and their rebuilding process. For the most part, everyone seems to be in agreement. The three things that the Oilers need are some solid defence, a number one centre, and strength up front. As the trade deadline closed in, I was anxious to see if Steve Tambellini would acquire anyone who could fill one of these requirements and assist the team in their rebuilding process.

Going into the deadline, the GM was in a position of strength.  In Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner, Tambellini had two players that could be an integral part for a team either trying to make the playoffs or trying to make a run for the Stanley Cup. However, knowing that each player had a year left in their contract, he did not need to move either unless a deal was available that would be a good fit for the team, moving forward.

I really didn't think that the Oilers would move both Hemsky and Penner, although there was some talk that the Los Angeles Kings may be interested in both. However, I was fairly confident one of the two players would be traded at the deadline. From my perspective, I was hoping that that player would be Ales Hemsky.
Now, I know that the suggestion of moving Hemsky instead of Penner may irritate a lot of Oiler's fans, as many think that Hemsky is currently the most talented player on the Oiler's roster. However, I have a number of reasons why I think that moving Hemsky would have been better in the long term for the team.

Firstly, as I mentioned earlier, the Oilers need strength up front. Granted, Penner didn't always play like a power forward, as his size suggested he should, but at least he was a big man. Hemsky is like the rest of the top forwards on the team right now, small. Too often I hear that the Oilers get pushed off the puck too easily. So why would you trade the one guy that wasn't as easy to knock around?

Secondly, Ales Hemsky is injured a lot. It seems every 20 games or so Hemsky is out of the line up for one reason or another. One day after training Penner, Hemsky was injured, again. Penner over the last two seasons, on the other hand, hasn't missed many games due to injury.  So again I ask, why would you keep a player who is regularly out of the line up, due to injury, and trade a player who rarely misses a game? Hemsky still is perceived to be a valuable player, but if he continues to miss games due to injuries, no matter how talented he may be, no team will want someone they cannot rely on when needed.

Thirdly, there is no question that Hemsky can move the puck. However, in my opinion, he doesn't do it enough. I have watched numerous games where he cycles along the half boards over and over again looking for that perfect scoring opportunity and ends up losing the puck or throwing it in the middle for no one. As the players like Hall and Eberle continue to grow, they need to handle the puck as much as possible, and waiting for a pass from Hemsky isn't going to provide them with enough of those opportunities. What I liked about Penner was that he would at least get in front of the net. He was the type of player that would enable Hall and Eberle to handle the puck and create scoring opportunities, and he would be there to tap it in when needed.

I think the thing that disappoints me the most about the Penner trade is what they got in return, a first round draft pick in 2011, a conditional third round pick in 2012 and Colten Teubert, a young defenseman who is still unproven in the NHL. It's not that the Oilers completely lost out in the trade. However, I cannot help but think they could have received the same, if not more, for Hemsky and they would have still kept a player that, in my opinion, would be more helpful to the Oilers as they continue to rebuild and develop.

Until next time,

Jon.

Could Justin Bieber be Humanities Saviour?

This afternoon, my roommate and I were having our daily discussion about nothing. As usual, Justin Bieber somehow made his way into our conversation. Before I go any further, I want to explain that I do not have Bieber Fever. In fact, it mystified me how the world could be obsessed with a young man, barely in his teens. He didn't seem to be anything extraordinary to me. That's why both my roommate and I got such a big kick out of a recent SNL skit with Dana Carvey as Church Lady, where the voice of God referred to Beiber as "His greatest creation".

A few minutes later, during the same conversation, the topic of Watson, the computer currently competing on Jeopardy against two of the greatest contestants in the shows history, and beating them handily, came up. My roommate expressed her fear that Watson is a sign of the things to come. In her opinion, a computer that could think could mean the beginning of the end for humanity. She went as far as to compare Watson to Skynet, the computer that lead to the destruction of the human race in the Terminator movies.

As she continued to express her thoughts on the future, I started to think. Could what she was saying be true? Is Watson the first step in the eventual take over of our world, by the computer? Could the future that we saw in the Terminator movies come true?

Before I began running through the streets, screaming "the end is nigh", a light came on in my head. Maybe not all was lost, yet. In the Terminator movies, there was one man who led the resistance, who stood against the machines as humanities last hope. That man was John Connor. If everything in the Terminator movies was about to come true, then there had to be someone who would lead the human race in our fight against the computer.

My mind raced. Who could be that man? Then it hit me like a speeding train. Could Justin Bieber be the real John Connor? It all started to make sense. He was raised by his mother. We don't know anything about his father. For all we know he could have been from the future.

I started to shake with excitement. With his current popularity, Justin Bieber could easily rally the world together in an effort to fight the future. Maybe Justin Bieber really is God's greatest creation, as foretold on SNL, sent as a representative of God, to show us the error of our ways.

Within minutes, my opinion of Bieber has changed. Sure his music isn't anything new or amazing. His look isn't really that fresh. Regardless of these facts, his popularity continues to grow. I used to stare, baffled, at Justin Bieber's face on every magazine in the grocery store line. I would ask myself, what people saw in him. What made him so appealing? What was his "It" factor? But, now I understand. When I looked into his eyes, I was staring at our future saviour, I just didn't know it.

Now when I see him, I won't shake my head in disgust. I will smile and thank the heavens that our future is safe in the hands of Bieber. Let the Gods protect and watch over him!!!

Until next time,

Jon.

It Begins

In 2009, I started a blog. After 3 months, 5 blogs, 2 readers and 0 followers, I lost interest. Sure, I loved writing a rant every few weeks, but when no one is paying attention, you begin to realize amusing yourself is a fairly uneventful experience. On the other hand, knowing you are presenting interesting thoughts and ideas that may generate discussion among your friends and strangers alike seems, in theory, to be a wonderful and exhilirating idea.

Fast forward 2 years, where social media continues to become more powerful every day. Now, the possibility of attracting readers to your blog becomes more attainable. Already I have sent a notice on both Facebook and Twitter, informing my friends and followers that I have started a new blog. Granted, a simple announcement of a new blog does not mean instant success. Most of the blogs I have read are written by people who either have a captive audience due to the website they write their blog on or who are famous. I am already starting at an extreme disadvantage as I am neither famous nor do I have a website that is regularly visited by thousands.

The only way I can hope to even attract one follower is to not only send continual reminders to encourage people to read my blog, but to write something that will capture the interest of my audience and entice them to continue to visit. This will be the ultimate test.

So, what can a reader of my blog have to look forward to? To be honest, I don't know. It depends on what lies ahead. What I can tell you, is that I'm not afraid to speak my mind. Whether it's a review of a new movie, a commentary on the state of our society, a rant about politics or anything else that might incense me enough to want pull out my soapbox and share my thoughts with the world, I will do so unabashed and uncensored.

If I can do this, with my humour intact, that may be enough to attract some followers and maybe create some interesting discussion along the way. I hope you will come along for the ride, and share your comments along the way, and hopefully we can enjoy the bumpy road of life together. And here we go. . .

Until next time,

Jon.