Directors' Report Cards: Halloween Edition (List 21)

[Lazario]

Based on an idea from the following threads
http://www.dvdizzy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4264 - where you'll find Steven Spielberg and George Lucas
and http://www.dvdizzy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6667 ,
this idea was popular for awhile at a few other forums I've been to. You simply copy and past the lists, and grade the films that you've seen on a scale of ? number out of 10 you feel they deserve (or you could do A-F grades; whatever). I'm going with a chunk of 5 at a time (because there are so many famous directors). If you feel like it, include a sentence that you feel explains your rating. If I've forgotten any movies, feel-free to add them yourself.


The Directors:


Brian DePalma:

Redacted (2007)
The Black Dahlia (2006)
Femme Fatale (2002)
Mission to Mars (2000)
Snake Eyes (1998)
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Carlito's Way (1993)
Raising Cain (1992)
The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)
Casualties of War (1989)
Bruce Springsteen music video - "Dancing in the Dark" (1989)
The Untouchables (1987)
Wise Guys (1986)
Body Double (1984)
Scarface (1983)
Blow Out (1981)
Dressed to Kill (1980)
Home Movies (1980)
The Fury (1978)
Carrie (1976)
Obsession (1976)
Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Sisters (1973)
Get to Know Your Rabbit (1972)
Hi, Mom! (1970)
Dionysus (1970)
The Wedding Party (1969)
Greetings (1968)
Murder à la Mod (1968)

-


Martin Scorcese:

Public Speaking (2010)
A Letter to Elia (2010)
Shutter Island (2010)
Shine a Light (2008)
The Departed (2006)
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)
The Aviator (2004)
Lady by the Sea: The Statue of Liberty (2004)
The Blues (2003)
Gangs of New York (2002)
Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
My Voyage to Italy (1999)
Kundun (1997)
Casino (1995)
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Cape Fear (1991)
Goodfellas (1990)
New York Stories (1989)
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Michael Jackson music video - "Bad" (1987)
The Color of Money (1986)
After Hours (1985)
The King of Comedy (1982)
Raging Bull (1980)
American Boy: A Profile of: Steven Prince (1978)
The Last Waltz (1978)
New York, New York (1977)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
Italianamerican (1974)
Mean Streets (1973)
Boxcar Bertha (1972)
Street Scenes (1970)
Who's That Knocking at My Door (1967)

-


Stanley Kubrick:

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
The Shining (1980)
Barry Lyndon (1975)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Lolita (1962)
Spartacus (1960)
Paths of Glory (1957)
The Killing (1956)
Killer's Kiss (1955)
Fear and Desire (1953)

-


Francis Ford Coppola:

Tetro (2009)
Youth Without Youth (2007)
The Rainmaker (1997)
Jack (1996)
Dracula (1992)
The Godfather: Part III (1990)
New York Stories (1989)
Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)
Gardens of Stone (1987)
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
The Cotton Club (1984)
Rumble Fish (1983)
The Outsiders (1983)
One from the Heart (1982)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
The Godfather: Part II (1974)
The Conversation (1974)
The Godfather (1972)
The Rain People (1969)
Finian's Rainbow (1968)
You're a Big Boy Now (1966)
Dementia 13 (1963)
Tonight for Sure (1963)
The Bellboy and the Playgirls (1962)
Battle Beyond the Sun (1960)

-


Woody Allen:

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010)
Whatever Works (2009)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Cassandra's Dream (2007)
Scoop (2006)
Match Point (2005)
Melinda and Melinda (2004)
Anything Else (2003)
Hollywood Ending (2002)
The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001)
Small Time Crooks (2000)
Sweet and Lowdown (1999)
Celebrity (1998)
Deconstructing Harry (1997)
Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
Mighty Aphrodite (1995)
Don't Drink the Water (1994)
Bullets Over Broadway (1994)
Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)
Husbands and Wives (1992)
Shadows and Fog (1991)
Alice (1990)
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
New York Stories (1989)
Another Woman (1988)
September (1987)
Radio Days (1987)
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
Broadway Danny Rose (1984)
Zelig (1983)
A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (1982)
Stardust Memories (1980)
Manhattan (1979)
Interiors (1978)
Annie Hall (1977)
Love and Death (1975)
Sleeper (1973)
Every Thing You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask (1972)
Bananas (1971)
Take the Money and Run (1969)
What's Up, Tiger Lily? (1966)

[Luke]

All scores out of 10. Anything with a * means I need to see it again to reinforce the rating weight. Skipping DePalma because I haven't seen enough of his stuff.

Martin Scorsese:

Shutter Island (2010) - 9
Shine a Light (2008) - 7
The Departed (2006) - 6*
The Aviator (2004) - 7
Gangs of New York (2002) - 6*
Bringing Out the Dead (1999) - 7
Kundun (1997) - 4
Casino (1995) - 8
The Age of Innocence (1993) - 5*
Cape Fear (1991) - 7
Goodfellas (1990) - 9
New York Stories (1989) - 6
The Color of Money (1986) - 7
After Hours (1985) - 7
The King of Comedy (1982) - 8
Raging Bull (1980) - 8
New York, New York (1977) - 5
Taxi Driver (1976) - 8
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) - 7
Italianamerican (1974)
Mean Streets (1973) - 7
Who's That Knocking at My Door (1967) - 5

Stanley Kubrick:

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - 5
Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 7
The Shining (1980) - 8
Barry Lyndon (1975) - 6
A Clockwork Orange (1971) - 3
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - 8
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) - 5*
Lolita (1962) - 7
Spartacus (1960) - 5*
Paths of Glory (1957) - 8
The Killing (1956) - 7*

Francis Ford Coppola:

Tetro (2009) - 7
Youth Without Youth (2007) - 6
The Rainmaker (1997) - 7
Jack (1996) - 7
Dracula (1992) - 5
The Godfather: Part III (1990) - 7
New York Stories (1989) - 6
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) - 6
One from the Heart (1982) - 7
Apocalypse Now (1979) - 9
The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 10
The Conversation (1974) - 9
The Godfather (1972) - 10
Finian's Rainbow (1968) - 7
"Faerie Tale Theatre": Rip Van Winkle (1987) - 8

[Goliath]

Okay, I'll play. I will only rate movies that I've seen, and I'll rate them on a scale from 1-10.


Brian DePalma:

The Black Dahlia (2006)- 5.5
Pretty bad film, unintentionally hilarious at times, and a huge disappointment, but made bearable by Scarlett Johansson

Carlito's Way (1993)- 9
Terrific crime story with an excellent Al Pacino in one of his finest roles.

Bruce Springsteen music video - "Dancing in the Dark" (1989)- 7
It's nice, but is it anything special? Okay, besides Courtney Cox?

The Untouchables (1987)- 8
As far as I remember pretty impressive crime drama, with the iconic stairway scene borrowed from 'Battleship Potemkin'

Scarface (1983)- 8
Too bad too many wanna-be gangsters still see Tony Montana as an example, while De Palma makes it very clear the chacter is deplorable and should be condemned. Excellent Pacino.

Greetings (1968)- 5
Disappointing; first screen appearance of Robert de Niro. Promising premise, poor execution.

-

Martin Scorcese:

The Departed (2006)- 6
Acceptable film, but nowhere near Oscar-worthy. They just gave him one because she should've gotten one 20 years ago. Watch the original 'Infernal Affairs' instead of this tame Hollywoodization.

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)- 7.5
Good exploration of the formative years of one of the all time greatest and most influential musicians. Still, a bit too formulaic and not really surprising.

Casino (1995)- 7
Too long. And a repetition of 'Goodfellas'. Sharon Stone and De Niro are amazing, though. Pesci on automatic pilot.

Cape Fear (1991)- 8
Strong, dark, disturbing psychological thriller.

Goodfellas (1990)- 8
Nobody does a gangster movie like Scorsese with De Niro and Pesci.

Raging Bull (1980)- 9
Absolute masterpiece. Eternal shame on the Academy for not giving him the Oscar for Best Film/Best Director or Best Actor for De Niro.

Taxi Driver (1976)- 7.5
A bit overrated, but still impressive.

Mean Streets (1973)- 6.5
Interesting start for De Niro and Keitel, but couldn't hold my attention all the way through.

-

Stanley Kubrick:

Full Metal Jacket (1987)- 7
A mixed bag. Brilliant first half, mediocre second half. But I suspect I'm not saying anything original with that remark.

The Shining (1980)- 8.5
One of the best psychological thrillers of all time, and Nicholson's best role ever.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)- 3
Most overrated piece of drivel in American cinematographic history

Spartacus (1960)- 7
Very standard, but entertaining historical spectacle.

-

Francis Ford Coppola:


The Godfather: Part III (1990)- 8.5
Much better than it's given credit for. A worthy closure of the trilogy. Fitting ending of Michael Corleone's lifestory. And dare I say it? Sofia was pretty good in it.

Apocalypse Now (1979)- 8.5
Based on Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', this film not only lets us see the madness and savagery of war, but it's also a journey into the darkest corners of the human soul.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)- 10
Seldom has a more perfect picture been made. Everything about this masterpiece is right. Special kudos to Robert de Niro who, in his first big role, blows us away.

The Godfather (1972)- 10
The greatest movie of all time; one that redefined cinema foreverm and influence pop culture on a scale never been seen before or after.

-

Woody Allen:


Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)- 7.5
You have to be in the right mood to appreciate this nice little tale. But any film with both Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz can't go wrong, and their kiss, however short, is great.

Scoop (2006)- 5
After 'Match Point', a huge disappointment, mainly because of Woody Allen, the actor, himself. Annoying.

Match Point (2005)- 8
Intruiging story and more than a few memorable scenes with, again, Scarlett.


That was fun!

[Lazario]

Brian DePalma:

Snake Eyes (1998) - 5
I must have been really bored when I checked this out because I just don't do action-thrillers (made the rule sometime in 2004 maybe). I didn't know DePalma directed this. Anyway, I walked away remembering something about a blimp, Nic Cage being over-the-top (and is hence why I haven't watched one of his awful films since this / walked out of Adaptation when I was given a free pass to go see it), and Meredith Brooks' "Sin City." Good song.

Raising Cain (1992) - 3.5
A psychological thriller with John Lithgow talking to himself. I trust I needn't say more. Notable for the famous borrow from Argento's Tenebre at the end (WAY TO GO, D.P.!!). Lolita Davidovich is quite good, however. As are the very horror-like dream sequences.

The Untouchables (1987) - 9
Since I almost never do action-thrillers (and am sincerely pissed when a film is advertised as a horror film and they give us an action-thiller, I made note of this in the "Last Movie You Watched" threads after seeing Splinter and the French film Ils/Them), I found this one remarkable. A good thriller (like a good night at Studio 54, I imagine) leaves you with nothing to say afterward.

Scarface (1983) - walked out (since I was too young to see it in theaters, this phrase shall also be used on occasions where I either removed the tape or changed the channel)

Blow Out (1981) - 6.5
I'm due for a re-watch since this is getting the Criterion treatment very soon (thanks Horror Digital, aka- "horrordvds.com," for the news) but it was boring unless somebody was being stalked. Though I really love Nancy Allen, so she had my heart a bit here. Found her vulnerability touching (though again, that could change on a re-watch).

Dressed to Kill (1980) - 7.5
SERIOUSLY due for a re-watch. I've had the DVD for 2 years now and I haven't re-watched the blasted thing.

The Fury (1978) - 6
Seriously overrated. As a thriller, the FX are hokey and so much time is wasted on action-action that by the time there's human-action, I didn't care about anyone. Short of Carrie Snodgress (the hoarse-voiced old gal from Wild Things who looked after Neve Campbell's character), playing the Betty Buckley replacement-mother role from Carrie. Also, too many Carrie actors. I had a hard time accepting them as new characters when there's no way they're going to be able to outdo their work in Carrie. Though I really loved seeing Piranha's Melody Scott Thomas in a small role. But it does have a few moments. Andrew Stevens' pole vaulting being the most memorable for me. And you can't go wrong with amusement park ride carnage. This scene however ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwphnDT8nyY ) actually comes really close to tapping into some of Carrie's glory.

Carrie (1976) - 10
Among the Top 5 Greatest Horror Films of All-Time. It is a must-see. Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie give 2 of the strongest performances in the genre, and the material is a highly-personal, touching, HEART-BREAKING portrayal of the evils of religion. Can't say enough on behalf of this cinematic masterpiece. Proof that the horror genre is valid, if not the most important of all genres. The famous Prom scene may be the greatest sequence in the whole of motion picture history. And Pino Donaggio's score one of the genre's best. In fact: kick yourself for me if you haven't seen this, horror fan or not. SEE IT!

Sisters (1973) - 7
Jennifer Salt makes her half of this movie (the much longer one) feel like a poke at what she represents. She belongs in a Larry Cohen film (and damn if she isn't Kathleen Lloyd's long-lost twin sister). It's a good mystery and contains a few shocking horror scenes (the cake stabbing is still one of the most brutal I've ever seen), but I was expecting something else. Margot Kidder, as usual, is to-die-for. Love the oh-so-Canadian orange coats, cushions, clothings (a 70's specialty, Cronenberg loves him some of this). Oh, and the Spray Woman - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6ldArrUCIU - rules ("That's how I got so sick- SOMEONE CALLED ME ON THE TELEPHONE!!!").

-

Stanley Kubrick:

The Shining (1980) - 7
Obviously, as a horror film, you can barely beat this film's camerawork and atmosphere even though Evil Dead comes close and Argento was doing this kind of thing since '69. So, the high marks from me go to these departments. Also, Scatman Crothers is creepy as hell (unintentionally?) and I think Shelley Duvall gives the movie's best performance. There's no way she can go over-the-top... Jack Nicholson on the other hand, nearly turns this thing into a laughable freakshow, inspiring bad psycho traits in cinema for decades to come. "Watch me wiggle my tongue and babytalk a couple lines- that'll really chill you." No, Jack. It didn't. He's the wrong kind of believable madman: the one who's so screwed up that he can't function properly (notice how he has to sneak up on the only person he's able to kill).

-

Francis Ford Coppola:

Dracula (1992) - 6.5
I re-watch this film regularly enough, but it jumps out of my brain. I can't remember almost any of it. Well, I do remember that visually, it's probably the best looking Classic horror film ever made (pre-radical mid-to-late 60's: pre-Polanski's Rosemary's Baby and pre-Hershell Gordon Lewis gore flicks). Too bad we had to wait until '92 to see it. Edgar Wright (of Shaun of the Dead and now, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World) said Coppola ripped-off Evil Dead's groundbreaking camerawork for this film and I'm inclined to believe him. The acting is problematic as well- mixing Anthony Hopkins and Gary Oldman with Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves (who just can't get a grip on those accents to save their lives) is trouble. As far as the essentials- the film delivers horror, doesn't skimp on blood and gore, gets a couple good jumps in, and Sadie Frost stops the entire show more than once. Sensuality is so important to the intimacy factor of horror genre and when you have an actress (or actor) who just exudes it without having to take their clothes off, it's a marvel.

Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) - 6.5
I don't remember well enough and I was a dumb kid when I saw it, but I remember being unimpressed and doubt I'll feel like re-watching again.

The Godfather (1972) - 2
There are a million ways I could say this, and expound upon all the why's. But I'll go for the most direct one: it's boring. It's too long. It's too talky. I don't care for the subject matter. I don't care about the characters. I can't watch the film again now, I have to wait until I've seen a single Martin Scorcese film first.



John Marley is the guy from the famous horse-head scene... It's worth mentioning that he is actually in Bob Clark's masterpiece Deathdream (aka- Dead of Night, and, The Night Andy Came Home). Another 10 and essential viewing whether you're a horror fan or not. (Yes, that's the most positive thing I can muster when Godfather is mentioned.)

[jpanimation]

Wow, I thought I was a fan of film but Luke puts me to shame. Anyways, I'll give these movies numbered ratings where I can but since the majority of them need re-watching, the ratings I assign shouldn't be taken too seriously. Here we go:

Brian DePalma:

Mission to Mars (2000) -
I remember seeing this when I was younger, back when it first came out and I remember not really caring for it at all

Mission: Impossible (1996) -
I also saw this when I was younger, back when it first came out, and I don't remember much about beyond it's mediocrity

Carlito's Way (1993) - 8
What can I say, I watched The Godfather, Donnie Brasko, and this movie all in one sitting and have been a Pacino fan ever since

Bruce Springsteen music video - "Dancing in the Dark" (1989) -
Just watched it on YouTube, it was average (outside the young Courtney Cox cameo)

The Untouchables (1987) - 7.5
Pretty good movie. Costner reads his lines as always but I think what stuck with me the most was was the stand out score by Ennio Morricone

Scarface (1983) 7
A re-imagining of the original Howard Hawks film and much better. Too bad this film has been ruined for me with the way it's been infused into pop culture

Carrie (1976) - 6
Didn't care for it

Martin Scorcese:

Shutter Island (2010) - 7
Nice direction, acting but mediocre story

The Departed (2006) - 7
I remember this being fairly average, not Oscar worthy

The Aviator (2004) - 6
Didn't care for it.

Gangs of New York (2002) - 7
I saw this one a while back. Mediocre movie but I loved Daniel Day-Lewis it it

Casino (1995) - 7.5
I remember liking this but feeling it was too long

Cape Fear (1991) - 6.5
I liked the original better and I really didn't like the original that much

Goodfellas (1990) - 8
I remember really liking this but feeling it didn't hold up to it's IMDB reputation

The Color of Money (1986) - 5.5
Big disappointment, it's a crappy sequel to a good movie, The Hustler

Raging Bull (1980) - 7.5
Good movie with absolutely fantastic acting. It could get a little slow at times

New York, New York (1977) - 5.5
I don't remember liking this at all

Taxi Driver (1976) - 7
Pretty good but not as good as it's rep

Mean Streets (1973) - 6.5
Just alright, nothing special


Stanley Kubrick:

Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 5
Great first half, crappy second half

The Shining (1980) - 6.5
Great atmosphere but didn't really care for it

Barry Lyndon (1975) -
I want to see this lol

A Clockwork Orange (1971) - 6
Alright but fairly ridiculous. Does everyday violence become ultra violence when you wear a diaper on the outside of your clothes?

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - 5
Nice visual effects but being long, vague, and boring doesn't make a masterpiece (well, it does if you invent hidden meanings that don't actually exist)

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) - 7
I remember seeing this movie and Fail-Safe at the same time and not really caring for either (for those reading who don't already know, they're the same movie that came out the same year, except one is a strait up drama and the other is a satire). I appreciate it more each time I view it and I really love Peter Sellers in it (excellently portrays 3 characters). I was listening to a talk show where they started going on about how this is the funniest movie of all time, so I watched it on that recommendation and you can't help but be disappointed (especially with it's IMDB rating). It's alright but not the comedic genius most will let on

Lolita (1962) - 6.5
It was alright, nothing special, so I'm not sure why it's so popular

Spartacus (1960) - 7
Pretty good. It's a precursor to all the movies of this type, like Gladiator, so I guess we can thank Kubrick for that

Paths of Glory (1957) - 8
Best anti-war movie ever

The Killing (1956) - 7.5
I remember liking this more then The Asphault Jungle (both good movies that I watched at the same time) but it's been a while

Francis Ford Coppola:

Jack (1996) - 6
Typical Robin Williams 90s movie

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - 5
Coppola says when his movies are completely faithful to the source material, he puts the author's name above the movie title. I guess I'm not a fan of the Bram Stroker source material

Mario Puzo's The Godfather: Part III (1990) - 7
Seriously not as bad as people let on

The Outsiders (1983) - 6.5
Interesting if only for the number of future stars in it. Well, it was sort of good

Apocalypse Now (1979) - 7
I don't remember really caring for this movie as much as I thought I would. I know this one definitely requires a re-watch (looking to rent the Blu)

Mario Puzo's The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 8
Good movie but not as good as the first

The Conversation (1974) - 6.5
It was alright but I'm not sure why people like this movie about paranoia

Mario Puzo's The Godfather (1972) - 9
It's as good as they say

Woody Allen:

Manhattan (1979) - 7.5
After Annie Hall I swore off Woody Allen forever but when flipping through the channels I caught a black and white New York with Gershwin playing over it. It was so charming that I watched it and surprisingly liked it.

Annie Hall (1977) - 5.5
How the fuck did this win best picture? It's a comedy yet I was about to pop a blood vessel trying to laugh. Dull and lifeless, it was a horrible intro to Woody Allen and the Academy Awards led to that. Luckily I gave him a second shot with Manhattan, so I know he doesn't completely suck

Overall, I haven't seen a great many of these movies as I try not not waste time watching movies that are notoriously bad (only the ones with good reputation). The directors chosen here are very uneven as it seems for every great movie they made, they would make two or three bad ones. I look forward to some more consistent directors like Alfred Hitchcock, William Wyler, Billy Wilder, James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Sergio Leone, Charlie Chaplin, Akira Kurosawa or Hayao Miyazaki. Some other interesting directors are Frank Capra, Buster Keaton, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Fritz Lang, Howard Hawks, John Ford, Peter Jackson, Michael Mann and the Coen brothers. Two of my favorites are Jason Reitman and Frank Darabont, but they haven't really done that much.

[Lazario]

The Untouchables (1987) - 7.5
Pretty good movie. Costner reads his lines as always

I was going to mention Costner but you did it better.

Carrie (1976) - 6
Didn't care for it

Neither did I the first time. I've seen it 6 more times at least since. It's as good as I say.

Overall, I haven't seen a great many of these movies as I try not not waste time watching movies that are notoriously bad (only the ones with good reputation). The directors chosen here are very uneven as it seems for every great movie the made, they would make two or three bad ones. I look forward to some more consistent directors like Alfred Hitchcock, William Wyler, Billy Wilder, James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Sergio Leone, Charlie Chaplin, Akira Kurosawa or Hayao Miyazaki. Some other interesting directors are Frank Capra, Buster Keaton, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Fritz Lang, Howard Hawks, John Ford, Peter Jackson, Michael Mann and the Coen brothers. Two of my favorites are Jason Reitman and Frank Darabont, but they haven't really done that much.

Almost every single one of them was on my list. As for when they'll turn up, I was really hoping this topic would take-off. It hasn't. Which is surprising since the two topics linked at the top were very popular I believe.

[Avaitor]

I wanted to go into reasons why I ranked each movie, but I'm crushed for time and want to get these in before you pick the next set, Laz. I'll try to edit my post later.

Also, I'm not counting music videos, even though I've seen them.

Brian DePalma:

Mission: Impossible (1996)- 5.5 Been a while, need to rewatch. Average from what I remember though
The Untouchables (1987)- 8.5 Damn fine crime picture. Great acting all cross the board


Martin Scorcese:

The Departed (2006)- 6.5 I thought the acting was solid, but I do agree that it's far from Scorcese's best
Goodfellas (1990)- 10 Now this, though, is Scorcese at his best. So much great dialogue and acting to be found
Raging Bull (1980)- 9.5 Classic. De Niro deserves all the praise he got
Taxi Driver (1976)- 9 Another classic with another great De Niro performance


Stanley Kubrick:

Full Metal Jacket (1987)- 8.5 I agree with the first act>the second, but the first act is just that entertaining to me
The Shining (1980)- 9.5 Great horror
A Clockwork Orange (1971)- 10 To me, this contains the best qualities of Kubrick in one picture. An all-time favorite of mine
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)- 5.5 Parts of it are great, and HAL is a great villain. But it's. Just. So. Fucking. SLOW. I'm being generous here.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)- 8.5 Good black comedy, but it takes a repeat viewing or two to really appreciate it
The Killing (1956)- 7.5 Solid film noir. I enjoy the odd narrative focus


Francis Ford Coppola:

Jack (1996)- 3.5 Ugh
The Outsiders (1983)- 6 Love the book, but the movie doesn't do it much justice. It's interesting to see it now, considering how big most of the actors in it became, though
Apocalypse Now (1979)- 9 Great, if not perfect, war pic. Brando's performance it makes it
The Godfather: Part II (1974)- 10 And this is one of the great sequels
The Godfather (1972)- 10 Sorry Laz, but this is one of the greats

Woody Allen:

Annie Hall (1977)- 9 Funny and sweet romantic comedy. Christopher Walken's scene is probably the best part of the whole picture

Wow, I've seen shockingly few of these movies. I need to change that soon.

[Lazario]

The Directors:


Alfred Hitchcock:

Family Plot (1976)
Frenzy (1972)
Topaz (1969)
Torn Curtain (1966)
Marnie (1964)
The Birds (1963)
Psycho (1960)
North by Northwest (1959)
Vertigo (1958)
The Wrong Man (1956)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Rear Window (1954)
Dial M for Murder (1954)
I Confess (1953)
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Stage Fright (1950)
Under Capricorn (1949)
Rope (1948)
The Paradine Case (1947)
Notorious (1946)
Spellbound (1945)
Lifeboat (1944)
Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Saboteur (1942)
Suspicion (1941)
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)
Foreign Correspondent (1940)
Rebecca (1940)
Jamaica Inn (1939)
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
The Girl Was Young (1937)
Sabotage (1936)
Secret Agent (1936)
The 39 Steps (1935)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
Strauss' Great Waltz (1934)
Number 17 (1932)
East of Shanghai (1931)
Mary (1931)
The Skin Game (1931)
Murder! (1930)
The Shame of Mary Boyle (1930)
Blackmail (1929)
The Manxman (1929)
Champagne (1928)
Easy Virtue (1928)
The Farmer's Wife (1928)
When Boys Leave Home (1927)
The Ring (1927)
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)
Fear o' God (1926)
The Pleasure Garden (1925)

-


Spike Lee:

Passing Strange (2009)
Miracle at St. Anna (2008)
M.O.N.Y. (2007)
Inside Man (2006)
Sucker Free City (2004)
She Hate Me (2004)
25th Hour (2002)
Jim Brown: All American (2002)
A Huey P. Newton Story (2001)
Bamboozled (2000)
The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)
Summer of Sam (1999)
Pavarotti & Friends 99 for Guatemala and Kosovo (1999)
Freak (1998)
He Got Game (1998)
4 Little Girls (1997)
Michael Jackson music video - "They Don't Care About Us" (1997)
Get on the Bus (1996)
Girl 6 (1996)
Lumière and Company (1995)
Clockers (1995)
Crooklyn (1994)
Malcolm X (1992)
Jungle Fever (1991)
Mo' Better Blues (1990)
Do the Right Thing (1989)
School Daze (1988)
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads (1983)
Sarah (1981)

-


David Cronenberg:

Eastern Promises (2007)
A History of Violence (2005)
Spider (2002)
eXistenZ (1999)
Crash (1996)
M. Butterfly (1993)
Naked Lunch (1991)
Dead Ringers (1988)
The Fly (1986)
The Dead Zone (1983)
Videodrome (1982)
Scanners (1981)
The Brood (1979)
Fast Company (1978)
Rabid (1977)
They Came from Within (aka- Shivers) (1975)
Jim Ritchie Sculptor (1971)
Tourettes (1971)
Letter from Michelangelo (1971)
Crimes of the Future (1970)
Stereo (1969)

-


James Cameron:

Avatar (2009)
Aliens of the Deep (2005)
Expedition: Bismarck (2002)
Earthship.TV (2001)
Titanic (1997)
True Lies (1994)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The Abyss (1989)
Aliens (1986)
The Terminator (1984)
Piranha Part Two: The Spawning (1981)

-


Robert Zemeckis:

A Christmas Carol (2009)
Beowulf (2007)
The Polar Express (2004)
Cast Away (2000)
What Lies Beneath (2000)
The 20th Century: The Pursuit of Happiness (1999)
Contact (1997)
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Back to the Future (1985)
Romancing the Stone (1984)
Used Cars (1980)
I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978)

[Avaitor]

Alfred Hitchcock:

Frenzy (1972)- tried months ago, gave up after the rape scene. On my Netflix queue since it's due for a second chance
Marnie (1964)- on my Netflix queue
The Birds (1963)- 8.5 An imperfect if wholy entertaining horror film. Questioning it would be pointless.
Psycho (1960)- 10 As close to perfect as Hollywood can get, imo
North by Northwest (1959)- 10 One of the all-time greatest thrills in movies. Arguably responsible for the modern blockbuster more than any other movie
Vertigo (1958)- 9 A little overrated, but repeat viewings are kind to it. Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak are great, and you can feel Hitch's emotions during the edgier parts
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)- 8.5 Can't compare to the original since I haven't seen it yet (been stalling most of Hitch's British films), but I enjoyed this one alright
The Trouble with Harry (1955)- 9 Hitchcock does great black comedy, but this is the only straight film in that regard that he has done. A shame, since it's a mighty fine movie
Rear Window (1954)- 10 Undisputable classic
Dial M for Murder (1954)- 9.5 The ending has pretty much everything I like about Hitchcock's work in one scene. The rest of the movie is a classic as well
Strangers on a Train (1951)- 10 Even though Raymond Chandler didn't contribute much to the script at the end of the day, his fingerprints are present enough here. A personal favorite of mine
Rope (1948)- on my Netflix queue
The Paradine Case (1947)- 5.5 Snoozefest, some fine acting aside
Notorious (1946)- 8.5 Great romantic thriller with an outstanding performance by Cary Grant. I liked Ingrid Bergman's performance as well for the most part, but to me, it seems like her drunk rambling was a little forced. That's one of the only things knocking it down for me
Spellbound (1945) - on my Netflix queue
Saboteur (1942)- 8 Highly enjoyable, if average by Hitch's standards thriller. The Statue of Liberty scene alone saves it
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)- 5.5 If you want proof that Hitchcock can do wrong, watch this. screwball comedys are not his forte at all.
Rebecca (1940)- 10 Hitch nails it out of the park with his first American film. Completely deserving of the Best Picture award.
The 39 Steps (1935)- 9 The only British film of Hitchcock's that I've seen. Highly enjoyable, too. I need to change that soon

Spike Lee:

Do the Right Thing (1989)- 8 A well-made movie, but watching it made me hate everyone. I think that was Spike Lee's intentions.

David Cronenberg:

Eastern Promises (2007)- 7.5 Solid, but didn't leave much of an impression on me. Enough good to give it a decent rating though.
The Fly (1986)- 9 A classic, if horrifying, remake
Scanners (1981)- 8 Freaky. All I can say

James Cameron:

Avatar (2009)- 6 Completely mediocre in every way in terms of story and execution, but damn if the visuals weren't impressive. Would have been a 5 if it wasn't for them.
True Lies (1994)- 8 Shallow if fun blockbuster. Arnold and Jamie Lee Curtis have good chemistry together and I had a few laughs and got a few of thrills out of it. Not something that left a big impression on me, but entertaining enough.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)- 9 Another great sequel, about equal to the first one for me
Aliens (1986)- 10 One of the best sequels ever, bar none
The Terminator (1984)- 9 It really is a great one

Robert Zemeckis:

Beowulf (2007)- 4.5 Meh. Saw it with my then girlfriend and didn't really enjoy it. The poem isn't a favorite either, but this doesn't do it justice
Forrest Gump (1994) (which Laz forgot for some reason)- 6 Some scenes really work, but a lot of the movie is wholly pretentious and just stupid to me. Why this beat Pulp Fiction for Best Picture, I'll never know.
Back to the Future Part III (1990)- 8.5 The weakest of the trilogy, but that still doesn't mean much. One of the best trilogies ever
Back to the Future Part II (1989)- 9 A little dark in comparison to the first, but still a great follow-up
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)- 10 As a big fan of animation, I love just about every detail of this movie
Back to the Future (1985)- 9.5 Tons of fun, a movie I never tire of

[Escapay]

All are out of 10, and only for films I've seen in the past 5 years. Films I've seen pre-2006 but haven't yet revisited I'll list with an n/a and not rank them, as I doubt my assessment then from so many years ago would match my assessment were I to revisit it now. Also, when multiple edits of a film exist, I'll try to give it different ranking, although some may have n/a as I haven't seen that particular edit.

Brian DePalma:

The Black Dahlia (2006) - 5
Mission to Mars (2000) - 7
Mission: Impossible (1996) - 8
The Untouchables (1987) - n/a
Scarface (1983) - n/a
Carrie (1976) - 9


Martin Scorcese:

A Letter to Elia (2010) - 8.5
The Departed (2006) - 8
The Aviator (2004) - 8
Gangs of New York (2002) - 8.5
Kundun (1997) - n/a
A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese through American Pictures (1995) - 8.5
Casino (1995) - n/a
The Age of Innocence (1993) - n/a
Cape Fear (1991) - 7.5
Goodfellas (1990) - 9
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988 ) - 9
The Color of Money (1986) - n/a
Raging Bull (1980) - 9
New York, New York (1977) - n/a (theatrical), 6.5 (director's cut)
Taxi Driver (1976) - 7
Mean Streets (1973) - 7.5


Stanley Kubrick:

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - 6.5
The Shining (1980) - n/a
A Clockwork Orange (1971) - 8
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968 ) - 8.5
Lolita (1962) - n/a
Spartacus (1960) - 9


Francis Ford Coppola:

The Rainmaker (1997) - n/a
Jack (1996) - 5
Dracula (1992) - n/a
The Godfather: Part III (1990) - 6
Rumble Fish (1983) - 8
The Outsiders (1983) - 7 (theatrical), 7.5 (complete novel)
Apocalypse Now (1979) - 8.5 (theatrical), 9 (redux)
The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 9
The Conversation (1974) - 7
The Godfather (1972) - 9
Finian's Rainbow (1968 ) - 7.5


Woody Allen:

Match Point (2005) - 6.5
Celebrity (1998 ) - 6
Everyone Says I Love You (1996) - 6.5
Mighty Aphrodite (1995) - 7.5
Bullets Over Broadway (1994) - n/a
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) - 8
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) - 8.5
Stardust Memories (1980) - 8
Manhattan (1979) - 8.5
Annie Hall (1977) - n/a
Sleeper (1973) - n/a


Alfred Hitchcock:

Family Plot (1976) - n/a
Frenzy (1972) - n/a
Topaz (1969) - n/a
Torn Curtain (1966) - 8.5
Marnie (1964) - 8.5
The Birds (1963) - 9.75
Psycho (1960) - 9.5
North by Northwest (1959) - 9.75
Vertigo (1958) - 9.75
The Wrong Man (1956) - 9
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) - 8.5
The Trouble with Harry (1955) - 9.5
To Catch a Thief (1955) - 6.5
Rear Window (1954) - 9.75
Dial M for Murder (1954) - 8.5
I Confess (1953) - 8.5
Strangers on a Train (1951) - 8 (US), 8.5 (UK)
Stage Fright (1950) - 9
Rope (1948) - 8.75
Notorious (1946) - 9.75
Spellbound (1945) - n/a
Lifeboat (1944) - 7.5
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) - 9.5
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941) - 8
Foreign Correspondent (1940) - 8
Rebecca (1940) - 9.75
The Lady Vanishes (1938) - 8
The 39 Steps (1935) - 8
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - n/a
Blackmail (1929) - n/a
Easy Virtue (1928) - 7
The Farmer's Wife (1928) - 6
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) - 7.5


Spike Lee:

Inside Man (2006) - 7.5
Malcolm X (1992) - n/a
Do the Right Thing (1989) - 8

David Cronenberg:

A History of Violence (2005) - 8
M. Butterfly (1993) - 8.5
Videodrome (1982) - 9


James Cameron:

Avatar (2009) - 8 (theatrical), n/a (extended 1), n/a (extended 2)
Titanic (1997) - 8 (theatrical), 8.5 (fan-made "Jack Edit", so shouldn't really count)
True Lies (1994) - 7
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - 8.5 (theatrical), 9 (special edition), 9 (special extended edition)
The Abyss (1989) - n/a
Aliens (1986) - 9.5 (theatrical), 9 (special edition)
The Terminator (1984) - 7.5


Robert Zemeckis: (strangely, my rankings give him a consistent downward trend...)

The Polar Express (2004) - 5
Cast Away (2000) - 6.5
What Lies Beneath (2000) - n/a
Contact (1997) - n/a
Forrest Gump (1994) - 7.5
Death Becomes Her (1992) - 8
Back to the Future Part III (1990) - 8
Back to the Future Part II (1989) - 8.5
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - 9.75
Back to the Future (1985) - 9.5
Romancing the Stone (1984) - 9.5 (yes, I think it's that good )


As for directors not yet listed but I want to see future lists/ranks for:

Robert Altman
Ingmar Bergman
Peter Bogdanovich
Catherine Breillat
Luis Buñuel
Jane Campion
George Cukor
Cecil B. DeMille
Samuel Fuller
Terry Gilliam
Merchant Ivory: James Ivory (dir), Ismail Merchant (prod), Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (scr)
Elia Kazan
Krzysztof Kieślowski
Stanley Kramer
David Lean
Ernst Lubitsch
David Lynch
Terence Malick
Louis Malle
The Archers: Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger
Otto Preminger
Nicholas Ray
Douglas Sirk
Josef von Sternberg
George Stevens
William Wellman
James Whale

albert

[jpanimation]

Once again, many need re-watching but here we go anyways:

Alfred Hitchcock:

Family Plot (1976) - 7
Not nearly as bad as people let on. I actually enjoyed it much more then I was expecting.

Frenzy (1972) - 7.5
Dubbed Hitchock's last great and it is, back to his roots with some actual suspenseful moments. Plus there is boobies.

Topaz (1969) - 6
Don't remember much about it.

Torn Curtain (1966) - 6
Would love to see this with the original Herrmann score.

Marnie (1964) - 6
The start of Hitchcock's downfall after a streak of classics. The whole red mystery just isn't very interesting.

The Birds (1963) - 8
This could've been laughable had any other director made it. The final shot is beautiful.

Psycho (1960) - 8.5
Hitchcock's last masterpiece. Everything just works soo well and I'm gripped every time I watch it.

North by Northwest (1959) - 8.5
The ultimate Hithcock film. The 39 Steps and Saboteur was Hitch just testing the water for this film and it's the prelude to all James Bond films (and much better IMO)

Vertigo (1958) - 7.5
I know I'll get a lot of hate for this but I don't rank this one as a masterpiece as many do but I still enjoyed it. Bernard Herrmann was certainly at the top of his game and proved his relationship with Hitch a fruitful one.

The Wrong Man (1956) - 7.5
Very different then your usual Hitchcock, as it was far more subdued and grounded in reality.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) - 7
Much better then the original but still not great.

The Trouble with Harry (1955) - 7
Hitchcock failed with Mr. & Mrs. Smith when he attempted strait up comedy, but luckily he found something that works, dark comedy.

To Catch a Thief (1955) - 7
A romantic caper in set in France that is a lot of fun.

Rear Window (1954) - 8.5
A masterpiece, all in one room and I love it. Thanks to Stewart and Hitch well feel all the right emotions and get sucked into this mystery.

Dial M for Murder (1954) - 8
I would love to see this one in 3D. Lets hope they cash-in on all the hype and Warner gives us a 3D Blu-Ray.

I Confess (1953) - 6.5
I can't remember too much about this one.

Strangers on a Train (1951) - 8
I love it. This is one of the classics he made that not many people know but it's just filled with iconic imagery.

Stage Fright (1950) - 6.5
I mainly remember Hitch leading us down the wrong path.

Under Capricorn (1949) - 5.5
Different. Some nice acting but not one of Hitch's best.

Rope (1948) - 7.5
Very well done. Shot in 10 takes and supposedly taking place in real time, I was surprised at how much this kept my attention.

The Paradine Case (1947) - 5.5
I just remember being REALLY bored. Apparently the film had a ton of stuff cut out and all that remains is this butchered version. I recommend Witness for the Prosecution or Anatomy of a Murder if you really want a classic courtroom drama.

Notorious (1946) - 8
Another Hitch romantic thriller, especially well made.

Spellbound (1945) - 7.5
Famous for it's Dali sequence, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this.

Lifeboat (1944) - 7.5
Another unknown classic, a bunch of people stuck on a lifeboat together as tension rises, mainly due to the Nazi they bring aboard, and obstacles need to be overcome. I remember being surprised by Canada Lee's character, who knocks out the African American stereotype, and provides for some pretty good acting. I was happy to see this in Body and Soul also.

Shadow of a Doubt (1943) - 8
An unknown classic that will have people thinking differently about their Uncle Charlie. The father is hilarious.

Saboteur (1942) - 7
Very underrated. Famous for the Statue of Libery finale and movie theater gun shots, Hitchcock was in his element with these wrong man chase flicks.

Suspicion (1941) - 7
Great suspense but should've stuck with the original ending.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941) - 5.5
One of the most boring comedies ever made.

Foreign Correspondent (1940) - 7.5
People need to know this film exists. Probably the most unknown of his unknown classics. The airplane climax still holds up extremely well.

Rebecca (1940) - 8
Hitchcock's first American picture, great talent, nicely done.

Jamaica Inn (1939) - 6
A goofy little pic about pirates that crash ships into the cove. Different.

The Lady Vanishes (1938) 7.5
Lots of mystery and suspense here, one of his best pre-Hollywood films.

The Girl Was Young (1937) -
Can't remember much about this one.

Sabotage (1936) -
Can't remember much about this one.

Secret Agent (1936) -
Can't remember much about this one.

The 39 Steps (1935) - 7.5
Hitchcock's first major wrong man chase flick, and a good one at that. Donat in the lead and we get a taste of the wonderful sexual tension Hitch would throw in other movies.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - 6.5
Not very good, I thought Peter Lorre gave a weak performance (especially after M) and I just wasn't interested.

Strauss' Great Waltz (1934) -
Can't remember much about this one.

Number 17 (1932) -
Can't remember much about this one.

Spike Lee:

Inside Man (2006) - 6.5
Lots of great actors but just an OK heist flick.

Do the Right Thing (1989) - 7.5
I thought it was pretty good, depicts racism from all corners, but not AFI top 100 good.

David Cronenberg:

Eastern Promises (2007) - 7
Where the fuck is part two? The whole movie feels incomplete.

A History of Violence (2005) - 7
Great action and interesting story.

The Fly (1986) - 7
Like The Thing, a re-imagining, not a remake. Great score by Howard Shore and wonderful atmosphere throughout the entire movie.

James Cameron:

Avatar (2009) - 7
Alright but effects driven and cliched beyond belief.

Titanic (1997) - 7.5
I guess I like this more then most people.

True Lies (1994) - 7
Pretty good Arnold action vehicle.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - 8
Not often do sequels hold up so well against the originals. Very good companion piece.

The Abyss (1989) - 7
A little slow paced. It was good until the aliens showed up.

Aliens (1986) - 8
Great sequel, tried something entirely new from the original by emphasizing action instead of suspense/thriller.

The Terminator (1984) - 8
Great sci-fi flick. Great use of time travel. Great use of robotic actor. Holds up well.

Robert Zemeckis:

A Christmas Carol (2009) - 6.5
Faithful but lifeless adaption.

Beowulf (2007) - 6
Doesn't hold up against the original poem.

The Polar Express (2004) - 6.5
Animation is horrible but the movie is alright. I love the score by Alan Silvestri.

Cast Away (2000) - 6.5
A three part movie, the final part just seems to overstay it's welcome.

What Lies Beneath (2000) - 6.5
It's been a while since I've seen this one.

Contact (1997) - 7
Great buildup but the ending doesn't deliver.

Forrest Gump (1994) - 7
Nice enough but feels stuffed with self-indulgent scenes.

Back to the Future Part III (1990) - 7.5
A good ending to the trilogy.

Back to the Future Part II (1989) - 7.5
This was my favorite as a kid for the future scene.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - 8
GREAT animation and interesting premise. I like it.

Back to the Future (1985) - 8.5
The movie that everybody loves (unless you're dead inside and out).

Romancing the Stone (1984) -
Oddly enough, I've never seen this.

[Lazario]

Alfred Hitchcock:

The Birds (1963) - 10
Probably the first classic era horror film that really wowed me. Shockingly visceral. Incredible tension and dread. Sophisticated acting. Creepy shots. Even giving this a 7 or 8 as most IMDb'ers probably do makes this movie underrated somehow. This is probably one of the reasons Jaws has never interested me, nor has any other horror film or thriller about killer animals.

Psycho (1960) - 7
The death scenes are fun. The Lila and Sam stuff isn't fun. And, though I've never been able to say I stayed completely awake during the car buying scene (there's something about that scene that really makes the movie drag for me), all the Marion Crane scenes are excellent examples of casual tension. I go crazy for the whole "I declare" scene. Don't know what it is about that, always been one of my favorite scenes in cinema history. And I'm not a big fan of classic movies (pre-late '60s). The only reason I'm giving it 7 (which must look pretty low to most of you) is because Lila for me just brings the movie down. I mean, most people here still don't know who Dario Argento is and he's the ultimate word in that kind of detective work, let's hunt for clues thing. And for over 20 years in his career everyone called him "The Italian Hitchcock." I can't in good cinematic conscience forget the house hunting (inside and out) scenes throughout Deep Red when people talk Hitchcock. No disrespect, but that's why the last 38% of Psycho is a little less than everyone gives it credit for. It's a 9.5 movie until Lila comes in, then it's a 5. Naturally, about 3.5 of that is Anthony Perkins and the remaining 1.5 is Bernard Herrmann.

Vertigo (1958) - n/a
I stopped the movie after the first 40 minutes, I believe. The only reason I'm stopping here to mention it is that I just had to say: the opening scene is one of the greatest laughs I've ever had watching movies. When the cop falls off the roof. I laughed so hard, I almost called 911.

The Trouble with Harry (1955) - 10
Just watched this 2 months ago and loved it. Now, just because I don't give Disney much credit for story does not mean I'm an idiot who doesn't want it in any movie. But even here, you have to see that a story won't work unless you like the characters and the dialogue is clever. I got a couple really good laughs and completely enjoyed myself.

-

Spike Lee:

Summer of Sam (1999) - 1
I don't know if this is Spike Lee's only white movie but it's garbage. Plain and simple. Sadly, it's also the only one I've seen the whole way through (caught pieces of Jungle Fever - worth seeing for Samuel L. Jackson, by the way - and Do the Right Thing, though I would have seen Girl 6 if the tape I rented hadn't been screwed up).

-

David Cronenberg:

Naked Lunch (1991) - 7
I'm working my way to warming up to this. I talked about this movie a few months ago; my first reaction was that it felt inauthentic as a movie about a gay man's life (thanks to the audio commentary, I know Burroughs wants to be referred to as "queer," not gay). But, just for the supporting cast alone (and Judy Davis, who steals every show she's in, doesn't she?), this is worth giving another look. Even after the first one where it seems Cronenberg cared more about the typewriter's asshole than he did the emotions of the characters. It seems Bill, Joan, his friends, her friends, and the folks from Interzone aren't very emotional people.

Dead Ringers (1988) - 6
It's too bad more people here haven't seen this movie. Getting other people's opinions on it would be infinitely more rewarding than actually sitting through the movie. It livens up considerably when Irons becomes an addict. But, it's a cold and frigid movie that could have been darker as well as nastier and fun. It's just slow and dull. Credit where it's due- the acting is impeccable and sure, the writing is probably clever. But as an experience, it's a classy movie about subject matter that is in fact crude as hell (and I'm talking about the characters' attitudes to their profession, not so much the profession itself). I'd rather see what someone like Stuart Gordon would do with this material than Cronenberg.

The Fly (1986) - 8
I admit, this is a very drab, relentlessly ugly, and cold (Cronenberg's specialty) film. But this time, I think he really did tap into some true emotion. Geena Davis is all the warmth and humor you need, you just feel for her immediately and, hell- anyone she cares about. Howard Shore's music is also much sweeter here than you typically get in Cronenberg country. This movie's reputation now is probably all: well, I didn't care for it, but Jeff Goldblum was great. Yeah, he is. But despite the coldness, the movie really achieves everything it sets out to do. So well actually, I think you have to keep a distance or else things like the inside-out scene will be too much to take (still one of the nastiest things ever put onscreen in the history of the horror genre).

The Dead Zone (1983) - 7.5
Again, too cold. There's a love story here that needs to be warmed up (although it's also a doomed love, so perhaps that's appropriate). But the psyhic character has passions and cares for others that are hard to feel through the ice of this movie. However, the reason it gets that high a rating is because it's one of Cronenberg's most important films for the political plot that takes the whole thing over at the last 20 or so minutes. Perfect example of a Bush type operation. For once, you really see the evil in a politician's behavior. True evil. Greater than a whole fleet of Damiens or Frollos. Etc.

Videodrome (1982) - 9
Cronenberg's best film. I could talk for hours about this one. It doesn't always grab you, but that's not why I'm giving it a 9. Sadly, there's one moment so bad it's worth losing a whole number for (the Medici presentation dance number - OH MY GOD!). It's an absolutely groundbreaking view of the use of the media, and like a great deal of Cronenberg's films- really predicted something horrible to come in the world (like Dead Zone did with Bush & Cheney, this film does with Fox News). It's a sci-fi horror film about multiple forms of mind control, which is a really silly idea in most films to come before this. But: then, this film came. This is the 2nd winner of my "Kick Yourself if You Haven't Seen It" award. See it.

Scanners (1981) - 1
The one thing this film has to offer that The Fury can't: a punch in the gut. But this feels like Cronenberg's just pissed off at the world and wants us all to pay for it. Maybe I didn't get it, but the only thing this makes me fear is that I did.

The Brood (1979) - 6.5
The ending is stupid and the psychoplasmics stuff is relegated to unimpressive gross-out shots. But the theme of childhood trauma / deep-seeded issues with domestic abuse people carry with them into adulthood is fascinating. Ultimately it evens out with the classic image of the deformed midgets in snowsuits and a terrific cast.

Rabid (1977) - 8
I've never been able to explain this one, but the idea alone is extraordinary. Woman is saved from fatal motorcycle accident by plastic surgeons who somehow turn her into a vampire. Her "bite" (from a stinger needle tooth in her armpit) then turns into a nation-wide epidemic that results in martial law and zombies who foam at the mouth. Sounds crazy, but it's an excellent film. Absolutely one of Cronenberg's best. The cast,

They Came from Within (aka- Shivers) (1975) - 1.5
Wants to be Night of the Living Dead only with a sexual parasite traveling from host to host (which is supposed to be a stand-in for pre-80's AIDS) instead of a zombie plague. Good enough idea and the music is good, the look of the movie is plenty creepy, and hey: Barbara Steele. If you're a straight film fan who loves classic film vixens and you don't know who she is, you've been robbed. However, this film is slower than hell, boring, and lacks the hard kind of realism you get from the likes of 28 Days Later (a much better film, even if it's not about a sexual plague). You see people being attacked and yet the only moment where you feel it is a car crash in the parking lot. A torture film where the torture is sitting through it. Also, the acting is fairly awful from more than half the main cast. Just watch George Romero's The Crazies instead.

-

James Cameron:

Titanic (1997) - 3.5
No, it's not as bad as I've always said it is. But that doesn't mean I hate it any less. I hate Leonardo DiCaprio. I hate post-Poseidon Adventure disaster movies that aren't funny ('cause who can go through that again and again?), with the single exception of Speed (which feels more like Die Hard on a bus; it's a hero movie). And the idea of making a dramatisation about one of the most famous disasters in the history of mankind is in poor taste. However, yes the acting is incredible. But, like The Godfather, I have to look at the impact the movie had more than the movie itself and say, it all sickens me. Margaret Cho said it best, she went on a gay cruise and "e'rybody gotta be Kate Winslet!" This movie didn't touch me in any way. It was interminably long and like most dramas, comes packaged with cues like light-up blocks that say, "Clap!", "Cry!", "Laugh!", "Scream!", "Here Comes the Heavy," etc. I feel like I'm being treated as a puppet.

Aliens (1986) - 9.5
Here's one of the reasons I don't watch action movies: just one go-round with this film was all I needed. Nothing can compare to the experience I had with this film. I agreed very grudgingly to watch this film back in 2000 or thereabouts. I had no interest in sci-fi action films. I didn't enjoy Star Wars- it bored me. The idea of people in space bores me. Space is boring. Aliens are boring. This movie was not boring. I jumped more times than I think I can count. I was excited. I was scared. I was on the absolute edge of my seat almost the entire time. And, though there are a lot of soldier and warrior type cliches, I didn't feel insulted or overly annoyed.

-

Robert Zemeckis:

What Lies Beneath (2000) - 5.5
It falls in the line of equally safe and not truly scary ghost films (Sixth Sense, Stir of Echoes, The Others, The Ring-remake), although I give this points for being a little more violent than most (the twist I hear everyone say wasn't a shock to them but I was seriously surprised). In any other movie of its' type to come between '99 to '02 (probably including The Skeleton Key, Stigmata, Mothman Prophecies, and those Nicole Kidman and Hilary Swank supernatural horror flicks to come later - none of which I've seen), there just isn't a scene like the one leading up to the bathtub sequence. Otherwise, it's a typical Hollywood ghost film. Of the type that are still nowhere near as visceral as the famous romance-drama Ghost (1990).

Death Becomes Her (1992) - 7
Not as down-and-dirty as camp horror can get, so many just yawn this off and float over to Dead Alive instead. True, this can't hold a candle to that splatterfest but does have a flair with the Hollywood / musical diva bitch antics and is one of the only mainstream films to actually combine social climbing or glamour queens with over-the-top horror. Usually, you only get this kind of thing when someone's mink coat comes alive and tries to eat them (you're probably thinking Ghostbusters 2, but try: 1995's highly rare The Granny). Anyway, it may not be as gory as it could be but it is definitely very funny.

Back to the Future Part III (1990) - haven't seen in over 12 years.

Back to the Future Part II (1989) - 6.5
Not as good as the first film but still harmless fun.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - 6.5
I loved this film when it came out (I would have been 6) but unfortunately, some movies don't remain anywhere near as magical as when you were a kid. We all have one. This is mine. The music is probably my favorite thing about the movie. And, for some reason, I always thought The Weasels were cool.

Back to the Future (1985) - ?
I don't have an opinion on this movie. I know, right? Don't we all have like one movie that we've seen and we don't really think anything about it? I don't dislike it at all. I don't love it at all. I've seen it multiple times. A random re-watch one day might push me one way or the other. But this movie leaves me blank. It doesn't excite me. It doesn't bore me. I don't recognize the villains anywhere in my life, past, etc. Michael J. Fox doesn't strike me as sympathetic or annoying. Or anywhere near as cool as he does most people. Or nerdy. The girlfriend is dull. The Huey Lewis & the News song is ... okay. The whole movie is okay. I have seen so few truly Okay movies in my life. But this is one of them.

[Goliath]

Alfred Hitchcock:


Frenzy (1972)- 5
One of Hitchcock's weakest movies. Very standard fair.

Marnie (1964)- 3
Bored me to tears. No redeeming qualities whatsoever.

The Birds (1963)- 7.5
Frightening and scary, if a bit far-fetched, and the ending is way too rushed.

Psycho (1960)- 8.5

North by Northwest (1959)- 7.5
A bit overrated, in my opinion. Promising plot, but the execution is a bit sloppy.

Vertigo (1958)- 7.5
See above, and it goes on a bit too long. But, Jimmy Stewart is great as always.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)- 6.5
Decent, but nothing special. I expected more from it.

Rear Window (1954)- 9
Definintly Hitchcock's finest! Suspense at its best: we see nor hear any murder committed, but it's just this absense of any 'real' action that makes it intruiging. Oh, and James Stewart plays the best role of his career.

Dial M for Murder (1954)- 7.5

Strangers on a Train (1951)- 7.5

Stage Fright (1950)- 6.5
Too slow-paced, but I love how Hitch puts us on the wrong track in the beginning, with the point-of-view retelling of the murder.

Notorious (1946)- 8

Spellbound (1945)- 4
Ridiculious and boring. Some points for Ingrid Bergan, but Gregory Peck was terrible, and the plot was, like I said, ridiculous.

Suspicion (1941)- 8
I love how Hitch made me switch positions constantly all through the film when it comes to Cary Grant's character!

Foreign Correspondent (1940)- 8.5
Very underrated spy movie with great, memorable ending. But the 'Dutch' spoken in this film is laughable!

The Lady Vanishes (1938)- 8.5
Who could think a film with this unbelievable a plot could end up being this exciting?

The 39 Steps (1935)- 8.5

-

Spike Lee:


Inside Man (2006)- 8.5
Far better than average thriller/heist movie.

Malcolm X (1992)- 7
Decent bio-pic, but nothing special.

Do the Right Thing (1989)- 7.5
Good and shocking drama about growing up in 'the hood'.

-

David Cronenberg:


A History of Violence (2005)- 7.5
Better than average action/thriller. Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and Ed Harris keep it from falling below that category, though.

-

James Cameron:


Titanic (1997)- 7
One of the most overrated films of all time. It's not a bad film, but it's so obviously begging for Oscars that it isn't funny anymore. Even less funny is that it, undeservedly, won 11.

The Terminator (1984)- 6
What's all the fuss about? Very, very dated film with laughable special effects, laughable performances (particularly Ahnuld) and a non-existing script.

-

Robert Zemeckis:

Contact (1997)- 4
Saccharine-sweet, semi-religious overdone dreck.

Forrest Gump (1994) (which Laz forgot for some reason)- 6
Some scenes really work, but a lot of the movie is wholly pretentious and just stupid to me. Why this beat Pulp Fiction for Best Picture, I'll never know.

Back to the Future Part III (1990)- 7.5
Back to the Future Part II (1989)- 7
Not as good as the first one, but still highly entertaining, although Part II suffered of its own 'cleverness'.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)- 8.5

Back to the Future (1985)- 9
One of the most entertaining films ever made: great premise, sympathetic lead characters, perfect casting.

[jpanimation]

Forrest Gump (1994) (which Laz forgot for some reason)- 6

So he did. I've updated my list to include that.

[Avaitor]

I like how Goliath just copied my response for Forrest Gump.

[jpanimation]

I like how Goliath just copied my response for Forrest Gump.

So he did. Deja vu

[Lazario]

Forrest Gump (1994) (which Laz forgot for some reason)- 6

I must have copied the wrong list - he produced a lot of the same movies he directed, so maybe I copied his producer list instead.

Robert Zemeckis:

Forrest Gump (1994) - 3.5

This film truly makes me sick. It's the absolute worst excuse for Zemeckis to indulge in his sad fantasies about having met famous dead Hollywood stars and American icons- which is also the reason Death Becomes Her didn't get an extra .5 from me. Tales from the Crypt is the perfect place for this kind of thing- it should have been localized there. Then, not to mention how unbelievable the portrayal of Forrest is. They probably wouldn't even make films in this poor taste if the Oscars weren't so corrupt. However, the film deserves points for a great soundtrack, high production values, and the acting. Yes, the acting is incredible. Too bad it's all for nothing.

[ajmrowland]

I love Forrest Gump. Fantasies have nothing to do with it-except for the fictional story. It's simple that the story of Forrest essentially having all the luck in the world is entertaining, and I think film values simplicity-something which Today's world seems to have lost in an effort to be politically correct. Hence, such a simple man getting everything just about.

[Goliath]

Lazario: No, you had the right list. Avaitor: Yeah, you worded my sentiments so well.

[Super Aurora]

Seems like Lazario and I Have extreme opposite taste in sci-fi/sci-fantasy genre. As I'm a Sci-fi guy so I love that stuff.

No wonder we argue a lot.