GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

In your opinion is there a perfect movie?

POSTED BY: LWAVES
UPDATED: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 05:57
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 8128
PAGE 1 of 2

Friday, September 18, 2009 12:55 PM

LWAVES


Because tastes differ so much there can never be a perfect movie. There will always be something that someone doesn't like, either an actor, the genre, cheesy lines, whatever it may be.
But is there a movie that YOU consider perfect?
Irrespective of what other people may think. One that isn't too long or too short in length. One that is acted properly with the right script and right direction, music, photography etc.
Do you consider Serenity to be perfect?
Or even are there any that you consider almost perfect, with maybe just a small bit that just doesn't sit right.

I was asked this question today and haven't yet come up with an answer so I thought I'd throw it open to the fans and see what you come up with.



"I don't believe in suicide, but if you'd like to try it it might cheer me up to watch."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 1:18 PM

ZZETTA13


A hard question LW….but a good one. Of course I have not seen every movie ever made but I have seen many and it may seem a little ironic but one movie that I would say that easily fits into the list as one of the most perfect films ever made, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I don’t think that there was one second in that movie that was wasted. Every moment either explained something, tells you something or expressed something. Even thought it was filmed in b/w the use of light was incredible!!

One of my all time favorites.

Z

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 1:54 PM

TRAVELER


Films, just like any stories, are made for different reasons. So I will give you one of my all time favorites.

The characters are real and the actors give some of the best performances I have ever witnessed. Even those with small roles do outstanding work. The plot is simple, but honest. No wasted scenes and they are designed to weave the story toward its inevitable end.

It is called "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".
I have yet to anything match this story of a families struggles and victories. No heros or villians. Just common people who find their own path through life.


http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=28764731
Traveler

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 2:00 PM

NCBROWNCOAT


Casablanca comes as close to perfection as possible.

http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/








NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 4:48 PM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.


My favorite film of all time, Dr. Strangelove.



NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 5:08 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Jaws.

Citizen Kane.

Blade Runner.

Alien.

Caddyshack.

Animal House.

All perfect.

Mike

Old friend charity
Cruel twisted smile
And the smile signals emptiness
For me
Starless and Bible black

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 5:17 PM

CHRISISALL


Serenity is perfect.

Also, Superman: The Movie.

Blade Runner & Aliens.

The Crow.

Passage To India.

The Road Home.

Iron Man comes close.


The laughing Chrisisall

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 5:18 PM

DEWRASTLER


Yes and no.

No in that I kind of believe you can ever attain 100% perfection because someone should always come along and do it better. We should always strive to do better or we get no where. So a movie can be the best a person has to offer, but not perfect.

Yes in that it can be perfect in that it perfectly express the idea, emotion, opinion, etc. of the filmmaker. If they get across the message they want to convey to the viewer, then the movie attains its goal perfectly.

________________________________
People who don't care about anything will never understand the people who do

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 5:28 PM

11THHOUR


On the topic of perfection, there are movies I love where heart, brilliance or inspired, magical performances made up for other elements in the movie that were flawed. "Perfection' must always be weighed by how well that particular movie was executed to be it's "best self", whatever that is. Movies like Galaxy Quest or Ruthless People are comedies which with no pretense to "high brow", but they are excellently crafted and realized. Perfection can apply to movies which aim for being a masterpiece, and for a really good, intelligently made comedy.

Of my top favorite movies, the one that seems to come closest to perfection in all the main categories of cast, direction, script, music and is consistently wonderful from start to finish is L.A. Confidential. I can watch that move over and over again.

I also agree that some of the other films mentioned were artistic, visionary, perfection like Blade Runner and Alien... Ridley rocks.

11th

>>>}———————————————)))======<[]>======(((———————————————{<<<

"Because teenage pranks are fun when you're about to die!" - Hoban Washburne

Firefly/Serenity Guerilla Marketing Posters ~ http://the11thhour.home.att.net
Cafe Press Shop ~ http://www.cafepress.com/11thhourart


Spread the word today ~ Give the gift of Firefly: http://www.apple.com/itunes

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 6:59 PM

THEREALME


For what it was meant to be...

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 8:10 PM

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT


Already mentioned:
Casablanca
The Princess Bride
Dr. Strangelove
Galaxy Quest

I would add:
2001
The Magnificent Seven
Stagecoach

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 9:12 PM

SINGATE


The Godfather

I would include part 2 as well but have always liked the original just a hair more.



_________________________________________________

We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 10:04 PM

DMAANLILEILTT


i'd say that out of the ones mentioned:

Casablanca is far from perfect.

Aliens is better then Alien.

Citizen Kane is one of the most overrated movies of all time.

And Superman had one of the dumbest plot points ever. (Flying around the earth really fast to go back in time)

if i was going to say any movie is perfect i would say that Return of the Jedi, Die Hard 1, 3 and 4; Monty Phython's Life of Brian and Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid would have to be the ones. The Mad Max movies come close.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Friday, September 18, 2009 10:48 PM

FREMDFIRMA


I wouldn't say perfect, but man it's close enough to brush fingertips on it...

The Outlaw Josey Wales

Epic full-circle journey with just a little bit of everything, tragedy, comedy, personal growth and maturity, flawed people dealing with hardship, the obligatory lead flyin and a couple times when it surprisingly don't.

All rolled into a beautifully told story of a man re-finding his humanity in the most unexpected ways and places.

Just remember to duck when he starts lookin for a place to spit.

-F

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 5:26 AM

FREEBROWNCOAT


2001 A Space Oddysey. What can I say. Perfection in all ways.

Serenity. Well, yeah.

Dr Strangelove. Madness in sanity.

Star Wars Ep 1. It is far from perfect but an absolute hoot to watch. The audio for the podrace is truly the best work ever done.

Unforgiven. Depth of human soul.

Seven Samurai. How much better can it get?

Ben Hur. So rich this one.

U 571. Command. Accomplish your mission.



What would Mal say?

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 1:49 PM

PCCH7


well it depends.. I´m sure if you´re analysing everything about a movie there´s some faults and in that case then no, there´s probably no perfect movie. But if it´s a good movie, one usually let´s it slide.. Serenity is a perfect movie for me, it has interesting visuals, it envokes feelings, funny moments and good performances. It gives me everything I want.

There´s also

Blade Runner
LOTR
Collateral
Spiderman 2

more recently

District 9
Inglorious Basterds
The Hurt Locker

movies from different genres that I consider "perfect"

oh and I have to say that Die Hard 4 is one of the most imperfect movies I´ve seen. Just god awful and cheesy


"Summer Glau can simply walk into Mordor.."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 5:03 PM

CHRISISALL


Quote:

Originally posted by Fremdfirma:
The Outlaw Josey Wales

Epic full-circle journey with just a little bit of everything, tragedy, comedy, personal growth and maturity, flawed people dealing with hardship, the obligatory lead flyin and a couple times when it surprisingly don't.

All rolled into a beautifully told story of a man re-finding his humanity in the most unexpected ways and places.


*Bangs Frem on the head*

You just described "Serenity!"



The laughing Chrisisall

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 5:08 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


Sorry, but for me at least, Serenity has two GLARING flaws. Care to guess what I'm talking about?

Josey Wales. Perfection.

2001. Ditto.

Dr. Strangelove. Yup. I always thought the use of Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" over the closing credits as the nuclear bombs go off was meant comedically, ironically. I just found out there's a deeper meaning in its use - her recording of the song was released the same week that the Germans invaded Poland, lighting of the second world war in earnest. So as the movie ends, mankind is doomed, and once again the world is plunged into global war. Perfect use of the perfect song.

There's a subtle perfection in The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now, but I find Full Metal Jacket even better - better use of cinematography, color, and symmetry as well.

Having ANY Die Hard movie on a list of anything other than "Worst Movies to Ever Turn a Profit" is just ree-donkulous.

Mike

Old friend charity
Cruel twisted smile
And the smile signals emptiness
For me
Starless and Bible black

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 5:29 PM

THESOMNAMBULIST


Perfect for me does not equate to a well crafted film with brilliant acting or great cinematography etc etc. Those are just oscar credentials which to my mind generate too much self indulgence from the film makers whom demand repeat viewings as to their genius or auteurism...

A perfect film for me is one that when I watch it it takes me out of my reality and draws me in completely with the story it's telling, swirling me around in a wonderment that no other medium or art form can create other than cinema. It's when those flickering images mesmerize me so much that after it's done and dusted I almost have to blink myself back into reality. That for me is perfection.

And for this there are two films that come to mind.

Jaws and Serenity.






NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:20 PM

CHRISISALL


Quote:

Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:

Jaws and Serenity.


Both flicks make me forget myself, and envelope me in the story.
Good call, Som.


The laughing Chrisisall

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 10:24 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


Really good question LW.

To wit:

"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them." David Hume, 1742.
---------------------------------------------------

First to begin; Serenity is far from perfect, but I love it just the same.

It is story, a director's vision communicated with sight, sound and savvy.

Casablanca: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns, in all the world - she walks into mine." Great line says it all. Bogey at his best.

Unforgiven: "Helluva thing, killing a man. You take away all he's got, and all he's ever gonna have."

2001: It's all about the story. Everything music, pacing, cinematography, plot, acting, director's vision - brilliant.

Room Service: Marx Brothers - "Jumping Butterballs!"

The Empire Strikes Back: Best Damn Sequel ever.
(Honorable mention goes to T2).

Mister Roberts: Jack Lemon as Ensign Pulver, classic.

Aliens: The 2d Best damn sequel ever.

The Green Mile.

That's my short list.

SGG

Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Saturday, September 19, 2009 11:42 PM

MEATPUPPET42


Quote:

Originally posted by TheRealMe:
For what it was meant to be...

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.



Thats inconceivable!
My picks
Das Boot
Blood diamond
The Departed

I love it. It's like wiping you ass with silk.

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 1:14 AM

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT


Quote:

Originally posted by meatpuppet42:
Quote:

Originally posted by TheRealMe:
For what it was meant to be...

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.



Thats inconceivable!


"You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 4:06 AM

BIGRICHARD


I'd like to add:

Wall-E
Children of Men
Pan's Labyrinth
The Fountain
The Dark Knight
In Bruges
The Wrestler
Hellboy 2
Hot Fuzz
Shaun of the Dead

All films are personal choices, and I personally think each of these films is close to perfect.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 5:19 AM

NCBROWNCOAT


What can I say. I love almost all of the movies mentioned. It's all in personal preference and it's a good topic for us to while away the time until Serenity 2 hits the theaters.

http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/








NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:01 AM

OPPYH


I have a few movies I consider perfect:

-Nosferatu(1979)

-Housekeeping(1988) Still no frikkin dvd release

-Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Spielberg's masterpiece.

-Planet of the Apes(1968). Just a clever, well written, well acted sci-fi movie that entertains throughout. And still to this day the best "shock ending" in the history of film.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:20 AM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)


I'm trying to approach this from a perspective of "Would I buy it on BluRay if I already own it on DVD?"

So from that vantage point, I'll have to disqualify a few of my own picks: Casablanca and Citizen Kane. Why? Because I don't think BluRay will do them any greater service than DVD already does.

But I'll have to add a few - which I am absolutely dedicated to adding to my (as of now nonexistent) BluRay collection:

2001: A Space Odyssey. It needs BluRay just as much as it needs to be seen in 70mm. :)

Jaws.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Serenity (While it has its flaws, it's still a perfect movie for taking me away from all this. And it's the first movie I watched on my last 3 DVD players, so we have a theme going which I don't want to break. Serenity is my good luck charm. )

I'm sure there will be others.

Mike

Old friend charity
Cruel twisted smile
And the smile signals emptiness
For me
Starless and Bible black

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 7:31 AM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.


Quote:

Originally posted by OPPYH:
Housekeeping(1988) Still no frikkin dvd release


If you're talking about the Bill Forsyth film with Christine Lahti then I wholeheartedly agree, and would add another Forsyth gem also lacking a dvd release - Comfort and Joy.

I mentioned only Dr. Strangelove in my first post in this thread, mainly because it is my favorite and the film I've seem more times than any other. There are several others I could have mentioned, a few that have been listed by others - 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane (not overrated imo), The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kurosawa's Ran, No Country for Old Men.

Then there's one I just finished watching, which my brother had been recommending for several years. If you can stand to shed a few tears while at the same time being inspired by great writing and acting, then you should check out Life as a House, with Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mary Steenburgen, Jamey Sheridan, Jena Malone, Ian Somerhalder, and Scott Bakula. You will also be surprised to find that Hayden Christensen can actually act.



NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 8:48 AM

OPPYH



"Housekeeping(1988) Still no frikkin dvd "


Quote:

Originally posted by ecgordon:
If you're talking about the Bill Forsyth film with Christine Lahti then I wholeheartedly agree, and would add another Forsyth gem also lacking a dvd release - Comfort and Joy.

Yes, that's the one. I would really like a Bill Forsyth box set on dvd containing most of his films, as they are pretty much doomed to exist only on VHS.

Quote:

I mentioned only Dr. Strangelove in my first post in this thread, mainly because it is my favorite and the film I've seem more times than any other. There are several others I could have mentioned, a few that have been listed by others - 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane (not overrated imo), The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kurosawa's Ran, No Country for Old Men.

I loved No Country for Old Men.



NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 12:44 PM

RALLEM


I would have to say for "perfect movie," the closest I've ever experienced would have to be Godfathers 1 and 2. I have to watch Casablanca again someday, since hte last time I watched it I was young and impatient.



http://www.swyzzlestyx.com/index.html

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 9:46 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


Damn, I forgot The Departed.

Thanks for the reminder Meat.

SGG

Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 9:57 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


Agreed,

Pan's Labyrinth, a wonderful fable-like story by Guillermo Del Toro

Wall-E, another strong and good fable in the tradition of the old Disney movies.

The Dark Knight, great mix of action and pathos, a near masterpiece. It's needs more time.

The Wrestler, a story of a complicated life told simply. Rourke was masterful. REW was poignant in her 15 minutes on screen which was pivotal in the movie.

Adding these to my list.

SGG

Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Sunday, September 20, 2009 10:24 PM

BIGRICHARD


Glad you agree, sgg.

Have to agree about ERW, her scene was brilliant, and Rourke was probably his best when he was acting with her.

Dark Knight is one that some people often disagree with, but I love it. And I seriously think that Ledger's Joker was one of the greatest villains of all time.

My screenwriting teacher for this semester said "If I could use only two films to teach you screenwriting, they would be Fargo...and Toy Story."

I'd add those two. I love them both.


Maybe add Fight Club as well? and Seven?
I love Fincher...

Also, you've all just reminded me that I have yet to watch Unforgiven. Must get onto that!

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, September 21, 2009 8:42 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


The Dark Knight is now one of my all-time favs (I have the Blu-Ray version and it's excellent). I get that there are some who have issues with TDK, but when was the last time you went to see a superhero/action flick and came out thinking.

Ledger was pure joy and genius in his portrayal of the Joker. His perf reminded me somewhat of Malcolm McDowell's perf in Clockwork Orange (except of course Heath was head and shoulders beyond brilliant). In that flick you both loved and hated his character, just like in TDK. Both Ledger and Nolan re-created a character we all thought we knew and gave us something completely new and different without changing the relationship between the 2 main characters - in a word Brilliant!

I've said it to anyone who'll listen, it all starts with a good story. But it ends with a good storyteller. Fargo, Toy Story fits that to a T.
Fargo is supremely crafted, and TS is only surpassed by Wall-E. That's a good idea to study those scripts to learn the basic ingredients to a solid story.

Fight Club, Seven couldn't be more different but excellent films with strong perfs from Brad Pitt. He's not just a pretty boy flexing his pecs, the man can act. Have you seen Inglorius Basterds? Go see it, you will not be disappointed.

Finally, David Fincher has an impressive list of films he's directed: FC, Seven, Alien 3 (which I have yet to see, but now that I know he's involved I will rent), Panic Room (did not know), Zodiac (yes I did), and of course Ben Button.

Did you know that among the planned projects he's got in the works is Heavy Metal? If he's involved it should be awesome.

SGG

Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, September 21, 2009 10:08 PM

JEWELSTAITEFAN


Perfection is in the perception of the beholder.
However, I cannot think of any flaws in Galaxy Quest. Nor A Little Princess (92ish, with Liesel Matthews). Hero (93ish, Chevy Chase, Dustin Hoffman). Highlander. Terminator 2. Aliens.

edit: After reading the other entries, I see mine are not first.
I can almost agree with L.A Confidential, except Kim Basinger has refused to honor her promise to leave the country if we elected Bush, so that irks me still.
Other close candidates: Dangerous Beauty (for cinematography and scenery at least), 12 Monkeys, Road Warrior, Fargo, Pay it Forward. I don't recall flaws with The Thing (1982). What flaw would Twilight have? Gladiator? Amadeus?

The others mentioned I cannot agree with.
I'm afraid Serenity was just too heavily edited, too much cut out. Now the Pilot Serenity, if considered a film, that would be perfect.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, September 21, 2009 11:11 PM

BIGRICHARD


Have seen Basterds, thought it was pretty good, but had some flaws. The final act was excellent though. And yeah, Pitt was great. He just does some dud films, like a lot of actors. Pitt in 12 Monkeys is outstanding, along with Fight Club and Seven.

Fincher has disowned Alien 3 I believe, saying that the studio messed with his vision too much. So don't expect too much (although I do own it, haven't watched yet, but will just to see what it's like), as apparently it's fairly bad. Panic Room is a great little thriller. Zodiac is good, although not as good as FC/Seven. Ben Button I loved.


NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 1:08 AM

THESOMNAMBULIST


I forgot to mention.

Edward Scissorhands. For me it was perfect.


NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 7:06 AM

RIPWASH


What I was gonna say at when reading the beginning of this thread was already said by the time I reached the end.

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. What some consider masterpieces, others would consider a complete waste of time. There have been many a time when the wife and I have rented Oscar winning "best" films and have been so sorely disappointed or bored, that we simply no longer trust the illustrious academy to tell us what is good or bad any more. And if last year's practically complete and utter overlooking of TDK was not a blaring indication of their bias, I don't know what is.

I'll give you another example. When I was in college a local, small theater put on an annual 24-hour sci-fi movie marathon. It was a fun affair where they would let you bring almost anything in with you and you could taunt the bad films (MST3K style) and enjoy the good ones, eat, drink, be merry. That sort of thing. Well one year, right around 2 a.m., the owner came out and announced the next film would be 2001 and asked people to be quiet and respectful for this one, singular movie. So I hunkered down . . . for a nap. I can not stand that movie. It's too long and it bores me to tears. And that's what makes it far from perfect to me. I understand that there are folk that think it's a near-perfection masterpiece, but I just don't see it. Sorry.

Now, that being said, here is a list of movies that I think are just about as good as they come and I know others may disagree, but then again that's the point :
The Princess Bride
The Godfather (1 and 2)
Galaxy Quest
The Dark Knight
Amadeus
Toy Story
The Iron Giant
A Beautiful Mind
Serenity (of course )
The Green Mile
Braveheart


Dangit . . . I'm not at home, so I don't have my collection in front of me. There are many more. I'll have to add later. I know when I get home I'll slap my forehead at several of them. That and my computer/internet connection is on the fritz so I can not add until Thursday when I get back to work. I shall have to write 'em all down. Or print off my Coolector list.


*********************************************

"It's okay! I'm a leaf on the wind!!!"
"What does that mean?!?!?!"

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 1:58 PM

STORYMARK


For me:
Raideros of the Lost Ark.

But as others have pointed out, it's all in the eye of the beholder. For instance, I'm a HUGE Batman freak, and dearly love TDK, yet think it has many flaws.


"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 8:11 PM

JEWELSTAITEFAN


posting broken again?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 8:15 PM

JEWELSTAITEFAN


Huh, maybe eworking again.

I hould not have forgotten Braveherat, but avoided in cinema due to the modern hair braids.

Also can't recall flaws witrh The Man Who Knew Too Little (Bill Murray), even tho Galaxy Quest did benifit for the template. For those not aware, TMWKTL was to 007 as Galaxy Quest was to Star Trek.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:41 AM

SHINYGOODGUY


What I love about this post is that everyone gets to talk about their fav film(s). SHINY!

You just reminded me about a truly solid film, A Little Princess, directed by Alfonso Cuaron. As I said before, it begins with a good story, and this film has a story within the story - great.

Hero was definitely interesting, as was the first Highlander. T2 gets big ups as does my other fav sci-fi classic Aliens (Get away from her, you bitch! - classic movie moment/line).

Another one that you brought to my mind, which I have in my collection, Gladiator. A great story with very minor/minuscule flaws. RW is a good one as well.

Serenity is a sentimental choice, because I love Firefly so much. H-wood has a way of completely distorting art for the love of money.


SGG

Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:05 AM

RALLEM


Has anyone here seen "The Man who Knew Too Little," starring Bill Muray? I am not a big Bill Muray fan, but he did good in this movie.



http://www.swyzzlestyx.com/index.html

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:22 AM

CHRISISALL


Quote:

Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I forgot to mention.

Edward Scissorhands. For me it was perfect.


Yes, it was.
That makes me think of Benny & Joon, and THAT makes me think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.


The laughing Chrisisall

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 12:04 PM

THESOMNAMBULIST


Quote:

Originally posted by chrisisall:
Quote:

Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I forgot to mention.

Edward Scissorhands. For me it was perfect.


Yes, it was.
That makes me think of Benny & Joon, and THAT makes me think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.



That makes me think of Be Kind Rewind..

Then there's Big Trouble in Little China and TRON...




NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 1:06 PM

KPO

Sometimes you own the libs. Sometimes, the libs own you.


Quote:

You just reminded me about a truly solid film, A Little Princess, directed by Alfonso Cuaron.


And you just reminded me :) A very nice film.

'The man who knew too little' is an interesting choice, saw that recently - wouldn't put it as perfect myself... but something else Bill Murray, what about 'Groundhog Day'? Just about the perfect Romcom in my book...(excellent premise, solid script, not over-sentimental, Bill Murray perfectly cast, Andie McDowell actually not that bad...)?

I can't cite 'Serenity' as a perfect film though I do love it (partly by association). But if permitted I will describe the Serenity pilot episode of firefly as damn near to perfection, not sure it's necessarily the best most funny/poignant/exhilirating episode, but I'm always in awe (as a writer) of the way it introduces the universe: each of the nine main characters, their current situation and individual histories, and the two main forces that threaten them - all compacted into one gripping double episode that basically sets up the whole series - there was a lot of skill and *art* in this, that's all I can say.

Heads should roll

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 1:35 PM

KPO

Sometimes you own the libs. Sometimes, the libs own you.


Quote:

Toy Story


Ah, and possibly even better 'The Incredibles'.

Heads should roll

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 4:25 PM

CHRISISALL


Quote:

Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
Then there's Big Trouble in Little China

THAT makes me think of Army Of Darkness, the film George Lucas wished he could make!!!

Hail to the king, baby!



The laughing Chrisisall

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:30 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


From the boy with the Scissorhands (perfect indeed)

Yes, it was.
That makes me think of Benny & Joon, and THAT makes me think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.


To Eternal Sunshine? Quite a leap there Chris.......
How did you get from point A to Michel Gondry?

Inquiring minds want to know!


BTW Benny & Joon my sister's fav (mine too).

SGG


Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:33 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


I can't cite 'Serenity' as a perfect film though I do love it (partly by association). But if permitted I will describe the Serenity pilot episode of firefly as damn near to perfection, not sure it's necessarily the best most funny/poignant/exhilirating episode, but I'm always in awe (as a writer) of the way it introduces the universe: each of the nine main characters, their current situation and individual histories, and the two main forces that threaten them - all compacted into one gripping double episode that basically sets up the whole series - there was a lot of skill and *art* in this, that's all I can say.

Agreed, with 2 enthusiastic thumbs up!

SGG


Tawabawho?

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

YOUR OPTIONS

NEW POSTS TODAY

USERPOST DATE

FFF.NET SOCIAL