The Dirty Dozen Revisited

Prompted by Powered Toast Man at Just the Cheese, I am now rounding out my Movie Dirty Dozen. Powdered posted his favorite actors, actresses, and directors, so I’ve some catching up to do! I decided to keep it simple and just list the person and a couple of his/her movies I enjoyed.

Feel free to let me know some of YOUR favorites!!

Favorite Directors:

Christopher Nolan - Inception, Memento, Dark Knight
Guillermo del Toro - Blade II, Hellboy
James Cameron - Terminator II, Aliens, Avatar, The Abyss
Steven Spielberg - Jurassic Park, Raiders, Jaws
Michael Mann - Manhunter, Heat, The Last of the Mohicans
Peter Jackson - Lord of the Rings, Dead Alive, King Kong
J.J. Abrams - Mission Impossible III, Star Trek
Steven Soderbergh - Ocean’s Eleven - Thirteen, Erin Brockovich
Tim Burton - Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride
Ridley Scott - Legend, Blade Runner, Gladiator
John Woo - The Killers, Face/Off, Mission Impossible II
John Carpenter - The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, (any movie prior to They Live!)

Favorite Actors:

Edward Norton - The Illusionist, Primal Fear
Clint Eastwood - Outlaw Josey Wales, Unforgiven
Robert Downey Jr. - Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes
Robert De Niro - Heat, Taxi Driver, Midnight Run
Kurt Russell - Big Trouble in Little China, The Thing, Tombstone
Guy Pierce - Memento, LA Confidential
Bill Murray - Stripes, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters
Johnny Depp - Sleepy Hollow, Pirate of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Predator, Terminator movies, Conan, True Lies
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Quick and the Dead, Inception, Titanic
Bruce Willis - Die Hard, Sixth Sense
Kevin Spacey - The Usual Suspects, The Ref

Favorite Actresses:

Kate Beckinsale - Underworld I and II
Michelle Pfeiffer - Ladyhawke, Batman Returns
Rachel Weisz - The Mummy, About a Boy, The Constant Gardner
Kate Winslet - Titanic, Finding Neverland
Carrie-Anne Moss - Matrix movies, Memento
Robin Wright - The Princess Bride, Forrest Gump
Jamie Lee Curtis - A Fish Called Wanda, True Lies, Trading Places
Sigourney Weaver - Aliens, Ghostbusters, Galaxy Quest, Avatar
Andie MacDowell - Groundhog Day, Hudson Hawk
Rene Russo - Thomas Crown Affair, Major League
Mia Sara - Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Legend
Jessica Biel - The Illusionist, Blade Trinity

Sound off! Who are some of your favorites?

The Second Movie Dirty Dozen!

 Thanks to everyone who participated! It was a great way to visit new blogs and discover some new movies. Everyone listed above posted a Movie Dirty Dozen, so be sure to visit any blogs you missed. Thanks for making my very first blogfest a big success. I didn't think it would be so tough to choose 12 films (or a baker's dozen plus one in my case) that I would put at the top of the heap. But I have to admit, I struggled to pare down the list to 14. So, to be fair to those poor movies that didn't quite make the list, here is The Movie Dirty Dozen Part 2. (Every great blog deserves a sequel!) 1. The Matrix - The Wachowski brothers blew my mind with this amazing science-fiction brain melter. The film was groundbreaking (bullet-time) and took the genre to a whole new level. Should have made the list but I didn't know what to cut. 2. The Princess Bride - What was I thinking leaving this off the first list? What a horrible oversight on my part. This film is so funny and charming that it will warm the heart of even the most jaded viewer. 3. The Usual Suspects - Wow, do I love this movie. Who is Keyser Soze? The movie is fascinating throughout (with some truly memorable performances) but its the ending that puts it over the top. 4. Maverick - This is one of the most watchable movies ever made. I watch it every time I stumble across it. Mel Gibson, James Garner, Jodie Foster and Alfred Molina had to have had a blast making this film. It exudes fun in every frame. 5. Galaxy Quest - If you are a Star Trek fan than this is a must-see movie. This film is a hilarious send-up of a classic Trek-like show called "Galaxy Quest". The film spoofs sci-fi conventions and classic sci-fi TV with love and respect. 6. Underworld II - Of the three films, this one is my fav. The action is intense, the gore is way over the top, and Kate is smokin' hot. 7. L.A. Confidential - 1950's Los Angeles sets the scene for a noir draped story of murder, cover-up and revenge. Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce chew up scene after scene. A must see!! 8. Doc Hollywood - My favorite Michael J Fox movie is also a perfect date movie where a big-city doctor (Fox) winds up stuck in the quaint little town of Grady. Comedy and romance ensues. 9. The Empire Strikes Back - This is, in my humble opinion, the best of the six. Dark and menacing, this is the Star Wars film I keep coming back to watch. (On a side note - Mr. Lucas, please stop ruining this once proud franchise with your cringingly bad plots and dialogue. Thanks.) 10. The Sixth Sense - Believe it or not, M. Night Shyamalan used to make great movies. This movie came out quietly and took off like wildfire due to great word-of-mouth. I wish I could go back to that moment when all the pieces fell together. The best didn't-see-it-coming ending ever! 11. Tombstone - This campy western is great for all the over-the-top performances. But Val Kilmer steals the show with his amazing performance as Doc Holliday. He deserved an Oscar nod for his portrayal! 12. The Godfather - If you have not seen it, find a way to watch it. Now!! I'm sure I forgot some more films which will ping my radar after this post. Ah, so many great films! Be sure to stop by on Thursday! I'm featuring the #1 Hollywood movie expert, the man with the inside scoop on the film industry. Speaking of films... In the middle of all these great movies, let me suggest a way to salvage a potentially bad film experience. Do you recall the S. Korean film Dragon Wars from 2007? One of the biggest movies to emerge from that country and they spared no expense on the creature and special effects. However, this meant there was no money for a script. The result is... well, it's really bad! Never fear, though - it's available as a RiffTrax! So if curiosity overcomes your urge to avoid a truly abysmal film, go HERE before slipping that tainted DVD of Dragon Wars into your player and download the RiffTrax. You have been warned... And I think a blogfest celebrating the worst films to ever hit the screen is in order for August! What do you think?

The Movie Dirty Dozen Blogfest is Here!

Time for everyone's Movie Dirty Dozen! Don't forget to visit the other blogs participating in the fun!

A note about the Twelve. I am such an unabashed movie fanboy that I could make a list of 100's or 1000's. It took me a while to choose the right films. My criteria was simple, I chose films that were inventive and memorable. But the crux of my choices rested on the questions: Can you watch this movie over and over without the film collapsing on itself? Does it get better with age... or worse?

See if you agree with at least some of these! 1. LOTR Trilogy - What an amazing piece of work from Peter Jackson and the team from Weta. Every frame has been lovingly crafted with intricate detail and care. It's quite apparent that Peter Jackson not only loved the LOTR books by J.R.R. Tolkien, but also poured so much effort into making films that appeal to the broad masses as well as the fanboys. Take the time and invest an entire day in the extended cut trilogy. 2. Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie - I am a huge fan of this great cult series. Joel, Mike and the bots have been like family since the shows inception, so I was so excited to see a big-screen version of my beloved show. Watching MST3K in the theater was such an amazing experience. For those of you unfamiliar with the show (shame on you), Mike and the bots (Tom Servo, Crow, Gypsy and Cambot) are trapped on the satellite of love and are forced to watch bad movies orchestrated by the evil scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester. The cinematic stinker that the crew skewers is "This Island Earth" and it is played up for big, big laughs. 3. Memento - Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) burst on to the movie scene with this amazing, mind-bending film. Told in reverse, the story centers on a man (Guy Pierce) who is searching for his wife's killer while suffering from short-term memory loss (stemming from the attack on his wife). Most films require only a tiny amount of brain computing power (if any at all). Memento requires your entire brain stay focused on the events unfolding as you are asked to follow a narrative playing in reverse. Every time you think you know what is going on, the next scene deconstructs every notion in your head. A masterpiece.

4. Blazing Saddles - One of the most oft-quoted films is also one of the funniest movies of all time. Mel brooks spoof of the old west and a very telling play on racism is timeless and hilarious.

5. Blade II - I was trying to find the right Guillermo Del Toro film to add to my list. Hellboy, The Devil's Backbone and others were all great films but Blade II took a cool movie premise and turned it up to 11. This is one of my favorite experiences in a theater. The crowd was so into the film that I didn't mind the hoots and hollers. It just added to the vibe and ramped up the fun.

6. Serenity - It's like Christmas when one of my favorite Sci-Fi shows of all time ("Firefly") gets the big-screen treatment. The characters are great, the dialogue crackles with energy and wit and the show is given a wonderful send-off.

7. A Few Good Men - Another film with so many great lines and great performances. The ensemble cast is brilliant and rounded out by a truly memorable performance by Jack Nicholson who chews up every scene.

8. Jurassic Park - I remember reading the novel by Michael Crichton in about a day and a half and thinking there was no way they could turn this into a movie (but hoping they would try). Fortunately, Steven Spielberg picked up the gauntlet and ushered in a new age of summer blockbuster. So many jaw-dropping moments and amazing action set pieces. This movie took my inner child out for a two hour+ romp and I feel that way every time I watch it. 9. Aliens - James Cameron took a creepy, slow-paced, brooding film (Alien) and turned it into a non-stop roller coaster ride of action and excitement. If you’re a fan of this film (and who isn't) you quote lines from this movie all the time. This film is a non-stop juggernaut of action that keeps ramping up the excitement and tension. I'm a huge fan of all of Cameron's work but this one is truly epic.

10. Raiders of the Lost Ark - This is as close as it gets to the perfect movie. Great pacing, amazing set pieces, and wonderful characters. This movie had me grinning from ear to ear and remains one of my all time favorites. This should be required film school viewing when it comes to pacing and editing. Spielberg has so many great films to his credit that he must be considered as the finest director of all time.

11. Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Sporting a big budget and a cool twist, this sequel to "The Terminator" was an event movie. James Cameron took the world of Skynet and created an entire mythos that is still relevant in the minds of all fanboys and Sci-Fi aficionados alike.

12. Star Trek: First Contact - I had to include a Trek film. I have told my wife that I could watch the crew of the Enterprise sit around a campfire and belch for two hours. Fortunately, this film is so much better than that. With a great time-travel premise, an exciting enemy (the Borg) and the next gen crew this is my all-time favorite Trek. 13. (Baker's Dozen): Evil Dead II/The Crow - Love both films and couldn't decide which one to include so here they are. Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead II" is a work of pure, creative genius. Shot on a shoestring budget, Raimi employs every camera trick known to man, and a few he made up. Add to the mix an amazing performance by Bruce Cambell and you have a truly creative horror/comedy cult classic. From a graphic novel by J.O. Barr, director Alex Proyas crafted a stunning, visual feast of violence and revenge. What really sets the film apart is the work by Brandon Lee. For those of you who don't know, Brandon Lee was accidently killed during the making of this film when a prop gun was filled with live rounds. This tragedy has made an imprint on the film, which seems haunted and sorrowful. I left out so many films that I wanted to add, so check back Wednesday for a fresh list of movies that almost made the list.

Movies and my own Video!

Don't forget The Movie Dirty Dozen kicks off on Monday! I'm pleased so many have signed up for the event. It'll be a blast! Looking forward to everyone's selections.

Next week will be all about the movies, kicking off this weekend with a review of Toy Story III. And don't forget, I have a movie industry expert dropping by as well.

I also found out my publisher is making a book trailer for CassaStar! I guess it's already been storyboarded and music selected. My own video - how cool is that?

And I'm wrapping up the week with a couple awards. Zoe at No Letters on my Keyboard gave me the Versatile Blogger award and Hart at Confessions of a Watery Tart gave me the Sugar Doll award.
Thanks, ladies!!

And I suddenly realized I went over 150 followers this week. I'm stunned!

Rush, the World Cup, Extreme, and Everything

Okay, maybe not everything.

I do have to provide an update on one of my favorite bands.

Rush was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 10! Ironically, they are still not in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame because the owner hates Rush. Go figure!

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage is their new DVD and it comes out on June 29. It was also released to theaters for one night only on June 10 and received a B+ in Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman. (Who also hates Rush!)

I've been watching some of the World Cup. I couldn't watch it for long today, though. The drone of thousands of plastic horns started to give me a headache. Has anyone else noticed this? It sounds like a giant swarm of bees! Must be driving the players nuts. More than one sportscaster has mentioned this issue, too. Guess I'll have to watch with the volume down.

Also caught the new Extreme concert DVD this weekend on HDNet. (Remember Extreme? More Than Words and Get the Funk Out?) I have to pick up this DVD. They sounded amazing in concert - crisp, clean and sharp. Nuno is incredible. The dude can play guitar! I was just in awe.

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No, I don't sound like Nuno when I play. I don't look like him, either! (That's probably a good thing, though - if I was in that good of shape, I'd find any excuse to take of my shirt, and work and church are just not appropriate places for that sort of thing!)

I'm pleased so many have signed up for The Movie Dirty Dozen next week! I also interviewed one of the top movie news blog owners, so don't miss that next week, either.

And so far, Twitter is all right! Thanks to everyone who found me.

The Movie Dirty Dozen

Time to round up The Dirty Dozen! Not criminals – movies! Movies are an integral part of our society. They cause us to laugh, cheer, cry, and tremble. They take us to new locations and imaginary worlds. They expose us to new situations and make us think. They uplift us when we’re down and inspire us to new heights. They broaden our horizons and provide an escape. They impact our world in ways too numerous to count. We have our favorites. Movies we can watch over and over again. Films that have impacted our lives and taken us on a ride. Movies we will never forget as long as we live.

On Monday, June 21, I invite everyone to participate in The Movie Dirty Dozen blogfest! Sign up with Mr. Linky above and grab the button for your blog. What movies have changed your life? What movies have changed you as a person? What movies are your ultimate enjoyment from start to finish? If you could only round up twelve, what movies would be your Dirty Dozen?

On June 21, post YOUR Movie Dirty Dozen!

Movie Review – Prince of Persia

And more! See bottom of page.

Due to Shrek 4, I could not locate a movie theater within an hour of my town that was showing this film in 3D. So I cannot comment on the 3D aspect of the movie, although it was rather obvious at what points the 3D was missing.

Prince of Persia was a fun ride. Jake Gyllenhaal made a good action star, which surprised me. I also enjoyed the role of the princess, played by Gemma Arterton. She was in Clash of the Titans as well and I liked her much better in Prince of Persia. (I'm still racking my brain, trying to remember anything about her character in that movie - just not coming to me.) Her character here was brash yet sexy and alluring, and she is definitely beautiful but approachable.

The story was serviceable, lifted by the performances of its stars. They really believed in what they were doing and that passion carries the film. You genuinely care what happens to several key characters.

It was a bit noisy at times and the camera was too raucous for its own good. However, this is typical Jerry Bruckheimer film making 101. There were also a few gaping plot holes and contrivances.

That aside, for those who leave the majority of their IQ points at home, this film is a fun and enjoyable ride. After the awful, heartless Clash of the Titans, I needed a fun adventure!


And now for more!

First. be sure to tune in Tuesday when I provide details on The Movie Dirty Dozen.

Second, I received and incredible honor and surprise at Beth: A Work in Progress on Friday. Just really blew me away. She is such a sweet lady and I'm touched by her kind words. I hope my book doesn't disappoint you, Beth!! Thank you again.

Until Tuesday - have a great weekend and remember to honor Memorial Day in the USA.