Let me start by saying that this a fluff piece. An opinion post. Not a masterpiece of investigative journalism or film criticism. These are my thoughts and I put them here to entertain. Feel free to disagree with my choices in the comments.
7. "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997)
Long. Slow. Bad accent. This film had problems. But I still liked it a lot at the time. It is a gorgeous looking movie and even if Pitt's performance is not his best ever, his off movies are better than a lot of people's good movies.
6. "The Magnificent Seven" (1960)
I just watched this again because it was on AMC. It still holds up as a great Western. That may be because it's based on another movie on this list or perhaps because Steve McQueen, James Coburn and Charles Bronson are three of the baddest mofos in film history. I enjoy it every time I watch it.
5. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937)
Snow White, as a person, is as dumb as a pack of retarded cigarettes. What she does both in the fable and in the movie is inexcusable. For her the old motto seems to be "Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice though, I trust everyone." Her idiocy aside, the movie is a warm-hearted and remarkable feat of cinema and animation. And that peddler woman the Queen turns into still gives me the heebie-jeebies.
4. "The Seven-Year Itch" (1955)
Marilyn Monroe never screwed up a comedy. Only people's marriages. This movie is the one where she stands over the thing that blows up her dress (and I don't mean JFK).
3. "Star Trek: Generations" (1994)
OK, so I cheated here. There is no number 7 in the title. But the working title was Star Trek 7 and many basement-dwellers refer to it as such to this day. Moving on, I prefer Picard, his series and his movies to Kirk's (although Wrath of Kahn is damn good and Spock is essentially the face of Star Trek through enternity). This film is a crossover of sorts that contains members of Kirk-era Star Trek as well as the Picard crew. What I love about this movie is seeing both icons on the screen together fighting for good. It's an action-packed Sci-fi treat. It scores high on this list because of the nostalgia but it really is a fun film.
2. "The Seven Samurai" (1954)
Took me a long time to finally rent this classic. But I did a few years ago and it was worth it. Much like "The Magnificent Seven" except with less guns and more swords. Why is it better? Because swords are more badass than guns. Anyone can fire a gun. I'll stick my neck out there and say that it's better directed too. That Kurosawa guy knows his stuff.
1. "Se7en" (1995)
If I had to name one movie from my adult life that had the biggest effect on me, I would have to pick Se7en. It caused me to fall in love with and religiously follow the work of director David Fincher. It caused me to fall in love with Brad Pitt (I don't care what you say), and it caused me to seriously look at and analyze the medium of film like I never had before. Sure I had seen my share of movies up until then and given my opinion, even thought I knew exactly what kind of movie I liked and what made a movie great but, after I left the theater and over the years, Se7en has stayed with me like nothing else. And it's not because I am a creepy serial killer with misguided ethical morés. It's because it is impossible not to feel heartbreak and hope simultaneously for these characters. It is impossible not to get caught up in the chase for the villain. To admire how good the film looks and how Fincher sets up the perfect atmosphere for every single scene. And to be destroyed by the finale. Watch it and TRY not to care in some way about what you see. I dare you.
BONUS: The Worst Movie with Seven in the Title
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
One of my least favorite movies of all time for multiple reasons. And I really like movie musicals. They just have to make me feel something more than hate for every single person on screen and not be boring. Sorry if that's not much of a reason but ... watch it again and tell me that it isn't offensive either cinematically, kairologically or personally. Bless my beautiful hide, it is.
What are your thoughts on these gems? Did I miss any? Did I get something wrong in your eyes? Let me know in the comments. Oh, and Digg this (or any of my list posts) if you like it.
August 22, 2008
August 20, 2008
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