Wednesday, March 13, 2013

My 125 Favorite Movies (Part IX: #41-45)

41. American Beauty, Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, & Thora Birch
The American dream goes horribly awry in this Oscar-winning black comedy, set in an anonymous suburban neighborhood and narrated by Lester Burnham (Spacey) from *SPOILER* beyond the grave. Good performances all around, the film has a lot to say and ends on a strangely bittersweet note.
Favorite Character- Jane 






























42. Rain Man, Directed by Barry Levithan
Starring Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman,  & Valerina Golino
This movie is not my biggest favorite now, but it's my former favorite and the film that got me into psychological dramas. and Autism advocates need to remember this movie was made in '88, when mild autism and Asperger's Syndrome were little known/not known, and Rain Man is based on a real person, Kim Peek, on whom Dustin Hoffman did in-depth study. So if it's not subtle, that's because it was done in a different time and different point in autism study.
Favorite Character- Raymond 




























43. There's Something About Mary, Directed by Bobby & Peter Farrelly
Starring Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, & Matt Dillon
Many may call this film tacky, offensive, in poor taste, and just plain bad. I call it hilarious! Not many movies can make me laugh throughout at the insane dialogue. This one does. The Farrellys skim the border of good taste and come away clean.
Favorite Character- Warren


























44. Death at a Funeral, Directed by Frank Oz
Starring Matthew McFayden, Alan Tudyk, & Ewen Bremner
A funeral disaster involving hallucinogenic drugs, blackmailing dwarves and secret homosexuality equals a comedy of hilarious proportions. That's my celebrity crush Alan Tudyk on the roof.
Favorite Character- Simon
 
















45. Enchanted, Directed by Kevin Lima
Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, & James Marsden
Amy Adams is weirdly delightful in "Enchanted," a movie where any other actress would be unbearably annoying. Adams plays Giselle, a princess who finds herself sent by a evil witch to New York City, where she warms the hearts of the inhabitants, including a depressed divorce lawyer and single dad. The songs are fun, and the meshing of fairy tale and real life elements, to comedic effect, should appeal to kids and adults alike.
Favorite Character- Giselle




























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1 comment:

  1. I've seen and enjoyed all of these. I loved Enchanted, it was just so cute and fun. Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey were perfect.
    There's Something About Mary is just hilarious, I loved Ben Stiller in that one.

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