In an effort to get in some entries with a bit more substance, I'm going to do a few of these; starting out with "My Top 25 Favorite Movies". Now, keep in mind, these aren't necessarily what the world considers the 'best' movies ever made, but are simply the movies that I enjoy watching the most. This was tough, because I love so many movies. I also have to acknowledge that many classics that I do enjoy ("Rear Window", "Gone With The Wind") are not here, nor are those that many 'movie snobs' would likely pick ("Lawrence of Arabia" or "Citizen Kane"…which just puts me to sleep honestly). No, this is a list of movies that I can watch again and again; movies that hold special childhood memories for me, or movies that...for some reason or another (often a favorite actor, great storyline or engaging theme) are very enduring to me. Also, I was hesitant to pick too many newer movies. It often takes a few years for me to get a real love for a film; but there are of course exceptions. :)

With that said, here we are, in alphabetical order.

MEL'S TOP 25 FAVORITE MOVIES (Part 1 of 3)

1. "10" (1979) - Dudley Moore, Julie Andrews, Bo Derek - I really adore Dudley Moore, and his horrible death still makes me sad to this day. I was debating on going with Moore's other great movie "Arthur" here, and while "Arthur" is far more popular and considered a better movie, there is still something about "10" that edges it up for me. Moore plays a middle aged musician going through something of a mid-life crisis, and boy is it funny. His obsession over super hot flower girl Jenny (Derek) leads to some of the most hilarious moments I have ever seen in a film. Julie Andrews plays his older and much more sensible girlfriend at her wits end. Moore is at his height of comedy here, and like "Arthur" (minus the drunken stumbling), he shows how much of a master of physical comedy he was. The music and clothing is oh-so 1979, but that was the year I was born, and I find it very enduring. There are few great lines in this movie about aging and the sexes that are easily worth the watch. I am always very happy after watching this movie. You are missed Dudley.

2. "As Good As It Gets" (1997) - Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear - What is it about Jack Nicholson acting pretty much like himself that is so spectacular? I don't know, but he's so great in this movie; 'great' as in a totally neurotic, sexist, racist, self centered ass of a man. The cynical yet emotional weight of this movie feels so....right to me; I related to it right away. The 'romance' between Nicholson's Melvin Udall and Helen Hunt's Carol is probably one of the oddest, yet most interesting ones I have ever seen onscreen. In fact, by the end of the movie, one can.....'almost' find Melvin to be charming and attractive. Of course, Greg Kinnear as the gay artist neighbor, and Cuba Gooding Jr. as his well meaning agent are not to be missed either. This movie is chalk full of amazing dialogue and I think it deserved all of the critical acclaim that it received. The movie is a commentary on ‘normally’, on dealing with the hardships that we all struggle with. Not a fluffy or happy-go-lucky type of movie at all, but one I can really relate to. Oh, and don't forget that damn ugly but somehow cute little dog.....

3. "The Big Lebowski" (1998) - Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore - My personal favorite Cohen Brothers movie (followed closely by "Miller's Crossing"). Just about the pinnacle of dry comic genius, no movie has made bowling cooler...not even "Kingpin". The dialogue is brilliant, the storyline typically Cohen bizarre. Bridges is "The Dude", Goodman is Walt; the world's most pissed of Vietnam vet. The movie is classic from start to finish and the entire cast is superb, including Steve Buscemi as the rather pathetic "Donny". It's a movie about bowling, it's a movie about being an American during The Gulf War....it's a movie about trophy wives and German Nihilists. Not to mention it has a killer soundtrack, kicking off with Dylan's "The Man In Me". This one most definitely has a high re-watching factor. While the Cohen brand of humor may not everyone's cup of tea, I'll certainly take it....and a White Russian while at it.

4. "Brazil" (1985) - Jonathan Pryce, Robert de Nero, Katherine Helmond - I love this movie. I loved this movie from the moment I saw it. I love this movie so much that I spent a good year or so doing art inspired by it. Terry Gilliam is a genius, perhaps a slightly insane one, but no doubt a genius. Set in a strange dynotopian type future, which one assumes could be Britain (although we are never really sure), it is a place of faulty piping, constant paperwork, and lobotomies for those who go against ‘the system’. Nothing is quite what it seems, and as Pryce's Sam Lowry searches for a beautiful woman...who could be a terrorist...or not, he finds himself not only haunted by strange dreams of fantasy, but also more and more in trouble with the government he works for. This movie is weird, and by far not for everyone, but the social commentary is brilliant. From Lowry's plastic surgery loving mother to the slightly demonic men of the public works system, we soon realize that the future is much darker than we'd probably like it to be. The plot’s twists and turns mess with your head even more as the end nears. The original ending of the movie is the only one worth seeing, as it was apparently altered to a 'happier' one for its original release; thankfully that was fixed for the later DVD release.

4. "A Clockwork Orange" (1971) - Malcolm McDowell - Many find this movie very disturbing, and I have to say, the first time I saw it I was rather disturbed as well. A story set in futuristic Britain, following the exploits of a gang of violent teenagers, led by Alex (McDowell) and the eventual ‘curing’ of the young hooligan in the form of a new technique. The movie is in essence a mass of commentary on society as well as the criminal justice system. For those with an aversion to violence....and shall we say, disturbing imagery, I would avoid this movie. But there's a lot more to it than "the old in and out" and "ultra violence". I have read the book, and I know that Anthony Burgess was very unhappy with the film adaptation, but I happen to enjoy both...even with the drastic differences. When the movie opened in England, Kubrick received death threads and it eventually had to be closed down. Needless to say, I think the film still holds up its message and shock value even today. Admitingly, I have to be in the right mood to watch this one as it’s not exactly easy to digest.

5. "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988) - Glenn Close, John Malkovitch, Michelle Pfeiffer - Seduction and betrayal at its best. Based off the equally saucy book, "Les Liaisons dangereuses" by Choderlos de Laclos, first published in 1782 and later turned into a stage play, this is a movie for those who truly relish in period movies....although I feel it has a much wider appeal than other movies in the genre. The costumes are indeed top notch, but that is really just icing on the cake compared to real assets of this film. Granted, the plot can be a little confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the storyline, but this can be cured my multiple viewings. Glenn Close gives the performance of a lifetime. And John Malkovitch, whom I normally don’t find attractive at all, manages to be quite alluring as Valmont. A young Uma Thurman co-stars as the naïve turned corrupted protégé of Valmont. Keanu Reeves manages to be the only real weak spot in the strong ensemble acting, but even he seems oddly suited for his role. This movie is often brutal and far from heartwarming, but there is a clear message; those who work to deceive the hearts of others will eventually pay the price. A luscious and emotionally powerful film, that is far, far superior to the other remake of the play, “Valmont”.

6. "Elizabeth" (1998) - Kate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes - The story of Elizabeth I's younger days; her rise to power and her eventual rebirth as 'The Virgin Queen'. It’s a superb costume flick, with loads of intrigue, violence and sex. While certainly many of the historical events were dramatized, if offers an accurate enough account of Elizabeth's early reign for the average moviegoer. The supporting cast is outstanding, particularly Geoffrey Rush as Sir Francis Walsingham; Elizabeth's ardent Protestant 'henchmen' and most steadfast supporter in those early turbulent days. Joseph Fiennes is of course the love interest in the form of The Earl of Leicester, and does a good job of changing his emotions...and motivations throughout the movie. And of course, Cate Blanchett is brilliant as Elizabeth herself. She portrays the young Queen as a woman of both strength and feminine weaknesses. Naturally, the costumes and the music are outstanding as well. Also, I'm a sucker for the whole Protestant vs. Catholic drama stuff, and the movie brings that out well.


PART II- Coming soon!

Well, I'm pretty much just writing this to test out my LJ layout...which I'm still toying with. I figure I'll slowly customize things and maybe get more into the LJ thing. I have joined a few communities and looking forward to joining more, as there seems to be an endless amount of specialized interest communities out there.

I am still working on my ICharacter writings, for both Andrew and Bill. Hopefully I can get those done before the deadline.

I'm also thinking about writing a 'V For Vendetta' Finch/Evey oriented fic for a Finchfic community I recently joined. Something short and sweet perhaps. :)

Beyond LJ stuff, not much else worthy of reporting.

I watched a good movie called 'Breakfast From Pluto" today, it was on my Stephen Rea Netflix list...and turned out to be a great film. Besides a great performance by Stephen (although he was not in it nearly enough), Liam Neeson and Cillian Murphy were amazing. Another wonderful Irish colab between Rea and director Neil Jordon (probably best known for "The Crying Game"), it's not a movie for those for the faint of heart when it comes to transexuality....but extremely touching and surprisingly uplifting given the trials of Kitten (Murphy). Worth a watch! (and maybe even a purchase).

Ah, and Al had to be my icon today....in honor of the 3rd and last season (*sniff*) of the magnificent "Deadwood". I just wish I could get my icons to be a bit more crisp looking....

Cheers,
Mel****