IMHO.
Last updated: August 2024
DISCLAIMER:
I'm not a professional film critic. Obviously.
Films are not listed in any particular order.
Go to the INDEX
for an alphabetical list AND Links (by movie title, or first name of actor).
Go here for a list of the greatest duos in film/TV, etc.
. . .or peruse the page starting right here - at the top of this page.
Click on most images for a larger version and/or a video
FOUNDATION (Apple+TV, 2021 to present)
This series is based on Isaac Asimov Foundation Series.
It does not follow the books exactly, but I like what the writers have done; my favorite booksare his robot series, so the focus of this series, the clones but more important Demerzel,
are of interest to me. The real life locales are amazing, and add a lot to the series; CGI or AI would be
unsatisfactory after seeing these amazing real-life places. I hope season 3 keeps
the same quality standards.
S1 E3 Many fans complain the series has changed things from the books; I say yay! It would be impossible,
and boring, to film the books. IMO. "In the far future, most of the known galaxy is despotically ruled by a revolving triumvirate of
Emperor Cleon clones: Brother Day, a Cleon in his prime; Brother Dusk, a retired and aging Cleon
who serves in an advisory role; and Brother Dawn, a young Cleon being trained to succeed Brother
Day. This "genetic dynasty" has been surreptitiously administered for 400 years by the regal Lady
Demerzel, the emperor's majordomo and secretly a unique, ageless humanoid robot..."
GATTACA (1997)
The title is based on the initial letters of the four DNA nitrogenous bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine).
Are you VALID???
Are you, and/or the human spirit limited by our DNA?
REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940)
This film is overshadowed by other quintessential Christmas classics such as A Christmas Story, White Christmas and the zillion versions of A Christmas Carol; as a matter of fact I saw it for the first time during the 2008 Christmas season. It's a gem, a must see especially during the Holidays, but a good movie any time of year as well. Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Beulah Bondi
Synopsis:
Barbara Stanwyck (Lee) is caught shoplifting on Christmas Eve. Fred MacMurray, (John Sargent) the prosecuting DA, takes pity on her during the holiday season and ends up taking her home to Indiana with her. She spends the holidays with his Mom, Aunt and Willy. (Bondi does a terrific job as the Mom, as expected) Of course they fall in love but along the way we are treated to a lovely heartwarming tale of redemption through love...in my mind this is a classic Christmas story...don't miss it! (watch for the line "people who bite noses" - if you don't laugh I'll eat my hat)
Preston Sturges wrote the screenplay "and it�s full of his trademark wit and elegance"
The Longest Day (1962)
The events of D-Day, one of the most important days in modern history.
The retelling of D-Day (the invasion of Normandy during WWII on June 6, 1944), from the perspectives of the Germans, the United States, Britain, and the Free French.
THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998)
Is your life scripted? No? Are you sure?
It asks if we can "break the spell that keeps us believing in the media-fabricated illusions of popular culture".
Contact (1997)
The film based on Carl Sagan's novel 'Contact'.
Listening - Blueprints - Dr. Elle Arroway
- Alien Machine - Elle - Alien Machine engaged - Elle
inside Machine - Elle sitting in Machine - First Alien
machine (destroyed)
'Dr. Eleanor Arroway discovers an intelligent signal broadcast from deep space. She and her fellow scientists are able to decipher the Message and discover detailed instructions for building a mysterious Machine. Will the Machine spell the end of our world, or the end of our superstitions? Will we take our place among the races of the Galaxy, or are we just an upstart species with a long way to go?
A rare breed in Hollywood, a provocative discussion of scientific belief vs. religious belief.
Is anyone out there? Find out: plug in the numbers using the Drake Equation:
where:
- N is the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which communication might be possible;
- R is the average rate of star formation per year in our galaxy
- fp is the fraction of those stars that have planets
- ne is the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets
- fℓ is the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop life at some point
- fi is the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop intelligent life
- fc is the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space
- L is the length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space.[2]
Or read more at suebob.net
MARNIE (1964)
A 1964 psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the novel of the same name by Winston Graham. The film stars Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery. Plot: Marnie Edgar (Hedren) is a troubled young woman who has an unnatural fear and mistrust of men, thunderstorms, and the color red. She is also a compulsive thief. She uses her charms on Sidney Strutt (Martin Gabel) to get a job without references. Then late one night, she steals the contents of the company safe and disappears. Sean Connery (playing Mark Rutland, in kind of a creepy way) falls for her, almost as a scientific experiment he marries her and tries to solve the mystery of Marnie.
I find the psychology of the character played by Connery a lot more interesting than Marnie. Does he really want to help, or is it just a rich man's game?
Another character I would have liked to see more of was Diane Baker as Lil Mainwaring; This film was my first introduction to Hitchcock; I realized it was possible to create drama/fear/terror without actually showing the details of specific scenes.
Jonny Quest (The Classic Episodes)
Run, Bandit, Run.
More Jonny Quest images.
The Dish (2000)
Based on the true exploits of a group of quirky Australian astronomers who help NASA during the July 1969 moon landing. Without their help, NASA wouldhave no pictures of Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon.
This is a great 'small' film; one of those gems that are overlookedby the masses while in theatres, but a film not to be missed. If you haveany interest in the space program, this is a 'must see' film.
The Parkes Observatory, Austrialia
"July 1969: A NASA representative enlists scientists from the small Australian town of Parkes to help broadcast the Apollo XI moonwalk to the world over the Australians' satellite. The townspeople of Parkes are happy to take their place in history in this quirky comedy based on actual events."
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Feeling down and a little bit low? Watch George Bailey battle 'a break in the space-time continuum' and you will have a whole new perspective on things.
Jean Arthur
I remember when I was quite young and stupid I thought black and white films were not worth my time...I have Jean Arthur to thank for waking me up to the wonder of these older films; she always played strong, smart women and I needed to see that!
After her death film reviewer Charles Champlin wrote
the following in the Los Angeles Times:
Jean Arthur suggested strongly that the ideal woman
could be ought to be judged by her spirit as well as
her beauty. The notion of the woman as a friend and
confidante, as well as someone you courted and were nuts
about, someone whose true beauty was internal rather
than external, became a full-blown possibility as we
watched Jean Arthur.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
and to a lesser extent 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)
The original 'Raiders' was magnificent; I thought Karen Allen stole the show. The 'Last Crusade' was saved by Sean Connery.
William Powell (July 29, 1892 � March 5, 1984)
I first saw Powell in "Mister Roberts" (1955). Later on, I was watching the Thin Man series and realized it was the same guy. His films with Myrna Loy are especially memorable.
Myrna Loy
From the "Thin Man" series to "The Best Years of our Lives" she showed grace and humor; a real class act. She was born in Helena, Montana...my home state.
Barbara Stanwyck (July 16, 1907 � January 20, 1990)
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Nothing beats the original films; why does Hollywood insist on re-making them???
Besides, the original score by Jerry Goldsmith is riveting.
"Damn you, damn you all to hell!"
The third sequel in the series, "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (1971) was also pretty good.
DAVID WARNER (1941)
The perfect villain, or Klingon peacemaker.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
Spencer Tracy's last film, and see below!.
ALEC BALDWIN (April 3, 1958 - )
I loved him in "The Hunt For Red October" and today enjoy his hosting on TCM.
Kathryn Hepburn (May 12, 1907 � June 29, 2003)
What can I say about Kathryn Hepburn that hasn't already been said? She a true original, a classic! My favorite co-star for her was Cary Grant...both from the heyday of Hollywood "royalty", IMHO.
Fargo (1996)
If the wife hadn't been killed, this would have been the perfect entertainment.
Rocky (1976)
Adrian!
American Graffiti (1973)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
I haven't seen the new version, but I can't believe it Could be any better than the original film. This film ought to make anybody paranoid!
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
1977 was a very good year for sci-fi.
The Sound of Music (1965)
ET the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
No brainer - one of the best films of all time!
CASABLANCA (1942)
Another classic.
CITIZEN KANE (1941)
"Rooted in themes of power, corruption and vanity -- the American Dream lost in themystery of a dying man's last word: "Rosebud."
STAR WARS (1977)
Not only was that opening scene one of the most
memorable, but the characters (human and robotic) were
unforgettable, Plus the music by John Williams
was...rousing!
This first two installments of the series was by far the
best - the others, eh...
The Godfather (1972)
Not only a great film, but one of my favorite movie
music themes as well.(by the great Italian film composer
Nino Rota).
(Godfather Part II was good too, but didn't care too
much for the others)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Need to save the world? Memorize...
'Klaatu barada nikto', ...
The Parent Trap (1961)
Sharon...or Susan???
"You really can't tell, can you..."
THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS (1965)
"A Scathingly Brilliant Idea."
A must see for any Rosalind Russell or Hayley Mills fan; this is a funny and touching film about a well-to-do wayward young woman (Mills as Mary Clancey) and her quest for meaning in her life. The end surprised me when I first saw the film (and I wasn't none too pleased about it either), but as the years go by I have come to appreciate and respect her decision - a bit.
Rachel (June Harding) is one of my favorite characters.
My favorite line: "Dig That Crazy Accordion."
Rocko's Modern Life
A quirky little cartoon. I especially like the 'skewed' animation.
"Rocko is a wallaby who has emmigrated to America from Australia. He lives in O Town and tries to get through life but, of course, comes across a multitude of dilemmas and misadventures he must get through. Other characters include Rocko's best friend, Heffer, a steer who has been raised by wolves, Filbert, an easily upset turtle, and Ed Bighead who detests Rocko and hates having him for a next door neighbor. On this show, Rocko has such adventures as trying to adapt to a new vacuum cleaner, having Heffer move in temporarily after his parents kick him out, and going to a movie theater."
The X Files
The Early Days
The best of Scully and Mulder came early. My very favorite episode is"Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space'". Tongue in cheek, throughout.
Pollyanna (1960)
Play 'The Glad Game'.
Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't.
The Harry Potter movies
The kids are all grown now...
A great story about friendship, loyalty, bravery, cowardice,fear, fate, humility, and a nice dash of humor thrown in for good measure.
2001: A Space Odyssey
"Dave, I'm scared....Dave, my mind is going....Dave...."
The Simpsons
Who can resist America's most dysfunctional family?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The whole glorious epic.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Who can turn the world on with her smile?
I Love Lucy
(TV show)
"Luuuuuccyyy!"
The Sun Daggar
(Documentary)
I saw this documentary in an anthropology class in 1985. Since that time I have wanted to visit this place. Finally, in Oct of 2005 I did. To get there you must drive nearly 15 miles on a bumpy dirt road. It definitely keeps out most tourists, which is a good thing. Here on a side ofFajada Butte stands 480 feet above Chaco Canyon; it is here where an ancient celestial calendar, known as the 'Sun Daggar', sits.
Created by the Anasazi, the sun dagger simultaneously measures the sun's yearly cycle and the 19 year lunar cycle using shadows thrown by three huge rock slabs. It also marks the solstice at noon making the shadow move vertically when the sun is moving horizontally. This is accomplished using the curved surfaces of these huge rocks. Unfortunately, the site is closed to all visitors.
The villages of Chaco Canyon were mysteriously abandoned by the Anasazi People around 1250 A.D. The Navajo Indians settled here in the 16th Century.
"Disaster struck in 1989, when erosion of the clay and gravel around the base of the stone monoliths caused them to slip. (Due to overzealous scientists, apparently) As the slabs inched down the steep slope of the butte, the sun dagger vanished. Having unobtrusively marked the passage of seasons for many centuries; it lasted only ten years after its discovery before it was lost forever." From Four Corners Magazine, August-September 1996, Copyright 1996 by Richard K. Harris
CARY GRANT (Archibald Alexander Leach January 18, 1904 � November 29, 1986)
Cary Grant adds class to any film. The best, in no particular order:
The Philadelphia Story
North by Northwest
Charade
Indiscreet
An Affair to Remember
The Bishop's Wife
Notorious
His Girl Friday
To Catch a Thief
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
(Yeah, I know it sounds stupid, but trust
me on this one)
IDA LUPINO (4 February 1918 � 3 August 1995)
Actor, Director
Director of The Trouble with Angels
The Truth About Spring
Synopsis: Tommy Tyler a Caribbean sailor and his
tom-boy daughter, Spring, are out to search for a buried
treasure. Tommy brings aboard William Ashton, a young
lawyer to help with the search. Ashton turns out to be
handy when they encounter dangerous rivals. Tommy also
tries to play match maker between Ashton and Spring-a
difficult task indeed.
Cast Hayley Mills, John Mills, James MacArthur, Lionel
Jeffries
The Picture of Dorian Gray
He was handsome, suave, and a not just a tiny creepy...
I Know Where I'm Going!
Do you? This is a wonderful, profound film from .The Archers'.
A Matter of Life and Death
You gotta love Roger Livesey...that voice!
From Wikipedia:
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) is a romantic fantasy
film set in the Second World War by the British
writer-director-producer team of Michael Powell and Emeric
Pressburger. It was originally released in U.S. under the
title Stairway to Heaven, which was derived from the
film's most prominent special effect: a broad escalator
linking the Other World and Earth. Reversing the
convention of The Wizard of Oz, the supernatural scenes
are in black-and-white, while the ones on Earth are in
Technicolor.
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp is another film by the British film making team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and starring Roger Livesey. This is an amazing film; not to be missed...the beginning and end reminded me of Pulp Fiction - not the story, (very, very different story!) just the way the plot moved along...you need to see this film.
The Thing from Another World (1951)
"A U.S. Air Force re-supply crew is officially dispatched by Gen Fogerty (David McMahon) from Anchorage, Alaska at the unusual request of Dr. Carrington (Robert Cornthwaite), chief of a group of scientists working at a North Pole base, Polar Expedition Six. They have evidence that an unknown flying craft of some kind crashed nearby. Scotty (Douglas Spencer), a reporter in search of a story, tags along..."
Let the horror begin!
Actually, the first 40 or so minutes of this film entranced me...the rest was just your average horror movie, but that scene when they found the spacecraft...spine-tingling.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST (date)
CHARADE(date)
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY(date)
INDISCREET(date)
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER(date)
THE BISHOP'S WIFE(date)
ROSALIND RUSSELL (June 4, 1907 � November 28, 1976)
and of course, my favorite:
I don't know who the yahoo is on the left, but the other
three are Rosalind Russell, June Harding and Hayley Mills
in a cast shot from "The Trouble With Angels"
NOTORIOUS(1946)
"Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman), the American daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, is recruited by government agent T. R. Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate an organization of Nazis who have relocated to Brazil after World War II".
I remember this as my first "grown up" movie. Nazi's! Intrigue! Romantic triangles! Oh my!
HIS GIRL FRIDAY(1940)
I love the dialogue between Grant and Russell...
His Girl Friday is a 1940 American screwball comedy film directed by Howard Hawks, an adaptation by Charles Lederer, Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur of the play The Front Page by Hecht and MacArthur. The change in this version is that the role of Hildy Johnson was converted from male to female. The film stars Cary Grant as Walter Burns and Rosalind Russell as Hildy Johnson and features Ralph Bellamy as Bruce Baldwin. It is noted for its rapid-fire dialogue.
INGRID BERGMAN (29 August 1915 � 29 August 1982)
GREER GARSON (September 29, 1904 � April 6, 1996)
Greer Garson was a British-born actress popular during WWII...and still a favorite of mine today, of course...
Favorite movie, "Madame Curie".
VICTOR GARBER
Gumby and Pokey
ALAN RICKMAN
Alan Rickman brings a unique twist on any character he plays. He has the best delivery of lines, the way he says "Potter" is priceless. He plays Severus Snape, my favorite character in the Harry Potter world. I wish the character had lived; I was deeply saddened when Nagini was ordered to attack. Just a few faces of Alan Rickman:
EMMA THOMPSON
What a joy it is to watch Emma strut her stuff !
COSMOS
The time I checked, it was available on instant streaming via Netflix. I urge you to check it out!
GREAT DUOS IN FILM/TV/ETC. HISTORY
William Powell and Myna Loy
More coming:
Xena and Gabrielle
Dumbledore and Snape
Lucy and Ricky
Lucy and Ethel
Kirk and Spock
Mary Richards and Rhoda Morgenstern
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