Catch Up with these Classics
Somehow I missed some of these titles until they became classics, others I have yet to see. Still others are here because either my husband or I have seen them, but the other has not. Lastly, regardless of whether we'd seen them, they just belong here. Maybe YOU haven't seen them yet, but you should. Enjoy!
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- DirectorStanley KubrickAnthony MannStarsKirk DouglasLaurence OlivierJean SimmonsThe slave Spartacus survives brutal training as a gladiator and leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic, as the ambitious Crassus seeks to gain power by crushing the uprising.Having just finished watching the Spartacus television series, I must now compare and contrast with the original story that we'd never seen. We must see it done.
- DirectorAdrian LyneStarsMichael DouglasGlenn CloseAnne ArcherA married man's one-night stand comes back to haunt him when that lover begins to stalk him and his family.Boiled rabbits? I've been meaning to see this for the longest time. Is it worth the wait?
UPDATE: I watched it and wondered if it was merely some of the weird choices that made this movie memorable for so many. I'm sorry but casting was just odd for a couple of characters, and the boiled rabbit didn't make sense either. It was probably better enjoyed at this late date than it ever could have been at release time. I'm glad I waited. - DirectorFrank PerryStarsFaye DunawayDiana ScarwidSteve ForrestThe abusive and traumatic adoptive upbringing of Christina Crawford at the hands of her mother, screen queen Joan Crawford, is depicted.Why do I love this movie? There's something about psychotic people that I just cannot resist. The fact that it's based on a real story saddens, but does not deter me from loving it. Husband has yet to see this gem. I can't wait to see it again after so many years.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsRod TaylorTippi HedrenJessica TandyA wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.Finally saw this recently. I was disappointed in the lack of a real explanation for the bird encounters, but then quickly admire the indie style of the story. Not my favorite, but I'm glad to have seen it, finally.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsJohn BelushiDan AykroydCab CallowayJake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago.I had grown tired of hearing "you've never seen the Blues Brothers movie?! so I sought this out. It was okay, but perhaps people built it up in my mind too much before I saw it. That or maybe I'm the wrong kind of person for this movie. It was a good time, just not as memorable for me.
- DirectorMilos FormanStarsJack NicholsonLouise FletcherMichael BerrymanIn the Fall of 1963, a Korean War veteran and criminal pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he rallies up the scared patients against the tyrannical nurse.This one's a winner. It'd been on my list for years, but not high enough of a priority until the magic of the Internet and Tivo helped to make it available. I enjoyed this story and setting.
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsDustin HoffmanAnne BancroftKatharine RossA disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter.I think I learned of this movie after pondering the lyrics to the Mrs. Robinson song. I must have looked them up and found my way to this title. What a find! Creepy, crazy, and funny all at the same time. Good times with an awkwardly open ending.
- DirectorSteve GordonStarsDudley MooreLiza MinnelliJohn GielgudAlcoholic billionaire playboy Arthur Bach must marry a woman he does not love, or he will be cut off from his $750,000,000 fortune. But when Arthur falls in love with a poor waitress, he must decide if he wants to choose love or money.We watched the newer version first, then we got curious and watched this one. Both were pretty great. Lots of fun.
- DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsDudley MooreBo DerekJulie AndrewsA Hollywood composer goes through a mid-life crisis and becomes infatuated with a sexy, newly married woman.Bo Derek and braids on a beach. Oh and Dudley. That's about all I know about this. I have to get this sorted out, once and for all.
UPDATE: I finally saw this and laughed at all the dated gags involving phone calls and telescopes. I'm glad the way the movie ended, except for maybe the very, very last bit. I won't ruin anything for you, but it was a fun flick. Oh, and there's quite a bit of nudity in this. Just FYI. - DirectorJohn BoormanStarsJon VoightBurt ReynoldsNed BeattyIntent on seeing the Cahulawassee River before it's dammed and turned into a lake, outdoor fanatic Lewis Medlock takes his friends on a canoeing trip they'll never forget into the dangerous American back-country.Watched it for "Dueling Banjos" (which is actually played with a banjo and a guitar, but whatever) and came to learn the punchline to all those jokes I never got when people just "bare-na-NARE-nare-nare-nare-nare-nare-NARE"d in the middle of a conversation. Wow. If you haven't seen this yet, I think you must, just to get the jokes.
- StarsJoanne WoodwardSally FieldBrad DavisA young woman whose childhood was so harrowing to her that she developed sixteen different personalities is treated by a doctor.Again, crazy characters based on real stories - gotta love them. I've seen this one multiple times.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroJodie FosterCybill ShepherdA mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action.I didn't quite get this one. Meh.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLiam NeesonRalph FiennesBen KingsleyIn German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.I guess knowing the sad topic of this one kept me away without anyone else just begging to see it with me. I do feel I must catch up and see, especially having visited Oświęcim.
UPDATE: I watched this and wow. Definite tear-jerker, but so worth it. It's a very important story. - DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMartin SheenMarlon BrandoRobert DuvallA U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam is tasked with assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel who sees himself as a god.I remember enjoying this, but I cannot remember much of the details. I simply must rewatch!
- DirectorOrson WellesStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenDorothy ComingoreFollowing the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, reporters scramble to uncover the meaning of his final utterance: 'Rosebud.'I'd heard good things about this, but have yet to see it.
UPDATE: Finally got around to seeing this. Although that Family Guy episode supposedly spoiled the big reveal at the end for me, it was still an interesting story and an interesting collection of characters, and I knew nothing about the plot going in. - DirectorStanley KubrickStarsMalcolm McDowellPatrick MageeMichael BatesIn the future, a sadistic gang leader is imprisoned and volunteers for a conduct-aversion experiment, but it doesn't go as planned.I think this movie just has balls. It's crazy and it knows it. I like a movie with balls and I found the actual plot interesting to boot, as disturbing as some of the scenes may be. I have seen this multiple times and am always ready to see it again.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.I only recently came to know about this movie and the fact that it was almost lost to the elements. Oddly, I found out about it after songs from a later version's soundtrack popped up in my vast collection of music. Specifically, I really liked the lively "El Bombero", which has nothing to do with the original, carefully restored version of this movie - the one I've seen. (The song is actually from a 2001 anime remake that I have not seen.) The original movie itself was good and I liked seeing the way it was presented for the time and in the style of the time. Also, there were a fair number of special effects that impressed me, especially for the time. Plus, it's an interesting story.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsMatthew ModineR. Lee ErmeyVincent D'OnofrioA pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue."What's your major malfunction?!" and the Rifleman's Creed sparked interest in watching the scenes in context.
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsWilliam HoldenAlec GuinnessJack HawkinsBritish POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors in occupied Burma, not knowing that the allied forces are planning a daring commando raid through the jungle to destroy it.My curiosity puts this one on the list only because of the whistle song. I have yet to see this one.
- DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsPaul NewmanRobert RedfordRobert ShawTwo grifters team up to pull off the ultimate con.I remember hearing a music box that played the theme song from this movie when I was young. I didn't realize the song was correlated with a movie. Now that I know, I shall have to see this one.
UPDATE: Watched it. What a crazy caper! Now I know why the music box, which was a merry-go-round, played "The Entertainer". - DirectorStuart RosenbergStarsPaul NewmanGeorge KennedyStrother MartinA laid-back Southern man is sentenced to two years in a rural prison, but refuses to conform.We've both seen this one, but me, only relatively recently. This is a frequently remembered movie in my household. Whether it's time to eat a lot of eggs, have a cool drink, or do what the boss says, we quote this cute little movie frequently in my house.
- DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsPaul NewmanRobert RedfordKatharine RossIn 1890s Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid lead a band of outlaws. When a train robbery goes wrong, they find themselves on the run with a posse hard on their heels. After considering their options, they escape to South America.This movie came up in a trivia game the other day. I'd never seen it.
UPDATE: Watched it. Those guys! I didn't realize it was a funny western all these years. Great film. - DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsBen KingsleyJohn GielgudRohini HattangadiThe life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.How'd this one escape me? I might need to see this, I think.
- DirectorSidney LumetStarsAl PacinoJohn CazalePenelope AllenThree amateur bank robbers plan to hold up a bank. A nice simple robbery: Walk in, take the money, and run. Unfortunately, the supposedly uncomplicated heist suddenly becomes a bizarre nightmare as everything that could go wrong does.This title is mentioned here and there in movie star interviews, so I felt I should include it here and someday see it.
- DirectorHenry KosterStarsJames StewartWallace FordWilliam H. LynnDue to his insistence that he has an invisible six foot-tall rabbit for a best friend, a whimsical middle-aged man is thought by his family to be insane - but he may be wiser than anyone knows.The original "Wilfred" character, you guys. Seriously.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsEllen BurstynMax von SydowLinda BlairWhen a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.Back when I used to believe in God and Catholicism, this kind of plot scared the bejesus out of me. Today, it's just silly shenanigans. Twisted, though it remains, thus my inclusion in this list.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsGregory PeckLee RemickHarvey StephensMysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil's own son?Damien! What a brat, eh? This is the boy's answer to the Exorcist and the other creepy religious-laden terror to spook believers everywhere. I know adults that still get freaked out when their store bill comes to $6.66.
- DirectorStuart RosenbergStarsJames BrolinMargot KidderRod SteigerNewlyweds and their three children move into a large house where a mass murder was committed. They start to experience strange, inexplicable manifestations which have strong effects on everyone living in or visiting the house.I saw this as a kid. I probably should not have. But I did. I remembered for many years afterwards, various scenes, including the "face" of the house, the bees, the blood, the church, the cellar and the dog. I have not rewatched as an adult yet. Should I, or should I live in the past of my memories on this one?
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsMia FarrowJohn CassavetesRuth GordonA young couple trying for a baby moves into an aging, ornate apartment building on Central Park West, where they find themselves surrounded by peculiar neighbors.Never got around to seeing this one somehow.
UPDATE: I finally watched this (it's a bit long) and oh boy, what a campy treat it was! It's fun to see how things were done in the 60's (fashion, acting, etc.) and the story is strange and interesting. Also, the theme song is fun to mix into your collection. "La la la laaa la la la la la la la la la....." - DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.This used to air once a year during my childhood and I made sure I was tuned in every single time. Who hasn't seen this a zillion times?
- DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsCharlton HestonRoddy McDowallKim HunterAn astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet where highly intelligent non-human ape species are dominant and humans are enslaved.I remember seeing this on during my childhood, but I wasn't the one watching it. The ape costumes disturbed me. However, this story makes for a great movie, watching as an adult. Culture differences, race, intelligence and social responsibility are all explored to some degree. There is some element of space travel and time travel to this as well, but don't watch just for that, or you'll be disappointed.
- DirectorHarold RamisStarsChevy ChaseRodney DangerfieldBill MurrayAn exclusive golf course has to deal with a flatulent new member and a destructive dancing gopher."Be the ball. Na na na na na na na...."
Finally watched this one after being left out of all the jokes and quotes. I also saw the sequel, which was more an excuse to remember '80's fashion. - DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTim RobbinsMorgan FreemanBob GuntonOver the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.References to this movie keep coming up, yet it has eluded me. Must see it!
UPDATE: Another Stephen King prison movie (I loved "The Green Mile!"), I enjoyed the clever characters and interesting chain of events. Well done. - DirectorJane CampionStarsHolly HunterHarvey KeitelSam NeillIn the mid-19th century a mute woman is sent to New Zealand along with her young daughter and prized piano for an arranged marriage to a farmer, but is soon lusted after by a farm worker.I'm not sure if this is a classic, but it's a movie that was talked about for a while - which is probably why I avoided it. I'd like to see what the fuss is (or was) all about.
UPDATE: I watched this on a sick day. It was quite an interesting story - very original setting and plot. Modern screenwriters, take note. Stop rehashing and rebooting stories and find original stories like this to film. - DirectorJim SheridanStarsDaniel Day-LewisBrenda FrickerAlison WhelanChristy Brown, born with cerebral palsy, learns to paint and write with his only controllable limb - his left foot.I know very little about this, but remembered hearing of the title when I was younger.
UPDATE: I had no idea what to expect from this movie. One day I finally decided to start watching it, but only had small chunks of time to devote to watching, so I divided it into about 4 or 5 parts over as many days. Wow. It was a lot to take in, so I was glad I had broken it up. It gave me time to let the details soak in and to reflect a bit on what I'd seen thus far. I was very moved by this period piece about a poor, very handicapped kid who faced some serious challenges growing up. It's got a good ending, too, I thought. - DirectorRichard FleischerStarsJames MasonSusan GeorgePerry KingAn 1840s slaveowner trains one of his slaves to be a bare-knuckle fighter.I actually saw this one, but I'd never heard of it before seeing it. It was definitely quotable and memorable.
- StarsLeVar BurtonRobert ReedJohn AmosA dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendants' liberation.I was too young to appreciate this when it was on network TV, but finally got a chance to watch it all. It was epic! I recommend you watch Roots and Roots The Next Generations.
- CreatorErnest KinoyStarsDebbi MorganDorian HarewoodPaul KosloThe dramatization of Alex Haley's family line from post Civil War America to the writer's search for his roots.I was too young to appreciate this when it was on network TV, but finally got a chance to watch it all. It was epic! I recommend you watch Roots and Roots The Next Generation.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTom HanksMichael Clarke DuncanDavid MorseA tale set on death row, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people's ailments. When the lead guard, Paul Edgecombe, recognizes John's gift, he tries to help stave off the condemned man's execution.I never knew what this was about until I finally saw it recently. My interested stemmed from the Stephen King connection. It's long, but went at the perfect pace for the mood of the story. I loved it. I really enjoyed the characters as well. If you haven't seen it, you should add it to your list.