I’ve been watching movies since I can remember. If memory serves correctly, I’ve seen three silent films in my life—the Phantom of the Opera (1925), The Artist (2011), and now Wings. Wings is the first Best Picture winner in history, taking home the Oscar in 1928. It remains the only silent film (to date) to … More Wings (1927)
A common theme I have been talking about in many of the Golden Age films is that the characters in some of these films are just not interesting. Whether they are in terrible stories or played by actors I didn’t find appealing, I’ve found myself wondering how so many of these films would go on … More The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Mrs. Miniver won the Best Picture in 1941, some two years after World War II started. The film’s plot follows Mrs. Miniver (Greer Garson) and her family as they struggle to adapt to a world entrenched in war. Before the war breaks out, the story is pretty standard stuff, the husband works, the son is … More Mrs. Miniver (1941)
Sadly, I have spent a good chunk of time bashing the classics, especially those from Hollywood’s Golden Age. For the longest time, I avoided movies released before the 1970s because black and white stories never interested me. As I make my way through the Best Picture winners, I really only got the classic black and … More From Here to Eternity (1953)
It was probably 11 years ago when I tried to rent every movie available at the local Blockbuster. Somewhere in there, I went through a military movie phase and recall renting Patton. I’ve been aware of this film’s award-winning pedigree, yet I am still puzzled by all the pomp and circumstance after a second viewing. … More Patton (1970)
The very first Oscar ceremony happened in 1929, and celebrated films were released between 1927 and 1928. Within a year, All Quiet on the Western Front was released to the masses and took home the coveted statue in 1931, becoming just the third Best Picture winner. All Quiet on the Western Front depicts the struggles … More All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
Hollywood tends to go to the well time and time again when the United States of America enters into a new military conflict. There are thousands of angles to cover with war movies, like heroic moments, brilliant strategy moves, and the lingering effects of those entrenched in some messed up engagements. The Hurt Locker continues … More The Hurt Locker (2008)
In 1996 The English Patient took home the award for Best Picture at the 69th Academy Awards. It has taken 26 years for me to finally sit down and watch this 2:42 movie, which occurred last night. I avoided this film because it didn’t seem interesting or appealing to me in any way, shape or … More The English Patient (1996)
Once upon a time, I went through a military movie phase. It was early 2009, and to be quite honest, I had contemplated joining the forces. I remember going to Blockbuster every other day and renting two to three war movies and watching some of the greats. One day I did rent Platoon, which won … More Platoon (1986)
The Deer Hunter won the Academy Award for Best Picture way back in 1978. The film is over three hours long and stars some of the greatest names in film history, Robert DeNiro, John Cazale, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep. In the present day, when you look back at the all-star lineup, you’d be shocked … More The Deer Hunter (1978)
Ten Stars or Less 