Swing Time

Critics claim that this is the best of the Ginger Roger/Fred Astaire films this pair have worked on. Swing Time is the story of a man who must raise a great deal of money to win back his fiancee in time to marry her. Astaire plays Lucky, the groom to be. When he comes across a charming dance instructor (played by Rogers) he begins to become confused about what he really wants. This film also introduces popular songs such as "The Way You Look Tonight" and "A Fine Romance." The dance numbers are flawless as usual. Any fan of this pair should not miss Swing Time.

White Christmas

I can still remember watching this movie every time we went to stay at my grandparents'...even in the middle of summer. This is a classic Christmas story about a couple of showmen and a pair of sisters who work together to put on the best holiday show Vermont has ever seen. There is music, romance, dancing, and all the essential elements of a beloved holiday musical. Bing Crosby really does have a command of this genre between White Christmas and Holiday Inn.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

This is possibly my favorite Humphrey Bogart film. It is the story of three men who are flat broke. They team up to set out on an adventure to search for gold in the mountains in Mexico. But the elements and bandits prove to be extreme challenges the three must learn to overcome, not to mention Bogart's slow mental deterioration as his greed overtakes him. The modern moviegoer may find the plot moves a little slow, but the conclusion is completely worth the wait.

Vertigo

I tend to prefer older classic thrillers over modern day cheap and gory horror flicks. A "scary movie" has to have certain elements for me to avoid being disgusted or overly disturbed. Vertigo is considered one of Alfred Hitchcock's best pictures. It is completely chilling and the score sets the eerie mood for the entire film. One does not typically place Jimmy Stewart in the role of horror film protagonist, but he is perfect in the part of Scottie Ferguson. Vertigo has all the essential elements: violence, intrigue, mystery, obsession...making for a masterfully accomplished thriller.

Spirited Away

Though I have only seen a handful of anime films, this is by far and away the most impressive and imaginative of them all. Director Hayao Miyazaki is completely brilliant, and many of his films are critically acclaimed. Spirited Away follows the story of a ten-year-old girl who finds herself in an alternate world ruled by witches and spirits. It sounds childish, but it is heartwarming and surprisingly moving. Miyazaki's film combines innocence, wonder and fantasy, making for a very pleasant and emotional adventure.

The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer

Another delightful Cary Grant comedy. This is the only post-adolescent Shirley Temple film I have ever seen, but she is just as good at playing a teen as she was as a little girl. Grant finds himself in a mixed up situation where Temple (a girl young enough to be his daughter) is completely infatuated with him. Temple's uncle and sister whip up a scheme to help her get over her teenage crush, but their plan soon goes awry. It is a very humorous and light film.

Pixar Films

Okay, so I just got back from the midnight showing of WALL-E and it was FANTASTIC! Although the Pixar films are obviously new, I wanted to devote a post to these films since they are classics. WALL-E was completely endearing and had a very strong message throughout. While some will probably complain that this message is too blatant and obvious, I think that since it is rated G, simple and honest is best. Plus, there are plenty of subtleties that may escape children for those snobs who may find this movie too simple. Ratatouille is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is sweet and hopefully and very clever. Monster's Inc. (along with the other two I just mentioned) is my other favorite. It is one of the most unique and creative movies I have ever seen. It is hilarious and if I had to choose, it would be at the top of my Pixar list. I also thoroughly enjoyed A Bug's Life and of course Finding Nemo was incredible. Both of these films featured loving and determined characters who never give up. While I was not really impressed by The Incredibles, I thought Toy Story II was even better than the first. Cars is also very humorous and includes some lovable characters. All in all, these are some of my favorite films; Pixar continues to impress me over the years. I remember seeing Toy Story in theaters with my dad and sister when I was young. Ever since, I have eagerly anticipated each new Pixar endeavour. I was so touched by Wall-E that I actually cried. If you have not seen these films, I urge you to do so. They reach a level that traditional animation failed to touch.

Cool Hand Luke

This is the ultimate tough guy movie. Cool Hand Luke is a tragic, yet inspiring look at life in a rural prison. Paul Newman (who is quite dreamy and very tan and muscular in this film) plays Luke, a man who refuses to play by the rules. Newman faces extreme adversity and punishment at the hands of the prison guards. He lifts the spirits of the other inmates. He presses on throughout the film, despite the hardships and the clashes with authority: "What we have here, is a failure to communicate." Everyone should see this film; it's Newman at his best.

Blade Runner

This is one of the most beloved science fiction films of all time. Ridley Scott directs this very technologically advanced adventure. For 1982, Blade Runner was way ahead of its time. It is a futuristic story featuring Harrison Ford as the protagonist. If you appreciate it for what it is, I am sure you will enjoy this film.

Born Yesterday

This movie was a lovely surprise. Judy Holliday plays dim girlfriend to an "old-school" businessman who uses muscle over brains. Broderick Crawford plays her boyfriend and patron; he determines his girlfriend's lack of class and education is hurting his business prospects. He hires William Holden to educate her. Holliday and Holden form a beautiful friendship through their studies. The film is very funny and I am so glad I came across it. Holliday won an Oscar for her brilliant performance.

It's a Wonderful Life

Another Capra classic and possibly his most famous, It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most inspiring movies of all-time. This is one you will definitely want to keep watching every Christmas. But even if you don't celebrate Christmas, this is the ultimate feel-good movie. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, a man who cannot seem to change his luck. Watch as he learns the value of a single life. You will not be disappointed!

High Society

If you like The Philadelphia Story, you will love this musical version of the story. Instead of Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Katharine Hepburn, you get Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. These three form a wonderful trio which certainly lives up to the original film. Crosby and Sinatra's duet is simply beautiful. These are two of the greatest male voices of all-time, right here in one film. Make sure you see the original first, or you will not enjoy either picture nearly as much.

You Can't Take It With You

This is a lovely Frank Capra classic and an earlier Jimmy Stewart film. Stewart and Jean Arthur struggle to make their relationship work despite clashing families. Stewart comes from a wealthy family of business, and Arthur from a family headed up by a grandfather who values life and happiness more than money. It has all the elements of a typical Capra film and is therefore very uplifting and worth seeing.

Planet of the Apes

I of course am referring to the 1968 original version of the film. Planet of the Apes was one of the most surprising delights I have ever discovered. I had heard the film was hokey, mostly due to costuming, but I was completely blown away by this film. Charlton Heston lives up to his tough guy image. He lands on a strange planet sometime in the very distant future to find that the Apes are the intelligent beings performing experiments on humans. If you like Sci-fi at all, you will really enjoy this film. The score is also enchanting and Kim Hunter's performance, endearing.