91, Awakenings

Title: Awakenings (1991)

Signature Quote: "Hello, My name is Leonard Lowe, It has been explained to me that I've been away for quite some time, I'm back."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.2

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Dr. Malcolm Sayer(Robert De Niro), is a quiet, but smart Doctor who stumbles across a remedy that could awaken hundreds of people who have been away, that fell to a strong disease that occured during the 1920's. What he doesn't know is that one of those people is Leonard Lowe(Robert De Niro) will change his life forever.

Critique: This movie could have been much better than it really was. The only reason I gave it a 4.6 is because the film itself drags on and doesn't get to the point quickly. The directing to me was very poor, but the acting and script were marvelous without reach. I could only imagine how great this film could have been if it had not dragged on.

Recognitions: Awakenings was nominated for three academy awards including, Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, unfortunately it could not receive the award however for any of them.

1971, The French Connection

Title: The French Connection (1971)

Signature Quote: "All right, Popeye's here! get your hands on your heads, get off the bar, and get on the wall!

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: A cop(Gene Hackman) tries to intercept a drug shipment coming in from France.

Critique: This 1971 Best Picture winner is a suspensful and exciting film to watch. Probably one of Gene Hackman's best film, great picture to watch and enjoy.

Recognitions: The French Connection was nominated for 8 academy awards. It won the award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

08, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Title: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Signature Quote: "My name is Benjamin Button, and I was born under unusual circumstances."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.5

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: Born as a old man, Benjamin Button embarks on a journey that will change his life forever. Growing up in a retirement home, as a old man Benjamin was taught many philosophies and lessons from many people whose lives had ended, and in a way had began his own. Experiencing love, hurt, and an odd age Benjamin Button lives a simple yet insightful life to the fullest.

Critique: Adapted from the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is a interesting and innovative film to watch. I enjoyed this film for the amazing visual effects and acting that was portrayed. I believe Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt once again have created a great film together.

Recognitions: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. It received the award for Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup, and Best Art Direction.

The Green Mile

Title: The Green Mile (1999)

Signature Quote: "What happens in the mile, stays in the mile."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: Paul Edgecomb had seen just about everything in life, by working of Block E of Death Row, but the thing he least expected arrived, a miracle.(Michael Clarke Duncan)

Critique: This movie is viewed as a great film to many and acclaimed by many critics as a exceptional film. The story of Paul Edgecomb is a great one to see and imagine what he must of gone through while having to deal with such a tremendous individual.

Recognitions: The Green Mile was nominated for 4 academy awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

97, Titanic

Title: Titanic (1997)

Signature Quote: "I'm the king of the world!"

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.9

Acting:4.8

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: On board the new Titanic, Jack Dawson and Rose Bukater experience a love that lasts a lifetime.

Critique: A box office giant, Titanic leads the worldwide bo office with a gross of 1,835,300,000 dollars. Titanic is acclaimed by viewers all over the world for it's beautiful love story and it's masterful plot. Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet anchor a tremendous film without match.

Recognitions: Titanic won 11 academy awards, including Best Picture, and Best Director. Titanic is tied for it's 11 wins and it is considered one of the best films of all time.

99, The Talented Mr. Ripley

Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Signature Quote: " I always thought it be better, to be a fake somebody than a real nobody."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Tom Ripley has a gift, a gift of impersonating anybody he wishes to. He has a problem that he himself is unaware of, but just how far is he willing to go to disguise it and pretend to be someone he wishes he was.

Critique: Why this film was not nominated for Best Picture

in the Academy Awards strikes me. Just who is Tom Ripley and why does he try so hard to be someone he is not?, is the true question. Warping and twirling your brain into all shapes, this film will interest you and at the same time it might seem weird to you. Nonetheless, it is a very intriguing film to watch.

Recognitions: The Talented Mr. Ripley, was nominated for 5 academy awards, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Beginning of T Week, The Truman Show

Title: The Truman Show (1998)

Signature Quote: "Good Morning, and in case I don't see you, Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Goodnight."

Abstract: Picked from a group of babies when he was born, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) has been videotaped his whole life. From birth till present people have watched his everyday move. He is unaware that there are actors everywhere, a huge t.v set surrounding him, and his whole life being viewed by the world, but the remarkable thing is that millions don't watch the show because of him, they watch the show because of the admiration they have for his life.

Critique: This film spells out the words critique in every scene, it has been studied by hundreds around the world, and examined by many philosophers. The Truman Show, is much more than just a movie, The Truman Show, is a completely philosophical application that takes a lot of inspection and reasoning to fully understand the foundation of why it was made. It will stimulate your instinct and force you to project your own principle after watching it. A very indulging film to watch and analzye for many.

Recognitions: The Truman Show, was nominated for three academy awards including, Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. In the Golden Globes, Jim Carrey won the award for Best Actor.

Late 80's, Driving Miss Daisy

Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1999)

Signature Quote: "I'm going too Miss Daisy, Good!"

Script: 4.3

Directing: 4.4

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.4

Abstract: Hoke(Morgan Freeman), is a kind gentle man who would work and not complain. Miss Daisy(Jessica Tandy), is a very strong and proud woman who has nothing to hide, but when Hoke starts to work for Miss Daisy, he meets and struggles to deal with her everyday needs. As time passes though, they evolve a minor interaction into a long lasting friendship.

Critique: There are many things to say and not to say about this movie. It is a good movie don't get me wrong, but I feel the film did not finish or seem to be complete to me, there was something missing. A film I myself expected more from turned out to be a humoress, but still boring film. It tends to drag a bit, but like I said it is not that bad of a film. If you want to see it, see it, if you don't, don't.

Recognitions: Driving Miss Daisy was nominated for nine academy awards, and received 4 including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Sincerely Yours, The Breakfast Club

Title: The Breakfast Club (1985)

Signature Quote: "Dear Mr. Vernon: We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But, we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us: in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. We found out is that each one of us is: a brain ,and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: 5 different people stuck in school on a Saturday have nothing to talk about, but each other.

Critique: Many different reviews and articles classify The Breakfast Club as the best movie of the 80's. I classify it as one of the top 5 of the 80's, let me explain why it is acclaimed so highly. A story that talks about nothing but the variety and complexities of different lifestyles of people who don't care, teenagers. Telling this film from a perspective of a teenager is what makes it such a remarkable film, theses 5 teenagers talk about nothing, but their own lives and how it effects them.

Recognitions: #1 high school film on Entertainment Weekly and on many more as the best high school film in history.

86, The Mission

Title: The Mission (1986)

Signature Quote: "Your, Holiness, now your priests are

dead, and I am left alive. But in truth it is I who am

dead, and they live."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: The journey about two Jesuit priests Father

Gabriel(Jeremy Irons) and Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro) who together try to salvage a mission in Brazil created for the Guarani people, whom are threatened by the Spanish.

Critique: In life everyone has a journey to reach a destination. Father Gabriel's journey in this film is to save a civilization from being destroyed by Spaniards. There are two factors which appeared to me while watching this film, which are courage and love. The brave act these two men underwent by trying to keep these missions alive was incredible, and there struggle to fight for them was even greater. A great film of the late 80's.

Recognitions: The Mission was nominated for 7 academy awards including best picture, it's most recognized award was for Best Cinematography.

Great Life,Great Meaning, Gandhi

Title: Gandhi (1982)

Signature Quote: "What you cannot do is accept injustice from Hitler or anyone, you must make the injustice visible."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: This film traces the life of Mohandas K.Gandhi, beginning as a lawyer in South Africa fighting for his rights as a citizen to then becoming an inspirational and political leader for the country of India. The film shows how he spoke of non-violence and the fall of evil men, and how he liberated his country from the hold of the British empire. Many followed and chanted his name"Gandhi G." throughout India, but little did they know he would soon change the world forever and muse millions to follow in his teachings.

Critique: Springing from all angles of the screen, Gandhi, is a touching and amazing picture. The winner of Best Picture in 1982 is like no other biography or documentary. The life of Gandhi is something millions strive for everyday. A four star film lead with great acting and a insightful leader. A great motion picture for people of all ages to rejoice in. Gandhi is a stepping stone that reached greatness in the 1980's.

Recognitions: Gandhi was nominated for 11 academy awards. It accepted the award for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor,Best Director and many more.

3,2,1 Blast Off 80's, Rain Man

Title: Rain Man (1988)

Signature Quote: "Quantas never crashed."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Charlie Babbitt(Tom Cruise), lives a life of luxury in Los Angeles, but when he finds out he has a autistic brother(Dustin Hoffman) he has not heard about, he wants to know him more. And in a way, they teach each other lessons and develop a strong brotherhood.

Critique: Rain Man is a very strong and inspirational movie about a brotherhood and how strong it can be if it is kept alive. One of the best movies I have seen of the 80's. It is ranked 14th on my own personal favorites of all time, and it is on my top 2 films of the 80's as well.

Recognitions: Rain Man was nominated for 11 academy awards. It won the award for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

1991 and JFK

Title: JFK (1991)

Signature Quote: "Let justice be done though the heavens fall."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Why did they kill him? How did they kill him?. New Orleans District Attorney, Jim Garrison is determined to uncover how the assassination of John F. Kennedy took place, even if it means losing his job, and risking the life of his family.

Critique: JFK is a film with spice and life, it will never stop getting interesting it will keep the audience wondering at the end of every scene and it will make them understand more and more about the JFK assassination. If someone doesn't know about the conspiracy or plot against JFK this is the film everyone should watch.

Recognitions: JFK was nominated for 8 oscar's including, Best Picture and Best Director, it won the awards for Best Cinematography and Best Editing.

99, The Cider House Rules

Title: The Cider House Rules (1999)

Signature Quote: "Goodnight, you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Homer Wells(Tobey Maguire), grown up by Dr. Larch in St. Clouds Orphanage, has known nothing else his whole life but how to live as an orphan and serve as a doctor. Now he is leaving the only life he knows , to journey on a new one of he longs for.

Critique: Learning is one of the many tools one can obtain from watching so many films. One of the tools everyone can learn from this film is to be careful in life, to follow rules and at the same time sometimes break them. This is a film that everybody can learn something from one way or the other. Almost everybody will appreciate a film like this, and everybody will enjoy it. This film is ranked 4th among my own personal favorites of all time, great film for anyone to watch.

Recognitions: The Cider House Rules was nominated for 7 academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Film Editing, but the film only won the award for Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Mid 90's Forrest Gump

Title: Forrest Gump (1994)

Signature Quote: "My momma always said, Life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Born in Greenbow, Alabama, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) a slow, but extraordinary man lives a incredible life.

Genre: Drama

Critique: If I were to write a critique about this movie, there would not be enough words to describe how great it really is. Let me start here, Tom Hanks hands down deserves his academy award for this role, because I believe it is the best he has ever done. The life of Forrest Gump is a hard life to reach, because he exams life, he loves, he respects, and he learns. Meeting 3 presidents, going to war, having a beautiful relationship with his mother, and falling in love, Forrest achieves what every human on earth wishes to achieve and that is to live a perfect life. Yet, many don't see how he can do what he does, but whatever he does he completes with absolute perfection. Living extraordinary, having a marvelous friend, and learning from a terrfic mother, Forrest still deals with the everyday struggles a normal person would encounter, however he learns to cope with the situations and obtain knowledge from each of them to improve his life more than what it is. This movie is truly not matched with many, this is a film considered to be a magnificent life story with a beyond belief leading character. Hands down one of the top movies of the 90's.

Recognitions: Forrest Gump was nominated for 13 academy awards including, Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Cinematography, it won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Forrest Gump is ranked 71 on American Film Institute top 100 films of all time.

97, L.A Confidential

Title: L.A Confidential (1997)

Signature Quote: "Off the record, on the QT and very hush-hush."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.5

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: A film about cops organizing crimes in Los Angeles during the early 1950's. The question was why? and how? did they get away with it. In the particular crime portrayed in L.A Confidential, Bud White(Russell Crowe) and Liutenant Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) try to discover the outcome of a bloody murder scene including a ex-cop.

Genre: Action/Drama

Critique: L.A Confidential, is a excellent film not because of the story or the location, but because of the acting. Russell Crowe is great is this film, because he fits the police officer role to authenticity. Kevin Spacey no need for words on how great he acts, but Guy Pearce performs a incredible role in this film as well. One of the best police films known to date, I consider this film to be one of the best of the late 90's.

Recognitions: L.A Confidential won the academy award for best supporting actress and best adapted screenplay.

Late 90's, Life is Beautiful

Title: Life is Beautiful (1998)

Signature Quote: "The prize is tank, a real tank."

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: A Jewish father and husband (Robert Benigni), protects his son from gaining knowledge about the Holocaust, after they are both taken from their home in Italy to a concentration camp.

Genre: Drama

Critique: The story about how far a parent is willing to go in order to secure a better life for their child. The purpose of Life is Beautiful is to explain how significant a role of a parent can be and to what lengths they will go to keep their children alive and safe.

Recognitions: Life is Beautiful was nominated for eight academy awards including, Best Picture, Directing and Best Original Screenplay. It won the award for Best Actor, Best Music, Best Score, and Best Foreign Language Film.

Early 90's, Pulp Fiction

Title: Pulp Fiction (1994)

Signature Quote: "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."- Ezekiel 25-17, Jules

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: Three stories, one meaning. Story one, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) escorts Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) out for dinner and a night of exciting twists and turns. In story two, The Gold Watch, Butch Coolidge(Bruce Willis) star boxer, breaks the pact he had with gangster Marsellus Wallace and hides out in order to keep himself from dying. And now the only way he can get out of it, is saving Wallace from death. In story three, Jules(Samuel L. Jackson) and Vince have to disguise a accidental killing of a innocent victim and escape the hands of their own death by local criminals who rob a coffee shop and threaten both of their lives.

Genre: Action/ Drama

Critique: Pulp Fiction , two words which define a revelation in the world of movies. I guarantee no one will ever see a movie to this caliber with this kind of storyline and with this much action. The film, screenwriter Quentin Tarantino has created in this fashion with this much interest is hard to recreate. I will say no one dislikes this film they either love or hate it, there is no in between. I consider it to be an excellent film, it is one of my favorites of all time.

Recognitions: Pulp Fiction was nominated for 7 academy awards including, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, but the film only one the award for Best Original Screenplay.

American Beauty kicks off 90's week.

Title: American Beauty (1999)

Signature Quote: "My name is Lester Burnham. I am 42 years old, in less than a year I'll be dead. Of course I don't know that yet and in a way, I'm already dead."

Script: 4.6

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Lester Burnham(Kevin Spacey) is a 42 year old father and husband, whose life can't seem to favor him in anyway. His wife(Annette Bening), cheats on him, his daughter(Thora Birch) hates him and his neighbors are not interested. Though, one thing which seems to motivate Lester is Angela, a friend of his daughter whom he dreams and fantasizes about with rose petals surrounding her body.

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Critique: Look Closer.., is the theme, Screenwriter Alan Ball, portray's in this film about a family that deals with their issues in a different way than most others. In this film, hate, fear, aggression, and love anchor the greatness of it's true meaning, Look Closer. Alan Ball establishes in this film, a family just like any other that performs a show when they are in public, but when they are at home it is their hate towards each other which pilots their actions and emotions. A Honorable film, I consider to be one of the best in the 90's.

Recognitions: American Beauty was nominated for eight academy awards in 1999 and won 5 including, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture.

Taxi Driver

Title: Taxi Driver (1976)

Signature Quote: "I'm waiting for the sun to shine."

Script: 4.5

Directing: 4.8

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a loner, lives a life of solitude in New York City as taxi driver trying to rid all the streets of injustice and scum he feels should vanish from the earth.

Genre: Drama/Action

Critique: This movie does not have one of the best scripts ever, but it does have one of the best messages ever. If one wants to understand a movie like this, one must look deeper at it's true meaning. Travis Bickle lives what one may call a odd life, but nobody can really fully understand what he wishes to do with it, and that is achieve justice in places where many think it cannot be reached.

Recognitions: Taxi Driver was nominated for 4 academy awards including, Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, but unfortunately it did not win any of them.

All the President's Men

Title: All the President's Men (1976)

Signature Quote: "It leads everywhere. Get out your notebook. There's more."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.4

Acting: 4.5

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: It's Nixon! It's Watergate!, get out a notebook it's time to find out the truth. The story of two reporters, Carl Bernstein(Dustin Hoffman) and Bob Woodward(Robert Redford) who worked for the Washington Post and whom eventually uncovered the reason behind the Watergate Scandal of 1972.

Genre: Suspense, Drama

Critique: This is probably the closest film that will come to fully understanding the truth behind the famous Watergate Scandal. The work that Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward put into this detective filled case is unmatched. A exceptional film, and one of the best detective stories ever.

Recognitions: All the President's Men was nominated for eight academy awards including Best Picture, it brought away the award for Best Art Direction and Sound.

Raging Bull

Title: Raging Bull (1980)

Signature Quote: "You win, you win. You lose, you still win. "

Script: 4.3

Directing: 4.5

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.5

Abstract: The disfunctional life of Jake La Motta(Robert De Niro) fuels his everyday rage in and out of the ring.

Genre: Drama, Action, Documentary

Critique: Jake La Motta's life is not as normal as everybody else's. When he is in the ring, he is fueled by what happens outside of it. Everything he wishes to rid himself of, he accomplishes out on the ring. It is as if he tries to hold back his anger and channels it into trying to be a better boxer than what he is.

Recognitions: The film was nominated for eight academy awards and won 2, including best actor and best film editing.

The Shawshank Redemption

Title: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Signature Quotes: "Get busy living, or get busy dying."

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.7

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: A banker, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) accused of murdering his wife and her lover is sentenced to jail for life on a crime he refuses to admit he commited. In The Shawshank Redemption, Andy experiences two decades in the state prison of Shawshank, Maine. In prison, Andy develops a long-lasting relationship with Red (Morgan Freeman)a fellow inmate and other inmates as well. The plot of the film exposes Andy and how he masterfully managed to escape the Shawshank State Prison after inhabiting it;s walls for more than 20 years.

Genre: Drama

Critique: There are many movies someone can classify as being great, The Shawshank Redemption, is not only great but it exemplifies the true means of how a motion picture can be great in all aspects. Although it did not score well in the box office, and did not win best picture in 1994 it continues to be acclaimed by many generations as one of the best pictures ever made.

Recognitions: The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for seven academy awards including best picture. Morgan Freeman was also nominated for his leading role in the film as well.

Good Will Hunting

Title: Good Will Hunting (1997)

Signature Quote: "No offense, but if your still doing this in 10 years, I'll kill you. Your sitting on a winning lottery ticket your just to much of a chick to cash it in."

Script: 4.8

Directing: 4.7

Acting: 4.8

My Grade: 4.7

Abstract: What people didn't know was why he decided to work at MIT? The biggest brain at MIT lies within it's own halls. The moving story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a strong willed genius and troublemaker, who cannot seem to do good until he meets his match in therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Critique: When you think of all the right tools into making a great film, Good Will Hunting hits all the right points in almost every scene of the movie. Director, Gus Van Sant directs a masterful work in Good Will Hunting, lead by a beautiful piece of acting.

Recognitions: Good Will Hunting was nominated for best picture in 1997. Robin Williams won the academy award for best supporting actor and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won their first academy award for best original screenplay.

Goodfellas

Title: Goodfellas (1990)

Signature Quote: "As far back as I could remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."

Script: 4.7

Directing: 4.6

Acting: 4.6

My Grade: 4.6

Abstract: The life of a boy influenced by several generations of the mafia.


Genre: Action, Drama, and Comedy

Critique: Early connections in the gangster community lead to the intertwining story of the protagonist, Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) with the mafia network. This film is a excellent mafia feature film. Booming from all sides GoodFellas is one of the few mafia movies considered among the elite.

Recognitions: Goodfellas was nominated for many academy awards including best picture, but Joe Pesci was the only one who came out with a award, Best Supporting Actor.

Welcome to Good Flix Hunting

Hi and Welcome to Good Flix Hunting

In this blog I will be introducing different movies and films. Everyday I will post the movie of the day, in this post I will mark what year the film was released, and the genre of the film. I will also include a abstract on the movie, and grade it on a scale from 1 to 5, based on script, direction, acting and my own personal grade. I will also publish my own critique on the film If you have any questions or comments please feel free to ask. - Sincerely The Trender