Favorite Movies

Seen any good movies these days? When you do get a chance to curl up on the couch and take in one of your favorites, which one do you go for?



I recently commented to my hubby that as much as I like movies, rarely do they meet my expectations. I much prefer a well-written and entertaining book! His sentiments are usually the same, though he will admit to being a tortoise when working through a book. I devour books and can't stand it if it takes more than a few days (if that) to finish one!


Anyway, back to the topic at hand: MOVIES


Here is a short list of those that have stood above the rest in my mind. They are in no particular order.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAND OF BROTHERS

I really like the character "Winters" played by Damian Lewis. The real man behind the actor's portrayal is from this area, so that's especially fascinating, but I found his moral character and courage very inspiring. This film does not glamorize war in the slightest, which was refreshing though hard to watch at times. Gritty.

REMEMBER THE TITANS

I love Denzel Washington! This is technically a sports-drama, but it's also SO much more. You don't have to love football to appreciate the heart behind this well-made movie.

YOU'VE GOT MAIL

I love the quirky interaction between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's characters, and I wouldn't call myself a fan of all of their paired work. Maybe it's because I share a fondness for books, freshly sharpened pencils, autumn, and Scotch tape...dunno, but this one is guaranteed to please in my opinion.

PEARL HARBOR

Yeah, it's typical Hollywood drama, but I like it.

THE BOURNE TRILOGY

If you want a thought-provoking plot look elsewhere, but if you want to sit on the edge of your seat it's a thrilling ride!

THE HORSE WHISPERER

This is one of my favorite, non-animated, animal movie. Of course I was obsessed with horses as a young girl, so it's got that element. I also love Robert Redford and young Scarlet Johannson and the journey they take you on as you seen wounds mended and hearts healed (and hearts wounded...it's not all pretty.)

LITTLE WOMEN

I watch this gem at least once a year--usually during the Christmas season. I love everything about it. (I just acquired the movie's soundtrack and it's delightful, especially during holiday baking!)

FRENCH KISS

There are some lines in this movie that are just classic! And it's got a Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan--what more can I say? I love the wonderful French scenery, the music, the hopelessly flawed attempts by Ryan's character to win back the man she loves, and how everything works out in the end.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

I'm not a fan of many classics, but this one is good. The book is still better (as is usually the case), but it's nice to visualize Gregory Peck as Atticus when reading the book.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

I have both the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet version and the Masterpiece Theatre version that aired on PBS this past spring. The latter is longer and deals more faithfully with the book, but both are excellent.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

One of my favorites! Not only do I love Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennet, but you can't help but love and cringe everytime Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins appear on screen. When they open their mouths you're guaranteed giggles. They're utterly ridiculous!

WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN

It's one of those family-friendly, feel-good movies I first saw as a teen...and again it has a horse in it. If you can find it I highly suggest you check it out the next time you want a refreshing movie experience. Alittle predictable, but low on the cheese factor as far as small films go.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB

I can't help but sing the songs for days afterwards everytime I watch this. One of my favorite childhood books and I look forward to introducing my kiddos to this movie when they're a bit older.

RATATOUILLE

Aside from CINDERELLA and FINDING NEMO, this is a recent animated favorite--I don't have many favorites in this category though.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE

One of my favorite books by C.S. Lewis! I thought it was particularly well-made and loved those cast as Lucy, Mr. Tumnus, The White Witch, and Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan. A delight for the eyes, even though some scenes can appear a bit technically enhanced...that's part of the fantasy genre I guess.

GLADIATOR

I just find this time period and the Roman culture fascinating, and Russell Crowe does an excellent job in his role. Goes along with my love of Francine Rivers "Mark of the Lion" book series.

STEPMOM

When you get Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Harris together on one screen--you're guaranteed movie magic! Add some real-life challenges, imperfect people, humor and sorrow...have a box of tissues handy for the end!

SUPER-SIZE ME

A really enlightening documentary that challenges your mindset about fast food and our food "culture" in general. Did it cure me of my occasional cravings? NO! But it definately makes me evaluate my overall choices.

FAR AND AWAY

I just love this movie. Kidman is feisty, Cruise is scrappy, and both are trying desperately to make a better life for themselves in early America.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Any "must-see's", old or new, that you'd recommend?