June 21, 2011
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Homework Assignment 6/13 *graded*
You haven’t had an assignment in almost two weeks so I figure it’s high time you get to writing for me. Here is this weeks assignment:
Make sure you clearly tell me the five movies and why I should watch them. You will not be given credit if you leave out the why. OK, class, get to work.
Here are mine:
1. In America This movie tells the story of an immigrant family trying to make a better life in the U.S. I think you have to be carved out of stone not to enjoy this movie.
2. Dancer in the Dark Bjork stars in this movie and she puts in a helluva performance. This movie is so different from anything I’ve seen. It’s hard to tell if this movie is a documentary, drama, or musical. The story breaks your heart and then how the movie ends…damn. I had a friend that despised this movie because it was “predictable” and Bjork’s character was weak willed. She wasn’t. I think that character is one of the strongest characters in cinema.
3. Fight Club It’s just one of those movies that toys with your mind and the whole time you are expecting something to pay-off and then you get a twist.
4. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb This is the greatest satirical movie ever made. Peter Sellers gives the performance(s) of a lifetime. Slim Pickens also has one of the most memorable scenes in cinema which has been spoofed numerous times in The Simpsons.
5. The Jerk I think this is one of the movies that I quote the most. I was going to write something big here but I don’t need this and this. Just this ashtray and this paddle game and remote control and matches and lamp. And who can forget this quote: I know we’ve only known each other four weeks and three days, but to me it seems like nine weeks and five days. The first day seemed like a week and the second day seemed like five days. And the third day seemed like a week again and the fourth day seemed like eight days. And the fifth day you went to see your mother and that seemed just like a day, and then you came back and later on the sixth day, in the evening, when we saw each other, that started seeming like two days, so in the evening it seemed like two days spilling over into the next day and that started seeming like four days, so at the end of the sixth day on into the seventh day, it seemed like a total of five days. And the sixth day seemed like a week and a half. I have it written down, but I can show it to you tomorrow if you want to see it.
Comments (50)
1. Monty Python’s Holy Grail: Because it’s very funny.
2. Monty Python’s Life of Brian: Because it’s very funny and sacrilegious, which makes it even more fun.
3. Just Friends: Again, it’s funny and everyone can relate to the “friend zone”.
4. Sleepless in Seattle: It’s romantic, funny and the only chick flick that I actually like.
5. Animal House: It’s a classic.
OK, so do I get a gold star?
1. Anchorman – I can’t really explain why. It can be pretty stupid and I know a lot of people would dislike it, but for people like me… it’s pure win.
2. The Godfather – This movie is a classic. If you watch it right after watching Anchorman [and if you hated Anchorman], I have a feeling that a person’s appreciation for the movie might go up like 5000%. But besides that, this movie is straight up gangster.
3. Sleepless in Seattle – This is a classic romantic comedy. For those on Xanga who have had Xanga crushes or have developed e-relationships or whatever… you’ll probably relate to this movie in some way. Tom Hanks is a beast.
4. Forrest Gump – The movie can be kind of cheesy at times, but it covers lots of bases. Somewhat of a mini emotional rollercoaster ride. Happy scene, sad scene, funny scene, sad scene… then repeat. But hey, Tom Hanks is a beast [again].
5. Gladiator – Such a manly movie. It had the right amount of violence.
@VioletEnigma - SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE! *high five*
I only have 3 in mind. Will come back later when I get 2 more.
Gone with the Wind…because Clark Gable is in it.
Crank…because Jason Statham is in it.
Jesse Stone movies…because Tom Selleck is in them.
Hangover…because Zach Galifianakis is in it.
The Way Back…because Colin Farrell in in it.
Do you see a theme here?
Actually To Kill a Mockingbird is my fav movie. It basically changed my life, as a child. Too long to go into here!
Fun assignment!
HUGS!
The Notebook- because it shows that there can still be love even through the hard times.
Super Troopers- it is hilarious and I love it.
The Green Mile- it is a very emotional movie.
Forrest Gump- it is a another emotional movie, but it shows how life is hard, but to never give up.
Hangover 2- because you work your abs because you are lauging through the whole movie
1. west side story. romeo and juliet is a classic and amazing, but this is a more serious (as in, not about 2 idiots lmao) more modern(ish) (1950s new york) musical version.
) it’s a total mind-fuck, it’s crazy, and you don’t see it coming nearly as much as in the book. and, i mean, helena bonham carter <3
2. titanic. the ship sinking was only a side plot in this, kind of, but the love story is tragic, and the way it’s told, even using the science of how the ship sank, is amazing.
3. fight club (which i’m sure you already have
4. beauty and the beast. i adore disney movies, but this is one that isn’t about a princess, she’s “odd” and intelligent, and the beast is a prince but he goes through serious changes in his personality, and becomes a better person. how is that not wonderful? =]
5. dead poet’s society. i don’t even know how to explain the reaction i had to this movie. it was just pure goodness. it’s basically the kind of teacher i want to be in the future.
and since i had to put those ones but needed this one, eat, pray love. i was so sad and angry and just pessimistic when i started it, but i was so calm and happy after seeing it.
@xxcjs_babyxx - i didn’t even think of green mile! so good!!@fLiPgUy31O - the godfather’s good too
@dude_this_world_sux - Damn, can’t believe Fight Club didn’t cross my mind. Good choice.
The Itchy and Scratchy Movie!
@Rob_of_the_Sky - Classic!!!
Okay…let me take a serious stab at this assignment.
My current favs are always changing…and I have MANY…but the following 5 impacted me earlier in my life:
To Kill a Mockingbird…spoke to me about the fact that we do have to walk around in someone elses shoes to really understand them and really appreciate them….also, about acceptance and love.
Imitation of Life…spoke to me about being proud of who you are…loving yourself…not always wishing to be someone or something else.
The Outsiders…I grew up poor, so this spoke to me about not judging people based on economics, or how they dress, or where they live…and not letting people make you bitter or “hard” if they treat you badly based on those things…Stay Gold!
Psycho and The Birds…two of the earliest scary movies I saw on TV as a kid. Gave me a healthy fear of motels and birds.
Sound of Music…spoke to me about how even nuns sin.
actually spoke to me about always trying to do what is right, even in the most difficult of times, never give up.
To Kill a Mockingbird – so maybe you won’t be a douchebag.
Dances With Wolves – see above ^^
The Green Mile – OMG. <— THAT’s why
Thelma and Louise – so guys can learn how not to treat a woman and women can learn how to look sexy shooting douchebags
Fargo – so you’ll have respect for people who live up north and not make fun of their accents
I’ll have to create my list but I am still waiting on my feedback from the last assignment. ha ha ha
@fLiPgUy31O -
what about 300?
Dunno, my last five movies have all been animated and thus my brain is mush, just to give Daddy a break for awhile/
Dances with Wolves-Because it gives you a different perspective on American Indians and it also shows a bit of what it might have been like at that time.
Thor-Because it is pure awesome.
The Lion King-because it is the best(in my humble opinion) animated movie ever.
Pride & Prejudice(w/ Kiera Knightley)- because I think it did a good job going very closely by the book. It did the book justice, which is rare for me to come to that conclusion. The Sound of Music-Because well I love musicals and it is a nice family movie.
Equilibrium – While on the surface it may seem like a mindless action film, it is actually much much more than that. The film can also be used as a metaphor for the way that the church tends to interfere gnosticism with doctrine as it pertains to human emotions.
However, at a strictly superficial view… This movie has some clear cut badassery in it.
500 days of Summer- I’m putting this on the list because this is a far more realistic view of love than what hollywood usually puts out. This is hilarious and Joe Gordo Levitt is a pretty damn good actor. Zooey whatever her name is, is also in this… and she plays her part pretty dam perfectly.
The Shawshank Redemption- this is something everyone should see. Before Morgan Freeman was God, he was the coolest man in prison. Plus, this was before Tim Robbins was creepy as hell. This was the best thing Stephen king ever wrote, and it makes it hard to believe that he did because this was good. ( even though I kinda wish that maximum overdrive was available on DVD… i just want to watch the part where the little league gets pel)
Donnie Darko- Say what you will about this movie, but it encapsulates what high school life is like for the young man of above average intelligence. It’s isolating and lonely. Plus, you see some really fucked up shit. I’ve watched this several times, and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t make sense, but that fact has never once mattered to me. it hit close to home with me because I swear I went to school with the two assholes in that movie for pretty much the entirety of my living in New Mexico.
Grosse Point Blank- This movie has a little bit of everything. Sharp wit, romance, assassins, philosophy, dan akroid… This is probably my favorite movie. Ironically, this is the movie that i will describe the least and just tell you that if you haven’t seen it that you should… because I love it.
These are the first five to come to mind, even though there are probably 20 more in my list of favorites:
Schindler’s List – two words: NEVER AGAIN. This movie ripped my heart out and ate it for lunch. I could barely speak after seeing it. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes = brilliant.
Hunt For Red October – I can watch this one over and over, it’s thrilling and I have a thing for Sean Connery.
Inception – talk about a mind fuck! Dream within a dream within a dream within a dream … Just try to stay on track, good luck with that. Speaking of mind fucks …
Fight Club – This is your life, and it’s ending one minute at a time. I am Jack’s smirking revenge. The quotes you’ll get from this one make it worthwhile. Remember the first rule of Fight Club …
The Hurt Locker – there is a good reason this big little movie won for Best Picture. It’s important to our times and should not be overlooked.
Ok I’m going for extra credit here, because this is the stupidest, funniest movie that I’ve watched more than a few times: Grandma’s Boy – if you’re a toker, this is for you. Also, SHIRLEY JONES. Nuff said.
I just revealed something questionable about myself, but I don’t care.
Shawshank Redemption: Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman + incredible story
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Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain: Audrey Tautou in this very touching story. Feel good movie.
Old Boy: Don’t need to tell you about it right
A Wonderful Life: Every time I watch it, I’m extremely moved.
Rudy: The ultimate dream for a sports fan.
@TheGiantSlayer - Good ones! I love Grosse Point Blank, 500 Days, and Shawshank…an all time fav.
http://mrsclark11.xanga.com/750111756/godfatherofgreenbays-homework-assignment-613/
There’s mine
@AdamsWomanFell - haha, nice theme of movie selection
@maniacsicko - Thanks, MS! I base my movie selections SOLELY on the MEN who are in the movie!
I really love caveman movies, but they don’t seem to be making any! Darn them moviemakers! 
hmmm. will think about this. but right monty python and the holy grail and top gun are coming to mind.
The first, original Star Wars, because it is epic and because it’s constantly referenced in other things and is part of the cultural fabric at this point.
Back to the Future for the same reasons.
2001: A Space Odyssey because Kubrick was a master of his craft and for 1969 the visual effects are mind blowing and must be appreciated.
The Big Lebowski because it’s so quotable.
Kill Bill because it’s a great introduction to Tarantino’s over-the-top, slightly disjointed storytelling, and because Uma Thurman is such a badass in it. God she’s awesome.
http://sheilapeer.xanga.com/750124837/godfatherofgreenbay-homework/
Here is mine. I really really want you to watch 13 Going on 30. I love Jennifer Garner.
1.-The Lake House because it is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever seen.
2-It’s a Beautiful Mind because it gives a tasteful, true account of the mind of an un-medicated schizo.
3-Those Lovely Bones-because it shows one view of the afterlife coming back to kick the ass of a serial rapist and murderer.
4-Field of Dreams because it is an easy going family film with a happy ending and we do not see enough happy endings these days.
5-Old John Wayne movies because they just don’t make them like that any more.
To Kill A Mockingbird – because a lot of people won’t get around to reading the book.
It’s a Wonderful Life – shows how our frustrated little lives may have far more impact than we realize.
Schindler’s List – title and explanation already mentioned above.
Any Stephen Seagal movie – so you’ll realize you haven’t missed a thing.
Secondhand Lions – a sweet and funny movie about ideals.
1. Face/Off- an intense action thriller, Travolta and Cage playing two personalities, to me acting at its finest! 2. Dances With Wolves- just an awesome epic western. 3. Moulin Rouge- romantic musical, where poet/writer falls in love with the terminally-ill star of the Moulin Rouge. 4. The Long Hot Summer with Paul Newman- classic. 5. ANY James Bond movie- because all of the neat cars and gadgets Q comes with and yeah Bonds ladies
1. Napoleon Dynamite: Everyone needs to know what a bad movie is so they can compare it.
2. Cruel Intentions: It’s sexy, funny, and ends with a twist. It’s just an amazing movie that a lot of people would like.3. Titanic: Classy love story, obvious answer is obvious.4. Spanglish: A lot of people don’t know much about cultural differences in America except for that we have a bunch of Mexicans coming in, but this movie is cool cause it has great actors mix the two cultures, and you get to see how their families interact and both sides of the story are explained and it’s just a good movie. Done rambling.5. My Little Pony: The Movie: trolololol no explanation necessary 8]
Scent of a Woman – Pacino is a master at his craft. Great plot, too.
Schindler’s List – Powerful, emotional. Based on true events.
Lucas – I identify with the kid. Played damn well by Corey Haim.
Men of Honor – Jaw-dropping performances by DeNiro and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Powerful stuff.
Dial ‘M’ for Murder. – Hitchcock. For some reason it popped into my head.
Clockwork Orange: It addresses relevant societal issues but keeps it interesting.
The Crow: A dark tale of vengeful retribution with a really good soundtrack.
Platoon: This movie is art. The subject: one man’s conflict with morality.
Requiem for a Dream: It’s about drugs, it doesn’t glamorize it and it is not funny.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: It’s not about drugs but it glamorizes them and it is hilarious.
The Wizard of Oz. That way when the other members of your social circle make references to the movie, ie. “I’ll get you my pretty.” and “Run Toto! Run!”. You will have a clue.
Spaceballs. That way when the other members of your social circle make references to the movie, ie. “NO! Not ludicrus speed!” and “I’m surrounded by Assholes!”, you will have a clue.
Monty Python and The Holy Grail. That way when the other members of your social circle make references to the movie, ie. ” Nee! Nee! Nee!”, “Run away!” and “Bring me a shrubery.” You will have a clue.
The Matrix. That way when the other members of your social circle make references to the movie, ie. “Do you hear that Mr Anderson? That is the sound of inevitability.” and “Run Neo! Run!”. You will have a clue.
The Jerk. That way when the other members of your social circle make references to the movie, ie. “I was born a poor black boy.” and “He hates these oil cans! Get away from these oil cans!!”. You will have a clue.
I’d like to try for extra credit!
Jaws. That way when the other members of your social circle make references to the movie, ie. “Were going to need a bigger boat.” and (Sings) “Da-dant da-dant da-dant!”. You will have a clue.
The Original Star Wars movies – why? Because you’re life isn’t complete unless you’ve seen them.
No Man’s Land – foreign films give the best new point of view of things, and I’ve never seen a movie with an ending that’s shocked me more than this
Spirited Away – a great movie, filled with tiny details that say so much about the character and set in an amazing world
All the Disney Classics – I can’t just choose one >.< But they’re classics for a reason.
Lord of the Rings – epic movies based on epic books. They’re used as references everywhere and even after being made 10 years ago they still look awesome
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Dogma – great humour, La boom - witty, sweet and cheesy, L’auberge espagnole – just different, American history X – great plot and actors, Basketball diaries – shocking and moving.
@kachino - Oh yes, Amélie is a good movie!
@nattata - Nice to see another Xanga user agree with me
@VioletEnigma - gold star attained
@fLiPgUy31O - I can’t believe I haven’t seen Sleepless in Seattle.
@AdamsWomanFell - nice theme there…hahaha, oh there are your others…The Birds, the girl who was attacked by the birds was born in the town where I went to college so for some reason that movie was always on.
@xxcjs_babyxx - I liked Green Mile because of the allegory behind it.
@dude_this_world_sux - I have never seen beauty and the beast.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - I’m surprised they haven’t produced more Itchy and Scratchy with the internet and how the videos could be viral.
@jamekablue - Oh man, I haven’t seen Fargo in ages and those accents are pretty accurate
@ElevenStones - I can imagine animated movies are hard to sit through when they are played ad nauseum
@StrawberrySunrises - I have yet to see Thor and Sound of Music…I love the song Edleweiss and I am no singing it.
@TheGiantSlayer - I have to agree with you about Donnie Darko. It doesn’t make sense. I’ve heard people say it’s allegory for Christ and there are instances where I agree but for the most part it’s just a fucked up movie.
@WritingTheTides - Fight Club is such a great movie and one reason why I love it is because I’m a Palahniuk disciple and the movie is pretty much like the book. The storyline is the same, no changes, just a few scenes not included. Oh man, I own Grandma’s Boy but I haven’t watched it in ages.
@kachino - I still remember the first time I saw Rudy. I went with my parents one Sunday afternoon and we were the only people in the theater and we cried so hard. Oh and Amelie…when I was in college everyone loved that movie and my roommate screened it almost every weekend and tried to get girls interested in me. It didn’t work…forever alone.
@mrsclark11 - thank you much for posting
@TheSecretLifeOfPandas - oh man I remember Top Gun and watching it as a kid and thinking I was more like Goose and then he died and I died a little
@carolinavenger - Those are all great, The Big Lebowski…I watched that so often at college and we would go to the bar and drink caucasians but they were never to my liking so I could never be the dude. I’m more of a Walter or Donnie type guy.
@SheilaPeer - thanks for posting that
@Tymedancer_is_Grannyinboxers - When I was in high school I was near where they filmed Field of Dreams and I have a lot of pictures of the field and house. I also have some photos of me playing on that field. Oh and I just bought the John Wayne version of True Grit.
@Roadkill_Spatula - I haven’t seen Secondhand Lions. A lot of people tell me I should so maybe I should get around to it.
@Ghost_Whisper48 - I love old Paul Newman movies. There is just something about the way he handled himself.
@MassiveVortex - I saw Napoleon Dynamite at a film fest before it was commercially released and I loved it and then it came out commercially and sky-rocketed. I had a student that wore Napoleon Dynamite clothes and he had different shirts for every day of the week.
@Unstoppable_Inner_Strength - Great list, I loved Pacino in Scent of a Woman and as far as Lucas goes, I love it for the same reasons as well.
@Blackspidertat - Requiem for a Dream is one of those movies that once you see you need to go shower because it makes you feel so grungy. Also I am so upset that they are remaking The Crow.
@Aloysius_son - The Jerk…I love that movie way TOO much and I have diagrams to show you what I mean.
@Wings_of_Magic - I had a student tell me I should watch Spirited Away. I loved No Man’s Land as well.
@nattata - Wow, I loved Dogma but that’s because I’m a Kevin Smith fan. My name is in the Clerks 2 credits. American History X is such a difficult movie to watch. The Basketball Diaries may be my favorite Leonardo DiCaprio movie and it’s hard to believe it’s based on a true story.
@godfatherofgreenbay - that’s crazy, it’s so good!
I’ve only watched your number 1 & 3.
@nattata - #4 was at the height of the Cold War and mocked the tension between America and Russia. It was so brilliant and then how it ends…I am actually chuckling now thinking of it.
#5 may be the only Steve Martin movie I enjoy.
#2 made me cry so I don’t know if it should be watched
@godfatherofgreenbay - Yeah, I always cry whenever I watch Rudy … and what a shame that the Amelie screening didn’t work out
The Jerk is funny. I borrowed it from the library a few months ago.
The Fountain: because I think people need to think more about life, love and eternity…that’s why! Plus, it’s beautiful.
Shoot em’ Up: Because it is probably the most genius piece of satirical work action movie about action movies ever done. Some great one liners too.
Monster’s Inc.: Easily and possibly the best Pixar movie ever!
Seven Samuri: It is a classic of epic proportions. A tale of a band of men trying to help people that cannot help themselves against odds that already are certain to mean defeat. Amazing.
The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari: If I had to pick one silent film that I’d make everyone watch at least once it would be this one. Far, far ahead of it’s time as far as stories with surprise twists go.
@ExposedWrists - I love Darren Aronofsky films which is weird since I have yet to see Black Swan.
OK…Monsters Inc. A few years ago I was in a Lutheran grade school and one of the school board members comes up to me and asks if I had ever seen Monsters Inc. I hadn’t so he let me borrow it and told me to watch for a certain character. I gave it a watch and saw the character in question. I didn’t think anything of it until the board member’s 1st grader daughter came up to me when we were talking and said, “MRS. G LOOKS LIKE ROZ!” What? That blew my mind. They are the same person.
I have Seven Samurai on DVD. I think it was one of the first that I bought and I bought it at the same time I bought The Magnificent Seven.
I think my favorite silent film would be The Birth of a Nation because of how awful it is in how they portray African Americans. I think that would be what FOX News would have been if it was around during the Civil War.
@Shining_Garnet - It’s just so quotable but the sequel is very bad. Oh and remember the little kid with the t-shirt? When I was in college a bunch of us watched The Jerk and then made t-shirts that said “Bullshit”.