Robin Hood: Prince of Theives
A 90's version of a classic tale sees Kevin Costner take the title role with Alan Rickman starring as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Whilst some audiences liked it, one top film critic wrote,
"A murky, unfocused, violent and depressing version of the classic story, with little of the lightheartedness and romance we expect from Robin Hood."Not exactly a ringing endorsement then...
Starring: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman
Director: Kevin Reynolds
It's a Wonderful Life
I've written about this film before as it is certainly in my top five. James Stewart perfectly plays the role of George Bailey, a man down on his luck who is contemplating suicide. Bailey receives a visit from an angel who shows him how the world would be had he never existed:
A story about family, friendship and compassion but also greed. My only criticism is that its adopted the role of a Christmas classic but Frank Capra has created masterpiece that should be watched all year round."Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed
Director: Frank Capra
Gone with the Wind
There is no doubting that this film is a classic and if you don't agree, well...frankly my dear, I don't give a damn. Winner of ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh keep us enthralled for a whopping 238 minutes. Nevertheless, don't let the mammoth running time put you off this story of romance and drama set in the Deep South amongst the backdrop of the American Civil War.
Director: Victor Fleming
Les Choriste
This is the only foreign language film in my survey and what a film it is. Gerard Jugnot stars as a teacher at a boys boarding school in the French countryside. Jugnot's character attempts struggles to get through to the boys but soon finds success by assembling a choir . The pupils transform from misbehaving youngsters into motivated and inspired individuals in a heartwarming story with a wonderful soundtrack,
Starring: Gerard Jugnot
Director: Christophe Barratier
The Wizard of Oz
'Follow the yellow brick road..." The iconic tale of Dorothy and Toto rocketed Judy Garland, at the age of just 16, into stardom and film history. Described by a voter as a masterpiece for its time between its transition from black and white to colour and how it's remained an all time classic to this day proves what a classic it is!"
Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan
Director: Victor Fleming
"There's an audience for Oz, wherever there's a projection machine and a screen." John C Filnn Snr.
Into the Wild
Based on a true story, 'Into the Wild' follows the story of Christopher McCandless who travels to various places in North America spending a lot of his time in an abandoned bus out in the wilderness of Alaska. Sean Penn is behind the lens of this non-linear narrative, as McCandless graduates from University but rather than pursuing a career he leaves his conventional life. He embarks on an adventure that sees him forge friendships but ultimately live a life of isolation, a leap into the wild.
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Kristen Stewart
Director: Sean Penn
A mind boggling film that includes a six-foot rabbit but still a movie that althought it didn't do too well on its release, has become a firm favourite with audiences and critics. A thought provoking story and a stellar performance from a young Jake Gyllenhaal combined with a 'genius soundtrack' ensure that Donnie Darko will boggle minds for many years to come.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore
Director: Richard Kelly
Pretty Woman
The second RomCom in the survey and again it stars, Julia Roberts. Set in L.A. it sees a businessman, played by Richard Gere, hire an escort for various business events. Nonetheless, over time, Gere falls in love with her. It may sound cheesy but what's wrong with that? Sometimes everyone needs a feel good, schmaltzy film. It has also been seen as one of the most popular films ever, with the highest ever grossing in the United States for a romantic comedy and often regarded by critics as the best of its genre.
Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts
Director: Garry Marshall
The Prestige
Christopher Nolan is one of Hollywood's hottest directors after a series of fantastic films during the past decade and 'The Prestige' is certainly one of them. Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and even David Bowie star in a story about two battling magicians (Jackman and Bale). For years they have been rivals as they search for the ultimate illusion. Obsession and jealousy are prominent themes in a twisting, mysterious and atmospheric film.
Director: Christopher Nolan
The Parent Trap
A bit of a curveball in my survey sees the Lindsay Lohan remake of Disney classic, 'The Parent Trap' enter the survey. Perhaps Lohan's second most famous film after 'Mean Girls', this sees her play both separated twins who meet at an American summer camp. They then swap places, one goes to the mother's home in London and the other to the Father's house, in the beautiful vineyards of California. They are determined to reunite their parents but face various obstacles including an interfering two-faced potential stepmother. Lots of laughs and a perfect film for the whole family.
"Movies like this remember how much fun escapism can be"- Roger Egbert, film criticStarring: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
Director: Nancy Meyers
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