Strikes me how rarely I want to re-watch anything from recent years. The thought of reloading Oppenheimer or Barbie is borderline nauseous even though they were must-see hits in 2023.
Please don't take this the wrong way, because I'm saying it respectfully, but I'm really glad I read this — because it's always interesting to come across someone who's intelligent and perceptive but with whom you disagree in every possible way.
I love every one of these movies; they're each among my very favorites. If I had been asked to come up with arguments against any of them, I'd be stumped. But does this just mean that I'm following the crowd; that I'm a frond in the wind? Anyway it was great to come across someone smart and not vitriolic who hates so many things I love. Cheers.
No worries. I like all these movies but they aren't as great as people make out. Plus, there's got to be some humour in the world. So thanks for being understanding, it's amazing how many people aren't. It's only film for god's sake. Thanks again !
I also enjoyed all ( most ) of these movies. Reading this wonderful article, I realized that we are all wired differently. The staccato dialogue of Pulp Fiction and general nonsensical nature of the film can clearly rub some the wrong way.
If "Toy Story" had never happened, Hollywood wouldn't have started backing CGI animation over traditional 2D, which I truly feel has a warmth and intimacy a computer can't completely create.
Haha! I’m another one who disagrees with you about much on this list, but I still like the piece.
One point I agree on is that animation is almost always pointless. Tom and Jerry is great. I once saw an amazing animated Beowulf which turned the monster Grendel into a literal shadow. But most animation does nothing with the limitless possibilities that the medium implies. And those early Pixars are just dull.
the worst thing about LoTR, i realize whilst re-watching it 20 years later, is that it's all set to music, every last second of it. how is that any different from a laugh track? if you always need music to express the emotion of a scene, maybe your dialogue/acting/setting are lacking?
Well, movies are so subjective and I disagree with much, and agree with some (Pulp Fiction).
The funny thing with Lord of the Rings is, even though I did enjoy the movies, the story is pretty dumb. Everyone is pursuing this Ring that has no value. You can tele-transport for about a minute, then everyone is out to get you. Seriously! You've got a big fat target on your back.
Any character with sense would say, "Go ahead. You can have it!"
Oh thank God! Someone else who thinks Pulp Fiction is a waste of time. I’ve never liked that movie (or any movie by Tarrantino, for that matter, and I feel vindicated. Anything that is edgy for the sake of being edgy leaves me cold. Other critically acclaimed movies I hated: La La Land, Boyhood, and that one with Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe who’s name escapes me (that’s how memorable it was).
I’ve always thought “Life of Brian”, early in the movie, had some of the best routines Monty Python ever did. But, it is not as consistently good as the Holy Grail. If I remember, even they had trouble finishing the film.
Strikes me how rarely I want to re-watch anything from recent years. The thought of reloading Oppenheimer or Barbie is borderline nauseous even though they were must-see hits in 2023.
Exactly, both are average yet got so much hype.
King's criticism of Kubrick is inane. I suggest rewatching The Shining as a comedy about writer's block. Hilarious when not scary.
Fair enough, but I've never seen it as that funny. Maybe I'll rewatch it. Thanks
I loved the Shining. It was funny and scarey. It was one of ťhe few on this list that I don't agree with Phil about.
It's ok. Great first 30 minutes, then tails off.
Please don't take this the wrong way, because I'm saying it respectfully, but I'm really glad I read this — because it's always interesting to come across someone who's intelligent and perceptive but with whom you disagree in every possible way.
I love every one of these movies; they're each among my very favorites. If I had been asked to come up with arguments against any of them, I'd be stumped. But does this just mean that I'm following the crowd; that I'm a frond in the wind? Anyway it was great to come across someone smart and not vitriolic who hates so many things I love. Cheers.
No worries. I like all these movies but they aren't as great as people make out. Plus, there's got to be some humour in the world. So thanks for being understanding, it's amazing how many people aren't. It's only film for god's sake. Thanks again !
I also enjoyed all ( most ) of these movies. Reading this wonderful article, I realized that we are all wired differently. The staccato dialogue of Pulp Fiction and general nonsensical nature of the film can clearly rub some the wrong way.
If "Toy Story" had never happened, Hollywood wouldn't have started backing CGI animation over traditional 2D, which I truly feel has a warmth and intimacy a computer can't completely create.
I prefer Tom and Jerry
I find LoTR is improved by fast forwarding through the Frodo and Sam scenes. Much like the book.
Yes, but they aren't as recognisable as in the film
I'm with you on some - and completely not on others! So fun. Mostly though I love people willing to have strong opinions:)
Most people agree 50/50, so that's OK
Haha! I’m another one who disagrees with you about much on this list, but I still like the piece.
One point I agree on is that animation is almost always pointless. Tom and Jerry is great. I once saw an amazing animated Beowulf which turned the monster Grendel into a literal shadow. But most animation does nothing with the limitless possibilities that the medium implies. And those early Pixars are just dull.
Yep, I'm not a fan of animation except cartoons when I was a kid. I think most people agree with me 50/50
We may disagree on a lot of things, but at least we both agree on Dunkirk and Synecdoche.
Well that's good. 2/10 Thanks for reading!
the worst thing about LoTR, i realize whilst re-watching it 20 years later, is that it's all set to music, every last second of it. how is that any different from a laugh track? if you always need music to express the emotion of a scene, maybe your dialogue/acting/setting are lacking?
Good point, I've never thought of it like that. Maybe they needed the roaring violins to raise the game a bit
Hitchcock himself said how important music is to film. It manipulates your emotions to the correct pitch.
And the music in Lord of the Rings is written to a very high standard.
It’s very good I remember. Worthy of a piece of writing!
i get that... and i certainly don't think films should go entirely without music...but curious, how common is it to be entirely set to music?
I must say I didn't notice that LOTR is entirely set to music. I'll have to watch it again.......
No, me neither.
Well, movies are so subjective and I disagree with much, and agree with some (Pulp Fiction).
The funny thing with Lord of the Rings is, even though I did enjoy the movies, the story is pretty dumb. Everyone is pursuing this Ring that has no value. You can tele-transport for about a minute, then everyone is out to get you. Seriously! You've got a big fat target on your back.
Any character with sense would say, "Go ahead. You can have it!"
Very subjective. I think the idea was that once you hold the ring, it's addictive, like a cigarette, maybe. Thanks for commenting.
I was holding my breath hoping not to see Laurence of Arabia on your list. Well done.
Ha. I've actually never seen it. oops
Oh............my..............gaaaaaaaahd! Never seen Lawrence of Arabia?
Sorry….
One of the great films. One of my favourites, anyway.
Oh thank God! Someone else who thinks Pulp Fiction is a waste of time. I’ve never liked that movie (or any movie by Tarrantino, for that matter, and I feel vindicated. Anything that is edgy for the sake of being edgy leaves me cold. Other critically acclaimed movies I hated: La La Land, Boyhood, and that one with Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe who’s name escapes me (that’s how memorable it was).
Yep, sometimes the hyped movies are a let-down.
I’ve always thought “Life of Brian”, early in the movie, had some of the best routines Monty Python ever did. But, it is not as consistently good as the Holy Grail. If I remember, even they had trouble finishing the film.
It's better at the beginning, agreed. I mean, it's still good, but not the Holy Grail
Great piece! It would be interesting to know which is the most rewatched movie of all time, too.
I wonder if those stats are available. Star Wars?
Perhaps. I'm sure that one is high up on the list too :)
Ooh we could be friends! I also hated Pulp Fiction and The Shining.
Wow, kindred spirits.
Sorry. If you don’t get “Synecdoche, New York,” you don’t get cinema.
No, I get it, it's just that great. Maybe I'll rewatch it.