The African Queen 1951 Directed by John Huston Netflix says... Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), the booze-guzzling, rough-hewn captain of a broken-down East African riverboat, teams with a straitlaced, iron-willed missionary (Katharine Hepburn) to take on a menacing German gunboat during World War I. A classic study in star charisma and pitch-perfect casting, The African Queen … Continue reading AFI #65 – The African Queen
Movies
Why Daniel Should Have Lost
That title should actually read, "Why Daniel Should Have Lost Twice." First, I want to start by saying that I love The Karate Kid. It's got to be one of my favorite movies of all time. I'm not exactly sure where I would rank it, but it's probably somewhere in my top 100. Also, in … Continue reading Why Daniel Should Have Lost
AFI #66 – Raiders of the Lost Ark
Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981 Directed by Steven Spielberg Netflix says... When Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)--the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist--is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime. Creative minds Steven Spielberg and George … Continue reading AFI #66 – Raiders of the Lost Ark
AFI #67 – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1966 Directed by Mike Nichols Netflix says... On a serene New England campus, emasculated professor George (Richard Burton) and his rancorous wife, Martha (Elizabeth Taylor), turn an evening of cocktails into an unrelenting onslaught of wrenching disclosures and bellowed epithets. Soon, the couple's guests--junior professor Nick (George Segal) and his … Continue reading AFI #67 – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
AFI #68 – Unforgiven
Unforgiven 1992 Directed by Clint Eastwood Netflix says... Retired gunslinger William Munny (Clint Eastwood) reluctantly takes one last job--and even more reluctantly accepts a boastful youth (Jaimz Woolvett) as a partner. Together, they learn how easily complicated truths are distorted into simplistic myths about the Old West. Gene Hackman (who won an Oscar) and Richard … Continue reading AFI #68 – Unforgiven
The 5 Talkers You Meet at the Movies
It happens almost every time I try to go see a movie. According to statistics that I'm making up on the spot, one out of every 250 people is a movie talker. I'm referring, of course, to someone who likes to talk while they're watching a movie. It happened to me just the other night … Continue reading The 5 Talkers You Meet at the Movies
AFI #69 – Tootsie
Tootsie 1982 Directed by Sidney Pollack Netflix says... Few actors go as far to bag a part as Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), who transforms himself into a woman to prove he can get hired on a soap opera. But Michael has an enviable problem when his alter ego, Dorothy, becomes daytime television's hottest ticket. His … Continue reading AFI #69 – Tootsie
AFI #70 – A Clockwork Orange
A Clockwork Orange 1971 Directed by Stanley Kubrick Netflix says... In this Stanley Kubrick classic based on Anthony Burgess's novel, teenage miscreant Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) wanders aimlessly amid a bleak, futuristic urban landscape, drinking drugged milk and listening to Beethoven with his fellow "droogs." But he also spends his time stealing, raping and beating … Continue reading AFI #70 – A Clockwork Orange
Why Do We Cry?
I spend a lot of time on the Facebook. Well, more than I used to. I don't consider it an unhealthy amount. But I also don't consider my caffeine intake an unhealthy amount, though I'm well aware of my severe addiction to the stuff. But I noticed a status update from a friend. Apparently she … Continue reading Why Do We Cry?
AFI #71 – Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan 1998 Directed by Steven Spielberg Netflix says... As U.S. troops storm the beaches of Normandy, three brothers lie dead on the battlefield, with a fourth trapped behind enemy lines. Ranger captain Tom Hanks and seven men are tasked with penetrating German-held territory and bringing the boy home. Steven Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz … Continue reading AFI #71 – Saving Private Ryan
The Confusing Middle 